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Complexity Science Hub


The bone fractures that often go unlinked to osteoporosis

A new nationwide Austrian study found that bone fractures are often part of a complex pattern of multiple conditions, underscoring the need for consistent osteoporosis screening at the time of a fracture. Osteoporosis is not systematically documented for many fracture types, highlighting a diagnostic gap, especially in men.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalBone·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2026

Only 38% of the world's population expected to live in large cities by 2100, study challenges current forecasts

A new study estimates that by 2100, only 38% of the world's population will live in large cities, with 450 million fewer people projected to reside in cities over a century than current trends suggest. Urban growth slows as countries urbanize, with smaller cities growing faster than larger ones initially.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2026

Seeing global trade through the lens of physics

Economic complexity methods analyze global networks to generate rankings according to complexity. A new study resolves the uncertainty surrounding these calculations, showing that they lead to a single stable result, with implications for policy-making and analysis of complex networks

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2026

Can Europe be climate-neutral by 2050? New monitor tracks the pace of the energy transition

A new monitor tracks the energy transition in Hungary, finding that roughly half of companies increased their share of low-carbon electricity, while others continued to rely on fossil fuels. The study suggests that size, revenue spent on fossil fuels, and initial investments influence a company's willingness to switch to electrification.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2026

AI is already writing almost one-third of new software code

A new study reveals that around one-third of all newly written software functions in the United States are already being created with AI support, with productivity gains mainly driven by experienced developers. The study found wide regional gaps, with the US leading at 29% AI-assisted code, while China and Russia lag behind.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2026

Urban sprawl could deny 220 million people access to clean water by 2050

A study analyzing over 100 cities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America found that compact urban planning is crucial for delivering water and sanitation to growing populations. The research suggests that if cities spread outward rather than building more densely, access to clean water and basic sanitation could be significantly impacted.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Cities·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 2, 2025

Crypto hacks: Price drops often outweigh direct losses

A new study by the Complexity Science Hub reveals that crypto hacks can have a significant impact on market prices, with investors bearing the brunt of the losses. The study found that in 12 cases, affected tokens experienced subsequent price crashes, resulting in $1.3 billion indirect losses.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalThe Journal of Finance and Data Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2025

People in isolated cities in Africa suffer more violence against civilians

A new study by Complexity Science Hub researcher Rafael Prieto-Curiel challenges the assumption that larger cities are more violent. The study shows that isolated cities, with limited highway connections, experience nearly seven times more violence against civilians per 100,000 residents than well-connected cities.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 19, 2025

Metros cut car use in European cities, but trams fall short

A new study from the Complexity Science Hub found that European cities with a metro system have a significant reduction in car use, with an average of 37% of car trips compared to 50% in cities with only trams and 54% without rail. In contrast, tram cities show no measurable impact on reducing car use.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Cities·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2025

Double disadvantage hurts more than twice as much

A new study from the Complexity Science Hub finds that belonging to more than one marginalized group can significantly harder forming social connections. The researchers developed a mathematical model and tested it using friendship data from around 40,000 U.S. high school students, revealing how overlapping disadvantages can interact.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 5, 2025

Why some U.S. cities thrive while others decline: New study uncovers law of economic coherence of cities

A new study reveals that US cities maintain a constant level of economic coherence despite technological revolutions, with larger cities being less coherent. Coherence combines variety, workforce balance, and industry diversity, constraining transformations and diversification.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 23, 2025

Hospital stays among migrants in Austria much lower than among Austrians

A study by researchers at the Complexity Science Hub found that hospital stays among migrants in Austria are significantly lower than those of native Austrians. However, readmission rates among migrants were higher, indicating potential access barriers or delayed healthcare utilization. The study's findings suggest that the 'Healthy Mi...

