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.
Prof. Dr. Hannah Schneider, a young researcher at IPK, has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant for her project on anatomical roots traits relevant to stress tolerance and resource efficiency in crops. Her work aims to engineer crop roots to better forage soil and capture resources, benefiting global agriculture.
Researchers Maria Eichlseder and Fariba Karimi will study keyless encryption and AI's impact on online social networks to promote fair algorithms. Their projects aim to address open problems in cryptographic systems and quantify intersectional inequality.
ISTA's Lisa Bugnet, Alicia Michael, and Marco Mondelli have been awarded ERC Starting Grants to develop new methods for extracting information from data, studying gene regulation, and understanding time-keeping in cells. Their projects aim to simplify data analysis, accelerate personalized medicine, and uncover the secrets of biologica...
A UC Santa Barbara researcher aims to reduce desalination's energy consumption by two times using renewable energy sources like solar or waste heat. The project's goals include improving the thermal distillation process and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, addressing global water scarcity and climate change concerns.
A clinical trial led by UC San Francisco aims to develop new therapies for progressive supranuclear palsy, with a focus on reducing time to find effective treatments and increasing diverse participant enrollment. The five-year grant could lead to the first effective drugs for this incurable neurodegenerative disorder.
The University of Texas at Arlington is piloting a program that allows community college students from Dallas College's North Lake campus to participate in paid research opportunities with faculty mentors. Students receive $6,000 for their time and effort and have the chance to advance their STEM education and careers.
Researchers from FAU and UPR will study cultural dimensions of ecological instability in South Florida and Puerto Rico, capturing nuanced ways communities respond to environmental disruptions. The project aims to develop strategies to mitigate harm and enhance adaptability.
A new non-hormonal hot flash treatment has been shown to significantly reduce symptom frequency and severity within weeks, while also improving sleep quality and overall well-being. The investigational drug elinzanetant was found to have a favorable safety profile with mild side effects.
The University of Texas at San Antonio is partnering with Texas A&M University to co-lead SECURE Southwest, a regional center launched to enhance U.S. research security. The center aims to educate the research community about security issues and engage them in collaborative problem-solving.
A self-guided CBT app, Maya, significantly reduced anxiety in young adults, with improvement levels similar to anxiety medication studies. The study found that the app's interactive platform and real-time feedback helped users learn new skills and coping mechanisms.
Researchers sequenced and analyzed chloroplast genomes of C. oleifera and C. meiocarpa, revealing significant differences that clarify their phylogenetic relationship. This study developed 17 primers for distinguishing between them, providing valuable tools for assessing genetic diversity in tea-oil Camellia.
A wearable sensor supported by machine learning models can continuously monitor and quantify FOG episodes, providing an accurate picture of a patient's condition. This technology has the potential to support the development of new treatments and improve the lives of people with Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at Rice University and Northeastern University have made a discovery in the fight against COVID-19, uncovering new insights into how the virus infects human cells and can be neutralized. They found that antibodies targeting a specific part of the spike protein can bind to it and prevent the virus from entering human cells.
A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology elucidated the mechanisms of electron transfer in upconversion organic light-emitting diodes, resulting in improved efficiency. They discovered a novel donor-acceptor combination that led to the fabrication of an efficient blue UC-OLED with an extremely low turn-on voltage.
A new study from UCSF finds that child-parent psychotherapy can reduce biological age acceleration in children who have experienced trauma. The treatment group showed significantly less age-related change than the comparison group, with potential implications for long-term health outcomes.
The Access for All in ALS Consortium has successfully enrolled its first participant, marking a significant step forward for ALS research. The consortium aims to disrupt the clinical research landscape using open science methods to advance ALS research.
A study by the Open Wild Wheat Consortium explains how Aegilops tauschii, a wild grass, contributed to the genetic diversity of bread wheat, enabling its rapid spread across different climates. This hybridization event allowed humans to settle down and form societies.
A Rice University-led team is developing an affordable system to improve tumor removal accuracy for breast and head and neck cancer. The AccessPath system enables rapid, automatic tumor margin classification, revolutionizing real-time surgical guidance.
A WVU biologist is studying how genes establish animal body plans and contribute to regenerative abilities. He has identified Hox genes as key players in planarian regeneration, suggesting their functions may differ in highly regenerative versus poorly regenerative organisms.
