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 Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health is studying tick-borne bacteria and viruses to better understand their role in human disease. The $1.9M grant will support research into potential pathogens, such as Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease.
Crowdsourcing platforms have helped solve complex problems, but also enable malicious activities like crowdturfing. Researchers at Utah State University are creating new tools to analyze and stop these manipulative tactics.
A University of Illinois study found that livestock donations to poor households in Zambia significantly increased people's incomes, boosting household budgets by up to 25% and enabling them to afford higher-nutrition foods like milk. The study also showed that recipients changed their diet to include more diverse food groups.
A team of researchers led by Daniel Bodony from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is working on making jet engines quieter. They are using supercomputers, including XSEDE's Stampede, to analyze aerodynamics and resolve multi-scale problems in turbulent flows.
Previous lactation performance and weather can predict colostrum quality in dairy cows. Researchers found that warmer temperatures improve colostrum quality by increasing blood vessel permeability.
Researchers found that by-product metals and minerals are indeed more price volatile than commodity materials, with a 50% increase in volatility over the past 50 years. However, monthly price data showed mixed evidence, which may be attributed to smaller transaction volumes and unchanged published prices for several months at a time.
VILLUM FONDEN awards $150 million grant to establish a new research centre at Technical University of Denmark, focusing on developing sustainable fuels and chemicals. The centre will be led by Professor Ib Chorkendorff and aims to contribute to the green transformation of global society.
Research success increasingly hinges on honing teamwork skills, according to experts at Arizona State University. Developing communication and leadership skills is key to team chemistry and overcoming language barriers.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have predicted a new molecular form of frozen water, which could become the 18th known crystalline form of water. The proposed ice is about 25 percent less dense than a record-low form synthesized by a European team in 2014.
New research predicts more frequent extreme weather events will disrupt global food production, leading to 'food shocks' that can wreak havoc on markets and families worldwide. The study highlights the increasing interconnectedness of global food systems, making countries vulnerable to distant production shocks.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute are investigating mechanisms contributing to Huntington's disease, a fatal inherited disorder affecting movement and brain function. The study aims to clarify the Rhes signaling pathway's role in mitochondrial energy production and identify potential drug targets.
A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed the oxygen, strontium, and carbon isotope ratios in 105 Roman skeletons to determine their geographical origin and diet. The researchers found evidence of migrants from North Africa and the Alps, mostly children and men, whose diets likely changed significantly upon arrival.
Leading global health bodies, including academic journals and NGOs, have pledged to share data on the Zika crisis. The declaration aims to facilitate a rapid global response and promote open science in public health emergencies.
A team of scientists has developed a colorless, non-toxic ink for use in inkjet printers, inspired by the nanostructure of squid skin for natural camouflage. The ink, made from titanium dioxide, can be deposited on various surfaces without high-temperature fixing and does not fade from UV exposure.
Gun violence claims thousands of lives in the US annually, with experts arguing that a public health approach is needed to address the issue. The 1997 funding freeze has hindered research into gun policies and safety, but experts propose steps such as tracking gun ownership and improving community training.
The University of Cincinnati's Arlitt Center has received a three-year, $1.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to support teacher development and research into early childhood science learning through outdoor play environments. The grant will fund four initiatives: web-based professional development programs, research ...
A University of Exeter mathematician is studying the migration patterns of wildebeest, caribou, and salmon using state-of-the-art robotics and computer vision software. The research aims to understand how social influence impacts the stability and robustness of these migrations.
The NET Research Foundation has received a major gift to launch the most ambitious research effort ever undertaken to control and cure neuroendocrine cancers. The $15 million gift will support researchers dedicated to finding a cure for this rare disease, which affects over 100,000 Americans annually.
Researchers at Utah State University have unraveled the science of skipping spheres by studying the deformation of elastic spheres on water. They found that the sphere's deformed shape creates a larger lifting force, allowing it to skip multiple times across the surface.
A University of Illinois researcher found that a country's governance quality affects the livelihoods of families who rely on resources from national parks. In Benin, better governance led to better social and ecological outcomes, while Niger's poor governance resulted in negative consequences for poorer communities.
