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 research center will focus on solving fundamental scientific problems in geometry and topology, with potential applications in fields like forest fires and airbags. The Copenhagen Center for Geometry and Topology aims to answer questions about shortest paths, moduli, geodesics, and singularities.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed an open-source tool called VisibleV8 to detect malicious programs in JavaScript without alerting the websites. This tool runs in Chrome browsers, creating a behavior profile for each site that can be used to identify malicious websites and compromising user information.
Researchers investigating the effects of dam removal on water quality and nutrient processing in streams and rivers. Removing antiquated dams may harm or help water quality depending on the scenario. The study aims to identify hotspots of nitrogen processing and develop a new model for stream and riparian processes.
Dr. Jennifer J. Lentz and her team will research a treatment for vision loss in Usher using antisense oligonucleotides, targeting the human 216A mutation in the USH1C gene. The goal is to develop an effective treatment for vision loss in Usher Syndrome.
Pharmacy closures in the US are becoming increasingly common, with significant implications for patient access to essential medications and care. The research letter highlights several risk factors associated with closure, including demographic changes, consolidation of pharmacies, and regulatory issues.
Researchers propose a framework to understand AI decisions, incorporating interpretability into the training process. The framework improved time and accuracy without compromising performance in a proof-of-concept experiment using R-CNN.
The US Department of Education has awarded WPI an $8 million grant to scale and expand the ASSISTments online learning tool, proven effective in improving middle school math scores, to all 50 states. The five-year project will focus on high-needs middle school math students and their teachers in predominantly rural areas.
Research analyzed over 275,000 restaurant reviews to find differences in reader perception based on the platform where reviews were generated. Mobile reviews were associated with lower likes and consumption value compared to laptop or desktop reviews.
Dr. Seun Johnson-Akeju, a leading expert in neuroscience and anesthesia, has been awarded the 2019 James E. Cottrell Presidential Scholar Award. His research focuses on identifying patients at risk for postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction and developing innovative treatments.
A University of Strathclyde-led partnership with M Squared aims to develop advanced computing technology for significant advancements in UK's quantum capabilities. The project will work with fintech and aerospace businesses to deliver breakthroughs in banking security, traffic management and aerospace security.
University of Exeter scientists are working on a scheme to collect Sargassum seaweed, which can be converted into high-quality, low-cost fertiliser and biofuel through hydrothermal liquefaction. This process could help clear beaches in Mexico and the Caribbean, while also addressing marine plastic pollution.
Researchers are investigating strategies to mitigate coastal flooding in Santa Monica Bay and Humboldt Bay using natural and nature-based features, as well as artificial structures. The study aims to understand the effectiveness of these approaches in controlling local flood hazards and improving quality of life for nearby communities.
Blue Wave AI Labs will develop predictive models of reactor components using billions of nuclear reactor data points, enabling timely and safe replacements. The project aims to create a virtual sensor platform for nuclear reactor operations and maintenance, potentially applicable to future energy-production systems.
Between 2000 and 2015, the number of US deaths from cardiovascular disease among people aged 25 to 64 rose substantially. This trend is attributed to increased rates of heart disease and stroke.
Researchers detected energy transfer from excited electrons to the crystal lattice on the femtosecond timescale, enabling the development of materials that retain energy for longer periods. This study contributes to the retardation of decoherence and the creation of quantum information devices such as optical switches.
A Clemson University researcher is developing genetically improved perennial grasses that can thrive with less water and serve as a sustainable fuel source. The goal is to create more stress-resistant plants through molecular strategies, including site-specific DNA recombination systems.
Researchers have developed a method to synthesize and trap trions that remain stable at room temperature, enabling manipulation and study of their fundamental properties. The work has implications for technologies such as bioimaging, chemical sensing, energy harvesting, solid-state computing and quantum computing.
Researchers are testing Maine seaweeds for potential dietary supplements to reduce methane emission by cattle. The project aims to find an algae-based feed that benefits both cow health and the environment.
The University of Arizona's two-year AZSecure Cybersecurity Fellowship program will continue to train students in cybersecurity, covering tuition and fees, with a stipend of $34,000 per year. The renewal funding will help about 20 more students over the next five to seven years.
