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 palaeontologist is researching the evolution of a mineralised vertebrate skeleton, which led to an explosion in species diversity around 500 million years ago. The unique nanocrystal structure allows for flexibility and stability, enabling species to conquer new habitats and ecosystems.
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a $295,000 USDA grant to develop data-based agriculture solutions. The project aims to prepare students for careers in agriculture-related fields and promote sustainable farming practices.
A new joint research project is studying changes in landscapes and soil conditions of South Africa to assess land degradation. The 'South African Land Degradation Monitor' will use Earth observation data to monitor developments over time.
Researchers have mapped how ancient cereal crops spread from isolated pockets of first cultivation, driven by peasant farmers' needs rather than cultural choices. The study shows that food globalization in prehistory had an equally dramatic impact on food cultivation as the Columbian Exchange.
The University of Lincoln is launching the world's first Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Agri-Food Robotics, investing £6.6m for 50 doctoral students. The CDT will focus on areas like autonomous mobility, harvesting, and soft robotics to address global food chain challenges.
Archae fish, trained in a computer experiment, exhibit same visual processing skills as humans when identifying target features such as color, size, orientation and motion. This shared approach is believed to be essential for survival and could provide insights into other species' brains.
The KIT National Center for Efficacy Evaluation of Respiratory Disease has secured funding for its second phase, which will focus on developing domestic respiratory disease products. The center will utilize a one-step solution combining inhalation testing with toxicology evaluation and clinical studies to evaluate product efficacy.
The nTIDE January 2019 Jobs Report shows a flattening of economic indicators for Americans with disabilities, while those without disabilities experience steady improvement. Efforts like Lights! Camera! Action! 2.0 aim to promote diversity and inclusion in the media industry.
Researchers at FAU have successfully produced large, stable pieces of graphene with a zigzag edge pattern. This breakthrough enables the control of shape and periphery, which is crucial for investigating electronic properties in detail.
A new study estimates that around 4.2 million people die within 30 days of surgery globally, with half of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The researchers project that expanding surgical services to address unmet need would add another 1.9 million post-operative deaths annually.
Researchers have found a short anti-rejection therapy that can protect transplanted pancreatic islets in diabetic animals, enabling long-term survival and function without the need for life-long immune suppression. This breakthrough could lead to an effective treatment of type 1 diabetes with fewer side effects.
New research reveals that black students are more frequently suspended than white students of similar backgrounds, despite controlling for behavioral and socioeconomic factors. Students with disabilities were initially at greater risk but their risk was later explained by other study factors.
CABI will work with governments, universities, and research organizations in India and Ethiopia to share data on soil health, agronomy, and fertilizers, promoting better decision-making for farmers. The project aims to create national data policies and databases for improved access and sharing of agricultural data.
A study of 223 restaurant meals in six countries found 94% exceed recommended daily calorie intake. Popular meals like Brazil's rice and chicken dish contain up to 1656 kcal.
Researchers have created a quantum fridge with just three atoms, demonstrating the role of quantum effects in thermodynamics. The device, using heat to drive cooling without moving parts, achieves temperatures within 40 microKelvin of absolute zero.
Dr Clare Dobbs' research will focus on the formation and evolution of young massive star clusters, a crucial aspect of understanding galaxy formation. The five-year project aims to tackle the puzzle of how stars develop in densely packed regions of space.
Nanoscope Technologies has received multiple NIH grants to further develop its gene delivery and optogenetics platforms for treating and monitoring retinal degenerative diseases, such as Age-related macular degeneration. The company aims to improve visual acuity in patients with these conditions through targeted retinal stimulation.
The researchers aim to document and analyze the significance of female military combat participation and its impact on their lives. Undergraduate and graduate students will conduct interviews with 50 women, gathering firsthand accounts about their experiences during wartime.
Researchers developed high-protein rice lines with increased yield and improved grain quality, providing a solution to global protein deficiencies. The 'Frontière' line has a 53% higher protein content than original rice varieties, making it suitable for various applications such as specialty food products.
A new study reveals that the loss of coral species diversity can imperil surviving corals and weaken reef systems. Researchers found that single-species plots performed worse than biodiverse groups in a 16-month experiment off Fiji's Pacific shores.
