RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

When air temperatures drop to 0 degrees Celsius or below, cold fog can form and disguise a landscape, posing challenges for drivers and pilots. Cold fog, which produces a drizzle with tiny droplets that freeze when they touch an object, is difficult to detect and predict, especially in mountainous regions of the western U.S.

The U.S. National Science Foundation supported a team of researchers to conduct a field campaign and scientific investigation using the latest observation technology to study cold fog events and improve our ability to forecast and prepare for them.

The Cold Fog Amongst Complex Terrain project took place in Heber Valley, Utah, in January and February 2022. The team, led by Zhaoxia Pu at the University of Utah, worked with the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research Earth Observing Laboratory (NSF EOL) and Ontario Tech University to deploy a network of ground-based and balloon instruments to gather information about meteorological conditions, cloud microphysics and aerosol properties.

“We discovered the microphysical evolution of cold fog and the characteristics of new particle formation over mountainous valleys,” Pu said. “Using EOL’s high-resolution measurements and creating

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RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

Scientists have developed an advanced swarm navigation algorithm for cyborg insects that prevents them from becoming stuck while navigating challenging terrain. The new algorithm represents a significant advance in swarm robotics. It could pave the way for applications in disaster relief, search-and-rescue missions, and infrastructure inspection. Cyborg insects are real insects equipped with tiny electronic devices on their backs — consisting of various sensors like optical and infrared cameras, a battery, and an antenna for communication — that allow their movements to be remotely controlled for specific tasks.

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RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

Engineers have utilized quantum sensors to realize a groundbreaking variation of nuclear quadrupolar resonance (NQR) spectroscopy, a technique traditionally used to detect drugs and explosives or analyze pharmaceuticals. The new method is so precise that it can detect the NQR signals from individual atoms — a feat once thought unattainable. This unprecedented sensitivity opens the door to breakthroughs in fields like drug development, where understanding molecular interactions at the atomic level is critical.

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RSS feed source: National Science Foundation

Participating Organization(s)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Components of Participating Organizations

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Funding Opportunity Title

Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award Extension Request (Type 4 eSubmission Clinical Trial Optional)

Activity Code

R37 Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) 

Announcement Type

Related Notices

Funding Opportunity Number (FON)

PAR-25-324

Companion Funding Opportunity

None

Number of Applications

See Part 2, Section III. 3. Additional Information on Eligibility.

Assistance Listing Number(s)

93.393, 93.395, 93.396, 93.399, 93.397, 93.394

Funding Opportunity Purpose

The National Cancer Institute

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