#nsf database

[chase-solidago]

So we finally have a list of offending NSF grants. There are about 3,500 individual grants listed. It's stupid and frustrating.

Part of what sucks is that the spreadsheet is, i assume deliberately, really annoying to read. It's easier to hide what you're getting rid of that way.

I spent the time to make Illinois more legible, and if you feel inspired, please consider doing your state next!

[mariacallous]

A grant to study linguistic differences between Hebrew and English was flagged as an example of “woke DEI grants” in a new database released by Sen. Ted Cruz.

The database is part of ongoing Republican efforts to justify significant cuts to federal research funding and diversity programs under President Donald Trump.

The $226,000 grant, given by the National Science Foundation to the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2022, was flagged by the Texas Republican senator’s team as having an inappropriate focus on “gender.” 

But according to the description of the research in Cruz’s own database, the sole mention of gender in the grant’s description is in reference to the fact that the Hebrew language (like many) assigns gender to nouns.

The UMass grant was also one of seven in Cruz’s database of Biden-era grants that stated an intent to promote partnerships between American and Israeli research institutions — something that did not appear to mitigate opposition from Cruz, an avowed supporter of Israel. He said in a statement that the more than 3,400 grants in his database demonstrated that the NSF had funded “questionable projects that promoted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) or advanced neo-Marxist class warfare propaganda.”

A request for comment to Cruz’s office was not returned; nor was an inquiry sent to UMass. Cruz, the chair of the Senate committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, said in a statement that his data “exposes how the Biden administration weaponized federal agencies to push a far-left ideology.” 

He added, “Congress must end the politicization of NSF funding and restore integrity to scientific research.”

The public database of grants compiled by Cruz provides a window into how Trump and his allies are thinking about cuts to research funding. The flagged grants mentioning Israel were made to six universities including Brown, the University of Michigan and the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. They cover a range of scientific topics, from studying cognition to magnetic technologies to energy storage. 

What they have in common is a stated intent to collaborate with an Israeli university. For example, Michigan’s grant specifically references a partnership with Ben-Gurion University in the southern Israeli city of Beersheva, while a second UMass grant mentions partnering with Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in the port city of Haifa, as well as “outreach by the Israeli collaborator to local high schools in Haifa.”

The second common thread among the Israel-related grant descriptions is the use of keywords flagged by the database as related to gender or DEI. Cruz’s team sorted the grants based on the presence of keywords related to the categories of “gender,” “status,” “social justice,” “race” and “environmental justice.”

None of the grants to mention Israeli partnerships make such topics the focus of their research, though some state a general commitment to “groups underrepresented in science” or “outreach to women and underrepresented minorities.” UMBC’s grant states that it will allow participation “for local high school students from underrepresented groups on the US side, and from various nationalities on the IL [Israeli] side.”

The UMass grant exploring the Hebrew and English languages makes no such commitment to diversity. Its reference to gender comes as it states that “English and Hebrew differ in how they organize the words within sentences and whether they assign gender to nouns; Hebrew assigns masculine and feminine genders to nouns, similar to languages like Spanish and French but unlike English.”��

The project’s stated focus is to study how such linguistic differences affect “interpretation errors” among people who speak both languages.

Cruz’s dragnet of so-called “woke” research grants also comes as a number of American researchers and campus groups have pushed for boycotts of all Israeli institutions, in protest of Israel’s war in Gaza. 

The database was posted as Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has targeted federal research funding on the basis of keywords that, the Trump team claims, reveal evidence of gender- and DEI-driven agendas. On Tuesday a federal judge intervened to block steep cuts to medical research funding at the National Institutes of Health. Another injunction blocked key parts of Musk’s effort to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development. 

A report last week in the Washington Post found that NSF staff were also being directed to comb through their research projects in search of dozens of offending keywords, including “women,” “victims,” “trauma” and “ethnicity.” Such efforts are part of a larger slashing of federal spending, including the shuttering of entire departments, that scholars say is unlawful and may be leading to a constitutional crisis.

[crazylele1]

I think I reblogged this like last week, but in the interest of trying to get the word out:

If you live in the US you should be able to access academic databases at your local public university. Most public universities (even if you are not an alum) provide access to the public if you go in person and use their library computers. The person at the front desk should be able to help you. Look online for weekend hours and where to park. I know it’s annoying to have to go in-person but a lot of people don’t even know that’s an option.

Also, a few years ago the NIH began to require that all academic articles published resulting from NIH grant money need to be open access (no paywalls) within 2 years of their original publish date. Starting in 2025 they will need to be open access from the publication date. So a lot of health research will be much easier to access going forward (in the US the NIH funds the majority of health research). This is going to be required by other federal grant funding agencies as well like NSF and USDA.

So how do I know this? I’m a librarian at a public university in the US, please come use our databases!

actually i think graduates of a university should have access to the library databases forever and ever amen

[tsmom1219]

MSU School of Packaging to lead US end-of-life center to slash waste and propel circularity

Read the full story at Packaging Insights. As of May 8, this award wasn’t included in the NSF Grant Termination database, so hopefully the center is still on track to open. Michigan State University (MSU) has secured a five-year grant from the US National Science Foundation (NSF) to open a Center for Plastic, Paper, and Hybrid Packaging End-of-Life Solutions (C3PS). The center aims to tackle…

[juliewhite3]

Mailvita Converter for NSF Tool

This tool accurately converts multiple emails from NSF to various file formats, including PST, EML, MBOX, EMLX, PDF, etc. It is compatible with Lotus Notes and Windows OS, as well as MS Outlook editions. During the process, users can retain the database files. Additionally, it permits examining the preview before starting the conversion. It supports all Webmail clients. This application provides the free of cost demo edition to check out it.

