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.
A new self-waxing device has been developed to improve ski performance, allowing skiers to travel 1-2% quicker than conventional skis. The system, which includes a biodegradable lubricant, is being tested with major manufacturers and could play a key role in deciding World Cup outcomes.
A revolutionary unobtrusive sensor is being developed to collect wide-ranging data on human posture, stride length, acceleration, and response to shock waves. The sensor can transmit this data in real-time for instant coaching advice, potentially delivering better sporting performance.
The team's new e-jet printing process can produce lines as narrow as 700 nanometers and dots as small as 250 nanometers using electrically induced fluid flow and nanoscale nozzles. This technology has potential applications in large-area circuits, displays, photovoltaic modules, security, biotechnology, and photonics.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Practice-based intervention improved parents' reports of behavioral issues in children, parental discipline, and reading habits. The Healthy Steps program also increased family satisfaction with healthcare services.
A study of 6,522 US adolescents found that those exposed to more smoking in movies were more likely to become established smokers. The association remained significant after controlling for other factors, suggesting frequent exposure to smoking cues may lead to increased risk of smoking.
A study found that adult offspring of Holocaust survivors with PTSD had lower cortisol levels than those without PTSD. Lower cortisol levels in these offspring suggest a predisposition to PTSD or a protective effect against the condition.
SciVees is a collaboration between the National Science Foundation and the San Diego Supercomputer Center, aiming to disseminate science to the widest possible audience. The platform will offer multimedia content synchronized with published papers, creating online communities for discussion and commenting.
The BioWeb is an Internet library of peer-reviewed papers and information related to bioenergy and bioproducts, providing valuable resources for scientists, students, and researchers. The project aims to strengthen American agriculture and develop environmentally friendly manufacturing products and technologies.
A new UCLA study found that women exposed to high levels of air pollution in Los Angeles County were more likely to have preterm babies. The research, which analyzed data from over 2,500 births in 2003, controlled for other risk factors and found a significant link between air pollution exposure and increased preterm birth rates.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has received funding for the first phase of the Alaska Region Research Vessel's construction, supporting research in high latitudes and facilitating global ocean science collaborations. The $123-million vessel will be capable of breaking ice up to 2.5 ft thick and accommodate 26 scientists and students.
The CU-Boulder team discovered the first ancient manioc field in the Americas, providing insight into how the Classic Maya supported dense populations. The field, buried under volcanic ash, was found to have been recently planted with manioc stalks, indicating a high level of agricultural productivity.
A team of U-M researchers, including gynecologists and engineers, will use the grant to examine damage to pelvic muscles during vaginal deliveries. They aim to develop preventive strategies to reduce injury rates, which affect up to 300,000 women per year.
The University of Chicago has been awarded a grant to support four one-year Clare Boothe Luce Fellowships for women entering Ph.D. programs in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics.
Research conducted by UC Sociology Professor David Maume found that women are more likely to leave their jobs to attend to their children, while men prioritize work. The study suggests that traditional gender roles persist despite changing attitudes on family responsibilities.
Researchers found that Spanish-speaking Latinos in San Diego County's mental health system had a higher proportion of patients with major depression but lower rates of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. They were also more likely to receive outpatient treatment than English-speaking Latinos or Caucasians.
Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have successfully implemented doping in molecular electronics, enabling the control of electronic properties in organic molecules. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of environmentally friendly and versatile electronic components.
The study found that consultants act as knowledge brokers, managing projects and collaborating with clients. They earn respect through intelligence, commitment, and engaging with employees' problems.
Himanshu Jain's work on 'jellyfish fluctuations' in super-cold glass has been recognized with the Otto Schott Research Award. His theory proposes that a group of atoms wiggles like a jellyfish, generating electrical conductivity and having important applications in devices like cell phones and satellites.
A study of 1,491 teens aged 10-19 found that video game players spent less time on reading and homework compared to non-gamers. However, gaming habits did not affect social interactions or parent-child relationships, with girls spending more quality time with parents when playing games.
Cornell researchers have solved a fundamental question about DNA strand separation by demonstrating the active role of an enzyme called helicase. The study found that helicase exerts a force onto the fork and separates the two strands, contradicting earlier passive unwinding mechanisms.
