Articles tagged with Science Budgets
A Yale study reveals that recent state budget cuts and outdated provider rates have led to a decline in care by private practice physicians for underinsured and publicly insured patients. The researchers obtained disclosure of HMO rates and found that they pay doctors less than private insurers for comparable services.
A recent MGH study found that nearly 30% of stroke patients judged 'too good to treat' due to mild symptoms actually died or required rehabilitation. The lack of tPA treatment in these patients raised the risk of death and disability, highlighting the need for more cautious decision-making.
The British Antarctic Survey has selected a futuristic design for the new research station, which features modular construction and renewable energy sources. The winning design won against three other teams that presented innovative concepts for the challenging construction project on Earth.
Duke University researchers used a novel system to trace stress flow in granular materials, finding jagged pathways in certain setups. The Chicago Materials Research Center also made significant discoveries, quantifying changes in stress propagation when grains shift from jammed to flowing states.
The Antarctic Peninsula glaciers have been in widespread retreat over the past 50 years, with most glaciers shrinking rapidly. However, 32 glaciers are showing minor advance. The study suggests that warming is the key cause of this change.
The U.S. National Science Foundation has submitted a $5.6 billion budget request for fiscal year 2006, representing a 2.4% increase over the previous year's budget. The agency plans to focus on research in frontier areas and provide support for the workforce, despite some tough choices ahead.
The US President's FY 2005 budget proposes significant cuts to non-defense Research and Development (R&D) programs, with some agencies facing declines of up to 28%. The largest decreases will occur in the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, and National Institutes of Health.
NSF plans to develop new programs to attract underrepresented groups to science and engineering careers, including African Americans, Alaska Natives, and people with disabilities. The agency aims to ensure that the US has a skilled, technically literate workforce capable of meeting the demand for a knowledge-based economy.
A recent survey of US academic health centers found that physicians struggle to access specialty care for uninsured patients, with significant problems reported at both public and private hospitals. The study highlights the limitations of the nation's safety net and suggests broadening reimbursement funds as a possible solution.
A Stanford study found that nearly 18 months and 17% of the total research budget were spent on IRB activities, with no impact on human subject protection. The researchers hope to lead further examination of IRB procedures and weigh the cost and benefits of multi-center review for minimal-risk studies.
Scientists from NSF and DFG present striking new results from the Gakkel Ridge research cruise, which contradicts expectations of volcanic activity. The slowest spreading rate was found to have higher levels of volcanic activity than predicted, highlighting the importance of other factors in crust formation.
A team of scientists led by Veronica Vaida investigated how visible light breaks down sulfuric acid molecules, revealing a new mechanism for the formation of the Junge layer. This discovery allows researchers to predict sulfate layer formation and model chemical properties of the Earth's atmosphere.
Researchers have developed a model that may mimic how cells assemble themselves to form large-scale supramolecular structures. The technique uses tree-like organic molecules to create spheres with complex lattices, potentially paving the way for photonics applications.
The AAAS Report XXVII: Research and Development FY 2003 provides a definitive guide to the President's R&D budget proposals. The report shows a record increase in federal R&D funding to $112 billion, driven by increases in defense and health sectors. Non-defense R&D would decrease slightly, while basic research would see a 7.9% growth.
Researchers investigating immune system response to serious injury, including genetic elements, in hopes of identifying proteomic and genomic markers that could predict patient risk. The team also aims to develop standard operating procedures for treating burn and trauma patients.
Most adult patients with sore throats receive antibiotic prescriptions, despite antibiotics being effective in only 10% of cases. The study highlights the misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics for viral infections, which can lead to resistance and harm.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identify a new mechanism of breast cancer metastasis involving the growth of lymphatic vessels inside tumors. This discovery could lead to new approaches to treating and preventing cancer metastasis.
A new operations research model has the potential to reduce America's high mortality rate for those with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) by as much as 20%, while also containing budget costs. The model helps dialysis centers optimize treatment and reduce financial burden.
President Bill Clinton emphasizes the importance of understanding basic scientific concepts, citing climate change, the human genome, and nanotechnology as key areas of research. He also proposes solutions to improve science education, including paying teachers more or bringing in new instructors.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that California's tobacco control program prevented an estimated 33,300 heart-disease deaths during its first nine years. The program also associated with a significant reduction in cigarette consumption, but budget cuts and changes weakened the effort in the mid-1990s.
