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 new study found that Zika virus preferentially replicates in the female reproductive tract after vaginal transmission, suggesting a higher risk of fetal Zika disease. The research used rhesus macaques to investigate the effects of mosquito and sexual transmission on Zika infection.
Researchers at the University of Michigan and MIT have developed Vroom software that optimizes the end-to-end interaction between mobile devices and web servers. By bundling resources and sending 'dependency hints' to browsers, Vroom cuts median load times by half, from 10 seconds to 5 seconds.
A recent study found that female adolescents from low-income households with wide salary gaps show changes to their brain maturation, indicating a higher risk of developing mental illness. The research suggests that social environment and income inequality can influence brain development.
Researchers have created a new national map of seismic hazards for Brazil, highlighting regions prone to tremors. The survey found that the Northeast, Mato Grosso, and Pantanal biome are at higher risk, with low-intensity tremors capable of causing significant damage.
A study found that male fruit flies are attracted to females with low insulin signaling in their energy storage organ and high insulin signaling in follicle cells supporting egg production. This attraction is linked to increased fertility and offspring production.
A large long-term study found that women who live in areas with high levels of outdoor light at night may be at higher risk for breast cancer. The link was stronger among women who worked night shifts and were premenopausal or current/past smokers.
A five-year federal research grant will fund studies on the gut microbiome's role in MS, led by Yanjiao Zhou. The research aims to investigate how intermittent fasting alters the gut microbiome and may reduce MS symptoms.
A newly discovered fossil from Turkey suggests that a 40-million-year-old metatherian carnivore, Anatoliadelphys maasae, may have dominated the region without competition from placental mammals. The animal's agile body and strong jaws indicate it was well-adapted for a carnivorous lifestyle.
Researchers have created a smart fabric that can detect and neutralize nerve gas, with the ability to absorb up to 7g of toxin per gram of Cu. The fabric uses copper-based nanoparticles to break down nerve gas surrogates, making it a potential tool for detecting chemical warfare agents.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed water-based electrochromic film inks, making them safer and more accessible for various industries. The new method eliminates the use of flammable solvents and toxic fumes associated with previous inks.
A nationwide program showed that telemedicine can deliver quality care to people with Parkinson's disease in their homes via video conferencing. The study found that virtual house calls were as effective as in-person visits, saving patients time and travel, while improving access to care for those with limited mobility.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to manufacture graphene using carbon dioxide, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and producing a more environmentally friendly process. This breakthrough has significant implications for the production of graphene, a key material in sensors and flexible devices.
The University of Nevada, Reno is starting a drilling campaign to test its geothermal exploration strategies in the Great Basin region. The project aims to identify new, economically viable geothermal systems and reduce risks for commercial electricity production.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that smiley emojis in work-related e-mails decrease perceptions of competence and actually hinder information sharing. The study, conducted with participants from 29 countries, showed that e-mail messages without smileys were perceived as more competent and detailed.
The USGS has awarded $4.9 million to six universities and a non-profit organization to support the transition of the ShakeAlert system into a production system. The partnership aims to improve the sensor and telemetry infrastructure across the western United States.
A recent study found that imagining an action between two objects and its potential consequence can improve memory performance. Older adults who learned to use this strategy showed significant improvements, suggesting a promising approach for personalized memory rehabilitation.
A breakthrough method has yielded a trove of neuronal subtypes and gene regulators in the brain, using molecular profiling to detect epigenetic regulation. This discovery opens the door to potentially discovering changes linked to brain disorders and compiling the brain's 'parts list'.
The researchers created prototypes of conductive glass with metal ions that spread out over the surface, blocking light in response to electrical current. This technology has the potential to transform homes, businesses, cars, and more by reducing energy consumption and costs.
Researchers at UTA are developing iWork, a robot-based system that assesses workers' physical, cognitive, and collaborative skills. The system uses advanced computational methods to identify human ability, intent, and potential, providing personalized training solutions for millions of people seeking retraining for manufacturing jobs.
Researchers found intentional engraving on human bone from Gough's Cave, indicating a multi-stage cannibalistic ritual. The zig-zagging cuts hold symbolic connotations and represent an early example of cannibalistic funerary behavior.
