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 developed a model predicting the architecture of nanoparticle ensembles and their properties. The findings could lead to more efficient production of nanostructures with complex architectures.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has funded 10 international centers for excellence in malaria research, with a focus on cutting-edge research in endemic areas. The program aims to generate critical knowledge, tools, and evidence-based strategies to support intervention and control programs in regions most affe...
The University of Haifa's Sagy Center has received an IBM Open Collaborative Research grant to develop a 'crowd computing' application enhancing online databases with user participation. The project aims to harness human intelligence beyond computation, exploring social dynamics and motivations behind user contributions.
The Flanders Institute for Biotechnology has received a high score from the European Research Council due to its excellent research in biotechnology. The institute supports promising researchers with ERC grants to advance their work and develop new therapies for autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders.
Researchers will study challenges faced by pre-K and elementary readers, as well as high school students struggling with reading comprehension. The project aims to develop new assessments and instructional activities to help teachers put the study's findings into practice.
Scientists have discovered how corals respond to ocean warming, shedding light on potential methods for preserving or restoring coral reefs. The research found that some corals cope better with heat stress than others due to genetic variability, offering new insights into coral reef restoration.
Researchers at UAB will investigate the mechanisms behind red blood cell interactions with nitric oxide, shedding light on potential negative effects of older stored blood units on circulation and immune response. The goal is to design therapies to prevent transfusion-related toxicities.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that filtering donor blood reduces cardiopulmonary complications in patients who received a transfusion. The study found an 83% decrease in acute lung injury and a 49% decline in circulatory overload.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is funding a semester-long program on geometric, combinational, and computational group theory at the Centre de Recherches Mathmatiques in Montreal. Researchers will work together to discuss perspectives for advancing the field and disseminate knowledge among an international community of experts.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Bhavani Thuraisingham has developed a framework and incentives to enhance assured information sharing in cloud computing. The initiative, funded by AFOSR's Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative, aims to provide a secure environment for processing large amounts of data.
An international team of researchers has effectively discovered a way to order molecules in conducting polymers, opening up possibilities for miniaturized electronics. The technique involves using an inorganic material as a template to create a conducting polymer, with the potential to produce continuous sheets and electronic circuits.
A study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that there were approximately 451 million clinical cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria worldwide in 2007. The majority of this burden was attributed to India, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Myanmar. These findings highlight the need for improved diagnosis and surveillance ...
Researchers from the University of Maryland have discovered that crayfish make surprisingly complex decisions by weighing risks against rewards. By studying the animals' neural activity, they hope to gain insights into human decision-making processes.
Researchers in New Zealand studied transport of microbes from cow pastures into groundwater supplies and found little to no transport due to spray irrigation application. Spray irrigation was shown to significantly reduce the risk of microbial contamination of groundwater, contradicting previous findings on flood irrigation.
Women who follow a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals have a lower risk of developing nuclear cataracts. A study of 1,808 women found that healthy diets, which reflect adherence to US dietary guidelines, are more strongly related to the occurrence of nuclear cataracts than other modifiable risk factors.
The PRACE partnership has established a persistent pan-European High Performance Computing research infrastructure, providing computing power of several Petaflop/s. The initiative aims to support European scientists and engineers in remaining internationally competitive, addressing major challenges like climate change and energy saving.
Kansas State University's Center for Information and Systems Assurance has been recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Research. The designation recognizes the university's expertise in cybersecurity and secure software system construction, with research focusing on improving software quality th...
The study of single-particle resonant states in deformed relativistic potentials is essential for understanding exotic short-lived nuclei far from stability. The research team finds that the admixture of s1/2 component determines the occurrence of single-neutron resonant states as functions of the axial deformation parameter.
The study introduces Dynamic Memory Paravirtualization (DMP), which dynamically patches binary code in the guest operating system for better performance. DMP reduces virtualization overhead by replacing hot instructions, making it a significant contribution to system virtualization technology.
Researchers have developed joint source-channel encoding/decoding (JSCC/JSCD) techniques to overcome the limitations of Shannon's separation theory in practical applications. The new schemes utilize variable-length coding and symbol-level trellis decoding to achieve better performance than existing methods.
