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 found that visual processing also activates the same parts of the brain involved in touch sensations, allowing computers to accurately predict which object is being viewed. This connection enables a 'mind's touch,' where memories of tactile experiences are replayed when viewing corresponding visual images.
The University of Missouri has received a $100,000 grant from Monsanto to support student research in plant sciences. The fellowship program will pay high-achieving students up to $5,800 per year to conduct research projects and participate in internships.
The Wellcome Trust report highlights progress in human functional brain imaging, including breakthroughs in statistical and computational modeling. The review emphasizes the need for continued funding and collaborations to translate findings into clinical applications.
Women who drink one drink a day during midlife may have better overall health when older than those who don't drink or consume more alcohol. Regular moderate consumption is linked to lower risk of chronic diseases and cognitive impairment.
In exploring the formation of disaster-response agencies after 9/11, a researcher finds that most new nonprofits ceased operation within two years. However, those with stronger ties to families of victims endured past two years. The expert's research also highlights the importance of collaboration and leveraging resources.
Researchers found that adding a pretreatment step can increase the amount of ethanol obtained from switchgrass harvested in the fall. The study also showed that proper harvest time can significantly impact ethanol production, with spring harvesting resulting in more cellulose but also more lignin.
New data reveals that neonatal mortality rates have declined globally but increased in eight countries, including five in Africa, from 1990 to 2009. Over 4% of all babies born in India die during the first month of life.
A new study by Adam Grant found that healthcare professionals are more likely to wash their hands when reminded of the importance of keeping patients safe. The sign with a patient-focused message increased soap and gel use by 33% and hand-washing rates by 10%. This challenges prevailing wisdom on safety messages.
The Marine Science Institute has received a $7 million grant to study the impact of the Deepwater Horizon spill on the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. The research will focus on understanding how oil disperses in the Gulf and its effects on marine life.
Yaling Yang's research aims to categorize and analyze cross-layer incompatibility issues in wireless networks, improving compatibility and flexibility. The goal is to enable faster Internet access, more wireless traffic, and increased remote work opportunities.
A study from North Carolina State University reveals that a simple teaching tool improves fundamental reading skills, particularly fluency, in struggling readers without requiring significant program changes. The HELPS program demonstrates significant advances in reading comprehension and basic reading skills.
A new study from Iowa State University found that social partners can help extend memory in middle-aged couples by filling in memory gaps. However, this collaboration is not as effective for older couples, who may struggle with unreliable partner memories.
Linguistic researcher Marianne Pouplier aims to clarify why certain sound patterns are rarely encountered in languages, proposing an empirical approach using ultrasound imaging and perceptual tests.
During the 2007-2009 financial crisis, hedge funds sold their stocks rapidly in response to falling values, withdrawing nearly three times more money than mutual fund investors. This led to lower returns for mutual funds and exacerbated the losses suffered by ordinary investors.
The University of Houston will provide 12 high school science teachers with research experience in nanotechnology through a three-summer grant program. The program aims to attract students to engineering and increase the country's STEM talent pool.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new antenna design that can be integrated into clothing, offering a range four times larger than traditional antennas. The system overcomes previous problems of body absorption and interference by surrounding the body with multiple antennas working together.
Scientists Profs. Naama Barkai and Ben-Zion Shilo have developed a theoretical model explaining how scaling works in developing fruit fly wings, where the vein structure stays proportioned. Their findings suggest that this mechanism can be applied to various examples of development, including human embryonic development.
A team of researchers has found that Greenland's Mittivakkat Glacier is melting at an unprecedented rate, with two consecutive record losses in mass observations for 2010 and 2011. The findings suggest that the glacier's mass balance has been negatively affected by higher surface temperatures and low precipitation.
College students with mobility impairments will explore a computer-generated simulation of Mammoth Cave, allowing them to meet degree requirements for field-based learning experiences. The project aims to create an interactive, virtual environment that is tailored to their abilities and provides a sense of realism.
Developed by Ohio State University researchers, the software improves GPS vertical accuracy in hazardous regions and can be used to measure glacier melting. Initial tests showed accurate positioning within centimeters of accuracy, with a success rate of up to 97%.