Researchers discovered that humpback whales singing at subarctic feeding areas produce complex, progressive songs similar to those found at tropical breeding grounds. The study suggests that these whales may be capable of opportunistic mating and song exchange in overwintering sites.
Researchers at COSINE-100 failed to confirm the existence of dark matter using sodium iodide crystals, unlike previous DAMA/LIBRA experiment. The detection is considered crucial due to the similarity in experimental setup and material used.
Scientists reproduce pufferfish flavor using key taste-active compounds, revealing strong umami and kokumi components. The study contributes to a better understanding of the unique taste of pufferfish without the toxic effects.
Massive black holes may have formed in rare, densely populated areas of the early universe, a new study suggests. The team used simulations to model the growth of dark matter halos and found that rapid assembly prevented normal star formation, leading to black hole formation instead.
A Georgia State researcher has been awarded a $1.2 million grant to develop drone technology for wildfire management, providing real-time data to aid evacuations and fire management decisions. The technology aims to help contain wildfires, predict fire spread, and support human-UAS collaboration.
A recent study has revealed that bird beak shapes are not as closely tied to their food sources as once believed. By analyzing the beaks of various species, researchers found a weaker and more complex connection between beak shape and feeding behavior.
Astronomer Jason Nordhaus develops a system of complex algorithms to pinpoint existence of previously undiscovered planets and celestial bodies in dying star systems. The technique helps understand the fate of our solar system, other star systems, and stellar interactions.
Two outbreaks of respiratory illness in wild chimpanzees were identified, one lethal and the other non-fatal, caused by human metapneumovirus and parainfluenza virus 3. The viruses were found to be nearly identical genetically to common strains in humans, suggesting a human origin.
A recent high-pressure study on PtTe2 reveals the trivial band structure plays a crucial role in its transport properties. The study observes critical transitions around 20 GPa without lattice phase transitions, and DFT calculations confirm pressure-induced DSM state annihilations at 10 GPa.
Molecules can switch between magnetic and non-magnetic forms dynamically, enabling applications like efficient solar cells and quantum computing. The researchers found this process occurs in half a picosecond, far faster than initially believed.
Scientists at ASRC develop a rigorous theoretical framework for resonant nonreciprocal circuits, clarifying fundamental principles governing light interaction with these devices. The research resolves outstanding questions on their potentials and limitations, establishing ultimate limits in performance.
Researchers have successfully functionalized carboranes using copper catalysis, affording unprecedented C,B-substituted derivatives. The discovery expands the realm of base metal catalyzed transformations and paves the way for novel applications in boron chemistry.
The SIOP Visionary Circle is a charitable program that aims to provide transformational funding for I-O research and development. Donations start at $1,000, and visionaries will vote on the proposal with the greatest impact in the field at the 2020 conference.
A nationwide study found microbes in about half of homes, with a single species dominating all positive samples. Despite their presence, the microbes pose no health concerns and remain safe to drink. The discovery highlights the widespread colonization of water heaters by extremophiles in domestic environments.
Cornell chemists found that pores in two-dimensional molecular building blocks fundamentally change van der Waals forces, altering nanostructure assembly. The study provides new insight into self-assembly and design of complex nanostructures with diverse functionalities.
A recent laboratory culture experiment found that benthic foraminifera communities are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and salinity, with temperature having a more significant impact. The study suggests that these microorganisms can be used as indicators of marine ecosystem changes.
A study by University of East Anglia researchers found that foundation funding alters how journalists work, reducing news output and favoring outcome-oriented content. Foundations require evidence of their impact, incentivizing longer-form pieces aimed at specialist audiences.
The Madariaga virus has been identified in eight children in Haiti, with symptoms resembling dengue fever infection. Researchers suggest the virus was introduced to Haiti from Panama between 2012 and 2015, raising concerns about its potential spread to other Caribbean or North American regions.
Dr. Mustapha Laatiaoui will use the EU grant to develop a new approach for optical spectroscopy of superheavy elements, making it possible to obtain information about these elements that was previously inaccessible. This breakthrough could provide insights into the structure and properties of super-heavyweights.
