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 at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that before committing to cell division, cells may stay in a reversible intermediate state for many hours, potentially up to a day. This pre-commitment state allows cells to sense and integrate fluctuating input signals, reducing the chance of inappropriate division.
The study reveals that supergranules, a flow structure in the sun's interior, challenge standard theories of solar convection. Researchers discovered that downflows appear weaker than upflows, suggesting an unseen component that could be small-scale plumes transporting cooler plasma into the sun's interior.
KSU assistant professor of mathematics Eric Stachura will investigate how electromagnetic waves interact with surfaces, a problem relevant to defense mechanisms against directed energy weapons. The three-year grant enables collaboration with researchers in Sweden and Greece, as well as student projects at Kennesaw State.
A new study from George Mason University found that trace amounts of non-essential elements, such as lead and mercury, in ovarian follicular fluid may impact IVF success rates. Higher concentrations of cobalt and copper were associated with a stronger ovarian response, while higher levels of lead were linked to reduced fertility.
Researchers developed a unique electrochemical ultrasonic force microscopy (EC-UFM) technique to observe sodium-ion battery interfaces during operation. The new method guides passivating layer formation, preserving charge carrier transport and enhancing battery performance.
Rosalina Christova, an assistant professor at George Mason University, has received $30,000 in funding from the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project to analyze benthic algae taxonomy and evaluate stream water quality. The study aims to understand climate change's impact on stream hydrology, algal communities, and desiccat...
Scientists at uOttawa have developed Fourier Quantum Process Tomography (FQPT) to validate quantum circuit performance. The technique allows for high-accuracy characterization with minimal measurements, enabling significant advancements in quantum computing.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that military stress can lead to feelings of guilt among service members about their work impacting family life. The researchers analyzed data from over 200 military families and discovered that when fathers reported struggling with military demands, they perceived their work as not enri...
A decade-long study has discovered a vast untapped genetic potential in modern wheat varieties, revealing that at least 60% of the genetic diversity found in a historic collection is unused. This discovery provides an unprecedented opportunity to improve modern wheat and sustainably feed a growing global population. The study used a cr...
Dr Biola M Javierre has been awarded a prestigious grant to study the role of mutations in noncoding regions of the genome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Her research aims to identify genes affected by these mutations and their potential therapeutic targets.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that shelter dogs paired with suitable companions exhibited reduced stress levels and were adopted more quickly. The findings suggest that matching dogs with compatible roommates could alleviate stress and improve their adoptability, leading to better outcomes for animal shelters.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine build a minimal synthetic cell that responds to external chemical cues, demonstrating symmetry breaking - a vital biological principle. The findings have potential applications in targeted drug delivery and environmental sensing.
A new review paper explores the mechanistic links between peripheral vascular dysfunction, cerebral vascular dysfunction, and reduced brain health with aging. The study suggests that targeting fundamental aging mechanisms may be a promising strategy to reduce dementia risk.
Researchers from Mainz University and the University of Chile are developing a new technique called Gradual Abstract Interpretation to improve program analysis methods and detect security vulnerabilities in WebAssembly. They aim to identify and address security vulnerabilities while eliminating redundant protective measures.
Texas A&M University has received a $1.5 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to develop a technology capable of separating hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in two ways: designing and testing a separation technology, and incorporating machine learning-based data-driven decision frameworks for reverse logistics.
The researchers created soft robots equipped with electronic skins and artificial muscles to sense their surroundings and adapt in real-time. These robots can perform various tasks, such as monitoring internal conditions, providing treatments, and delivering drugs over an extended period.
A new study led by researchers at UC San Francisco found that a virtual emotion-centered program called TunedIn can reduce diabetes distress by half and improve glucose control. The program incorporates elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and was delivered virtually to 276 adults with Type 1 diabetes.
The study expands the Correlates of War Project's Militarized Interstate Dispute Data, adding new data spanning 2014-2024 and launching MID Live, an early detection mechanism for interstate hostilities. This helps inform security policies and strategies by analyzing evolving patterns of conflict and competition between states.
Home health aides struggle with mental health due to job demands, stigma and lack of support, impacting their own well-being and patients' desire to age in place. Researchers suggest interventions like peer coaching, improved salaries and benefits, and workplace safety to address these challenges.
A team of researchers successfully demonstrated the principles of gravity-mediated entanglement in a photonic quantum simulation. This breakthrough provides crucial insights into the nature of gravity and its interaction with quantum mechanics.
