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Modelling the demography of agricultural transitions

A new study models the demography of agricultural transitions, finding that population dynamics played a crucial role in the adoption of farming. The researchers used an ecological model to analyze interactions between farmers and hunter-gatherers, highlighting the impact of factors such as group migration and cultural assimilation.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2025

New study challenges the story of humanity’s shift from prehistoric hunting to farming

A new mathematical model reveals that humans played an active role in the transition from hunting and gathering to farming, driven by factors like population growth rates and competition. The study challenges traditional views that focused on environmental factors, providing fresh insight into the rise of farming.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2025

Kumamoto University researchers develop novel method for modeling periodically time-varying systems

Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a new mathematical modeling technique for linear periodically time-varying systems, enhancing the accuracy of control system models. This breakthrough has profound implications for industries relying on complex control systems, such as autonomous vehicles and aerospace applications, imp...

SourceKumamoto University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 26, 2025

Humans as hardware: computing with biological tissue

A team of researchers from Osaka University has demonstrated that human tissue can be used to solve complex equations and process information, outperforming traditional computing methods. This breakthrough uses the concept of reservoir computing, where data is input into a complex 'reservoir' that encodes rich patterns.

SourceOsaka University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

The secret behind pedestrian crossings – and why some spiral into chaos

Researchers discovered that pedestrians form neat lanes in crossing roads only until people start veering off at extreme angles, after which the flow becomes disordered. The team's theory predicts that critical angle of 13 degrees marks the point where crowds collapse from order to disorder.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 24, 2025

New model predicts how bacteria navigate obstacles to spread

A new model predicts how bacteria navigate obstacles to spread, informing strategies for curbing infections or designing better drug delivery. The model focuses on three surface states: uninterrupted movement, sliding along surfaces, and getting stuck in corners.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 21, 2025

From order to chaos: Understanding the principles behind collective motion in bacteria

Researchers discovered how bacterial swarms transition from organized movement to chaotic flow as confinement radius increases. The study reveals intermediate states between order and turbulence through large-scale experiments, computer modeling, and mathematical analysis. These findings provide insights into the universal properties o...

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2025

The math behind social distancing: the rules that influence epidemic behavior

A research team identified simple rules governing decision-making during epidemics, which balance infection costs and social distancing. The guidelines predict population behavior based on disease reproduction number and infection cost, offering a new tool for governments to design intervention strategies.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2025

New technique to make food deliveries more efficient

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new technique to improve the efficiency of food-delivery operations. The technique accounts for key factors such as food supply, location, and vehicle capacity to determine optimized routes that make food delivery faster and more fuel-efficient.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 20, 2025

Bristol scientists herald active matter breakthrough with creation of three-dimensional ‘synthetic worms’

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed 'synthetic worms' that can move independently using active matter, a new class of materials. The 3D structures were created by applying an electric field to micron-sized particles suspended in a liquid mixture, and exhibit fascinating life-like behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Global sea level very likely to rise between 0.5 and 1.9 meters by 2100 under a high-emissions scenario, finds NTU Singapore-led study using new projection method

A new study projects global sea-level rise between 0.5 and 1.9 meters by 2100 under a high-emissions scenario, with the very likely range being 90% probability for the event to occur. The fusion approach combines strengths of existing models with expert opinions, offering a clearer picture of future sea-level rise.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalEarth's Future·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 26, 2025

Plants more likely to be ‘eavesdroppers’ than altruists when tapping into underground networks

A new study led by University of Oxford suggests that plants are more likely to be eavesdroppers than altruists when tapping into underground networks. The study found that it is unlikely that plants would evolve to warn other plants of impending attacks, instead finding that plants may signal dishonestly to harm their neighbors.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2025

New study finds social programs could reduce the spread of HIV by 29%

Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a model that quantifies the impacts of social factors on HIV spread, finding that addressing barriers to treatment and care can reduce national HIV incidence by 29%. The study suggests that investing in prevention and social programs could be more cost-effective than treatment alone.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalHealth Care Management Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2025

Dark energy 'doesn’t exist' so can't be pushing 'lumpy' Universe apart – study

A team of physicists and astronomers found that the Universe is expanding in a more varied way than previously thought, making dark energy unnecessary. The new evidence supports the timescape model of cosmic expansion, which attributes differences in stretching light to calibration issues rather than dark energy.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Letters·DateDec 20, 2024

UVA model advances rational design of more effective maternal vaccines for newborns

Researchers created an advanced computational model to optimize maternal vaccine design and protect high-risk populations. The model helps reveal which antibodies can pass through effectively and when, enabling the development of safer, more effective vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Immunology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2024

Opening a new avenue in predicting mood episodes using wearable devices: A sleep and circadian rhythm data analysis model

Researchers developed a novel model predicting mood episodes using only sleep-wake pattern data from wearable devices. The study found daily changes in circadian rhythm are key predictors of mood episodes, offering new possibilities for tracking individual changes to prevent future episodes.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2024

New model can help understand coexistence in nature

Researchers at Uppsala University developed a mathematical model to understand how seabird species coexist on isolated islands. The model shows that different species use distinct fishing zones, maximizing energy intake based on traits like wing length and diving depth.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2024

Experts urge complex systems approach to assess A.I. risks

The study emphasizes the need for a coherent approach to understanding A.I. threats, recognizing the intricate interplay between technology and society. Experts propose involving laypeople and experts in risk assessment processes, as well as promoting social resilience to ensure better decision-making.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeCase study·DateNov 12, 2024

Study: The evolutionary origins of poor long-term decision making

A new study led by UNLV anthropologist Brian Villmoare models thousands of generations to understand why animals, including humans, prioritize short-term benefits over long-term returns. The research suggests that organisms choose a more distant reward only if it's substantially higher and has a high degree of reliability.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalPLOS One·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 12, 2024

UNC-Chapel Hill researchers develop revolutionary heart model: A breakthrough with potential to transform cardiac care and research

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill have developed an innovative computer model of blood flow in the human heart that captures normal heart function and predicts responses to different levels of blood flow. The model has potential applications in medical device design, personalized therapy, and cardiac digital twins.