Researchers create microscopic devices as small as 10 nanometers, enabling simultaneous real-time atomic imaging and potential applications in sensors, electronics, and DNA sequencing. The new technique surpasses traditional methods, producing reliable metal nanostructures with novel mechanical properties.
A study by researchers at Duke University Medical Center and Johns Hopkins University found that 60% of infertile couples would be likely to donate unused embryos for stem cell research. The number of available embryos could be 10 times higher than previous estimates, resulting in a potential 100-fold increase in stem cell lines.
A new study by UC Irvine economists finds that racial mismatch is the key to the low black male employment rate, not a lack of jobs in the area. The research reveals that when low-skilled jobs are predominantly held by whites, blacks are less likely to get hired.
The discovery of a pygmy-sized giant panda skull in south China reveals that the modern giant panda has remained largely unchanged for millions of years. The ancient species lived on bamboo shoots and was adapted to eating bamboo early in its development, highlighting its unique dietary specialization.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling the physical properties of materials at a small scale, paving the way for more efficient hydrogen fuel cells. By adding bismuth to lead atoms, Professor Hanno Weitering fine-tuned the stability and superconductivity of the resulting quantum alloy.
Elderly patients with mild anemia (low RBC count) or high RBC count before surgery have a higher risk of post-operative death or cardiac events. Treatment of pre-operative anemia and polycythemia may not improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
A study of 320,000 men found that former military personnel are twice as likely to kill themselves as the general population, especially those with health problems. The research highlights the need for clinical and community interventions targeting veterans at risk.
Florida Tech associate professor Eric Perlman has received $490,400 in funding from NASA's Long-term Space Astrophysics grant program to study jets and their impact on cosmic rays. His work will access the Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory to further understanding of jet dynamics and emissions.
A study by Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that 78% of survey respondents wanted to be greeted by a doctor's name, while only half addressed the patient by name in first-time visits. The researchers recommend using patients' first and last names for a respectful and comfortable introduction.
Researchers found that people with damage to their left frontal lobe are more likely to correct mistakes, while those with right-brain damage struggle to track changing task rules. This study highlights the crucial role of self-monitoring functions in everyday situations.
Research by Cass Business School reveals annual reports fail to capture the full value of companies' innovative activities, particularly in the services sector. The study highlights the importance of human capital and relational capital in innovation, but notes conventional measures are often overlooked.
A year-long clinical trial shows that diets focusing on foods with low calorie density can lead to significant weight loss and improved hunger control. The study found that women who added water-rich foods to their diets lost more weight during the first six months compared to those following a reduced-fat diet.
A new study reveals the alterations in spore coat and germ cell wall that accompany transformation from a spore to a vegetative cell. Researchers used AFM to show the breakdown of spore coat structures, allowing a bacterium to emerge and reenter the replicating mode.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are developing tools to adapt urban landscapes to heat islands, aiming to increase human comfort and reduce harmful carbon emissions. The SCORCHIO project will provide a detailed picture of how urban 'heat islands' impact temperatures during hot months.
A MUHC-led international team has identified the gene LCA5 as the cause of Leber Congenital Amaurosis, a condition affecting 200,000 worldwide. The discovery is part of efforts to fast-track a cure for this disease using gene therapy.
A Pitt School of Medicine study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that adding a medication to a standard treatment regimen for major depressive disorder in the elderly improves chances of recovery. The study showed that recovery rates increased from 40% to 60% when adding a second drug to the treatment.
Researchers discovered nearly a dozen additional heat-shock proteins that help insects survive cold temperatures. These proteins are essential for insect survival during diapause, a hibernation-like state that allows them to withstand low temperatures.
A team led by Sally Johnson and Clive Upton assesses the BBC Voices project's 700 hours of sound recordings, showcasing diverse regional accents and vocabularies. The study explores how language relates to issues like gender, ethnicity, and media representation.
Researchers at University of Delaware and Delaware State University received nearly $1 million to develop blast-resistant materials and MIMO radar systems. The goal is to create a powerful tool for detecting bombs, enemy targets, and assisting rescue operations.
Dr. Mani Mahadevan's research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying DM1, a genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakness and disability. His team has developed a mouse model to study toxic RNA production, which may lead to a viable treatment for the disease.
