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Species are to ecosystems as cells are to the human body, according to a mathematical model

A mathematical model developed by scientists shows that ecosystems remain relatively stable despite constant changes in species populations, highlighting the ecosystem's role as a self-contained entity. This finding suggests that preserving entire ecosystems may be more crucial than protecting specific endangered species.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateMay 16, 2011

44-year-old mystery of how fleas jump resolved

Researchers at Cambridge University have finally resolved the debate on how fleas jump, discovering that they push off with their toes. The team used high-speed cameras and mathematical modeling to analyze flea jumps, finding that both the tarsus and trochanter were involved in the jumping process.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 10, 2011

The science of bike-sharing

The new bike-sharing system aims to reduce traffic congestion and alleviate parking shortages, promote fitness, and enable good complementary public transportation. Tel Aviv University's research provides a mathematical model to scientifically manage bike availability, creating a more efficient and user-friendly system.

Complexity not so costly after all, analysis shows

A new analysis by Jianzhi Zhang and coworkers reveals flaws in models predicting the cost of complexity and finds that moderate complexity best enables organisms to adapt. The study challenged assumptions underlying traditional mathematical models, suggesting that a moderate amount of complexity is beneficial for adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

The brain of the fly -- a high-speed computer

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology successfully establish conditions for decoding fly brain's motion vision mechanisms. They use fluorescence molecules and state-of-the-art microscopes to observe nerve cell activity, revealing that L2-cells transform data and relay information about light intensity reductions to subseq...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 12, 2010

Locating tsunami warning buoys

Researchers developed a mathematical model that identifies the top 10 locations for tsunami detection buoys and sea-level monitors in the Indian Ocean. This could save time and money, as well as provide warning to more people in the event of a devastating tsunami.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Operational Research·DateApr 28, 2010

Periodic heart rate decelerations in premature infants

A study published in Experimental Biology and Medicine reports the discovery of periodic heart rate decelerations in premature human infants. The researchers developed a mathematical model based on Hopf bifurcation theory to describe the dynamics of these decelerations, which are statistically correlated with impending sepsis in neonates.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateApr 22, 2010

Inside the chicken brain

Scientists develop a mathematical model of a three-cell microcircuit in a chicken's brain, revealing an elegant compromise between abstraction and complexity. The model reduces the system to one equation with two parameters, shedding light on why it's difficult to understand the brain using traditional methods.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review E·DateDec 6, 2009

Math used as a tool to heal toughest of wounds

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a mathematical model of ischemic wound healing, simulating both non-ischemic and ischemic wounds. The model predicts that ischemic wounds will heal in about 20 days, but only 25% will be healed by then.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2009

New technique developed to evaluate basketball players

A new technique has been developed to evaluate basketball players' performance, using mathematical models that consider multiple factors such as points scored, rebounds, assists, and relative importance. The results show that certain players excel in specific positions, highlighting the need for more nuanced evaluation methods.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Operational Research·DateJun 5, 2009

Computer simulations explain the limitations of working memory

The study reveals a mechanism in the brain's neuronal network that restricts working memory capacity to two to seven items, with frontal lobes regulating parietal lobe memory capacity. The 'model brain' computations were confirmed using fMRI experiments and suggest improved working memory through increased frontal lobe activation.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2009

What you see affects what you hear

Researchers found that visual information from a person's face and lip movements significantly improves understanding of spoken words, especially in moderately noisy settings. This benefit increases when sound quality rises, allowing people to recognize up to 60% of words correctly.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 3, 2009

Systems properties of insulin signaling revealed

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...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 19, 2008

Model identifies targets for eradication of malaria

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 2008

Biologists use computers to study bacterial cell division

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 24, 2008