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A new theory about political polarization

A new model of opinion formation shows how people's emotional connections with others influence their political views, leading to increased polarization. The Weighted Balance Theory identifies hyperpolarization as a vicious circle where intense emotions and opinions replace moderate positions.

Decide now or wait for something better?

Researchers developed a mathematical model to describe human behavior in various scenarios, helping to understand decision-making. The study found that people tend to use a linear threshold model, increasing the price they're willing to pay over time.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2020

Clever computing puts millions into charities' hands

A new model called Swiftaid has been developed to automate the process of claiming Gift Aid on donations, allowing charities to claim up to £2.50 for every £10 donated. This system uses formal methods to improve design and security, streamlining the process and unlocking millions in extra funding.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalFormal Aspects of Computing·DateJun 1, 2020

A new way to accurately estimate COVID-19 death toll

A Rutgers engineer has developed a mathematical model that accurately estimates the COVID-19 death toll in the United States, predicting approximately 68,120 cumulative deaths by late June 2020. The model shows high confidence in its predictions, with reported death totals closely matching its estimates.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMathematics·DateApr 30, 2020

What protects minority languages from extinction?

Researchers have identified two scenarios in which minority languages can survive: linguistic diversity and mixed speaker populations. By applying mathematical modeling, the authors propose a new framework for understanding language coexistence, shedding light on the complexities of minority language preservation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 22, 2020

New model finds countries should work together to control coronavirus, harmful species

A new model developed by Arizona State University researcher Adam Lampert suggests that countries should work together to control the spread of harmful species, including diseases like COVID-19. The model indicates that in some cases, a clear division of labor may be necessary, while in others collaboration is more effective.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2020

Mathematical modeling draws more accurate picture of coronavirus cases

A mathematical model produced more realistic estimates of COVID-19 cases by incorporating population density, age distribution, and transmission probability. The model suggested significant underreporting in various countries, including Italy, South Korea, and Spain, highlighting the need for improved testing and data reporting.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateApr 13, 2020

How to break new records in the 200 metres?

Researchers Amandine Aftalion and Emmanuel Trélat found that shorter straights and larger radii can improve running performance. Their mathematical model predicts that these track designs could potentially break long-standing records, with improvements of up to 4 hundredth of a second.

SourceCNRS·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 25, 2020

Big investment needed to eliminate Hep C in Pakistan could deliver huge health benefits

A study estimates that Pakistan needs a significant investment of $3.9 billion to achieve the World Health Organization's target for eliminating Hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030. This would involve screening or re-screening 36 million people annually and treating 660,000 each year, with regular follow-ups to identify new infections.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateFeb 19, 2020

The most human algorithm

A team from Universitat Rovira i Virgili developed an algorithm that makes accurate predictions and generates interpretable models. This allows for a better understanding of the data, reducing biases in original data and providing valuable information for scientists.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 31, 2020

New mathematical model for amyloid formation

Scientists develop a mathematical model that describes the chemical reactions responsible for amyloid fibril formation, revealing catalytic sites at interfaces and implications for laboratory data interpretation. The model has a simpler mathematical form than previous models, making it more accessible for future studies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 28, 2020

Studying the geometry of a common skin disease

Hives affect 1 in 5 people, and researchers used a mathematical model to recreate the patterns of hives. The study suggests that certain mechanisms may inhibit histamine release, adding complexity to the disease. The findings will help create a more detailed picture of how the skin disease develops.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 28, 2020

Decoding mathematical mystery of interlocking shells

Researchers have created a mathematical model that explains how the interlocking edges of oyster shells develop physically, revealing a complex interplay between geometry and mechanical forces. The study suggests that a toothed or wavy edge occurs when the mantle grows faster than the shell edge, causing it to buckle.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

UT mathematician develops model to control spread of aquatic invasive species

A mathematical model has been developed to predict how invasive species spread in rivers and how to control their movement using optimal water flow rates. The study, published in Mathematics, uses a partial differential equation model to illustrate how adjusting the water flow rate can prevent invasive populations from expanding upstream.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalMathematics·DateNov 21, 2019

Mathematical modelling vital to tackling disease outbreaks

A new study by researchers at the University of Waterloo highlights the importance of mathematical modelling in tackling disease outbreaks. The study concludes that combining data from multiple medical and public health sources can provide more informative insights for public health planners, enabling effective intervention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 17, 2019

Quantum momentum

Researchers developed a new quantum-mechanical model to measure momentum of particles using a classical concept: time-of-flight. They achieved precise calculations by estimating probabilistic positions and distances between pointers coupled to moving wave packets.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateAug 7, 2019

Mathematical model explores daily rhythms in pain sensitivity

A computational model simulates how pain is transmitted from a nerve to the spinal cord's dorsal horn, reproducing experimental results on pain sensitivity. The model suggests a potential mechanism for neuropathic pain's flipped sensitivity rhythm: a change from inhibition to excitation in synaptic connections between nerve cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 11, 2019

Mathematical modeling for translational research of new CRSD medication

A mathematical modeling study reveals that photosensitivity and PER2 level affect the efficacy of a clock-modulating drug, enabling precision medicine for circadian disruption. The researchers identified adaptive chronotherapeutics to identify precise dosing regimens that can restore normal circadian phase under different conditions.

Mathematics of plant leaves

A new mathematical model, EDC2, explains the peculiar 'orixate' leaf arrangement pattern of a Japanese plant, suggesting that older leaves have stronger inhibitory signals. The findings support the accuracy of the formula and shed light on the genetic and cellular machinery behind plant development.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 6, 2019

A 'virtual' view with a little bit of math

Researchers developed a mathematical model to standardize the results of a ballistocardiogram, allowing for tracking of health changes and potential early detection of cardiovascular diseases. The model can capture information on elasticity of arteries, contractility of heart ventricles, and viscoelasticity of blood vessels.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 17, 2019

Study: Landlord disclosure of bedbugs cuts infestations, creates long-term savings

A new study by Iowa State University researchers suggests that requiring landlords to disclose recent bedbug infestations can lead to a reduction in infestations and lower costs for both landlords and tenants. This policy can create long-term savings for landlords and make life better for people affected by these pests.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

How ion adsorption affects biological membranes' functions

A new mathematical model describes how ion adsorption affects biological membranes' electrical properties at different pH levels. The model reveals that calcium ions have a greater ability to adsorb than barium ions, with hydroxide-containing ions being more readily absorbed.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJan 28, 2019

3D human epidermal equivalent created using math

Researchers have successfully constructed a three-dimensional human epidermis based on predictions made by their mathematical model of epidermal homeostasis. The epidermal equivalent exhibits excellent barrier functionality and thickness, providing a promising new tool for basic research and drug development.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 24, 2019