[hayadan]

Attack on Science: How the Second Trump Administration Shaped the Fate of Science in the US in 30 Days

The damage to scientific infrastructure and international collaboration networks—especially in biomedical and climate research—could be irreversible, threatening the US's position as a global leader in science and innovation.

"The astonishing pace and devastating impact of policy changes have stunned researchers," reported Nature on February 20, 2025. Just a month after Donald Trump assumed office for his second term, scientists fear that decades of bipartisan support for research and innovation are crumbling.

Unprecedented Cuts in Science

The administration moved with unprecedented speed, dismissing thousands of employees at federal science agencies and announcing strict reforms to research grant requirements that threaten to cut federal funding significantly. These measures are part of a broader strategy to reduce government spending and shrink the federal workforce. Unlike previous resistance from Congress, most Republicans now support these drastic budget cuts.

Harold Varmus, former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), criticized the administration, stating: "No one has ever seen a presidential transition where such a vital part of the government has been so aggressively dismantled."

Attack on Diversity and Equity in Science

One of the most controversial moves was the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies and private research institutions. Federal employees were required to report violations or face penalties. Additionally, environmental justice programs, which aimed to protect disadvantaged communities from pollution and climate change, were scrapped.

A presidential order also attempted to redefine "sex" and "gender" in binary terms, leading to the removal of critical health and demographic data from CDC databases and delays in publishing scientific research.

Grant Freezes and Economic Turmoil

Just a week after taking office, Trump froze all federal research grants, throwing institutions like NIH and the National Science Foundation (NSF) into disarray. Scientists were left scrambling to manage funding uncertainties, while research institutions faced dramatic budget cuts, slashing indirect cost allocations from 40% to 15%—critical funding that keeps labs running.

A controversial alliance with Elon Musk accelerated federal downsizing, with over 75,000 government employees resigning in exchange for private-sector job offers. By mid-February, mass layoffs of early-career researchers—many of whom joined in the last two years—had begun.

Long-Term Consequences for US Science

Experts warn that these first 30 days may only be the beginning. A document titled "Project 2025," authored by the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation, outlines a roadmap for further cuts to federal science funding. Proposed measures include:

Eliminating renewable energy investments in the Department of Energy

Focusing solely on AI and quantum computing, neglecting climate and biomedical research

With a Republican-controlled Congress negotiating the 2026 budget, the extent of future cuts remains uncertain. Jennifer Zeitzer of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) warned: “Anything is possible.”

Anthony Mills of the American Business Institute raised concerns about the broader impact: "I fear this chaos will overshadow any potential for meaningful scientific reform."

A Setback for Global Scientific Leadership

The deep funding cuts and mass layoffs in scientific research may create long-term damage, making recovery difficult. The sharp decline in federal research grants and operational budgets for universities could significantly impact innovation and talent retention.

The elimination of DEI programs may also drive minority researchers out of the US, leading to a brain drain as top scientists seek opportunities in countries investing more in science.

With crippled scientific infrastructure and disrupted international collaboration, especially in biomedical and climate research, the United States risks losing its status as a global leader in science and innovation for decades to come.

Read more such articles on Hayadan - Science and Reason.

[roosirober]

eSoftTools NSF Attachment Extractor Software

eSoftTools NSF Attachment Extractor Software can extract all NSF Attachments from Lotus Notes file. This is the ideal choice that the extractor was made specifically for extracting all types of attachments from IBM Lotus Notes NSF files. By making it easier to retrieve and save attachments from big NSF databases, this software enables users to manage their data more efficiently. You can try first free demo software for the checking software working process. This software supports all versions of Windows and Lotus Notes.

more info https://www.esofttools.com/nsf-attachment-extractor.html

[usafundingapplications]

Comprehensive Guide to Grants and the Best Sources Available

Grants are financial awards provided by governments, foundations, and corporations to individuals, organizations, or businesses to support specific projects or initiatives. They are typically non-repayable, making them an attractive funding option for those meeting eligibility criteria.

What Are Grants?

A grant is a sum of money awarded for a specific purpose, such as funding research, launching a business, or supporting community programs. Unlike loans, grants do not require repayment as long as recipients comply with the terms and conditions set by the grantor.

Common Types of Grants:

Government Grants: Offered by federal, state, and local governments for public services, infrastructure, and research.

Foundation Grants: Provided by private foundations supporting charitable causes, education, and the arts.

Corporate Grants: Funded by businesses to align with corporate social responsibility goals.

Academic and Research Grants: Offered to universities and researchers for scientific, medical, and social research.

Small Business and Startup Grants: Available to entrepreneurs and small businesses to stimulate economic growth.

How Grants Work

Application Submission: Applicants submit proposals detailing project goals, budget, and timelines.

Proposal Evaluation: Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, relevance, and feasibility.

Award Notification: Selected applicants receive funding and sign agreements outlining reporting requirements.

Project Implementation: Recipients use the funds according to the approved budget and submit regular updates.

Final Reporting and Compliance Check: Funders evaluate project outcomes and compliance with grant terms.

Best Sources for Finding Grants

1. Government Grant Portals

Grants.gov: The official U.S. government grants database, offering thousands of funding opportunities from federal agencies.

SAM.gov: Lists federal contract and grant opportunities, primarily for businesses and nonprofits.

USA.gov: General resource for government grants and financial aid.

2. Foundation and Nonprofit Grants

Candid/Foundation Directory Online: Extensive database of U.S. foundations offering grants to nonprofits.

The Ford Foundation: Funds initiatives in social justice, equality, and human rights.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Supports global health, education, and development projects.

