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 developed a self-organizing system that models key cellular processes involved in embryogenesis, shedding light on the self-organization of ectodermal cells during neurulation. The study could inform ways to prevent or counteract central nervous system birth defects by optimizing human ectodermal development.
A multi-institutional phase 3 clinical trial found that a cancer stem cell test can accurately decide more effective treatments and lead to increased survival for patients with recurrent glioblastoma. ChemoID, a CLIA-accredited diagnostic test, was used to select chemotherapy treatments, resulting in significantly lower risk of death a...
The University of Texas at El Paso has received multiple grants from NASA to support its space research efforts. Researchers will examine planetary bedrock and prepare astronauts for the Artemis lunar mission. The grants aim to provide valuable insights into constructing infrastructure on other planets and identify lunar resources.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University will investigate the links between multimodal transportation, climate adaptation and resilience. The center aims to promote transit access, sustainable communities and resilient development.
Dr. Vesna Najdanovic from Aston University won a $25,000 grant to develop greener analytical methods using ethyl lactate as a solvent for liquid chromatography. This environmentally friendly alternative reduces carbon footprint and pollution in the pharmaceutical industry.
The JSA Initiatives Fund Program supports scientific meeting support, education and career development, and outreach activities that enhance the lab's mission. Over 1,850 scientists from around the world use the lab's unique particle accelerator to conduct experiments expanding our understanding of the universe.
The project aims to collect core samples and temperature data down to 15,000 feet to test the potential of geothermal energy in the region. Data will also be gathered on underground carbon storage in the Appalachian basin, a scientific first in the state.
A team of researchers from University of Missouri and University of Nebraska-Omaha are working on a three-year, $1.6 million grant to make open-source software tools more accessible and understandable to a wider range of people and tech companies. The project aims to identify what OSS projects are good to invest in for commercialization.
The University of Central Florida has developed the Virtual Experience Research Accelerator (VERA), a large-scale system for extended reality human subjects research. This project aims to facilitate human subjects research and improve extended reality technologies, making them more inclusive for underrepresented groups.
Lutz Grossman aims to create a protein-rich food source using hydrogenotrophic bacteria, which require no agricultural inputs. His goal is to produce a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources, addressing global food security concerns.
The American Roentgen Ray Society presents its 2023 Honorary Lecture on Advanced High-Resolution CT, dedicated to the late Dr. W. Richard Webb, who transformed thoracic imaging with his foundational work in HRCT. The lecture explores multiple conditions diagnosed via HRCT and the radiologist's role on multidisciplinary teams.
The WVU SMARTER center aims to improve mobility in rural areas through self-driving cars, ride-sharing services, and bike sharing. The center will develop infrastructure and technology barriers to ensure accessibility for all people.
A UMass Amherst food scientist is developing designer tempeh using smart fermentation, transforming soybean meal into a high-quality, protein-rich plant-based alternative. The goal is to create a scientifically-targeted approach to produce nutritious and delicious tempeh, replacing animal meat.
An international team, led by Eric Sandvol from the University of Missouri, aims to better understand the makeup of the earthquake zone and surrounding areas. The team plans to deploy 250 seismometers around the East Anatolian fault to study energy waves produced by earthquakes.
Purdue University has received two grants of $1 million each from the US Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop more resilient food systems. The grants will support research, education, and extension efforts aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural systems in Eastern U.S. forests and Midwes...
A new study found that teachers who struggle to cope with stress report far lower job satisfaction compared to those who manage their pressure effectively. The research highlights the importance of identifying and adopting healthy coping mechanisms to prevent teacher burnout, which contributes to many teachers leaving the profession.
A new open-source database of Indian Ocean and Asia slaving voyages will be created by Jane Hooper and colleagues. The database, part of the SlaveVoyages website, aims to emphasize the global nature of the transoceanic slave trade.
The University of Texas at El Paso will study the role of obesity and inflammation in pancreatic cancer development, a disease with high mortality rates. The grant aims to develop targeted treatments and preventives, potentially transforming understanding of pancreatic cancer.
A study by the University of Houston found that Black restaurateurs were 76% less likely to succeed in using crowdfunding sources before the Black Lives Matter movement rose to prominence. However, after the movement's endorsement on Kickstarter, funding success for Black-owned restaurants increased nearly four times.
