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 OU History of Science Department has received a $350,000 grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to build an innovative collaboration platform centered on the Isis Bibliography. The platform will make the entire bibliography available at no cost and provide users with digital tools for managing research and sharing work.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people's orientation affects their perception of distance. The researchers discovered that moving in a certain direction makes places ahead feel nearer than those behind, regardless of actual distance. This phenomenon is linked to feelings of social similarity and emotional engagement.
A new strategy to help young people find jobs with fair wages and high-quality training has been developed by Professor Robin Simmons. The Youth Resolution concept tackles entrenched social problems, driving local growth and giving young people better career opportunities.
Global health funding reached an all-time high of $31.3 billion in 2013, driven by increased support for maternal and child health. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to receive relatively little development assistance, despite being a major burden in the developing world.
A team of researchers in Kenya and Brown University will test a community-based breastfeeding support initiative with a $450,000 grant. The three-year pilot aims to improve nutrition and health status among 1,000 mother-child pairs in rural Igembe North.
The AXA Research Fund has awarded €2 million to two Spanish researchers, Professor Ben Lehner and Professor David Ríos, to study age-related diseases and adversary risk analysis. Their research aims to predict a person's health future, combine experiments with computational data analysis, and examine threats with intelligent behavior.
A research team developed a force sensing skin that can identify potential bruising locations on a child surrogate to differentiate between accidental trauma and child abuse. The system provides a roadmap documenting a child's exposure to impact, critical for forensic analysis.
Researchers found that bank vole PrP is a universal acceptor for prions, making it an intrinsic property of the protein. This discovery has broader implications for understanding prion disease transmission and developing strategies to prevent its spread.
A Northwestern University study found that people exposed to early morning sunlight have a significantly lower body mass index (BMI) than those who get afternoon light. The study suggests that bright morning light can be used as a strategy for managing weight, and recommends getting at least 500 lux of brightness between 8am and noon.
A new study by Durham University highlights the inadequacies in heart failure care in the UK, including uncertainty among clinicians about diagnosis and management. The research found inconsistencies in patients' access to tests and services, as well as a lack of awareness among health professionals of dedicated heart failure clinics.
A team of researchers has won a $779,000 grant to develop a new way to rehabilitate deteriorating reinforced concrete structures using shape memory alloys. The approach aims to confine the structure all the time, preventing damage and improving strength.
The American Geosciences Institute has announced two new recipients of the Wallace Scholarship, a prestigious award supporting female geoscience students. Elizabeth Denis and Kelly Deuerling will receive $5,000 each for their first year of study, with the potential for additional funding in subsequent years.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation has awarded $4 million in NARSAD Grants to 40 mid-career scientists from around the world. The grants will fund basic research, new technologies, and next-generation therapies for schizophrenia, major affective disorders, and other serious mental illnesses.
A new clinical trial will assess whether multi-family group treatment can help individuals with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers cope better. The two-year project focuses on providing psychological support and coping strategies to improve patients' quality of life.
Researchers monitored Cuvier's beaked whales' record-breaking dives to depths of nearly two miles below the ocean surface and some dives lasted for over two hours. The dives captured by this study exceed previous records, including the mammalian dive record previously set by southern elephant seals.
Scientists have successfully used a novel approach called bioretrosynthesis to produce the HIV drug didanosine. This method leverages natural selection to create specialized enzymes that can manufacture complex molecules from simple sugars, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional chemistry.
Scientists from four experiments at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and Fermilab's Tevatron combined their data to produce the first joint result on top quark mass measurement, achieving a precise world's best value of 173.34 GeV/c2. This collaboration showcases international collaboration in particle physics.
Parkinson's patients without dementia show impaired ability to learn new information, but not recall or recognition of previously learned material. This study suggests that improving new learning is crucial for cognitive rehabilitation interventions.
Scientists discovered three fossil specimens of a new stick insect species that mimicked plants for defense, predating twig and bark mimicry. The ancient insects' wings and coloration suggested a plant-mimicking strategy, providing insight into early evolutionary adaptations.
University of Washington researchers discovered that incorrect information spread rapidly on Twitter during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, outpacing correction tweets. The study analyzed over 10 million tweets and found that misinformation persisted even after corrections were made.