A new model predicts that lithium-ion batteries will become the most cost-effective energy storage technology for various applications by 2030. The researchers found that as time progresses, lithium-ion battery costs decrease while those of pumped-storage hydroelectricity do not.
Researchers from Colorado State University and nine other universities are exploring best practices for strong, disease-resistant potato crops. The four-year project aims to enhance the environmental quality and economic viability of potato operations nationwide.
Researchers develop phone-based intervention app to strengthen personal and occupational resources in military personnel, promoting balance and growth values. The project's goal is to improve the quality of life for military personnel, addressing stressors such as separation from family and frequent relocation.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new theory that allows thin sheets to conform to 'geometrically incompatible' shapes by developing microscopic wrinkles, reducing the need for stretching and increasing efficiency. This breakthrough has significant implications for biotechnologists working on flexible and wearable sensors f...
A new analysis reveals states adopting guideline levels lower than the US EPA's health advisory levels for PFAS, highlighting the need for enforceable federal standards. States consider additional health effects, such as developmental problems and cancer risk, in their decisions.
Researchers found that Cameroonian adults frequently interact with nonhuman primates through hunting, butchering, and consuming meat. This exposure puts people at risk of infection with new diseases, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and safe handling practices.
Scientists have created a high-quality diamond MEMS sensor chip that outperforms existing silicon sensors in terms of sensitivity and reliability. This breakthrough could enable the development of highly sensitive and reliable sensors for various applications, including disaster prevention and medicine.
Researchers used high-powered supercomputing techniques to simulate extreme conditions and determine the maximum amount of nitrogen in the Earth's outer core. The study provides critical insights into the planet's chemical composition and its potential impact on habitability.
A study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that short-finned pilot whales off the coast of Hawai'i have distinct vocal dialects. The discovery may help researchers better understand the whales' social behavior and conservation needs.
Researchers at São Paulo State University synthesized a compound called GA-Hecate that effectively inhibits the replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in multiple stages. The compound also displays activity against bacteria, fungi, and cancer cells, and is being tested against Zika and yellow fever viruses.
Two UC3M projects have been awarded grants to develop accessible technologies, including the EASIER system that simplifies text for people with intellectual disabilities and eB2-TEA app that detects crises in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
A team of scientists from The Ohio State University shared early results from a trio of studies aimed at improving models designed to guide agricultural practices for reducing the risk of nitrogen and phosphorous farm runoff. These models can help quantify the impact of fertilizer application timing on nutrient runoff.
People with radical political views tend to overestimate their certainty on incorrect answers, but struggle with recognizing when they're wrong. The study found no difference in task performance between moderates and radicals, despite radicals' higher confidence ratings.
A large-scale meta-analysis found strong support for accurate self-reporting of personality traits, with most people rating themselves similarly to their peers. However, individual differences in self-enhancement and self-effacement were identified, with some people overestimating or underestimating their behavior.
The DFG is funding ten new Research Units and one Clinical Research Unit to address pressing issues in hydrology, oceanography, glaciology, geology, and climatology. The units will investigate the effects of volcanic eruptions on the Earth's climate system and develop novel evaluation methods for satellite data.
Researchers developed a new device to measure and control an optically trapped nanoparticle's motion with subatomic resolution. The device uses a light-guiding nanoscale device to monitor the particle's position with unprecedented sensitivity.
Researchers explore protein tyrosine phosphatases in metabolic diseases to understand diabetes development. They focus on inflammation's role in pancreas and liver cells, aiming to identify new therapeutic approaches targeting PTPs.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that people perceive subtle differences in eye blinks during conversations, affecting response lengths and indicating a joint activity between speakers and listeners. The research suggests that even small movements like blinking can serve as nonverbal communication.
A study by University of Missouri researchers found that creating a positive school climate can reduce suspension rates by 10 percent. A positive climate features clear expectations, consistent discipline and supportive relationships between students and teachers.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved $20 million to support two new studies comparing different treatments for anxiety, depression, and obesity. The studies will examine strategies for treating expectant and new mothers with anxiety and depression, as well as approaches to preventing childhood obesity.
Researchers at University of Missouri-Columbia have discovered that pupil size can indicate stress levels when multitasking. The study found a negative relationship between pupil dilation and workload, suggesting a potential tool for monitoring mental well-being in workers.