Researchers are studying ventilation systems in large-opening mines to reduce diesel particulate matter exposure and improve workplace safety. They aim to develop new tools for booster fan optimization, air recirculation modeling, and seasonal ventilation pressure analysis.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington are using unmanned aerial vehicles to quickly assess damage from natural disasters. The team aims to reduce wait times for homeowners to receive insurance adjusters, who often take months or years to visit their sites.
A new mobile app, SexEx Rural, is being developed to train public school personnel and county health department staff to recognize the physical, emotional, and interpersonal signs of child sex trafficking. The app includes interactive quizzes, real-world examples, and a searchable resource center for reporting and supporting victims.
The University of Kansas will develop an innovative graduate training program that combines the disciplines of chemistry, chemical engineering, and computer science. The new program aims to make catalysis design more efficient by using artificial intelligence and machine learning.,
Researchers at West Virginia University are developing an autonomous robotic system to monitor the structural integrity and safety of underground mines. The system will provide high-resolution 3D maps for assessment of pillar and roof damage, enabling a rapid response to detected degradations in stability.
Researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich explore 3D magnetic solitons with potential as information carriers for neuromorphic computing. The €11.8M ERC Synergy Grant will investigate particle-like properties and applications of these structures.
The NSF INCLUDES: SEAS Island Alliance aims to enhance U.S. leadership in discoveries and innovations by focusing on diversity, inclusion, and broadening participation in STEM at scale. The program will connect individuals across islands and partner institutions, providing expertise and mentors through the creation of new island networks.
Researchers are developing methods to solve vibration problems in mechanical systems, a common issue in aerospace and construction industries. Mathematical modeling helps prevent resonance-induced failures.
A $1 million project at the University of Houston will investigate the chemical, structural, and mechanical interactions in solid-state batteries. The researchers plan to use advanced diagnostic tools to analyze how batteries perform under different conditions, with the goal of reducing failures and improving safety.
A recent study found that the introduction and withdrawal of financial incentives for GPs had little impact on screening rates but led to an immediate increase in advice provision. Since the scheme's discontinuation, screening rates have decreased, and fewer patients receive brief advice for their drinking.
A study of California firearm owners has identified five distinct patterns of gun ownership linked to varying levels of risk. The research found that different combinations of survey responses to questions about firearms, storage practices, and motivations are associated with higher or lower risks of injury and death.
The University of Maryland Prevention Research Center is receiving funding from the CDC to focus on LGBTQ+ mental health and healthcare. The center aims to increase the availability of affirming and supportive mental health care for the community, addressing stigma, discrimination, and violence.
Researchers developed a new process to create atomic resolution chemical maps for high-entropy alloys, revealing patterns that could help design alloys with superior mechanical properties. The approach enabled the discovery of unconventional atomic structures and their potential impact on alloy behavior.
A new study by NIH scientists found that research topic preference accounts for over 20% of the persistent funding gap between black and white researchers. Black applicants are more likely to propose topics with lower success rates, such as health disparities research and patient-focused interventions.
The Tata-Cornell Institute will assess challenges facing small-farm aggregation models in India and Mexico, with a focus on creating lessons, tools, and resource pathways to strengthen small farm aggregators. The two-year study aims to identify successful and unsuccessful strategies for making these organizations economically sustainable.
A comprehensive database will be created to analyze the inhabitants and visitors of Mount Athos over 700 years, shedding light on economic interests, church leadership, intellectual exchange, and patronage. The project aims to explore wealth, ethnicity, and gender dynamics in the medieval society.
Carnegie Mellon University has been designated as a CDC flu forecasting center of excellence, receiving $3 million in funding to develop more accurate forecasting tools. The new center will also explore how to effectively communicate forecast information to the public and leaders.
The West Virginia Prevention Research Center will receive $750,000 in funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to address vaping and substance abuse issues. The grant aims to reduce rates of youth substance use and foster community resilience through a prevention model focused on building local capacity.
Researchers from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School will study heat waves with $190,000 NOAA grant funding, aiming to improve future projections of extreme heat wave events. Heat waves are projected to increase in severity and frequency due to climate change.
The MIT Press has received a three-year $850,000 grant from Arcadia to develop and pilot an open access monograph publishing framework. The project will explore alternatives to traditional market-based business models for professional and scholarly monographs, with the goal of increasing their availability and impact.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has received $1.19 million in funding for five projects related to quantum information science (QIS). Researchers will develop ultra-sensitive detectors to detect dark matter and simulate fundamental theories on a quantum computer.
