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 JILA have confirmed the presence of spin symmetry in strontium atoms, which could lead to breakthroughs in simulating exotic materials and understanding quantum phenomena like superconductivity. The discovery was made possible by an ultra-stable atomic clock, allowing for precise measurements of atom interactions.
Researchers found land snail shell remains from ~30,000 years ago in Cova de la Barriada, Spain. The discovery suggests that ancient human populations used snails as a food resource in Europe ~30,000 years ago.
A University of Kansas professor is leading a grant project investigating the effects of nitric oxide synthase on muscle growth. The study aims to understand how this compound can be used to promote muscle growth in various populations, including athletes and the elderly.
Annulla Linders' research reveals that family members of victims witnessing executions has transformed the process and audience, re-personalizing executions with emotional satisfaction for families. Currently, 18 US states allow intimates to witness executions, complicating arrangements and public perception.
The StopInfo program, developed at the University of Washington, integrates with OneBusAway to provide crucial information on bus stops, including location, safety features, and stop closures. The app has been found to be generally helpful for blind riders, promoting spontaneous travel and confidence while riding.
A new study by Christin Munsch found that men who requested flexible work arrangements for childcare-related reasons were viewed more favorably than women with similar requests. Those who made flexible work requests for childcare were perceived as more respectable and likable, leading to greater support and approval from employers.
Kansas State University physicists are part of a collaborative project that seeks to understand how light interacts with matter. The National Science Foundation's EPSCoR grant will help develop tools for controlling molecular processes using laser technology.
The National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities have awarded over $4 million to support the documentation of nearly 40 endangered languages. These awards will build research infrastructure and encourage long-term collaboration with host countries, as well as involve significant community engagement.
Researchers tracked 35 blue sharks for up to 1,000 days and found evidence of a discrete central North Atlantic nursery. Juvenile female blue sharks migrate seasonally while juvenile males expand their range southward, with males displaying greater behavioral variation.
A study published in PLOS ONE found evidence of ancient Egyptian mummification practices dating back to the Late Neolithic period, around 4500-3350 BC. The discovery suggests that early Egyptians may have used natural products to preserve bodies, laying the groundwork for later Pharaonic mummification techniques.
Rice University physicist Emilia Morosan has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to investigate unusual quantum materials. Her research aims to uncover fundamental properties of these compounds, which may lead to new discoveries in condensed matter physics.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have discovered a new class of hybrid perovskites with exceptional performance in solid-state thin film solar cells. The materials demonstrate high light-to-electricity conversion efficiencies approaching 20% and are easy to process using coating and printing techniques.
The Bureau of Reclamation's Desalination and Water Purification Research Program will provide funding for four laboratory-scale projects and three pilot testing projects. This funding aims to develop new technologies to address desalination needs in river basins throughout the West, ultimately improving US water supply resilience.
The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) will image the entire visible sky twice per week, providing a vast amount of information on short-lived transient events, dark matter, and dark energy. The project is a partnership among NSF, DOE, and private contributors, with operational support from researchers worldwide.
Researchers used 3D models of the woodpecker to understand its anti-shock biomechanical structure, which stores most impact energy in the body and reduces it in the head. This study could provide guidance for designing anti-shock devices and structures for humans.
A consortium of Missouri universities and research institutions will examine how climate change affects agriculture in the state. Researchers will focus on plant stress, soil changes, and regional weather patterns.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have created an origami robot that can fold itself into arbitrary shapes, crawl away, and perform active folding structures. The robot's mechanical design enables it to walk using a synchronized motor system.
A study found that juvenile loggerhead turtles in the South Pacific Ocean swim against prevailing currents at a rate of 30 cm/sec. The turtles use multiple sensory cues to detect current flow and orient themselves for swimming.
A UTSA researcher has been awarded a grant to create computer models that can predict and address the complex factors contributing to food insecurity in West Africa. The project aims to produce sustainable food security solutions for the region.
A pay-for-performance scheme introduced in the North West region of England reduced patient deaths in the first 18 months but had no further impact. Meanwhile, quality of care continued to improve over two years.
Researchers found that frontal EEG lateralization is a key indicator of emotional flexibility, with left-sided lateralization associated with flexible responses and right-sided lateralization linked to inflexible ones. The study suggests that training can improve left-sided lateralization and enhance emotional flexibility.
