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.
The Quantum Universe report outlines nine fundamental questions in response to research funding agency requests, focusing on particle physics' role in understanding dark matter, dark energy, and more. The report emphasizes new knowledge from particle physics is needed to answer exciting scientific questions of this century.
Physical oceanographers investigate how sea floor structure affects the Gulf Stream's meandering behavior. They discover a new mechanism, jet equilibration, where counter-currents lead to a nearly straight path.
The Cardiff University Research Unit aims to inform policy makers and prevent accidents by focusing on the human element of seafaring. With £500,000 funding from Lloyd's Register, the unit will draw on expertise within the Seafarers' International Research Centre.
Experts recommend developing a research-supportive culture, recruiting more PhDs and MD/PhDs, and leveraging institutional resources to expand imaging research. The goal is to enhance research in academic radiology departments and secure research funding.
The three-year funding supports a joint effort to apply Multiple Dirichlet Series to analytic number theory, a central area of modern mathematics. This could lead to new insights into long-standing problems in number theory.
Researchers develop a new Coupled Wave-Wind model to estimate hurricane speed and intensity, incorporating surface breaking waves. The improved model aims to enhance forecast skills and mitigate natural hazards caused by hurricanes.
Researchers at Georgia Tech and partnering institutions are studying the effects of high electromagnetic stress on launchers, aiming to reduce damage caused by intense heat and friction. The goal is to develop reliable railguns for the Navy's next-generation electric battleships.
A recent study found that HIV clinicians with fatalistic attitudes are less likely to provide prevention counseling to HIV-positive patients. The study surveyed 618 patients and found a correlation between provider fatalism and reduced reporting of prevention services.
Researchers will investigate safety issues and late-stage effectiveness of retinal cell transplantation in animal models before planning human clinical trials. The goal is to preserve vision in patients with RP who retain a small degree of central vision throughout their life.
The UK government has launched a £10 billion 10-year investment framework to boost science and innovation, with a focus on growing the knowledge-intensive sector. The plan includes annual real growth in public science funding of 5.8% over the next decade, aiming to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2017.
The field of stem-cell research faces challenges in winning public support due to limited clinical benefits. Scientists are urged to step forward and lead a debate about the potential benefits and costs of working with stem cells.
A new research center aims to investigate the links between environmental exposures and childhood health in the heavily contaminated Tar Creek area. The center will conduct integrated studies on toxic metals, epidemiology, and animal models to better understand their effects on neurological, behavioral, and mental development.
The Ecological Society of America has awarded a new SEEDS grant to increase diversity in ecology. The program will expand existing activities, including undergraduate research fellowships and field trips, to reach more students from African American, Latino, and Native American communities.
Scientists are investigating the effects of stereotype threat on cognitive function, particularly in women and minority groups. The study aims to understand the physiological processes underlying these impairments and develop strategies to help affected groups cope with social stigma.
Researchers at Cardiff University have developed new combustion processes that could significantly reduce pollution, thanks to a collaborative project with the University of Adelaide. The project uses advanced laser diagnostics to improve models for alternative fuel mixes.
Researchers found that an extract from Opuntia ficus indica (prickly pear fruit) reduced nausea, dry mouth, and loss of appetite in young adult volunteers. The study also showed a moderate reduction in hangover symptom severity, with higher levels of C-reactive protein associated with placebo treatment.
A recent study found that the public's opinions on stem-cell research are heavily influenced by poll questions and messaging, with support for embryonic research being lower than expected. The study suggests that the debate is ongoing, with supporters seeking to capitalize on recent events like Ronald Reagan's death.
The new web site features a discussion forum, image gallery, and interviews with prominent researchers discussing the state of the science. It also includes information on degree programs, funding opportunities, and conferences, making it a valuable resource for biogeoscience enthusiasts and professionals.
Dr. Hou's project aims to develop a theoretical foundation for wireless sensor network design and deployment, focusing on optimal routing, performance limits, and energy-related problems. The goal is to fill gaps in current understanding and enable the growing field of wireless sensor networks to realize its potential.
A new class of semiconductors has been developed that can efficiently convert waste heat into electricity, with potential applications in shipboard steam plants and land vehicles. The material, called LAST, uses nanostructures to impede heat flow and introduce internal boundaries, increasing its efficiency.
