News on the grants and awards that fuel scientific work. Covers federal grants, foundation awards, gene-editing and disease programs, and shifts in funding policy.
Research from George Mason University's New Science Teachers' Support Network identifies in-classroom support and quality courses as key strategies for supporting new science teachers. The study found that students taught by supported teachers performed significantly better on standardized tests and had better science grades.
Researchers at Rice University are developing adaptive, 'smart' shock absorbers for buildings and bridges in earthquake-prone areas. These intelligent systems can sense the type of shockwave arriving and react with the best strategy to minimize damage.
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University found a strong correlation between children's ability to estimate the number of objects in a group and their performance in school math. The study suggests that this basic 'number sense' is related to formal mathematics learned in school.
The EPA has awarded $3.6 million in research grants to develop innovative technologies for detecting known and emerging drinking water contaminants, including blue-green algae toxins and noroviruses. These new projects will improve the toolkit available to protect America's drinking water and public health.
The grant will allow researchers to investigate how different civil infrastructures interact with each other after a disaster, enabling better coordination and preparedness. The software will help emergency response officials formulate more effective plans by analyzing the interdependency of systems.
Researchers have found that large flightless birds of the southern continents did not share a common flightless ancestor. Instead, each species lost its ability to fly after diverging from ancestors that had the ability to fly. This challenges the long-held assumption of vicariance and suggests parallel evolution among these bird species.
A $1.75 million grant will help experts develop ways to stop the damage caused by thrips-vectored viruses, a major enemy of tomato and pepper farmers in the Southeast US. Researchers aim to reduce the risk and damage of the tomato spotted wilt virus through a coordinated effort among universities.
A gene controlling blood vessel differentiation during embryonic development has been linked to a brain disorder that causes stroke. The study found that the gene, Notch, can induce and reverse the disease's progression in mice, offering new insights into its molecular mechanisms.
Active video games can help prevent childhood obesity by increasing energy expenditure and heart rate. According to a new study, children aged 6-12 burned significantly more calories while playing active games compared to seated games.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast are developing new sensory devices to help people with Parkinson's disease and stroke patients control their movements. The devices will provide sensory information through eyes, ears, or touch, allowing the brain to learn to guide movements in a more controlled way.
A team of University of Cincinnati researchers is studying the relationship between depression and Parkinson's disease to gain insight into possible treatments. In pilot models, they found that stress-induced depression exacerbates problems with movement and causes brain cells to die faster.
A new study in Journal of Consumer Research found that donors are more likely to respond to appeals involving negative emotions and a sense of obligation, rather than benefits to themselves. The research highlights the importance of empathy and altruism in driving charitable donations.
A study found that healthy individuals are more willing to take enhancement drugs for traits not fundamental to their identity, such as improving concentration. However, they are less likely to agree to enhance traits considered essential to their self-identity.
The Academy of Natural Sciences has received a $99,000 grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to digitize approximately 9,000 sheets of mostly Latin American and African type plant specimens. This will enable researchers to access these valuable resources online, complementing their research in large herbaria and libraries.
Researchers found that sales rates to pseudo-underage buyers were 18% and to pseudo-intoxicated buyers were 74%. The study suggests sports stadiums serve alcohol to minors and intoxicated fans, highlighting the need for responsible service and law enforcement monitoring. Sales were more likely in stadium stands than concession booths.
The University of Kentucky will investigate how particle size and shape affect brain entry, focusing on nano-sized cerium oxide. The EPA has awarded a $2M grant for four years to examine potential health impacts.
Researchers at Princeton University will study 'intractability' with a $10 million NSF grant, aiming to understand the limits of computer power. The center will address problems in cryptography and quantum computing, potentially leading to breakthroughs in computer security.
The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health has received a $10 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to create computer simulations of epidemics, evaluating new vaccine technologies and modes of delivery. The project will focus on diseases affecting millions of people globally.
Researchers at Caltech and the University of Washington aim to design complex molecular systems using computer science principles, enabling systematic design and implementation in the laboratory. The project may lead to revolutionary changes in fields such as nanotechnology and biochemical circuitry.