3. Corporate Grants

Google.org: Supports tech-driven nonprofits and social innovation projects.

Walmart Foundation: Provides grants for sustainability and community development programs.

Microsoft Philanthropies: Funds tech and education-related initiatives.

4. Business and Startup Grants

Small Business Administration (SBA): U.S. federal agency offering grants and loans for small businesses.

Hello Alice: Connects entrepreneurs with business grants and funding opportunities.

Nav Small Business Grant: Provides grants to small businesses with a growth-oriented business plan.

5. Academic and Research Grants

National Science Foundation (NSF): Funds scientific and academic research projects.

National Institutes of Health (NIH): Provides grants for medical research and public health projects.

Fulbright Program: Academic exchange and research funding for international scholars.

6. International and Global Grants

UNESCO: Funds education, science, and cultural initiatives globally.

GlobalGiving: Connects nonprofits with global funding opportunities.

World Bank Grants: Supports global development projects addressing poverty and economic growth.

Tips for Successful Grant Applications

Research Thoroughly: Use multiple databases and subscribe to newsletters for grant updates.

Match the Grant to Your Goals: Ensure your project aligns with the funder’s mission and eligibility criteria.

Prepare a Strong Proposal: Include a clear statement of need, goals, budget, and evaluation methods.

Follow Application Guidelines: Adhere to submission instructions, deadlines, and required formats.

Be Persistent: Rejections are common; learn from feedback and improve future applications.

Conclusion: Grants are valuable financial resources that can fund various projects, from scientific research to community development and business ventures. By leveraging reputable grant sources and submitting compelling proposals, applicants can secure funding and bring their ideas to life. Regularly check grant databases like Grants.gov, Candid, and others listed above to stay informed about new funding opportunities.

[jcmarchi]

Sam Madden named faculty head of computer science in EECS

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/sam-madden-named-faculty-head-of-computer-science-in-eecs/

Sam Madden named faculty head of computer science in EECS

Sam Madden, the College of Computing Distinguished Professor of Computing at MIT, has been named the new faculty head of computer science in the MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), effective Aug. 1.

Madden succeeds Arvind, a longtime MIT professor and prolific computer scientist, who passed away in June.

“Sam’s research leadership and commitment to excellence, along with his thoughtful and supportive approach, makes him a natural fit to help lead the department going forward. In light of Arvind’s passing, we are particularly grateful that Sam has agreed to take on this role on such short notice,” says Daniel Huttenlocher, dean of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing and the Henry Ellis Warren Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

“Sam’s exceptional research contributions in database management systems, coupled with his deep understanding of both academia and industry, make him an excellent fit for faculty head of computer science. The EECS department and broader School of Engineering will greatly benefit from his expertise and passion,” adds Anantha Chandrakasan, chief innovation and strategy officer, dean of engineering, and Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Madden joins the leadership of EECS, which jointly reports to the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing and the School of Engineering. The largest academic department at MIT, EECS was reorganized in 2019 as part of the formation of the college into three overlapping sub-units in electrical engineering (EE), computer science (CS), and artificial intelligence and decision-making (AI+D). The restructuring has enabled each of the three sub-units to concentrate on faculty recruitment, mentoring, promotion, academic programs, and community building in coordination with the others.

“I am delighted that Sam has agreed to step up to take on this important leadership role. His unique combination of academic excellence and forward-looking focus will be invaluable for us,” says Asu Ozdaglar, MathWorks Professor and head of EECS, who also serves as the deputy dean of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing. “I am confident that he will offer exceptional leadership in his new role and further strengthen EECS for our students and the MIT community.”

A member of the MIT faculty since 2004, Madden is a professor in EECS and a principal investigator in the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. He was recognized as the inaugural College of Computing Distinguished Professor of Computing in 2020 for being an outstanding faculty member, leader, and innovator.

Madden’s research interest is in database systems, focusing on database analytics and query processing, ranging from clouds to sensors to modern high-performance server architectures. He co-directs the Data Systems for AI Lab initiative and the Data Systems Group, investigating issues related to systems and algorithms for data focusing on applying new methodologies for processing data, including applying machine learning methods to data systems and engineering data systems for applying machine learning at scale.

He was named one of MIT Technology Review’s “Top 35 Under 35” in 2005 and an ACM Fellow in 2020. He is the recipient of several awards, including an NSF CAREER award, a Sloan Foundation Fellowship, the ACM SIGMOD Edgar F. Codd Innovations Award, and “test of time” awards from VLDB, SIGMOD, SIGMOBILE, and SenSys. He is also the co-founder and chief scientist at Cambridge Mobile Telematics, which develops technology to make roads safer and drivers better.

[chase-solidago]

Was talking to a friend at a conference this weekend. He (male cis late 30s) was talking through some of the potential futures ahead of us, as Midwestern prairie researchers. From his perspective, things are going to be tough, a lot of us will lose our jobs, but there will be an other side of this. His career won’t be over.

I had to walk him through:

I’m queer and this is registered in the NSF diversity survey database. There was an EO to consolidate all information about tax-payers across all fed departments into one, unified database. I have to hope that this gets overlooked, but honestly I have no faith.

I’m on antidepressants, purchased through the federal Healthcare Marketplace and subsidized by tax money. This administration has explicitly said they want people off their antidepressants and removed to work camps until they are healthy.

I’m autistic. This, thank god, in a stroke of protective wisdom, is not on record anywhere, by design.

My friend is not in any way stupid, but I don’t think he has ever had to do all this mental math. He gets the luxury of just focusing on job availability while I’m wondering if I get to live long enough to reach “the other side of this.”