A team of researchers from Michigan State University is working on a five-year project to develop tools to help farmers cope with climate variability. The study will focus on corn and soybean growth and profits across 12 states, using models to predict the impact of climate scenarios.
Researchers have developed a computational tool that can determine whether faces are attractive, threatening or dominant with high accuracy. The tool uses machine learning techniques to analyze facial characteristics and was tested on a set of synthetic images, achieving accuracies of up to 96%.
Researchers found that pupils with autism stuck rigidly to tasks in the order they were given, despite potential time savings. Difficulty with prospective memory also contributed to their challenges, and the study suggests ways to address these issues through task modification and training.
A University of Oklahoma-led research team has received a $1.28 million grant to improve the efficiency of biofuel production from switchgrass plants. The project aims to identify genetic variations associated with superior conversion qualities and test their correlation in independent populations.
A Woods Hole team joins forces with NOAA to map and survey shipwrecks off North Carolina, a critical piece of WWII history. The mission aims to create detailed 3D images of wrecks using ROVs and dive teams, providing insights into the marine environment and potential new discoveries.
Researchers found that coccolithophores form thinner calcite skeletons in acidic ocean water, with significant implications for marine ecosystems and the global carbon cycle. However, some coastal areas exhibit highly calcified species, suggesting potential adaptations to environmental changes.
A unique collection of onion varieties with enhanced disease resistance has been developed, providing crucial information for commercial growers and seed producers. This research will contribute significantly to global food security, particularly in situations where rising temperatures are an issue.
A study by USDA and university scientists found that higher CO2 levels can reverse the drying effects of predicted higher temperatures on semi-arid rangelands. This is because CO2 causes leaf stomatal pores to partly close, lessening water loss and increasing plant growth for warm-season grasses.
Valerie McCarthy, RN, PhD, assistant professor at UofL School of Nursing, is building on her research theory of successful aging, which emphasizes the importance of adaptation and transcendence. Her goal is to develop interventions to promote well-being and positive aging experiences among older adults.
A study found that hedge fund leverage decreases prior to the financial crisis in mid-2007, while investment bank leverage increases. Hedge funds' leverage is more predictable by economy-wide factors than fund-specific characteristics.
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) will build 62 sites across the US, utilizing cutting-edge technology to gather and synthesize continental-scale data. This information will support understanding and predicting environmental change on regional and continental scales.
Dr. Eui-Hyeok Yang, a Stevens Institute of Technology professor, has received a Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) grant to support nanoscale imaging research. The grant will enable the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, including a high-resolution scanning probe microscope.
Scientists have designed a new type of polymer solar cell that can effectively tune its band gap and energy levels by incorporating different acceptor groups. The resulting polymers exhibit promising photovoltaic properties, with high open-circuit voltages achieved despite their varying band gaps.
Researchers found that when just 10% of the population holds a strong belief, it will always be adopted by the majority. This discovery has implications for the study and influence of societal interactions, from innovation to political movements.
Scientists at the University of Strathclyde devise a new system to compare whisky samples, distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit brands with high accuracy. The method uses mid-infrared spectrometry and has been successfully tested in blind tests.
The Gerontological Society of America recommends including ethnically diverse populations in aging research. Minority participants are key to developing recruitment and retention methods that address unique cultural and sociopolitical challenges.
Professor Achim Hartschuh at LMU Munich has been awarded a highly endowed EU Starting Grant for his project on new tools for nanoscale optical spectroscopy. He aims to develop innovative methods for optical microscopy and study the physical and chemical behavior of nanostructures.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that Massachusetts health reform led to a 7.6% increase in health insurance among residents and a 4.8% decrease in those forgoing healthcare due to cost
A systematic analysis of informed-consent documents for U.S. government-sponsored HIV/AIDS research found that the forms were extremely long and used complex wording, hindering full understanding. Researchers recommend shortening and simplifying consent forms to improve participant comprehension.
Philip W. Robinson, a Rensselaer Ph.D. student, has been awarded a Fulbright grant to conduct research in architectural acoustics at Aalto University of Science and Technology in Helsinki, Finland. His research aims to understand how architectural enclosures transform sound to produce specific perceptual effects.
