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 Human Frontier Science Program awarded over $34 million to 31 winning research teams in a global competition that started with 771 submissions from scientists in 50+ countries. The funding supports cutting-edge, interdisciplinary projects under the theme Complex mechanisms of living organisms.
Researchers have discovered 29 human footprints in intertidal beach sediments off the coast of British Columbia, dated to around 13,000 years ago. The findings suggest that humans were present on the west coast of Canada about 13,000 years ago, as it emerged from the most recent ice age.
The USDA is funding a four-year research project to investigate the environmental benefits of woody polyculture systems for crop production. Led by University of Illinois scientists, the study aims to compare different farming practices and estimate their impact on soil health, insect diversity, pollination, and carbon sequestration.
The EPSRC RCUK Catapult Researchers in Residence (RiR) initiative aims to accelerate impact, increase knowledge exchange, and develop new collaborations. The first tranche of 18 awards has been successfully funded.
A new study using drones to track caribou movement found significant variation in sociality within herds, challenging the classic assumption of uniform behavior among group members. The research also showed that caribou follow isotropic interaction rules, with individuals influenced more by those in front of them than beside them.
A recent study found that young adults who value money and rewards are more likely to have higher entrepreneurial and leadership aspirations. The study also revealed gender gaps, with men placing more importance on rewards and less on security.
A new study published in PLOS Genetics has identified a mutation in the muskelin 1 gene that causes lethal acrodermatitis, a deadly skin condition in bull terriers. The discovery enables veterinarians to test for the disease and prevent breeding of affected dogs.
Researchers at Kessler Foundation and Stevens Institute are testing the SAFE Orthosis to facilitate recovery of gait symmetry in stroke survivors. The study aims to assess the immediate effects of locomotor training with the orthosis on ambulatory participants.
Low back pain affects an estimated 540 million worldwide, causing disability and costing £10.7 billion to UK society. UK briefing notes reveal the condition is often mistreated against best practice guidelines, with a 12% increase in years lived with disability over two decades.
Researchers proposed a local breeding of growing modes (LBGM) method to improve convection-allowing ensemble forecasting accuracy. The new method incorporates strong locality and horizontal inhomogeneity, resulting in greater ensemble spread and lower forecast RMSE compared to traditional methods.
Researchers have identified a new ocean-life zone, the rariphotic, located between 130-309 meters below the surface, where shallow reef fishes seek refuge from warming waters. The discovery reveals that these fish have double the depth range previously thought to exist.
Researchers calculate glacier melting under different climate scenarios, finding that up to 36% of ice could melt without further emissions. Compliance with 1.5°C global warming goal makes little difference in the next 100 years.
Scientists warn that Amazon deforestation rates between 20% and 25% could irreversibly alter the region's hydrological cycle, leading to degraded savannas and low biodiversity. Researchers advocate for a safety margin of less than 20% deforestation to prevent this tipping point.
A new study calculates a 'speed limit' for nitrate removal in streams, allowing for tailored restoration efforts to maximize its removal and protect ecosystems. The researchers found that the rate of nitrate transport by turbulence controls its removal in pristine streams, but processes within sediment prevail in polluted ones.
Researchers have developed a graphene-based hair dye that adheres to the surface of hair, forming a coating resistant to at least 30 washes without chemicals. This coating also dissipates static electricity, eliminating flyaways.
Improved methods for capturing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood have been developed, enabling the accurate tracking of treatment response and potential screening for cancer. Researchers were able to identify large numbers of CTCs in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Recent research from the University of New Hampshire's Space Science Center shows that space radiation is getting far more intense, posing significant risks to astronauts and satellite technology
The SOMMa alliance aims to increase national and international visibility, promote collaboration and networking, and have a voice in scientific policy. The position paper highlights three administrative issues that require urgent attention, including VAT deduction, personnel hiring regulations, and public-tenders law.
Researchers have discovered a way to create an ultracold plasma that naturally forms a robust many-body localized state, enabling the spontaneous creation of quantum materials. This breakthrough could pave the way for more practical applications of quantum technology.
Researchers found trade-offs between fighting claw mass and egg number in weakly eusocial snapping shrimp queens. In contrast, strongly eusocial species showed smaller or absent trade-offs. Colony size also played a role in shaping these trade-offs.
A study from the University of Waterloo found that 39% of students in Alberta and Ontario eat breakfast fewer than three days a week, with 48.5% skipping breakfast nationwide. The study highlights the need for improved social awareness and economic support for breakfast programs to reach their full potential.
