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 analyzing 22,445 UK emergency department patients with suspected COVID-19 infection found significant age, sex, and ethnicity differences in symptoms and outcomes. Adults were more likely to be admitted to the hospital and die than children, while men faced a higher risk of admission and organ support.
Researchers found that bank-affiliated funds provided significant financial support to their parent banks during times of crisis, particularly for riskier banks. This support allowed banks to ease financial constraints and facilitate credit access to Spanish businesses.
Despite a decline in workers on furlough, 21% of people with disabilities remain on furlough, affecting their job prospects. The impact of the pandemic has been worse for people without disabilities, who are still below pre-Great Recession labor force participation rates.
Researchers found a significant increase in emergency department visits for children who swallowed small high-powered magnets after changes in federal regulations. The study suggests that the rise in magnet-related injuries may be attributed to the new rules, which have allowed for the sale of these magnets without safety restrictions.
Researchers at UT Austin created the smallest memory device yet, shrinking its cross-sectional area to a single square nanometer. Defects in materials unlock dense memory storage capabilities, paving the way for ultra-dense storage, neuromorphic computing systems, and more.
A prestigious $16 million European Research Council Synergy Grant has been awarded to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and an international team of researchers. The team aims to develop novel thermodynamic measurement methods for studying quantum electronic devices.
Scientists have discovered how drug-like small molecules can regulate the activity of therapeutically relevant ion channels, providing new avenues for drug discovery. The study reveals how Pico145 binds to TRPC5 channels, preventing them from opening, and highlights the importance of individual amino acid residues in this binding site.
The Argonne team developed a high-performance, iterative reconstruction system for noninvasive imaging at synchrotron facilities. Their novel optimizations enabled reconstruction of large 3D volumes in under 3 minutes using 24,576 GPUs.
A UK-wide study found mammography screening reduces breast cancer mortality by 37% for women screened at least once. The benefit persists for 3-4 years in younger women, making the program highly relevant across all age groups.
Scientists at Swansea University have developed a way to extract carbon atoms from waste plastics and turn them into carbon nanotube format for transmitting electricity. The project aims to create long-range electricity transmission materials from waste plastics, advancing global energy sustainability.
Researchers are analyzing termites to assess their role in infecting ironwood trees with a deadly bacterium, which has killed over 20% of the island's gago trees. The team is also planting new, resistant trees and studying how termites spread the disease.
A new £2 million project, Mobile Arts for Peace (MAP), aims to use art and digital technology to educate and empower young people in post-conflict countries. The four-year project will provide safe spaces for dialogue and shared problem-solving, while integrating mental health awareness and support.
Weizmann Institute of Science researchers create framework to map smells based on molecular structure, enabling prediction of scent similarity. The system, developed by neurobiologists, computer scientists, and a master perfumer, can digitize and reproduce smells on command.
Researchers at WPI and Virginia Tech are developing a smartphone app with technology to protect user personal information and identity. The app will use GPS, Wifi, and Bluetooth to track users' locations and close encounters.
A new nanomesh pressure sensor allows for precise recording of finger movement and touch, without disrupting user sensitivity. The technology has potential applications in sports, medical science, neuroengineering, and the digital archiving of craftwork.
Research reveals greater mosquito susceptibility to Zika virus, fueling global epidemics and congenital abnormalities. The invasive subspecies of Aedes aegypti has marked preference for human blood and is effective in transmitting the virus.
Researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered four major factors influencing the motion of magnetic particles in fluids, including magnetic field strength, particle properties, and electrical charges. This knowledge can be used to improve drug delivery, biosensors, and other applications.
Analysis of over 4000 winter drowning events identifies factors associated with higher rates of drowning deaths. Warmer winters may lead to an increase in drowning fatalities in ice-covered areas.
A researcher at Binghamton University has received an NSF grant to study hidden messages in digital images. The project aims to create steganographic schemes with mathematical guarantees, providing users with provable assurance of security. This research contributes to the fields of steganalysis and digital forensics.
A new study reveals that individual fish caught, released and recaught are more likely to be caught again than anticipated. The findings raise questions for policy makers tasked with preserving sustainable fisheries.