Aerospace engineer Michael Philen has received the Oak Ridge Associated Universities Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Award to develop fluidic flexible matrix composites, which can change modulus on demand. These innovative materials have potential for both government and commercial applications.
Researchers found that the brain processes another person's face more efficiently when their gaze is straight ahead. This study, funded by the Academy of Finland, sheds light on emotional reactions to human faces and may aid in diagnosing mental disorders.
The growing demand for long-term care services is straining the workforce, with workers lacking support in pay and work relationships. The studies found that recruitment and retention are industry-wide problems, but also discovered that older people can play a role in addressing these issues.
Individuals with low vitamin D levels have a higher risk of death from all causes, according to a study analyzing data from the Third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. The analysis found that those with vitamin D deficiency had a 26% increased rate of death compared to those with adequate levels.
A study found that refractive errors affect approximately half of U.S. adults aged 20 and older, resulting in significant vision impairment. The prevalence of refractive error increases with age, affecting individuals across all ethnicities, and is estimated to cost between $3.8 and $7.2 billion annually for glasses or contacts.
According to Paul Ehrlich and Robert Pringle, a multi-pronged approach involving individual and small group efforts is crucial for preserving biodiversity. By making modest actions such as reducing meat consumption or maintaining living hedges, people can collectively have a significant impact on the environment.
A new study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council argues that hope is essential for effective HIV prevention strategies. People with hope are more likely to adopt realistic plans and engage in protective behaviors.
Researchers are investigating SEP transport in 3D heliospheric magnetic fields to understand why some events occur without magnetic connection to the Sun. The goal is to assess cross-field diffusion's role in charged particle transport.
The five-year grant supports an interdisciplinary doctoral program in polar sciences and engineering with a focus on rapid environmental change. The program will integrate science, policy, and human aspects of climate change.
The Life Sciences Discovery Fund has awarded $5 million in grants to six Washington State-based organizations for innovative health research projects. These projects focus on prostate cancer imaging, safer in-home environments, recovery from brain damage, and more.
Carl Brett, a key figure in UC's paleontology program, has been awarded the second-ever Digby McLaren Medal for his significant international contributions to stratigraphy. The medal celebrates Canadian paleontologist Digby Johns McLaren, who was recognized for his impact theory and advocacy.
Dr. Kevin Eggan's breakthrough discovery marks the first time scientists have replicated specific human cells affected by ALS in a laboratory setting. The New York Stem Cell Foundation funded his work and will continue to support him.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded $1.1 million for 15 high-risk, high-reward research projects to explore new approaches to treating Parkinson's disease using gene silencing techniques and induced pluripotent stem cell technology. The funding aims to develop transformative treatments and a cure for PD.
The University of Maryland's START research center will extend its study on radicalization, terrorist operations, and community resilience with a new $12 million DHS grant. Researchers aim to understand the dynamics of radicalization and develop effective counter-terror strategies.
A new Carnegie Mellon University study finds that low-income individuals spend a larger percentage of their incomes on lottery tickets due to the hope of improving their financial situations. The research suggests that lotteries exploit poor people's desires to escape poverty, exacerbating income inequality.
A Montana State University microbiologist is studying how microbes living together interact to understand their potential use in energy production, climate change mitigation, and soil remediation. The research could lead to cheaper and more efficient methods for remediating contaminated sites.
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering found that robot interactions can increase social behavior and utterances in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The creation of therapy tools using bubble-blowing robots is the next step in this research.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has awarded four large grants to researchers addressing significant social and economic challenges. The grants will support investigations into business taxation, health inequalities, time use, and emotional regulation.
The National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) has funded two research projects at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School to study the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. The three-year projects will focus on understanding the circulation's impact on climate and weather patterns.
Recent RNA research reveals new roles in regulating gene expression and structural components, with potential for creating compounds to overcome genetic disorders. The EUROCORES programme brings together European groups to collaborate on RNA quality control and its applications.
Infants cared for by others, especially those in full-time child care, tend to have unfavorable feeding practices and weigh more. Early introduction of solid foods is a risk factor for weight gain in these infants.
