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 recent study published in BioScience found that knowing more about evolutionary theory is key to accepting it, even when considering religious and political beliefs. In a representative sample of over 1,100 people, researchers discovered that those with better knowledge of evolution were more likely to accept it.
A team of University of Pennsylvania neuroscientists developed a system to monitor brain activity and trigger stimulation responsively, improving learning and memory performance. The study found that precisely timed electrical stimulation can reliably enhance memory function in patients with memory loss.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased by 10.3 percent, while the labor force participation rate rose by 7.1 percent in January 2018. Targeted funding initiatives are helping employers connect with jobseekers with disabilities, leading to a record trend of two years of job growth.
Associate Professor Jeffrey Rimer received the award for his pioneering research on crystallization, including the discovery of a natural fruit extract that can dissolve calcium oxalate crystals. His work has transformative implications for drug development and has led to human clinical trials underway.
A recent study by University of Exeter researchers has identified three main themes influencing GPs' decisions to leave or remain in direct patient care. The findings highlight concerns about the under-value of general practice within the healthcare system, professional risk in delivering care, and considerations about career options.
Researchers used human disease pedigrees to identify genetic causes of complex diseases like multiple myeloma, finding two gene regions involved in DNA repair and packaging. This new method demonstrates the potential for pinning down genes contributing to other complex diseases, such as obesity and Alzheimer's.
Researchers discovered complex patterns of electrical impulses in brain neurons, with repeating rumblings and spikes sustaining activity for hundreds of milliseconds. These findings suggest that neurons may not fire randomly, but rather follow structured rhythms that could influence our understanding of their function.
A study reveals that two bacteria can induce cervical changes linked to spontaneous preterm birth, highlighting the potential role of vaginal and cervical bacteria in premature labor.
Danish researchers have developed a method to reduce methane emissions from cattle by 5% through genetic selection, equivalent to 90,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. This achievement has great prospects for climate-friendly bull semen exports and benefits cattle farmers.
The Biogerontology Research Foundation and its partners emphasized the importance of AI in precision medicine at the Precision Medicine World Conference. Two startups, Abreos and Immusoft, emerged as semifinalists for their innovative approaches to precision medicine, including point-of-care assays and immune system programming.
Researchers aim to develop concepts for designing digital things that prioritize transparency and understanding. The study focuses on the complexities of digital products and systems, exploring how they collect and use personal data.
A study by international scientists found that viruses cluster in genetically similar organisms and agricultural land, leading to a higher prevalence of viral infections. The research also reveals a vast number of viruses in the natural compartment, which can inform the emergence of plant diseases.
A new study found that boosting Sirt4 gene activity extends healthy lifespan in fruit flies, with a 20% increase in longevity seen in modified flies. The researchers also discovered that Sirt4 plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and fasting responses.
A Stanford-led synthesis paper reveals strengths and weaknesses of corporate environmental pledges, suggesting a range of public-private policy solutions to boost their impact. The study recommends complementing regulation with endorsement and reinforcement of company standards, sharing information, and covering compliance costs for sm...
A study published in PLOS Genetics identifies a genetic link between thinner corneas and an increased risk of glaucoma in humans. The researchers found that the protein POU6F2 plays a crucial role in regulating corneal thickness and may be a potential risk factor for glaucoma.
Researchers at UConn Health have reversed Prader-Willi syndrome in lab-grown brain cells by targeting the ZNF274 protein, which silences many genes. The breakthrough provides clues for treating this genetic disorder and offers new hope for patients with life-threatening childhood obesity.
Prof. Dr. Stefanie Gräfe from Friedrich Schiller University Jena receives €1.9 million ERC grant to investigate plasmonic dynamics and molecular structure in metallic systems, aiming to develop highly sensitive sensors.
The Learning Sciences Research Institute at UIC is studying how teachers learn and acquire knowledge to promote critical inquiry and deep reading in science, mathematics, and literature classrooms. The project aims to inform ideas about teaching practices that support student problem-solving and inquiry-based learning.
An international team of astrophysicists has provided the first clue to the speed of dark matter, finding that it matches the movement of the least heavy metal-rich stars. This breakthrough could help shed light on why direct detection experiments have failed to detect dark matter particles.
Researchers found that coyotes preferred natural areas with high proportions of open space, while red foxes selected moderately developed areas. This spatial partitioning may promote coexistence between the two species in urban landscapes. The study's findings have implications for wildlife management in human-dominated environments.
