Articles tagged with Mathematical Modeling
A new approach uses lessons from the 2004 election and factors in state polling data, undecided voters, and 'safe' states. The model predicts a margin of up to 282.8 electoral votes for McCain against 255.2 for Obama.
A linear mathematical model allows for estimation of minimal detectable tumor sizes, based on blood tumor biomarker assays. The model relates secreted blood biomarker levels to tumor sizes, providing a tool for cancer screening and monitoring.
The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics recognized student winners of the SIAM Award in the Mathematical Contest in Modeling, who presented their winning papers at the 2008 SIAM Annual Meeting. The contest challenges teams of undergraduate students to clarify, analyze, and propose solutions to open-ended problems.
A team of Swedish researchers characterized novel systems properties of insulin signaling in human fat cells through mathematical modeling. The study provided further insight into energy level maintenance via the hormone insulin, which is critical for preventing Type 2 diabetes. Insulin function impairment is a cardinal cause of the di...
Researchers developed a mathematical model estimating asymptomatic infections in malaria transmission. The model predicts that regions of moderate transmission can be eradicated below a threshold, making industrialized nations highly unlikely to experience re-emergence.
A new study reveals that zigzagging provides the most efficient way for humans to ascend steep slopes, with a mathematical model supporting its advantages. The research suggests that this pattern of movement emerged as a compromise between energy efficiency and the physical limitations of human physiology.
Researchers created a mathematical model of bacterial cell division in Caulobacter crescentus, confirming existing hypotheses and identifying gaps in understanding. The model demonstrates the role of computation in biology and provides a framework for testing predictions and simulating mutant bacteria.
A common model of immune responses will improve understanding by providing a shared language among scientists. The Immunology Imaging and Modelling Network's theoretical and computational model will help track parasites and cells in real-time, measuring interactions between immune system components.
Researchers at Tufts University developed mathematical models to accurately assess seasonality in six diseases, enabling more precise forecasting of outbreaks. The study found that certain diseases peak one month after the temperature peak, likely due to close person-to-person contact and different routes of transmission.
Researchers at Cornell University have created a mathematical model to describe the internal clock in living beings, which regulates sleeping and waking patterns. The study proposes that an extra protein may be necessary for the circadian cycle to extend over 24 hours.
A Virginia Tech mathematician is working on reducing the computational challenges associated with simulating large-scale dynamical systems by employing rational Krylov methods. This approach enables the creation of reduced-order models, which significantly shorten computation times while maintaining accuracy.
A new study has identified a key genetic function involved in wing formation in fruit flies, providing insight into the internal laws regulating embryo development. The research uses mathematical modeling to simulate biological systems and confirms the stability of this gene network across evolution.
A team of international scientists has described the rules that govern how plants arrange flowers into branching structures, known as 'inflorescences'. The new unifying theory provides an explanation for the diversity of inflorescences in nature, including regional variations and developmental patterns.
Research from Arizona State University highlights how global warming will drastically alter the world's fisheries, threatening human nutrition and species health. The study finds that changes in ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions will affect fish stocks and habitats, leading to potential extinction of certain species.
A mathematical model of disease cycles developed at the University of Michigan shows promise for predicting cholera outbreaks. The model used El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate variability data to improve prediction accuracy, particularly in recent decades.
The University of Nottingham has been awarded a £300,000 grant to collaborate with Indian researchers on a four-year project exploring mixture toxicity in living organisms. The project aims to develop a mathematical model predicting how organisms respond to chemical pollution.
A new computer simulation of tumor growth sets the stage for individualized cancer treatment. The model suggests that the microenvironment around tumor cells determines the tumor's ultimate cellular makeup and invasive potential.
A mathematical model developed by MIT engineers can help optimize natural gas production in Malaysia. The model takes into account the complex interactions between pipelines, facilities, and contracts to ensure a reliable supply of this valuable fuel.
New York Yankees have a better than 3 in 4 chance of advancing to the league championship according to NJIT math professor Bruce Bukiet's model. The Minnesota Twins also show a strong probability of defeating the Oakland A's with a 71% chance.
Researchers predict that climate change will reduce cyclamen's ideal climate range by over 60% within the next 50 years, putting many species at high risk of extinction. Mathematical modeling indicates that the plant may disappear from certain regions by the 2050s.
