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 University of Manchester develop graphene-based membranes with high selectivity for gases and organic liquids, targeting applications in power stations, fuel cells, food packaging, and human disease detection.
The US Energy Department has renewed funding for three Bioenergy Research Centers for five years. The centers will receive $25 million per year to develop next-generation biofuels, enhancing national energy security and creating new clean energy jobs.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded funding to two new Autism Centers of Excellence, joining nine other centers nationwide in a five-year research effort to identify autism causes and treatments. The centers will focus on early intervention styles and genetic variants associated with autism.
A study by Oregon State University found that drivers often don't look for pedestrians during permitted left turns, putting them at a high risk of being hit. The research suggests that more states and cities should consider prohibiting permitted left turns while pedestrians are allowed to be in the crosswalk.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have made groundbreaking discoveries in a well-preserved Maya village, including new crop varieties and household gardens. The findings shed light on ancient Maya agriculture and its impact on the natural world.
A UC San Diego team developed a scalable GPU-accelerated code for earthquake engineering and disaster management, achieving a five-fold speedup over CPU code and sustained performance of one petaflop per second. This breakthrough enables more accurate earthquake predictions with increased physical reality and resolution.
A new study questions the effectiveness of improved cookstoves in reducing air pollutants, particularly ultrafine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs. The research found that while overall soot emissions are lower, these stoves still release three times more worrisome ultrafine particles than traditional open fires.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology and Purdue University developed efficient solar cells using natural substrates derived from trees, enabling quick recycling in water. The organic solar cells reach a power conversion efficiency of 2.7 percent, paving the way for a truly recyclable and sustainable solar cell technology.
Researchers found large variations in animal responses to alcohol, with some showing robust sensitization and others no change. These findings may lead to better understanding of addiction and development of more effective treatment drugs.
The US Department of Agriculture has awarded Washington State University a $1.6 million grant to develop domestic quinoa production, meeting growing demand for the high-protein crop. Researchers aim to identify best varieties and breeding practices for organic production.
Researchers have developed a system that can automatically locate available space within a bandwidth, reducing dead spots in coverage. This technology has the potential to improve response time and provide better service for users, saving them time and money.
Researchers at the University of Luxembourg's Secure Networks & Trusted Technology (SnT) facility have received a Google Faculty Research Award to develop automated application analysis software. The software aims to identify malicious behavior in Android apps, such as unauthorized data access or communication patterns.
The University of Miami's CSTARS has been awarded a contract by the Office of Naval Research to collect, process and disseminate global Synthetic Aperture Radar data in near-real time. This will enable the U.S. Navy to utilize SAR imagery for improved operational capabilities.
Dr Hendrik Ulbricht's team will explore the theoretical possibility of conducting experiments to discover whether there is a limit to quantum theory or not. They aim to generate a quantum superposition state for nanoparticles using matter wave interferometry.
A new study published in PLOS Genetics found that brown bears on Alaskan archipelago descended from polar bears through hybridization, not the other way around. The research used DNA sequencing to analyze the X chromosomes of the brown bears and found that 6.5% of them had recently come from polar bears.
Researchers found that playing action videogames for a short time enhances visual search skills in complex scenes. Players showed improved performance on tasks such as finding targets among distractions. The benefits of gaming on visual search were comparable to those seen with driving games.
Research team at UNIST developed high-performance NW-OPTs, showing enhanced charge-carrier mobility and higher external quantum efficiencies compared to thin-film OPTs. This breakthrough enables bottom-up fabrication of optoelectronic nanodevices with high operational stability and easy control of photoswitching voltages.
Danfeng Yao received a $450,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to develop quantitative anomaly detection methods for Department of Defense systems. The project aims to detect anomalies in computer programs, systems, and networks, enabling early detection and prevention of cyber attacks.
Researchers found that bottlenose dolphin leaders are more likely to lead relatives, suggesting individual choices play a role in leader selection. This study provides insights into complex social dynamics of bottlenose dolphins.
A University of Miami graduate student has been awarded a grant to study the effects of climate change on staghorn corals, which have experienced an 80% decline in populations over the last 30 years. The research aims to identify markers for resilience to climate change.