The four-year project will map the sources of plastic waste, investigate its effects and generate solutions to reduce waste. Researchers will work with governments, businesses and communities to co-design effective ways to cut plastic pollution.
A team of researchers from Penn State describes a system where oil droplets exhibit 'non-reciprocal' interactions, chasing down other droplets that flee like prey. The system is controlled by chemical signaling and can be tuned to understand interactions in many-body systems.
A global survey of over 22,000 researchers reveals concerns about the long-term impact of COVID-19 on funding, with 47% anticipating reduced funding in their area. The study highlights the need for a more holistic approach to problem-solving and investing in resilience.
A new high-resolution map of US land value reveals underestimates in existing cost estimates, highlighting the need for higher funding levels for environmental goals. The tool provides policymakers with realistic expectations for conservation funding, enabling more informed decision-making.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that including patient headshots in electronic health records decreases the rate of wrong-patient order entry by 35 percent. This improvement was particularly noticeable in white patients, highlighting implicit bias and treatment inequities.
Researchers are developing technology to control light's twisting and spinning property to communicate and gather data. The project aims to create channels for light to pass through cloudy air or water, enabling new ways of communication and sensing.
Scientists at the University of São Paulo have developed a method to generate intense beams of light with quantum correlations, which can be used for high-precision metrology and information encoding. The new technology has potential applications in fields such as gravity wave detection and secure communication.
The University of Helsinki is leading a €1.2 million project to develop next-generation miniaturised hyperspectral imagers for autonomous Earth and planetary observation. The project aims to reduce the costs of space operations by combining compact sensors, advanced algorithms, and CubeSat platforms.
Racially diverse congregations have more than tripled in the United States over the past 20 years, with approximately a quarter of evangelical and Catholic churches now multiracial. However, despite these increases, difficulties persist in achieving racial desegregation within American religion.
Researchers at Michigan State University are developing softer materials for robots to navigate safely and build trust with humans. The team plans to test their 'Soft Mult-Arm Robot' prototype in apple orchards and operating rooms.
A survey of over 5,000 people in China found that longer quarantines were associated with poorer well-being. However, experiencing the mental state of flow reduced or eliminated this link. Flow was linked to better well-being, including less loneliness and more positive emotion.
Zi Chen's research project aims to identify biomechanical mechanisms driving early embryonic brain and heart development. The study may lead to a better understanding of birth defects such as situs inversus, which affects organ placement and replacement.
The study reveals rare behavior of the Bigfin Squid in the Great Australian Bight, providing new insights into its distribution patterns. Multiple observations suggest a deeper understanding of this deep-sea species can be gained through further research.
Researchers found a new metric, PPT, that quantifies impaired sensory acuity after TBI, which is associated with higher balance dysfunction. This study has implications for rehabilitating individuals with TBI.
A new study found that over half of COVID-19 patients continue to feel fatigued 10 weeks after their initial illness. Researchers tracked 128 participants and discovered no association between COVID-19 severity or hospital admission with persistent fatigue.
The project aims to study lower limb joint loading in active older adults engaged in sport using the VSimulators facility. The pilot data will contribute to designing a bespoke sports shoe for this demographic.
A new gene therapy project at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience seeks to repair brain damage caused by MS by identifying molecules that stimulate myelin and axon repair. The goal is to develop a drug promoting functional recovery of the nervous system, potentially revolutionizing treatment for advanced MS.
The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded Adranos a $2.1 million contract to further develop its high-performance solid rocket fuel ALITEC for long-range missile systems. This funding will support the expansion of ALITEC's utilization in prototype and operational systems, enhancing the military's range, performance, and lethality.
The USPSTF found that high blood pressure affects 3-4% of children and teens in the US, but recommends no routine screening due to lack of evidence. The organization suggests no routine screening for children without hypertension or symptoms.
A study published in iScience explores the behavior of humans controlling a shared avatar in virtual reality. The research found that participants exhibited superior reaction times and more straight movements with the shared avatar compared to individual control.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have made significant breakthroughs in designing brain-like devices by predicting design rules for energy-efficient transition states. The study, published in npj Computational Materials, highlights the potential of oxide materials to mimic the behavior of neurons and synapses in the human brain.
