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.
Kamesh Subbarao, a professor of aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been elected as a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He is recognized for his contributions to robotic controls and navigation of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Researchers are developing numerical methods and mathematical models to support epidemiologists in understanding COVID-19 spread. They aim to answer key questions on the effectiveness of social distancing and quarantines, with funding from NSF.
The UTA research team will develop optimal control solutions using bio-inspired learning methods that observe neighbor behaviors in real-time. This will enable the entire group to perform as a single entity, improving individual agent behavior and rejecting negative effects of adversaries.
Nanoscope Technologies has developed a novel, non-viral gene delivery approach using low-power near-infrared lasers to target the retina. The method sensitizes cells to ambient light, improving visual response and offering a unique therapy option for dry-AMD patients.
Physicist Ming Yi receives a prestigious $1.6 million grant to study correlated quantum materials, aiming to gain fundamental understanding of their electronic phases and control their behavior.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that Initial Upper Paleolithic technology reached North China by approximately 41,000 years ago. The new findings support the idea that this technology originated in the Altai region of Russia around 47,000 years ago and spread eastward across Asia.
A recent study analyzed 33 psychology meta-analyses and found that only 55% of effect sizes could be reproduced without issues. The researchers recommend improving data handling practices and workflow to increase the trustworthiness of meta-analytic results.
A novel 5G-MIMO measurement system is now in place at Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, enabling unique measurements and research. The system's large bandwidth and vector calibration ability make it unparalleled for characterizing integrated multi-amplifier designs.
A study used satellite images and machine learning to analyze forest fragment degradation and regeneration in the Atlantic Rainforest. Researchers found that certain tree species indicate forest regeneration, while others mark degraded areas.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a new component that increases devices' battery life and speeds up high-definition media streaming. The switch, made from hexagonal boron nitrite (hBN), can transmit data above 5G-level speeds and stay off to save power.
A study developed an innovative system to interpret biological signals from the skin, using data from a wearable sensor device. Researchers found that participants used the technology for various purposes, including managing stress levels, tracking emotions, and logging information about their lives.
A new radio-frequency switch developed by US Army-funded researchers has achieved 50 times more energy efficiency than current components. The switch enables devices to stream HD media faster and retain battery life.
A new Tulane University study finds that coastal marshes in the Mississippi Delta are experiencing tipping points, where a small increase in sea-level rise leads to widespread submergence. The researchers predict that most marshes will drown in a few centuries once the rate of sea-level rise exceeds a certain threshold.
Avium is developing a Dual Element Matrix Water Electrolyzer to generate hydrogen from water using electricity. The technology has the potential to make hydrogen production friendlier to the environment by reducing materials costs and increasing on-site generation.
A new analysis suggests that no more than 2,700 Gigatonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) would be needed to meet the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's global warming targets. This is less than leading estimates of available storage space globally.
The COVID Recession has hit workers with disabilities harder, with a 20% decrease in employed working-age people with disabilities compared to those without. Temporary layoff rates are also higher among workers with disabilities, affecting their ability to return to work as the pandemic diminishes.
The University of Tennessee is one of 26 institutions to receive a REEU grant, focusing on integrated pest management. Nineteen students have been selected for the internship program, which will provide training in modern agricultural technology, communication and leadership skills.
A study using fish poo and gut contents found that 18 coral reef fish species consume young or adult crown-of-thorns starfish on the reef. This discovery could help control destructive pest populations and shed light on why some reef areas have fewer starfish than others.
A new USC study highlights the disproportionate impact of urban heat waves on low-income and disadvantaged communities in LA, with over half of census tracts expected to experience more than 16 extreme heat days above 95F per year by the end of the century.
Scientists at the University of South Carolina have developed a new method using machine learning and synthetic chemistry to design and make gas-filtering membranes more quickly. The discovery could revolutionize materials design, reducing trial-and-error work and enabling faster development of effective membranes.
A new study projects that over 28 million elective surgeries will be cancelled globally, with orthopaedic procedures and cancer surgeries being the most affected. The backlog of cancelled surgeries may take 11 months to clear if hospitals increase their weekly capacity by 20%.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a new robot rover, the Mini Rover, that can climb sand-covered hills and avoid getting stuck. The rover uses a unique gait that combines paddling, walking, and wheel spinning motions to create a robust and adaptable locomotion system.