The University of Tennessee and Cherokee Health Systems will use the grant to develop a training program for practitioners and students, focusing on maternal and child health for Black families. The goal is to improve health care outcomes and create a lasting partnership beyond the three-year grant cycle.
Six UTA faculty members have received prestigious CAREER grants from the National Science Foundation for their innovative research. The total award amount is $3.23 million.
A new study develops a two-level satellite timing system using an LSTM algorithm to enhance the precision and stability of next-generation navigation satellites. The approach significantly improves long-term clock error predictions, reducing ten-day prediction errors by 3.16 × 10−10 seconds.
Five global projects will advance understanding of ocean systems in a changing climate through improved data and modeling. The Ocean Biogeochemistry Virtual Institute will refine ocean carbon cycling and ecosystem resilience research.
A study by the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center found that only 23% of heart attack patients received dietary counseling within 90 days of hospitalization. Nutrition counseling, often provided by registered dietitian nutritionists, may reduce cardiovascular risk for patients.
Prof. Tomer Hertz's research will measure immune responses to polioviruses using a novel antigen array, facilitating rapid analysis in countries where polio has yet to be eradicated. The funding aims to optimize PAM – a polio antigen microarray – for safe and effective measurement of protection from polio infection.
The authors argue that building relationships with places of study can lead to more fair science, accurate and meaningful research outcomes. They propose three pathways: deepening reflection and communication about relationships, strengthening collaboration amongst research teams, and transforming systems of knowledge creation to foste...
Researchers at Texas A&M University are investigating the historical effects of strain on shape-memory alloys to improve predictive capabilities. They will use a synergistic experimental and numerical approach to understand and predict history effects in these alloys, with potential applications in heart stents and airplane wing flaps.
A groundbreaking study introduces a method for sorting vector structured beams with spin-multiplexed diffractive metasurfaces, promising significant advancements in optical communication and quantum computing. This technology enables precise control over complex light beams, opening new avenues for scientific exploration.
Researchers found that bubbling olive products before oil extraction decreases oil quality. The study measured absolute phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and acidity levels in bubbled oil (BO) compared to virgin olive oil (VOO). BO had lower antioxidant properties and higher acidity levels than VOO.
Researchers Dr. Samson Zhou and Dr. David P. Woodruff aim to create secure algorithms for big data models using mathematical connections and cryptography ideas. They focus on streaming models, which process data in real-time, and address challenges such as randomness and different types of attacks.
A WPI researcher has received a CAREER Award to develop new technologies to monitor and protect computer chips from malicious attacks. The project aims to create better metrics to verify the integrity of components and advance understanding of side-channel attacks.
Mim Rahimi, an assistant professor at the University of Houston, has received a National Science Foundation CAREER award to advance electrochemical carbon capture by employing engineered soft interfaces. His research aims to enhance carbon dioxide separation performance and system energetics.
A new algorithm called adaptive intersection maximization (AIM) removes high-frequency noise from super-resolution optical microscope data in real time, achieving sub-nanometer precision. This allows scientists to study chemical and biological systems far more easily and precisely than before.
A new study found that biodegradable teabags made from polylactic acid (PLA) can take years to break down in soil and cause harm to earthworms. The research highlights the need for clear disposal information on product packaging, as many manufacturers are not providing accurate guidance.
A Texas A&M-led team has created the first global map of seafloor biodiversity activity, uncovering key environmental factors that drive burrowing animals' activities and ecosystem health. The research highlights the critical role these animals play in regulating carbon, nutrient, and biogeochemical cycles.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new 3D printing technique that uses nanotubes to reinforce additively manufactured metals, making them stronger in corrosive environments. The technique has the potential to revolutionize the field of metal manufacturing and increase U.S. competitiveness.
Patients living far from comprehensive cancer centers (CCC) have higher odds of receiving late-stage cancer diagnoses. Non-Hispanic Black patients and those with no insurance also experience disparities in cancer staging. CCCs can improve outcomes by adopting standardized catchment area assessments and sharing patient care information.
A new UCLA study led by Daniel Thompson found that COVID-related private funding, including 'Zuckerbucks,' had no substantial effect on the 2020 presidential election outcome. Democratic counties were more likely to apply for grants, but their impact on turnout was minimal.
