Articles tagged with Research Funding
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that Gram-positive bacteria like Streptococcus and Staphylococcus use cholesterol-dependent cytolysins to inject toxins into host cells, paving the way for entry of other proteins. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
Eye attacks, also known as Ischematic Optic Neuropathy (ION), are a sudden lack of blood flow to the eye resulting in painless but catastrophic consequences. A new multi-center clinical trial aims to determine whether neuro-protection can minimize collateral damage and prevent second eye involvement.
Researchers found that sediment on the sea floor has a different electrical potential than surrounding salt water, allowing for sustainable fuel cell power. This innovation could significantly reduce costs of ocean monitoring and enable continuous operation of self-sustaining equipment.
A team of astronomers, including an undergraduate researcher, detect the presence of massive stellar explosions in a distant galaxy using quasar light. The discovery reveals six super bubbles formed at nearly the same time, releasing energy equivalent to 10,000 suns over their lifetimes.
Researchers identified 168 young stars in the Orion star forming complex, about half the mass of the sun. The discovery provides important constraints for theories on how fast planetary systems can form, suggesting solar-like stars can form planets in around 10 million years.
Scientists have found a link between the combination of two widely used agricultural pesticides and Parkinson's disease in mice. The study, led by Deborah Cory-Slechta, suggests that everyday environmental factors may play a role in the development of the disease.
The researchers designed and made a rotaxane-based nano motor powered by sunlight, which operates according to a four-stroke cycle. The system works continuously without consuming chemical fuels or generating waste.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified an imprinted gene called PEG3 on human chromosome 19, which is linked to ovarian cancer and gliomas. This discovery sheds new light on the role of imprinting in human disease and has implications for our understanding of autism.
A new study by University of North Carolina researchers finds that financial factors are a major contributor to the racial disparities in mammography rates among black women. The study, which controlled for other variables, found that black women who received a recommendation for mammography were more likely to have health insurance an...
Researchers have identified a region in the right prefrontal cortex that can rapidly distinguish emotional information from visual stimuli. This finding suggests that neurons in this area can modulate visual information processing and may play a crucial role in responding to potentially threatening or dangerous stimuli.
A new UCLA study suggests that a high-fat diet may contribute to the development of osteoporosis by reducing bone density and mineral content. The research, published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, could lead to new treatment options for osteoporosis, a disease affecting over one million people annually.
Researchers at USC's Information Sciences Institute have developed an AI system called 'elves' to manage their daily lives, using GPS tracking and automated scheduling. The system has shown success in handling the team's professional lives over an extended period.
A survey of over 6,700 individuals found that smoking and heavy drinking are linked to poorer food choices and increased health risks. The study suggests that targeting multiple risk factors simultaneously is crucial for effective health promotion.
Researchers have identified a potent neurotoxin called kalkitoxin, which appears to block sodium channels in neurons. This finding could lead to new treatments for conditions like pain, epilepsy, and potentially stroke by selectively activating or blocking sodium channels.
Researchers in Japan discovered that avocados contain compounds that can slow down liver damage and improve liver health. The study suggests that avocado extracts may be a promising treatment for viral hepatitis, but further studies are needed to confirm the results.
Researchers can detect regional groundwater flow paths in the Eastern Snake River Plain aquifer using radiogenic isotope ratios. By analyzing variations in strontium-87 and strontium-86, they identified faster and slower flow zones aligned with sediment-filled valleys.
A single gene mutation extends fruitfly lifespan by doubling it from 37 days to 69-71 days while maintaining high functioning and fertility. The Indy gene is associated with altered metabolism and energy utilization, pointing to potential benefits for human lifespan through genetic modification.
A new platinum-based cancer drug, BBR3464, has shown promising activity against ovarian cancer that is resistant to cisplatin. The drug, developed by Nicholas Farrell and his team, has been found to be significantly more potent than cisplatin and may offer new hope for the treatment of this devastating disease.
Researchers at UMass developed a new technique for creating densely packed arrays of magnetic nanowires using self-assembling polymer scaffolds and electrodeposition. This technology has great potential in magnetic data storage and could be used to fabricate other array devices with nanoscale dimensions.
Scientists have developed a unique way to study elephant seals using tiny sensing devices attached to their coats. These devices provide valuable information on sea temperatures and pressure, even at depths not normally reached by research ships or satellite sensing.