The research team aims to understand how bacteria and fungi interact in soils, which could lead to advances in plant productivity and bioenergy. By studying these fundamental interactions, they hope to develop predictive models of ecosystem behavior and inform strategies for manipulating microbial communities.
Portland State University has received a $300,000 grant to bring eight college students from across the U.S. to work on real-world projects using computational modeling and big data to improve Portland's quality of life. The program aims to provide valuable mentoring and research experience to undergraduate students.
A recent study by the Academy of Finland found that daily and heavy smoking are independently linked to a higher risk of psychoses. Smoking begun at an early age was a particularly significant risk factor, with prevention of adolescent smoking likely to have positive effects on mental health in later life.
A system developed by I.Systems uses AI to control pressure and reduce leak losses in water distribution networks. The Leaf system has already reduced water waste due to leakage by 2% in a region comprising seven municipalities in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.
A new study reveals that older adults' resistance to digital technologies stems from personal values, societal concerns, and fears. The study suggests that designers of online services must offer better safety nets and reassurance to attract older users. Social isolation and a desire for face-to-face interaction also contribute to this...
A large-scale intervention in China improved agricultural efficiency while reducing environmental impact among 20.9 million smallholder farmers, yielding a 10% increase in grain output and a 15-18% decrease in fertilizer use.
Researchers will collect data on community activity spaces and participant behavior using smartphones. The goal is to better understand how people with severe mobility impairments adapt to life after SCI and the role of the environment in their daily lives.
The study proposes a biologically-inspired controller that uses non-linear oscillators to generate diverse gaits and postures. The system can adapt to different walking speeds and is controlled by high-level parameters, enabling real-time adjustments using brain-computer interfaces.
The nTIDE report shows Americans with disabilities experienced a 23-month streak of positive job growth, with an 8.5% increase in employment-to-population ratio and a 6.7% boost in labor force participation rate.
Using CRISPR/Cas9, scientists have shown that inactivating the FREP1 gene reduces mosquitoes' susceptibility to malaria parasite infection. This technique holds promise for preventing malaria transmission to humans, but may require further refinement to balance resistance with fitness costs.
Researchers found that watching others perform a skill increases perceived ability, even if actual performance doesn't improve. Overconfidence can be detrimental, especially when attempting skills without sufficient practice.
A new study found that larger hummingbirds are more fuel efficient than smaller species, thanks to their ability to increase mechanochemical efficiency. This allows them to conserve energy while maintaining hovering flight, which is a remarkable feat given the high metabolic rates required for this activity.
Brazilian researchers design a non-invasive system that identifies different stages of fruit ripening with an accuracy rate of 95%. The system uses algorithms and digital imaging to analyze the biochemical stage of fruit maturation, providing essential information for precise papaya harvesting.
A study found that 16.2% of dual-registered clinical trials had discrepant completion statuses, with 33.9% listed as 'completed' on ClinicalTrials.gov despite being 'ongoing' on EUCTR. This discrepancy may affect publication bias and systematic reviews.
A £1 million funded research project at Swansea University is developing virtual qualification for high-value manufacturing. This technology uses 3D X-ray imaging to create digital replicas of components, allowing for the assessment of performance and reduction of human error. The goal is to reduce testing time from weeks to hours.
Researchers from Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute and other institutions study the effects of ventilated filter cigarettes on smoking behavior, addiction potential, and lung cancer risk. They aim to inform FDA decisions on regulating cigarette design changes, ultimately moving toward safer products.
Researchers at Saarland University are using atom-probe tomography to study niobium's role in steel microstructure and its effects on material properties. The goal is to design internal steel structures for specific applications and improve material properties.
A recent expedition using satellite imagery and quadcopter-based aerial photography revealed the Danger Islands have over 751,527 pairs of Adélie penguins, making them the third and fourth largest colonies worldwide. The discovery sheds light on how climate change affects this species, with potential implications for conservation efforts.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth found that people who are more image conscious tend to support more crowdfunding campaigns. The research also showed that funders with public profiles containing photos engage in significantly greater levels of visible funding activity.
Rare scientific discoveries and inventions garner higher citation rates through exploratory research, suggesting reallocation of funding to risky projects. Collaboration enhances novelty, with teams being 38% more likely than solo authors to bring new ideas into familiar domains.
