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.
Researchers expect to greatly enhance measuring accuracy by developing a transportable trap for transporting antiprotons from CERN to Mainz. The project aims to measure fundamental properties of antiprotons with high precision, searching for differences between protons and antiprotons.
A large cohort study found attempting a vaginal birth after previous cesarean section increases the risk of serious maternal complications, including uterine rupture and sepsis. The study suggests that planning another cesarean may be a safer option for women with a history of cesarean section.
A $1.2M grant will establish a network of recirculating aquaculture systems to produce Atlantic salmon in the US, increasing sustainability and reducing imports. The project aims to develop environmentally friendly land-based systems that can replace imported seafood, promoting domestic production and reducing trade deficits.
Researchers have developed a wearable brain-machine interface that can wirelessly control an electric wheelchair, interact with a computer, or operate a small robotic vehicle without the need for bulky headgear or wires. The system uses deep learning algorithms to analyze EEG signals and improve signal quality.
Memantine, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease, has been shown to reduce parasite levels by 40% and increase survival rates of mice with Chagas disease. The treatment also lowered parasite levels in the hearts of infected animals, providing a promising alternative therapy for this neglected tropical disease.
A new study from the University of Warwick reveals that people with persistent back pain or headaches are twice as likely to suffer from both disorders. The researchers suggest an association between the two types of pain, pointing to a potential shared treatment for both conditions.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new type of composite material made from discarded stone waste and polymers, which increases the strength and conductivity of the final product. The materials can be used in various applications, including decorations, sanitation products, and even aerospace.
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute has received $11.7 million in funding from NOAA to complete repairs and renovations after Hurricane Harvey caused significant damage. The institute will use the funds to rebuild its research pier, visitor center, and other facilities, allowing it to resume full operations.
Researchers found that Machiavellian employees are more likely to prioritize personal goals over teamwork and civility. This environment can lead to disastrous consequences, as seen in Enron and subprime mortgage crises. Employees with bottom-line mentality tend to act in self-interest, even engaging in unethical behaviors.
Researchers build robots entirely from smaller robots called smarticles to unlock a new locomotion technique, enabling movement in response to stimuli. The supersmarticle, formed by five smarticles, can navigate mazes and change shape on demand.
A University of Bristol researcher has received a De Leo Fund Award for her outstanding work on suicide prevention in low- and middle-income countries, where 79% of global suicide deaths occur. Her research focuses on understanding the most effective methods of preventing suicidal behavior in these regions.
Recent developments in COFs' postsynthetic functionalization have introduced wide ranges of organic to inorganic functional constituents, enhancing stability and performance. The authors emphasize the importance of functionalization for creating COF-based smart materials, highlighting challenges in their future development.
The National Science Foundation has announced a new PAWR platform, AERPAW, in Raleigh and Cary, North Carolina, which will focus on wireless communications for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and ground mobility. The platform aims to accelerate research into the capabilities necessary for mobility systems.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has awarded grants to six interdisciplinary research teams, combining expertise in virology, epigenetics, microbiology, and developmental biology to advance groundbreaking discoveries. The research projects focus on understanding complex biological processes, such as viral manipulation of host cells, genetic v...
Brazilian researchers used computational tools to analyze blood cells from patients infected with chikungunya virus, identifying genes associated with the disease and potential biomarkers of predisposition to chronic joint pain. The study suggests that certain gene signatures can be explored as therapeutic targets.
Researchers developed a lightweight plastic that mimics the outer coating of pearls, offering improved protection against bullets and projectiles. The material has high thermal conductivity, making it ideal for vests, helmets, and other body armor.
The University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering has received three substantial grants from the US Department of Energy, totaling $2.3 million, to advance nuclear energy research and development.
The Warriors Research Institute, a Baylor Scott & White center, has received a $500,000 grant to expand its telehealth program for Texas veterans and their families. The program offers high-quality, accessible mental health treatment via live video conferencing, with significant improvements in quality of life reported by participants.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University found that cancer cells prioritize wider, easier-to-navigate spaces over smaller, confined ones to reduce energy expenditure during metastasis. This discovery highlights the importance of energy metabolism in cancer cell migration and may lead to new strategies for preventing metastasis.
