Articles tagged with Research Funding
Researchers from the University of Kentucky Medical Center have found no significant association between mercury levels in autopsied brains and dental amalgam status. The study, which compared over 200 brain samples, suggests that small amounts of mercury released from dental amalgams are not taken up by the brain.
Researchers identified superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) as a rare disorder characterized by vertigo triggered by loud noises, caused by a hole in the skull's temporal bone. The disorder affects balance and can be treated with surgery or simple lifestyle adjustments.
A crucial molecular dance has been identified as the primary driver of pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung inflammation. Researchers discovered that a protein called integrin activates TGF Beta, leading to excessive fibrous scarring in lungs.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a processing method that preserves soy's health benefits in breakfast cereals and snacks. The extrusion process helps retain isoflavones, which are linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
A new federal grant supports the creation of an electronic database of historical material, making it accessible to Illinois elementary school students. The project aims to enhance student learning through interactive experiences with primary source materials.
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children have successfully used biological engineering to prevent the closing of the ductus arteriosus, a key passage between the heart and lungs. This breakthrough approach could lead to a more effective and safe way to help infants with severe heart problems survive.
Researchers found that a combination of an insecure man with a dismissive woman increases the likelihood of domestic violence. The study suggests that attachment styles, particularly insecure and dismissive styles, can be a powder keg waiting to explode.
Researchers at UNC-CH discovered a pentapeptide that breaks apart collagen fibrils, allowing for improved restricted movement due to joint injuries. The discovery has the potential to lead to new treatments, including injecting peptides into patients to loosen up stiff joints.
Health researchers sought to understand the impact of vitamin A deficiency and HIV infection on infant growth and immune cell counts. Biostatistician Colin Wu used curve estimation to produce a broader picture of these phenomena, allowing for comparisons at various stages. This technique has proven helpful in tracking changes over time...
Researchers at Northwestern University have created a world's smallest and sharpest pen that can draw lines just a few dozen molecules wide, opening up new ways to explore the nano-world of electronics based on molecules. The 'dip-pen nanolithography' technique uses an atomic force microscope to transfer molecules with high precision o...
A commercially available additive can double the life of concrete bridge decks and lower costs by enhancing resistance to water, corrosion and deicing salt. The study found that bridge decks constructed with the additive had less tendency for water or salts to intrude into the concrete.
The Rice-Rutgers team developed a computer program that determines the optimal route for a salesman visiting 13,509 cities, exceeding previous limits of 2,892 cities. The program relies on sophisticated algorithms and parallel processing, with the code running to over a thousand pages if printed.
A new way of dating earthquakes has been developed by Vanderbilt University researcher Jay S. Noller, allowing for a more precise timeline of past quakes and a more accurate assessment of future quake probabilities. By studying bedrock formations, Noller was able to determine the timing, frequency, and likelihood of future quakes.
A record-breaking Arctic polar vortex in 1996-1997 led to significant ozone depletion, comparable to the Antarctic's early 1980s levels. The study revealed that chemical interactions between nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide chemistry played a crucial role in the depletion.
Researchers found a 7% decline in smoking rates among African American smokers who participated in the program, with even greater declines in women under 35. The study suggests that peer-delivered programs can be an effective way to reduce smoking rates in low-income communities.
NSF-supported astronomers discovered that the expansion of the universe is accelerating, driven by a yet unknown force. Circadian rhythms research also made significant progress, with discoveries on genes regulating molecular cycles in fruit flies and cyanobacteria.
High-dose cyclophosphamide treatment achieved complete remissions in five patients with autoimmune disorders, while partial remissions were maintained in two. Patients experienced improved kidney function and reduced medication doses.
Chemists have discovered a key to enhancing hydrodesulfurization, the most widely used process for removing sulfur compounds from crude oil. By observing individual molecules on surfaces, they found that nickel atoms can act as 'sticky ballbearings,' capturing thiophenes and helping them bind at optimal edge sites.
Using a mathematical approach similar to that used for measuring seismic activity, researchers have pinpointed characteristics of abnormal cardiac activity in pigs. The study's findings may lead to the development of better antiarrhythmic drugs and more intelligent pacemakers.
