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.
Psychologist Darya Zabelina is researching how attention and executive functions relate to creative thinking. She aims to develop training protocols to improve creativity in military personnel, who face unpredictable situations.
Researchers used wearable data to predict functional capacity and frailty in cardiovascular disease patients. The study found that wearable activity data was a reliable indicator of these factors, allowing for earlier intervention and improved patient outcomes.
A 12-centimetre-thick sample from a Greenland cave provides unique insights into the High Arctic's climate 500,000 years ago. The speleothem record shows that the region was anomalously warm and wet, contradicting current conditions of permafrost.
A study of Classic Maya communities in southern Belize reveals that they had higher wealth inequalities than neighboring regions with more collective governance, based on assessments of house size. The researchers analyzed data funded by various organizations and found no competing interests among the authors.
Cereal plant remains from Prigglitz-Gasteil show signs of processing off-site, suggesting specialized communities relied on external food sources. This discovery adds to the discussion on Bronze Age mining sites' dietary patterns and highlights the importance of processed foods in sustaining these communities.
Researchers have developed a bioinspired nanopaper that can change its stiffness and strength with an electrical switch, mimicking the defense mechanism of sea cucumbers. The material, made from cellulose nanofibrils, becomes soft and flexible when electricity is applied, and regains its original properties when the current stops.
A University of Birmingham-led study has identified a method to accurately diagnose concussion using saliva, providing a new laboratory-based non-invasive salivary biological concussion test. The test uses biomarkers that can indicate if a player has been concussed and provide insights into the body's response to injury.
Researchers developed lung-on-chip platforms that recapitulate the human lung's multicellular architecture and physiochemical microenvironment. These models provide a more rapid alternative for testing drug candidates to treat COVID-19-related lung infections.
A team led by Michigan State University's Pang-Ning Tan is working to make artificial intelligence algorithms more fair and aware of their potential biases. They're developing a definition of fairness that considers perspectives from groups of people, rather than just individual outcomes.
A research team has discovered a new type of superconductor by inducing an extended buckled-honeycomb-vacancy (BHV) ordering in Ir16Sb18. The superconductivity emerges when the BHV ordering is suppressed through extra atom squeezing or Rh substitution, competing with the ordered vacancy as a potential superconducting parent phase.
Sabrina L. Spencer, a CU Boulder researcher, has won two awards to further her research on drug-resistant cancer cells. The grants will help her investigate how these cells acquire DNA damage and activate stress response pathways to evade drugs. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new treatments for cancer.
Researchers have discovered Stegosaurus teeth from Eastern Siberia that exhibit a high wear and replacement rate, suggesting the dinosaur may have adapted to life in high-latitude environments. The findings could provide insights into the biology and ecology of these fascinating creatures.
Kessler Foundation researchers identified practical and technical barriers to the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) in clinical neurorehabilitation. They propose a collaborative approach to enable rehabilitation professionals to routinely use sEMG, including hands-on experience, user-friendly technology interfaces, and open-access...
Individuals with ADHD earn 17% less than controls, finds study analyzing 1.2 million Swedish high school graduates. Higher rates of comorbid developmental disorders and intellectual disability exacerbate the occupational burden.
Donald Sparks has won the 2021 Philippe Duchaufour Medal for his pioneering work on soil chemistry and carbon dynamics. He is recognized as a global leader in environmental soil chemistry, having carried out visionary science throughout his career.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that immersive VR videos of art and natural scenes elicit similar levels of 'the sublime', but with distinct sub-dimensions. Nature-based videos evoked a greater sense of vastness, existential danger, fear, and positive affect compared to art-based videos.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing passive quantum error correction, which could enable the creation of fault-tolerant quantum computers. The technology has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including artificial intelligence, materials science, and biochemical engineering.
Researchers found that counter-point bars can form in meandering rivers due to short, high curvature bends. These bends often occur when the river's course is abruptly changed, such as through the formation of an oxbow lake or reconnecting with a downstream portion.
Researchers analyzed Tennessee birth records from 2015 to 2020, finding a significant association between COVID-19 statewide stay-at-home orders and increased preterm birth rates. The study suggests that the economic disruption caused by the pandemic may have contributed to the rise in preterm births.