A Brazilian startup has developed a porous silica magnetic microparticle that can selectively adsorb different molecules, allowing for efficient purification of substances in various industries. This technology reduces production costs by skipping filtration or centrifugation stages, resulting in lower costs and shorter production times.
Researchers studied over 2,500 hugs to understand how emotional context affects hug behavior. They found that emotional states influence the lateralization of hugs, with left-sided hugs more common in positive situations and right-sided hugs in negative contexts. Handedness and footedness also play a role in predicting hug direction.
A UTA researcher has received a $441,000 NIH grant to build new imaging technology that can study blood vessel function in patients with heart failure. This device will use laser light to track oxygen delivery and utilization in muscles, potentially leading to quicker diagnosis and life-saving treatment for these patients.
The US Department of Agriculture's NIFA has awarded $17 million to research and extension programs aimed at combating citrus greening disease in Florida. Researchers are developing detection systems, hydroponics, and biocontrol methods to address the devastating impact of the disease on the state's $1.5 billion citrus industry.
Researchers at the University of Würzburg have successfully funded a project to develop boron polymers with unique properties. The team, led by Holger Braunschweig, aims to create efficient synthetic strategies to form stable boron chains, paving the way for a new class of materials.
The study observes actual chromatin motions using single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy approaches, revealing the internal structure and rapid dynamics of chromatin fibers. The researchers found that nucleosomes form short stacks that quickly fall apart and reform within milliseconds.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports challenges the scientific consensus on Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that neuronal loss is relatively limited. The research found minor declines in synaptic markers in patients' prefrontal cortices, which had little impact on cognitive skills.
The RUN2RAIL project aims to develop lighter, more reliable, comfortable, and quieter rolling stock by investigating novel materials and manufacturing processes. Carbon fibre frames and key components made using 3D printing technology are expected to reduce weight and improve designs.
Researchers at Clemson University aim to fortify computers and devices against cyberattacks using GPS spoofing, with potential effects on cell phones, power grids, and scientific data. The team plans to create a secure timing solution by securing GPS receivers and Network Time Protocol.
A team of researchers led by Heng Yin at the University of California, Riverside, is working on a $4.68 million grant to develop methods for securing legacy systems used in government agencies, including the Department of Defense.
A new method of securely communicating between multiple quantum devices has been developed, enabling a large-scale, un-hackable quantum network. The approach uses quantum laws to ensure security and can work for any device, regardless of manufacturer, bridging the gap between theory and practical implementation.
A portable device can identify liquors and determine if they've been altered, offering a strategy for liquor quality assurance. The device uses an advanced sensor array that can detect various scotch whiskies, bourbon, rye, brandy and vodka with greater than 99 percent accuracy.
Dr. Helen Genova has been awarded a $44,000 grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to study emotional processing deficits in people with MS. The research aims to improve facial affect recognition and enhance quality of life for individuals with MS.
Michigan State University is building a unique online data hub to study African slavery with a $1.5 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The project, called "Enslaved," will link millions of pieces of slave data to identify enslaved individuals and their descendants.
Researchers used a new method to date ancient Mogao Grottoes paintings by analyzing their drawing styles, which were learned through deep learning. The technique successfully dated six paintings and revealed the creation era of other works, reducing uncertainties in dating ancient paintings.
The European Commission Joint Research Centre report explores how blockchain can improve education, from paperless degrees to tracking citations and protecting intellectual property. The report highlights the potential of blockchain in reducing bureaucracy and increasing transparency in the education sector.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased from 28.7 percent in December 2016 to 30.8 percent in December 2017, reflecting a 21 consecutive month upward trend. People with disabilities are finding competitive jobs through public-private partnerships and initiatives like NYC:ATWORK.
The High-Performance Distributed Systems Lab at Kazan Federal University is developing mathematical models to unite various processes in oil reservoirs. These models aim to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) processes.
Women who smelled their partner's shirt felt less stressed before and after a stress test. The study found that women who correctly identified the scent also had lower cortisol levels, suggesting the benefits are strongest when women know what they're smelling.
Research suggests that anthropomorphic virtual assistants can elicit concern about seeking help, particularly among individuals who believe intelligence is a fixed trait. This can lead to lower performance and incorrect answers in online learning settings.