Idk I’m tired. I suspect we’re all tired of doing this math, either as BIPOC, or trans or queer or all of the above. It’s not that I don’t think folks like my friend are incapable of empathy, I just think maybe it’s helpful to make them realize the stakes? Or maybe that’s just more pointless labor on our parts.

Idk I’m just tired

[evoldir]

Fwd: Postdoc: VirginiaInstMarineScience.MacroalgalEvolutionary

Begin forwarded message: > From: evoldir@evol.biology.mcmaster.ca > Subject: Postdoc: VirginiaInstMarineScience.MacroalgalEvolutionary > Date: 3 September 2024 at 05:41:43 BST > To: rdmpage@gmail.com > > > > Chuck Amsler and Stacy Krueger-Hadfield are seeking a postdoctoral scholar > for up to 24 months funded by a National Science Foundation award from > the Antarctic Organisms and Ecosystems program. The start date of 1 March > 2025 is somewhat flexible. The position will be based in the Amsler lab > at UAB but, after a brief stay in Birmingham for university on boarding, > the scholar will spend the first three to five months in the Algal > Evolutionary Ecology (AlgEE) lab at VIMS ESL. Housing at VIMS ESL will > be provided by the NSF award. > > Applications should include a cover letter outlining the candidate’s > background and motivation for this position, along with a CV. Please > e-mail applications to both Drs. Amsler (amsler@uab.edu) and > Krueger-Hadfield (sakh@vims.edu). Review of applications will begin 1 > October 2024 and continue until the position is filled. > > Primary Duties and Responsibilities > > Generate single gene barcoding data for 30 species of macroalgae > found along the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP), including greens, > browns, and reds Genotype five focal species of brown and red macroalgae > to describe the reproductive system Develop expertise in macroalgal > evolutionary ecology and contribute new knowledge and ideas to this > area of research Develop and apply bioinformatic tools and approaches to > characterize reproductive system variation and patterns of historical > and contemporary gene flow along the WAP Contribute to written and > oral communication, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, blog posts, > outreach through social media, and the public Build and maintain > databases Participate in student mentoring Perform other duties as assigned > > Minimum Qualifications > A Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in coastal or marine > sciences or similar field, with a background in population genetics. > > Knowledge, Skills & Abilities > > Experience in population genetic approaches – from the bench to the > computer Proficiency in laboratory practice, experimental design, safety > procedures Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability and > interest in communicating with diverse groups Ability to write reports, > correspondence, and peer-reviewed manuscripts Ability and interest in > contributing to outreach activities, including those at VIMS ESL Ability > to contribute to a positive work environment > > Preferred Qualifications > > Experience in phycology, evolutionary ecology, or both Bioinformatic > experience Proficiency in R > > Stacy A. Krueger-Hadfield, PhD > Virginia Institute of Marine Science > Associate Professor, William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Science > Assistant Director,Eastern Shore Laboratory > PO Box 350 |Wachapreague, VA | 23480 > 757.787.8105 > sakh@vims.edu > > @quooddy|www.quooddy.com > > Communications > Director| Phycological Society of America > > > "Stacy A. Krueger-Hadfield"

[chemanalystdata]

CoQ10 Prices Trend | Pricing | Database | News | Index | Chart

 CoQ10 Prices or Coenzyme Q10, is a popular supplement known for its role in energy production and its antioxidant properties, which contribute to heart health and overall vitality. As more people seek to enhance their well-being through dietary supplements, understanding the pricing dynamics of CoQ10 becomes essential for both consumers and sellers. CoQ10 prices can vary widely due to several factors, including production methods, quality, brand reputation, and market demand.

One of the primary factors influencing CoQ10 prices is the method of production. CoQ10 is either synthesized chemically or derived from natural sources through fermentation. The latter is generally considered superior due to its higher purity and bioavailability, but it is also more expensive to produce. Consequently, supplements made from fermented CoQ10 tend to be priced higher. Additionally, the dosage and form of CoQ10, such as ubiquinone or the more absorbable ubiquinol, play a significant role in determining cost. Ubiquinol, being the reduced and active form of CoQ10, is typically more expensive but offers better absorption, which can justify the higher price for many consumers.

Quality assurance and certification also impact CoQ10 prices. Products that undergo rigorous testing for potency, purity, and safety often come with a higher price tag. Certifications from reputable organizations, such as NSF International or the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), add to the credibility of the product but also contribute to higher costs. Consumers willing to pay a premium for these assurances help drive up the overall market price for high-quality CoQ10 supplements.

Get Real Time Prices of CoQ10: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/coq10-1227Brand reputation is another crucial factor. Established brands with a history of delivering reliable and effective products can command higher prices. These brands invest significantly in research and development, marketing, and maintaining high standards, all of which are reflected in the final product cost. Newer or lesser-known brands may offer CoQ10 at lower prices to attract customers, but these products might not always meet the same quality standards.

The market demand for CoQ10 also influences its price. As awareness of the health benefits of CoQ10 grows, so does the demand, leading to potential price increases. Conversely, if the market becomes saturated with numerous competing products, prices might stabilize or even decrease as brands vie for market share. Seasonal fluctuations can also play a role; for instance, during periods of increased health consciousness, such as the beginning of the year when many people are focused on health resolutions, prices might rise due to higher demand.

Retailers and distribution channels further affect CoQ10 pricing. Supplements sold through specialized health stores or online platforms often have different price structures compared to those available in general retail outlets or pharmacies. Online retailers may offer discounts or bulk purchasing options that lower the cost per unit, while brick-and-mortar stores might have higher prices due to overhead costs. Additionally, geographic location can influence prices, with variations seen between different countries and regions based on local demand, import taxes, and regulatory standards.

