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Institute of Science and Technology Austria


Unifying the theories of neural information encoding

Researchers at IST Austria and Paris create framework connecting three neural information encoding theories, providing concrete predictions for previously unstudied coding regimes. The unified theory allows neurons to have mixed coding objectives, covering a range of constraints and phenomena not explained by existing models.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2017

Making waves

Researchers at IST Austria and Nvidia introduce a novel representation of waves that improves visual detail and user control while reducing computing cost. The method allows for more versatile and physically plausible simulations with minimal extra work.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 3, 2017

Equipping form with function

Researchers at IST Austria developed an interactive design tool that allows users to easily adjust a mechanical template to fit their desired shape. This tool guarantees functionality while enabling artists to make aesthetic adjustments, making it possible for novice users to create functional models with ease.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJun 23, 2017

Same but different

A study published in Science reveals how bacteria can exhibit different behaviors despite having the same genes. Researchers found that protein complexes play a crucial role in this phenomenon, and biased partitioning of these complexes can lead to the emergence of extreme phenotypes.

When green means stop

Researchers at IST Austria create a novel optogenetic receptor that responds to green light, allowing for the rapid control of cellular behavior in defined spaces. The new tool enables scientists to study cellular signaling pathways and their role in human disorders without constant exposure to light.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 22, 2017

New system for forming memories

A study published in Science found that the entorhinal cortex replays memories of movement independently of the hippocampus, challenging the long-held view of the hippocampus as the primary memory region. The medial entorhinal cortex acts like a navigational system, providing cues for location and movement to the hippocampus.

Long-term response to selection predictable regardless of genetic architecture

Research resolves debate on gene interactions and adaptation by showing that the long-term response can be predicted in two scenarios: when genetic drift or selection dominate. Epistasis affects long-term response only if it changes sign during adaptation, regardless of initial trait variance components.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2016

Gambling our way against climate change

Researchers used an experimental game to study how government representatives make decisions in social dilemmas. The results show that selfish representatives who contribute less than their fair share can still be re-elected and lead their countries to reach the target sum, while others contribute more. This study highlights the comple...

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2016

What computers won't tell you about ecological and evolutionary dynamics

Researchers applied complexity theory from computer science to study ecological and evolutionary dynamics, revealing unexpected connections between the two fields. They found that certain fundamental questions in ecology and evolution can be precisely characterized by specific classes of complexity theory.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2015