Articles tagged with Research Funding
A team from MIT and the CDC discovered that the new H1N1 strain's surface protein binds to human receptors less effectively than other flu viruses. This restricted binding along with a genetic variation in an H1N1 polymerase enzyme explains why the virus has not spread as efficiently as seasonal flu.
IGC scientists, led by Lars Jansen, discover protein CENP-N that triggers centromere assembly, providing new insights into accurate cell division. The discovery earns an EMBO installation grant and a paper in Nature Cell Biology.
Yun-Hwa Peggy Hsieh is developing two new immunoassays to detect fish allergens and pork fat in raw and processed food products. The tests aim to protect consumers with allergies or dietary restrictions, particularly Muslims and Jews who avoid pork consumption.
Seasonal hunger is a widespread issue, affecting nearly seven out of ten hungry people globally. Proven interventions exist to alleviate this problem, but they often operate on a small scale and need scaling up.
A Florida State University research group has received a $1 million grant to develop new theoretical models for studying the microstructure of nuclear reactor fuels. The goal is to improve fuel reliability and performance, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and radioactive element release.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found a 47% reduction in sightseeing crashes in Hawaii after the implementation of FAA regulations in 1994. However, this decrease was offset by an increase in fatal crashes due to low visibility conditions.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $399,939 to two research projects examining the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on employment in science and engineering fields. Researchers will collect data on ARRA funding of academic programs for two years.
Researchers have created a tiny micron-sized device that allows them to measure and manipulate cellular forces as cells reorganize into tissues. This discovery has significant implications for the study of tissue mechanics and its role in coordinating cell signaling, gene expression, and behavior.
Research shows that global health funding has quadrupled from $5.6 billion in 1990 to $21.8 billion in 2007, with private donors displacing governments as the major channels of funding. However, many poorest countries still receive less aid than wealthier nations.
The SSPEED Center will compile lessons learned from Hurricane Ike and provide recommendations on preparing for future storms. The project aims to improve methods for predicting storm impacts, evacuation planning, and land use development in vulnerable areas.
The new flexible solar cell technology installed at McMaster University's bus shelter generates up to 4.5 Watts of power from two solar strips with 720 one-centimetre square cells each. The system captures sunlight during the day and recharges batteries to light the shelter for a significant part of the night.
Researchers at Oklahoma State University will develop a miniature optical dating instrument (ODIN) for dating the surface of Mars. The ODIN utilizes optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), a geological dating technique, and aims to further our understanding of Martian climate and atmosphere conditions.
In a study on female water striders, researchers found that females use morphological shields to protect their genitalia from male attempts at copulation. In response, males produce a courtship song by tapping the water surface, allowing females to expose their genitalia only after receiving the signal.
Researchers at UIC are conducting a study to assess the effectiveness of collaborative virtual environments in improving public health preparedness and response planning. The study, funded by a $1.6 million grant from the CDC, uses Second Life to train public health workers in emergency preparedness.
A study by Dr. Anat Bracha of Tel Aviv University found that participating in charitable events in public settings boosts donations due to positive recognition from the community. In contrast, monetary incentives are more effective in private settings, where social judgment is less present.
Scientists have developed a non-intrusive scanner that uses electromagnetic waves to detect concealed guns and knives without putting police officers in harm's way. The device uses neural network technology to identify the weapon and ignore everyday items, making it a potential game-changer for mobile gun detection.
A Penn State researcher analyzed nearly 1 million Web searches to detect patterns of query reformulation and create models to predict them. The research found that users reformulated their search terms in 22% of queries to more precisely convey the information they were searching for.
A study led by Michigan State University's Chris Melde found that children who join gangs report a decrease in fear of victimization, even though they face greater risks. The researchers suggest that intervening during this critical period could impact gang members' decisions to stay or leave the group.
Researchers aim to identify genetic signals for regeneration in salamanders, a model for human limb growth, with the goal of developing therapies to enhance regenerative response. The team hopes to create a comprehensive database of genes involved in regeneration to inform how to coordinate complex structures in humans.
A study by NORC and Watson Wyatt Worldwide finds rising rates of underinsurance and unaffordability among workers with employer-sponsored health insurance, particularly those with chronic conditions. The average OOP cost for medical services increased from $545 in 2004 to $729 in 2007.
