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.
Jessica Zhang, an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University, has received a Young Investigator Award for her research on developing novel algorithms to improve ship design and analysis. The award provides $510,000 in funding over three years to support her research goals.
A Purdue University study shows that grinding switchgrass into fine bits to improve its flowability is unnecessary, as it doesn't change the morphological characteristics important for flow. By milling switchgrass through a 6.4 mm screen, processors can save energy and money
A University of Illinois study found that a lack of omega-3 fatty acid is linked to male infertility. Sperm counts were extremely low and sperm shape was abnormal, but fertility was restored when DHA was introduced into the diet. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may play an important role in male fertility.
Researchers are working together to understand intraplate earthquakes in an effort to minimize the loss of life and property. By deploying seismic recorders and analyzing data from two large experiments, the team aims to advance knowledge of earthquake causes and hazards.
Researchers will study 100 classrooms in 20 elementary schools to determine if a video training program improves classroom performance, academic achievement and prosocial behaviors.
Michigan State University is leading a global initiative to study the complex relationships between humans and the environment. With a $1.5 million NSF grant, MSU will build a global database of scholars and their projects, fostering collaboration and raising awareness about sustainability research.
A new wind power grid could compensate for natural fluctuations in wind direction and strength, providing a smoother power supply. Researchers linked offshore wind generators with a shared power line to achieve this goal.
Researchers from the University of Delaware and Stony Brook University proposed a new grid design that can minimize the impacts of local weather on power fluctuations, making offshore wind power more consistent. The study found that connecting wind power generators with a shared power line can smooth out power output, allowing sufficie...
A new system developed by Texas AgriLife Research can automatically scan water samples and detect potential pathogens like cryptosporidium and giardia, providing results immediately. This technology has the potential to address key challenges in pathogen detection in food and water, making it accessible globally.
Engineers at Boston University have developed mathematical algorithms that can make nearly optimal decisions under realistic model conditions. This approach automates functions such as task partitioning and re-planning, reducing human supervision needed for UAVs.
The SKA is a $1 billion+ international project to create a 1 million sqm radio telescope, addressing fundamental questions in physics and astronomy. Experts expect significant economic and societal benefits from this massive scientific research infrastructure investment.
A unique St. John's wort collection curated by ARS scientists provides university collaborators with genetically diverse sources of the herb to study its medicinal potential. Researchers are screening the collection for biologically active compounds that may combat viral infections, reduce inflammation, or improve digestive health.
Amit Hagar's three-year NSF grant will support the first comprehensive study of fundamental length, exploring its history and philosophy. The research aims to reconcile this concept with established principles and drive innovation in theoretical physics.
The University of Kansas researcher has evaluated the stone balls for UNESCO, exploring their outstanding value to humanity. The study sheds light on the ancient origins of the massive orbs, which were created around 600 A.D.
A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute professor and his team are monitoring aftershocks in Chile following a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake on Feb. 27. The 10-member team installed over 50 broadband seismometers to record seismic activity along a 500-kilometer zone, providing valuable data for understanding the earthquake's impact.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health will receive nearly $15 million in funding to renovate and modernize its laboratory space, enhancing its research capabilities. The grant supports the update of outdated facilities, including the 45-year-old Hume Wing, which houses 25% of the school's research laboratories.
A team led by Charles L. Bennett will build an instrument to measure cosmic microwave background radiation, searching for unique polarization patterns that could confirm the 'inflation' theory. The five-year project is expected to create 39 full-time jobs and support further research.
A study by NC State researchers found that programs promoting physical activity at national parks increase awareness and participation among youth. The program, Get Up, Get Out and Go!, showed a significant increase in awareness and intention to visit a national park after implementation.
A team of researchers has developed a way to get modern, multiple-processor computers to behave in predictable ways by automatically parceling sets of commands. This allows well-behaved programs to run faster than on single processors, while also reducing errors and improving overall system reliability.
The University of Guam's T-STAR program is funding research on aphids, compost and noni to enhance tropical agriculture and public health. The projects aim to improve soil quality, reduce the spread of banana bunchy top virus and ensure shelf life of noni botanical supplements.
