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.
A new study led by Allison Redlich will investigate the factors influencing exoneree compensation, including false confessions. The research aims to improve state and federal policies to address wrongful convictions.
Researchers found that a harmony-with-nature worldview improves psychological health, even during the pandemic. In contrast, a mastery-over-nature worldview is associated with poor coping in the US but not in Japan.
A new study by Penn State researchers demonstrates that facilitating researcher-policymaker interactions can influence legislators' thinking about policy issues and drafting legislation. Participating legislative offices sponsored more bills containing research language, and members showed a modest increase in believing research eviden...
Researchers report the first-ever observation of this unique reproductive strategy in Paranapiacaba Treefrogs. The study found that 3cm-long tadpoles hatch in water pools within bromeliad plant tanks and then transfer to a nearby stream to complete their development.
Scientists have developed a wearable microfluidic sensor to measure lactate concentration in sweat, offering real-time insights into muscle condition during exercise. The device is designed for comfort and practicality, using a non-irritating material and a microfluidic system for sweat collection.
Haotian Wang, a chemical and biomolecular engineer at Rice University, has been selected as a 2021 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow for his outstanding contributions to the field of electrochemistry. He will receive a two-year grant of $75,000 to advance his research on electrocatalysis and sustainable chemicals production.
A simulated online supermarket study found that suggesting healthy food swaps could lower the calories customers buy. The research also explored how social norms and messaging impact the adoption of these swaps.
Burke-Spolaor plans to use the fellowship funding to launch exploratory projects on gravitational waves and fast radio bursts. She aims to expand her work internationally through partnerships with the International Pulsar Timing Array.
Professor Stephen M. Robertson at George Mason University is receiving $45,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities to study the 1935 racial violence in Harlem. He will map the events and analyze how the press and legal system dealt with them.
Karen DeLong, UTIA Associate Professor, received the SAEA Emerging Scholar Award for her research and publication activity. Her work focuses on livestock economics, agricultural policy, and international trade, with over $4.7 million in grant funding.
Researchers created virtual reality 'doppelganger' avatars to train participants in public speaking, accelerating interpersonal skills learning. The study used AI-powered role models to enhance learning outcomes and improve communication skills.
A new study by NYU Langone Health found that New York City's subway system has the highest airborne particle concentration, with some stations reaching up to 77 times the typical outdoor air quality. The study measured air quality in 71 stations across four cities and found that even cleaner neighborhoods struggle with pollutants.
A study by University of South Florida researcher Yasin Elshorbany found that dramatic decreases in traffic caused by COVID-19 shutdowns improved air quality in some states, such as New York and Florida. However, additional forms of pollution in other parts of the country were not offset by these reductions.
A study in rural Kenya and Uganda found that offering universal access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduced HIV incidence, particularly among women. The study suggests that providing broad access to PrEP alongside HIV testing and treatment could reduce new HIV infections in generalized epidemic settings.
The University of Texas at El Paso received a $1 million National Nuclear Security Administration grant to train underrepresented students in the energy industry. Through this program, UTEP students will gain skills and training to compete for jobs in nuclear energy, with opportunities for internships and research projects.
A recent study examined SARS-CoV-2 infection rates among migrant workers in Singapore. The findings suggest that the virus is widespread among this population, highlighting concerns about workforce health and safety.
Research by Cary Wu found that US counties with more social capital had significantly fewer COVID-19 infections and deaths. The study suggests a link between community cohesion and better public health outcomes during the pandemic.
Synthesized very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLC-PUFAs) have been shown to increase lipid levels in the retina and improve visual function in both normal and defective ELOVL4 mice. The study opens up a new area of research, raising questions about oral administration, blood transport, and selective targeting to the retina.
The University of Texas at San Antonio received a $10 million technology grant from Dell Technologies to support advanced research infrastructure and attract top talent. The partnership will enable UTSA to invest in hybrid cloud solutions, high-performance computing systems, and storage for big data workloads.
A new study found that very severely frail individuals with COVID-19 are three times more likely to die than those who were not frail. The research also showed that survivors with severe frailty were seven times more likely to need increased care at home or in care homes.
The grant aims to optimize security and energy efficiency for small IoT devices, leveraging cryptography, machine learning, and zero-trust principles.
