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.
Researchers from Stevens Institute of Technology have been awarded a grant to evaluate an integrated mariculture system that recycles fish excretions into feed for oysters and clams. The program aims to promote mutual cooperation between scientists from Egypt and Israel, with two pilot systems set up in Alexandria and Eilat.
A comprehensive review of scientific literature found that cancer survivors use nutritional supplements at a higher rate than the general population, with breast cancer survivors reporting the highest use. However, research suggests that certain supplements may interfere with treatment or even accelerate cancer growth.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded up to $3 million in funding to four industry teams as part of its Therapeutics Development Initiative, focusing on treatments targeting alpha-synuclein toxicity, chronic inflammation, trophic factors, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The grants aim to accelerate the development and delivery of tr...
An interdisciplinary team of Cornell scientists predicts that lithium and beryllium will bond under higher levels of pressure, forming stable Li-Be alloys that may be capable of superconductivity. The alloy with a 1:1 ratio shows the greatest potential for superconducting applications.
Nikolai Pogorelov, a UC Riverside researcher, has been awarded 850,000 processor hours on the seventh fastest computer in the world to study the outer heliosphere and its interaction with interstellar medium. The research will help plan future space missions and analyze fluxes of galactic cosmic rays.
The Stowers Institute's Proteomics Center has developed a novel method for assigning probabilities to human protein interactions, allowing for the creation of more informative protein interaction networks. This approach enables researchers to estimate the preference of two proteins to associate within a defined complex or larger networ...
Arizona State University has received two grants from the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar America Initiative to develop new materials for solar cells, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The grants will focus on exploring photovoltaic potential of new materials that were originally developed for laser applications.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Stevens Institute of Technology a two-year grant to create and implement the Environmental Entrepreneurship Lab. The lab aims to foster rapid marketplace realization of environmental innovations through an unconventional innovation transfer process, combining technology push with market pull.
A comprehensive genetic study of Pacific Islanders has found that Polynesians and Micronesians have almost no genetic relation to Melanesians. Instead, they share a strong genetic connection with Taiwan Aborigines and East Asians, suggesting a rapid migration through Island Melanesia with minimal intermingling.
Workers with extended work schedules face higher risks of losing their jobs after injury, according to Ohio State University research. Injured employees in nonstandard schedules are more likely to be fired or quit, emphasizing the importance of tailoring return-to-work plans to individual employees' schedules.
A study found that selective publication in antidepressant trials significantly overstates their effectiveness, with nearly all positive studies being published and most negative ones not. However, when combining all studies using meta-analysis, each drug was superior to a placebo, but less effective than reported.
Researchers are using UAVs to detect and monitor the spread of Phytophthora infestans, a fungus-like organism responsible for the Irish Potato Famine. The study aims to track the movement of the pathogen in the atmosphere to inform management decisions.
The Joni Gladowsky Breast Cancer Foundation has funded CSHL's innovative breast cancer research, led by Dr. Senthil Muthuswamy, to develop alternative treatment strategies for early-stage breast cancer. The foundation aims to identify genetic differences between benign and malignant lesions to prevent cancer progression.
The three publishers will collaborate on a five-year project to publish ethnomusicology scholarship and make emerging research more accessible. They will develop digital formats for monographs and fieldwork materials, and offer enhanced online access to scholars.
A recent study published in Neuron found that the damaged protein involved in Huntington's disease causes problems at the synapse early in its development, rather than after it is cut and imported into the nucleus. This discovery may lead to new targets for potential drug therapies targeting genes involved in synaptic transmission.
The AAAS analysis reveals that Congress inserted nearly $4.5 billion in federal research and development earmarks in spending bills for fiscal year 2008. The earmarks totaled 2,526 projects, with $939 million allocated to non-defense projects and $3.5 billion to Defense Department projects.
The US ranks last among 19 industrialized countries on preventable deaths, with a 4% decline compared to an average of 16% for other nations. If the US had performed as well as top performers France, Japan, and Australia, there would have been 101,000 fewer deaths annually.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund found that the US ranks last among 19 industrialized countries in preventable deaths. If the US had performed as well as France, Japan, and Australia, there would have been 101,000 fewer deaths annually by the end of the study period.
A new study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that there is little evidence of a 'cultural elite' that aspires to high culture while shunning popular culture. The research confirmed that education and social status are key factors in determining cultural consumption, with a significant proportion of people from a...
