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 kirigami-based shoe sole has been designed to reduce the risks of slips and falls by adjusting as a person steps, increasing friction with pop-up spikes as necessary. The study found that the new grip could achieve a greater friction than standard winter boots by two- to three-fold.
Researchers study crust and upper mantle velocity structure in SE Tibet to understand geodynamic processes. The study reveals three major geodynamic modes: rigid block extrusion, plastic deformation, and asthenospheric upwelling.
The Honesty Project will investigate the science of honesty, examining what predicts honesty in various situations and how it affects relationships and institutions. Researchers aim to develop ways to foster honesty in daily life, despite the consequences of dishonesty being often met with resignation.
Researchers at Purdue University are developing a new 3D-printed runway mat using Phase Transforming Cellular Material (PXCM) geometry. The technology aims to create a robust and self-healing mat that can withstand stresses of repeated aircraft take-offs and landings, reducing the need for frequent repairs.
A city-wide school influenza vaccine intervention was associated with a decrease in influenza-associated hospitalizations and school absences. The study found that SLIV programs increased vaccination coverage and reduced influenza across communities.
The Penn State-led university research alliance aims to develop high-resolution radiation detectors capable of identifying dirty bombs or concealed radiation materials. The team plans to design low-cost, high-efficiency room-temperature detectors that would eliminate the need for extreme temperatures to control detecting materials.
A team of University of Tennessee researchers is collaborating to develop an international research coordination network (iRCN) focused on food, energy, and water resources. The goal is to support sustainable urban systems worldwide by merging global resources and coordinating FEW-focused research.
The study reveals loopholes in the U.S. orphan drug policy, allowing remdesivir to be used for COVID-19 treatment. The policy designation process is complex and not well-defined, leading to confusion among pharmaceutical companies.
Portland State University received $901,000 to study how brains interact with their environment. The team will develop new theories and tools to better understand the brain's control systems.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing online resources to support early-career teachers in implementing effective classroom management practices, which have been shown to lead to improved student behavior and academic outcomes.
A team of UChicago scientists developed a technique that allows quantum systems to stay operational for up to 22 milliseconds, four orders of magnitude higher than before. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize quantum communication, computing, and sensing by enabling new research opportunities in quantum engineering.
A team of scientists calls for a prioritized list of what should be conserved from a scientific, economic, social and environmental perspective. The current biobanking infrastructure is 'fragmented and not prepared' to handle the rapid advancement of microbiome research.
The University of Rochester is leading a new initiative to understand matter under extreme pressures, with potential implications for understanding planets and stars. Researchers will explore four main areas, including the behavior of hydrogen and helium, element reactions, energy transport, and direct astrophysical implications.
Xin Ning, a Penn State aerospace engineer, has received a National Science Foundation grant to develop a stretchable sensor and foldable field hospital to aid in the COVID-19 pandemic. The wearable sensor will monitor vital signs while being flexible and wire-free.
The Campinas Electrochemistry Group produces novel materials through self-organization in chemical systems. The group aims to achieve a deeper understanding of these processes to control their growth and structure. This research has the potential to lead to advancements in catalytic efficiency, selectivity, and material properties.
A novel strategy for quickly identifying Twitter trolls uses linguistic features, including repeated words and word pairs, to distinguish between genuine and deceptive messages. The algorithm requires as few as 50 tweets for accurate identification, offering a potential tool for combating hybrid warfare while preserving freedom of speech.
Neurodon, a Purdue University-affiliated startup, has received a $2 million NIH grant to develop targeted neuroprotective molecules for Alzheimer's disease. The molecules have shown promise in preserving calcium ion balance and offering a new therapeutic strategy for neurodegeneration.
A study published in PLOS ONE has uncovered the oldest known cremation site in the Near East, dating back to 7013-6700 BC. The remains of a young adult found in Beisamoun, Israel, show evidence of intentional cremation, suggesting a cultural shift in funeral practices during this period.
Kurt Beschorner's $1.8M NIOSH grant focuses on measuring friction as a pathway for slip and fall risk in ladder accidents. The research will establish safety guidelines to reduce severe injuries and fatalities in the workplace and at home.
