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.
Kevin Moran and collaborators study automated bug report quality and chatbot design for effective bug-reporting. The project aims to improve computer systems' reliability through better bug-reporting processes.
Analysis of a Martian meteorite suggests water was present on ancient Mars around 4.4 billion years ago, raising questions about the origin of water on Earth and potential for life beyond. The finding could impact theories on planetary formation and exploration.
Researchers develop new method to classify magnetic topological materials, identifying thousands of potential compounds with unique properties. This breakthrough could lead to significant advances in thermoelectric converters, quantum computers, and magnetic storage media.
New discoveries in Northern Spain's Aitzbitarte Caves depict a previously unknown artistic style, consistent with the Gravettian cultural complex found across Europe. The study reveals a more widespread and varied culture than previously thought, spanning over 25,000 years.
LaserNetUS, a high-power laser consortium including Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, receives $18 million from the US Department of Energy. The funding will support user support and expand LaserNetUS operations for three years.
The University of Bath's CAMERA centre has been awarded £10m in funding to support its research in intelligent interactive and visual computing, AI, and human-computer interaction. This funding will enable multi-disciplinary projects that fuse these fields with healthcare, rehabilitation, and biomechanics.
Acute liver failure is a rapidly progressing disease with an 80% mortality rate. Researchers identified three new subsets of liver cells that contribute to the condition's development, as well as signals from the gut microbiome. Selectively blocking these signals and depleting the microbiome led to marked improvement in liver function ...
Researchers found that specific chemotherapy agents increase the likelihood of developing therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. CH mutations are more frequent in genes protecting the genome from damage, such as TP53.
Weidong Zhou, a UT Arlington electrical engineering professor, has been named a fellow of the Optical Society (OSA) for his significant contributions to photonic crystal membrane lasers and hybrid nanomembrane optoelectronics. His research involves developing on-chip systems for healthcare applications and efficient, scalable lasers fo...
Researchers will study and conduct experiments using femtosecond laser diagnostics to measure gas properties in plasma flows. The collaboration aims to better understand heat shields for hypersonic vehicles and space exploration applications.
A study by Tokyo Metropolitan University reveals that a specific MARK4 mutation causes tau protein to aggregate in the brain, leading to Alzheimer's disease. The mutated enzyme makes tau proteins sticky and insoluble, causing neurons to die and memory functions to impair.
A $14 million grant will support Pacific Islander cancer research through a 17-year partnership between University of Guam and University of Hawai'i Cancer Center. The collaboration aims to address significant cancer health disparities in the Pacific region.
Researchers identify how night-shift work causes internal clock confusion by disrupting cell secretions during shift changes. This disruption leads to increased insulin resistance and other health issues, as cells in the body do not adjust quickly enough to shifts in sleep patterns.
A new research study examines how people's willingness to undertake certain behaviors changes over time during the pandemic, influenced by digital information. Researchers found that individuals differ in their attitudes towards risk, with those exposed to high-quality digital information more likely to make informed decisions.
The University of Miami is collaborating with Brazilian researchers to share large-scale datasets in real time, improving weather and climate models. This collaboration will test the high-speed FABRIC infrastructure's ability to support fast data exchange.
Researchers have developed a portable device that accurately measures capsaicin concentrations in chili peppers, ranging from 0.37 to 90 μM. This innovation allows for safe consumption of spicy food and has potential applications in pharmaceuticals.
The University of Central Florida has received a $7.5 million grant to continue its work in relationship counseling, specifically targeting couples in the Orlando area. The new funding will expand Project Harmony, a successful program that helps couples improve communication and manage conflict.
Researchers are working to determine how severe coastal storms contribute to water pollution in beach aquifers. The team will use computerized sensors installed at sites along the shoreline to measure groundwater flow and track the effects of saltwater intrusion.
Researchers at Binghamton University have won NSF funding for a new method of producing microscopic circuits. They plan to use carbon nanotubes to etch circuit patterns onto materials, potentially creating less expensive and more efficient production methods.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered the first shell-like formations of stars in the Milky Way, created by a 2.7 billion-year-old broadside collision with a dwarf galaxy. The findings offer new insights into the ancient event and its potential implications for other stellar phenomena.