The cost of raw materials and global supply chain dynamics also play a critical role in determining CoQ10 prices. Fluctuations in the prices of raw materials used in CoQ10 production can lead to changes in supplement pricing. For instance, if the cost of the fermentation substrates or chemical precursors rises, this increase is often passed on to the consumer. Moreover, supply chain disruptions, such as those caused by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, can impact production and distribution, leading to temporary price hikes or shortages.

In conclusion, the price of CoQ10 supplements is influenced by a complex interplay of factors including production methods, quality assurance, brand reputation, market demand, retail channels, and global supply chain conditions. Consumers looking to purchase CoQ10 should consider these variables to make informed decisions and find a product that offers the best balance between quality and cost. While high prices often correlate with better quality, it is essential to research and verify product claims to ensure that the supplement provides the desired health benefits. As the market for dietary supplements continues to grow, staying informed about pricing dynamics will help consumers navigate their options more effectively and find CoQ10 supplements that meet their health needs and budget.

Get Real Time Prices of CoQ10: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/coq10-1227

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[waterfiltergurus]

SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter Review: A Data-Driven Analysis

The SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter is a whole-home water filtration system that uses catalytic and bone char carbon media to remove chlorine, chloramine, fluoride, PFAs and more from an entire home’s water supply. We installed and tested this system in a home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with the primary intention of reducing fluoride. Overall Score: 9.13 How We Test & Score 9.42 Contaminant Reduction 8.40 Design 9.75 Maintenance 10.00 Filtration Rate 7.00 Setup 8.65 Company What We Like Fast peak flow rate of 14 GPM Completely removed most of the contaminants in our water Long-lasting filter media of 6-10 years No annual maintenance required Upflow design increases filter media contact with water Long warranty & free shipping for orders over $75 What We Don’t Like Difficult install - may require a professional installation costing extra Doesn’t address all contaminants Not certified for performance or materials safety Returns policy is poor Price$900.00Contaminants Reduced10+CertificationsNot certified for any reduction claimsProcessCatalytic + Bone Char CarbonFilter Capacity1,000,000 gallonsAnnual Cost~$40WarrantyLifetime 📊 Scoring Data We measured the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter’s performance across 6 key testing categories, combining and averaging the data to obtain an overall score for the system. Below, we’ve shared the key performance data that we used when testing the system. CriteriaResultsOverall Score9.13Health Related Contaminants9.80Aesthetic Related Contaminants9.90Performance CertificationNot certified for any reduction claimsFiltration Rate14 GPMComponent QualityExceptionalComponent CertificationNot certifiedSetupWeakServicing RequirementsOutstandingCosts$0.0009/ gallonWarranty LengthLimited lifetimeShippingFree on orders over $75ReturnsFailing 🚰 Contaminant Reduction Score: 9.42 The big advantage of a whole-house system like the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter is that it can remove contaminants from an entire home water supply, rather than at a single faucet or fixture. But for this reason, the system is significantly more expensive than a point-of-use system, so we wanted evidence of its contaminant reduction abilities to ensure it was money well spent.  There were two factors that we used to test the SoftPo system’s contaminant removal performance: data from our own water testing using a third-party lab, and official performance certifications, which (if applicable) are found on NSF, IAMPO, and WQA databases. Our Performance Testing Score: 9.81 We used a SimpleLab Tap Score test to assess the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter’s contaminant reduction performance with our own home’s water. We choose to use laboratory tests instead of DIY tests for this aspect of our analysis due to their increased accuracy and ability to test for a more extensive range of contaminants. We received SimpleLab’s sample kit to collect samples of our water, then shipped them off to the lab for professional testing. Our sample-taking process involved following Tap Score’s strict protocol to ensure our results were as accurate as possible.  We took the “before” water sample several weeks ahead of the “after” sample: - We took our first sample of water before we installed the system at the beginning of March 2024. - We then took our post-install test samples a month and a half later at the end of April 2024, after the system had been in use for that long. We wanted to give the system at least a month to operate before we took our samples to ensure it could capably filter our water beyond the initial few days after installation.  Good to Know: When analyzing our results, we could toggle between a few different water quality guidelines to determine the safety of the contaminants detected in our water. We chose to use the Tap Score HGL (Health Guideline Level), a benchmark that prioritizes human health and is stricter than the federal MCL.  The next table lists our pre- and post-filtration test data, so you can see how each contaminant was addressed by the SoftPro Chlorine+ Filter. Health-Related Contaminants Score: 9.80 Our unfiltered water test detected trace levels of 9 contaminants with possible health effects: chloroform, total THMs (two disinfection byproducts), copper, fluoride, zinc, aluminum, barium, nickel, and strontium. Some of the known health effects of these contaminants are: - Developmental outcomes - Immune system issues - Kidney and liver problems - Carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effects We used a separate test for PFAS - the Cyclopure PFAS test - since we wanted a more in-depth PFAS analysis option than our Tap Score test offered. This test detected 2.5 PPT (parts per trillion) of a PFAS compound, MeFBSA, which we also wanted to remove from our water due to the dangerous health effects associated with PFAS exposure.  Our water quality wasn't terrible to begin with, but we were still concerned about a number of contaminants detected - especially disinfection byproducts, which were detected in concentrations very close to exceeding the Tap Score HGL.  