The Task Force on American Innovation presents its "Legislator of the Year" Award to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in recognition of her commitment to increasing federal funding of basic research in physical sciences. The award is a testament to her vision and leadership in promoting scientific innovation.
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research is funding a project to integrate solar power into UAV materials. Researchers aim to develop lightweight and compact drones with longer flight times using organic semi-conductor coated fibers.
Dr. Leo Lombardini is conducting a pioneering study on pecan roots to optimize tree maintenance and nutrient application. His research aims to discover ways to produce higher-quality, more nutritious nuts in an efficient and sustainable manner.
Dr. William Phillips emphasizes the importance of investing in basic research, citing ONR's support for his Nobel Prize-winning work on laser cooling and trapping of atoms. His lecture showcased the organization's commitment to innovative science and technology.
Research funded by EPSRC and Airbus in the UK suggests a 20% reduction in fuel bills by using tiny air-powered jets to redirect air over wings, reducing mid-flight drag. The novel approach harnesses the Helmholtz resonance principle to create an oscillation that increases pressure and reduces environmental impact.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has awarded £16.5m in grants to develop new techniques for screening and treating major public health issues such as cancer and stroke. The projects aim to create affordable home-based stroke detectors and cancer screening devices.
The University of California, Irvine has been awarded a $45 million grant over five years to conduct infectious disease research. The grant is the campus's largest ever and will focus on improving detection, treatment, and vaccine development for bioterrorism agents and emerging infections.
The US Department of Energy has announced a $777 million initiative to fund 46 Energy Frontier Research Centers, including one at Caltech led by Harry Atwater. The center will focus on understanding light-material interactions for optimal solar energy conversion.
The University of Nottingham is receiving £6.9m in funding to develop carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies that could drastically cut CO2 emissions from fossil-fuel power stations. The project aims to investigate combustion and CO2 capture and transport technologies to help meet UK and global emission reduction targets.
A Swedish study found that women who followed the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet had a lower risk of heart failure. The study analyzed data from 36,019 women and found that those with higher DASH scores had half the rate of heart failure compared to those with lower scores.
A Commonwealth Fund study finds that seven of 10 working-age women in the US have no health insurance coverage or inadequate coverage, leading to medical bill and debt problems. Women are more likely to experience financial burdens from health care costs, with 52% reporting difficulties accessing needed care.
Two Boston College physicists will lead a multi-university project to develop solid-state materials that transfer solar energy to electricity, with funding from the US Department of Energy. The project aims to reduce the cost of solar electricity generation and increase energy efficiency.
Research reveals significant wealth-related disparities in health and life expectancy among older adults, highlighting the importance of socio-economic factors. Engaging in non-work activities like volunteering can improve mental health and well-being when individuals feel valued and rewarded.
Pfizer has launched an open access waiver fund to support automatic waivers of publication fees for authors from low-income countries, enabling them to publish research articles globally without financial barriers. This initiative aims to promote recognition and sharing of research conducted in developing countries.
A new study reveals that glaciers in New Zealand's Southern Alps have fluctuated frequently over the past 7,000 years, with some advances and declines not seen in the Northern Hemisphere. The research uses a refined method to date young moraines, allowing for more accurate reconstructions of glacial advances worldwide.
The Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago is using modern technology to digitally record thousands of ancient Persian Empire tablets. The project, supported by a substantial grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, aims to record about 10,000 tablets and fragments by 2010.
The University of Texas at Austin is receiving $30 million in funding from the US Department of Energy to develop innovative nanomaterials for solar energy and batteries, as well as study the movement of greenhouse gases in geological systems. This funding will support research into new paradigms for achieving U.S. energy security.
Recent research on New York's clams indicates a decline in populations due to overfishing and brown tide. Key findings highlight reduced reproductive success and ecosystem changes in Great South Bay and other Long Island bays.
Researchers at NIST have demonstrated a technique for suppressing errors in quantum computers using an array of ultracold beryllium ions. The new method counteracts random errors caused by stray electric or magnetic fields, reducing error rates up to 100 times more than comparable techniques.
A study found that media coverage of celebrity DUIs rarely addressed the health consequences, focusing instead on legal repercussions. Only 4% of reports mentioned potential injury or harm from DUI events.