Archaeologists discovered a rare and unusual collection of artifacts at a Classic Maya sweat bath in Guatemala, suggesting the structure was embodied by an amphibian goddess. The offering included human remains, juvenile animals, and stone tools, indicating the community's attempt to appease the goddess for survival.
A team from UTEP has been awarded a $1.5 million NSF grant to develop strategies for seniors to learn and adopt technology, addressing social isolation due to age-related barriers. The project aims to create informed approaches to increase meaningful social connectedness among seniors, promoting their health and welfare.
The Indiana Space Grant Consortium will receive $2.8 million in funding to support student internships, fellowships, and faculty research projects through 2024. This grant aims to inspire interest in STEM disciplines and build a diverse workforce.
Assistant professor of civil engineering Mohsen Shahandashti is leading a study to identify challenges in workforce decision-making processes for transportation construction industries during the pandemic. The goal is to learn how managers make decisions balancing public health and worker safety.
Researchers are developing an AI application to teach American Sign Language learners about associated facial expressions and head gestures. The project also aims to create tools for anonymous video communications, enabling private conversations among ASL users.
A start-up company led by Georgia State University chemist Jenny Yang has received a National Institute of Health grant to accelerate development of an MRI contrast agent that can non-invasively detect early-stage liver disease. The agent works by binding with collagen, alerting clinicians to the presence of fibrosis.
A Cornell University professor has been awarded a grant to study the coexistence of agriculture and energy development in New York State. The project aims to determine efficient solar farm array configurations to avoid land-use conflicts and spoil precious agricultural space.
Scientists at Tufts University genetically engineered cow muscle cells to produce beta carotene, a provitamin that may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. The study demonstrates the potential of cell-cultured meat products to surpass the nutritional profile of conventionally produced meat.
A five-year, $10 million research effort will focus on understanding the three-dimensional structure of cell nuclei and its effects on cellular functions. Researchers aim to develop fundamental knowledge to provide insights into developmental disorders, aging, and other cell processes.
A study published in Science Communication found that watching high-quality, engaging media programs on climate change can reduce political polarization among Democrats and Republicans. Participants who were most engaged with the program showed greater perceptions of climate change risk and efficacy in taking action.
Research suggests that genetic information can lead to over-diagnosis of depression, as individuals are more likely to recall their symptoms as severe when aware of their genetic predisposition. The study also found no correlation between genetic info and the actual severity of symptoms.
A University of Reading mathematician is collaborating with Microsoft to study ancient mathematical problems, including Diophantine equations, to aid in the development of encryption software. The project aims to create more secure data protection against quantum computers that can solve complex mathematical problems quickly.
Researchers developed a process to measure COVID-19 antibody levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), which is faster, easier and less expensive than traditional methods. The ELISA tests had an 80% or greater probability of predicting virus neutralization titers.
The Hittite cuneiform scripts will be made available online, providing access to 30,000 clay tablets and fragments written in the Hittite language. This digital platform aims to boost Hittitology research worldwide.
Researchers have discovered evidence of Byzantine and Early Islamic resource management practices through micro-geoarchaeological investigations of trash mounds in the Negev region of Israel. The findings provide insights into agricultural shifts during the Roman Imperial Period and Late Antiquity.
A UH professor has received a $897,400 federal grant to study how parents influence their children's emotional development. The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of emotion coaching in shaping parental interactions and improving relationships with children.
Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a method to narrow laser linewidth by up to 500 times, enabling higher-order modulation formats in coherent communication. This breakthrough technology has the potential to increase optical network transport capacity and simplify laser packaging for real-world applications.
Researchers at UTA are developing new concrete materials that have longer lives and leave less environmental impact. The team aims to extend the life of environmentally friendly concrete by using a new type of external additive, potentially reducing its carbon footprint and cost.
Researchers from TROPOS and Leipzig University contribute to the success of the largest Arctic expedition, collecting valuable climate data and conducting key atmospheric measurements. The team's findings suggest significant changes in the Arctic atmosphere, including increased smoke levels and signs of 'Pyrocene' effects.