Mary Bishai, a Brookhaven physicist, has been recognized as a Distinguished Scientist Fellow by the DOE Office of Science. Her work on understanding neutrinos' properties has led to extraordinary leadership and service to the particle physics community. As a mentor, she is guiding the next generation of researchers.
The research aims to develop a new method for detecting foodborne viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A in time to prevent or quickly respond to an outbreak. The technology uses magnetic liquids to concentrate viruses from large food samples into smaller volumes, streamlining the detection process.
Researchers from USU and international partners will investigate how earthquake energy accumulates and releases on major strike-slip faults. The project aims to improve earthquake hazard models and provide educational opportunities in Earth sciences.
Researchers call for coordinated action to address air pollution's complexity, including elevating policy ambition, expanding regulatory scope, and integrating scientific policymaking. The paper highlights urgent need for clean air globally as health harms arise from lower concentrations.
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) researchers have developed a novel approach to enhance the precision of signal acquisition and tracking using subcarrier modulated signals. The innovations sharpen spectral efficiency and accuracy, tackling ambiguity challenges inherent in conventional GNSS algorithms.
A mathematical model developed by Chris Zobel and colleagues optimizes resource allocation in urban infrastructure while considering social vulnerabilities and projected sea level rise impacts. The approach prioritizes investments that enhance resilience and mitigate socio-economic disparities, enabling informed decision-making that ba...
A study identified a P. viticola-resistant locus, Rpv34, in table grapes through genetic analysis, revealing key SNP markers for resistance enhancement. This discovery supports the breeding of resistant grape varieties, improving grape quality and production.
This study demonstrates that genomewide prediction effectively targets russet formation in apples, a complex quantitative trait controlled by many small-effect QTLs. Moderate predictive abilities were observed across various models, with the inclusion of previously detected QTLs as fixed effects not significantly enhancing predictions.
A joint international study found that tropical cyclones in Southeast Asia are forming closer to coastlines, intensifying rapidly, and lingering longer over land. This can lead to unprecedented threats from longer-lasting and more intense storms for tens of millions in coastal areas.
A new study published in the journal Brain Connectivity reveals how psychological resilience can aid children's recovery from concussions. The research found that building resilience through supportive family environments and effective coping strategies may help young patients heal faster.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed self-powered aquatic robots that can skim across water and detect environmental data. The devices use ocean bacteria to generate power, with an average output of 1 milliwatt, enough for mechanical movement and sensor tracking.
Dr. Wencai Liu, an associate professor at Texas A&M University, has been selected for the 2024 IUPAP Early Career Scientist Prize in Mathematical Physics. His research focuses on linear and nonlinear Schrodinger equations, contributing to our understanding of quantum mechanics and its applications.
A recent study published online in Disability and Rehabilitation found that transitioning children with special health care needs back to school after extended hospitalizations can be challenging due to lack of coordination and communication between healthcare and educational systems. The study recommends improving communication, provi...
Direct seawater electrolysis is not necessary for green hydrogen production, as a simple desalination process can prepare seawater for conventional electrolysers. The development of new types of electrolysers that can operate steadily in seawater would only save the cheap purification step.
Cancer cells can attach themselves to liver cells when specific proteins are present, allowing them to colonize and form new tumors. This discovery provides insights into the metastatic process and may lead to potential treatments that prevent cancer from establishing new tumors.
A Cornell University study reveals efficient and sustained mammalian-to-mammalian transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 between cows and from cows to cats and a raccoon. The virus shows high tropism for the mammary gland and infectious viral loads in milk.
Researchers developed a preclinical model that shows knocking out VPS35 leads to alpha-synuclein aggregate accumulation, similar to human Parkinson's. The study also discovered a potential new strategy for detecting the disease using autofluorescence technology.
Physicists and engineers are exploring magnetrons as drivers of high-performance particle accelerators to reduce their carbon footprint and enable future industrial applications. Magnetrons, originally designed for microwave ovens, have the potential to lower production costs and improve efficiency in various industries.
A new junior professorship in Earth System Science at Mainz University, sponsored by the Volkswagen Foundation, will establish a specialized lab for paleoclimate research. The lab will analyze high-resolution sediments formed thousands to millions of years ago to reconstruct past climates, including seasonal patterns.
A UBC Okanagan study reveals that 98% of respondents reported experiencing intimate partner violence, with 70% showing symptoms consistent with a brain injury. The research highlights the need for tailored approaches to address IPV in queer relationships and acknowledges the intersectional nature of oppression.