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalJournal of Migration and Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2025

Scientists find a 'speed limit' for innovation

A new study from the Complexity Science Hub reveals that innovation can only endure over time if it is balanced with exnovation - the loss or forgetting of older possibilities. The researchers found an interesting trade-off between innovation speed and system stability.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2025

Opinions within inner circles influence perception of social division

A new study published in PNAS Nexus explores how opinions within inner circles influence the perception of social division. The researchers found that consensus within one's circle can exaggerate perceptions of polarization, and that subjective lenses change over time, influencing how individuals perceive societal polarization.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 8, 2025

Do emotions make us more susceptible to misinformation? Not per se, according to a new study

A new study from the Complexity Science Hub reveals that pre-existing emotions do not significantly impair our ability to distinguish between real and false news. Emotions triggered by news content play a pivotal role, eliciting more anger and less joy in response to false news headlines.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2025

NewsGuard: Study finds no bias against conservative news outlets

A recent study evaluating NewsGuard's media reliability rating service found no evidence of bias against conservative news outlets. The analysis of over 11,000 sources in nine countries revealed stable trustworthiness scores since 2022, with the US receiving lower ratings due to hyper-partisan sources lacking editorial practices.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalJournal of Quantitative Description Digital Media·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 29, 2025

Grating the cheese of networks: New tool finds critical points in everything from cybersecurity to ecological conservation

Researchers introduce 'fitness centrality,' a faster method to identify crucial elements in any network, with practical applications in supply chains, ecological conservation, and cybersecurity. The approach streamlines analysis, making it practical for vast networks.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalJournal of Physics Complexity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 28, 2025

Russian gas: What Austria and Europe have learned from their dependence

A study by the Complexity Science Hub shows that coordinated responses, including gas storage and alternative supply routes, can reduce potential economic impact. Austria's well-filled storage facilities and alternative supply routes have helped compensate for Gazprom's current gas supply freeze.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 11, 2024

6,300 Austrian jobs are dependent on VW

Researchers from CSH and ASCII investigate Austrian companies linked to VW, finding 6,300 jobs dependent on the German carmaker. The study highlights the impact of VW's crisis on component suppliers and machine manufacturers, with long-term losses expected.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2024

Refugees face high housing instability

Researchers from the Complexity Science Hub found that refugees in Austria experience significantly greater housing instability, with an average of 3.8 moves within a year. This can lead to challenges such as financial strain, limited access to education and healthcare, and unstable relationships within neighborhoods.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalGenus·TypeCase study·DateNov 18, 2024

Experts urge complex systems approach to assess A.I. risks

The study emphasizes the need for a coherent approach to understanding A.I. threats, recognizing the intricate interplay between technology and society. Experts propose involving laypeople and experts in risk assessment processes, as well as promoting social resilience to ensure better decision-making.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeCase study·DateNov 12, 2024

Firms that read more perform better

A new study by the Complexity Science Hub finds that firms with higher levels of information consumption outperform their peers financially and are more innovative. The research reveals an 'economy of scale' in news consumption, where larger firms read a greater number of unique pieces of news.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 5, 2024

Why elephants never forget but fleas have, well, the attention span of a flea

Researchers develop model to calculate ideal learning rate based on environmental change and life cycle. The optimal pace of learning increases in the same way regardless of environmental changes, suggesting a generalizable phenomenon underlying learning in various ecosystems.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 31, 2024

Workforce diversity is key to advancing One Health

A new article by Amélie Desvars-Larrive and Fariba Karimi emphasizes the need for diverse workforces in One Health to foster creativity, reduce groupthink, and improve scientific research. This diversity fosters a stronger One Health approach by bringing different perspectives and methods to tackle complex global health challenges.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 11, 2024

What role did fear play in Europe's population growth?

A recent study suggests that fear of conflict significantly impacted the development of prehistoric European societies, leading to population declines and concentrations in safer locations. The researchers' computational model matches archaeological evidence, providing context for future refinements to modeling.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 28, 2024

Spread the love (online): study reveals in-party positivity drives online engagement more than out-party hostility

A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that emphasizing positive messages within a party is more effective for political communication on social media, fostering a cohesive and supportive online community. This approach counters the negative effect of out-party hostility, promoting engagement and constructive dialogue.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2024

The long-lasting impact of war on global diabetes prevalence

A new study by the Complexity Science Hub estimates that the ongoing war in Ukraine could lead to up to 180,000 additional cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide due to supply chain disruptions and food shortages. Malnutrition during early pregnancy is also linked to increased risk of developing diabetes later in life.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2024

Study unveils complexity of zoonotic transmission chains

Researchers identified six distinct communities of zoonotic agent sharing in Austria, influenced by highly connected infectious agents, proximity to humans, and human activities. The study highlights the importance of a holistic approach to understanding and managing zoonoses, emphasizing the role of food and water in transmission.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024