A recent study found that pregnant women and those who have recently given birth are vulnerable to psychiatric disorders. However, pregnancy alone is not associated with an increased risk of most prevalent mental disorders. Post-partum women may face a higher risk of major depressive disorder.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that mothers' brains respond uniquely to their own infants' faces, particularly when smiling. This finding could help scientists understand the neural basis of mother-infant attachment and how it sometimes goes wrong.
The new book provides facts about various types of JA and information on new treatments such as biologic drugs. It also offers practical advice on managing daily activities without pain and navigating the education system.
Twelve investigators receive $5 million in grants to study food allergy causes, treatment, and prevention. The initiative aims to improve understanding of the condition and ultimately end its limitations on lives.
The Lancet strongly endorses Ara Darzi's vision for the NHS, prioritizing clinical effectiveness, patient safety, and engagement. The journal praises Darzi's emphasis on professionalism, research-driven improvement, and staff well-being, seeing these elements as crucial to delivering high-quality care.
Weizmann Institute scientists have discovered a mechanism that enables an injured embryo to regenerate itself while maintaining the relative proportions of its organs. The research reveals that inhibitor molecules shuttle morphogen between sides of the embryo, keeping organs proportional regardless of size.
Research found that exhausted individuals experience larger blood pressure increases when attempting tasks, even if they perceive success as achievable. Chronic fatigue can amplify effort and lead to elevated blood pressure, increasing the risk of hypertension and heart disease.
A new survey of Floridians reveals a strong consensus on climate change: most believe it's happening now and will have dangerous impacts. The majority also supports policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, even if it affects their pocketbooks.
The Nanoprobe achieves 30-nanometer resolution using x-rays with photon energies between 3-30 kiloelectron volts. It combines scanning-probe and full-field transmission imaging for three-dimensional visualizations and quantitative analysis of elemental composition and chemical states.
A recent study found that nearly one in five patients experiences chest pain one year after having a heart attack. Patients who experienced chest pain were more likely to be younger, non-white males with prior chest pain, and had poorer health outcomes.
Researchers have developed a technique to attach light-sensitive organic molecules to metal surfaces, enabling reversible switching between two configurations in response to different wavelengths of light. This technology has potential applications in molecular motors, artificial muscles, and molecular electronics.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is offering up to $1 million in research seed funding for innovative science and technology ideas through its CNR Challenge program. The challenge encourages participants to submit white papers on specific themes and topics, with a focus on supporting the Navy's modern warfighter.
Boron-nitrogen compounds have been structurally characterized and found to possess electron-delocalized structures consistent with aromaticity. This discovery has significant implications for biomedical research and materials science.
A new grant will fund research to identify, forecast, and detect areas of clear-air turbulence, reducing anxiety for travelers. The study will also aid astronomers in using adaptive optics to reduce telescope image degradation caused by atmospheric optical turbulence.
The $2.5 million initiative will develop an intelligent transportation system framework using RFID technology to analyze data on traffic use and capacity. The goal is to create a cost-effective solution to manage traffic and reduce emissions.
L'Oreal USA Fellowship recipient Laura Lapham is studying geochemical research in the Gulf of Mexico on gas hydrates and their potential impact on climate change. She aims to collect samples using a manned submersible vehicle, which could provide insights into large amounts of methane loss from ocean sediments.
Injury-related deaths among black males ages 15 to 24 decreased by 24% from 1999 to 2005, while injury death rates among white males increased by 7%. This reduction was attributed to a decrease in motor vehicle crashes and firearm suicides among black males.
Researchers François Lagugné-Labarthet and Amardeep Thind receive Canada Research Chairs to study nanomaterials and develop new optical techniques. They aim to improve understanding of the Canadian healthcare system, reducing wait times and resource shortages.
A study by Dr. Iain Edgar at Durham University found that militant jihadists often legitimize their actions based on night dreams and connect to a mythical past through these dreams. The research also highlights the significance of understanding night dreams as a tool to assess one's worldview and implicit motivations.
A new study published in Policy Studies Journal reveals that terrorism risk is a positive determinant of Homeland Security funding. The research analyzed DHS funding patterns from 2004 to 2006 and found no evidence of political influence on grant distribution.