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.
The ReNature project aims to establish a nature-based solutions research strategy for innovation, economic growth and human well-being in Malta. The three-year collaboration will increase research capacity, develop practical solutions through international collaboration, and promote evidence-based environmental decision-making.
A team of scientists at ASU has explained the fundamental mystery of spider silk's mechanical strength and elasticity. By studying hierarchical micellar nanoparticle structures, they developed a molecular level model of spider silk protein fiber formation.
Researchers developed a smartphone app to help people with OCD manage their symptoms, reducing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. After just one week of using the app, participants showed significant improvements in cognitive flexibility and reductions in OCD symptoms.
Operation 250, a student-launched public awareness initiative, will expand and evaluate its effectiveness in educating youths, parents, and educators about terrorist recruitment methods. The $1 million grant will allow the organization to increase safety and decrease risky decision-making online.
A team of researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin has been awarded an ERC Synergy Grant to study the effects of play on brain mechanisms involved in learning. The six-year project aims to understand the neurobiology of learning and how learning through play affects the brain.
Clemson University is developing a customizable virtual reality system, called Enodia, to facilitate collaboration among researchers. The system will enable groups to visualize and share computational simulations, while also enhancing student learning experiences.
Researchers are using real-time learning to create a unified theory on how to optimize microgrid capacity through DC distribution. The team aims to create optimal power profiles for power electronic converters in DC distribution networks.
African protected areas with lions require approximately $1,000-$2,000/km2 in funding for effective conservation. The total annual funding deficit is estimated to be $0.9-2.1 billion, with 88-94% of individual PAs being underfunded.
Researchers found a brain region strongly connected to food choice decisions, suggesting its potential use in developing therapies for healthy eating. The ventral pallidum area was activated when rats preferred certain foods, indicating context-dependent decisions.
The Kessler Foundation's LU-RRTC aims to improve minority-serving institutions' capacity and infrastructure to engage in disability and rehabilitation research. The grant will empower these institutions to increase their output of disability and health research, fostering maximum social and economic independence for individuals with di...
A new tool, Recovery Explorer, was developed to help conservation scientists make informed decisions on how to allocate limited funds for species recovery. The tool evaluates potential consequences of alternative resource allocation strategies and allows decision makers to examine alternative approaches.
Researchers found that volunteers with dyslexia read faster when using green filters than without, while those without dyslexia showed no difference. The study suggests that the filters may attenuate cortical hyperexcitability in the brain, leading to improved reading performance.
Researchers will investigate a behavioral telehealth intervention to improve rehabilitation outcomes for people with refractory epilepsy. The study aims to build on the Foundation's partnerships and enhance expertise in clinical translation of cognitive rehabilitation interventions.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute and UC San Diego will develop new immunotherapeutic options and novel precision approaches to treat head and neck cancer using neoantigen-specific T cell responses. The $4.5 million Cancer Moonshot award aims to improve outcomes for patients with this devastatingly deadly disease.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that species diversity on the Arctic floor follows a similar pattern to temperate waters, with biomass decreasing as depth increases. The research sheds light on the effects of climate change on vulnerable Arctic waters.
A research team, led by Anil Misra from the University of Kansas, is developing a center to advance basic science for next-generation transport technology. The team aims to create intelligent infrastructure for safe, efficient mobility, reducing accidents and pollution.
Researchers found that state pension plans pay higher external fees when they need to increase contributions, but these fees do not improve performance. Investing in a conventional portfolio would have eliminated up to 44% of unfunded liabilities and recouped around $4.2 billion
For Syrian refugees in Brazil, food serves as a bridge to their past, recreating memories of Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo. It strengthens their sense of identity as Syrians, providing a connection to their homeland and a sense of belonging in their new life.
A new study reveals that terahertz data links are not as secure as previously thought, and can be intercepted by clever eavesdroppers. Researchers found ways to steal signals without being detected, even with directional beams, by using objects like metal plates or cylinders to scatter the signal.
Researchers have identified glutathione, a key brain antioxidant, as significantly depleted in Alzheimer's patients compared to healthy individuals. Non-invasive imaging techniques revealed that lower levels of this antioxidant are associated with mild cognitive impairment and may hold potential for therapeutic development.
Researchers are investigating the fundamental physics of how light is contained within photonic lattices. Dr. Robert Magnusson aims to understand the relationship between leaky and non-leaky modes and develop new low-power modulators for optical communications systems.