The Museum of Evolution at Uppsala University is digitizing Carl Thunberg's Japanese plants, made available for the world to study. The project will simplify access for researchers and promote democracy in botanical studies.
Yue Deng aims to protect satellites and power systems from solar wind energy bursts. Her research focuses on the Earth's magnetosphere and upper atmosphere interaction.
Community Solutions, Inc. has donated $500,000 to Rutgers School of Criminal Justice to support research on reducing youth gang involvement. The partnership aims to marry direct services with evidence-based research through the Multisystemic Therapy program.
Researchers at INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications have developed a non-reciprocal electromagnetic isolator critical to THz source applications. The device enables the development of terahertz lasers and amplifiers, crucial for imaging, communications, and spectroscopy technologies.
Mercyhurst University has received a $20,000 grant to extend its research on emerging contaminants in Lake Erie waters at Presque Isle State Park. The study will focus on five chemicals, including fluoxetine, triclosan, estradiol, diuron, and sucralose, which have been shown to have negative health consequences.
Researchers have discovered two new ancient extinct alligator-like animals and an extinct hippo-like species in Central America during the Miocene period. The fossils shed light on species distribution before the formation of the Isthmus of Panama.
Researchers deploy self-guided robot Yeti to map deadly crevasses hidden in ice-covered terrains, reducing danger to human lives and equipment. The robot uses ground-penetrating radar to reveal unseen fissures buried beneath ice and snow.
The SMU psychology department has been awarded over $1 million in grants to collaborate with the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women's University in Peshawar, Pakistan. The partnership aims to enhance faculty development, curriculum growth, and research collaborations between the two institutions.
Residents of a town struck by a tornado reported being less vulnerable to injury from future tornadoes, but their numerical estimates were pessimistic. Living in neighborhoods affected by the storm initially increased optimism, which decreased over time.
Researchers at Princeton University found that bacteria can clog medical devices like stents in a short period of time by forming sticky biofilms. The study used controlled environments with rough surfaces and pressure-driven fluid, demonstrating the need for real-world conditions to understand device failures.
A new initiative aims to foster a sense of belonging for LGBTQ students by exploring the complexities of LGBTQ sexuality in everyday life. The project will create interactive storytelling installations in three states to encourage reflection on human experiences.
A new research project aims to develop sustainable air conditioning and refrigeration systems for vehicles, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The technology uses waste heat from engine exhaust to power the system, resulting in a significant reduction in emissions and energy consumption.
A WUSTL researcher has received a $2.25 million grant to create 3D computer models of brain biomechanics, which will help improve methods for preventing and treating traumatic brain injuries. The new models will provide a better understanding of what happens to the brain during such injuries.
Scientists have developed a new approach to study the composition of Earth's deep interior by detecting long-range spin-spin interactions. The technique, which relies on a hypothetical fifth force, could provide new insights into the geophysics and geochemistry of the planet's interior.
A new study published in Clinical Psychological Science suggests that both pre-war psychological vulnerabilities and combat-related trauma contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. The researchers analyzed data from 260 male Vietnam veterans, finding that those who experienced life-threatening ...
Scientists have developed a self-healing protective coating for concrete cracks that can repair itself using sunlight. The coating contains microcapsules loaded with a material that seals cracks upon cracking, providing an environmentally friendly solution to protect infrastructure from deterioration.
A Georgia Tech student analyzed 60 years of Academy Awards acceptance speeches to identify patterns and trends, including the anatomy of a typical speech and the frequency of certain phrases. She found that nearly every speech closes with 'thank you,' but only half of winners use the iconic phrase.
Researchers will compare 36 Cub Scout packs with full-time executives to those without executives, as well as non-Scout peers. The study aims to assess the program's impact on youths' character, health, and academic achievement.
Babak Moaveni, a Tufts civil engineer, has received a National Science Foundation early career award to develop new and improved structural health monitoring methods. This will enhance the nation's roads, bridges, and other vital structures, allowing for more informed funding decisions.
Daugulis develops new reaction methodology to transform C-H bonds into new compounds with higher yields and fewer steps. His work has advanced synthetic organic methodology and may lead to applications in drug preparation and polymer industry.