Researchers aim to enhance youths' experiences with maker programs, focusing on failure support and adaptive professional development for informal educators.
Research from University of Florida finds community banks play a vital role in helping small businesses access Paycheck Protection Program funding, providing faster response times and more loans per dollar of deposits. Community bank focus on personal ties with customers enables quicker decision-making and higher loan volumes.
A new class of nanomaterials made from perovskite have improved the efficiency of quantum dots, allowing for brighter displays and more efficient electronics. By analyzing the interactions between bright and dark states, researchers were able to verify energy alignment and make discoveries regarding electron behavior.
Lee and collaborators investigate how local governments support diverse 311 uses during the pandemic. They analyze datasets using AI and statistical methods to understand changes in user patterns across six DMV jurisdictions.
George Mason University researchers Cing-Dao Kan and Dhafer Marzougui received funding to conduct modeling and simulation analyses, as well as vehicle crash impact tests for highway safety research. The project will support roadside safety research and outdoor laboratory operations until late February 2024.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that healthcare professionals are equally skilled as university students in identifying false coronavirus-related news stories. The researchers analyzed online news articles and found that both groups performed similarly well in this task.
A study of 23 countries finds that trust in these entities predicts willingness to engage in COVID-19 control behaviors. Moral principles of fairness and care also play a crucial role in shaping individual reactions.
A team at Osaka City University has found that the subiculum sorts and routes spatial information from the hippocampus to specific regions of the brain, enabling smooth navigation. This discovery could shed light on disorders such as dementia and improve our understanding of brain function.
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory has detected a high-energy particle, confirming the 60-year-old Glashow resonance theory. The particle produced a W-boson through an interaction with an electron antineutrino, providing further confirmation of the Standard Model of particle physics.
Researchers are developing new treatments for childhood and adult brain cancers, including a potential cure for incurable ependymoma. Advanced imaging strategies and targeted therapies aim to improve treatment outcomes and survival rates for patients with glioblastoma and other aggressive brain tumors.
Researchers assessed stigma levels among people with varying degrees of hair loss, revealing a significant impact on mental health and self-perception. The study found that those with noticeable hair loss reported feelings of shame and low self-confidence, highlighting the need for increased awareness and support.
A large-scale chikungunya outbreak in Thailand from 2018-2019 was likely caused by the introduction of a CHIKV strain from South Asia. The study, published in PLOS ONE, highlighted the importance of global health surveillance and preparedness against vector-borne diseases.
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory detected a Glashow resonance event, confirming a 60-year-old theory. The event was caused by an electron antineutrino colliding with a particle in Antarctic ice.
Researchers and peers from around the world, including mothers of color, address workplace inequalities through a proposed five-sphere-of-influence policy roadmap. The manifesto calls for a culture shift to support pregnant and parenting academics, including flexible research involvement, mentorship, and policy change.
A $400,000 NSF grant will support a five-year project investigating the role of formal and informal social relationships among officers in shaping police behaviors. The findings aim to reduce police misconduct by informing policy initiatives and educational training programs.
A recent study found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a significantly increased risk of contracting COVID-19. The research, conducted by the University of Birmingham, revealed a 51% increased risk of infection in PCOS patients compared to their non-PCOS counterparts.
A new research project, funded by £1 million from the Medical Research Council, is investigating whether selective P2X7 receptor blocker drugs can treat patients with secondary brain damage. The study's goal is to reduce the impact of traumatic brain injury on patients and improve their clinical outcomes.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation found that cognitive fatigue changes functional connectivity within the brain's 'fatigue network', which comprises key brain regions. This novel finding may accelerate advances toward effective interventions for disabling fatigue caused by various conditions.
Artist Michael McDermott creates an art exhibit using images, text, and audio from old cellular phones to raise awareness about digital data privacy. The project aims to educate viewers on the importance of safeguarding deleted information and best practices for disposing of old devices.
Rural broadband cooperatives face high operation and maintenance costs, low population density, and prohibitively high service fees. Policymakers should consider eliminating property taxes on broadband infrastructure and payments to rent space on poles to make high-speed internet more affordable.
