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 reconstructs the history of human migration to the Tibetan Plateau and discusses possible mechanisms involved. Humans first arrived in the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau from the adjacent Western Loess Plateau via the He-Huang Valley, spreading southwards over four stages.
Researchers found that similarities between contact calls of female rhesus macaques were predicted by familiarity, not kinship. Call structure was similar among females with similar age or matrilineal membership, suggesting experience has a greater impact on acoustic similarity than genetic background.
A study found that firefighters shun safety equipment due to peer pressure and the romanticized notion of their profession. Researchers surveyed 123 firefighters across the US, discovering that younger firefighters often resist wearing personal protective gear due to traditional firehouse values.
Dr. Hirofumi Kai's research focuses on inhibiting Alport syndrome progression, a progressive genetic kidney disease with high risk for kidney failure. The Alport Syndrome Foundation awarded $50,000 per year for two years to support his project on modeling AS in mice and humans.
Researchers have discovered a new phase-transition optical material that can dynamically control light over a broad wavelength range. The material, samarium nickelate (SmNiO3), can be electrically tuned between transparent and opaque states, opening up applications for smart windows, infrared camouflage, and optical communications.
The USDA has awarded $18.9 million to 12 historically black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities to build or improve agricultural research facilities. These funding awards will support cutting-edge academic research, foster innovation, and ensure equal access to educational opportunities for the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
Researchers will analyze 64 interviews with speakers from eight Southern states using computer software to identify variations in spoken language. The goal is to provide a database of Southern speech patterns that can be used for industrial applications.
A team of researchers from North Carolina State University identified serious security vulnerabilities in the iOS operating system, which can be exploited by third-party apps. These vulnerabilities include bypassing privacy settings, accessing location search history, and inferring sensitive information.
A genome-wide association study identified genetic variants that contribute to the formation of healthy facial traits, including nose size and face width. The study confirmed previous findings and provided insights into the role genes play in facial development.
A team led by CSU engineers aims to provide a low-cost, high-fidelity communications system for miners that eliminates the need for expensive equipment. The system will use standard smartphones and low-cost wireless sensing to improve miner safety in underground environments.
Researchers created open-source, web-based visualizations of nocturnal bird migrations using weather radar networks. These new tools depict the timing, direction, and speed of bird movements at scales previously impossible to achieve.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that golden eagles are more abundant in open, elevated areas with high wind speeds. These areas provide better hunting opportunities and allow for efficient flight, suggesting a preference for landscapes with these characteristics.
A new NIH-funded study aims to understand individual vulnerabilities to drug addiction by studying genes that influence brain function. The research team will use mouse models to identify specific genes and pathways contributing to poor self-control and associated addiction risk.
A study reveals inadequate laboratory testing capacity and underutilization of existing technologies, limiting the ability to meet global HIV targets. This shortcoming affects countries' capacity to monitor HIV infection and provide antiretroviral therapy.
New research finds that taking breaks to sleep between study sessions can improve recall of previously learned information, allowing participants to relearn faster and retain what they've forgotten for longer periods. The study showed significant benefits in memory retention even after 6 months.
Researchers have identified a young star over 30 times the mass of our Sun, which could help us understand how massive stars are formed. The discovery suggests that massive stars form in a similar way to smaller stars like our Sun.
A team of researchers from the University of Washington and the University of Arizona has received a $2 million NSF EFRI grant to study non-reciprocal elastic wave propagation in solids. The project aims to develop new materials with unique properties that could lead to breakthroughs in phononic information processing.
Researchers at UCLA have found that ions subjected to buffer gas cooling never truly reach the same temperature as the surrounding gas, defying classical thermodynamic principles. The study reveals multiple final temperatures and highlights the need for nuanced understanding of the buffer-gas cooling process.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a new test that can detect cancerous cells in the blood, offering a promising breakthrough in diagnosing and treating childhood leukemia. The test uses special structures called extracellular vesicles that are released by cancer cells and can be traced in the blood.
A study suggests that ancient Teotihuacan residents bred and managed rabbits and hares for their diet, which includes human-farmed crops. This finding indicates small mammal husbandry in Mesoamerica.