The US Department of Energy is developing a new supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to enhance the nation's computing capability for complex simulations. The system will be open to researchers worldwide and enable breakthroughs in various science disciplines.
Researchers have translated 43 hymns from the Atharvaveda into English, providing insight into centuries-old rituals. The hymns, written in Vedic Sanskrit, were used by priests to venerate gods, heal diseases, and exorcise evil spirits.
Researchers at Yale University confirm the formation of dodecahedral water cages but find no evidence of the Eigen species. The study uses experimental techniques and supercomputers to determine how water molecules interconnect to form these cages, which play a crucial role in biological processes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully coaxed new motor neurons out of embryonic stem cells and into the spinal cords of paralyzed rats. The study, funded by various organizations, aims to overcome a major hurdle in clinical therapy for motor neuron diseases like ALS and SMA.
Research reveals that single parents struggle with a range of legal and social welfare problems, including debt, contact, benefits, and child maintenance. Many experience significant challenges in accessing help, with 32% facing violence or harassment problems and 34% finding it impossible to get access to benefits.
Cornell University Library will collaborate with Göttingen State and University Library in Germany to develop an online archive of digital mathematics serial publications. The project aims to provide long-term access to e-research literature and serves as a model for similar efforts in other disciplines.
A large cohort study found no association between ejaculation frequency and increased prostate cancer risk. High ejaculation frequency may actually be associated with a lower risk of total and organ-confined prostate cancer.
A recent study by Cardiff University found that the Human Rights Act has had a limited impact on solicitors' work in the Cynon Valley, an area with high social deprivation. Solicitors cited lack of training and inadequate public funding as major concerns.
The study found that 92.5% of detained juveniles experienced one or more traumatic events, with boys reporting more experiences than girls. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was also higher among this population, particularly among those who reported witnessing violence.
Researchers have developed a new class of hyperbranched polymers with excellent mechanical properties and lower viscosities. These polymers can be easily processed and are suitable for various applications such as fuel cell materials, biocompatible elastomers and photo-curable adhesives.
The US Army has awarded UCSD a five-year grant to develop innovative wireless networking technology for tactical environments. The project aims to create cross-layer algorithms and new antenna technologies to enhance network adaptability and resilience in the face of enemy jamming and eavesdropping attempts.
The Geoenvironmental Research Group (GRP) has joined the Sustainable Technologies Technium, a £10.8m innovation centre in Wales. The partnership aims to create additional companies, new jobs and increase turnover through world-beating technologies for sustainable solutions.
Cornell University has been awarded a $300,000 USAID grant to implement two development programs in India. The Agriculture in Developing Nations course will be taught at Cornell and partner institutions in India, sensitizing students and policymakers on how to improve productivity and competitiveness in agriculture. For executives, the...
Spanish scientists have developed a technique to determine the color of ancient wine, revealing that King Tut's wine was made with red grapes. The analysis is the first extensive chemical analysis done on a jar from King Tut's tomb and provides evidence of the color of wine in an archaeological sample.
The Shull Collection spans over five decades of Nobel Prize-winning research on neutron scattering and crystal structures. The archive includes papers, photographs, and videos documenting Shull's work at Carnegie Tech, the Manhattan Project, and his teaching position at MIT.
A Rice University research team, led by Naomi Halas, aims to develop a multimodality spectroscope for nanoscale optical imaging of peptides, proteins, and viruses. The system will require three instruments: nanopatterned substrates, scanning probe instrument, and an integrated 'superlens' microscope and spectral probe.
The new website will collect and organize resources such as funding opportunities, research programs, and conferences, facilitating the growth of the biogeoscience field. It will also feature a discussion forum and image gallery, supporting scientists in defining the field and addressing its future.
A new tool, CHIP-CE, assesses child health from their own perspective, predicting future healthcare use. The questionnaire is designed for ages 6-11 and has been shown to be reliable and valid in diverse areas of the US.
Researchers at Hamilton College have found that atmospheric water clusters could play a key role in accelerating the Greenhouse effect. The team's calculations suggest that larger water clusters should be detectable in the lower troposphere.