Researchers are studying how people's beliefs change over time, comparing German and American respondents. They will analyze questionnaire data and conduct in-depth interviews to document changes in religiosity and worldviews.
Researchers at UTA are working on developing algorithms to minimize risks for unmanned aerial systems operating in populated areas. The goal is to increase public acceptance and benefit commercial use of UAS technology, ultimately contributing to safer operation in various risk conditions.
Researchers have released high-resolution maps of Antarctica's McMurdo Dry Valleys, allowing scientists to compare present-day conditions with lower-resolution surveys conducted 13 years ago. The data provide detailed topography and insights into landscape changes, including rapid erosion along streams.
Edward O'Brien's research aims to understand how the speed of protein assembly affects its structure and function, a question that was once considered unresolved by scientists. His team is developing computer simulations to model protein translation and explore the origins and consequences of translation rate changes on protein behavior.
Researchers from the University of Miami used Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to detect ground inflation along one flank of Cotopaxi volcano before its eruption in 2015. The study's results, supported by ground-based GPS instruments, show that similar or greater ground inflation is expected for future eruptions.
Researchers face difficulties conducting longitudinal epidemiological surveys in countries like Brazil due to inadequate funding and poor infrastructure. The study highlights the need for strategies such as working with community leaders, organizing group efforts, and using short instruments to overcome these challenges.
Researchers developed microbot origami that can capture and transport single cells using magnetic energy. The system mimics nature and has potential applications in cell characterization tools and artificial muscles.
A research team at the University of New Mexico is developing ultrafast laser transmitter technology that could send data at a speed of over 100 gigabits per second, ten times faster than current fiber optic networks. The goal is to enable high-speed communication in applications such as remote medical consultations and IoT connectivity.
The employment-to-population ratio for working-age people with disabilities increased by 5.7% to 29.7%, while the labor force participation rate rose 3.4% to 33.1%. This trend is attributed to integrated resources and strategies among stakeholders, including employers and government agencies.
A new study by the Academy of Finland reveals that Finnish parents experience higher conflict rates with their own parents compared to in-laws. Grandchildren often contribute to increased tensions between in-law generations.
A recent study found that air travel is significantly linked to the spread of dengue viruses in Asia. The analysis of genetic sequences revealed that three serotypes were most associated with air traffic.
The Institute of Railway Research (IRR) at the University of Huddersfield will develop rolling stock with enhanced durability, energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance costs. The £92 million UK Railway Research and Innovation Network (UKRRIN) will accelerate technology adoption for next-generation rolling stock.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that people are more lenient towards politicians' lies when they align with a shared moral goal. The study suggests that lying to uphold a morally right stance is perceived as acceptable and necessary, even if it means compromising honesty.
Researchers found that e-liquid and vaping device variations can lead to high toxin levels, exceeding occupational limits for acrolein, formaldehyde, and diacetyl. Typical use scenarios result in lower toxicity compared to secondhand tobacco smoke.
Researchers are studying two lesser-studied primate species in a temperate environment, using thermal imaging cameras and high-tech methods. Preliminary data show human-induced threats, such as temperature fluctuations, affecting the primates' health and conservation status.
The study found that examination fees accounted for 88% of revenue and 21% of expenditures, while officer and employee compensation and benefits accounted for 42% of expenses. The ABMS member boards reported a cumulative surplus of $635 million between 2003 and 2013.
A voluntary registry will connect Flint residents exposed to lead-contaminated water to healthcare services and support programs. The project aims to improve lives, identify individuals, and provide guidance for state and local recommendations.
A study found that heavier Asian Americans are viewed as more American and subject to less prejudice compared to their thinner peers. Researchers believe this phenomenon is linked to common stereotypes about Asians being thin and Americans being heavy.
The University of Arizona has received a nearly $2 million award from the Office of Naval Research to study problems of instability and materials failure for aircraft and missiles flying at hypersonic speeds. Researchers will build two additional wind tunnels to explore laminar-turbulent transition, aerothermodynamic heating, and other...