A recent study by Corteva Agriscience and universities across the US has determined the optimal seeding rate for soybean growers, providing help to reduce risk and optimize yield potential. The research found that farmers should increase seeding rates in areas of lower productivity and reduce them in areas of higher productivity.
Researchers have discovered a class of pulsating stars with remarkably regular high-frequency pulsation modes, opening up new ways to determine the masses and internal structures of these intermediate-sized stars. This breakthrough uses precise data from NASA's TESS mission to cut through noise and reveal clear patterns.
Scientists from Peking University and National Institute for Materials Science create anisotropic fluoride nanocrystals using facet-specific passivation. The approach enables controlled growth of fluorides with complex functionalities and promising applications in flexible antiferromagnetic devices and sensors.
Researchers found strikingly high oxygen levels 2 billion years ago in ancient Russian rocks, contradicting previous models of Earth's carbon and oxygen cycles. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of complex life and suggests suitable conditions for eukaryotes to thrive earlier than thought.
Researchers found that prediction errors can be accessed during final processing stages of perception, contradicting previous theories. This means the brain simultaneously keeps track of past, current, and future image contents, allowing for stability and flexibility in rapid image sequences.
The University of Guam has secured a five-year, $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation's EPSCoR program to enhance its research capabilities on coral reef survival. The project aims to understand the evolutionary and ecological processes that drive resilience in coral reefs under climate change stress.
Researchers studied Hayabusa2's readings from the Ryugu asteroid, finding evidence of solar heating that changed its chemical properties. This discovery sheds light on the early history of the solar system and the formation of asteroids.
Nathan Sleeter is directing a project to create classroom simulations on historical diplomacy events for secondary education. The simulations will include interactive tools and resources for instructors.
A new standard for machine learning in telecommunications networks has been approved, enabling faster data transmission rates of up to 20 Gbps and reducing latency to less than 5ms. This breakthrough is made possible by the application of deep learning techniques, allowing for complex pattern recognition and network load management.
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield are using lullabies to spread vital healthcare messages, including COVID-19 precautions, among African women. The Life-Saving Lullabies project has received £129,795 funding and aims to create zero-cost awareness campaigns that could be replicated globally.
A team at Tokyo University of Science created a high-resolution map of 1 km grids to track plastic emissions from land to sea. Their analysis revealed that MicP concentrations and basin characteristics are significantly correlated, indicating that physical features of water bodies dictate the amount of plastic waste accumulated.
Researchers have discovered a new method to detect beer and other malted foodstuffs in archaeological finds. By analyzing the aleurone cell walls of ancient grains, scientists found a consistent thinning across five sites dating back to the 4th millennium BCE, indicating malting processes.
Researchers demonstrate laser-propulsion of graphene sails in microgravity, accelerating prototypes up to 1 m/s². The scalable design minimizes sail mass, paving the way for human lifespans to reach other star systems.
The college will continue to investigate the emergence and spread of coronaviruses using a multidisciplinary approach incorporating environmental, social, behavioral, and cultural factors. This research aims to better understand coronavirus epidemiology and develop public health responses to lower infection risk.
Colijn's research aims to measure the effectiveness of COVID-19 health policy measures in BC, such as physical distancing. Her team will develop a statistical test to analyze control measures and estimate their strength.
A case series study examines the impact of hydroxychloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin on QT intervals in French patients with COVID-19. The study found no significant association between the treatment and prolonged QT intervals, providing insights into the use of these medications in COVID-19 treatment.
Researchers evaluated COVID-19 transmission risk across different exposure window periods before and after symptom onset, finding significant transmission risks between 1 to 3 days before symptom onset. The study highlights the importance of early detection and isolation measures to prevent further spread of the virus.
Researchers aim to identify the mechanism of whole strawberry's anti-inflammatory effects on gut health. The study will test hypotheses that whole strawberry inhibits colon inflammation by restoring gut microflora balance.
Archaeologists analyzed deformed skulls at Mözs-Icsei d?l? cemetery, finding three distinct groups with varying cultural backgrounds. The community's diverse traditions suggest a brief period of collaboration between local Roman and foreign migrant groups.