Researchers analyzed charcoal and pollen remains to infer a long history of human occupation at Koh Ker, contradicting traditional abandonment theory. The study suggests the region was occupied from the late 7th century CE, continuing for seven centuries or more after the royal seat's departure.
Researchers have developed measurement-device-independent quantum communication without encryption, eliminating key security loopholes. This protocol uses Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen pairs to ensure secure communication over long distances and high capacities.
The University of Oklahoma is developing the fastest and most advanced radar in the nation with a $3.4 million grant. The HORUS radar can scan the atmosphere in 30 seconds or less and distinguish between snowflakes, raindrops, hail stones or other targets within a storm, critical for forecasting and prediction.
Researchers will integrate citizen science data from CrowdHydrology into the National Water Model to improve predictions of flooding. The project aims to enhance communication about flooding during emergencies and connect first responders with accurate, near real-time data.
Dream Tech LLC is developing a methodology to reduce animal use in chemical toxicity studies of food, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and other products. The project aims to enhance dose-response assessment efficiency and effectiveness.
Ross Boyce, a clinical instructor at UNC Chapel Hill, receives a Grand Challenges Explorations grant to study vaccination coverage in Uganda. He aims to identify gaps and develop innovative solutions to improve immunization rates, particularly for marginalized communities.
The European Problematic Use of the Internet (EU-PUI) Research Network has identified nine main areas of research to address issues such as problem use, health effects, and cultural influences. The network aims to develop evidence-based proposals for improving prevention and treatment strategies.
The Center for Human Genetics is conducting research to better understand the genetic causes of rare diseases using a combination of genome-wide association analysis and gene-editing techniques. The team has identified novel transcribed regions that play a crucial role in regulating complex traits.
Researchers, led by Dr. Nikolaus Wenger, are developing neural prostheses for brain-computer interfaces to treat neurological disorders. The goal is to understand how the brain processes information and develop a prosthesis that can transmit signals back to the nervous system.
Researchers studying vampire bats and Morbillivirus aim to understand how viruses persist inside the body and trigger new infections. The project aims to gain fundamental insights into RNA virus persistence and potentially shed light on diseases like SSPE.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities rose to 31.4% in September 2018, up from 30.4% the previous year. Labor force participation rates also increased, suggesting continued improvement in economic indicators for Americans with disabilities.
A multi-institutional team has revealed new details about the HIV virus capsid structure and its role in the life cycle. Researchers found that a naturally occurring small molecule called IP6 plays an important part in both immature and mature phases of the HIV life cycle, making it a potential target for new treatments.
Southern Methodist University professors receive an $849,839 NSF grant to build a multi-dimensional drone communication framework, addressing three-dimensional connectivity issues. The project aims to optimize transmission to intended receivers in various swarm formations, with potential applications in commercial and military sectors.
A new initiative aims to empower Southwest Virginia residents to direct cancer research projects in their region. With $244,589 funding from PCORI, the UVA Cancer Center Without Walls team is seeking community members to join advisory boards and guide cancer research efforts.
Researchers have developed a new approach to see-through displays for augmented reality smart glasses. The design projects images onto the eye using photons and holographic optical elements to form letters and words.
The University of Oklahoma Advanced Radar Research Center is developing a mobile radar testbed to address operational missions and increase public safety outcomes. The all-digital polarimetric phased array system will provide multiple radar modes, including weather monitoring and air traffic surveillance and control.
Scientists have detected gamma rays coming from the outermost regions of SS 433, a black hole system in our galaxy. The High-Altitude Water Cherenkov Gamma-Ray Observatory (HAWC) has observed these high-energy signals, which suggest electron acceleration and collisions at the ends of microquasar jets produced them.
Researchers, led by Penn State's Steven Schiff, will develop innovative models to predict outbreaks of epidemic disease and provide real-time preventive treatment. Their approach aims to improve patient outcomes by incorporating historical microbiological surveillance data, geographic location, and environmental factors.
The Image Permanence Institute will study the recovery of modern museum inkjet print collections affected by water disasters through freezing and freeze drying methods. The three-year project aims to determine if these methods are safe and effective for recovering damaged inkjet prints.