A national study found a disconnect between explicit and implicit preferences for Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. The study, using an Implicit Association Test, showed that Clinton was the preferred candidate among 48% of participants, while Obama had 25% support.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have discovered a way to jumpstart the production of new naïve T-cells, which are vital for fighting infections. This approach could provide long-term protection against diseases such as the flu for aging Americans.
A UK study finds that modern employment practices can damage employees' well-being, particularly among administrative staff. Women's family relationships are more adversely affected by these pressures, which also lead to anxiety about childcare arrangements. ICT surveillance is a new source of stress in the workplace.
A study by University College London found that retired households in Britain now spend similarly on goods and services as younger people, with an increase in leisure activities like holidays. This marks a significant shift from previous stereotypes of older consumers.
Researchers aim to develop a safety mechanism for next-generation nuclear power generators by studying carbon fiber composites embedded in a carbon matrix. The project seeks to understand how nanotubes improve the radiation-damage tolerance of ultra-thin carbon fibers.
Research funded by ESRC suggests that UK businesses are under-investing in intangible assets, which could be the reason for stagnant productivity. Investing in intangibles such as software, research, and branding can increase productivity, making traditional measurement techniques inadequate.
The Penn State Prevention Research Center is expanding its PROSPER program, which helps young people avoid substance abuse and behavioral problems through partnerships with local communities. The program has shown positive outcomes in family functioning and adolescent substance use rates.
A Florida State University professor is developing a new approach to help smokers with anxiety disorders quit. The study focuses on reducing anxiety sensitivity, which is a risk factor for developing anxiety problems.
The Gates Foundation has launched a $13 million program to support the careers of at least 360 African women in agricultural research. The initiative aims to address the 'leaky pipeline' of women in sub-Saharan Africa, with goals including increasing women's participation in research teams and leadership roles.
College freshmen show heightened cigarette use in early weeks of school, followed by decline, with most smoking on Fridays and Saturdays. Adolescents with ADHD are also found to be at high risk for smoking due to brain dysfunction and nicotine dependence.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario have developed a new method to measure covert attention, shedding light on how the brain directs attention. By recording muscle activity in the neck, scientists can now detect when someone's eyes are not moving but still focusing on something.
The University of Houston will receive a five-year, $2.3 million National Institutes of Health grant to fund a multidisciplinary approach to drug abuse research. The grant will focus on the health and social consequences of drug abuse among aging minority populations, with a particular emphasis on Latino injecting heroin users in the H...
A new method to convert low-value glycerol from biodiesel production into a hydrogen-rich gas offers a promising solution for the transportation sector. The process, developed by Dr. Valerie Dupont and her team at the University of Leeds, produces a high-value product in demand for fertilisers, food production, and chemical plants.
A pilot program at the University of Cincinnati has shown promising results in curbing alcohol abuse among college students who turn to drinking to cope with social anxiety. The program uses motivational interviewing and behavioral therapy to help students manage their anxiety and reduce hazardous drinking behaviors.
The Lancet's Editor Dr. Richard Horton emphasizes the significance of non-experimental research in medicine, citing examples of reliable causal inferences and notable errors. He stresses the need for rigorous scientific practice, communication, and replication to ensure credibility and inform policymaking.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that undocumented Latinos are less likely to use healthcare services, experience poorer care outcomes, and face significant barriers to accessing care compared to US-born individuals. The findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to address healthcare disparities among ...
Researchers at the University of Iowa are studying risky decision-making among pre-teens, focusing on factors that contribute to risk-taking behaviors such as smoking and drinking. The three-year study aims to identify profiles of at-risk children and track how their decision-making deficits affect everyday choices.
A recent study by the Economic and Social Research Council found that internet users are willing to sacrifice their privacy if they trust the organization requesting personal information. The research revealed that even people who declare themselves unconcerned about privacy will oppose ID cards if the request process feels invasive.
Research funding into deafness in the UK is only a fraction of the estimated £13.5 billion in productivity losses due to hearing impairment. The Lancet Editorial highlights the need for further interventions to prevent or reverse hearing damage and improve quality of life for those affected.