Three university hospitals will receive funding to advance understanding of Parkinson's disease and develop new treatments. Investigators will study the cause of the disease, diagnose and treat it, and provide training for young scientists.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found a link between nitric oxide and skeletal muscle function, shedding new light on Duchenne dystrophy. The study reveals that nitric oxide plays a key role in regulating blood flow to contracting muscles.
Researchers have found a decade-to-decade variability in the depth of summer thawing in certain permafrost regions. By 2050, the active layer over large parts of the Northern Hemisphere could grow thicker due to climate trends.
By increasing sound processing speed in adult rats, researchers gained insight into brain mechanisms linked to language impairments and dyslexia. The study demonstrates the brain's 'plasticity' and suggests that neurons can be altered to improve efficiency in processing sounds.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo's Toshiba Stroke Research Center have developed a prototype camera that can turn blurred X-ray images of brain stents into clear images, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and treatments. This technology enables viewing of even the tiniest blood vessels in the circulation system.
A study of 4,108 participants found no association between normal use of hair color products and risk for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The study suggests that hair dye use is an unlikely risk factor for the disease.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed adjustable satellite antennas using smart materials that can change shape to improve signal quality. The new design reduces the need for constant reorientation of satellites, increasing their efficiency and range.
Scientists found that genetically altered mice with altered neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels exhibited changes in alcohol consumption behavior. Mice lacking NPY drank more, while those with high NPY levels consumed less and were more sensitive to the sedative effects of alcohol.
The new detection system, developed by Dr. Gregg Henderson and his team, samples the air in building walls to analyze for termites' unique gases. Early detection could prevent significant damage, saving homeowners millions annually.
Researchers found a clear difference in brain activation between boys with ADD and those without, specifically in the striatal region involved in motor control. Ritalin improved impulse control in both groups but had different effects on brain activity in those with and without ADD.
A team of researchers has developed an electronic neural switch that mimics biological neural activity, paving the way for the creation of autonomous robots capable of thinking, learning, and seeking out new environments. The device uses nanoelectronic processors to transmit signals similar to those from nerve cells, enabling it to pro...
A team of scientists found that a single gene with two vital functions can lead to missing roles, highlighting the complexity of mammalian fetal development. GATA-2 expression was previously thought to only control blood cell formation but is now known to have additional roles in the genitourinary system.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered the three-dimensional structure of a protein that helps build new blood vessels, feeding cancerous tumors. This understanding may lead to more effective anti-cancer drugs with fewer side effects.
A recent study found that almost three in five smokers who undergo heart surgery continue to smoke after their procedure. Researchers examined 1,829 individuals who had bypass surgery or angioplasty and found that younger patients, African Americans, and those with a prior history of heart attack were more likely to be 'die-hard' smokers.
A NASA-led panel aims to create a road map for science communication, considering new technologies and their impact. The Research/Road Map group will focus on adding value to scientific research and communicating findings to the public.
Researchers at UCSF have found that DHEA can reverse the effects of Endothelin-1, a peptide elevated in most heart diseases, by dilating coronary arteries and increasing endothelial cell function. This study provides scientific credence to DHEA's potential benefits on cardiovascular health.
A recent study published in the journal Science has shed new light on the phenomenon of phantom limbs in amputees. Researchers found that the brain adapts by reorganizing nerve cells and increasing activity in pain-related areas, potentially leading to new strategies for preventing post-amputation pain and recovery of function.
Researchers found that the human eye is drawn to unexpected objects in the visual field, resulting in a brief diversion from the intended task. The studies suggest that environmental factors can capture attention without conscious awareness, leading to lost time and missed information.
Researchers from Virginia Tech are training Jamaican agricultural personnel to use GIS in integrated pest management, reducing pesticide use and environmental harm. The system helps analyze spatial patterns of variables relevant to solving pest management problems.
Researchers have discovered ancient reptile nests in Arizona's Petrified Forest, dating back 220 million years. The finds push the fossil record of reptile nesting behavior back by 110 million years.
The completed sequencing project provides crucial information on chlamydial infection, the most prevalent STD in the US. The sequenced genome has revealed surface proteins and unique biochemical pathways for developing antibiotics and vaccines against Chlamydia trachomatis.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a high-performance material to repair bridges, reducing costs and increasing durability. The material has been tested on several bridges, showing promise in extending lifespan by 30-40%.