The USDA has awarded a grant to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for research on solvent fractionated lignins, aiming to develop polymeric products for building and construction sectors. The project will help integrated biorefineries enhance U.S. energy security by reducing dependence on foreign oil.
The Kessler Foundation has received a two-year $150,000 grant from the Hearst Foundations to support a postdoctoral fellow in cognitive rehabilitation research. This funding will enable the fellow to use research tools and innovations created by Foundation scientists while focusing on identifying breakthroughs in cognitive rehabilitation.
NIFA's investments support transformative discoveries in maximizing agricultural productivity, providing a safe food supply, and promoting responsible stewardship. The partnership aims to bolster the US economy by creating jobs and enhancing nutrition while sustaining natural resources.
Researchers will study how social media affects news dissemination and develop algorithms to accurately predict the spread of information online. The project aims to improve official evacuation orders by filtering out inaccurate posts during disasters.
A study published in Geomorphology identifies areas with high cliff erosion rates and introduces a new hazard scale to predict impending collapses. The research provides accurate erosion rates for 680 miles of the California coast, highlighting the need for improved models and planning strategies to protect critical facilities.
A University of Michigan team is developing a new cybersecurity approach called MORPHEUS, which aims to create an unhackable computer by turning computer circuits into unsolvable puzzles. The technology could protect both hardware and software from attacks, making it difficult for hackers to identify vulnerabilities.
Researchers mapped the global impact of shrinking glaciers on river invertebrates, revealing a consistently patterned response across diverse regions. The study highlights the potential to track environmental impacts on invertebrate groups using trait-based approaches.
Colorado State University researchers are expanding their study of wildfire smoke impacts thanks to new grants. The awards will fund research into modeling how aerosols from fires travel and react in the air, building on previously collected data from the Fire Influence on Regional and Global Environments Experiment (FIREX).
A UK investigation led by the University of Huddersfield is considering whether 16-year-olds should be granted the right to vote in all elections. The research will analyze debates and arguments surrounding youth democratic participation, comparing historical and contemporary perspectives.
Research finds that male redback spiders benefit from mating with immature females, which appears to have no cost to female reproductive output or survival. This early mating may be advantageous for females, as delays in mating can lead to shorter lifespans and reduced offspring success.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that climate change effects could worsen by mid-century, leading to fewer snow days, more extreme heat, and reduced cold water fish habitats. The study used models benchmarked to field measurements to evaluate the Merrimack River watershed in New Hampshire.
The oVert project provides free, high-resolution 3D images of internal vertebrate anatomy for research and education. The database contains scanned CT scans of over 20,000 specimens from around the world.
The US Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced support for projects that strengthen food and agricultural science education in insular areas. The funding is made available through three programs: Resident Instruction Grants Program, Distance Education Grants, and Agriculture and Food ...
Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science synthesized four new kinds of stabilized radicals with ferromagnetic properties, opening doors to applications in rechargeable batteries and molecular spintronics. The oxime radicals were stabilized using N-heterocyclic carbenes, a breakthrough in synthesizing organic radicals.
Researchers have identified a potential target for treatment to heal damaged blood vessels, which could be administered by paramedics on arrival at the scene. The study found that endotheliopathy occurs within minutes of injury and that improving the lining of blood vessels can reduce rates of organ failure.
The University of Tennessee is studying hops production in others states and developing educational materials to aid in the evaluation of hops production in Tennessee. The goal is to help Tennessee farmers capitalize on a new market opportunity for locally-grown specialty crops like hops.
Researchers discovered a new species of freshwater fish, Hyphessobrycon myrmex, with distinct color patterns between males and females. The study found 109 species of Characiformes exhibit dichromatism, including six families where it appears in behavior.
A new qualitative study found that people's desire for longevity is linked to their health status, with many wanting to live longer only if they can maintain their current level of health. Researchers recommend focusing on health and quality of life when considering policies related to aging.
Dr. Peii Chen, a research scientist at Kessler Foundation, has been awarded a 2017 Switzer Research Fellowship to investigate the impact of family-clinician collaboration on stroke rehabilitation outcomes. Spatial neglect affects approximately half of stroke survivors and can lead to poor rehabilitation outcomes.
Dr. Peii Chen has been awarded a $600,000 NIDILRR grant to develop a Virtual Reality Spatial Retraining Therapy (VR-SRT) System to improve rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with spatial neglect after stroke. The therapy aims to be accessible, affordable and flexible, enabling more stroke survivors to access treatment.