A $1.5 million grant is funding a project to build research infrastructure for autonomous vehicle safety, using one-tenth-scale cars that are less expensive and safer than full-scale vehicles.
A FSU research team has developed methods to manipulate polymers, changing their fundamental structure. This breakthrough enables potential applications in cargo delivery, recyclable materials, shape-shifting soft robots and antimicrobials.
Researchers found that combining stormwater controls with stream restoration results in improved erosion reduction. The study suggests that watershed-scale implementation of stormwater controls is essential for reducing channel erosion and pollutant loading, making it a more effective approach than individual restoration projects.
A new study found that coral defenses are compromised by warming, but reef conservation and certain fish species, like the Acropora millepora, can enhance them. The research used potions from protected and heavily fished reefs to test their effectiveness against a pathogen.
Researchers at Mainz University explore fundamental aspects of artificial intelligence using machine learning techniques and interdisciplinary approaches combining physics, biology, and materials sciences. The goal is to understand why modern systems are successful and develop better machine learning methods.
A team of researchers led by Penn State's Ming Xiao is studying the effects of permafrost degradation on Alaskan communities and the world. The project aims to understand how ground changes, infrastructure, and social systems interact as temperatures rise.
Researchers found that early-career failure leads to greater success for those who try again, with near-miss scientists publishing more hit papers than their just-made-it counterparts. The study suggests a counter-narrative to the Matthew Effect, highlighting the value of failure in future career impact.
New Jersey researchers found that early reperfusion of the left reading network correlates with improved reading and language competence in people recovering from left-sided stroke. The study also showed that increased perfusion of the right reading network is associated with worse reading performance, challenging previous beliefs.
The Reinhart Koselleck Project aims to study the growth of atmospheric nanoparticles using high-resolution mass spectrometry. The team hopes to understand the mechanisms of particle formation and differentiate between natural and human-induced causes.
The DOE is investing $21.4 million in quantum information science research, focusing on particle physics and fusion energy sciences. This funding will support projects that explore the application of quantum computing to analyze particle physics data and simulate complex systems.
The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a grant to Sydney-based company Kinoxis Therapeutics to develop a potential treatment for opioid withdrawal. KNX100, a small molecule therapeutic drug candidate, is being developed to treat opioid-use disorder and other substance use disorders.
The Morris Animal Foundation has awarded over $1 million in wildlife health research grants to support studies on low fertility in elephants, rabies in bats and amphibian fungal disease. These studies aim to address critical health challenges in various species and promote conservation strategies.
Laanes' five-year project 'Translating Memories: The Eastern European Past in the Global Arena' investigates how literature, cinema, and art shape global perceptions of WWII and Soviet regimes. The team will analyze aesthetic and political debates around these works to break local history deadlocks.
A new study from the University of Washington found that employment conditions beyond wages and hours impact overall health. Workers in insecure jobs reported poor mental health and increased injury risk, while those with high empowerment experienced similar health to standard employees.
A research project from the University of Otago is developing a ryegrass variety that can be induced to flower for seed production under artificial conditions. This could lead to more productive and efficient farming, increasing productivity and reducing land use while minimizing environmental impact.
Explore Interactive's augmented reality platform aims to help students learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on challenges and design exercises. The NIH grant will enable the company to track growth in proficiency and provide real-time analytics for teachers.
Researchers found that plastic teabags release a significant amount of micro- and nanoplastics into tea during brewing. The levels were thousands of times higher than previously reported in other foods, and treated water fleas showed anatomical and behavioral abnormalities.
A study of nearly 25,000 patients found that weight-loss surgery in Western Australia was associated with higher rates of outpatient and emergency department mental health services. The research suggests that patients who undergo bariatric surgery may experience increased mental health needs after the procedure.
A study using UK Biobank data found a genetic link between psychotic experiences and neuropsychiatric disorders. The research suggests that individuals with a genetic predisposition to psychosis may also be at increased risk for other mental health conditions.
Researchers identified a novel histone mark, lysine glutarylation (Kglu) at histone H4, which is abundant in promoter regions of active genes. This mark facilitates the formation of open chromatin structure, leading to gene expression activation.