New research suggests a way to ward off age-related weight gain by stimulating beige fat cells. Beige fat has thermogenic properties that can reduce blood sugar and fatty acids causing heart disease. The study identifies a specific signaling pathway responsible for suppressing beige fat formation in older mice.
Researchers found that weekly and Saturday slaughter capacity utilization interact with live cattle-to-box beef spread, but not in a way that packers control prices. The study suggests Saturday slaughter may be a strategy to increase processing when prices are rising.
A study found that researchers tend to collaborate with individuals of the same gender, driven by demographic factors, social norms, and gender representation. This phenomenon is also influenced by personal preferences in academic collaborations.
The West Virginia University researchers will develop and advance a pioneering method to extract and separate rare earth elements from acid mine drainage and coal waste with the new funding. The project aims to create employment in regions of West Virginia impacted by the US transition away from fossil fuels.
Researchers at the University of Bath are developing a new power system for zero-emissions electric aircraft using liquid hydrogen fuel. The project aims to create a reliable and efficient superconducting DC distribution network, reducing environmental impact and noise in air travel.
Researchers are developing an alley cropping system to mitigate crop stress and promote soil fertility in organic vegetable production. The system involves planting trees between rows of vegetables, reducing heat extremes and improving biodiversity.
Researchers at West Virginia University are exploring iodine-based thrusters as an alternative to traditional fuel sources, aiming to reduce dependence on rare noble gases. They plan to develop diagnostic technology to measure the performance of these thrusters, paving the way for widespread use in space exploration.
Ecologist Jonathan Chase will receive funding to develop new tools and analyses for understanding biodiversity change, closing knowledge gaps in quantifying changes and attributing causes. He aims to improve forecasting of future biodiversity change using large datasets and statistical methods.
Researchers will use satellite data, airborne sensors, and supercomputers to evaluate the impact of tillage practices on corn and soybean yields, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil organic carbon in the Midwest region. The study aims to provide a holistic view of the effects of tillage across a large region.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have discovered that beneficial microbes in infant gut use nitrogen from human milk to support pediatric nutrition and development. The study provides new insights into the molecular underpinnings of these processes, which could lead to improved infant health around the world.
The University of Texas at El Paso has joined a $2.5 million NASA-led project to develop 3D-printed rechargeable batteries using lunar and Martian regolith. Researchers will utilize additive manufacturing processes, such as material extrusion and vat photopolymerization, to produce shape-conformable batteries for space applications.
Researchers have developed a new simulation method to study polarons in 2D materials, which could lead to breakthroughs in OLED TVs and hydrogen fuel production. The study uses quantum mechanical theory and computation to determine the fundamental properties of polarons in 2D materials.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are acquiring a new transmission electron microscope (TEM) with a $800,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The TEM will allow them to conduct experiments in real-time and gain a greater understanding of material structure at an atomic level.
A 16-year analysis of Brazilian research funding reveals stagnant funding for neglected tropical diseases, including chikungunya, Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, and malaria. Systematic underfunding is observed even among these diseases, which are considered neglected tropical diseases.
The TOAST project, led by Aarhus University, aims to develop the Tactile Internet technology and upscale the talent pool for this emerging field. Researchers will focus on edge intelligence, haptic communication, and machine learning to create immersive user experiences.
The UTSA ScooterLab will collect data on riders' mobility, context and environment to improve sustainable transportation solutions. The project aims to transform the way we think about micro-mobility.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that the US government allocates very little federal funding for research on incarceration from a public health standpoint. The lack of funding is attributed to structural racism, business interests, and a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals.
A study by the University of Missouri found that older adults who completed an eight-week resistance training program maintained long-term exercise habits and increased their physical energy despite COVID-19 restrictions. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program improved participants' sleep, balance, flexibility, and self-confidence in da...
A new German Research Foundation-funded project investigates the possibility that a Roman land ditch was created in the Hessian Ried in the 1st century AD. The research aims to find the canal's original course and study its relationship with nearby Roman settlement sites.
Researchers will use data from New IDEAS study to enroll a representative population of patients with memory impairment and their family members. The goal is to better understand the psychological impact of receiving biomarker-informed diagnoses and inform best practices in diagnostic evaluation.
The University of Missouri will receive a $10 million grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to double cover crop seed production in the US by 2030. The project aims to educate farmers about new varieties of cover crops, examine their performance with root growth, and distribute them nationwide.