The Mobile Cleaning Reclaim and Recovery System (MCRRS) vehicle cuts grime with pressurized water, reclaims spent cleaning water and recycles hazardous materials. The system has improved flight deck safety, reduced maintenance time and enhanced aircraft carrier operations.
Florida Institute of Technology professors Ming Zhang and Hamid Rassoul receive a $411,000 NASA grant to investigate the physics of particle transport in the distant heliosphere. The IBEX spacecraft mission will observe particles from beyond Pluto's orbit, providing insights into cosmic rays and future human space travel.
Researchers found that chewing sugar-free gum reduced sweet snack consumption by 60 calories and overall snack intake by 40 calories in participants. The study suggests chewing gum can play a role in appetite control, weight management, and reducing calorie intake.
The PNWRCE will focus on identifying potential therapeutic targets for infectious diseases, including those caused by pathogens categorized as A, B and C. Researchers will study defects in the immune system caused by aging and disease-host interactions through genomics and genetic analyses.
A new tool has been developed to quickly assess how a particular school finance reform proposal might impact individual California school districts. The tool can be used to evaluate any formula that consolidates categorical funds and will be discussed at the American Educational Research Association meeting in San Diego.
The University of Liverpool has secured funding to create a Knowledge Exploitation Laboratory, accelerating the transfer of research into industry. The lab will facilitate collaboration between academics and industrial partners, exploiting £43 million of EPSRC-funded research in molecular engineering, advanced manufacturing, and sensors.
A study found that test scores improved in privatized schools, but at a slower rate than the rest of the city's public schools. The achievement gap between the two groups increased by 2006, with the privatized schools lagging behind their public counterparts.
A recent editorial in The Lancet critiques Coca-Cola's marketing tactics, drawing parallels with the tobacco industry. The company is accused of using celebrity endorsements and blaming shifting to avoid responsibility for its products' impact on health.
MSU researchers are leading an international project to develop systems to measure, monitor, and manage carbon in landscapes worldwide. The goal is to help growers around the world better protect their land, improve productivity, and fight global climate change by providing a tool to assess their carbon and climate impact.
Researchers at Clemson University are developing new test methods to address alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete, a common durability problem affecting infrastructure like roads and bridges. This research has the potential to save millions of dollars by minimizing or preventing ASR distress.
A new study from North Carolina State University finds that states holding early presidential primaries or caucuses receive more federal procurement funding per capita if they back the eventual winner. The earlier a state votes, however, the smaller the benefit for backing a losing candidate.
Researchers create 'composite doublers' that take stress from joints and allow it to pass through without stressing the structure, extending its lifespan. The technology also serves as a warning system for inspectors and road workers when it begins to wear out.
Rutgers and Purdue universities will receive up to $30 million over six years to conduct research on information technologies for homeland security. The Rutgers team, led by DIMACS, will focus on data sciences, while Purdue's visualization sciences team will lead the other part of the center.
Mid-level shoulder separations, also known as acromioclavicular joint injuries, are common athletic injuries. Nonsurgical treatment is often favored for type III injuries, but surgical reconstruction may be recommended for certain patients with persistent instability. Both approaches require rehabilitation to restore motion and strength.
Research from the University of Rochester found that action video games can improve contrast sensitivity by 58% by training the brain to process visual information more efficiently. This finding suggests that gaming may not be harmful for vision and could potentially complement eye-correction techniques.
Dr. Roland Romeiser, a UM Rosenstiel School researcher, has been awarded a $500,000 ONR grant to develop 'along-track InSAR,' a new satellite technique that maps surface currents in rivers and oceans. This technology will aid in monitoring global river runoff and bathymetric changes.
Research suggests that global warming will worsen health problems like heat-related mortality and diarrheal diseases due to climate change. The US needs an estimated $200 million in annual funding to study these impacts and develop protective measures.
The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School has received two grants totaling $101,000 from the Ocean Fund to support scientific research on cruise ships and graduate student scholarships. The funding will enable researchers to study climate change, coral reefs, and ocean health.
Dr. Jagadeesh Moodera's groundbreaking research led to the miniaturization of computer hard disc drives and widespread use of laptop computers, earning him the prestigious Oliver E. Buckley prize.
A new study at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute identifies the fundamental reasons behind nanorod diameter, demonstrating a diameter of approximately 100 nanometers. The researchers found that cooperation and competition among various atomic transport mechanisms hold the key to this size.