A study published in Eating Behaviors found that a breakfast high in protein, such as eggs, can keep children fuller for longer and reduce their energy intake at lunch by approximately 70 calories. However, the effects of this protein-rich meal do not last throughout the day.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to apply to inventory problems, considering demand and determining optimal orders. The study aims to connect with businesses to assess the benefit of implementing the new model and curb profit losses.
The Kinder Institute will expand its research capacity to address pressing urban challenges in Houston and the US, with a focus on data analysis and policy solutions. The three-year grant will support new research programs and initiatives, including urban data platforms, transportation planning, and gentrification studies.
The DComm programme explores deictic communication, a fundamental aspect of human interaction, and its application in technology, education, and clinical settings. Researchers will investigate how deictic communication affects individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and stroke patients.
In a study, researchers found that making small modifications to a task during repeated practice sessions can lead to faster skill acquisition. This is due to the process of reconsolidation, which strengthens motor skills by recalling and modifying existing memories. By adjusting their performance despite unawareness of subtle changes,...
A new estimate reveals that the ratio of bacterial to human cells in the body is closer to 1:1, with approximately 40 trillion bacterial cells and 30 trillion human cells. This revision challenges the long-held assumption that there are ten times more bacterial cells than human cells.
Researchers found that rat whisker mechanoreceptors act as tiny calculators, computing whisker rotation and updating the brain. This discovery sheds light on the complex interactions between sensory organs and the brain.
A team of Penn State researchers is monitoring Nicaragua's Momotombo volcano with a $40,000 NSF grant. They're using GPS, seismometers and other equipment to track ground deformation, seismic activity and lava composition to predict potential eruptions and hazards.
The University of Kansas School of Engineering will educate cyberdefense experts dedicated to public service with a new $4.7 million grant. The initiative supports dozens of students, who commit to work at government cybersecurity jobs safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Research funded by the Medical Research Council found that bereavement by suicide increases the risk of suicide attempt by 65%, with 8% of those affected dropping out of education or work. Support and guidance are available to help those affected navigate their grief.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab will develop compact free electron lasers for affordable x-ray sources, overcoming current limitations of miles-long facilities costing hundreds of millions of dollars. The project aims to produce portable and high-contrast x-ray imaging with a smaller footprint and lower cost.
A $810,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research will enable researchers at the University of Houston to test advanced materials more efficiently. The new physical properties measurement system will allow for faster testing of superconducting wire, solar cells, batteries, and other materials.
A new genus of tree hole breeding frogs, Frankixalus, has been identified in India, featuring gel-encapsulated eggs and tadpoles that devour their mother's eggs. This discovery highlights the evolutionary distinctiveness and unique life history features of this lineage.
Researchers at RIT are investigating ways to enhance situation awareness among electric control center operators. The goal is to find new methods for providing critical information to help operators make fast and accurate decisions.
A Neolithic Spanish burial site reveals a closely related local community from 6000 years ago, with at least 47 adults and adolescents buried in a megalithic tomb. The analysis suggests that the individuals farmed cereal crops and had family members buried side-by-side, indicating significant shifts in social identity.
Researcher Zhifeng Ren has received a $561,275 DOE grant to continue his work on flexible transparent electrodes and thermoelectric materials. His efforts aim to enhance existing material properties and discover new materials with high power factor.
A €320,000 partnership will help control, prevent and eradicate invasive species across Europe, threatening native plants and animals at a cost of €12 billion annually. The project aims to develop evidence-based approaches to predict and prevent incursions by invasive species.
A new Anglo-French research project will give a voice to French children who became displaced during WWII, shedding light on their experiences and challenges. Dr. Lindsey Dodd's project aims to disrupt the established narrative of the period, which often focuses on resistance and collaboration.
New research from Indiana University finds that companies with a differentiation strategy benefit more from advertising than those with a cost leadership approach. Advertising increases awareness and sales for differentiated firms, building brand equity and shareholder value. In contrast, cost leaders may not see an impact on their sto...
New research finds that a person's quality of life is linked to their deceased spouse's earlier quality of life, even when they are no longer living. The study suggests that this interdependence persists, with the deceased spouse's characteristics continuing to influence the surviving partner's well-being.
The Danforth Center is collaborating with the University of Illinois to identify genetic variants impacting photosynthesis and nitrogen uptake in maize. This project aims to improve crop yields while reducing fertilizer usage, offering economic and environmental benefits.