Subhash Khot, a NYU Courant professor, has received the NSF's Waterman Award for his work on computational complexity and its significance in computer security. He is recognized for his groundbreaking research on the Unique Games Problem, which sheds light on computationally intractable problems with far-reaching consequences.
Carnegie Mellon University's QoLT Foundry is expanding its programs thanks to a $1.5 million NSF grant, aiming to create more than 100 jobs in the Pittsburgh area over five years. The initiative focuses on commercializing quality of life technologies that improve daily living for people with diminished capabilities.
Scientists from the University of Manchester and Leeds have developed a method to combine calcite crystals with polystyrene particles, resulting in a more ductile and tough material. This technique has the potential to be used in crack-resistant building materials and bone replacements.
A community digital storytelling project, Generation 2012 gives young Londoners a platform to share their experiences and hopes for the Olympics. The project explores the role of sport in multicultural societies and provides insight into the attitudes and aspirations of young Londoners.
Researchers funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research are developing mini-thrusters that could enable small satellites to perform complex tasks like planetary searches. The technology also has potential applications in other areas, such as etching semiconductors and fabricating computer chips.
The €3.5M grant will support a four-year project to enhance water and wastewater treatment plant performance, leading to improved surface and ground water quality. Researchers from seven institutions in the UK, Ireland, and Germany will collaborate on this Marie Curie ITN.
McGill University astrophysicist Matt Dobbs has been awarded a prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship to investigate cosmic microwave background radiation and shed light on the universe's fundamental structures. The $50,000 two-year award supports Dobbs' research on the origins and evolution of the universe.
Researchers have identified unique features of the dog genome that enable genetic studies, highlighting breeds as a model for understanding genomic mechanisms. The study shows how genetic mechanisms may control breed-defining traits, such as short legs and skeletal size.
Businessman-philanthropist Foster Friess will match donations up to $50,000 to support TGen's ovarian cancer research. The event has already raised nearly $38,000, with over 500 participants expected.
Researchers found a single dose of CS-8958 administered two hours after infection resulted in higher survival rates and lower virus levels compared to standard oseltamivir treatment. The compound also protected mice against lethal H5N1 infection when given seven days before infection.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that the hormone vasopressin plays a crucial role in helping animals recognize others through scent. This ability is essential for establishing strong bonds with other animals, and its failure may contribute to conditions like autism and social phobia.
Researchers found that practicing Zen meditation can thicken certain areas of the brain, leading to lower pain sensitivity. The study suggests that meditative practices could be beneficial for managing chronic pain and age-related grey matter reductions.
Scientists are conducting three expeditions to Haiti to assess the potential threat of more large earthquakes and understand which segments of the fault ruptured during the Jan. 12 quake. The expeditions aim to collect valuable geologic evidence and provide insights to prepare communities for future hazards.
A study found that 12% of Chinese children exposed to melamine-contaminated dairy products experienced kidney damage. The majority recovered, but long-term follow-up is needed to assess the impact on children's health.
A new study found that the disappearance of certain lizard morphs in some populations may lead to the emergence of new species. The researchers documented the loss of color morphs and observed rapid evolutionary change, including increased body size, which could eventually cause populations to diverge into distinct species.
The Atlas of Coastal Ecosystems in the Western Gulf of California tracks limestone deposits and their impact on the carbon cycle. The book features high-quality satellite images and field photos, providing valuable insights for earth and marine scientists studying coastal areas.
TGen Breast and Ovarian Cancer Research Unit making significant progress in three key areas of breast cancer research: genetic events, cellular mechanics, and genomic tests. The donations raised by Safeway will help find new treatments for breast cancer patients.
A preliminary study suggests that botulinum toxin type A injections can reduce migraine frequency in patients with crushing and ocular headaches, but not those with exploding headaches. The treatment reduced migraine frequency from an average of 6.8 to 0.7 days per month.
A University of Missouri researcher found a correlation between increased voter turnout in school board elections and state assessment scores. However, candidate competition and graduation rates have a negative correlation, suggesting low levels of citizen involvement in the education community.
The California Institute of Technology has received a $3.9 million estate gift from Edward and Ruth Hughes, which will be used to fund highly innovative research proposals and eight graduate research fellowships. The gift is supported by a matching grant of $2 million from the Gordon and Betty Moore Matching Program.