A team led by Doug MacMartin will model the effects of introducing reflective aerosols into the stratosphere to reduce Earth's temperature and limit climate change impact. The research aims to better understand the benefits and risks of this approach, with the goal of informing society's decisions.
The Georgia State University research team is developing a program called BE WITH to reduce social isolation and elevated suicide risk in racially diverse older adults. They will evaluate the effectiveness of the training for nutrition service volunteers who work with old adults in six metro Atlanta counties.
Scientists at Shibaura Institute of Technology and Waseda University created a novel printing method that mimics plant motion, enabling paper to fold itself. The technology has potential applications in robotics, healthcare, agriculture, and space exploration.
The University of Göttingen's research network is investigating the development of world order conceptions in China, Europe, and other regions. The team will examine cultural hegemonies, social movements, and global power arrangements.
A new study found that California's CalEnviroScreen program may miss eligible communities for climate adaptation funding. The researchers identified 348 additional communities that would be eligible under two alternative indices.
Researchers explore how standardized visualization influences our understanding of the world, linking material culture to brain development and social power dynamics. The study spans prehistoric societies to contemporary digital technologies, examining the role of reification in shaping our vision.
Barbara Hammer and her team will explore new technologies for secure drinking water supply in cities with the help of 10 million euros from the European Research Council. They are developing controllable artificial intelligence to detect factors putting strain on the system, enabling operators to make informed decisions.
A multidisciplinary team will assess the significance of marine life to human societies during the last two millennia. The 4-OCEANS project aims to understand the consequences of marine resource exploitation for societal development, with a focus on informing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and the Decade for the Oceans.
Researchers found that forest expansion into savannas has continued amid increasing moisture levels, but with recent deforestation impacting the trend. The study suggests conserving the Amazon-Cerrado transition may help mitigate climate change impacts.
Researchers aim to understand the structure and function of plasmodesmata, key routes for coordinating tasks in plants. They will use state-of-the-art methods like cryo-electron tomography to visualize plasmodesmata's composition and function.
A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of eDNA metabarcoding for detecting deep-sea fish, revealing 11 fish families, 11 genera, and 8 species. This method provides broader coverage of fish diversity and uses significantly less logistical effort than conventional methods.
A recent analysis suggests that California's CalEnviroScreen 3.0 index may identify only 25% of at-risk communities, while other indices reveal an additional 12.6% vulnerable to heat-related health impacts. This highlights the need for a more holistic approach to quantify vulnerability to extreme heat and other climate hazards.
The study evaluated the efficacy of improvised dry and wet emergency decontamination protocols for chemical incidents. Combining these methods showed promise in reducing exposure to toxic chemicals.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that bats use a combination of echolocation calls and head movements to predict the future position of their prey. This discovery enhances our understanding of auditory-guided behaviors in animals and humans, including sight-impaired individuals who rely on sound to navigate.
The launch of Neurotrauma Reports Null Hypothesis journal aims to promote balance in academic publications by publishing well-performed replication and negative studies. The initiative encourages researchers, funders, and publishers to report on important negative results with the same priority as positive results.
The pandemic has created uncertainty among researchers about funding, with nearly half believing less funding will be available in the future. Despite this, scientific research has continued largely uninterrupted, with most respondents working on papers, research, or virtual teaching.
A study found that mobile devices expose Americans to a much greater variety of news, contrary to the conventional wisdom about segregated news bubbles. This exposure can help reduce the effects of misinformation and promote democratic discourse.
Scientists at Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University propose a mathematical model to analyze the effect of neural stimulation by ultrasonic waves on electrical signals in nerves. The study aims to improve treatment methods for severe neurological disorders such as epilepsy and chronic depression.
By 2100, the vernal window could be 2-4 weeks longer in the northeast, leading to reduced melting snow and detrimental effects on spring conditions. This shift may render states like Connecticut and Pennsylvania snow-free, altering river dynamics and ecosystems.