The Journalists in Aging Fellows Program has selected 14 new reporters to produce in-depth stories on aging issues. The projects span topics including cultural challenges faced by immigrant communities, health issues for African Americans, and the crisis of loneliness among older adults.
Researchers developed a new model that shows rubbing two objects together produces static electricity by bending tiny deformations on the surface of materials. This phenomenon, called flexoelectricity, arises from the separation of charge in an insulator due to deformations such as bending.
Scientists discovered a new species, Mollisonia plenovenatrix, in the Burgess Shale fossil site, revealing that scorpions and spiders originated over 500 million years ago. The species had advanced features like 'multi-tool head', chelicerae, and book-like gills, suggesting it was a fierce predator.
Researchers studied 18 Acaena plant species in New Zealand habitats, revealing that geographical and climate conditions play a greater role in colonization success. The study suggests that warmer and wetter conditions can facilitate species adaptation to newly opened habitats.
Researchers developed a tunable metamaterial that can change shape in response to electrical control, exhibiting unique mechanical and vibrational properties. This breakthrough has potential applications in next-generation energy storage systems and bio-implantable micro-devices.
Argonne National Laboratory has received nearly $4.75 million in funding from the DOE to support two new data science projects. These projects will use machine learning approaches to accelerate discovery in chemical separations and quantum materials.
The study found that online crowdfunding efforts can significantly increase access to cancer care, particularly for low-income individuals. By leveraging online platforms, patients with financial burdens can receive essential treatments and services.
A new trial found that video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) significantly reduces in-hospital complications and shortens hospital stays compared to open surgery for early-stage lung cancer patients. VATS, a minimally invasive technique, showed improved outcomes without compromising oncologic results.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation will conduct a comprehensive five-year study on the effects of robotic exoskeleton-assisted gait training in patients with stroke. The study aims to improve recovery of lost mobility and understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of exoskeleton-assisted gait therapy.
A three-year grant of 1.2 million rubles will support PhD candidate Angelina Markina's work on efficient algorithms for microstrip antenna design. The project aims to develop mathematical models and prototypes for various frequencies, enabling multi-bandwidth applications including 5G.
A new Harvard study shows that students in 'active learning' classrooms learn more than they think, contradicting long-held beliefs about the effectiveness of traditional lectures. The study found that students felt like they learned more from lectures but actually scored higher on tests following active learning sessions.
The GERDA experiment has set a record-breaking sensitivity for detecting the neutrinoless double beta decay, which could reveal if neutrinos are their own antiparticles. The LEGEND project plans to increase the detector mass and reduce background noise to achieve even greater sensitivity.
Researchers analyzed costs of trachoma surveys in 11 countries from 2012 to 2018, finding a median survey cost of $8,298 USD. The studies also showed economies of scale from implementing surveys in a single year, with training and fieldwork accounting for major proportions of costs.
Researchers at KU Leuven have developed a new technique to insulate microchips using metal-organic frameworks, enabling the creation of powerful and energy-efficient chips. The method involves applying nanoporous crystals to separate wires and signals.
A new research project called REBOOT aims to recover almost 100% of valuable resources in liquid waste management. The project uses continuous hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology to produce clean freshwater, hydrogen, and CO2 from sewage sludge and manure.
The five-year project aims to reduce the urban-rural divide by awarding nearly $3 million in scholarships and creating STEM career pathways. Students will have opportunities to participate in research or internships related to environmental pollution in the Pacific Northwest.
Danish researchers at Aarhus University are developing an AI system to detect market manipulation and fraud in global stock exchanges. The project, called DISPA, aims to replace manual sampling with automated analysis of trading activity.
Two University of Konstanz researchers, Dr. Damien Farine and Professor George Walkden, have been awarded European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants to conduct pioneering research on group-living birds and the impact of language contact on grammar. The grants will fund their innovative projects over a five-year period.
Dawid Kielak, a Bielefeld mathematician, has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant for his research on geometric group theory. He aims to apply a similar trick used in understanding four-dimensional space-time to higher dimensions.
Juha Muhonen's research group aims to solve a key issue in creating large-scale quantum platforms in silicon. The new quantum hybrid platform combines quantum elements with nano-optomechanical elements to enable practical applications of silicon quantum technologies.
NutraMaize will develop improved varieties of orange corn to deliver better nutrition on a population-wide scale. The startup aims to address vitamin A deficiencies and improve vision health through its orange corn products.