A Queensland University of Technology research project has received a funding boost for developing technology to purify unclean water supplies. The project aims to revolutionize water purification using novel nanomaterials, demonstrating enhanced efficacy against toxic materials.
A new study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) reveals that women see security differently from men, with a focus on feeling represented, having jobs, education, and healthcare. The research emphasizes the need for gender equality and women's representation in peace-building processes.
The Oregon State University salmon tracking program is expanding to northern California waters to gather data on the distribution of salmon in the ocean. The goal is to support informed fisheries management decisions that balance the harvest of healthy stocks with the protection of weakened runs.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation announced the 2007 Scholar Award recipients, providing $250,000 annually for up to five years to support groundbreaking research. The selected researchers aim to accelerate type 1 diabetes research and find a cure for this devastating disease.
The Interactive Autism Network has achieved significant milestones in its first month, registering over 13,000 individuals and families living with autism. Researchers can now access this large pool of family-provided data to supplement existing research studies and explore new hypotheses.
Researchers investigated how speakers choose words to avoid conflict in conversation, revealing a 'social cohesion principle' underlying simple talk. The study found that speakers tend to use the correct form of words to suit the situation, often correcting themselves if needed.
Researchers at UIC College of Pharmacy have developed a hydrogel-based delivery system to control chemotherapy drug release for glioblastoma multiforme and other solid tumors, reducing side effects. The innovative approach aims to improve survival rates for brain tumor patients.
A study by the Economic & Social Research Council finds that younger people in Scotland and Wales are more likely to support nationalist parties, driven by a decline in British national pride. The researchers suggest that this trend may lead to increased potential for independence movements.
Research reveals national party politics in Europe remains uninterested in European affairs, leaving EU specialists without influence. Parties fail to adapt to EU integration due to economic and political reasons, resulting in limited resources dedicated to EU issues.
Researchers will continue to study the antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting mechanisms of Echinacea and Hypericum. The center aims to improve understanding of the characteristics of extracts that contribute to human health benefits.
A survey of 200 patients and healthcare professionals found that digitization can empower users and improve efficiency, but also undermines worker pride if not designed with established practices in mind. The study highlights the need for attention to areas such as technology design, user trust, and preserving workers' knowledge.
A study suggests that people who decline to participate in research may not necessarily object to taking part, but rather due to confusion about the research nature and process. This finding highlights the importance of clarifying potential sources of confusion in participation requests.
The TRIPS processor is a demonstration of Explicit Data Graph Execution (EDGE) technology, offering an alternative approach to multicore processing. It features two 16-wide processors per chip, capable of issuing 16 operations per cycle and sustaining high execution rates.
A new study by Dr. Jacques Lacroix found that a restrictive transfusion strategy can be as safe as a liberal strategy in stable, critically ill children without increasing adverse outcomes. This approach reduced the need for transfusions and improved health care outcomes for pediatric ICU patients.
A new grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities will support the development of an interactive Web site and a published Cultural Atlas of the Ancient Mongolian Altai. The project aims to document the region's archaeology, geospatial data, and cultural significance in the face of threats from mining, tourism, and climate change.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are working to develop new cooling techniques to manage heat aboard modern ships. The project aims to reduce device temperatures below 50 degrees Celsius using novel electronic cooling systems, including liquid cooling and nanoparticle suspensions.
Research found that increasing levels of three proteins on nerve cells can stimulate growth of new extensions, up to 3x longer than normal. This could lead to improved treatment for stroke, brain, and spinal cord injuries as well as neurodegenerative diseases.
ConocoPhillips has established a $22.5 million eight-year research program at Iowa State University focused on developing biorenewable fuels technologies, including ethanol and biodiesel from organic materials. The program aims to promote energy diversification and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Research suggests individuals with diabetes may have a higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, which affects thinking and learning abilities. The study found that diabetes was associated with a significantly increased risk of amnestic mild cognitive impairment, particularly in African-American and Hispanic populations.
The invasive grass Microstegium vimineum can impede the regeneration of woody species in southern US forests by blocking sunlight and seeds. Researchers found that M. vimineum biomass increased significantly after forest canopy disturbances, leading to a decline in native species richness.