Also, a big reason why we tested this SoftPro system is that we wanted a whole home filter that would remove fluoride from every tap, so we had high expectations for the unit’s fluoride reduction abilities. When we got our post-filtration test results back, we were pleased to see that the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter had completely eliminated both disinfection byproducts, fluoride, zinc, aluminum, nickel, and strontium from our water. Copper was also reduced by 97%, and our separate PFAS test showed that MeFBSA had been eliminated entirely.  Barium and strontium actually increased slightly post-filtration, and 0.2 PPM of nitrate was detected when it wasn’t present in our unfiltered water, but we think these were normal fluctuations in our water quality that occurred in the 1.5 months between the two tests. However, it does tell us that the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter doesn’t address any of these contaminants. We were super pleased with the outcome of these results, especially the fact that the system eliminated fluoride thanks to its bone char carbon media, which has been proven in studies to be highly effective for this purpose - something that similar systems we’ve tested (like the SpringWell CF) couldn’t remove.  Aesthetic Contaminants Score: 9.90 Chlorine was the only aesthetic contaminant that our unfiltered water contained. We used a rapid-results test strip to DIY-test for chlorine ourselves because of chlorine’s highly volatile nature - it would dissipate from the water before it arrived at the testing lab. Our water is a chlorine-disinfected municipal supply, so we were unsurprised that the test detected 1 PPM of chlorine.  In our second post-filtration test, no chlorine was detected, so the SoftPro Chlorine+& Fluoride system’s carbon media had performed exactly as we’d expected, capturing and removing chlorine to undetectable levels.  Plumbing-Related Contaminants Several plumbing-related contaminants, or those that could be coming from our pipes or affecting our plumbing and appliances, were also detected in our water. These were copper, zinc, nickel, and sulfate.  Post-filtration, the SoftPro Chlorine+ Filter had reduced 97% copper, and 100% zinc and nickel.  Our water’s sulfate concentrations actually increased from 7.5 PPM to 23.6 PPM, which was an unexpected outcome. We don’t suspect an issue with the SoftPro system here - it’s more likely that the sulfate concentrations in our water fluctuated.  Performance Certifications Score: 6.00 We have evidence from our own personal testing showing that the SoftPro system does a great job of reducing chlorine, fluoride, a certain PFAS, a couple of disinfection byproducts, and several metals, under our own specific testing conditions and water parameters.  But what about the dozens of other contaminants that our water doesn’t contain? Unfortunately, we can only test a filter’s ability to reduce the impurities in our own water. That’s why a system’s contaminant reduction score is also influenced by whether or not it has any performance certifications.  The bad news is that the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride filter isn’t currently certified to reduce any contaminants, so it got the poorer score from us here.  We know that the road to obtaining certifications is long and costly, but we think they’re especially important for expensive, whole-home systems like the SoftPro model and provide extra reassurance to folks who might be hesitant to part with their money.  We still wanted to compare the contaminants that the Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter reduced in our testing with the contaminants it’s claimed to reduce.  The system was excellent at reducing or removing chlorine, tastes, and odors from our water, as well as zinc, aluminum, nickel, and strontium. SoftPro claims to reduce all of these contaminants, so our own results were in line with SoftPro’s performance info. As for fluoride, this is a contaminant that SoftPro’s bone char carbon filter can remove, and was a big selling point of the system for us. The fact that the Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter also reduced MeFBSA was a bonus because this isn’t a contaminant that SoftPro claims it can address. The system didn’t reduce barium in our water, so in our testing, SoftPro’s claims to “remove 99%” of heavy metals weren’t true.  We were also unable to evaluate the Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter’s ability to reduce the other contaminants listed on the product page - chloramine, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, herbicides, VOCs, iron, and hydrogen sulfide - because these weren’t present in our water.  🚦Filtration Rate Score: 10.00 Sustaining your home’s water pressure is particularly important when installing a point-of-entry system, since a PSI drop could affect the performance of your appliances and fixtures. That means finding a water filtration system with a flow rate that’s adequate for your household water usage.  When we reviewed it, the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter was available in just one size, with a maximum flow rate of 14 GPM (it’s designed to operate on pressures of 30 -125 PSI). That’s a really decent flow rate that should suit homes with up to 6 bathrooms. We were pleased to see that the base model has this maximum flow rate because competitors’ base models have slower flow rates - for instance, the SpringWell CF1 has a flow rate of 9 GPM but costs the same price. Post-installation, our flow rate and water pressure remained the same, so the Chlorine+ system got the top score from us in this category.  📐 Design Score: 8.40 Design-wise, the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter is our preferred configuration. We’d rather make a bigger upfront investment in a tank-based system that doesn’t have the same long-term maintenance requirements as a cartridge-based system.  The system has only a few main components and is intended for a POE installation, upstream of your hot water heater. It gets shipped in a box that contains:  - The control valve - The tank - The parts box, containing smaller components for the installation process - The owner’s manual We noted that the system felt sturdy and durable, but it didn’t get the top score from us in this category because it isn’t certified for materials safety.  Component Quality Score: 10.00 We awarded the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter the highest score for component quality because it looks and feels solid and resistant to years of use.  