A study published in Psychological Science reveals that an innate ratio processing ability may play a role in determining aptitude for mathematical concepts. Researchers found that students' ability to gauge nonsymbolic ratios was correlated with their competence in symbolic math, including fractions and algebraic equations.
Eftekharnejad's research will investigate the impacts of data intrusion on phasor measurement units (PMU) devices and propose mitigation strategies for power grid security. The study aims to identify critical components targeted by cyberattacks and develop methods to mitigate cascading blackouts.
The article highlights the importance of stakeholder involvement in ESS research and governance, citing experiences from transdisciplinary projects in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Successful participation depends on socio-cultural context and requires different means and modes of participation during different project phases.
Biochemists at UTA are mapping sulfur-oxidizing enzyme catalytic processes to improve understanding of chemical imbalances in autism, Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome. The team aims to develop effective therapies and drugs for these conditions.
A University of Central Florida research team is studying the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico, focusing on toxic compounds not tracked by the EPA. They've developed a new method to detect these 'forgotten' polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which may be more toxic than those monitored.
Researchers develop aluminum nanostructure pixels using plasmon resonance to create vibrant colors across the entire visible spectrum. The new approach enables the production of high-resolution images and improved display performance.
A computer-training task can alter brain wiring to regulate negative emotions by improving the ability to ignore irrelevant information. This non-emotional training was found to result in reduced brain reactions to emotional events and strengthened neural connections between brain regions involved in inhibiting emotional reactions.
Researchers at INRS develop a new strategy for fabricating atomically controlled carbon nanostructures using molecular self-assembly and chain polymerization. The technique produces network of long-range poly(para-phenylene) (PPP) nanowires on copper surface, displaying quasi one-dimensional dispersion in conductive polymeric nanowires.
The University of Texas at Arlington's TxLTAP program provides technical assistance and workforce training in transportation, addressing rural areas with inadequate roads and expertise. The program offers free courses on roadway maintenance, heavy equipment operations, and employee development skills to local governments.
A new grant proposal by Prof. Dr. Stefan Wagner proposes novel tools to analyze software manually and automatically during creation, providing contextual and focused feedback to developers. The approach aims to detect potential quality problems early on, reducing the risk of defects.
A study found that adolescents discharged from hospitals in England after an admission for violent, drug- or alcohol-related, or self-inflicted injuries have a higher risk of subsequent death and emergency re-admission up to a decade later. The risks were highest in 18-19 year olds with chronic conditions or living in deprived areas.
New research shows that interventions targeting individual students can improve the classroom environment, triggering second-wave benefits for all classmates. The study found that sharing a classroom with more students who participate in an intervention boosts all students' grades beyond initial benefits.
Shelby Cole, a first-year pharmacy student, has been awarded an Undergraduate Diversity Student supplement to study dendritic cells and contribute to her professor's research team. The grant will support her individual research project and provide opportunities for mentorship and outreach.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $37 million to fund research on co-robots that can collaborate with people, advancing the development of robots for critical tasks like infrastructure inspection and manufacturing. The awards support projects across various fields, including healthcare and search-and-rescue operations.
Cognitive neuroscientist Evangelia Chrysikou and her team investigate how transcranial direct current stimulation enhances creative thinking about everyday objects. They will use the technique to assess brain activity in frontal lobes, with hopes of developing a standardized measure of creative potential.
Manylabs, a non-profit organization, has opened an open science workspace in San Francisco, offering a collaborative environment for scientists, educators, and innovators. The facility provides lab benches, tools, and prototyping materials, as well as a sunny open office and rooftop sensor test range.
The UK and Singapore are collaborating on six joint research projects to develop new cybersecurity solutions, with a focus on enhancing system resilience. The projects aim to improve the detection of cyber threats and create more robust systems for critical infrastructure.
A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed the clicks of Mediterranean sperm whales and found that most individuals range from 7.5 to 14 meters in length, with a peak range of 9-12 meters likely corresponding to adult females or young males
Researchers at UTA are analyzing the energy entering the upper atmosphere following space weather events to refine models used for satellite trajectory forecasting. Current estimates can be off by as much as 100%, resulting in an error of up to 30% in tracking satellites.