A Queen's University study found that one quarter of Ontario hospitals lack pandemic plans, with few existing plans having been tested. Small and rural hospitals are particularly vulnerable due to staff expertise shortages.
The Lymphoma Research Foundation has published a report on Mantle Cell Lymphoma, highlighting the disease's rarity and the need for further research. The report, based on the 2009 MCL Scientific Workshop, aims to accelerate advances in MCL treatment and improve patient outcomes.
Fewer than half of individuals with non-specific chest pain experience relief from symptoms after standard medical care, and one-tenth undergo unnecessary diagnostic testing. Persistent chest pain affects over half of patients, yet knowledge about its course and outcome is sparse.
Researchers at MIT have successfully built a germanium laser that can emit wavelengths useful for optical communications. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of light-based computers that could process data more efficiently than current electrical systems.
A team of computer scientists at Google, Rutgers University, and universities in California, Michigan, and Virginia will explore ways to create low power modes in servers. The goal is to conserve 40-50% of the power consumed by current servers.
A researcher at Virginia Tech is developing a unified mathematical framework to study the spread of pandemics, malware, and power grid failures. The framework aims to improve robustness in healthcare, computer networking, and power grid controls, addressing concerns for workers and policy planners.
H. Jeff Kimble, a Caltech professor of physics, has been awarded a $4.2 million National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellowship to conduct unclassified research on topics of interest to the DoD. The grant will support his research program exploring quantum networks and phenomena in quantum information science.
NIFA awarded $24 million in grants to study animal health, reproduction, breeding, genetics, and nutrition. The grants aim to improve the agriculture industry's competitiveness and reduce the use of antibiotics and hormones.
A new weight-loss supplement, tri-pepper blend, has been shown to burn as many calories as a 20-minute walk. The University of Oklahoma study found statistically significant results, validating product weight-loss claims through measurements of oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that the Norway Fund, a leading sovereign wealth fund, operates primarily driven by profit. The research suggests that other sovereign wealth funds may also be profit-driven, contradicting concerns about political motivations.
A team funded by the National Science Foundation is returning to Haiti to investigate the cause of a January magnitude 7 earthquake. The geologists will collect crucial data to assess whether the quake could trigger another major event, and provide important insights into the cause of the disaster.
The Rochester Institute of Technology is using a high-tech imaging system to map the damage in Haiti and provide critical insight for recovery efforts. The system, which combines thermal imaging and LIDAR technology, is being used to detect fires, chemical spills, and surface contamination.
A groundbreaking study aims to quantify the carbon footprint of airport journeys and identify innovative ways to reduce emissions. The research, funded by EPSRC, will explore measures such as audio/video facilities, public transport hubs, and car-sharing services.
The University of Florida has received a nearly $15 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to construct an almost 40,000-square-foot complex for clinical and translational research on aging. The new building will bring together scientists from various disciplines to improve the health and independence of older adults.
Thierry Coquand, a professor at the University of Gothenburg, has received an ERC Advanced Grant of 1.9 million euros for his research on foundation of mathematics. His work builds upon the concepts developed by Bertrand Russell and Alan Turing over a century ago.
A nearly $1.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation will support research on the potential effects of climate change on infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, which annually infect 500 million people worldwide. The project aims to quantify how environmental temperature influences disease transmission and risk.
The 2010 awards support groundbreaking research in cancer metabolism, tumor metabolism, and drug resistance. Three scientists will explore novel approaches to fighting cancer using innovative technologies.
Research from North Carolina State University identifies trends among states with the biggest funding problems, offering insights into addressing unfunded liabilities. States with larger workforces per capita tend to have higher unfunded liabilities, while poor pension management also contributes to the issue.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will receive a $8.1 million grant to construct the Laboratory for Ocean Sensors and Observing Systems, enabling fabrication and maintenance of new ocean observing systems. The facility will support various ongoing projects, including the Ocean Observatories Initiative.
Neuroscientists and computer scientists identified how the brain arranges noun representations, using a neural Rosetta Stone. The three basic features of the brain's dictionary concern physical interaction, eating, and shelter or enclosure. This discovery has implications for treating psychiatric and neurological illnesses.