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 the University of Cincinnati's Lindner Center of HOPE have developed a novel approach to treating depression using spinal cord stimulation. The study found that electrical stimulation of the spinal cord decreased depressive symptoms and showed therapeutic potential.
George Mason University researchers Dhafer Marzougui and Cing-Dao Kan have received a $749,954 grant to develop a crashworthy tangent end treatment for low-speed and curbed roadways. The project aims to improve safety on these types of roadways, which are prone to accidents.
The grant will enable AU's Office of Research to build institutional capacity for translational research and train graduate students in this field. American University aims to leverage basic research into data-driven decision-making, promoting a culture of research translation on its campus and beyond.
Researchers unveiled a two-dimensional Metal Organic Framework (MOF) that showcases negative thermal expansion and unique origami tessellation patterns. The MOF's deformable net topology enables origami-like movement in response to temperature changes.
Researchers at Lancaster University find that the 'r' sound is becoming weaker in England, with most young speakers softening it to an elongation of the vowel. This decline is predicted to continue, potentially erasing traditional dialects and linguistic homogenization.
A NSF-funded project, MABLE, is developing a digital app using crowdsensing, AI, and robotics to empower individuals with responsive maps and turn-by-turn instructions. The app aims to improve accessibility and navigation for persons with visual or mobility impairments, such as those with low vision and wheelchair users.
A $161 million grant from the DOD will support research into tunable thermal conductivity and latent heat storage effects in materials. The new equipment enables analysis across a wide temperature range and various pressures and humidity levels, paving the way for adaptive materials with dynamically tunable phase change properties.
Researchers develop a versatile imaging system for targeted spectroscopy in the eye fundus, allowing for continuous color imaging and spectral measurements. The system enables users to select targets and move them to any location within the eye fundus region without realignment or fixation changes.
Researchers at UW-Madison created a new material that can absorb and trap hydrogen particles, protecting fusion reactor walls from damage. The cold spray coating technology uses tantalum to create a surface that can regenerate itself by expelling trapped hydrogen.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a copolymer system that can control solvation and bind different ions through an electrochemical process. The study presents a new pathway for electrochemically controlling ion selectivity, offering a precise platform for removing ions from water.
A national study using telehealth assessments aims to identify infants with early behavioral differences that may indicate autism or developmental delays. The study will provide valuable insights into predicting these developmental skills and offer improved feedback and support for families.
A new study finds that most US parents intend to vaccinate their infants and young children against COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with 40% planning to vaccinate against COVID-19. The study also highlights the growing concern of vaccine hesitancy and its potential impact on public health.
A new NSF-supported collaboration aims to improve liquid organic hydrogen carriers and use AI to identify novel approaches for a global renewable energy supply chain. The team is developing a new class of molecules, chemistries, and chemical processes to better store and transport green energy across the globe.
Scientists have created a vaccine candidate against antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus faecium using membrane vesicles, which stimulate the immune system and are stable and non-infectious. The new vaccine showed promising results in killing resistant bacteria, including those resistant to Vancomycin.
The report found that women veterans face multiple barriers to accessing veteran-specific mental health services, including feelings of exclusion, lack of understanding by clinicians, and inadequate visibility in service branding. The study suggests improving clinician knowledge, increasing visibility of women's experiences, and provid...
Assistant Professor Amanda Madden at George Mason University has received a $48,911 NEH grant to create a digital edition of the late medieval text 'La sfera', featuring merchants, maps, and manuscripts. The project aims to integrate texts, images, and maps in an interactive digital framework for scholars and students.
The center will focus on research and programs to help communities in Arizona and other hot, dry geographic regions adapt to climate-driven health threats. SCORCH aims to build resilience through cross-disciplinary research and community engagement.
Researchers at Texas A&M's Institute for Quantum Science and Engineering are part of a $42 million program to advance laser-driven fusion energy. The RISE hub will focus on innovative target concepts, excimer gas lasers, and solid-state laser drivers to open up novel IFE regimes.
A protein called TAF15 forms amyloid filaments in brain cells, affecting frontal and temporal lobes. This discovery identifies a potential target for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for frontotemporal dementia.
A new study by Texas A&M University researchers found a significant decrease in measles antibody concentrations with increasing urinary arsenic levels in children with low serum folate levels. Folate intake may mitigate the toxic effects of chronic arsenic exposure, but the unequal impact of arsenic by sex remains unclear.