The von Liebig Center has awarded six grants totaling $1.2 million to UC San Diego faculty for commercializing their research. These grants support projects in various fields, including bioengineering, computer science and engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical aerospace engineering.
The Gates Foundation has committed $82.9 million to develop new tuberculosis vaccines, with the goal of creating a more effective vaccine within 10 years. The grant will support research in three major areas: vaccine trials, improved animal models, and next-generation vaccines.
A study published in JAMA found that patients on peritoneal dialysis were more likely to give high ratings of care compared to those on hemodialysis. The researchers also found better survival rates for peritoneal dialysis patients, especially in the first two years after starting treatment.
Researchers aim to develop enhanced warning signals to aid elderly drivers in detecting critical information, as visual and auditory abilities decline with age. The study will examine the relationship between warning signal perceptions and driving skills in both young and elderly drivers.
The European organization aims to create a virtual office to facilitate international collaboration and development of new research programs. Researchers will be able to work from various locations throughout Europe.
A study of nearly 200 patients found that company doctor adherence to guideline standards reduced absenteeism but decreased patient satisfaction. Factors such as employee pessimism and anxiety disorders also predicted unfavourable outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Rhode Island are using virtual reality technology to educate students about the impact of volcanic eruptions on human populations and the environment. The virtual field trip will feature interactive simulations, including footage from a historic eruption and excavated cities like Pompeii.
The Severn Estuary Partnership has received £150,000 funding to improve and develop sustainable access to and around the estuary. The project aims to boost local economies by promoting local produce and enhance nature conservation values.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has launched a $100 million brain repair initiative aimed at restoring nerve function in people with MS. The program will fund research into new disease models, advanced MRI monitoring tools, and human clinical trials.
The EMBO-launched portal aims to facilitate life scientists' career mobility across Europe by providing a one-stop-shop for funding opportunities, training programs, and job openings. Users can share their research profiles and contribute to the platform through submissions of experience reports on mobility.
Peter Chen's research on 'smart linkage' aims to discover hidden data relationships and link databases for efficient information sharing. The project uses a complex mathematical model to narrow down lists of suspicious individuals, prioritizing searches based on risk levels.
Researchers at UC Davis are developing a system called GeoStreams that can analyze satellite data as it arrives, providing users with accurate and timely information. The system will enable fast-tracking of storms and efficient management of irrigation projects in California.
Heather Jackson's research reveals ordinary scribbles and famous cases like Blake, Coleridge, and Keats help us understand past times better. The study explores how people thought about books, reading, and themselves, challenging the notion of consumers.
Researchers found high concentrations of BDEs in peregrine falcon eggs, suggesting the deca formulation may not be harmless. The study's findings add to concerns about the safety of BDEs and their potential impact on wildlife.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully created continuous fibers of pristine single-walled carbon nanotubes using a new processing method involving superacids. This breakthrough enables the industrial production of pure carbon nanotube threads, cables, and sheets, with potential applications in materials science and aerospace.
A large study found that consuming higher amounts of dietary fats, particularly vegetable and animal fats, was associated with an increased risk of progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration. In contrast, fish and nut consumption reduced the risk of AMD progression.
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that the absence of a key oxygen-sensing molecule can lead to multiple developmental defects. The study created a mouse model lacking this protein, which resulted in cardiac hypertrophy, fatty liver, eye defects, and increased oxidative stress.
Researchers have found that volcanic eruptions in the tropics may play a significant role in triggering El Niño events, with a nearly one-in-two chance of occurrence after an eruption. The study used paleoclimate records to reconstruct volcanic activity and El Niño events over a 350-year period.
A new study reveals that Western perceptions of the Muslim world vary greatly depending on gender. Women tend to perceive Islamic culture as sensual and attractive, while men often view it as uncivilized and barbaric. This disparity highlights a complex interplay between cultural stereotypes and media representation.
Virginia Tech researchers are developing wireless video sensor networks that can provide real-time visual data in critical situations. The goal is to improve the government's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to natural and man-made disasters.
Researchers at North Carolina State University are developing a nanoscale transistor by assembling molecules and building a functioning electronic switch. The team's pioneering work tackles critical issues in future materials for advanced molecule-based information processing.