SpiNNcloud Systems receives EU funding to expand its energy-efficient computing technology, developed from the human brain-inspired SpiNNaker2 supercomputer. The project aims to reduce AI's carbon footprint by creating the most energy-efficient hardware for large-scale applications.
Researchers at SMU and NTU will assess the impact of speeches by prominent politicians and business leaders on group cohesion, using video recordings of National Day speeches. The study aims to identify changes in speaking techniques over time and their effect on audience response, with a focus on Singapore's multiracial population.
A University of Queensland-led research team is using an unusual caesium atom to search for dark matter particles. The team's work may also improve atomic theory calculations and technology, such as navigation systems.
Erik Herron's project aims to create a more perfect union by fostering open discussions about election integrity and values. Through public events and online resources, Herron encourages community groups to prioritize security, efficiency, and access in their elections.
Researchers have developed a new lithium-air battery that uses a solid electrolyte, boosting energy density four times above lithium-ion batteries. The battery can potentially power cars for over a thousand miles on a single charge and is also suitable for domestic airplanes and long-haul trucks.
The CEE team is leading a new project to develop better systems for evaluating the structural health of rail lines and modernizing pavement design and evaluation procedures. Researchers will focus on developing a rail structural capacity rating and Joint Evaluation and Design Integrated (JEDI) Solution software tools.
Researchers found extensive interaction between US officials and the alcohol industry, including sharing scientific research and policy implications. The study suggests a significant influence of industry on public health science, threatening the integrity of NIAAA's funding.
The Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation offers journalist travel grants to cover the 10th HLF from September 24-29, 2023. Recipients of prestigious awards in mathematics and computer science will gather with young researchers for a week of interdisciplinary dialogue.
Carolina researchers have engineered silicon nanowires that can convert sunlight into electricity, splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen gas. This innovative design enables the production of a greener alternative to fossil fuels, making it more competitive with traditional energy sources.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst epidemiologist is leading a team to better understand the effects of chronic stress on future health risks. They will examine metabolites in blood samples from a large, racially diverse population to identify potential biomarkers for heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline.
A Flinders University-led research team will explore Aboriginal cultural heritage sites in Limmen National Park using $800,000 ARC Linkage Funding. The project combines archaeological and anthropological data to understand Marra cultural history and inform the management of sensitive cultural heritage sites.
Researchers from Nanjing University have proposed the first scheme to practically generate N-photon states deterministically using a lithium-niobate-on-insulator platform. The scheme involves deterministic parametric down-conversion and demonstrates feasibility for generating multiphoton qubit states.
Chemist Alexej Jerschow receives the first Carl Zeiss Humboldt Research Award for his exceptionally broad research approach in nuclear magnetic resonance. He will collaborate with the team of Dmitry Budker at Mainz University and access to EUR 50,000 for activities during his stay in Germany.
A new study found that primary care visits addressing mental health concerns rose by almost 50% over a decade, with Black and Hispanic patients facing barriers to access. Primary care physicians welcome the opportunity to address mental health concerns but need better support systems.
The UCF team aims to improve English learners' academic success and family and community involvement through a three-pronged approach. They will provide educators with research-backed tools, increase parent engagement through Bilingual Village programs, and train alumni to maintain the program beyond the grant lifespan.
Researchers from Purdue University have received funding from the Trask Innovation Fund to develop and test their innovations. The awards will support projects in various fields, including plant phenotyping, genome editing, and radiative cooling paints, aiming to enhance commercial value and industry applications.
Philip J.W. Moll's ERC Consolidator Grant aims to engineer electronic interactions within a single material, exploring new paradigms for interfaces between two regions of different electronic behaviors, such as superconductivity and magnetism.
The University of Alberta and Amii are recruiting 20 new Canada CIFAR AI Chairs to focus on groundbreaking AI research in health, energy, and Indigenous initiatives. This initiative aims to accelerate opportunities for responsible commercialization of AI, driving future economic growth.
Physicist Yana Vaynzof at TU Dresden has been awarded an ERC Consolidator Grant to investigate metal halide perovskites and develop novel methods for vapor deposition. Psychologist Philipp Kanske also received an ERC Consolidator Grant to study the neural basis of empathy and perspective-taking in social interactions.
André Martins, a Portuguese researcher, has won a European Research Council Consolidator grant to study artificial neural networks applied to natural language processing. He aims to find solutions to fundamental problems in NLP using an innovative interdisciplinary methodology.