Researchers create analysis framework to evaluate tradeoffs and design choices in ultraviolet communication systems, offering insights into their natural low-probability-of-detection property. This understanding is crucial for optimizing system performance and predicting detection capabilities.
New research from UBC Okanagan creates a sustainable and non-toxic oil and water-repellent performance textile finish. The fabric repels water, sweat, and oils without using PFCs, addressing environmental concerns.
Scientists found that in actual materials, there's no critical point for quantum phase transitions in a genuine zero-field environment. Instead, many-body interactions impose order on matter at low temperatures.
A decline in public plant breeding programs is threatening food security in the US, with a 21.4% reduction in full-time employee time over five years. The programs' focus on disease tolerance, production, and drought resistance will be lost if funding does not increase.
Jennifer Lerch received funding from the State of Delaware to provide assistance to the Delaware Department of Corrections in using the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Simulation Tool. The project aims to enhance the tool's capabilities and address inmate needs.
D. Sarah Stamps will investigate volcano-tectonic interactions during early phase continental rifting at the Natron Rift in Tanzania using GPS and geochemical data. She aims to fill knowledge gaps and advance understanding of volcanic eruptive processes and early phase continental rifting.
A study found that commuters in poor cities experience higher levels of in-car air pollution, with windows-open setting exposing passengers to hotspots of pollution for up to a third of the total travel length. Car cabin filters were more effective in removing pollutants than fine particles.
Researchers used airplanes and satellite data to uncover neighborhood-level differences in nitrogen dioxide levels in Houston. The study found that areas with higher pollutant levels were predominantly low-income, non-white, and Hispanic neighborhoods, while high-income, white areas had lower pollution levels.
A researcher at Sandia National Laboratories has won an Early Career Research Program award to develop methods for applying physics laws to observe large-scale physical events. The project aims to achieve a millionfold change in scale, from meter- to microscale features.
A new analysis of satellite images has found that nearly half of the world's protected land has experienced changes in land productivity over the past 15 years. Stable levels of land productivity were maintained in around 44% of protected areas, while increases or decreases were observed in almost half.
The National Science Foundation has awarded UVA a $1.2 million expansion of a grant to develop a secure, high-performance computing system for COVID-19 research. The system will provide access to protected health data for researchers across the nation.
Researchers at Dartmouth have received a $750,000 grant to develop a new high-temperature tubing material for CSP systems. The material has the potential to increase efficiency and decrease costs of harnessing and storing solar energy.
NAU will contribute research, education, and workforce development through the CQN, focusing on quantum networks and materials. The center aims to lay foundations for a quantum internet, revolutionizing computing, communication, and sensing.
The new ASPIRE center will develop holistic solutions for vehicle electrification and decarbonization of the electric grid. Researchers will focus on charging technology integrated into roadways and parking facilities to eliminate range and charging as obstacles, enabling low-cost, sustainable solutions.
Dream Tech LLC will develop a more comprehensive and reliable modeling and library system for chemical risk assessment using its BBMD system. The grant will allow the startup to analyze diverse types of dose-response data from various studies, providing effective solutions to practical dose-response assessment.
A Purdue University startup has developed an augmented reality platform to help elementary students learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) while collaborating remotely. The virtual STEM camp will provide hands-on challenges and projects for students aged 8-12.
George Mason University researchers will acquire a reconfigurable computing system, Gunston, to support diverse areas of scientific research and education. The system, based on OpenStack architecture, will provide traditional HPC and virtualized environments to meet the growing needs of researchers.
A PLOS Special Collection explores current norms and practice in childbirth, focusing on positive transformation and balancing interventions. Key findings include the importance of oxytocin and one-on-one support during labor and birth.
Lehigh University's Energy Research Center receives $750,000 from the DOE to improve power plant efficiency and develop a technology to measure toxic heavy metals in power plant wastewater. The project aims to optimize operating efficiency, system reliability, and emission reductions.
A recent study found that less than 20% of ecological research is computationally reproducible, highlighting the need for improved sharing of code and data. The study's lead author calls for a drastic increase in code availability to address this issue.