A review of nearly 200 research articles highlights the underplay of population growth's impact on modern crises. The study emphasizes the need to address natality rates in both developed and developing nations to fix these issues.
Researchers at UT Arlington College of Nursing, Baylor Scott & White Health, and UT Dallas developed a video-game simulation to teach doctors and nurses effective communication strategies. The project aims to enhance patient safety and improve patient outcomes by playing out tense situations in a virtual world.
A team of scientists from Vanderbilt University has invented an ultra-fast and ultra-small optical switch that can turn on and off trillions of times per second. The device is made of artificial material engineered to have properties not found in nature, breaking the miniaturization barrier for photon-based devices.
Scientists at Purdue University have successfully created a new type of ultracold molecule using lasers, which could enable quantum computing, precise sensors, and advanced simulations. The lithium-rubidium molecule has a significant dipole moment, enabling stronger interactions necessary for entanglement-based quantum computing.
A new AGA/GCF Research Scholar Award will support Mohamed El-Zaatari's research into the role of myeloid cells in gastric pre-neoplasia. Gastric cancer is a deadly disease with limited funding, but this grant may lead to new targets for drug development and ultimately a cure.
Researchers will assess how vulnerable coastlines are to future extreme Atlantic storms, which are expected to become more frequent. They aim to develop adaptation strategies that might be implemented before future storms.
The book provides a three-step process to help readers solve relationship issues in their own way, without the need for face-to-face therapy. By understanding their partner's perspective and accepting each other's flaws, couples can achieve lasting change through acceptance and specific changes.
University of Washington researchers develop two-dimensional, flexible semiconductors to build the thinnest-known LED, only three atoms thick yet mechanically strong. The LED can be used in a wide range of applications, including lighting and optical communication, offering high energy efficiency and miniaturization possibilities.
Researchers at San Diego State University will develop tailored asthma management strategies and community programs to improve control and minimize complications among Latino children. The project aims to address disparities in asthma care, informing a more culturally appropriate approach to treatment.
Researchers found that girls who play with Barbie dolls see fewer career options for themselves than boys. In contrast, playing with a neutral doll like Mrs. Potato Head had no significant effect on their career aspirations.
Researchers at University of Oxford are using patient stories to stimulate change in healthcare. They've found that small changes, such as clocks on the wall for intensive care patients or more comfortable pillows, can greatly improve patient experience. This approach brings compassion and dignity back to the fore.
A new study published in JAMA Network found that the opening of a casino is associated with a lower rate of overweight children in the surrounding community. The study analyzed data from 117 school districts in California and found that every 1 casino slot per capita gained was linked to an increase in average per capita annual income,...
A study by Michigan State University researchers used rats and vanilla frosting to identify genetic factors contributing to binge eating. The Sprague-Dawley rat strain was found to be prone to binge eating, narrowing the scope of possible genes involved in the disorder.
A Duke University-led study of nearly 80,000 middle-schoolers found that students who repeat a grade contribute to a disruptive environment, leading to increased suspensions and discipline problems. The study suggests that supporting older and retained students through tutoring and peer mentoring can improve the entire school climate.
A Michigan State University study reveals that livestock, particularly horses, are devastating panda habitats by competing for food and resources. The research highlights the importance of addressing competition from livestock in sensitive ecosystems.
A UConn team developed a novel process creating monomodal mesoporous metal oxides with uniform pores, allowing targeted molecules to flow in and out of the material. This 'green' technology has significant applications in adsorption, sensors, optics, magnetic, and energy products.
Researchers at UT Dallas have developed artificial muscles that can lift 100 times more weight and generate 7.1 horsepower per kilogram than human muscle, powered by temperature changes. These powerful muscles have vast application opportunities in robots, exoskeletons, and wearable technology.
Researchers mapped landscape vulnerabilities ahead of time to help communities prepare for extreme flooding. The study used high-resolution data and computer modeling to analyze erosion, deposition, and soil characteristics, finding that areas with certain vegetation patterns were more vulnerable to flooding.
The recent Ohio River flood of 2011 caused significant agricultural land damage, with approximately 1,000 acres flooded. However, due to the timing of the flood, cultivated soils were not severely impacted, resulting in minimal loss of soil productivity and yield reduction. The study highlights the need for reevaluation and implementat...