Magnetic whirls, known as skyrmions, exhibit particle-like properties when confined to geometric structures. The researchers discovered that the stability of skyrmions varies greatly depending on their arrangement within these structures, with certain patterns resulting in high stability and mobility.
Researchers analyzed 18,463 Finnish samples to track genetic ancestry from 1923 to 1987. The study found significant changes associated with WWII and urbanization, capturing a detailed history of Finland's population in space and time.
Killer whales in the Pacific Northwest are threatened by the decline of Chinook salmon, their primary food source. The study highlights the interconnectedness of these marine species and the need for conservation efforts to protect both predators and prey.
Researchers found that small companies receiving their first grant experienced strong revenue growth of an average of 1,000% over two years. This approach may generate better returns for economic development than awarding larger grants to established firms.
Top managers in Fantasy Premier League showcase consistent skillful play, outperforming others with strategic decisions. The study's findings highlight the importance of skill over luck in fantasy football success.
A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology has developed a lightweight, compact, Bluetooth-low-energy-based wireless neuronal recording system for use in mice. The system weighs less than 3.9g and offers high signal quality, good versatility, and low cost compared to wired recording.
A team of researchers characterized the tools used by bearded capuchin monkeys in Brazil's Serra da Capivara National Park. The study found that different activities created unique use-wear marks on the tools, allowing for identification of their purpose and usage.
A new study published in Psychopharmacology found that frustration is a significant contributor to addiction. Researchers at UTMB used a rat model to demonstrate how frustration can lead to increased drug intake and escalation of opioid use disorder.
AusStage, a digital humanities platform preserving Australian live performance history, has been awarded a UNESCO Memory of the World accolade. The recognition highlights the importance of preserving artistic activity and its impact on understanding Australia's cultural heritage.
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher is studying the mechanics of blast-like events and their impact on brain cells. He aims to track bubble formation and its effects on brain tissue, with a goal of preventing traumatic brain injuries. The study will also explore the role of glial cells as shields against trauma.
The new journal, Current Cosmetic Science, publishes original research on skin, cosmetic, and cosmeceutical products. The journal explores various aspects of cosmetics science, including natural product isolation and their beneficial effects.
Research suggests atheists prioritize protecting vulnerable individuals over promoting group cohesion, while theists emphasize group loyalty and authority respect. Atheists align with theists on moral concerns like fairness and epistemically rational beliefs.
Research reveals pirate attacks occur more frequently in areas with high-bycatch fishing and habitat destruction. The correlation persists even when accounting for neighboring coastal conditions.
The international research network SuperGate is developing a bridging technology that combines superconductor technology with semiconductor technology. The goal is to design high-performance superconducting circuits that can be operated as if they were based on semiconductor technologies.
Captive chimpanzees display cohesive behaviors such as physical closeness and play when exposed to recorded calls of unknown chimp species. This response indicates an innate ability to form alliances, suggesting a complex social structure in captive chimps.
Researchers developed a rapid detection method for SARS-CoV-2 using LAMP-based COVID tests that provide results in under an hour. These tests are designed to be used by non-experts in public spaces and workspaces, offering a convenient solution for early detection and response.
A UC San Diego engineer is developing a research platform to study new materials that melt at temperatures higher than 4000 degrees Celsius. The team aims to increase the melting point of materials by mixing large numbers of different atoms together, reducing the driving force for the solid to melt.
A rapid systematic review found that rehabilitation programmes can give hope and confidence to patients, while tailored approaches can help individuals recover from severe respiratory illness. Early mobilization and progressive exercise were key components in improving recovery outcomes.
Research finds widespread increases in ice speed across the Getz sector, with some ice accelerating into the ocean by nearly 50%. Thirteen glaciers are thinning and flowing more quickly into the ocean, contributing to a total loss of 315 gigatonnes of ice between 1994 and 2018.
Researchers have detected a high-energy neutrino in the wake of a star's destruction by a black hole, providing new insights into the origins of Ultrahigh Energy Cosmic Rays. This breakthrough sheds light on decades-old problem and offers support for the conclusion that Tidal Disruption Events could be responsible for producing UHECRs.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have determined a minimum time for transporting cesium atoms using quantum mechanics. The study reveals that complex operations are limited by both energy uncertainty and the number of intermediate states, with implications for quantum computing.