The tank also has a neoprene jacket guard to protect against corrosion and humidity.  However, some of the fittings and fixtures use plastic components, which may not be as durable as copper or brass alternatives.  Certification Score: 6.00 Our own experience with the SoftPro system’s design was positive, but it would have been further sweetened with an official design certification for materials safety.  Unfortunately, this isn’t something that the system currently has, so it got the lower score from us here.  Filter Materials & Media The SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter contains high-grade catalytic carbon filtration media and a bone char carbon filter.  Catalytic carbon is an upgraded version of activated carbon that’s capable of reducing additional contaminants, including chloramine and hydrogen sulfide.  Bone char carbon has its own unique performance benefits, including the ability to remove fluoride, which is what sold the system to us.  Like activated carbon, both these carbon media are derived from natural materials and are considered safe to use for water filtration purposes.  Unlike some of its competitors, the SoftPro system doesn’t use a sediment pre-filter, so you might need to install one if your water contains sediment. (This is more common for groundwater well supplies).  Upflow Filtration Something unique to note about the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride system is that it has an upflow design.  That means the filter media is turned upwards from the bottom, so water can circulate through the tank better. The purpose of this is to improve the contact time between the water and the carbon media, improving efficiency and allowing for more thorough water filtration.  As far as we could tell, this upflow design didn’t have any negative effects and didn’t reduce flow rate.  ⚙️ Setup Score: 7.00 We awarded the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter’s setup score based on the time required for the installation, and its difficulty level.  It got a lower score here because it needs to be installed at your POE, which is a more complicated process.  The SoftPro Chlorine+ installation manual is helpful and detailed, covering all the information you might to know about the install process and answering a lot fo questions.  The manual states that a professional installation is recommended. We gave the system to a friend with a lot of professional DIY experience, and he was able to install the system himself. If we were installing the system in our own home, we would have hired a plumber as we’re not handy and we wouldn’t want to risk getting something wrong and damaging our plumbing supply. We also wanted to ensure that we complied with our local plumbing codes. The installation process took just under 2 hours.  While most of the parts for installation were provided, our friend reported that he needed his own tools, including two adjustable wrenches, a copper pipe cutter, a copper pipe measuring tool, an abrasive scotch-brite pad to smooth the cut pipe, and plumber’s tape. The home's plumbing was copper, so he installed the system with copper pipe. He did have to buy a few parts that weren’t included with the unit, including copper pipe, elbow connectors, shark bite connectors, and grounding wire - this last component is essential and prevents dangerous shocks in the event of a short circuit.  Note: You may need two people to carry the unit to the install location due to the weight of the box.  🔧 Maintenance Score: 9.75 One of the reasons why we were interested in the SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter is its lack of maintenance.  It got a great score in this category because it costs virtually nothing to operate and requires only one maintenance task.  Servicing Requirements 9.50 This SoftPro model doesn’t have a sediment filter, and the media in the tank is designed to last up to 1 million gallons or 6-10 years*, so its servicing requirements were essentially non-existent.  We haven’t had to replace the carbon media yet, but we’ve checked the instructions in the user manual and the process seems DIY-friendly, if not a bit fiddly. You may need to enlist in a strong family member or friend to help you empty the old media out of the tank.  *If you’re wondering why the estimated media lifespan varies, it’s because it’s affected by your water quality and usage. The quicker you reach the 1-million-gallon capacity, the sooner the media will need to be replaced. Additionally, if your water’s TDS is high, the media will get clogged at a faster rate, shortening its lifespan.  Costs Score: 10.00 The SoftPro Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter is very affordable to maintain, largely owing to its lack of any filter cartridges.  We calculated the system’s ongoing cost as $0.0016/ gallon, based on the system cost divided by the number of gallons that the media is expected to last.  If you prefer to invest slightly more upfront in a system that costs pennies to run in the long term, this SoftPro model should tick your boxes.  🏢 Company Score: 8.65 Finally, we wanted to assess SoftPro as a company, comparing its warranty, returns, and shipping offerings to its competitors.  SoftPro got a good score here, and its warranty impressed us the most. But once we read the terms for the returns policy, we were less impressed - and that affected its overall score in this category. Warranty  Score: 10.00 SoftPro warrants its systems’ control valves with a limited lifetime warranty (this excludes wear parts such as the piston, spacers, seals, and injectors as applicable).  The tanks also have a lifetime warranty, but the media doesn’t have a warranty of any length.  You can view SoftPro’s warranty terms here.  Shipping  Score: 9.00 All SoftPro orders of $75.00 and over receive free shipping in the USA, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. SoftPro didn’t get the best score here because it requires a minimum spend for free shipping, but given the price of the system, you’ll get free shipping with your initial order anyway.  Returns Score: 6.50 SoftPro does offer a returns policy, which is good. You can try the Chlorine+ & Fluoride Filter for 6 months, and if you choose to return it within this time, you’ll get a refund.  But there are a few stipulations - your refunded total will be minus the original shipping cost and a 25% restocking fee. That means you can’t actually try the system risk-free as you’ll lose at least a quarter of your initial investment if you choose to return it.  This guarantee also excludes special orders, commercial systems, media, consumables, and test kits. Found this review helpful? Comment below or share this article! Read the full article