The NIH has announced a new initiative and strategic plan for global AIDS research, with the goal of slowing the pandemic and reversing its destruction. The plan includes increased investment in global research, new funding approaches, and support for long-term research infrastructure.
A group of scientists and policymakers are convening a conference to develop a federal science policy blueprint that addresses critical national issues. The conference aims to link basic science research with vital areas of public interest, such as education, energy, and global climate change.
A new treatment for spinal cord injuries is being tested in a human clinical trial at Indiana University and Purdue University. The trial uses electrical fields to promote regeneration of injured nerve fibers, with dogs showing partial functional recovery.
Geochemist Jeffrey Severinghaus will investigate the stability of past and future climates using a new technology for extracting air samples from ancient ice cores. His research aims to decipher how methane hydrates contribute to the atmospheric methane budget and potentially trigger catastrophic climate changes.
The hospital won a national award for its innovative communication techniques, including posters, email, website, and media publicity. The Young Investigator Award program stressed the importance of communicating research to the public, recognizing the achievements of younger researchers.
The Biomedical Security Institute will provide a nationwide preparedness, detection and response capability network for rapid response to acts of bioterrorism. It will also monitor naturally occurring biological catastrophes and develop laboratory and information technologies to address bioterrorism issues.
The Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter (LRSM) at Penn has received a $17 million NSF grant to continue its cutting-edge materials research. This investment will support innovative projects developing materials with unique properties, including synthetic proteins, carbon fibers, and electronic materials.
A study found that the number of family members caring for chronically disabled parents or spouses decreased, but those who did were more likely to be primary caregivers. The Baby Boomer generation's lower fertility rate is expected to increase pressure on family care in the coming decades.
The University of Washington research aircraft Husky One will measure pollutant concentrations from three primary sources: fossil fuels, agricultural fires, and natural processes. The subcontinent-sized plume will be studied as it rotates thousands of miles across southern Africa and the Atlantic Ocean.
Ford's Prototype Optimization Module (POM) reduced prototypes by one fourth, cutting weeks and millions of dollars from development. The module also promoted wider customer-oriented dialogue among design and test engineers and management.
Matthew Warman, an assistant professor of genetics and pediatrics at CWRU, has been selected as a Hughes assistant investigator by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He will receive funding for his research on rare and common human genetic diseases, aiming to improve human health.
Researchers used a mouse model to identify changes occurring in nerve cells before the onset of Huntington's disease. They identified several signaling molecules that could be targeted for future therapies.
A study by Princeton researchers estimates that 8-18 million Americans may identify with more than one race in the 2000 census, several times greater than previous estimates. The vast majority of likely multiple race respondents chose 'White' when faced with the traditional single-response race question.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that three-quarters of US states cover alternative therapies like chiropractic care and hypnosis for low-income children through Medicaid. The study suggests that more research is needed on the quality of care and outcomes of these treatments, particularly when combined with conventional medicine.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has selected 48 talented researchers to join its investigator program, including 12 in computational biology. The new recruits will contribute to biomedical advances in areas like genomics and cognitive neuroscience.
A new study reveals that North America does not absorb as much carbon dioxide as it emits, contradicting long-held assumptions. The research found that natural processes can only account for a small fraction of the released carbon dioxide, highlighting the complexity of climate change.
Researchers at UMass have created a miniature UMass logo using nanotechnology, with potential applications in creating smaller electronic devices and increasing magnetic storage. This breakthrough is part of a larger push to develop new technologies through the study of nature's own self-assembling molecular structures.
Researchers will investigate how people understand genetic research and consent processes, analyzing telephone interviews with investigators and review boards. The goal is to clarify how benefits are described and understood in gene transfer studies.
Researchers at the University of Florida analyzed two-year follow-up data from a multicenter pilot trial, finding that bypass surgery and angioplasty initially cost more than medication but offered better clinical outcomes. Long-term medical expenses were roughly equal for both treatment strategies.
A case study by INFORMS finds that organizations operating near safety borders rely on after-the-fact interventions rather than preparation. The study compares two nuclear facilities, highlighting the importance of anticipation, foresight, and countermeasures in staying within a zone of safety.