The grant will accelerate the creation of high-priority mouse models for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and other peripheral neuropathies. Researchers aim to investigate disease mechanisms and develop treatments, which currently have no cures or effective treatments.
Pittsburgh-based researchers receive $350,000 grant to develop fast computational methods for additive manufacturing. The goal is to reduce design optimization time from days or months to minutes, improving the economic sustainability of the process.
A document analysis found that orlistat trial reports underestimated adverse effects, with only 3-33% of reported events appearing in published papers. This suggests potential for bias in harms reporting and highlights the need for more accurate reporting practices.
Researchers explore the role of 'cognitive offloading' in managing information and retention, finding that people use physical actions to reduce mental effort when performing tasks. This strategy can have both benefits, such as increased confidence and ability, and drawbacks, including reduced memory for stored information.
Scientists have identified the world's oldest oceanic crust, dating back to around 340 million years ago, in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The study used magnetic data from a 4,300-mile-long marine profile to analyze the nature of the underlying igneous crust.
Syracuse University researchers Joseph Ditre and Stephen Maisto are exploring the links between chronic pain and alcohol consumption, examining how one affects the other. They will study 280 individuals with moderate to heavy drinking habits, using new technologies to better understand pain mechanisms.
A study by University of Notre Dame researchers found that emergency financial assistance from call centers successfully prevents homelessness. The study showed that people who received aid were 76% less likely to enter a shelter within six months compared to those who did not receive aid.
A new study found that individuals in Chicago who received temporary financial assistance were 76% less likely to enter a shelter. The researchers also found that subgroups such as single adults, males, and callers under 30 benefited most from the financial assistance.
Researchers have identified two new species of bioluminescent deep-sea fish by analyzing pigment patterns and mitochondrial genomes of preserved specimens. The study suggests that the organisms use light emission for communication and counter-illumination to camouflage, showcasing their mastery in controlling light emission.
Researchers discovered a link between slow walking speeds, weak grip strength, and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and stroke in individuals over 65. These simple tests may help identify high-risk patients, providing hope for early detection and prevention.
The RIT/NTID information and computing studies department has launched a new associate degree program in mobile application development with funding from the National Science Foundation. The program is based on the Xamarin cross-platform approach to mobile app development.
The project, which maps personal relationships among historical figures, will be improved and expanded with the grant. The team plans to connect the network with other digital resources and work on preserving it.
A weakness in Linux operating systems allows attackers to track users' online activity, terminate connections, and inject false material into their communications. Researchers identified the vulnerability and have alerted Linux about it, resulting in patches applied to the latest Linux version.
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a $343,104 Navy grant to test the performance of batteries in full shipboard systems. With the OPAL-RT Hardware in the Loop platform, researchers will simulate battery behavior and predict its integration with shipboard systems.
Researchers at the University of Washington aim to create fundamentally secure communications exploiting quantum mechanics. They will explore semiconductor-diamond nanophotonic transmitters for long-distance quantum communication, overcoming challenges such as signal amplification and scalability.
A recent reanalysis of the beaded burial at Mound 72 in Cahokia reveals that it includes both males and females of high status. The findings challenge earlier interpretations that saw this feature as a monument to male power, instead suggesting a more complex nobility structure.
Researchers have developed a more robust imaging wave using unconventional laser beams, allowing for the detection of objects at greater distances. The technology has the potential to be used for Homeland Security and law enforcement agencies to detect chemical, biological, and explosive materials without damaging human tissue.
A University of Missouri study found that preschoolers with strong understanding of number words and quantities are better prepared for math in kindergarten. The research suggests that focusing on these fundamental concepts can lead to greater success in school.
A Stanford-led team has devised a way to visualize the fundamental building blocks of lithium-ion batteries, revealing a complex process that was previously understood in average terms. The study could lead to better battery designs and longer lifetimes by improving uniformity and reducing mechanical stress.
Scientists have pinpointed the specific part of the brain that helps older adults differentiate speech sounds in background noise. The study found that the speech motor area of the frontal lobe steps in to compensate for hearing loss, enabling seniors to identify speech embedded in noise.