Researchers at Penn State are investigating thermochemical hydrogen production using advanced nuclear energy systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy independence. The three-year, $2.4 million program aims to develop efficient technologies for hydrogen production compatible with nuclear-generated heat sources.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory found that the surface of manganite materials has a more disordered orbital order than their bulk counterparts. This 'surface orbital roughness' affects electron transfer and provides fundamental information for future research and development.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that the brain uses a mechanism in the V2 region to identify figure and background regions of an image, providing a structure for conscious perception. This mechanism enables the brain to quickly generate a foreground-background map, allowing us to focus attention on one region at a time.
Researchers argue that improved understanding of placental function and dysfunction can lead to novel screening tests. These tests could identify high-risk pregnancies and prevent devastating events like stillbirth. Despite the prevalence of stillbirths, research in this area is underfunded.
A team of UWM researchers is analyzing data from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, searching for signs of Einstein's predicted gravitational waves. The team is using advanced computational power to sort through massive amounts of data generated by LIGO facilities.
A new study finds that adults-only bars and nightclubs are associated with high rates of binge drinking and excessive alcohol consumption. The research suggests that regulating these establishments may be more effective than limiting total alcohol licenses.
Nancy Whitelaw of NCOA has been recognized with the GSA's 2007 Maxwell A. Pollack Award, which honors individuals who bridge research and practice in aging. The award aims to promote evidence-based programs for older adults, building on her work creating the Center for Healthy Aging.
Arizona State University faculty members Matthew J. Fouch and Jenefer Husman received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) for their innovative research in geophysics and educational psychology. The award recognizes their work on integrating geophysical data types to better understand Earth's interior.
Researchers at the University of Washington have created 3D models of landmarks using vacation photos from Flickr. The models were accurate enough to show individual figures carved into stone facades, with resolutions comparable to those obtained by laser scanners.
Researchers will use high-tech LifeShirts to monitor cardiovascular and respiratory systems, while thermal imaging cameras capture video of fire scenes. The goal is to improve firefighter safety and reduce deaths caused by heart attacks.
A team of scientists will use a systems biology approach to build a detailed picture of immune system function, focusing on innate and adaptive immunity. The research aims to develop new treatments, diagnostics, and vaccines for infectious diseases.
A survey of Canadian parliamentarians reveals that most have poor knowledge of health research activities, benefits, and costs in Canada. The results highlight the need for increased awareness and education about the importance of health research.
Researcher Heidi Kloos investigates why young children are stumped by science, particularly the concept of density. Her findings suggest that alternative teaching approaches can help children navigate these waters more smoothly.
Two new centers will address critical ethical, legal and social questions in genetic and genomic research, with a focus on large-scale genomics. The centers will develop innovative research approaches and provide training for the next generation of researchers.
A Cornell team unraveled the fundamental physics of ruthenium tris-bipyridine, a molecular semiconductor with potential for flexible light-emitting devices. The discovery reveals that an electric field is concentrated at interfaces, not in bulk materials.
Researchers at University at Buffalo develop automated system to track individuals' likelihood of committing a terrorist act based on biometrics and behavioral indicators. The system aims to identify perpetrators in real-time, providing a numerical score of malfeasance likelihood.
The John A. Hartford Foundation has awarded a five-year, $5 million grant to the Gerontological Society of America to support 39 doctoral fellows in geriatric social work. The grant aims to address the projected shortage of over 46,000 geriatric social workers and provide training for future aging-focused faculty.
The University of Kentucky Center for the Study of Violence Against Children has been awarded a four-year, $1.6 million grant to develop and disseminate evidence-based practices for treating traumatic stress in children exposed to violence. The project will establish a clinical training institute and train regional partners to deliver ...
A three-year QUT study will guide schools on policies and practices to protect victims, educate students and families, and prevent liability. The research team will work with focus groups of students, teachers, principals, and parents to explore the incidence and consequences of cyber bullying.
A team of researchers has created a method to assemble wire-like structures only a single molecule wide, paving the way for the development of smaller, faster electronic devices. The new template enables the creation of one-dimensional wires with minimal loss of electricity conductivity.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that eye movement can influence problem-solving success. By manipulating eye movements, participants were able to outperform control groups in solving a problem. The findings suggest that eye movements can not only reflect but also affect cognitive processes.
A new $2.9 million graduate student training program at Cornell will help bridge the gap between different scientific disciplines by focusing on nanoscale surfaces and interfaces. The program aims to train interdisciplinary thinkers and equip students with essential skills in public speaking, writing, and ethics.