Newberg's team will use LAMOST data to plot the position, speed, and composition of over 7 million stars, shedding light on dark matter distribution and galaxy formation
A new computer model developed by NC State University researchers allows engineers to test different vehicle designs for a Mars rover. The model takes into account various conditions such as wind and terrain, enabling informed decisions about the final design characteristics.
Researchers from McMaster University and Brookhaven National Laboratory captured images of electrons changing form in metals at extremely low temperatures. The discovery reveals a previously unknown phase transition, shedding light on heavy fermion behavior.
A study published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that patients who quit smoking six weeks after acute fracture surgery have fewer postoperative complications. Smoking cessation reduces risk of wound site infections and promotes faster healing.
Clemson University has received a three-year, $400,000 faculty-development grant from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to recruit and retain younger faculty in nuclear science. The grant will support Dr. Brian Powell and help establish an excellent base for his academic career.
A Texas A&M University oceanographer is leading a team to investigate the massive amounts of methane in the Gulf oil spill. The research aims to understand how this potent greenhouse gas affects oxygen levels and potentially exacerbates 'dead zones.'
Researchers used MRI to identify high-risk atherosclerotic plaques in an animal model, which could lead to non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of patients. The study found that MRI can accurately detect stable and unstable plaques, including those with enhanced gadolinium uptake associated with inflammation.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered thin films of nanotubes created with ink-jet printers can be used to make field-effect transistors. The technique allows for the creation of digital electronics on flexible substrates, with potential applications in raincoats and other devices.
Georgia Tech's Todd Sulchek receives Gates Foundation grant for innovative global health research project on multifunctional microparticles. The project aims to combat hard-to-treat diseases like malaria and tuberculosis by targeting microorganisms and activating the immune system.
International Rectal Microbicide Advocates releases a comprehensive report outlining the growing field of rectal microbicide R&D, highlighting optimism among researchers and advocates. The organization calls for increased funding and diversity in the funding portfolio to support safe and effective rectal-specific products.
A recent study suggests that current malaria interventions could have a more dramatic positive effect on reducing the spread of malaria than negative effects caused by climate change. The research found that disease control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and modern antimalarial drugs can potentially counteract the effect...
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Tansel Yilmazer found that small business relationships with financial institutions affect loan applications and approvals. The study, published in Financial Management, suggests that good relationships can lead to lower loan rates during economic expansions.
Despite progress in curing TB patients, the disease remains a major health threat due to poverty, poor diagnosis, and treatment. The Lancet launches the TB Observatory to monitor progress, increase funding, and promote international cooperation to combat TB.
A research team led by Professor Magdalena Götz has successfully converted glial cells of the brain into two different functional classes of neurons. The findings could lead to new neuron generation and therapy development for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
A recent study at the University of Illinois found that some impatiens plant varieties are more attractive to Western flower thrips than others. The researchers discovered that the Dazzler White variety emits volatile compounds that attract thrips, while the Cajun Carmine variety does not.
The Art of Science 2010 exhibition features breathtaking images created by Princeton researchers, exploring the beauty in scientific inquiry. The competition attracted top talent, with cash prizes awarded to first, second, and third place winners for their visually stunning entries.
The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research has received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop nanoparticles that release vaccine active ingredients through skin perspiration, potentially bypassing traditional vaccines. The project aims to stimulate mucosal immune responses and prevent infectious diseases.
Onur Mutlu received a five-year grant to research techniques and algorithms for creating scalable high-performance memory systems. His goal is to develop predictable and controllable systems with guaranteed service quality on multi-core processors.
Bruno Sinopoli, an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University, has received a $400,000 grant to investigate tools and methodologies for designing and analyzing cyber-physical systems. His goal is to set new standards for the robustness and security of critical infrastructures such as power grids and transportation systems.
The Hebrew University project will map location, document builders and purposes, and compare common elements of Jerusalem-inspired sites across Europe. The study aims to strengthen Jerusalem's image in Europe and enhance Israel's ties with the continent.
