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 recent study published in Addiction found that eight percent of Chinese men are problem drinkers, with higher rates among men from lower socio-economic status and rural areas. Problem drinking is associated with increased risk of physical and mental health problems, as well as premature death.
Dusan Odstrcil and his team are developing a high-quality heliospheric model using Python to accelerate visualization and increase output availability. ENLIL--a time-dependent MHD model--is the only code that can simulate coronal mass ejections up to Jupiter or Saturn orbit.
The nTIDE report reveals minimal job gains for people with disabilities in December 2019, with a slight increase in the employment-to-population ratio. The labor force participation rate remains unchanged, and experts hope to see a return to positive trends in employment for people with disabilities.
A research group at FAU is investigating the causes and consequences of manufacturing deviations, focusing on gear wheels and other complex machines. The project aims to develop methods and tools for reliable tolerance management, improving product function and lifespan.
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg has received a €1.7 million grant from the DFG to establish a Beyond 5G lab, focusing on rapid wireless data transfer and innovative system concepts. The lab will develop a unique measuring platform for millimetre-waves and terahertz communication systems.
Researchers at Princeton University found measurable similarities in baby and adult brain activity during natural play, showing that babies' brains are 'on the same wavelength' as adults', leading to a feedback loop of influence between their brains.
Dr. Rakesh Pilkar is developing a novel system called SMARTq to monitor true muscle responses to neuromuscular stimulation in individuals with spinal cord injury and complete spinal cord injuries. The tool aims to improve functional outcomes by tailoring stimulation protocols.
A Virginia Tech professor is leading a study on STEM-based environmental education programs to determine how to promote positive learning outcomes for students. The research, funded by the National Science Foundation, will observe 500 single-day field trips and analyze their characteristics to identify factors linked to better outcomes.
Scientists at Linköping University and SweGaN have developed a new method to fit together layers of semiconductors, resulting in high-breakdown thin GaN transistors. The transistors can withstand high voltages due to the gradual absorption of strain between layers.
The study found a significant increase in cesarean delivery rates in China between 2008 and 2018, with a total rise of 15%. This trend is attributed to various factors including improved maternal mortality care and increased accessibility to healthcare services.
Researchers create breathable and waterproof device using passive cooling to deliver personal air conditioning, with potential applications in healthcare and sustainable fashion. The wearable AC can cool the human body by up to 11 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
Researchers found that coyotes and crab-eating foxes are co-occurring in eastern Panama due to deforestation along the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. Jaguars and other tropical forest predators may prevent coyotes from moving further south by maintaining their habitats.
Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a technique to detect oxygen in exoplanet atmospheres, which may indicate the presence of life. The method uses NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to identify a strong signal produced by oxygen molecules when they collide.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism of ice growth in two dimensions, shedding light on the atomic structure of low-dimensional water. This finding may lead to the development of new materials for efficient ice removal, particularly for wind turbines and other applications.
Researchers developed an experimental and theoretical analysis to understand how knots work, revealing key topological factors that determine stability. The framework could be used to design new classes of knots with specific behaviors.
A fast and inexpensive device to capture and identify various strains of virus has been developed by researchers at Penn State and New York University. The VIRRION device uses arrays of nanotubes engineered to be comparable in size to a wide range of viruses, enabling rapid detection through Raman spectroscopy.
A pilot study will examine the utility of quantitative ultrasound methods for assessing vaginal birth-induced pelvic floor injury and recovery in pregnant women. The researchers aim to develop noninvasive diagnostic methods that can predict long-term pelvic floor dysfunction.
Researchers identified secondary and tertiary fission clusters in young asteroid families formed by collision. The discovery challenges the long-held view that fission clusters and collisional families are distinct.
Researchers have improved the efficiency of organic solar technologies by tweaking the underlying chemistry, boosting power output from 1% to 18%. The new approach uses non-fullerene acceptors, which can be shaped, colored, and semi-transparent, offering advantages over traditional silicon-based solar cells.
The Ruhr-University Bochum team used a combination of data analytics and physical models to predict material properties, winning second place in an international machine learning competition. Their algorithm was published in NPJ Computational Materials and has been shown to be transferable to different material classes.