A team of UC Riverside engineers will characterize, analyze, and synthesize van der Waals materials for novel electronic devices, optical detectors, and energy conversion systems. The research aims to produce new material synthesis techniques and enable practical applications in ultra-thin film materials.
A new study from the University of Cincinnati suggests that taking online breaks at work can have benefits for productivity and worker well-being. The study found that workers take online breaks to balance their work and personal responsibilities, leading to greater levels of satisfaction and focus on their job.
The Gulf of Mexico dead zone measures 5,052 square miles this summer, slightly smaller than last year's record high. Nutrient runoff from agricultural activities continues to affect the nation's coastal resources and habitats in the Gulf.
Climate researchers found that recent rapid Atlantic Ocean warming has affected climate in the Pacific, strengthening trade winds, accelerating sea level rise in the western Pacific, and causing eastern Pacific surface cooling. The study highlights the impact of Atlantic-Pacific coupling on global climate trends.
A UC Davis memory researcher has received a $2.6 million fellowship from the U.S. Department of Defense to explore neural oscillations in brain regions involved in forming and retrieving memories. The project aims to develop new methods for assessing memory function, boosting learning, and rehabilitating soldiers with brain injuries.
Researchers studied the vocal behavior of African penguins, identifying four basic vocalizations used by adults for communication. Juveniles and chicks also have distinct begging calls to request food. The study provides valuable insights into the vocal repertoire of endangered seabirds.
A deep-sea octopus has been found to protect and nourish its eggs for an astonishing 53 months, with 160 eggs hatching almost 4.5 years later. This record-breaking brooding period highlights the importance of parental care in producing well-developed offspring in challenging environments.
Researchers have synthesized a catalyst that improves their system for converting waste carbon dioxide into syngas, a precursor of gasoline and other energy-rich products. The new catalyst uses molybdenum disulfide and an ionic liquid to reduce carbon dioxide in a chemical reaction, improving efficiency and lowering cost.
Researchers found that patients with dementia were more likely to receive a pacemaker, even after adjusting for clinical risk factors. The study suggests that patients with serious life-limiting illnesses may be treated more aggressively than expected.
A UT Arlington geophysicist is using new technology to examine the relationship between dynamic loading and rock fragmentation. His research aims to create physics-based models that predict rock fracturing based on strain applied and rock makeup.
The grant will fund GS-LSAMP II from July 2014 through June 2019, expanding upon the success of its precursor, which doubled the number of minority students earning bachelor's degrees in STEM since 2009. The program provides academic support and research opportunities to over 2,000 students across New Jersey colleges.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new technique to create non-equilibrium systems by injecting energy through oscillations, enabling the self-assembly of particles under non-equilibrium conditions. This breakthrough brings scientists closer to understanding the fundamentals of non-equilibrium thermodynamics.
A new study by PhysTEC has identified two crucial factors for sustaining university and college programs designed to increase the number of highly qualified physics teachers. Faculty members who champion physics teacher education, combined with institutional motivation and commitment, can ensure program viability.
Maria Martinez-Cosio and Mirle Bussell's book explores private foundations' challenges in community revitalization, finding that building trusting relationships with residents is key to success. The team's research argues that foundations must invest time and effort to build partnerships with underserved populations.
Mathew M. Maye's research may lead to gas storage, heterogeneous catalysis, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries applications. He is developing novel synthesis strategies for stainless nanoparticle alloys with controlled oxidation properties.
Researchers develop a plasmon-enhanced polarization-selective filter using SPPs technology, allowing for the integration of optical components on circuits. This breakthrough enables the construction of nanoscale optical logical gates and all-optical switches.
A study of 19,849 participants found that those with vision impairment had significantly lower employment rates, especially among women and younger individuals. Poor eyesight was also associated with a higher likelihood of not working due to its impact on income.
A study found that physicians in Ontario, Canada were more likely to be registered for deceased organ donation than matched citizens or the general public. The majority of registered physicians, 47%, were more likely to register due to younger age and female status.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that silverback gorillas use odor to communicate socially, with extreme levels of emission linked to interactions between groups. This suggests that chemo-communication may play a crucial role in the social behaviors of non-human great apes.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center argue that new technologies, including electronic health records and wearable monitoring devices, enable patients to provide real-time information on symptoms and clinical outcomes. This shift towards patient-driven data collection enhances the accuracy and timeliness of health research.