A study by USC Dornsife researchers found that an extra year of education contributed to weight loss in individuals at greatest risk of becoming obese. The study used genome data from 250,000 people and found that the change in mandatory attendance age had a significant impact on health outcomes.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a new model of heart failure that allows for the specific study of oxidative stress using chemogenetics. The approach enables researchers to activate or inactivate reactive oxygen species in the heart, leading to advanced cardiac dysfunction.
Researchers at UT Austin successfully demonstrated a novel approach to human-like balance in a biped robot, allowing it to dynamically balance without ankle control. The technique uses whole-body controllers and inverse kinematics to mimic human movement, with implications for robots in emergency response, defense, and entertainment.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota's Sustainable Healthy Cities Network found that one in five metropolitan areas have sufficient milk and egg production to meet residents' demands, while about one in ten can fully meet fruit and vegetable needs. This challenges common assumptions about local food self-reliance in urban areas.
The NSF-funded TRIPODS+X program at Lehigh University brings together top experts to leverage machine learning techniques for various academic pursuits. The workshops focus on areas such as chemistry, robotics, supply chain management, and cognitive neuroscience.
Researchers found that even when participants couldn't identify a familiar voice, they still found it easier to understand than an unfamiliar voice. The study suggests that resonance is a critical acoustic feature for recognizing voices and improving understanding in noisy settings.
After implementing a rule change to move kickoffs and touchbacks, the number of concussions decreased significantly. The study found that the average annual concussion rate per 1,000 kickoff plays dropped from 10.93 before the change to 2.04 after.
A recent study published in SCIENCE CHINA Life Sciences reveals significant advancements in diabetes research in China since 1995, with a substantial increase in publication numbers and citation metrics. The study highlights the need to address the growing diabetes epidemic, suggesting opportunities for new drug development, high-quali...
Scientists from GEOMAR and University of Malta are collaborating on a three-year project to develop a best practice guide for detecting, characterizing, and monitoring offshore aquifers. The goal is to assess the sustainability of using these aquifers as an alternative source of freshwater in coastal regions.
The University of Konstanz will lead a new research initiative to explore social cohesion from a cultural studies perspective. Researchers will investigate the role of socio-economic factors, mass media, and collective feelings in promoting social cohesion.
The National Solar Observatory (NSO) has received a supplemental grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance its scientific output and foster collaboration in the field of solar physics. The new funding will support the development of advanced data products, engage graduate students, and nurture international expertise.
Researchers study microscopic behavior of thermally stable SAdS black holes using Ruppeiner's thermodynamic geometry method, revealing attractive interactions among black-hole molecules. A new molecular potential is proposed for thermal stable SAdS black holes, providing a new perspective for exploring microstructure.
A UMD team has received a $1 million grant to develop methods for generating single photons at room temperature in semiconducting carbon nanotubes. This project aims to create high-quality single-photon sources that can be integrated into solid-state devices, enabling new quantum research and technology.
The University of Arizona has been awarded a $30 million NASA grant to investigate the interactions between aerosols and cloud properties over the Western Atlantic. The five-year project aims to reduce uncertainty about human-caused effects on the atmosphere, specifically interactions between aerosol particles and clouds.
A UM Associate Professor is awarded a $1.45 million grant to study interactions between climate, water availability and land-use decisions made by small farmers in the US and Brazil. The research aims to understand the dynamic feedbacks between production choices, regional climate and water variability.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory will receive over $11 million in funding for four major projects focused on quantum information science. These studies aim to develop new computing and sensing technologies, including the creation and manipulation of quantum bits and the study of quantum entanglement.
The University of Birmingham will conduct world-class research into a common heart condition in disadvantaged populations worldwide. The goal is to prevent and treat atrial fibrillation, which increases stroke risk five times.
Vittorio Gallo, Children's Chief Research Officer, has been awarded the prestigious Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences. The award extends federal funding for his lab for at least seven years, supporting his research on developmental delays in children who experienced neonatal brain injury.
The DFG is establishing nine new Research Units to tackle pressing issues in their respective fields. The new units will focus on topics such as precipitation estimation, the brain's energy supply, Tourette syndrome, and climate change impact on high alpine geosystems.
Eleven institutions will receive funding for five years to support the training of researchers conducting patient-centered outcomes research within learning health systems. The initiative aims to improve quality of care and patient outcomes by growing a workforce trained in PCOR within LHS.