A new research program at Cornell University is using computer simulations to understand how tiny cracks in materials can grow into major ones. The project, called Multiscale Modeling of Defects in Solids, involves creating models that show how defects at the atomic level can lead to changes at increasingly larger scales.
Researchers have developed brain implants that allow people with severe disabilities to control a computer cursor using their thoughts. The technology has shown promise in enabling individuals with paralysis or other conditions to interact with the world, with further research ongoing to improve its capabilities.
Researchers at UH and AOI create mid-infrared laser on new compliant universal substrate, improving cooling and power output. The technique expands epitaxy options, enabling production of high-performance semiconductor devices like lasers and solar cells.
A new study finds that local hospital bed supply, not patients' preferences or illnesses, determines whether terminally ill patients die in hospitals or at home. The research challenges current efforts to reform end-of-life care by highlighting the need for adjusted healthcare resources and practice styles.
Researchers at Boston University are developing new computational approaches to manage complex systems in manufacturing, global communication networks, and economic systems. The tools will enable accurate prediction and flexible decision-making, reducing costs associated with worst-case analysis.
The University of Colorado at Boulder's archaeological team, led by Professor Payson Sheets, is developing a five-year conservation plan for the ancient village of Ceren. The plan aims to preserve the site's structures, artifacts and agricultural features using ground-penetrating radar and climate-controlled environments.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed an invisible digital watermark to protect copyrights for images on the web. The technique, tailored for Web-based imaging, embeds the watermark in pixels, allowing for verification and detection of unauthorized copies.
A new study links cerebral palsy to elevated levels of cytokines and coagulation factors in full-term infants, suggesting potential causes and possible prevention methods.
A study of 379 children at an Ohio State University elementary school found that most kids perceived their community as having both negative and positive aspects. Despite exposure to violence, nearly half felt safe at home, with 39% describing their homes as peaceful. The research highlights the complexity of urban childhood experiences.
A computer simulation by Cornell University geologists shows that forest fires follow a fractal distribution, similar to other natural events. By analyzing data from forests and wildfires worldwide, including Yellowstone National Park, the researchers found that allowing smaller fires to burn can prevent larger ones.
Virginia Tech is conducting a national study on long-haul drivers' sleep quality and performance. The research aims to evaluate the effects of sleeper berth use on driver alertness and driving performance.
Researchers have found that the ATM protein, mutated in A-T, acts as a key regulator of cell division after DNA damage, leading to increased cancer risk. The study provides new insights into how cells form tumors and may lead to new treatments for A-T and other neurological disorders.
A recent trial found that patients with HIV-related sensory neuropathy experienced significantly lessened pain intensity and improved sensation after receiving injections of lab-created nerve growth factor. The study also identified which nerves are involved in the injury, paving the way for future research on regrowing damaged nerves.
A small radio-controlled aircraft equipped with a sensor developed at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) can monitor air for signs of biological weapons. The sensor uses fluorescent antibodies and optical fibers to detect biowar bacteria in water samples, allowing it to accumulate on probes over time.
Researchers have identified a cluster of three genes, kaiABC, that are integral components of the feedback loop driving circadian rhythms in cyanobacteria. The levels of KaiC gene expression increase during daytime and decrease at night, but an overabundance can shift the timing of the clock.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Oncology Center identify connection between APC and c-MYC genes, which conspire to initiate almost all colon cancers. The study suggests potential new drug strategies to prevent colon cancer by blocking the signal that activates c-MYC.
Historians at Nijmegen University studied the supply and storage of goods during the war, revealing that Hannibal lost because he could not supply his armies properly. This logistical issue hindered his ability to exert constant pressure on Roman forces.
Researchers at Cornell University have made significant progress in making gallium nitride transistors with output power of up to 2.2 watts per millimeter, promising to deliver hundreds of times more power at microwave frequencies.
A three-hour program reduced sexual assault rates by 20% compared to a control group. Women in the program were also less likely to be revictimized at six months follow-up. The program's effectiveness suggests it may help prevent sexual assault.