Seven mathematicians received the Carl B. Allendoerfer Awards for their excellent work, while others were honored with the Trevor Evans Award and the George Pólya Awards. The Merten M. Hasse Prize was also awarded to a notable paper published in The American Mathematical Monthly.
Scientists identified three distinct smile types: reward, affiliation, and dominance, with specific facial muscle combinations. The research provides precise physical descriptions of smile subtypes, enabling better classification and study of smiles in pivotal human interactions.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered how acidic conditions trigger the formation of toxic protein clusters in cells, leading to the death of vital organs. The study may help design new treatments for secondary systemic amyloidosis (AA), a life-threatening disorder that affects millions worldwide.
Researchers developed a technique that uses robotic arms to immerse objects in water, measuring volume displacement for volumetric shape representation. This method achieves more accurate 3D scanning than current methods, particularly for complex objects with hidden parts.
A new animal study suggests that walnuts can increase the diversity of good probiotic-type bacteria in the gut. The researchers found that a diet with walnuts led to an overall significant increase in beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Roseburia, and Ruminococcaceae.
A new study using physics to predict where and how dialects occur suggests that dialects tend to move outwards from population centers. This theory explains why cities have their own dialects and how language boundaries get smoother over time.
Researchers at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine have been awarded £6.4 million from the Global Challenges Research Fund to develop evidence-based solutions for integrated vector control in three African countries. The partnership aims to strengthen national decision-making, reduce disease burden, and increase resilience against ou...
Professor Wolfgang Seibel's research on black swans in public administration focuses on rare organisational failures with severe consequences. He investigates structural flaws and systemic weaknesses within public administration to prevent such incidents.
The sixth volume of the German Surname Atlas offers a comprehensive survey of surnames derived from given names in medieval Germany. The research provides valuable insights into the development of the spoken language and cultural history.
Researchers analyzed the interaction of cosmic web with distant quasar light to reveal properties of dark matter. The results support Cold Dark Matter theory and reject Fuzzy Dark Matter model.
Researchers found that mutations giving rise to resistant genetic sequences formed frequently in fruit flies, hindering the efficiency of gene drives. This development may necessitate new approaches to overcome resistance in genetically diverse populations, making gene drive technology less reliable.
Researchers are studying how activist groups like SNCC collected and leveraged geospatial intelligence data to plan protests and address racial segregation. The study aims to advance modern knowledge of geospatial intelligence and incorporate its importance into educational curriculums.
Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus have designed a tiny device that can monitor drinking water quality in real-time, helping protect against waterborne illness. The miniaturized sensors are cheap to make, operate continuously, and can be deployed anywhere in the water distribution system.
The study found that reducing oxygen in certain alloys can improve grain size stability, leading to stronger and more durable materials. Researchers developed nearly oxygen-free alloy powders with significant improvements in thermal stability.
A new research group at the University of Cambridge aims to improve care for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in low- and middle-income countries. The group will focus on preventing, investigating, treating, and improving outcomes for head-injured patients in these regions.
The University of Birmingham has been awarded £7 million by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to establish a global surgical research unit. The unit will focus on developing sustainable international research hubs across low and middle-income countries.
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has been awarded £11 million to establish a new Global Health Research Unit and two research groups. The funds will support research on lung health, snakebite, and non-communicable diseases in Africa, aiming to improve health outcomes for the poorest communities.
Portland State University will study Deep Direct-Use geothermal technology, a new method of harnessing geothermal energy for passive heating and cooling. The study aims to analyze Portland's underlying geology and potential storage capacity for this renewable energy source.
The USDA has awarded $7.2 million in grants for research on plant-biotic interactions, aiming to improve crop yields and reduce the need for fertilizers. The funding will support fundamental and applied research to better understand the complex relationships between plants, microbes, and invertebrates.
New Penn State research reveals that Southern natives and average education level are key predictors of school corporal punishment use. The study found a correlation between parental corporal punishment and SCP, highlighting the potential negative impacts on children's social and behavioral well-being.
A new detector for acetaldehyde in wine has been developed, offering a more practical and accurate method for winemakers to monitor this critical ingredient. The device, tested on nine different wines, produced results comparable to traditional methods but with simpler operation and real-time output.