Professor Sebastian Erdweg aims to automatically incrementally compute software for significant energy savings. His new project AutoInc seeks to overcome fundamental limitations of existing approaches, promising enormous improvements in efficiency.
The project aims to create a digital twin of the world's wetlands using satellite data, mathematical models, and artificial intelligence to monitor and reduce methane emissions. Dr Robert Parker from the University of Leicester will lead the project as one of 75 new Future Leaders Fellows.
The Joint Action on Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (JACARDI) aims to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in EU member states through 143 pilot projects. The project will test and offer solutions throughout the patient journey, focusing on prevention, early detection, treatment, care, and self-management.
A Binghamton University professor leads a research team to explore the stability of power grids with inverter-based resources, which have changed the grid's dynamics. The goal is to characterize the stability region without numerical simulation.
A West Virginia University research team aims to remove human-made radio interference from cell phones, televisions and radar systems to improve astronomical signal detection. The project will develop new algorithms and hardware with potential applications beyond astronomy.
The Arctic Amplification (AC)³ research network will continue its study of the phenomenon, which has observed a drastic increase in near-surface air temperatures in the Arctic. The researchers aim to make fundamental advances in understanding Arctic amplification and improve climate model predictions.
The Acer i-Seed is an eco-friendly artificial seed that uses drones to monitor soil temperature. Made from biocompatible and compostable materials, it replicates the aerodynamics of natural Acer seeds and becomes luminescent in response to temperature changes.
The Malaria Atlas Project has received a $16 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to track and tackle malaria globally. The project will focus on boosting research in Sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria is endemic, and strengthening research capacity.
Researchers investigate nanoparticles for cancer treatment, hoping to reduce side effects and improve efficacy. La-Beck's lab aims to understand the body's interaction with nanoparticles and their impact on tumor growth and immune responses.
The US Department of Agriculture has selected a team from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment to conduct research on spring dust storms. The study aims to better understand and mitigate the impacts of these events in Midwestern rural areas.
The University of Miami Rosenstiel School will conduct multi-stressor experiments on 16 key reef species to assess the impacts of ocean warming, acidification, and hypoxia on South Florida's coastal and marine ecosystems. The project aims to characterize the effects of climate change stressors under present and future scenarios.
Dr. Sonia Hernández's recent publication in the Journal of American History explores the complex histories of violence, gender, and power dynamics along the US-Mexican border region from 1900-1913. Her research centers on the testimonies of Mexican-origin women, shedding light on complicated gendered negotiations with state agents.
Jenny Wilkerson receives $1.94 million grant to develop novel models and investigate antinociceptive profiles of basal sex hormone alterations in patients with chronic post-op pain. The study aims to answer questions about the impact of altered sex hormone levels on recovery times, drug effectiveness, and long-term health.
Astronomers combined the Webb and Hubble telescopes to capture a detailed portrait of the cosmos, revealing a galaxy cluster about 4.3 billion light-years from Earth. The image showcases magnified supernovae and individual stars, providing insights into the universe's first stars and the forces driving its expansion.
Yu Yang's NSF-funded research aims to reduce vehicle emissions and promote the use of electric bikes and scooters by developing socially informed traffic signal control systems. The project involves a three-pronged method that uses low-cost mobile air-quality sensing, spatial-temporal graph diffusion learning, and reinforcement learnin...
The study aims to test two interventions to lower blood pressure in stroke survivors, including telehealth and in-person clinic management. Over 1,550 participants will be enrolled, with a focus on under-represented populations at higher risk for recurrent stroke.
The UTSA MATRIX AI Consortium has received a $2 million grant to create new AI models that rapidly learn, adapt, and operate in uncertain conditions. The team aims to bridge the gap between human brain processing efficiency and current AI limitations, enabling more efficient and adaptive AI systems.
A UK-based team has completed construction of a synthetic chromosome as part of a major international project to build the world's first synthetic yeast genome. The synthetic chromosome allows cells to grow with the same fitness level as natural cells, enabling new applications in medicine, bioenergy, and biotechnology.
Researchers have developed a new self-assembling nanosheet that can create functional and sustainable nanomaterials for various applications. The material is recyclable and can extend the shelf life of consumer products, enabling a sustainable manufacturing approach.