A new report highlights how top fashion companies' irresponsible sourcing practices are undermining efforts to end worker exploitation in South India's garment industry. Despite some improvements, social audits are often manipulated by suppliers to retain business with brands.
A new study suggests that heart failure care must address patients' broader health to improve survival rates. The research found that while the risk of death from cardiovascular causes declined, non-cardiovascular deaths increased, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach.
Researchers found 'switches' between continental rupture, collision, and oceanic subduction initiation in the Tethyan evolution. Oceanic slabs drove continental fragments into their final positions, controlling supercontinent assembly and breakup cycles.
The website rates internet-connected devices for their security, providing scores from 28 to 100. Researchers found wide variations in security depending on the manufacturer, with some devices performing better than others. The site aims to educate consumers and encourage device manufacturers to prioritize security.
Scientists have pinpointed dysfunctional brain networks responsible for impaired speech and word finding in primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a type of dementia. The study found three brain regions that fail to communicate, leading to difficulties with sentence production, word comprehension, and word naming.
Researchers developed a new method to evaluate a worker's situational awareness while multitasking by analyzing their eye movement patterns. The study found that employees with poor situational awareness spend more time searching for solutions, increasing the risk of mistakes and accidents.
A mutation in the Transportin 3 gene that causes a rare muscle disease is found to protect against HIV-1 infection. The study uses blood cells from patients with this mutation to understand how it works and may lead to new therapeutic strategies for both diseases.
Visceral leishmaniasis has expanded to Central-Southern Brazil through three dispersion routes: Bolivia-Brazil gas pipeline, Paraguay, and western Santa Catarina State. The study highlights the lack of joint policies with neighboring countries as a risk factor for disease spread.
A new study reveals that the deaths of prominent life scientists are followed by an increase in highly cited research by newcomers, with papers by these researchers receiving more citations than those of established scientists.
A new JAMA paper encourages doctors to screen for social determinants of health and refer patients to relevant programs. The authors argue that addressing these factors is crucial for optimal patient health and reducing health disparities.
A recent study using convection-permitting models showed improved accuracy in simulating heavy rainfall events in the Yangtze River Basin. The models were found to better reproduce the spatial distribution of precipitation and smaller-scale disturbances, reducing biases compared to global models.
The ASU/MCC project aims to develop an experiential learning course, fund master's-level students, and engage the community in addressing challenges at the urban-agriculture nexus. Students will conduct research on topics such as urban agriculture production systems and food safety.
A new study found that married people are less likely to develop dementia as they age, whereas divorced individuals are twice as likely to experience the condition. The research analyzed data from over 15,000 respondents and suggests that marital status is an important social risk factor for dementia.
University of Kansas researchers have developed a new technology that could improve subsurface fracture characterization, visualization, and diagnostics of unconventional reservoirs. The innovative approach uses smart microchip proppants that generate real-time data to optimize well spacing and completion design, potentially reducing e...
UMass Amherst researchers are using fNIRS and ECG to study the coordination of brain and heart activity in 3- to 5-year-olds, aiming to improve learning tools and mental health care for children. The study aims to understand what drives differences in self-regulation tendencies and how this relates to psychopathology.
A five-year study aims to examine the impact of ecological restoration on health and wellness in low-income Detroit neighborhoods. Researchers will assess the health of 700 residents while restoring parks, measuring physical wellbeing and stress levels.
The university's Extended Reality Initiative aims to create immersive video experiences for teacher training, improving authenticity and engagement. The team will explore the use of 360-degree videos with multiple cameras and prompts to enhance learning.
Researchers used mosquito genomes to track the Asian tiger mosquito's spread from Albania to Europe, the US, and Africa. Human activities like tire trade facilitated its rapid expansion, posing an increasing public health risk.
Dr. Simon Dai's research aims to advance a passive technology that can attract and capture water droplets from fog and moisture in the air, providing a sustainable solution to global water scarcity. The new funding will help create a more durable lubricant for water harvesting.
The Residential Experience for Aspiring Leaders (REAL) program will provide clinical experiences and prepare aspiring school leaders to manage daily workloads and long-range initiatives. Participants will be paired with Lehigh educators, mentors, and a clinical supervisor to develop their skills.