A recent study by the University of Alberta found that non-paid elderly caregivers in Canada are saving taxpayers over $5 billion each year. However, these caregivers often pay a significant personal cost, including reduced social connections, physical health issues, and financial struggles. To address this issue, researchers recommend...
Researchers found that only two out of 32 classrooms met the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association guidelines for background noise level and reverberation time. Background noise was a significant problem in classrooms, with levels ranging from 28 to 68 decibels, and reverberations lasting between 0.2 and 1.27 seconds.
Researchers found that patients who undergo aggressive treatment, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, may have lower long-term medical expenses compared to those who only take medication. After two years, costs for medical strategies increased twice that observed for revascularization.
A new study forecasts movie performance for domestic and international markets using a Bayesian model that examines information like star quality, past film performance, and screen numbers. The model provides accurate updates as sales figures come in to help plan better marketing activities.
The research report highlights the emotional impact of organ donations on both recipients and donor families. Recipients often view their transplanted organs as mechanical objects, while donor families perceive them as a personal connection to the donor.
Researchers found that children gave better information during video interviews than face-to-face interactions, with reduced incorrect responses and improved cooperation. The use of video links also led to longer smiles and more frequent smiling among the children, indicating higher levels of comfort and relaxation.
The American Geophysical Union will host two major scientific meetings in 1999 and 2000, covering a range of earth and space sciences topics. The 1999 Fall Meeting in San Francisco will feature newsworthy presentations on hydrological issues and special sessions on biogeosciences and education.
A new report outlining alternative funding sources for medical research will be released at a congressional briefing on May 25. The report suggests funding options and models that can be used in conjunction with the current appropriations process to secure sustained, long-term funding for medical research.
Three Johns Hopkins University engineering students build an air-powered hammering device that can deliver up to 45,000 pounds of force to test computer models predicting armored vehicle equipment durability. The device is part of a design project course and aims to improve the accuracy of simulations for real-world battlefield scenarios.
The new wavelet technique for computer noise removal from and compression of side-scan sonar images significantly reduces the number of undetected mines by at least 50%. Statistical classification combined with wavelet-based filtering dramatically decreases the number of false alarms, improving the system's detection capability.
A new ventilator treatment has been shown to significantly reduce mortality among victims of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) by 25%. The treatment involves providing smaller breaths of oxygen-rich air, which may protect the lung from injury. This life-saving breakthrough could save thousands of lives annually.
The National Science Board will convene its next open session on March 25-26 at the National Science Foundation. During this meeting, agenda items include review of minutes from November 1998 and February 1999, as well as discussion of the Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarships (CSEMS) Program.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a portable X-ray device that can detect explosives and objects in packages using reflected, rather than transmitted, X-rays. The device is designed to be safer for law enforcement officers and can transmit partial images useful in police work even if the package explodes.
The future health requirements of tomorrow's older population will significantly impact their quality of life, with millions expected to be poor and frail. Investing in aging research is crucial to prevent debilitating conditions and reduce healthcare costs.
The regional climate change model suggests a 50% decrease in snow cover over Washington state and warmer temperatures, while also increasing winter precipitation. The impacts on water resources could be significant, with less snow melt in the spring and reduced stream flow for irrigation.
A team of researchers has deployed an Atmospheric Radiation and Cloud Station (ARCS) on the Pacific island of Nauru to study clouds and sunlight. The station will gather information for at least 10 years, providing insights into global warming effects and El Niño/La Niña weather phenomena.
The accelerating universe is the top research advance of 1998, with scientists discovering that galaxies are flying apart at ever faster speeds. Researchers also made significant progress in understanding circadian rhythms, which could provide insight into overcoming jet lag and winter depression.
Researchers study old-growth forests' carbon, water, and energy exchange to understand their role in global climate change. The project aims to provide baseline information on managed ecosystems' impact on global carbon budgets.
Researchers from CU-Boulder are part of a major international project to understand climate change trends in the Arctic and its impact on global temperatures. The Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean project uses aircraft, satellites, ships, and submarines to study interactions between sea ice, atmosphere, and clouds.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have identified crucial elements for successful international cooperation in future space programs. These include scientific goals, clear communication among teams, and regular assessments to ensure mission vitality.