University of Missouri researcher Jason Grissom is leading a study to determine the qualities and skills necessary for effective school principals. The study, funded by a $1 million grant, aims to gather data from K-12 administrators, teachers, and district officials to examine what makes a principal successful.
Research from University of Sheffield geographers shows British summer onset has advanced by 11 days since the mid-1950s, with early summer flowering plants blooming three days earlier. This shift could lead to increased ecological divergences and prolonged periods of extreme weather.
Kathy Clark's project aims to give math a human face by exploring the lives of women who contributed to mathematics. The program will focus on four women's contributions, including Mary Everest Boole, Sophie Germain, Grace Chisholm Young, and Florence Nightingale.
Researchers at Stanford University and Brown University are developing new technologies to understand brain function and encourage recovery from injury. The project aims to create implantable devices that can sense brain signals and deliver optogenetic light pulses to neural tissue.
Researchers have developed a new treatment for war injuries using Photochemical Tissue Bonding, which produces better healing outcomes than conventional materials. The technology involves applying a dye to the wound and exposing it to green light, creating an immediate, water-tight seal that reduces inflammation.
Scientists have created a new technology that converts chemical energy to fuel cells for micro-machines and sensors, saving energy and producing more power than smaller batteries. The thermopower wave devices use carbon nanotubes and are already generating attention due to their non-toxic nature.
Researchers at NC State will use microbes that thrive in high-temperature environments to produce biofuels directly from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The project aims to create a more efficient and flexible process for producing biofuels, which could be used in various applications.
Michigan State scientists are developing an electromagnetic trap to capture fleeting matter, aiming to reveal the nature of the universe. The new technology will provide researchers with access to rare isotopes produced in high-speed particle collisions.
Alan McGaughey, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, has received a three-year grant to develop theoretical and computational tools for monitoring heat generation in devices. His work aims to help the Air Force reduce heat generation in operating electronics and control mechanical system tempe...
The ACCeSS research center received a five-year, $4.5 million grant from the US Office of Naval Research as part of its National Naval Responsibility – Naval Engineering (NNR-NE) program. The center brings together engineering disciplines to develop innovative design concepts and ship design tools in response to future Navy objectives.
Researchers found that hermit crabs gather in groups and queue up for new shells, increasing the chances of finding improved housing. This social behavior is similar to human apartment hunting and can be applied to other animals relying on reusable resources.
Research suggests a possible association between chocolate consumption and depression, with individuals screening positive for depression consuming more chocolate than those without. The study found no correlation between other antioxidant-rich foods and mood symptoms.
Dijiang Huang's secure mobile cloud computing research has earned a $510,000 ONR grant to develop advanced mobile wireless systems. The goal is to create a framework for mobile defense operations using cloud-computing techniques.
The Anne Rita Monahan Foundation has raised $50,000 for ovarian cancer research at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). Funds from the 2nd annual Tea for TEAL event will support the development of a reliable screening test and precision therapy for ovarian cancer.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that different psychological processes drive consumer preferences, with 'projection' (predicting others' likes) and 'introjection' (considering others' preferences before one's own) underlying distinct motivations. Consumers who value uniqueness are more likely to like products ot...
Researchers developed a technique that analyzes speech patterns to detect early signs of Parkinson's disease. Studies show the method can distinguish between individuals with PD and healthy speakers, even in early stages of the disease.
A recent study found that the Texas Pecan Promotion Program effectively increased demand for Texas pecans and total pecan sales over an 8-year period. The program generated a net revenue of $35 per checkoff dollar spent, benefiting mainly improved pecan varieties.
The study presents BioTorrents, a website that allows open access sharing of scientific data via BitTorrent. It features keyword searching, category browsing, and error checking for reliable transfers. The article discusses the implications of BioTorrents on file transfer challenges.
The Department of Defense is funding a $1.6 million grant to develop two new surveillance applications, one for a tiny cave camera and another for iris recognition, both building on the lightweight 'Panoptes' platform developed by Southern Methodist University.
Researchers have discovered a new genus and species of leech, Tyrannobdella rex, which has ferociously large teeth and feeds on aquatic mammals, including their noses and mouths for weeks at a time. The discovery has led to revising the group of leeches that feed from body orifices of mammals.