A new study at Cahokia reveals the 'beaded burial' feature includes both males and females of high status, challenging earlier interpretations. The analysis confirms the presence of male-female pairs in the mass graves, suggesting a nobility with equal representation of males and females.
The Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University is conducting a three-year study on the impact of tree canopy on symptoms of children with autism. The research aims to investigate the relationship between nature walks, memory, and stress responses in children with autism.
Rice University bioengineer Junghae Suh has been awarded a prestigious R01 grant to research the use of viral gene therapy to fight ovarian cancer. The grant will help Suh and her lab adapt viruses to recognize extracellular enzymes overexpressed by ovarian-cancer tumors and deliver therapeutic genes to diseased cells.
Researchers at Charité are developing a personalized virtual brain model using big data and advanced simulations. They aim to improve our understanding of cognitive performance by analyzing the interaction between individual brain components.
A research team at The Dartmouth Institute is conducting a three-year study to compare care with and without decision aids for women newly diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The study aims to show that using decision aids reduces anxiety, decision regret, and improves quality of life for patients.
Researchers at NJIT's Center for Resilient Design are developing solutions to protect Greenwich Township from flood waters. The project aims to balance human and ecosystem needs while restoring natural environments like tidal wetlands and protecting upland habitats.
The Alaska Native and American Indian Peoples Health Disparities Research Center will address significant health gaps in these communities. It provides training, research opportunities and project funds to scientists working with indigenous people.
Researchers have discovered methylmercury-producing bacteria in Antarctic sea ice, which can contaminate marine life and food webs. The findings raise concerns about mercury pollution in a warming climate, particularly in depleted fish stocks.
Research suggests that online product selection leads to increased customer spending, with popular and niche items generating significant revenue for retailers. Customers spend almost 11% more on main offerings and 250% more on hard-to-find niche items compared to catalog shoppers.
Michigan State University will lead a three-year research project to enhance the teaching of less commonly taught languages, leveraging a $1.2 million grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The initiative aims to develop templates for online LCTL instruction and share them among Big Ten Academic Alliance institutions.
Neuropathic pain is a common complication of spinal cord injuries, affecting every person differently. The new guidelines recommend screening and diagnosis, treatment models, and care approaches to manage pain and ensure patients can fully benefit from rehabilitation.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that Photovoice, a method using photographs, helps adolescents with autism express concerns and stress as they transition to adulthood. The research reveals themes of isolation, socialization challenges, and the comfort animals bring in combating loneliness.
A study found that mountain lion females hunt on average less than a mile from human development, while males prey on deer in riparian woodlands. The choice of hunting grounds may reflect areas with abundant prey, such as mule deer attracted to water sources and lush vegetation.
The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) has seen a meteoric rise in its research contribution, jumping 11th place on the Nature Index's list of top 100 most improved institutions. IBS' weighted fractional count increased by over 4000% between 2012 and 2015.
The 6th annual Cycle for the Cure raised a record $248,725 for TGen cancer research, including $100,000 in donations from Guarantee Trust Life. The event supported groundbreaking research on 'liquid biopsies' and other life-changing projects.
The National Science Foundation has awarded over $2.5 million in research funding to Virginia Tech's Wireless@Virginia Tech for projects supporting the White House's Advanced Wireless Research Initiative. The funding will address critical issues in emerging wireless communication networks and technology.
INRS researchers have received over $3.8 million in NSERC grants to advance wireless communication technology. Their research programs aim to revolutionize key sectors of the Canadian economy, including machine intelligence and high-speed mobile ecosystems.
A new Patagonian fossil has provided insights into the skeletal anatomy of megaraptors, a highly specialized group of Mesozoic predators. The species, Murusraptor barrosaensis, shares unique features with other megaraptors, but also boasts distinct facial and hip bone characteristics.
Neuroscientists found specific brain regions active when using prototype and exemplar strategies for categorization. These strategies help reduce information load by applying different cognitive processes.
A European Union-funded study reveals that environmental amenities in cities often displace low-income residents, leading to increased housing costs and gentrification. The 'Greenlulus' project aims to develop a ranking of environmentally just cities and promote policies to mitigate the negative social impacts.