A study found that popular methods for judging chicken doneness, such as checking color and texture, are not reliable indicators of safety. Researchers recommend focusing on the color and texture of the thickest part of the meat and ensuring all surfaces reach sufficient temperatures to guarantee safety.
Researchers at Swansea University have developed a rapid-release gas treatment to clean ambulances in under 20 minutes, reducing the turnaround time from 45 minutes. The solution uses a new gas treatment that can remove Covid-19 contamination from surfaces and air, eliminating human cleaning intervention.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are exploring potential security weaknesses in voice-activated speakers like Alexa and Google Home. They found that hackers can exploit devices using a passive attack called 'voice command fingerprinting', which involves eavesdropping on data transferred between the smart speaker and the clou...
Mas Subramanian aims to create vibrant, safe and durable inorganic red pigment using solid state materials chemistry research. His lab has previously discovered YInMn blue, a groundbreaking discovery in two centuries.
A new digital archive co-created by University of Warwick researcher Dr Nicola Pratt gathers art, music, and film created during the 2011 Egyptian revolution. The archive includes over 200 items, many translated into English, to help users discover the significance of the uprising and its aftermath.
Rice University has secured a $2.45 million NIH grant to develop CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for sickle cell disease treatment. The study aims to address the risks and mechanisms of gene editing in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells.
A survey of US cancer survivors and their spouses found that nearly half stay in their jobs due to concerns about losing health insurance. The study suggests that maintaining employment is crucial for accessing post-treatment care and managing long-term health needs.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $440,000 grant to Rochester Institute of Technology researchers to develop the Einstein Toolkit for simulating black holes, neutron stars, and other astrophysical phenomena. The toolkit will be scaled up to handle exascale-level resources on large supercomputers.
The team's microsensors can measure inputs like voltage and temperature in hard-to-reach environments, such as inside living tissue. They successfully embedded a sensor in brain tissue and wirelessly relayed the results, paving the way for generations of microsensors that use less power while tracking more complicated phenomena.
Art therapy is shown to deliver improvements in mood, outlook, behaviours, confidence, personal relationships, and self-awareness for Australian veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study aims to provide evidence for increased funding for art therapy in Australia.
Research reveals unsustainable levels of soil erosion in the UK, with 16% of arable land showing erosion above 'tolerable' levels. Soil management practices and legislation are under scrutiny for their impact on soil fertility and ecosystem services.
Researchers found that feelings of preparedness in one area can lead to more confident thoughts about unrelated topics, even if those thoughts are not based on actual knowledge. Participants who were told they had to prepare for bad news later showed more positive attitudes towards research funding proposals than those who didn't prepare.
A new study suggests that reducing CO2 emissions rapidly could lead to ice-free years in the Arctic, occurring only occasionally. The research indicates that humans can still determine how often the Arctic Ocean will be ice-free, depending on future emissions levels.
Developing new algorithms to accurately align disparate drone-collected datasets, enabling reliable change detection and monitoring of natural disasters. The tools will aid in mapping flood damage after hurricanes and storms.
Researchers create tiny aircraft made from 'nanocardboard' that can levitate and carry payloads ten times heavier than themselves in the Martian atmosphere. The design uses a temperature differential to generate thrust, enabling the flyers to potentially serve as atmospheric probes on Mars, Pluto, and other planets.
Research found that the physical characteristics of charismatic invasive species, such as body size and coloration, contribute to their appeal and can lead to increased human interaction and difficulty in management. Conversely, other species that are considered problematic may be viewed less favorably due to cultural perceptions.
Assistant Professor Dr. Murtuza Jadliwala is developing a new approach to protect against uncoordinated sensing and actuation in modern ubiquitous environments. His project aims to provide holistic privacy protection by efficiently sharing sensitive user-contexts across diverse devices and applications.
Scientists create glycomimetic molecules with varying lengths that mimic natural GAGs to prevent viral attachment and infection. These 'antiviral candy canes' show promise against multiple viruses, including Herpes and Influenza viruses.
Researchers at Linköping University have created a cheap and efficient steam generator that uses sunlight to desalinate and purify water. The system utilizes a cellulose-based aerogel structure that absorbs energy from sunlight, resulting in high-quality drinking water production.