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New computer algorithm supercharges climate models and could lead to better predictions of future climate change

A new computer algorithm developed by University of Oxford scientist Samar Khatiwala can drastically reduce the spin-up time of Earth System Models, enabling researchers to investigate subtle changes in model parameters and define uncertainty more accurately. This breakthrough could lead to better predictions of future climate change a...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 1, 2024

How the plant world shapes the climate cycle

Researchers have found that plants help regulate the planet's atmosphere by trapping carbon and emitting oxygen, acting as a buffer against rapid climate changes. However, when climate shifts too fast for vegetation to adapt, it can lead to mass extinctions and extreme environmental changes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2024

Every breath you take: Study models the journey of inhaled plastic particle pollution

A recent study by University of Technology Sydney has modelled the transfer and deposition of plastic particles in the human respiratory system. The results have identified hotspots where plastic particles can accumulate, particularly in the nasal cavity and lungs, posing a risk to respiratory health.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEnvironmental Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2024

A roadmap for digital neuroscience

The position paper identifies eight key areas for digital neuroscience research, including near-term, middle-term, and long-term goals. It also discusses the potential of 'digital twin' approaches, ultra-high-resolution digital atlases, and neuro-derived AI and computing innovations.

SourceEBRAINS·JournalImaging Neuroscience·DateApr 23, 2024

Penn Engineers recreate Star Trek’s Holodeck using ChatGPT and video game assets

Researchers created a system called Holodeck to generate interactive 3D environments, leveraging language models like ChatGPT to control it. The system outperformed earlier tools in evaluating realism and accuracy, with human evaluators preferring its outputs across various indoor environments.

New strategy for assessing the applicability of reactions

Chemists develop new reactions using model systems and substrates to demonstrate versatility. A new computer-aided method reduces subjective bias by analyzing real pharmaceutical compounds' complexity and structural properties. This improves data quality and facilitates machine learning applications.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalACS Central Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2024

System uses artificial intelligence to detect wild animals on roads and avoid accidents

A team of researchers developed an AI-powered computer vision model to detect Brazilian wild animals on roads and warn drivers in real-time. The system uses roadside cameras and portable computers to identify species such as anteaters, wolves, and tapirs, with the potential to save lives and reduce roadkill.

Land under water – what causes extreme flooding

Researchers analyzed over 3,500 river basins worldwide, finding that precipitation was the sole determining factor in only 25% of flood events. Soil moisture and air temperature were decisive factors in around 10% and 3% of cases, respectively. The study suggests that more extreme floods are caused by multiple factors interacting.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 27, 2024

ChatGPT’s potential and limits in summarizing medical research for clinicians

A recent study investigated ChatGPT-3.5's ability to produce high-quality summaries of medical research abstracts, finding that it was accurate but not always fact-based and prone to minor inaccuracies. The model showed promise as a screening tool to help clinicians quickly evaluate article relevance but should not be relied upon for c...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 25, 2024

Novel quantum algorithm for high-quality solutions to combinatorial optimization problems

Researchers have proposed an innovative quantum algorithm that effectively solves combinatorial optimization problems with constraints in a short time. The pVSQA algorithm uses a quantum device to generate a variational quantum state and transform infeasible solutions into feasible ones, achieving near-optimal performance.

SourceWaseda University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Quantum Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 25, 2024

A computational model has been created to simulate the biomechanical growth of breast tumors

Scientists from UC3M and Johns Hopkins University have developed a computational model that simulates the invasion process of cancer cells based on the characteristics of surrounding tissue and cell junctions. The model allows for predicting tumor evolution in patients by analyzing mechanical properties of the microenvironment.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalActa Biomaterialia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2024

U.S. could cut cervical cancer cases & deaths by up to 20% if more patients got follow-up after screening, study suggests

A new study suggests that removing barriers to cervical cancer screening, surveillance, and diagnostic procedures can save lives and reduce disparities. If every eligible person gets the full screening and follow-up tests recommended, up to 23% fewer people would be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 20% fewer would die from it.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

Numerical models for a better understanding of long-term effects on lake ecosystems

Numerical models help assess ecological impacts of climate change on lakes by simulating changes in phytoplankton composition and community stability. The study found that warming increased seasonal variability in phytoplankton, leading to reduced overall evenness and increased species loss over time.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 19, 2024

Artificial intelligence detects heart defects in newborns

Researchers developed a computer model that accurately diagnoses pulmonary hypertension in newborn infants using ultrasound images, suggesting correct diagnosis in 80-90% of cases. The model's success relies on highlighting key characteristics, allowing doctors to understand the criteria used for decision-making.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalInternational Journal of Computer Vision·DateMar 13, 2024

New traffic signal would improve travel time for both pedestrians and vehicles

A new traffic signal concept, known as the 'white phase,' uses autonomous vehicles to expedite traffic flow at intersections. The concept has been shown to improve travel time for both pedestrians and vehicles, especially when autonomous vehicles make up a higher percentage of traffic.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2024

First atom-level structure of packaged viral genome reveals new properties, dynamics

A computational model of the more than 26 million atoms in a DNA-packed viral capsid has expanded our understanding of virus structure and DNA dynamics. The study found that the DNA formed switchback loops as it was pushed into the capsid, similar to how DNA is organized in eukaryotic cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 6, 2024

University of Paderborn researchers use Hawk supercomputer and lean into imperfection to improve solar cell efficiency

A team led by Prof. Wolf Gero Schmidt used Hawk supercomputer to study how strategic impurities in solar cells can improve performance. They discovered that certain defects can improve exciton transfer, leading to more energy captured. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and climate-friendly energy production.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 27, 2024

AI aids efforts to cut nuisance alerts for health care teams: Study

A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center demonstrates the potential of AI to help target computerized alerts intended for healthcare teams. The approach uses machine learning to analyze user interactions with alerts, predicting when specific alerts will be dismissed by users. The model's suggestions were found to align wit...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateFeb 22, 2024

Can’t stand gossip? New research suggests that gabbing about others is ‘not always a bad thing’

Gossiping provides a social benefit by disseminating information about people's reputations, helping recipients connect with cooperative individuals while avoiding selfish ones. This allows gossipers to gain an evolutionary advantage as their actions influence others' behavior and encourage cooperation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2024

Modeling tree masting

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed new computer-based models of masting to understand its effects on ecosystems and food webs. The models predict that masting can affect tree mortality, population dynamics, and animal-forest interactions, with implications for mitigating negative impacts of climate change.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEcological Modelling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2024

Automated method helps researchers quantify uncertainty in their predictions

Researchers have introduced an optimization technique that accelerates Bayesian inference without requiring extensive user effort. This new automated method achieves more accurate results faster than another popular approach and offers reliable uncertainty estimates to help scientists understand when to trust their predictions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Machine Learning Research·DateFeb 21, 2024