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.
A new mathematical model explains changing patterns in epidemics by analyzing historical data on measles outbreaks. The research reveals that increases or decreases in birth rates or vaccination rates cause dramatic changes in epidemic patterns.
A new model predicts that expanding potent HIV therapies will limit infections and AIDS deaths, even with increased risk behavior and drug resistance. The model shows that treating more HIV-infected men will reduce infection rates and deaths below what they would be without treatment.
A study by Washington University's Air Quality Laboratory found that rural vehicles emit between 200-300 milligrams of particulate matter per mile traveled, while urban vehicles emit between 30-40 milligrams. This measurement, known as ppvm, could help environmental agencies better address air quality challenges.
Researchers found that calculations taking longer than 26 months on current hardware are not worth starting. Instead, delaying until a more powerful computer is available can save time and resources. This strategy allows for optimal use of limited budgets for computers.
A study published in Marketing Science found that a professors' model for choosing films can improve profitability by 30-120% compared to movie exhibitors' own choices. The model, which uses operations research and quantitative techniques, recommends selecting fewer 'right' movies and running them longer.
A new study forecasts movie performance for domestic and international markets using a Bayesian model that examines information like star quality, past film performance, and screen numbers. The model provides accurate updates as sales figures come in to help plan better marketing activities.
A mathematical model of H.pylori bacteria and their human hosts reveals the key role played by adherent bacteria in colonization, as well as the dynamic relationship between host response and bacterial persistence. The model sheds light on the complex interactions between the bacteria and human immune system.
A new mathematical model suggests that annual antibiotic treatments will not be enough to eradicate trachoma in areas with high incidence rates. The model predicts that these areas, which account for only 10% of total affected regions, will experience a higher rate of blindness due to reinfection.
A form of bait and switch could actually benefit consumers, say professors, as it drives prices down and stimulates in-store promotions. However, others contest this argument, citing fraudulent practices and the need for retailer competition.
Orrin Pilkey, a Duke University geologist, argues that engineering models used to predict natural processes, such as beach erosion, are flawed and damaging to society. He proposes that beach erosion is linked to rising sea levels and that some coastal engineering measures can exacerbate erosion.
A numerical analyst developed a math model with algorithms to distribute Seattle Mariners' season tickets fairly among a group of friends. The technique uses mixed-integer programming to satisfy diverse requests and preferences, achieving 46.7% success rate in assigning top-ranked games.
Researchers developed a model to predict antiviral drug resistance in genital herpes, finding that treating the disease would prevent more cases than developing resistant strains. The study suggests using this methodology for other infectious diseases prone to resistance.
Researchers have developed a fast new way to compute three-dimensional models of internal organs and anatomical features from noisy medical images. The method, based on partial-differential equations, allows doctors to build accurate models with just a single click inside the region of interest.
Subodh Kumar's software, called sLIB, significantly speeds up the display of three-dimensional models by better than 100 to 200 times over older techniques. The program also allows designers greater control over detail levels and enables testing of user ideas.
A new coupled hydrologic model system simulates storm events and river basin response by linking atmospheric and hydrological models. The model was tested on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River basin, showing improved results with historic meteorological data compared to atmospheric predictions.
Gordon Kane highlights the importance of models in physics, citing Aristotle's flawed theory as an example. He emphasizes that scientists test multiple models against reality to determine which one is correct. The Standard Model of particle physics is a prime example, developed after decades of research and testing.
A reanalysis of international data reveals a significant decline in sperm density across the United States and Europe, with the rate of decrease varying by region. The study found an average annual decrease of 1.5 million sperm per milliliter in the US and 3.1% per year in Europe.