A recent study examined the effect of entrepreneurial rhetoric on microlending investment and found that successful entrepreneurs use language to shape investors' perceptions. By avoiding accomplishments-based rhetoric, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of securing funding by eliciting a 'warm-glow' response from lenders.
Research shows that when shapes are repeated in multiple locations with mixed color-shape associations, they are hard to perceive. This finding expands on previous work on feature integration in visual perception and provides new insights into how the brain encodes objects.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a synthetic gene circuit that can dial up or down gene expression in human cells, enabling refined research for drug resistance and cancer treatment. The circuit's precision will allow scientists to test the boundaries of genes known to confer resistance ...
A systematic review of clinical interventions found only a few psychotherapeutic treatments showing promise for reducing symptoms in children exposed to trauma. School-based cognitive behavior therapy interventions were associated with changes in post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and anger.
The German Academic Exchange Service is funding a joint project on spintronics, aiming to develop energy-efficient IT devices. Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and international partners will focus on the field of spintronics.
A team of researchers led by Case Western Reserve University is investigating a new material that can operate at extremely high temperatures without cooling. They aim to develop heat-tolerant electronics with the potential to withstand over 200 degrees Celsius, benefiting industries such as aerospace and automotive.
Despite dire predictions, global health funding from the US and other donors appears to be holding steady. However, a new report highlights discrepancies between donor priorities and global health needs, suggesting that funding may need to be reassessed.
A multi-university team, led by Ronald Riggs, conducted research to analyze the impact of cargo containers on buildings during tsunamis. They found that water does not significantly increase the load when a container strikes a building, and the weight of contents also doesn't matter much.
Researchers developed an ultra-sensitive sensor to detect one molecule of carbon dioxide, improving the accuracy of monitoring and measurement. The sensor technology has the potential to reduce emissions in various industries.
The University of Houston has been selected to receive support from the National Park Service for a trail development project in Southeast Houston. The project aims to improve hike and bike connections between three neighborhood parks and the Brays Bayou trail, providing recreational access to nearby park lands and natural landscapes.
Researchers have developed a superoleophobic surface using nanoscale coating that repels virtually all liquids, including chemicals and fuels. The technology has potential applications in uniform clothing, thermal management, fuel purification, and leak control.
A positive family climate in adolescence is associated with more positive engagement in marriages and lower hostility towards spouses. This link suggests that family dynamics can influence relationship style into adulthood.
Adding a new member to a working group can create distrust among older members, leading to decreased coordination. When previous group performance with just the older group members is poor, the distrust created is exacerbated.
Assistant professor Hamed Mohsenian-Rad is designing plug-and-play energy consumption scheduling devices to control energy usage in electric cars and industrial machinery. His research aims to encourage consumer cooperation, support renewable energy integration, minimize generation cost, and maintain electrical power quality.
A BUSM study found that low-income and minority parents/guardians are inclined to accept HPV vaccination for boys with the aim of protecting them from cancer and other diseases. However, racial/ethnic differences emerged in attitudes regarding school-entry mandates.
A new technique called Bru-Seq allows researchers to label newly created RNA, enabling them to analyze the synthesis and stability of RNA in cancer cells. This breakthrough has the potential to provide deeper insights into gene expression and identify early warning signs of disease.
Researchers at INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Centre developed a novel nanohybrid structure combining carbon nanotubes and lead sulfide nanoparticles using pulsed laser ablation technique. The new material exhibits strong photoresponse, fast photocurrent response time and spectrally wide photoactivity.
Jeffrey H. Reed, a Chaired Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech, has received the 2012 Forum International Achievement Award for his significant contributions to software-designed radio and cognitive radio.
A Kansas State University doctoral student has received a USDA grant to research the relationship between the tomato spotted wilt virus and its vector, the western flower thrip. The goal is to develop a genetic tool to silence the thrip's protective genes, potentially stopping the disease's transmission.
Joerg Schmiedmayer's work focuses on ultra cold atom clouds with high order, approaching a disordered thermal equilibrium. His new ERC Grant will investigate relaxation and non-equilibrium dynamics in quantum systems.