Researchers at Cornell University have successfully demonstrated hybrid nanodevices that can administer drugs and treatments using biomolecules and tiny nickel propellers. The devices are powered by ATP and can be assembled, maintained, and repaired using life's physiology.
A University of Toronto professor's comprehensive review of research on media violence reveals no link between watching violent shows and aggressive behavior. The majority of studies found little to no evidence of a correlation between media violence exposure and increased violence in viewers.
Researchers have discovered a new family of anti-viral compounds, guanidinoglycosides, that target the genetic structure of HIV essential to its replication. These compounds aim to prevent HIV from forming and spreading throughout the body by targeting the 'Rev' protein responsible for producing and spreading infected cells.
Clemson researchers, led by Michael Pursley, are developing a wireless communication system that can transmit voice and digital data, making it more reliable and portable than current systems. The new system has the potential to revolutionize military communications and could also be used in disaster relief and fleet-based services.
Researchers used satellite images, fossils, and radiocarbon dating to estimate the prehistoric productivity of the Colorado River Delta. The study found that shellfish production declined by 20-fold due to human diversion of the river's flow.
Researchers at UC Davis found that spirulina significantly increases cytokine production in cultured immune cells, promoting a cell-mediated immune response. This could provide potential benefits for protecting against intracellular pathogens and parasites.
The development of 'smart' flaps could significantly improve the efficiency of supersonic engines by minimizing flow separation. By recirculating air within the boundary layer, these flaps prevent turbulence and increase engine performance.
A new method for identifying specific proteins in blood or tissue samples uses protein microarrays to create a molecular 'portrait' of the sample. This technique has been shown to detect specific proteins in concentrations of less than one part per billion, with potential applications in clinical diagnosis and drug development.
A team of scientists from the University of Massachusetts suggests that some Nasca lines in Peru may mark underground water sources. The research project, detailed in Discover magazine, indicates that the lines depict natural forces and are aligned with groundwater associated with faults in the bedrock.
University of Florida researchers found above-average temperatures significantly reduce rice yields, potentially reducing global food supply by 20-40%. The study suggests that warmer temperatures could force rice yields to zero by 2100.
The Max Planck Society awarded twelve scientists with the Research Award for International Cooperation in 2000, recognizing outstanding scientific achievements. The prize goes to four foreign award winners and eight German researchers across five disciplines, facilitating collaboration and new discoveries.
Researchers found ancient soil in South Africa with organic carbon dating back 2.6-2.7 billion years, indicating microbial mats developed on land during rainy seasons. The findings suggest the development of terrestrial biomass more than 1.4 billion years earlier than previously reported.
The Fogarty International Center has awarded $9 million to U.S. universities to support international training and research in population-related sciences, focusing on reproductive processes, contraceptive development, and demographic studies. This funding will help address global population growth trends and health disparities in deve...
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories discovered that dancing tin crystals can convert chemical energy into forward motion, overcoming friction between tin and the copper surface. This phenomenon could lead to surprisingly efficient nanomotors that can be controlled externally and refueled.
The George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis has received a 5-year, $1.9 million grant to fund the Comorbidity and Addictions, Prevention, Intervention and Treatment Center (CAP-IT). The center will support groundbreaking research on addictions interventions for underserved populations and improve...
A UCSF study found that women who perceived themselves higher on the social ladder reported better physical health, lower stress levels, and less abdominal fat. The researchers suggest that this perception is linked to a lower cortisol response to stress, which can contribute to metabolic and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists discover a solution to protect healthy human liver cells from destruction by the promising cancer treatment TRAIL, opening up a new direction for clinical trials. The treatment triggers a sweeping death response in its target, destroying cancerous and pre-cancerous cells.
Researchers have uncovered a crucial interaction between an enzyme and osteoclasts, cells responsible for removing bone in the body. The connection may provide a novel target for future medications to block bone erosion associated with osteoporosis and cancers.
Dr. May L. Wykle receives the Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award for her pioneering research on minority caregivers and its impact on clinical practice and healthcare policy. Her work has mentored many doctoral students and influenced their research in gerontological nursing.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that dosing errors in clot-buster drugs may not be the primary cause of adverse outcomes. The study analyzed data from the ASSENT-2 trial and found that patients who received incorrect doses had similar mortality rates to those receiving the correct dose, suggesting confounding issues.