Researchers used a high-performance computer to create a simulation of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center's North Tower, revealing the destruction of nearly 25% of the building's columns. The simulation aims to improve understanding of aircraft collisions and structural damage, with potential applications in designing safer buil...
Florida State University geography Professor Mark W. Horner is developing new spatial models for disaster relief using satellite images and GIS to improve the allocation of disaster relief goods. His research aims to reduce errors in assessments and provide more accurate representations of factors such as response and travel time.
The University of Colorado at Boulder and Harvard University students won the 2006 SIAM Award for outstanding solutions to the Mathematical Contest in Modeling. Their winning team was recognized for their innovative approach to solving problems in irrigation and wheelchair access.
Dr. Michael J. Shelley received the SIAM's Julian Cole Lectureship for his work on mathematical modeling and scientific computation in fluid dynamics and other fields. His research focuses on flow-body interactions, complex fluids, and visual perception using modeling and simulation.
Researchers have developed a new model explaining how spiders 'fly' or parachute into new territory on single strands of silk. The model shows how the spider's silk moulds to turbulent air flows, carrying them unpredictable distances. This breakthrough could alleviate pesticide use and improve ecosystem balance.
Researchers developed a mathematical model of the cochlea that shows its spiral shape enhances low frequency sounds, increasing sensitivity by up to 20 decibels. This finding could lead to improved cochlear implants and better hearing outcomes.
The University of Pittsburgh has established an Immune Modeling Center to study immune responses to infectious diseases using mathematical modeling. The center will focus on understanding innate and adaptive immune responses to influenza A virus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Francisella tularensis.
A mathematical model developed by Rhode Island College mathematicians correctly predicted the Cy Young winners in both leagues, except for a relief pitcher award. The model accurately forecasted Dontrelle Willis and Johann Santana as second-place finishers in their respective leagues.
Researchers Rebecca Sparks and David Abrahamson developed a formula predicting starting pitchers' top three finishes in Cy Young voting. Their analysis found that wins carry significant weight, while ERA and strikeouts have more importance than winning percentage or losses.
A chemist has received a $500,000 MacArthur grant for their genius in developing computing models for molecular reactions. The award recognizes the individual's exceptional originality and dedication to their creative pursuits.
Researchers created a new mathematical model to predict and prevent societal collapse, shedding light on the mysterious Easter Island population crash. The model successfully mimics the island's rapid decline due to finite resource depletion, providing valuable insights for modern population management.
Caloric restriction is unlikely to lead to a dramatic increase in human lifespan, according to UCLA researcher John Phelan. By restricting calories by up to 60%, mice live longer than those with unlimited access to food, but humans will not experience the same benefits.
A new algorithm could significantly improve transplant matches for patients with end-stage kidney disease, with a national program resulting in 47.7% more transplants and better graft survival rates compared to regional programs. The study also found that highly sensitized patients would benefit six-fold from the optimized algorithm.
A Pitt researcher has developed a decision-making model to help patients weigh the risks and benefits of accepting organ transplants. The model uses mathematical techniques to provide insight into patient physiology and quality of life, helping doctors make informed decisions.
A new math model of heart cells has identified a novel calcium pathway that regulates cardiac electrical activity and is linked to arrhythmia research. The study, published in Circulation, provides a valuable tool for understanding the relationship between calcium handling and cardiac arrhythmias.
Researchers at Georgia Tech and MUSC developed a novel mathematical model that accurately predicted the behavior of a key signaling pathway in yeast. The model was tested experimentally and showed promising results, with predictions validated in all qualitative scenarios.
Dr. Hinke Osinga and Professor Bernd Krauskopf from the University of Bristol have created a crochet pattern for a chaos model, known as the Lorenz manifold, which helps understand complex systems like chemical reactions and weather patterns. The pattern consists of 25,511 stitches and took over 85 hours to complete.
Researchers develop mathematical model to predict mosquito-borne infection risk, finding that peak biting rates occur near breeding sites and highest human density. The proportion of infectious mosquitoes peaks where older populations are found, leading to surprising predictions about risk hotspots.
Researchers estimate that the most recent common ancestor of humanity lived around 3,000 years ago, sharing ancestors who domesticated horses and built ancient structures. The study used realistic computer models to simulate human history over the last 20,000 years.