Participants in an international survey study reported greater willingness to share COVID-19 messages from a prominent expert versus a celebrity. The researchers found that endorsement by the celebrities was less likely to prompt willingness to share than endorsement by a government official, or no endorsement at all.
Scientists have identified neurons responsible for rapidly stopping behaviors and actions in patients with Parkinson's disease. These 'stop signal neurons' are critical in canceling planned movements, a skill that is lost in the condition. The discovery has the potential to improve deep brain stimulation treatment outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a rare 'mud carapace' treatment on an Egyptian mummy, revealing the mummy and its coffin did not originally belong together. The analysis suggests the body is older than the coffin, with the mud carapace providing restorative and potentially elite funerary practices.
Hiring professionals often feel compelled to discriminate against specific groups to ensure a 'good fit' with colleagues, according to research. Around 28% of clients make overt requests to avoid hiring from diverse backgrounds, revealing deep-seated biases in the hiring process.
A three-year study will examine how being a firefighter affects women's stress levels and their risk of cancer and reproductive toxicity. The study aims to identify potential differences between incumbent and new recruits to help make jobs safer.
A new root-knot nematode species has been discovered on grapevines in Yunnan province, China. The Meloidogyne vitis sp. nov. species is believed to seriously damage grape production, highlighting the need for further research and monitoring.
A study by Christine Costello and colleagues found that urban agriculture in Chicago made little difference in reducing land area needed to supply nutritional needs. However, adding certain vitamins as supplements could make locally raised food sufficient for residents within a smaller radius.
Researchers are developing fast, energy-efficient optical hardware alternatives to meet AI's data processing challenges. The PHOENICS project aims to create photonic neuromorphic processors that inspire from the human brain, providing unparalleled computing power and energy efficiency.
Research at Carnegie Mellon University reveals that certain bacteria can change their shape in response to antibiotic exposure, enabling them to overcome stress and resume fast growth. The study demonstrates how cell shape affects bacterial reproduction and survival, providing insight into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that high-dose gait training with robotic exoskeletons during acute inpatient rehabilitation can improve motor function and functional independence in stroke patients. The study demonstrated the potential of overground walking in an exoskeleton to increase therapy dose without extending rehabilitation duration.
A new psychological model developed by researchers predicts which factors contribute to panic buying during times of crisis. The model, based on animal-foraging theory, suggests that households with higher income, children, and greater psychological distress are more likely to engage in over-purchasing behaviors.
A new intervention program aimed at preventing sexual abuse has received a $1.5 million CDC grant to assess its effectiveness. The program, developed by UMass Lowell criminology researcher Ryan Shields, aims to prevent child sexual abuse and provide support for victims.
Researchers aim to create an 'intelligent' pipeline that can detect defects through acoustic and vibrational signatures, enabling targeted in-situ repairs with reduced downtime and costs. The project also plans to develop economic models and regulatory modifications for commercialization.
Oregon State University has received a nearly $700,000 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to provide software tools for investors interested in starting aquaculture businesses in Oregon. The new funding will help advance the rate of aquaculture investment in the state and serve as a model for other states.
Researchers have developed a method to detect flank instability in volcanoes using satellite images, revealing surface deformation related to flank motion at Pacaya volcano. The technique provides finer detail of volcanic flank motion and can reveal upticks in the rate that creep is occurring.
A Brazilian study found that children born to obese mothers are more prone to developing metabolic disease due to a lack of the Mfn2 protein in their mother's eggs. This protein regulates mitochondrial function and energy production, leading to abnormal mitochondria shape and dysfunction.
Researchers found that certain head-on galaxy collisions can clear matter from the galactic nucleus, reducing the activity of central black holes. This discovery could help us understand the evolution of our Milky Way and its interactions with smaller galaxies.
Researchers at UToledo have received funding to advance a new chemotherapy treatment for triple negative breast cancer, which shows promise in overcoming multidrug resistance. The treatment targets a unique cell death pathway, potentially offering new hope for patients with poor prognosis.
Researchers at UT Austin will develop methods to validate the cost and scalability of autonomous cargo operations, leveraging machine learning and computational engineering. The team aims to address public concerns about noise pollution, safety, and emissions through mathematical models and terrain-based surface design.
A case of accidental hand sanitizer contact with the eyes resulted in severe ocular injury in one child. The authors describe two cases of such accidents and highlight the importance of proper hand hygiene practices to prevent such incidents.
