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When individuals experience acute myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, time is precious. Detection and diagnosis of a heart attack have typically required expensive laboratory equipment and quick access to advanced medical facilities. Now, researchers at the U.S. National Science Foundation Precise Advanced Technologies and Health Systems for Underserved Populations (NSF PATHS-UP) Engineering Research Center have developed a paper-based test which measures cardiac troponin I (cTnI), one of the biomarkers of a heart attack, in just 15 minutes, making testing less expensive and more readily available.

“We are excited to introduce this low-cost, portable solution that bridges the gap between central laboratory diagnostics and point-of-care testing,” said Aydogan Ozcan, the Volgenau Chair for Engineering Innovation at UCLA who is part of the NSF PATHS-UP executive committee. “Our paper-based platform, powered by deep learning, offers an effective alternative to the bulky, expensive instruments currently used in hospitals. It holds the promise of bringing advanced cardiac diagnostics to underserved populations globally.”

In research recently published in ACS Nano, the team demonstrated the use of a deep learning-enhanced, paper-based vertical flow assay capable of detecting cTnI with high sensitivity. These paper-based tests are both cost-effective and highly portable, costing only $4 per test and only $170 for the portable reader, which is designed using a Raspberry Pi computer and off-the-shelf components. The team anticipates that

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President Joe Biden revealed the newest honorees of the recipients of the  National Medal of Science and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. The laureates were honored during a prestigious ceremony at the White House last Friday. These esteemed awards celebrate groundbreaking contributions that have advanced knowledge, driven progress and tackled the world’s most critical needs while underscoring the vital role of research and creativity in fostering a brighter, more sustainable future.

The National Medal of Science, established in 1959 by the U.S. National Science Foundation, recognizes outstanding contributions across scientific disciplines, celebrating groundbreaking discoveries and innovations that tackle humanity’s most urgent needs. Similarly, the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, created in 1980 by the U.S. Congress, honors visionaries whose advancements have revolutionized industries, driven economic growth and strengthened the nation’s global competitiveness.

“As we celebrate these extraordinary recipients, we are reminded of the boundless potential of science and technology to transform lives and shape the future,” said NSF Chief Science Officer Karen Marrongelle. “NSF is proud to have supported many of these trailblazers whose groundbreaking work demonstrates the power of curiosity, creativity and collaboration in driving innovation and addressing humanity’s greatest challenges.”

Among this year’s honorees are several distinguished individuals with ties to NSF. John Dabiri, Feng Zhang and Jennifer Doudna are former recipients of NSF’s prestigious Alan T. Waterman Award, which

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The U.S. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) funds graduate student education across the country, helping them pursue their dreams, build their STEM career skills and do some very cool science. A genetic database for tiger conservation, a “highway” for cancer cells and a study helping national park visitors feel safe at night are just a few examples of recent fellow research. 

Tiger conservation: It’s GRRREAT!

There are over 5,000 privately held tigers in the U.S. (yes, like on “Tiger King”). During her fellowship, NSF GRFP alum Ellie Armstrong used genetic data from these captive tigers as well as wild tigers to help create a genetic reference panel that traces tiger health and ancestry. The results will help both conservationists preserve tiger genetic diversity and federal agencies prosecute wildlife crimes. 

A highway for cancer cells 

Collagen doesn’t just keep your skin firm, elastic and looking fabulous; it can also affect how cancers metastasize. GRFP fellow Sophie Mancha and her team recently discovered that parallel-aligned collagen fibers in the extracellular membrane (the jelly-like material around cells) accelerate the spread of cancer cell clusters. Mancha, who just defended her dissertation, hopes this discovery will help create future cancer therapies and build biological systems knowledge. 

Feeling safe at national parks

Artificial light is an issue in national parks, where wildlife needs and visitors’ feelings of safety can clash.

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Today, the U.S. National Science Foundation awarded CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) grants to four academic institutions in an investment of nearly $15 million toward training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and strengthening the cybersecurity workforce at government organizations.

“For nearly 25 years, the SFS program has been addressing the nation’s critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the field,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. “This next cohort, focusing on cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, autonomous systems security, next-generation wireless, cybersecurity for smart manufacturing and more, is poised to make significant contributions to our national and economic security. Their work will contribute to the success of this great program and further strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity landscape.” 

Spanning 43 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, the NSF CyberCorps SFS program not only extends full scholarships and stipends to students but also forges a modern approach to cybersecurity education. The recipients of these scholarships commit to contributing their expertise to federal, state, local or tribal government cybersecurity roles post-graduation.

Three of the four 2024 award recipients are new to the SFS program. The awardees and their projects are:

CyberCorps Scholarship for Service: Developing the Next-generation Cyber Workforce, Washington State University

CyberCorps Scholarship for Service: Training Iowa’s Cyber Talents to Protect the Nation’s Critical Infrastructure, Iowa State University 

CyberCorps Scholarship for Service: EAGLE: Empowering American Government Leadership in Cybersecurity through Education, George Mason University 

CyberCorps

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