The OBCT Project aims to identify the causes of obesity and design guidelines to tackle the problem. The study will analyze data from millions of individuals across Europe and map 'obesogenic environments' that promote weight gain or prevent weight loss.
Nine graduate students will collaborate with leading nuclear physicists at Jefferson Lab on cutting-edge projects exploring fundamental forces and particles. The fellowships provide financial support and resources to advance the field of nuclear physics.
The Pitt team will receive $2,274,859 to develop buoy-based optical fiber sensors for measuring pH and carbon dioxide in seawater. This technology aims to monitor geochemical processes within the ocean environment to kilometer-range depths, understanding its physical parameters and geochemistry.
A Berlin researcher is investigating biophysical phenomena relevant to brain diseases through a €1.5M European Research Council grant. The goal is to understand the behavior of aberrant protein inclusions in neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have successfully excited a scandium-45 nuclear isomer using X-ray pulses, paving the way for the creation of the world's most precise clock. The breakthrough has significant implications for fields such as nuclear physics, satellite navigation, and telecommunications.
The American Heart Association has selected five finalists in its 6th annual Health Tech Competition to present their innovative technologies. The competition aims to drive technology innovation and transform the landscape of heart and brain health.
Researchers will investigate high-entropy materials to create more sustainable and durable catalysts. The goal is to improve the efficiency of electrocatalysis, paving the way for a new generation of catalysts and reducing the reliance on rare and expensive materials.
A University of Missouri study found that opioid-dependent mothers experience stigma, leading to withdrawal from healthcare and negative outcomes for their infants. The research highlights the need for compassionate support and education to promote better health outcomes.
A new deblurring algorithm has been developed to improve the resolution of microscopy images without amplifying noise. This breakthrough technique, called 'deblurring by pixel reassignment,' uses local gradients to sharpen images while preserving larger structures.
The EU-funded GreenChips-EDU project brings together 15 universities, companies, and research institutions to train specialists in sustainable microelectronics. The program aims to address the industry's skills shortage and promote energy-efficient microchips, with a focus on power electronics.
Researchers at George Mason University are developing innovative biomass-based porous structures for energy-efficient water desalination and purification. The project aims to create a capacitive deionization process using spatial wood carbon scaffolds with nanocellulose fillers.
The Beckman Institute's DROPLETS project uses microdroplets to catalyze electrochemical reactions, producing clean hydrogen and sequestering carbon dioxide. The project aims to lay out a foundation for a sustainable clean energy future.
A new project aims to help robots assess risks and make autonomous decisions. The research focuses on quantifying ambiguity in robot perception to improve safety and efficiency.
Researchers will study past 'greenhouse' periods in the Arctic to understand the impact of an ice-free region on the environment and society. The six-year project aims to quantify changes in sea ice and land ice dynamics, as well as ecosystems, to inform climate projections.
A five-year study found that most sports and exercise are overwhelmingly safe, with injuries being rare. Fitness activities like running, golf, and dance classes have the lowest injury rates, while sports like football have a moderate risk of injury, with motorsports and gliding carrying significantly higher dangers.
Researchers from Bologna, Siena, and Haifa will investigate Neanderthal extinction in Eastern and Southeastern Europe and Western and Central Asia. The project aims to shed light on the chain of events that led to their disappearance.
The Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics is offering global grants of up to $200,000 per annum for three years to develop novel therapeutics for pathogens of pandemic potential. Researchers are invited to submit expressions of interest for Round Two of the Foundation Grants program.
Cleveland Clinic is selected by Wellcome Leap to lead two quantum computing research projects in collaboration with IBM Quantum and Algorithmiq. The projects aim to accelerate the development of quantum computing applications for healthcare, with a focus on protein structure prediction and photon-drug interactions in cancer treatment.
Kevin Ramseur, a George Mason University doctoral student in clinical psychology, will receive funding through the APA Minority Fellowship Program. The $27,144 award will support his research from October 2023 to September 2024.
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center are testing a novel diagnosis and treatment combination for painful diabetic neuropathy using spinal cord stimulation and small fiber nerve activity measurement. The approach has the potential to provide effective pain relief and potentially reverse neuropathy reversal.
NTU Singapore has expanded its research collaborations with French partners to push the boundaries of science. The university has inked six new partnerships and renewed existing collaborations across various fields, including quantum physics, nuclear energy, and sustainability.