Researchers at Cornell University have found that releasing an early army of beneficial Trichogramma ostriniae wasps can halve European corn borer damage. The study suggests that growers only need to release around 30,000 wasps per acre and that subsequent releases may not be necessary.
A study by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that heart attack survivors experience blood vessel disease progression three to four times faster than those without heart disease. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and smoking history significantly accelerate this process.
Researchers found that African-American Medicare patients received implantable defibrillator devices at one-third the rate of whites and women at less than half the rate of men. The disparity is significant, with defibrillators proven to be superior to existing medical treatments for severe cardiac arrhythmias.
Researchers found that male mice genetically altered to lack estrogen receptors became obese, with up to 170% increase in fat storage. Estrogen was also linked to improved fat burning ability in both males and females, challenging previous understanding of its role in female physiology.
UCLA researchers found that nicotine causes selective degeneration in the fasciculus retroflexus pathway, a region linked to drug addiction and relapse. High doses of nicotine led to almost complete degeneration in this pathway, highlighting its vulnerability to stimulant drugs.
Researchers at the University of Idaho and INEEL are using a unique laser-based method to study airflow around turbine blades, which can lead to improved performance and reduced maintenance costs. The Matched Index of Refraction Flow System will enable detailed measurements of flow patterns and surface roughness.
Kriton Hatzios, a renowned plant scientist at Virginia Tech, has been awarded the prestigious AAAS Fellow Award. He is recognized for his outstanding contributions to understanding the mechanisms of herbicide action and selectivity in crops.
The University of Pittsburgh is conducting a study on transplant patients who have been off immunosuppressive drugs for up to 6.6 years, aiming to identify potential tests for transplant tolerance. The study may lead to breakthroughs in understanding and managing autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Researchers have determined the structure of a key protein from paramyxoviruses, which causes respiratory diseases in children and animals. The study reveals clues for effective new drugs and highlights the benefits of structural biology in guiding drug design against communicable diseases.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a fundamental decision-making unit in cells that integrates multiple signals to initiate cell movement. This protein, N-WASP, relies on cooperative action between two signal molecules to trigger actin polymerization and drive cell movement.
Lawrence J. Marnett's research focuses on identifying functional biochemical differences between COX-1 and COX-2, which play a crucial role in cancer development. The grant will support the development of more specific and effective drugs to prevent and treat cancer.
A 'smart' prosthetic lower limb is being developed with a digital control system, enabling amputees to maintain active lives. The leg will simulate human gait and adjust to terrain, reducing pressure sores and improving comfort.
Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder found that patients who received medication and a family-focused treatment program had fewer episodes of the disease, with longer delays before relapses. The study suggests that positive family interaction can help limit relapse rates.
The NY & CT Sea Grant programs are awarding $3.5 million in federal and state funds to researchers studying the causes of mortality and shell disease syndrome in Long Island Sound lobsters. The project aims to provide evidence for potential causes of the 1999-2000 lobster mortalities.
A Vanderbilt University research team has identified specific acoustic characteristics in the voices of individuals who have attempted or completed suicide. These findings suggest a potential new method for assessing suicidal intent and could be a valuable tool in preventing suicidal deaths.
The DFG and NSFC have established a Science Promotion Centre in Beijing to support joint research projects between Chinese and German scientists. The centre will fund the preparation and elaboration of projects, as well as finance 'Rainbow Conferences' aimed at fostering links between top researchers.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have shed light on the process of hereditary retinal degeneration, revealing that the death of rod cells ultimately leads to the demise of cone cells. This chain of events is an elegant demonstration of how the body compensates when one of its functions is compromised.
Researchers find that higher prices and perceived risks of harm lead to lower marijuana use among high school seniors, while declining risk leads to increased use. The study utilizes nationally representative data to explore the relationship between price, perceptions, and marijuana use trends.
A new airborne infrared search and track system, called Risk Mitigation Sensor (RMS), recently passed a key test detecting the launch of a Black Brant missile. The RMS technology has applications in various military aircraft and systems, potentially entering Fleet use within five years.
Researchers at UCSF and Compugen identified a new chemokine CXCL16 that recruits immune cells to sites of infection. The novel molecule binds to the CXCR6 receptor, which is exploited by HIV viruses for entry into human cells.