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Time lag between intervention and actual CO2 decrease could still lead to climate tipping point

A simplified mathematical model found a 'lag time' between human intervention and an actual decrease in CO2 levels, which could still lead to climate tipping points. The researchers used a system of stochastic delay differential equations to analyze various emission reduction and carbon capture strategies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2021

Significant energy savings when electric distribution vehicles take their best route

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed an algorithm that learns optimal energy usage for electric delivery-vehicles. By focusing on overall energy usage instead of just distance travelled, the vehicles can reduce their energy consumption by up to 20% and minimize battery usage.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Part E Logistics and Transportation Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 13, 2021

New PET imaging-based tool detects liver inflammation from fatty liver disease

A team of researchers at UC Davis Health has developed a novel PET imaging-based tool to detect liver inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The tool uses dynamic PET imaging and mathematical modeling to measure glucose transport from blood to liver tissue, allowing clinicians to quantify liver inflammation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateNov 30, 2021

Fundamental particles modelled in beam of light

Researchers have successfully created an experimental model of a skyrmion particle in a beam of light, providing a real system to demonstrate the behavior of this elusive type of fundamental particle. The study reveals the intricate structure and topological properties of skyrmions, which can be distorted but not broken.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Delta-like SARS-CoV-2 variants are most likely to increase pandemic severity

A mathematical model suggests that SARS-CoV-2 Delta-like variants, which combine enhanced transmissibility and partial immune escape, will cause more severe pandemics than variants with either trait alone. Vaccination is predicted to be highly beneficial in these cases, preventing more infections and breakthroughs.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 19, 2021

After comparing 17.5 million strategies, researchers validate CDC’s vaccine rollout recommendation

Iowa State University researchers validated the CDC's COVID-19 vaccine rollout strategy, which prioritized frontline essential workers, older age groups, and individuals with underlying health factors. The model showed that this approach was highly effective in curbing mortality while keeping case numbers at bay.

SourceIowa State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2021

Nitrogen calculators not created equal, according to Illinois study

A new Illinois study compares performance of static and dynamic nitrogen recommendation tools, finding that complex dynamic tools do not consistently increase profits but offer a 15% reduction in nitrogen leaching. The researchers highlight the need to refine these tools and prioritize environmental outcomes over economic gains.

Model predicts early response to cancer immunotherapy

Researchers developed a mathematical model that can predict the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatment for individual patients based on standard clinical measures. The model showed high sensitivity in predicting treatment response within two months, with minimal false-negative results.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateNov 9, 2021

Calculating a dangerous heartbeat

A team of researchers from Flinders University has developed a single mathematical equation that can accurately model and predict the behavior of ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening heart rhythm. The equation uses principles from renewal theory to predict the population dynamics of 'rotors' found in the heart during VF.

SourceFlinders University·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2021

Multi-algorithm approach helps deliver personalized medicine for cancer patients

A team of researchers has developed an ensemble-based machine learning model that can predict how cancer patients will respond to certain drugs with high accuracy. The model was trained on data from 499 independent cell lines and validated against a clinical dataset containing seven chemotherapeutic drugs.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Oncology Research·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021

Rise of the war machines: Identifying key drivers of the evolution of military technology in pre-industrial societies

A new analysis spanning 10,000 years of history and ten major world regions found that world population size, major technological advances, and geographical connectivity are key drivers of military technology evolution. The study's methodology employed a resource called Seshat: Global History Databank to empirically test prior hypotheses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 20, 2021

New model points to solution to global blood shortage

A new mathematical model suggests that patients with anemia can be effectively treated with transfusions of blood substitutes, which are more readily available than real blood. This approach could reduce the negative effects of blood transfusion and lower costs.

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2021

Researchers find novel means of flagging inpatient pharmacy orders for intervention

A team of researchers has developed a novel machine learning model that can identify medication orders requiring pharmacy intervention using provider behavior and contextual features. This approach reduces the risk of exposing sensitive patient data, while alleviating the workload of pharmacists and increasing patient safety.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJAMIA Open·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Snakes diversified explosively after the dinosaurs were wiped out

A study found that snakes rapidly diversified their diets following the K-Pg mass extinction event, incorporating birds, fish, and small mammals into their diet. This diversification was triggered by ecological opportunities presented by the extinction, with some lineages experiencing further bursts of adaptive evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 14, 2021

Toward accurate modeling of power MOSFET electrical characteristics

A team of scientists at NAIST successfully used automatic differentiation to accelerate calculations of model parameter extraction, reducing computation time by 3.5 times compared to conventional methods. This breakthrough enables the design of more efficient power converters with increased performance and reduced energy consumption.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·DateOct 12, 2021