Researchers analyzed Impatiens walleriana response to Plasmopara obducens infection, identifying key genes involved in susceptibility and resistance. The study provides a fundamental resource for future efforts to engineer disease resistance in this economically significant ornamental crop.
The MiFuture project aims to develop ultra-massive MIMO technology for future cell-free heterogeneous networks, enabling innovative applications such as telesurgery and holographic virtual meetings. Fifteen PhD students will be funded to complete their doctoral studies and generate highly qualified researchers in this field.
Farny will investigate the impact of methylation on gene expression of Pseudomonas putida in soil and laboratory conditions, building gene circuits to test engineered bacteria. The project aims to advance the use of bacteria for environmental cleanups and create educational resources for undergraduate students.
A recent study employed Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) to estimate global geodetic parameters for BeiDou, GLONASS, and Galileo satellites. The approach effectively absorbed satellite-specific errors, leading to smaller Root Mean Square Errors in post-fit SLR residuals.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a three-stage process to convert polyethylene (PE) into biodegradable polyester, addressing the issue of plastic waste. The method utilizes enzymes, microorganisms, and chemical processes to break down PE's strong carbon bonds.
Research from University of East Anglia found that wearing face masks was no longer associated with reduced risk of COVID-19 infection after the first Omicron wave. The study also showed changes in other risk factors, such as overseas travel and household size.
A team of researchers discovered a line of chickens bred for water conservation that can thrive under heat stress while consuming significantly less water than standard broiler lines. The high water-efficient chickens showed a 32-point improvement in water conversion and six-point improvement in feed conversion.
The BiCIKL project has shared lessons learned on improving data findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (FAIR-ness) of various biodiversity data types. The project's policy briefs provide recommendations for policymakers and research funders to adopt best practices and guidelines.
By recasting diffusion as a sum of individual contributions called 'kinosons,' researchers developed a new method to model alloy behavior. Machine learning is used to compute the statistical distribution of these contributions, allowing for fast and accurate simulation of diffusion. This breakthrough enables significant improvements in...
A team of researchers from the University of Maryland has developed a novel way to produce and observe carbenes, a class of highly reactive molecules necessary for life. They successfully formed a carbene called hydroxymethylene (HCOH) by breaking down methanol with pulses of ultraviolet radiation.
Ali Raz at George Mason University has received funding for the Intent-Based Orchestration In Distributed Command & Control (IBODC2) software project. The goal of the proposal is to enable autonomy in C2 SoS workflows, producing dynamic orchestration of mission threads through flexible task allocations.
Professor Cristiana Stan of George Mason University will conduct an evaluation of subseasonal prediction skill using foundational models, focusing on Madden-Julien Oscillation and its teleconnections. The funding will contribute to making weather and climate applications faster and more accurate.
Lisa Gilman will receive funding to complete a book manuscript and produce public writings, transforming her work into policy. Funding begins in September 2024, with a focus on arts initiatives by refugees for refugees.
Researchers at UC San Francisco found that dispensing abortion pills through the mail is a safe and effective method, with nearly 98% of patients completing their abortions. The study suggests that this model can help increase access to abortion care for clinicians and patients alike.
Researchers at IIT developed HybriBot, a biohybrid robot that uses a flour-based capsule and oat fruit appendages to disperse seeds, promoting reforestation. The device has been tested with tomato, chicory, and willow herb seeds in various soils, showing promising results.
George Mason University's Mills Kelly has received funding to support a digital archive of soldiers' graffiti from the American Civil War. The project will provide access to not only the graffiti but also ancillary archival material, offering unique insights into war in America from 1861-1865.
A new study aims to investigate whether vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 can protect children at increased genetic risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The AVAnT1A Study, the largest intervention study to date, examines the relationship between viral infections and early childhood development.
A study outlines critical needs for LEO augmentation of satellite navigation systems, enhancing accuracy and reliability for diverse users. Researchers propose key technologies for construction of LEO constellation to improve PNT services.
Michele Greet will examine abstract painting emergence in Andean countries during 1950s and 1960s, exploring local aesthetics and regional cultural heritage.
A Swansea University-led study investigates the impact of omega-3 supplements on children's behavior, mood, and mental wellbeing. The research aims to identify which children may benefit most from supplements and how they can be best identified.
FQxI appoints Pinar Emirdag to its Board of Directors, leveraging her financial technology expertise to support paradigm-shifting research and promote equity in science. Emirdag brings over two decades of experience working with global regulators and academics.