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Random physics helps model individual ant motion

A study by OIST researchers has developed a physics-based model to reproduce and predict individual ant movement. The model uses stochastic, or random, modeling to analyze video recordings of ants exploring laboratory environments, allowing for the derivation of predictions about their behavior in new environments.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 6, 2026

How to incentivize problem solving in groups

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that rewarding 'reformers' who improve the collective prediction regardless of their own personal accuracy leads to more accurate and diverse outcomes. This approach is more effective than rewarding 'niche experts' or 'experts', which can lead to a loss of diversity and accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 28, 2026

Tackling neglected tropical diseases among migrant populations

A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases has shown that combining country-level information with individual-level variables can improve the identification of soil-transmitted helminth infections among migrant populations. Researchers found that country-level indicators are stronger predictors than individual-level variable...

SourceLancaster University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2025

Toward high electro-optic performance in III-V semiconductors

New research at UC Santa Barbara illuminates a path to superior electro-optic performance in AlScN alloys by adjusting atomic structure and composition. The study found that precisely oriented layer structures and strain tuning can yield significant enhancements in electro-optic properties, potentially surpassing those of lithium niobate.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 25, 2025

A new study finds that even positive third-party ratings can have negative effects

A new study found that receiving a Michelin star can lead to negative effects, including increased bargaining problems with suppliers and employees. Restaurants may struggle to maintain key relationships and resources, ultimately leading to closures. Despite this, some firms perform fine post-Michelin star

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2024

Researchers propose a more effective method to predict floods

A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2023

C-Path awarded FDA grant to establish public-private partnership to advance treatments for rare neurodegenerative diseases

The Critical Path Institute (C-Path) has established a public-private partnership with the FDA and NIH to advance treatments for rare neurodegenerative diseases. The partnership will leverage C-Path's expertise in data management, quantitative analytics, and regulatory science to accelerate medical product development.

Great timing, supercomputer upgrade lead to successful forecast of volcanic eruption

A team of geologists successfully forecasted a Sierra Negra volcano eruption in June 2018 using a supercomputer-powered model. The model predicted an imminent eruption five months before it occurred, highlighting the power of high-performance computing in volcanic forecasting.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2022

Schools and the pandemic: Simulation model allows for safe operation

Researchers developed a school simulation model that shows how the virus spreads in different settings and calculates the effectiveness of measures against its spread. The model reveals that elementary and lower secondary schools can keep reproduction rates below 1 with classroom ventilation, wearing masks, and class size reduction.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2022

Eat more chicken: Scientists hone in on genetics behind chicken weight adaptation

Researchers used a special experimentally-bred population, the Virginia chicken lines, to understand the genetic architecture behind chicken weight. They identified 20 different genetic loci that explained more than 60% of the additive genetic variance for selected trait.

Chemistry research breakthrough that could improve nuclear waste recycling technologies

Researchers at The University of Manchester have made a major step forward in nuclear waste recycling technologies by describing the electronic structure of uranium nitride compounds. A family of 15 complexes was synthesized, and advanced techniques were used to gain insight into their electronic states. This research has the potential...

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2016