UTA researchers create a non-contact testing system to inspect bridges without disrupting commuters. The system uses sensors mounted on a moving platform to detect mechanical waves and map hidden damage, enabling more accurate maintenance plans.
Florida Atlantic University has partnered with colleges and transit agencies to develop a mobile app and new transit solutions to address students' transportation challenges. The project aims to reduce students' transportation costs and increase credit accumulation and year-to-year student retention.
Researchers have developed a self-healing sweat sensor that can withstand vigorous exercise and quickly repair itself if damaged. The device, in the form of a headband, accurately tracks electrolyte concentrations in sweat, providing valuable insights into a person's health.
The University of Oklahoma received a $4.5 million grant to apply cutting-edge science and tools for climate adaptation in the south-central United States. Researchers will focus on decision-making support for Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico.
Clemson University professor Joe Kolis is developing new quantum materials using hydrothermal synthesis to make reliable qubits for quantum computing and data storage. By cooling material at lower temperatures, he aims to achieve the necessary magnetic disorder for quantum phenomenon to take over.
Consumers rated locally grown New York broccoli as better-looking and tasting than a California variety, even though it didn't look more appealing. The study suggests that labeling products as local can improve their perceived value and quality, regardless of actual differences in taste or appearance.
Joanna Clark is developing a technique to study past Martian climate conditions using silica minerals. She plans to create silica minerals in the laboratory and analyze them for oxygen isotopes.
A team of Brazilian researchers has developed a technique to create functional mini-livers using human blood cells and 3D bioprinting. The innovation allows for the production of hepatic tissue in the laboratory in just 90 days, and may become an alternative to organ transplantation in the future.
A new EU project, HUBCAP, aims to enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt computer-based models for cyber-physical systems. The project provides a cloud-based platform for testing and implementing modern computer models, as well as funding opportunities for SMEs to work on specific projects.
Research shows that collaborating on waiting area entertainment can increase revenue and customer loyalty. By working together, businesses can offset high operational costs and compete on other dimensions like prices.
The study identified two fundamental patterns of knowledge exchange: theory-method and technical interdisciplinary collaborations. The researchers developed recommendations for effective working in interdisciplinary teams, including agreeing on goals, communication rules, and research tools, to save time and money.
A study by UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program found that Oregon's CBC policies resulted in an 18% increase in pre-firearm-sale checks, while Washington state saw a 4% increase. The different rates are attributed to variations in private-party firearm sales and compliance among private gun sellers.
Chemists at the University of Tokyo have made groundbreaking discoveries about how molecules bind together, using a tiny cube structure to study dispersion forces. The team has found that polarizable atoms can create stronger dispersion forces, leading to increased stability in complex structures and potential applications in drug design.
Researchers developed a wearable light sensor concept to measure exposure to different light spectrums, filling a gap in current technology. The Spectrace sensor aims to improve our understanding of the physiological effects of light on our bodies, particularly in relation to circadian rhythms and health.
Researchers compared opioid prescribing at discharge from Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, before and after a 2018 law change. The study found significant reductions in opioid prescribing rates following the law's implementation.
Researchers are working on a new project to develop transparent and explainable deep-learning AI computing models that make decisions. The project will use adversarial training techniques to understand how neural networks learn and make predictions.
The University of Illinois at Chicago will establish a Policy, Practice and Prevention Research Center (P3RC) to study various public health issues, including obesity and diabetes among Chicago schoolchildren. The center will also support researchers and community leaders in advocating for change and leveraging research data.
A unique resilience program at UMass Amherst has been shown to improve decision-making and emotional awareness among diverse college athletes, while lowering perceived stress. The program, developed by Genevieve Chandler, focuses on active coping, building strength, cognitive awareness, and social support.
Dr. Katherine Scafide and collaborators will develop a protocol for bruise identification using alternate light sources, advancing the science behind this technology and its adoption in forensic nursing practice. The grant aims to identify potential barriers to successful implementation across forensic units.
Associate Professor Selin Kara aims to develop a fully green and sustainable production process for chemicals using natural enzymatic reactions. She plans to use bio-catalysis and photobiocatalysis in miniaturized bioreactors to create high-value products with minimal environmental impact.