Researchers found that advances in parasite purification and culture methodologies significantly increased publication rates by 3-10 fold, leading to new molecular tools and resources. This study provides a side-by-side comparison of the publication records for four major genera of protozoan parasites affecting mollusks.
A recent genetic study found that northwest dolphins in Australia are more vulnerable to environmental change and localised extinctions due to their isolated populations. The researchers urge management agencies to preserve corridors for individuals to travel between populations.
Researchers at UT Austin have created a nonlinear metasurface that can reflect radiation at twice the input light frequency, producing approximately 1 million times larger frequency-doubled output. The new metamaterial has potential applications in advanced laser systems for chemical sensing and biomedical research.
A large Danish study found that women who had a Caesarean section were at a slightly increased risk of subsequent stillbirth (14%) and ectopic pregnancy (9%), but not miscarriage. The overall risk remains small, however.
A new study finds that tropical countries with rising middle-class incomes are willing to pay more for conservation, but government actions lag behind. Public surveys in Malaysia showed people willing to pay $437 a year per hectare to protect forests from logging and poaching.
A new project funded by Women's College Hospital Research Institute aims to assess the risk of sexual assault for women attending mass gatherings like concerts or sporting events. The project is part of 26 innovative research initiatives awarded $15,000 or more through the $15K Challenge.
The university will support six new implementation sites with the SafeCareTM model, a child maltreatment prevention program, and provide training and implementation support. Georgia State aims to establish six new sites, deliver SafeCareTM to over 2,400 families, and expand its use through training.
Researchers at CU-Boulder and NCAR aim to reduce deadly air pollution from residential cooking using technology and behavioral change. They'll measure pollution levels in west Africa and assess health impacts on households using modern cookstoves.
A study of all adult deaths in English hospitals from 2010-2012 found that falls and healthcare-associated infections were the most frequent incident types, accounting for one in five reported deaths. Deficiencies in checking and oversight accounted for 11% of incidents, including medication errors and misinterpretation of test results.
Researchers found that interfaith group prayers serve as a 'bridging cultural practice' in diverse organizations, promoting shared identities and unity. The study's findings suggest that embracing diversity and incorporating meaningful collective practices can lead to greater organizational effectiveness.
The University of Illinois is involved in five newly funded Energy Frontier Research Centers, including the 'Center for Geologic Storage of CO2' which aims to reduce uncertainties surrounding carbon dioxide storage. The center will receive $2-4 million per year and involves a team of researchers from several academic institutions.
A new generation of internet is being developed with improved security, greater mobility and other features, researchers say. The transition will be gradual and seamless, with small groups adopting new apps and software before the old Internet disappears.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has named three outstanding young scientists to receive the prestigious Damon Runyon-Sohn Pediatric Cancer Research Fellowship Award, committing nearly $625,000 to support pediatric cancer research. The fellows, Ly Vu, David Woessner, and Mark Zimmerman, will conduct research with the potenti...
Isabell Thomann's research focuses on improving photocatalysis, a process that uses light to drive chemical reactions, with a goal of reducing carbon dioxide using sunlight. She will use an ultrafast laser spectroscopy system to study short-lived chemical intermediates and optimize the efficiency and selectivity of chemical reactions.
The US Department of Energy has awarded $100 million for Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs) to advance energy production, storage, and use. The selected projects will focus on solar energy, electrical energy storage, carbon capture and sequestration, materials and chemistry by design, biosciences, and extreme environments.
Researchers analyzed amino acids in shell beads to determine their origin, revealing a locally sourced alternative to the Mediterranean thorny oyster. The study uses a multidisciplinary approach, combining techniques from archaeology, chemistry, and physics.
New research reveals that climate change coverage has overshadowed biodiversity issues in media and funding. Biodiversity conservation experts recommend leveraging climate change awareness to secure more funds and attention for critical conservation efforts.
Researchers developed a method to accurately measure groundwater levels using satellite data, overcoming the challenges of traditional monitoring wells. This breakthrough provides valuable data for managing water resources and will improve models for scenarios like population growth and droughts.
A recent study reveals the e-cigarette market has seen a significant surge in new brands and flavors, with nearly all offering tobacco and menthol options. Newer brands focus on consumer choice, while older ones emphasize 'cigalike' qualities and health benefits.