[spacenutspod]

In the quest to understand how and where life might arise in the galaxy, astronomers search for its building blocks. Complex Organic Molecules (COMs) are some of those blocks, and they include things like formaldehyde and acetic acid, among many others. The JWST has found some of these COMs around young protostars. What does this tell astronomers? While the molecules in question are complex and organic, they’re nowhere near as large as terrestrial COMs. For that reason, scientists sometimes call them iCOMs, where i stands for interstellar. iCOMS include simple alcohols, esters, nitriles, and ethers. To be a COM, a molecule must have at least six atoms, one of which must be carbon. Astronomers have found iCOMs inside star-forming regions, in clumps called hot cores or hot corinos. These cores and corinos give rise to massive and smaller protostars, respectively. As these protostars form, they also form protoplanetary disks. So, if astronomers can detect iCOMs in these protostars, then they can reasonably expect that they’ll be present in the protoplanetary disk on any rocky planets that might form. That means that there’s a plausible pathway from complex organic molecules around protostars to rocky planets and the potential for life. Astronomers have found some iCOMS before using radiotelescopes like ALMA and the VLA to see through the surrounding dust. This image is from 2020 research into hot corinos. Radio telescope observations revealed COMs in the hot corino around a pair of young, still-forming protostars. Image Credit: Bill Saxton, NRAO/AUI/NSF In new research, a team of astronomers examined a pair of young protostars and searched for COMs using the JWST. Their observations are part of the JOYS+ (JWST Observations of Young protoStars) observing program that examined 30 young stars. The observations were obtained with the JWST’s MIRI and MRS instruments. The researchers examined one high-mass protostar and one low-mass protostar from the 30-star sample. They’re called NGC 1333 IRAS 2A and IRAS 23385+6053, respectively. NGC 1333 is a star-forming region in the Perseus Molecular Cloud about 960 light-years away. NGC 1333 is an extremely active star-forming region. This Hubble image shows how dust obscures most of the star formation. Radio telescopes have found iCOMs around young protostars in this region, and now the JWST has found even more of them. Image Credit: NASA/ESA/STScI Astronomers have detected COMS in the gas phase around protostars before, but only smaller ones no larger than CH3OH (methanol.) They expect that these gaseous COMs come from solid phase COMs formed on ice grains, but those are tough to detect. But like a host of other issues in astronomy and astrophysics, the JWST allows scientists to dig deeper. Its range and sensitivity allow it to detect more icy grain COMs that include oxygen. Oxygen’s significance in the chemistry of life can’t be overstated: there’s no water without it. This figure from the research shows the presence of different chemical ices in the protostar IRAS 2A (above) and IRAS 23385 (below.) Note that the recurrence percentage on the y-axis is a measure of how the data fits. It doesn’t mean, for example, that there is 100% of any single molecule present in the protostar. Image Credit: Rocha et al. 2023. The molecular ingredients for life spend a significant amount of time as ices. They become more complex over time through chemical processes depending on their environments. Leiden University maintains an ice database containing infrared spectra for a massive number of astrophysical ice analogs at different temperatures and chemical environments. It was built partly in anticipation of the launch of the JWST and its powerful infrared capabilities. The JWST’s Ice Age early-release science program is aimed at tracing the building blocks of life as they form and evolve around young stars and protoplanetary disks. Though these findings are from the JOYS+ program, all of these efforts are intertwined. Through all these efforts, scientists hope to one day have a well-defined understanding of how COMs form and evolve, and how they feed into the appearance of life. “They <COMs> are intrinsically important to comprehend the chemical complexity developed in star-forming regions since these materials are the feedstock for future exoplanetary systems,” the researchers write in their paper. “Once available in primitive planetary systems, this material can potentially promote the habitability of planets.” This new research will appear in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics. The paper is “JWST Observations of Young protoStars (JOYS+): Detection of icy complex organic molecules and ions. I. CH4, SO2, HCOO?, OCN?, H2CO, HCOOH, CH3CH2OH, CH3CHO, CH3OCHO, CH3COOH.” The lead author is W.R.M. Rocha from the Leiden Observatory in the Netherlands. The post Webb Finds Icy Complex Organic Molecules Around Protostars: Ethanol, Methane, Formaldehyde, Formic Acid and Much More appeared first on Universe Today.

[antimonyantigone]

Gonna...butt in and I’m sorry if that’s rude! I give talks about this issue every once in a while to students to just broadly inform them and I am here to say that we have a database of most PhD stipends in the U.S. available here:  http://www.phdstipends.com (click “Skip to Data”)

My PhD is in chemistry and I was NSF funded for 3 years of it, so I was able to live with no other job. It’s also important to note that some stipend contracts will either forbid a job or forbid a job that takes over 10 hours/week. If this is the case, you have to make the risk assessment yourself. 

The links good though. The data is mostly self-report, but you can kind of get a good spread. 

Do you recommend having a job in graduate school? Also, is it going ok for you? Thanks!

Hi!! I mean, unless you have enough funding to live on comfortably, which is pretty unusual, I would recommend having a job! The freedom to like, go to lunch with somebody that comes from having income is nice. A lot of grad programs expect many of their students to be working, so that's something you can look at when you pick a program! It's not like working full-time while in undergrad.

Is anything going okay for me? School is yes and having a job and doing school was going well last semester, although I didn't have a full load of classes at the time. I'm just a mess for me reasons right now.

Good luck anon!

[monstercollection]

As an alternative to AI art, may I suggest the joys of raiding the public domain and Creative Commons licensed works?

Obviously, if you can actually afford to commission artwork or purchase from an artist, please support them. BUT there are also so many places you can go to get copyright-free art without supporting something that is deeply damaging to artists.

89,000,000 public domain and Creative Commons images, video and audio recordings.

Any images taken or created by the US government are automatically in the public domain. And yeah, that includes NASA and images from the James Web Telescope.

While the majority of Picryl’s archives are free, you can shell out a little money ($7 a month) to get access to higher resolution images and images that have been digitally enhanced. This might be useful if you plan on making prints or selling things like t-shirts with artwork from the site (which is perfectly legal btw).

On top of the their collection of artwork scientific and historic images, the Smithsonian is also creating a database of 3D scans of their collection, in case anyone wants to print a model of Amelia Earhart’s plane or a whole dinosaur.

Library of Congress, as a US Gov organization, has also made their collections available for use by the public.

Most people associate Project Gutenberg with ebooks but many of those books have beautiful illustrations. They’re not always the highest definition but they have a little of everything. My favorites are the books that contain botanical and wildlife drawings. There are also some very lovely children’s books.

I’ve made several book covers for self-published projects from public domain art. As a small creator who just can’t afford to commission art right now (much as I wish I could), these archives are vital. And you can literally do anything you want with them and in most cases use them commercially. There might be a few that require you to double check the copyright laws in your country but by and large you’re free to do what you want!