Award Data

Homologous recombination (HR) permits the precise insertion, deletion, or substitution of genetic material in the genome of an organism. HR offers numerous opportunities for modifying plant genomes to enhance our understanding of plant gene function and regulation, especially with respect to enhancing the production of biofuels. Although HR normally occurs at very low frequencies, approximately ...

We propose to use physiological sensors to measure the quality of a trainee's interaction with a virtual environment (VE) as a function of VE fidelity to enable design improvements in VEs and to enhance training effectiveness through feedback of physiological-based performance information. Currently, VE design is guided by subjective design models that involve multiple design iterations and focus ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The long-range goal of this project is to be able to treat effectively plegic stroke victims using a novel therapeutic regimen and robotic device called "AMES," an acronym for Assisted Movement with Enhanced Sensation. In AMES, the patient assists the motion of the robotic device using biofeedback of voluntary joint torque, while the sensation of motion is enh ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Arthropod vector control programs are dependent on timely information about mosquito activity, phenology and distribution that informs integrated pest management decision making. Vector control programs currently utilize trapping technology that targets adult host seeking behaviour (CO2, octenol, lactic acid etc. baited traps, with or without light) or adult ov ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A collaborative effort between ASL Analytical, Inc. and a research team at the University of Iowa is proposed to development a noninvasive nocturnal hypoglycemic alarm. The goal for the alarm system is to provide continuous noninvasive measurements during the sleep period of an individual with diabetes, sounding an audible alarm to wake the person if an impe ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): A wide range of individuals cannot communicate by voice. Voice enabled Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices are often the only channel available by which these individuals can communicate. While many voice enabled AAC devices are currently available, they lack the important ability to generate customized speech that mimics aspects of the use ...

Consumers and an ever growing segment of the pork industry know that more optimal levels of marbling must be put back into the high-value pork cuts. Biotronics, Inc. is developing technology to solve this problem by using real-time ultrasound to measure the percent of intramuscular (% IMF) fat in live pigs and hot carcasses. The premise of the project is that swine breeders can be rewarded financi ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This is a proposal to build and test a "Smart Telescope," a device for persons with low vision that uses computer vision algorithms to search for, detect and enhance targets such as text and faces to aid in everyday tasks such as travel, navigation and social interactions. The practical, cosmetically acceptable packaging will consist of a miniature camera and v ...

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Today, arsenic (As) poisoning is one of the major environmental threats worldwide as millions of human beings have been exposed to excessive arsenic through contaminated drinking water. The serious toxicity of arsenic has been well documented. Worldwide, communities demand novel separation technologies for the removal of arsenic from drinking water. Conventiona ...

The U.S. is more dependent on space than any other nation. At the same time, there are many extant capabilities to deny, disrupt or physically destroy space systems and ground facilities. As a result, recommendations have been made that we invest more heavily in improved space situational awareness and attack warning capabilities, protection/defensive countermeasures, and prevention and negation ...