Researchers from University of California, Berkeley, and other institutions will study the mechanical and neurological basis of locomotion using RHex, a short six-legged robot. The team aims to uncover the neural and muscular control and feedback loops that lead to similar patterns of movement in animals
This book presents six different models of the cardiovascular and pulmonary system, including a two-dimensional modeling of fluid dynamics in the heart. The models are introduced by case studies and can be studied individually, serving as an excellent introduction for researchers and graduate students.
Researchers challenge traditional views on volcano eruptions, finding evidence that giant eruptions are significantly less likely than previously thought. They discovered that plutons, which form beneath volcanoes, are built by small molten intrusions over millions of years.
University of Arizona mathematicians have developed models to reproduce fingerprint patterns and explain the arrangement of repeated units in plants. The research found that patterns in nature, such as those seen in fingerprints and cacti, are influenced by forces imposed during ridge formation.
A mathematical equation called the Bruun rule is being misused to predict future beach erosion due to its complexity and limited applicability. Experts argue that the rule has never been shown to provide accurate predictions, even under ideal conditions.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that extracts key elements from hundreds of videotaped conversations between couples to predict marital trouble. The model identifies a magic ratio of positive to negative interactions, below which marriages can be in trouble.
Researchers developed simple systems to analyze website user behavior, enabling accurate forecasts of future buying patterns. The study applied these models to a UK information website and an online CD retailer, demonstrating their potential for improving marketing and advertising strategies.
Researchers developed a framework to account for mutations in models assessing emerging infectious disease emergence, highlighting the potential for long transmission chains and disease adaptation. The model suggests that even low reproductive numbers can lead to dramatic outbreaks as new strains evolve.
Researchers used mathematical modeling to study the Wnt pathway, a complex signaling system involved in embryonic development and carcinogenesis. The model revealed surprising differences in concentrations of key proteins, suggesting that breakdowns in cellular communication play a role in cancer development.
Researchers from Virginia Tech have validated a mathematical model of cell division using experiments on frog egg extracts. They found that the control system is bi-stable and hysteretic, requiring specific levels of cyclin to regulate mitosis.
The Lancet Oncology editorial discusses the EPA's 10-year report on diesel exhaust fumes' toxic effects, emphasizing public health implications. The article also reviews mathematical models identifying breast cancer risk factors and explores chemoprevention strategies.
The model simulates the mail-borne anthrax outbreak in the US, demonstrating that six original letters contaminated up to 5,000 other pieces of mail, primarily affecting elderly recipients. The analysis highlights the greatest risk to society came from postal workers and recipients of cross-contaminated letters.
A Penn State researcher has created a model that explains why flowering plants in Norway bloom earlier after warmer winters. The study incorporates biological factors and provides insight into the ecological responses to climate change.
A team of scientists has established a formula to predict population dynamics for species more complex than single-celled organisms. Their research uses long-duration experiments and demonstrates that simple mathematical models can govern predator-prey interactions.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions have identified key shapes and sizes used by the brain to build internal models of reality, enabling humans to learn and control movements. The study reveals fundamental limitations to what is learnable by the human brain, shedding light on how our brains 'think'.
A new mathematical model links El Niño cycles to cholera outbreaks, with a consistent 3.7-year frequency in both ENSO events and cholera cases. The study suggests an 11-month time lag between ENSO events and peak cholera incidence, likely due to increased sea-surface temperatures and bacteria-bearing zooplankton.
A new mathematical model developed by University of Michigan scientist Denise Kirschner shows how HIV accelerates the normal process of homing, diverting white blood cells from the bloodstream to the lymph system. This understanding is crucial for developing effective treatments and targeting therapeutic drugs.
A Cornell University computer scientist has concluded that the key to finding people in a network lies in its structure, which can provide fundamental cues for navigation. By using an "inverse square" pattern of connections, messages can travel faster and more efficiently through networks.
A new model analyzes how patient care plans, clinic profits, and drug manufacturer revenues are affected by outcome-oriented reimbursement policies. The model identifies key factors that influence the optimal treatment plan for individual patients, including initial condition, cost parameters, and insurance reimbursement guidelines.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a mathematical model that predicts when steel-making nozzle clogs will occur, enabling manufacturers to take action before production is halted. The model uses principles of fluid dynamics and heat transfer to simulate the steel-making process and provides accurate predictions compare...
Water vapor and clouds cause difficulties in atmospheric models due to their lumpy nature and turbulent motion, making it a 'messy problem' for modeling. Researchers aim to develop new approaches to represent these phenomena in numerical form.