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National Research University Higher School of Economics


Russian researchers explain origins of dangerous coronavirus variants

Researchers have identified mechanisms behind the emergence of new and contagious coronavirus variants by analyzing over three million genome sequences. The study found that concordant substitutions occurring at other sites influence the likelihood of a substitution occurring at a specific site, leading to unexpected variant emergence.

Readers found to rely on word spelling rather than sound in reading

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology found that Russian-speaking readers, including both children and adults, rely on orthographic information during parafoveal pre-processing. The participants were able to recognize words with incorrect letter order more easily than those with pseudohomophones.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateMar 21, 2023

HSE researchers examine wellbeing of Russian social media users and rank public holidays by popularity

A machine-learning model was trained on 10 million tweets to infer users' subjective wellbeing. The study found that New Year's Day is the most popular holiday, followed by Defender of the Fatherland Day and International Women's Day. The researchers also discovered gender differences in attitudes towards certain holidays.

Scientists have named regional factors that can affect the spread of COVID-19

Researchers found that regional factors such as ambient humidity, temperatures, population mobility, and household incomes significantly impact COVID-19 mortality rates. The study revealed that high humidity, low average temperatures, intensive migration, and higher incomes are associated with increased mortality.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPopulation and Economics·DateJan 23, 2023

HSE University researchers caused people to behave less rationally by suppressing activity in specific parts of the brain

Researchers at HSE University used transcranial magnetic stimulation to suppress brain activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, leading to test subjects making less rational decisions. The study provides insight into the mechanisms behind gaming addiction and offers a potential new approach to understanding risky choice.

HSE researchers identified the age-related changes in gamma-band oscillations in auditory cortex in children

Researchers used magnetoencephalography to study age-related changes in gamma-band oscillations in the auditory cortex of typically developing children. The results showed that power increased with age and cortical localization changed, indicating an age-related shift in the balance between excitation and inhibition.

Professional athletes perform better against former clubs, according to research

Research found professional athletes show better individual attacking performance in matches against their former clubs. Emotions, rather than knowledge of opponents' tactics, contribute significantly to their success. Coaches and sports managers can benefit from this understanding, while bookmakers may adjust betting odds.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateJul 20, 2022

Russian scientists teach AI to analyze emotions of participants at online events

Researchers developed a neural network algorithm that recognizes emotions and engagement from video images of faces, outperforming existing models in accuracy. The system can be integrated into video conferencing tools and online learning systems to analyze participant engagement and emotions.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalIEEE Transactions on Affective Computing·DateJul 4, 2022

Big winners: Gamers with obesity perform better in long-term eSports competitions

Researchers found that high BMI is a positive factor in eSports performance after prolonged playing time, contrary to the general expectation. Obesity has been linked to lower cognitive flexibility and decision-making abilities in adults, but the study suggests a potential counterexample in the eSports industry.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJun 26, 2022

Russian scientists create biomimetic algorithm to find epileptogenic areas of the brain

Researchers create a new method for detecting diagnostic markers of epilepsy using EEG and MEG, enabling precise localisation of epileptogenic cortical structures. The biomimetic algorithm improves the effectiveness of neurosurgical interventions for epilepsy patients with resistant treatment.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMay 12, 2022

Researchers have developed a Russian-language method for the preoperative mapping of language areas

Researchers have created a Russian-language protocol for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to map individual language areas before neurosurgical operations. The study successfully validated the protocol in a control group, showing its ability to comprehensively map brain regions and reveal lateralisation of language function.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateApr 8, 2022

HSE University researchers discover what happens on the bright side of the moon

Researchers from HSE University have developed a mathematical model that explains the levitation of charged dust particles over the sunlit lunar surface for almost any latitude. The study takes into account the Earth's magnetotail and its impact on particle movement, leading to vertical oscillation and eventual levitation.

COVID-19 pandemic brought humanity closer to the next stage of technological revolution

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated humanity's transition to a new technological stage, particularly in fields like medicine, biotech, and robotics. This shift is expected to bring about significant socio-political changes, including the development of an e-state and the increasing role of sociotechnical systems in managing society.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·DateFeb 17, 2022