The University of Warwick has been awarded a prestigious five-year, £1.7 million Platform Grant from the EPSRC to realise its exciting new developments in silicon-based technologies. This grant will enable researchers to further their work on 'cooltronics', zero-power electronics, and could be key to combating global climate change.
Vanessa Oliveira, Portuguese researcher, develops strategy to reprogramme immune system of hemophilia patients. Her project aims to improve treatment efficacy by inducing patient's immune tolerance towards therapeutic clotting factors.
The European Science Foundation has released the 2011 revised lists of European Research Index for Humanities, showcasing top-tier journals in the field. The index aims to promote research excellence and national importance of humanities research across Europe.
A study led by USC researchers found that Chinese youth who reported frequent vegetable consumption and physical activity were more likely to be overweight. The analysis of 9,023 questionnaires revealed paradoxical relationships between weight, sleep duration, diet, and socioeconomic status in Chinese adolescents.
Research at the University of Strathclyde found that seabed-living fish in the Firth of Clyde have reached their highest level since 1927. Most fish caught are too small to be landed due to changes in species composition and size.
A UK study examining ethnicity and health found that men from most minority groups and women from Pakistani and Bangladeshi groups are more likely to eat the recommended five portions of fruit or vegetables daily. However, these groups also tend to be less physically active. The research suggests that policies targeting physical activi...
Researchers led by Virginia Tech biochemist Bob White are studying Methanocaldococcus jannaschii to understand the origin of life. They have found that this ancient organism uses a primitive metabolic process, which could help unravel the mystery of how life first emerged on Earth.
A new University of Minnesota project aims to refine successful farming techniques for corn and soybeans in anticipation of climate change. Scientists will investigate the benefits of precision zonal management, which enables crops to receive optimal nutrients while soil-building processes occur between rows.
A £4.5m research project led by Queen Mary University of London aims to transform invisibility science into practical technology using spatial transformations. The project will focus on developing practical applications for communication, wireless energy transfer, sensors, and security.
A study of over 1,000 couples from the US, Brazil, Germany, Japan, and Spain found that men reported higher relationship happiness and women reported higher sexual satisfaction with age. Frequent kissing and cuddling predicted happiness in men, while higher sexual functioning and more frequent sex were linked to sexual satisfaction for...
A new study reveals that urban children are more likely to walk or cycle to school than their rural counterparts. The research, published in Pediatrics, found that factors such as parental influence and social connections play a significant role in shaping children's transportation choices.
Researchers have developed a new treatment approach to Usher syndrome, a debilitating disease causing congenital deaf-blindness. A small molecule called PTC124 (Ataluren) has been shown to ignore stop signals in mutated genes, allowing for continued protein synthesis and potentially reversing sight loss.
The 'Hacking Autism' initiative brings together technology and autism experts to create ground-breaking touch-enabled applications. The projects aim to facilitate social interaction, communication, and learning experiences for individuals with autism.
Research at the University of Cambridge found a connection between impulsivity and superstitious rituals in problem gamblers. The study suggests that high impulsivity can predispose individuals to complex distortions, including superstitions, that contribute to problem gambling.
Researchers at Lehigh University are studying the impact of grain-boundary interphases on material properties. They aim to control the transition between different interphase structures to prevent abnormal grain growth and improve material quality.
A University of Leicester geography lecturer will investigate transnational solidarity activism with a Leverhulme Trust award. The project aims to provoke debate about the value of this type of activism in understanding and informing current and future movements.
Researchers have discovered that complex changes in TP53 occur earlier than previously thought, setting the stage for additional abnormalities. This finding could help scientists determine which mutations lead to precancerous lesions and invasive carcinomas.
LiquidText facilitates innovative active reading by enabling users to interact with documents using finger motions, featuring flexible control and novel gestures. The software provides a fluid-like representation of text, allowing readers to restructure and rearrange content as needed.
A University of Illinois study found that obese dieters face challenges in losing weight due to changes in their brain chemistry, triggered by a fast or near-fast diet. This can lead to reduced motivation and depression-like behaviors.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a smartphone app called eShadow that uses nearby wireless networks to alert users of a friend's presence. The software enables meaningful face-to-face conversations and builds bridges between strangers who share similar interests, providing a complement to online social networks.