Scientists at the University of Huddersfield and the Zepler Institute will create ultra-accurate nanoscale sensors, enabling automated production lines to detect and correct errors in situ. This project aims to accelerate Industry 4.0 development by delivering greater efficiency and cost savings.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified a problem that holds the key to whether all encryption can be broken. The study connects two areas of mathematics - cryptography and algorithmic information theory - to show that a natural computational problem characterizes the feasibility of basic cryptography.
A study found that antibiotics alone can successfully treat children with uncomplicated appendicitis, resulting in fewer disability days at one year. Non-operative management was also associated with fewer disability days for caregivers and similar healthcare satisfaction rates as surgery.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers reveals that individuals tend to select retirement funds ending in zero, leading to an incompatible level of risk and potentially lower total wealth at retirement. The findings suggest that demographic factors such as age, income, and education can influence the likelihood of this 'zero'...
A collaborative study between UH researchers and Sumida Farm reveals the farm's adaptability to environmental changes through strong community connections. The team analyzed farm history, groundwater pumping, and climate data to identify trends in productivity.
A study examining changes in spanking of children over 25 years found that it decreased significantly in the US. The study analyzed data from 1993 to 2018 and found a decline in spanking rates among parents across different demographic groups.
Researchers will analyze massive atmospheric data using machine learning methods to identify patterns and understand processes, facilitating the development of new models for tackling scientific problems in atmospheric physics.
The George Mason University Libraries are preserving the papers of James M. Buchanan through a National Endowment for the Humanities grant. The collection includes correspondence, publications, and other materials that chronicle Dr. Buchanan's life and academic career.
Researchers have created an optical fiber made of agar derived from marine algae that is edible, biocompatible and biodegradable. The fiber can be used for body structure imaging, localized light delivery, and localized drug delivery in various medical applications.
A researcher at Northern Arizona University is developing small, inexpensive drones that can observe, understand and adapt to changing environments on their own. The goal is to enable these drones to perform complex missions, such as surveying in disaster areas and coordinating with other autonomous vehicles.
A new study found that a wider range of temperatures can improve health satisfaction and reduce cardiorespiratory conditions in healthy individuals. However, for vulnerable populations, a narrower temperature range may be safer. The researchers suggest a balance between temperature variety and protection from extreme temperatures.
Ancient fox diets show a shift from natural food sources to human leftovers around 42,000 years ago. Foxes adapted to humans as they populated the region, indicating early human impact on local ecosystems.
A team of researchers developed a technique to identify malicious internet accounts and track online foreign misinformation campaigns in real time. They found that their model was effective in identifying posts and accounts that were part of a foreign influence campaign, including those by accounts that had never been used before.
Colorado State University researchers have received a $3.5 million US Department of Energy grant to develop advanced combustion strategies for direct-injection large propane engines. The project aims to improve the energy efficiency of propane engines, making it a more viable alternative to diesel.
The study finds that US and Chinese scientists are intensifying their collaborations, producing over 1,600 articles in the first four months of 2020. China has become the world leader in funding coronavirus research since COVID-19 was discovered.
Researchers uncover how the huntingtin protein transports vital materials within neurons, revealing a potential avenue for therapeutics aimed at improving endosomal transport in Huntington's disease patients. The study also highlights the importance of understanding the protein's normal function to develop effective treatments.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University are using eDNA technology to monitor salmon populations, which is expected to be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional methods. The study aims to compare eDNA samples with human fish counts to determine the most effective method for monitoring upriver migration of Pacific wild salmon.
A study by University of Alberta ecologists reveals that industry-created borrow pits provide homes for beavers, supporting the survival of wolverines. The research, funded by various organizations, highlights the unexpected benefits of industrial development on local wildlife habitats.
A study using chemical analysis reveals that the Hyksos rulers of Ancient Egypt were a multi-cultural group who rose to power from within. The research found that a large percentage of the population in the ancient capital city were non-locals who immigrated from various places, contradicting the common story of a sudden invasion.
A tracking study of 56 tiger sharks reveals that older sharks travel faster and swim into deeper habitats than juvenile sharks. The analysis also shows that core habitats of tiger sharks overlap with locations designated as Habitat Areas of Particular Concern.
A new coating developed by UBCO researchers can repel nearly all substances off a surface, making cleaning personal protective equipment easier. The two-layer coating maintains its resistance qualities under harsh exposures and can be easily repaired.