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Finding simplicity within complexity

A University of Houston researcher has developed a method to describe complex systems using the least number of variables possible, reducing complexity from millions to just one. This advancement speeds up science with efficiency and ability to understand and predict natural system behavior.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateDec 8, 2022

New study suggests evolutionary forces are behind collective discrimination

A new study published in Collective Intelligence journal suggests that evolutionary forces may be fueling collective tendencies to discriminate. The research recommends fostering environments where desired behavior emerges naturally through evolutionary dynamics rather than regulating against undesired outcomes.

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·JournalCollective Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 10, 2022

How cells find the right partners

Researchers found that the Eya protein regulates cell contact behavior, allowing for self-organization of epithelial cells with nurse cells. This mechanism enables complex development processes, including egg chamber formation and sperm cell development, in Drosophila.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2022

To be less sedentary, you may need a more active friend

A mathematical model suggests that social interactions between sedentary and moderately active people can stimulate higher levels of overall physical activity in a population. The model found that interacting with moderately active individuals helped sedentary populations become more physically active over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2022

New research tunes theory of sound levitation

Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney have extended the theory of acoustic levitation to account for asymmetrical particles, which is more applicable to real-world experience. This new understanding enables precise control and sorting of tiny objects using ultrasonic waves.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2022

Revealing the mysteries of the universe under the skin of an atomic nucleus

A breakthrough computer model from Chalmers University of Technology reveals the properties of an atomic nucleus, providing insights into the strong force that governs neutron star behavior. The model predicts a surprisingly thin neutron skin, which could lead to increased understanding of heavy element creation in neutron stars.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 12, 2022

New computational tools to help target sex, labor trafficking operations

Researchers developed computational models to identify massage businesses at risk of violating laws related to sex and labor trafficking. The models provide probability scores on the likelihood that a business is engaged in illegal activity, allowing law enforcement and organizations to prioritize investigations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIISE Transactions·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 12, 2022

Artificial intelligence reduces a 100,000-equation quantum physics problem to only four equations

Physicists used machine learning to compress a complex quantum problem into four equations, capturing the physics of electrons on a lattice with high accuracy. The approach could revolutionize how scientists investigate systems containing many interacting electrons and potentially aid in designing materials with sought-after properties.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 26, 2022

Scientists have created a mathematical model for the dynamics of nanoparticles and viruses in cells

A team of scientists from Ural Federal University has developed a complex mathematical model to understand the dynamics of nanoparticles and viruses in cells. The model reveals how viruses cluster inside endosomes and interact with cellular proteins, shedding light on their behavior and replication mechanisms. This breakthrough can hel...

SourceUral Federal University·JournalCrystals·DateSep 13, 2022

Ohio University chemistry lab students predict spread of COVID-19 with kinetics models

Undergraduate students at Ohio University applied kinetic techniques learned in physical chemistry to analyze the COVID-19 spread data from the CDC. They developed a model that considers the effect of vaccination and made predictions for the following months, correctly predicting the surge in cases in Ohio.

SourceOhio University·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2022

Moffitt researchers use mathematical modeling to explain immunotherapy responses

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center used mathematical modeling to study the impact of tumor size, immune cell populations, and interactions on cancer treatment outcomes. The models predicted optimal therapeutic approaches for different types of therapies, including cytotoxic chemotherapy and immunotherapies.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 26, 2022

Heeding the heat: Desert regions may better inform the future of global temperate zones driven by climate change

Research suggests that climate change is causing dryland mechanisms to affect temperate regions, leading to changes in vegetation distribution and ecosystem processes. The study predicts that by the end of the century, an estimated 17 million km2 of non-dryland areas will experience average topsoil temperatures above 40°C.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2022

New model predicts how temperature affects life from quantum to classical scales

A new general theory describes how temperature affects living things at all scales, predicting patterns in metabolism, growth rate, and mortality rate. The model combines elements lacking in earlier attempts, providing a universal framework for understanding temperature's impact on biology.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 19, 2022

Determining how and why cells make decisions

Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing mathematical models to predict and control cellular differentiation. They created a technique using mix-and-read assays, which allow for the detection of key signaling proteins in live tissues. This method enables researchers to gain a deeper understanding of how cells make decisions.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalACS Omega·DateJul 1, 2022

Stalling improvements in cardiovascular disease rates since 2010 could cost £54bn between 2020 and 2029

New research suggests that stalling improvements in cardiovascular diseases since 2010 could lead to significant economic costs. The study finds that reduced cardiovascular disease rates would result in £13 billion NHS healthcare costs, £1.5 billion social care costs, and £32 billion lost QALYs between 2020-2029.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2022

THE LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES: COVID-19 vaccines are estimated to have prevented 20 million deaths worldwide in the first year of the vaccine program, modelling study finds

A mathematical modelling study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases estimates that COVID-19 vaccines have prevented approximately 19.8 million deaths worldwide in the first year of the vaccination program, a reduction of 63%. This represents nearly 80% of potential deaths that would have occurred without vaccination.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 23, 2022

No ‘safest spot’ to minimize risk of COVID-19 transmission on trains

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict COVID-19 transmission in train carriages, finding that risk is constant regardless of location and that masks are more effective than social distancing in reducing transmission. The study highlights the importance of improving ventilation systems on trains to keep passengers safe.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalIndoor Air·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022

Math model predicts efficacy of drug treatments for heart attacks

Researchers at Ohio State University created a mathematical model that assesses the efficacy of immunomodulatory drugs in treating myocardial infarctions. The study found that certain combinations of these drug inhibitors were more efficient at reducing inflammation, offering new possibilities for improving patient outcomes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 17, 2022

Study shows program improves teaching skills, students' word problem solving

A new study from the University of Kansas found that a professional development intervention improved an educator's teaching skills and boosted students' abilities to solve word problems, especially for Hispanic English-learning students with math learning disabilities. The program helped develop a 'feedback loop' between educator and ...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Learning Disabilities·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

How much spring nitrogen to apply? Pre-planting weather may provide a clue

Researchers found that wetter pre-growing seasons reduced soil nitrogen through leaching, but applying more fertilizer can mitigate this effect. The model also showed that cold pre-growing season temperatures limited early growth in ways that affected yield potential, making extra fertilizer less effective.

Inaccurate global irrigation models can cause extensive societal harm

A new study reveals that large-scale hydrological models producing global irrigation water withdrawal estimates are unreliable due to overlooking uncertainties and traditional irrigator practices. The researchers argue that these biases can lead to grave policy misjudgments, devastating consequences and inaccurate water management.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 8, 2022

Never too odd to learn how to swim

Researchers have developed a new formula for swimming based on their study of odd elasticity, allowing microswimmers to exhibit autonomously directional and deterministic motion. The team used Purcell's swimmer model to demonstrate that any odd elastic micromaterial can spontaneously generate locomotion in a fluid.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review E·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2022

Accelerating the pace of machine learning

A new distributed learning technique, GD-SEC, reduces communication requirements in wireless architecture, improving efficiency and reducing computational cost. The method employs data compression to transmit only meaningful, usable data, enhancing the impact of machine learning while minimizing its limitations.

SourceLehigh University·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Signal Processing·DateMay 18, 2022