A research team led by Clemson University Professor Shahid Mukhtar aims to identify natural biological solutions through the microbiome to help soybeans survive extreme heat and drought. The study will focus on the cellular level, soil microbiomes, and plant responses to environmental stresses.
Duminda Wijesekera has received $40,000 in funding to evaluate and test the Nvidia Drive Sim for full integration with CDA/CARMA. He will also assess the advantages and disadvantages of using Drive Sim and Omniverse for autonomous vehicle simulations.
The study identified Xiangbinhong as the best variety for commercial production, while Xuemeng is ideal for ornamental shrubs. The research provides valuable data for enhancing finger lime breeding and cultivation techniques, leading to improved production strategies and economic returns.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst has been awarded a $6.37 million grant by the EPA to create a free EPD generator tool and establish an industry standard for measuring greenhouse gas emissions. The project aims to increase transparency and trust in the steel industry, retraining engineers and steelmakers to use the new tool.
Chong Xie and his team at Rice University have won a $2.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop an implantable neural electrode system for high-resolution, long-term neural recording and stimulation. The project aims to improve the resolution of existing devices by increasing the density of neurons sampled.
Pamela J. Bjorkman, K. Christopher Garcia, and Ian A. Wilson receive inaugural prize for their groundbreaking research in structural immunology, which has paved the way for novel disease treatments and revealed new insights into the immune system.
Researchers found evidence supporting the idea that genes play a crucial role in shaping children's development during the first three years after birth. The study aims to encourage investment in research focused on infancy, which has significant potential to aid early interventions and improve child development.
UCF researchers George Atia and Yue Wang received a $1.2 million DARPA grant to develop AI-based technologies that can help autonomous systems adapt to unknown variables and overcome simulation-to-real gap issues.
Researchers discuss HER2 in breast cancer, highlighting the prognostic and predictive factors. They found an independent positive prognostic effect of HER2-low compared to HER2-zero in early breast cancer, challenging the long-held view that HER2-negative tumors do not benefit from trastuzumab-based therapy.
The University of Maryland has been awarded a five-year, $388 million cooperative funding agreement with NOAA to conduct collaborative research in Earth system science. The Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS) will continue its national leadership in this field.
Research teams should prioritize South Asian leads to avoid misguided interpretations and promote best practices. Funding agencies should also include South Asian people in reviewing grants to acknowledge community expertise.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a novel extrusion segment that can create the marbled appearance and texture of plant-based whole-cut meat products. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the plant-based meat industry, expanding its product offerings and appealing to a wider audience.
The Program for Research in Mathematics at Texas A&M University has been awarded a Dolciani Mathematics Enrichment Grant to support its efforts to promote math enrichment for high school students. With the grant, the program will expand access to digital resources and provide more comprehensive training materials.
Researchers investigate chemical modifications to genetic regulation mechanisms, finding that Set8 controls gene activity through a mechanism other than histone modification. This study refines our understanding of genetic regulation relevant to human diseases like cancer.
A new study introduces a novel hypothesis that digital technologies affect human sociality and mental health, particularly among youth. The Disembodied Disconnect Hypothesis suggests cultivating rich personal relationships in face-to-face communities to counterbalance disembodied digital interactions.
Researchers used synchrotron-based imaging to visualize and assess the functional structures in soybean root nodules, enhancing our understanding of nitrogen fixation efficiency. The study revealed the importance of central infected zones and vascular bundles in nodule function.
Boris Yakobson aims to transform the future of advanced materials through Rice University research. His projects focus on developing predictive synthesis models and automating the search for new materials, with applications in energy and electronics.
The Spanish Public University System (SUPE) has seen a decrease in the number of permanent lecturers, while private universities (SUEPr) have experienced growth. Productivity per lecturer also varies between the two systems, with SUPE showing an annual increase until 2021 and SUEPr remaining stagnant.
A recent study identifies areas at risk of waste leakage into aquatic environments, highlighting the need for improved waste management systems and universal waste collection. The research also emphasizes the importance of circular waste management systems to reduce pollution in these ecosystems.
The study successfully sequenced the genome of purple finger lemon 'YaoJi', identifying key genes linked to rind color variations. The research provides a genomic foundation for further genetic studies and breeding programs, shedding light on the evolutionary history of finger lemons.
Researchers at UNIST developed zeolitic imidazolate frameworks that mimic intricate machines, exhibiting precise control over nanoscale mechanical movements. The discovery has significant implications for applications in data storage, digital technology, and beyond.