Study suggests R rate for tracking pandemic should be dropped in favour of ‘nowcasts’

A new study by University of Cambridge researchers proposes abandoning the R rate for tracking pandemics in favor of nowcasts, which forecast daily new cases and deaths based on growth rates. The Harvey-Kattuman model has already proved accurate and effective in predicting COVID-19 waves and spikes worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2021

Mathematical constructions of COVID virus activity could provide new insight for vaccines, treatment

Researchers developed a mathematical model to study the action of SARS-CoV-2, enabling the examination of individual virus particles and their spikes. This analysis can help fine-tune prevention and treatment by providing insights into viral load, spike distribution, and cell infection potential.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications·DateSep 23, 2021

Contact-tracing apps could improve vaccination strategies

Mathematical modeling suggests that contact-tracing apps can help achieve herd immunity by identifying individuals with greater exposure to others and targeting them for vaccination. The approach, known as 'hot-spotting,' could reduce the number of vaccine doses needed by up to half.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2021

Model to predict the angle of repose of sand hills developed

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the angle of repose of sand hills, which is influenced by particle size and gravity. The model was validated using simulations and has potential applications in space exploration, additive manufacturing, and planetary science.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 14, 2021

Species in polar regions hard hit by climate change

A mathematical model developed at Linköping University predicts that many species in polar regions will become extinct due to global warming, with ecosystems already showing signs of strain. The model simulates the impact of climate change on species interactions and diversity, highlighting the importance of considering ecological proc...

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 14, 2021

Meat-heavy diets restricted hunter-gatherer population sizes

A new study by the ICTA-UAB establishes that populations of hunter-gatherer groups with strong seasonal dependence on meat had fewer people per square kilometer than those relying on abundant plant foods. This result is based on a complex set of calculations showing how diet composition influenced population density.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 10, 2021

Math researchers find new ways to improve the science of ‘trade-offs’

QUT researchers developed a new mathematical model to enable faster solutions for complicated problems in agriculture, ecology and medicine. The method improves how to determine the 'best' intervention strategies, balancing benefits and side effects, and can be applied to farming practices and chemotherapy.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021

Museum collections predict species abundance in the wild

Researchers analyzed 1.4 million field observations and 73,000 museum records to find a strong correlation between species abundance in nature and their presence in museum collections. This method enables scientists to study species decline and estimate past abundances, providing insights into conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 2021

Mathematical model reveals possible role of drug-eluting stents in artery re-closure

Researchers develop novel models to investigate the impact of drug-eluting stents on arterial tissue permeability and blood flow. The study identifies key factors contributing to restenosis near stent edges, highlighting potential avenues for design improvements.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 1, 2021

Marine ecosystem models may greatly underestimate future climate change impacts

A new study found that global marine ecosystem models differ widely in their representation of key processes, leading to underestimation of climate change impacts. Marine ecosystem models generally agree on biomass decline but disagree on magnitude and location across the world's oceans through the 21st century.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalProgress In Oceanography·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 25, 2021

Researchers developing new cancer treatments with high-intensity focused ultrasound

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology is being explored for its potential to destroy cancerous tumours while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Researchers at the University of Waterloo have made significant progress in understanding how HIFU works on a cellular level, paving the way for future clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBulletin of Mathematical Biology·DateAug 24, 2021

Researchers aim to optimize disease prevention in prison populations with rapid testing

Researchers explored optimizing disease control in prisons using rapid tests, identifying the optimal strategy to minimize costs and reduce infection. The study found that switching between full and no testing depends on various parameters, including contagion rates and test sensitivity.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Control and Optimization·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2021

Mathematical model predicts best way to build muscle

A mathematical model developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge can predict the optimum exercise regime for building muscle. The model takes into account individual physiology and optimizes exercise regimes based on user input, promising to maximize athletes' potential.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2021

Beating the curse of dimensionality

A KAUST-led research team has developed a prediction scheme that can more reliably forecast future environmental trajectories by integrating information from past complete and partial data. This approach, called partial functional prediction (PFP), captures both long-term trends and well-matched partial trajectories to achieve improved...

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2021

A mobility-based approach to optimize pandemic lockdown strategies

A new approach to modeling COVID-19 spread incorporates real-time data on people's movements, showing promise for optimal lockdown policies. The study suggests a balance between controlling the pandemic and minimizing economic costs can be achieved through mathematical models and Google mobility data.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2021

A robotic fish tail and an elegant math ratio could inform the design of next- generation underwater drones

University of Virginia researchers design a simple way to implement a tunable stiffness strategy in robots, enabling efficient swimming at varying speeds. The approach, inspired by the natural adaptability of fish, uses a programmable artificial tendon to adjust tail stiffness in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021