A new grant from Cornell University's researchers will help vineyard growers identify and address nutrient deficiencies. Using high-resolution sensors, they aim to provide precise information on nutrient levels and enable real-time decision-making for better yield and environmental sustainability.
Researchers found atmospheric dust levels increasing by up to 5% per year across the Great Plains, correlated with farming practices and seasonal crop cycles. The trend suggests a repeat of the devastating Dust Bowl that devastated the Midwest in the 1930s.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have created a new type of quasiparticle called helical topological exciton-polaritons, which have a defined spin locked to their direction of motion. This achievement opens up possibilities for using them to transmit information or perform computations at unprecedented speeds.
Researchers found that providing text message reminders and redesigning the summons form improved court appearance rates by 21% and 13%, respectively. The interventions avoided at least 30,000 arrest warrants and resulted in about 20,000 fully dismissed cases.
The world's largest informal settlement fire experiment found that fires can spread at an alarming rate, destroying homes in just five minutes. The study, published in Fire Technology, used advanced instrumentation and analysis to simulate the spread of flames through densely-packed settlements.
New research suggests climate change could lead to fewer sunny days for hot regions, impacting solar power production. Increased atmospheric moisture and aerosols may result in a decrease in solar radiation and an uptick in cloudy days, particularly in arid regions like the Middle East and American Southwest.
Researchers found that teenagers diagnosed with depression show a significant decline in educational attainment, especially in GCSEs. Targeted support for children struggling with depression could benefit vulnerable groups, such as boys and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Researchers found that too many crossover events can lead to flawed chromosome segregation, resulting in increased infertility. The study provides fundamental insights into the mechanisms of fertility and may lead to potential clinical applications.
Community health workers in Brazil are a valuable asset in combating COVID-19, providing essential services to 75% of the population. However, they were neglected during the pandemic, lacking proper training, PPE, and recognition from the government.
A new research project funded by TxDOT aims to examine the effectiveness of green pavement markings on Texas streets. The study will investigate the use, safety, longevity, and performance of these markings, which are painted green to increase visibility for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.
A German chemist is researching green hydrogen production using sunlight to meet the EU's climate targets. The goal is to replace fossil-based raw materials with sustainable green hydrogen for transportation, industry, and heating, aiming to become a global leader in this field by 2035.
Researchers found that babies as young as 10-20 months old exhibit a phenomenon where they prefer the unchosen option, indicating an unconscious bias. This bias disappears when the element of choice is removed, suggesting it may be linked to how adults make decisions.
A study suggests that conserving aquatic environments in the Amazon can be more efficient than protecting terrestrial species, with benefits reaching 84% of protection for aquatic species. The approach focuses on rivers and lakes, rather than land-based conservation units.
Coral Gardens Reef in Belize remains home to thriving Acropora spp. coral, providing an exception to the species' decline across the North Atlantic/Caribbean region. The reef has been consistently habitable since at least the 1980s and up to November 2019.
A new field of research in microbiology is transforming the way scientists see fungi, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Advances in genetic sequencing and bioinformatics have enabled scientists to discover the diversity and functions of microorganisms, leading to breakthroughs in agricultural products and disease treatment.
A new study found that the spread of ghost forests across North Carolina's coastline can lead to significant losses in carbon stored in plants and trees above ground. Researchers discovered ways landowners can offset these losses, including tree plantings and proper drainage management.
A survey-based study examines the association between sexual orientation and migraine prevalence. The findings suggest that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience migraines than their heterosexual counterparts.
Researchers from Princeton will help lead a project to simulate the nation's natural groundwater system using artificial intelligence, improving hydrologic forecasting and water management. The project combines data science, machine learning, and hydrology to predict how much groundwater is available and its impact on extreme events.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has been chosen to coordinate a regional effort to address farmer and rancher stress in the South. The three-year project aims to provide stress management assistance for people in farming, ranching, and other agriculture-related occupations as well as their families.
Mahamadi Warma will study optimization problems and nonlocal transmission issues in fractional partial differential equations. Funding started in September 2020 and ended in May 2021.
Researchers at UTA are working on a framework to share sensor data through the cloud, reducing costs for businesses and individuals. The sensing-as-a-service model provides incentives for data holders to participate, allowing flexibility and preserving anonymity.