Scientists to develop waterless toilet for Gates Foundation

This is truly an example of research with a potential impact to millions of people:  Triangle scientists to develop waterless toilet for Gates Foundation :: Editor's Blog at WRAL Tech Wire  While some may interpret this grant as Bill Gates throwing money down the toilet, there is a very real potential here for the creation of a waterless toilet that would help to prevent the spread of disease in developing countries.  The $1.3 million grant will be used to create and test prototypes within the next 3 years. The toilets also have the added benefit of turning solid waste into energy.  I guess it is true - Bill Gates truly find a way to make money off of anything...

Researchers Explain Why You Should Avoid Cranky Colleagues

Reading this article today on CNN Money instantly reminded me of more than a few past and present coworkers.  Every office or laboratory has at least one person who is perpetually angry and/or dissatisfied with their job in general or particular work responsibilities.  Nothing ever goes right, and every day is a bad day.  Recent research shows why avoiding and ignoring this negativity will help you to be more satisfied in your current position.  Perhaps this will also serve as a wake-up call to some of you who might be the office crankypants.

Old habits die hard - still using old terminology to describe NIH applications?

Do you describe your grants like you are stuck in the past?



NIH has this gnarly, radical table in their FAQs to help you to bring your terminology up to date.  Stay up on the latest lingo so you too can speak like a hip, young researcher and dazzle your colleagues with your awesome freshness.  Let's face it - no one wants to be the laughing stock of the lab's holiday party because they refer to a renewal as a "competing continuation".  I am sure those post-docs will be snickering into their zinfandel if you mention a "progress report." (That's SO 5 years ago!).  So stop talking about your projects like it is the olden days.  Read up and continue to follow the never-ending changes in how NIH describes application types. 

Visit the NIH FAQ page and scroll to:
Is there a comparison of the old vs. new application terminology to help me determine which application type I am submitting?

Which funding mechanism is right for my project?

Trying to understand the differences between grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements, and grant mechanisms, such as the R01 and R03 parent announcements , can be confusing. NIH has provided a helpful information sheet that breaks down the different available mechanisms with a brief description of each.

An R03, for example, is designed to support a smaller-scale research project, with a smaller budget and time period than an R01. An R21, meanwhile, is designed for completing exploratory research, often to gather data to support a future R01 application. Confused?  Review the NIH website for the latest information on funding mechanisms and the distinctions between types.