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 the University of Illinois have developed a new soybean variety resistant to aphids, but also discovered a new type of aphid that can overcome this resistance. The PI 200538 gene provides additional protection against the new biotype of soybean aphid, offering hope for more durable resistance.
Scientists at Stanford University have identified a gene variant that may play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes. The study found that cells in the pancreatic lymph nodes produce two forms of the Deaf1 gene, one functional and one nonfunctional. Increased levels of the nonfunctional variant were found in people with type 1 d...
A Kansas State University biochemist is studying the lens in diabetes patients with a focus on protein kinase C gamma (PKC gamma) and gap junctions. Researchers hope to design drugs that can prevent diabetics from losing PKC gamma, which leads to lens cell damage.
A new study by Michael Hout and Claude S. Fischer of the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that the growth in number of Americans citing no religion may be slower than previously reported. The researchers found that the trend continued through 2008, with a possible stagnant growth period in late 90s and early 2000s.
A study by Professor Brigitte Nerlich's team found that the way people communicate about a threat largely determines how they understand it and behave towards it. The research focused on MRSA, avian flu, and compared media coverage with hospital matrons' language.
Researchers found that adult fruit flies died after being exposed to carbon nanoparticles, while larvae showed no effects. The particles seemed to cause physical harm, such as clogging breathing holes and coating compound eyes.
The US Department of Energy has awarded $377 million to fund 46 new energy frontier research centers, aiming to accelerate scientific breakthroughs in clean and renewable energy. The centers will focus on advancing solar energy, biofuels, transportation, energy efficiency, and nuclear energy.
Carnegie Mellon researchers, led by Jean VanBriesen, will study water quality in the Monongahela River using a $100,000 grant. The team will collect data on bromide and sulfate levels associated with Marcellus Shale gas production and acid mine drainage.
Researchers, led by Professor Neal Armstrong, are working to harness solar energy for utility-scale generation and portable devices, with potential breakthroughs in organic solar cells and interface science.
The Obama administration has allocated over $327 million in Recovery Act funding to support scientific research, instrumentation, and laboratory infrastructure projects at ten DOE national laboratories across six states. This funding will create new jobs while maintaining the US's scientific leadership and economic competitiveness.
The new UIC Center of Excellence in Eliminating Health Disparities aims to reduce health disparities in Chicago by conducting research, education, policy changes, and community partnerships. Researchers will focus on prostate and colorectal cancer, as well as breast cancer initiatives.
The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has received over $5 million to advance climate research and analyze smart power grids. The new initiatives will provide vital funding and tools for researchers, integrating climate and power grid analyses to inform science-informed decisions.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that patients who undergo anterior cervical reconstructive surgery can experience significant improvement in headache symptoms. The study, which evaluated over 1000 patients, suggests that neck surgery can alleviate headaches associated with cervical spine disease.
A team of Indian and American researchers used computers to extract patterns in ancient Indus symbols, creating a statistical model for the unknown language. The study provides insights into the underlying grammatical structure of the Indus script.
Researchers from USC and Geosemble Technologies improved Air Force situational awareness by creating software that integrates vast amounts of map data with satellite imagery. The technology uses road vector data to automatically extract information from maps and match it with satellite images.
Eleven AFOSR-funded researchers have been named PECASE award winners for their innovative research and community service. They will each receive $200,000 annually over five years to pursue further research in their fields.
The University of Rhode Island has been awarded a $13 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop vaccines for emerging infectious diseases. The grant will fund research on immunome-derived vaccines, which have the potential to be safer and more effective than traditional vaccines.
A $226,890 grant will fund a study on the effects of eastern redcedar encroachment on Oklahoma's tallgrass prairie ecosystem, which can alter precipitation and water loss patterns. The research aims to provide insights for land managers to better understand the impact of woody plant proliferation on water availability.
The US EPA has awarded a grant to investigate how food allergies are initiated, with potential breakthroughs in predicting allergic reactions to genetically engineered foods. The study aims to identify key immune factors leading to food allergies, affecting approximately 3 million children in the US.
The US Department of Energy and USDA will fund seven projects to improve the use of plant feedstocks for biofuel production, reducing dependence on foreign oil and creating jobs. The grants aim to unlock advanced biofuels' potential, leveraging lignocellulosic crops that require less intensive land usage.
A study found that people who share personal information with salespeople, such as birthdays or birthplaces, tend to have better attitudes towards the service and purchase intentions. Conversely, those who isolate themselves from others are less responsive to shared similarities.
Montana State University is launching a pilot program to test the effectiveness of web-based engineering laboratory courses. With an $148,000 NSF grant, students will be able to control real laboratory equipment from home computers, simulating in-person lab experiences.
Physicist Ivan Vitev, a leading expert in quantum chromodynamics, receives PECASE for his work on quark-gluon plasma properties. His research has been used to study the universe's conditions after the Big Bang.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have successfully sequenced the genetic code of West African cultivated rice, a key step in breeding hardier Asian strains. This breakthrough could help address global issues such as food scarcity and climate change, with potential applications for other crops like wheat, corn, and sorghum.
The Antarctic Marine Geology Research Facility at FSU has received a $2.5M grant from the National Science Foundation, double its previous funding. The facility serves as a national repository for marine sediment samples and provides clues to a geologic history stretching back 80 million years.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow have developed a new Bluetooth application that allows people in different parts of a stadium to share banter, photos, and video clips instantly. This technology makes innovative use of short-range communications, enabling fans to connect with up to seven other users simultaneously.
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.