The TU Dresden satellite SOMP2b is used to study new nanomaterials under extreme space conditions and test systems converting solar heat into electricity. It measures the residual atmosphere around the satellite in a polar, sun-synchronous orbit.
The FAROS project aims to develop surgical robots with non-visual sensing capabilities, including tactile and auditory sensors, to master complex tasks autonomously. This new concept enables surgeon-like autonomous behavior with physical and cognitive intelligence.
Researchers review graphene quantum dots (GQDs) synthesis methods and their application in biosensors. GQDs are valued for excellent photoelectric properties, good biocompatibility, and low cytotoxicity, making them suitable for novel luminescent nanomaterials.
Freesound has obtained a $100 million Grant for the Web grant to launch the Freesound Licensing project, enabling creators to earn revenue by re-licensing their content. The platform will promote an exchange space for reuse and help content creators monetize their sounds beyond original Creative Commons restrictions.
A research team led by Professor Chi-Ming Che and Dr. Jun Yang has resolved a long-standing problem in metal-metal closed-shell interaction, finding strong M-M' Pauli repulsion leads to repulsive metallophilicity. This discovery has profound implications for the fabrication of self-assemblies by transition metal complexes.
The spinoff Lucid Technologies is developing a computer program to streamline film post-production, automatically improving films' aesthetic appearance. The company's first product aims to complete the entire technical grade process automatically, saving time and money for professionals.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has been awarded a three-year, $5 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to develop a transformative community-based project advancing racial justice. Through the Democratizing Racial Justice initiative, selected fellows and faculty will collaborate on public-facing projects, facilitat...
Researchers led by Syracuse University's Suzanne Baldwin deciphered the story of garnet sand, which holds secrets of its journey through the rock cycle. The findings indicate that the rock recycling process occurred in less than 10 million years, offering insights into geologic evolution and plate boundary dynamics.
Researchers developed a new way to assess exactly what's in that cup of joe. They found 12 compounds with measurable concentrations, and two had significantly different amounts between the coffee varieties. The team's predictions were within 15% of the actual ratio.
A study by the University of Wyoming reveals that climate and erosion rates significantly impact the relative importance of physical and chemical weathering in rock breakdown. Anisovolumetric weathering, a previously underrecognized process, is now recognized as a common occurrence, influenced by environmental conditions.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed the first nanomaterial that demonstrates photon avalanching, a process with extreme nonlinear optical behavior and efficiency. The realization of this phenomenon in nanoparticle form opens up new applications in sensing, imaging, and light detection.
Researchers use an ultrafast camera to observe the movement of laser light in a chaotic chamber, capturing the entirety of its path for the first time. This breakthrough could breathe new life into the study of optical chaos, with applications in physics, communications, and cryptography.
Kathleen Smits, a UTA civil engineering associate professor, has received two grants to investigate leak detection and repair methods for underground pipelines. Her team will create models to understand gas migration speeds and develop methods to measure gas buildup above ground.
Researchers at Aarhus University are working on a new project, AquaCleaner, to develop a sustainable method for breaking down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The proposed cascade treatment strategy uses enzymatic defluorination and a novel nanomaterial-based catalyst to eliminate PFAS.
The Endangered Wooden Architecture Programme aims to document and preserve endangered wooden building traditions, with a focus on sustainability and cultural heritage. Researchers will create open-access digital repositories, develop research capacity, and raise awareness of wooden architecture.
David Wetz, UTA professor of electrical engineering, has received a DURIP grant to study the insulation properties of epoxy and additively manufactured materials in compact high-voltage systems. The goal is to identify new ways to improve dielectric properties, reducing system size and weight.
A team of researchers has developed an optical computing core prototype using phase-change material, accelerating neural networks and reducing energy consumption for AI applications. The technology is scalable and directly applicable to cloud computing, making it a promising solution for the growing demands of AI online.
USC researchers discovered that COVID-19 uniquely reduces levels of mitochondrial proteins, affecting cellular protective response and energy production. This finding may explain why older adults and people with metabolic dysfunction are more severely affected by COVID-19.
Researchers from the University of Bath highlight the flaws in the current open-source system, where design process is not open, leading to duplicated efforts and hindered collaboration. They call for universities to support staff in open design and governments to clarify liability for individual teams contributing to open designs.