Research shows that cows fed a 100% organic grass and legume-based diet produce milk with elevated levels of omega-3 and CLA, improving the fatty acid profile. This results in a near-perfect balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Researchers have identified a new tardigrade species Macrobiotus shonaicus sp. nov from East Asia, characterized by its solid egg surface and flexible filaments, placing it in the persimilis subgroup within the hufelandi complex. This new discovery increases the number of known tardigrade species from Japan to 168.
Rice University researchers will use the data to analyze how exposure to mixed toxins in the environment affects a population, especially children. The team aims to develop tools that can characterize environmental exposures, social stressors and residential stability to improve understanding of their impact on educational outcomes.
Researchers are using a $349,520 grant to analyze fragments of the Tissint meteorite from a Martian volcano, shedding light on the red planet's geological history and potential signs of life.
Researchers will conduct a pilot study to assess the efficacy of combined cognitive rehabilitation therapies, including training in memory strategies and the RehaCom computerized cognitive therapy tool. The goal is to improve patient care for individuals with moderate-to-severe TBI by devising tailored memory strategies.
The Kessler Foundation will conduct a pilot study assessing the clinical, functional and neurophysiological effectiveness of robotic exoskeleton-assisted gait therapy for children and young adults with traumatic brain injuries. The study aims to understand the neural mechanism involved in recovery through training.
A UT Dallas team has addressed a long-standing problem in scanning tunneling microscopes, preventing tip crashes that can damage samples and forfeit valuable time. The breakthrough enables atomically precise manufacturing, leading to innovations in materials science, medicine, and computing.
Chromobacterium piscinae produces cyanide as a defense mechanism against Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100, inhibiting predation but not being toxic. The study suggests microbes can resist predation through secondary metabolites in certain environments.
A new study finds that species adapted to colder waters are more vulnerable to withering syndrome, and that rising water temperatures lead to greater susceptibility. The research also suggests that genetics may play a role in the disease's impact on abalone populations.
A study by the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona finds that D-galactose affects male and female brains differently as they age. In high doses, it accelerates ageing in males, while females experience alterations in learning and spatial memory. However, low doses show positive effects in males, including improved learning and memory.
A new nitrate sensor developed by Ruhr-University Bochum can analyze one drop of plant juice in seconds to determine optimal fertilization levels, resulting in improved crop yields and reduced waste. The sensor is linked to a cloud-based system that estimates regional fertilizer demand and provides farmers with real-time data.
A new study reveals genetic variations in blood vessel inflammation and drug metabolism genes increase the risk of severe dengue shock syndrome in Asians and Europeans. These genetic factors can be used to develop targeted treatments for vulnerable populations.
The researcher aims to advance natural hazard mitigation by examining local stakeholder networks involved in planning and implementing risk reduction. His project will use a combination of methods, including surveys, interviews, and multivariate regression modeling, to better understand how compassion can be fostered in urban planning.
Nuno Maulide will receive the award at the European Colloquium on Heterocyclic Chemistry in Lecce, Italy, for his original work on unconventional reactivity profiles and high-energy reactive intermediates. The prize includes a travel grant, €1,000 cash prize, and a lifelong online subscription to Topics in Heterocyclic Chemistry.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool are developing a device that harnesses cold plasma technology to destroy airborne allergens on contact. The project aims to create a low-cost, efficient, and effective solution to tackle the problem of airborne allergens in the home, which affects over 12 million people in the UK alone.
Researchers predict few-layer Tellurium (FL-α-Te) as a superior semiconductor to black phosphorus due to its high carrier mobility, tunable bandgap, and strong light absorption. FL-α-Te exhibits anisotropic inter-chain vibrational behaviors and nearly isotropic strong light absorption, making it an ideal material for thermoelectrics.
The MSU project will investigate how to reduce dams' negative impact on people and the environment, using remote sensing and interviews with local residents. The research aims to improve dam policies and generate insights for future dams, balancing energy needs with environmental sustainability.
A joint research project is questioning the authenticity of pictures of Luther, exploring whether the images depict him at a certain moment in his life or represent later heroification and veneration. The project uses technological examinations, digital analysis, and scientific methods to date and authenticate the images.
Scientists at the University of Freiburg discovered RNase E as a crucial enzyme in CRISPR/Cas systems, enabling correct gene expression and immune defense. The findings suggest stronger interaction between CRISPR/Cas systems and host organisms, increasing potential for its applications.