The Air Force has awarded a $1.5 million grant to Imaginestics LLC, a company developing an artificial intelligence-powered system for managing additive manufacturing data. The system, called AMAS, will provide the Air Force with a method to store, manipulate and present AM data effectively.
Nader Motee is investigating real-time perception and planning for networks of robots, aiming to improve efficiency and resiliency. His research also focuses on risk-aware planning and control to mitigate effects of local failures in nonlinear dynamical networks.
Researchers found that strong social connections, especially with favored partners, increase a macaque's survival chances by 11%. Macaques on Monkey Island showed better survival rates with stronger social ties.
Scientists at Colorado State University are using human bone remains to study predictable postmortem microbes, which can help estimate the time since death. The research aims to improve forensic science by using microbial communities to measure decomposition.
The National Institute of Nursing Research has awarded Wake Forest Baptist a five-year grant worth $2.97 million to investigate the reasons for attrition in pediatric weight-management programs and develop a predictive model to reduce dropout rates.
The University of Oklahoma is leading a $2.5 million research project to investigate avian influenza virus diversity and transmission. The project aims to improve surveillance and pandemic preparedness by training researchers and engaging the public in disease ecology and evolution.
Associate Professor Nina Lock's project aims to create a metal-organic sponge that can convert CO2 into useful products such as fuel or building blocks. The research team plans to develop scalable catalysts using cheap elements, investigating the atomic level process of electro-catalysis.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 30.7% to 31.2% in November 2019, reflecting a 1.6% rise. This uptick is attributed to initiatives like NYC: ATWORK, which connects jobseekers with disabilities to competitive jobs in high-growth industries.
Scientists from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University detected a surface effect that prevents hydrogen from entering metal, causing errors in industrial testing and evaluation of materials properties. A theoretical model was developed to describe this phenomenon.
A new study led by St. Michael's Hospital researchers found that different types of sugars showed varying associations with cardiovascular disease. Higher intake of total or fructose-containing sugars was linked to increased death from cardiovascular disease, while higher sucrose intake was associated with decreased mortality.
The project will evaluate producer preferences for bull genomics and physical traits, as well as feedlot preferences for feeder cattle genetic testing. Researchers hope to provide valuable information to producers to enhance marketing opportunities and improve market efficiency.
Researchers are exploring various water management techniques to optimize crop yields and reduce water usage in water-scarce areas. Advanced irrigation technologies, such as mobile drip and precision application, show promise in reducing applied water by up to 20%.
The American Cancer Society and Flatiron Health are launching a grant program to support patient-centric research using real-world oncology datasets. Up to $225,000 will be awarded to researchers studying topics such as healthcare disparities, clinical guidelines, and treatment effectiveness.
Ancient Romans used timber from eastern France (Jura mountains) for portico construction in Rome. The oak planks were transported over 1700km via rivers before reaching the city.
The German Research Foundation funds a joint Collaborative Research Center between Freie Universität Berlin and Münster University to investigate the formation of terrestrial planets. The center aims to ascertain conditions necessary for life-sustaining planets like Earth and develop a comprehensive model by 2023.
The C4 Rice Project aims to create a more efficient photosynthetic pathway, allowing rice to thrive in harsher environments. By the end of the next phase in 2024, scientists hope to have experimental field plots up and running in Taiwan.
Researchers found that the retina can receive energy from infrared light at a lower threshold, allowing for improved sensitivity in microperimetry devices. This discovery has the potential to detect functional retinal changes, such as age-related macular degeneration, earlier and better.
Brazilian researchers have reinterpreted the second law of thermodynamics by introducing statistical fluctuations, revealing that entropy can sometimes decrease. This study has practical interest for nanoscale machines and establishes a floor for fluctuations in thermodynamic quantities.
A collaboration between Lehigh University and 15 Philadelphia-area libraries has made over 160,000 pages of medieval manuscripts available online. The project, funded by a $499,086 grant, features high-resolution images and searchable metadata, enabling researchers to study and compare manuscripts in detail.
Eugenio Schuster's research teams work on existing tokamaks to advance ITER efforts, focusing on plasma control and confinement. The European Union, China, and other countries have committed resources to build ITER, the largest fusion reactor in history.