NSF Funded Research News
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 27-Apr-2025 11:08 ET (27-Apr-2025 15:08 GMT/UTC)
Giant virus encodes key piece of protein-making machinery of cellular life
University of Hawaii at ManoaPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- npj Viruses
- Funder
- U.S. National Science Foundation, Simons Foundation
Step forward in generating solar-powered hydrogen
Flinders UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
Another advance has been made by experts in nano-scale chemistry to propel further development of sustainable and efficient generation of hydrogen from water using solar power.
In a new international collaborative study – led by Flinders University with collaborators in the USA, South Australia and Germany – experts have identified a novel solar cell process to potentially use in future technologies for photocatalytic water splitting in green hydrogen production.
- Journal
- The Journal of Physical Chemistry C
- Funder
- U.S. National Science Foundation
Bad bacteria can trigger painful gut contractions; new research shows how
University of OregonPeer-Reviewed Publication
A new study from the University of Oregon shows how one kind of bacteria, Vibrio cholerae, triggers painful intestinal contractions by activating the immune system. The research also finds a more general explanation for how the gut rids itself of unwanted intruders, which could also help scientists better understand chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
- Journal
- mBio
- Funder
- NIH/National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Science Foundation
Ocean microbe’s unusual pair of enzymes may boost carbon storage, study suggests
Stanford UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
Stanford scientists have discovered multiple forms of a ubiquitous enzyme in microbes that thrive in low-oxygen zones off the coasts of Central and South America. The results may open new possibilities for growing crops with fewer resources and understanding ocean carbon storage.
- Journal
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
- Funder
- U.S. National Science Foundation, Simons Foundation
Peptide-guided nanoparticles deliver mRNA to neurons
University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied SciencePeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Nano Letters
- Funder
- NIH/National Institutes of Health, Burroughs Wellcome Fund, U.S. National Science Foundation, American Cancer Society
Prehistoric rock in Japan reveals clues to major ocean anoxic event
Northwestern UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
Researchers analyzed radioisotopes in layers of fossilized volcanic ash. Decay of uranium to lead within tiny crystals enabled scientists to precisely pinpoint dates for certain events. They determined this event occurred 119.5 million years ago — coincident with evidence for massive volcanic eruptions — and lasted for 1.1 million years. Study results help scientists better understand links between atmospheric CO2 levels, climate changes and conditions in the oceans.
- Journal
- Science Advances
- Funder
- U.S. National Science Foundation, Natural Environment Research Council, Japan Science Foundation
Placenta assessment tool aims to improve neonatal, maternal care
Penn StatePeer-Reviewed Publication
A multi-national, multi-institutional team led by Penn State researchers developed a new tool that enables doctors to examine placentas right at the bedside using just a phone. The tool harnesses computer vision and artificial intelligence to make placenta examination more accessible for low-resource and more-advanced health care institutions alike.
- Journal
- Patterns
- Funder
- NIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering, U.S. National Science Foundation
Across southeastern US, weedy rice steals herbicide resistance from crop rice
Washington University in St. LouisPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Molecular Ecology
- Funder
- U.S. National Science Foundation
Detailed bedbug genome analysis may improve pesticides
University of Texas at ArlingtonPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Journal of Heredity
- Funder
- U.S. National Science Foundation, U.S. National Science Foundation, University of Tulsa, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Joseph R. and Mary W. Wilson Urban Entomology Endowment