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed high-temperature piezoelectric materials, allowing for electronic monitoring in extreme environments. The new materials, compatible with existing manufacturing methods, have vast potential applications in industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, and nuclear power.
The European Human Brain Project, Allen Institute for Brain Science, and US BRAIN Initiative are developing new methods to study the brain in health and disease. Researchers aim to reconstruct brain structure in computer models and analyze vast amounts of brain data.
New research suggests that sedating patients before a nerve block increases false-positive results, leading to unnecessary surgeries and increased costs. Sedation does not provide long-term pain control or patient satisfaction.
The new four-year grant will help operators of near-earth satellites and air traffic radar systems safeguard against radiation bursts and energetic particles. Yue Deng's research aims to improve the understanding of neutral wind dynamics in the upper atmosphere, which is crucial for mitigating space weather effects.
A €3.5m European Union-funded project aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of balance disorders through an online information system. The EMBalance tool will help clinicians accurately diagnose and manage balance-related conditions, reducing the risk of falls and improving patient independence.
Between 2009-2012, 18 states introduced 36 bills modifying school immunization mandates, with the majority expanding exemptions. Most bills with administrative requirements restricted exemptions, but none were passed. The study highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining high immunization coverage.
The report recommends abolishing the default retirement age worldwide, allowing people to choose their own retirement dates and promoting a more sustainable pension system. The authors suggest that older workers can contribute to society for longer periods, leading to increased productivity and reduced pressure on public finances.
A large cohort study found that time spent with oxygen saturation below 90%, sleep time, number of awakenings, and periodic leg movements are associated with cardiovascular disease. The researchers developed a nomogram to predict CVD risk based on sleep study scores, but it requires validation.
INRS received seven NSERC Strategic Project Grants, totaling $3.5 million, to tackle scientific and technological challenges in ITC, materials, and environmental sciences. The funding supports projects such as developing new broadband RF signal processing and infrared subcyclic impulse lasers.
The UEA project aims to understand the chemical exchanges between ocean, sea ice, snow, and atmosphere in polar regions. It will use a unique sea ice chamber and computer models to predict the effect of global warming on Arctic ice melt.
LineUp is an open-source application that allows users to assign weights to different parameters and create a custom ranking. It introduces a dynamic element to static analysis, enabling side-by-side comparisons of alternative weighting systems.
Researchers at UT Austin develop a compact device that breaks symmetry in sound wave transmission, allowing for one-way communication. The team's design may lead to advances in noise control, sonar equipment and wireless devices.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that a single loud voice can skew the result of voice votes, a common decision-making feature in American public life. The study suggests adjusting voting locations or controlling sound levels to minimize bias.
Researchers have identified a subgroup of schizophrenia patients with motor disorders, characterized by low levels of A2A adenosine receptors in the basal ganglia. The study proposes a specific combination therapy involving antipsychotics and A2A agonists to reduce symptoms.
A new 3D imaging technique has been developed to visualize the behavior of cosmetic fillers in facial tissue. The technique allows researchers to pinpoint the cause of complications and develop treatments to reverse the damage, preventing irreversible scarring.
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) has awarded approximately $15.5 million in grants to 42 young researchers from across the US, fostering basic research and early career development. The recipients will conduct projects in areas including dynamical systems, quantum processes, and complex materials.
A new study found that high-status authors receive more attention for their work, with a 12% increase in citations. The effect is more pronounced for recent papers and those published in lower-profile journals. This phenomenon, known as the 'Matthew Effect,' highlights the impact of author reputation on scientific discovery.
A new national study reveals that cohabitation significantly contributes to the number of long-term relationships lasting eight years or longer. The research found that couples who start out cohabiting are more likely to form and maintain long-term unions, especially among women as they get older.
A new study found that high levels of depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of developing adult-onset asthma in African-American women. Women with depressive symptom scores of 16 or higher had a two-fold increase in asthma incidence compared to those with lower scores.
Researchers will characterize and compare shark behavior when human noises are detectable versus masked, aiming to disrupt detection of humans. They plan to use speakers or personal maskers to broadcast artificial signals that mimic or mask the detected sound cue.
Researchers developed a new source of renewable energy by genetically engineering yeast cells to produce lipids that can be used in place of petroleum-derived products. The platform produces the highest concentration of oils and fats reported through fermentation, enabling up to 90% of cell mass to become lipids.