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Synapses brought to the point

Researchers at ISTA investigated the crucial set of synapses between neurons within the cerebellum, uncovering details of their function and development. The study used advanced techniques to look at the inhibitory synapses in great detail, revealing how they delicately influence the cell's signal output.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNeuron·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 11, 2024

Close encounters of the supermassive black hole kind: tidal disruption events and what they can reveal about black holes and stars in distant galaxies

Researchers analyze tidal disruption events (TDEs) to estimate the properties of supermassive black holes and stars. The CN22 model, proposed by Syracuse University researchers, provides a new way forward for understanding TDEs and their implications for galaxy evolution.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 11, 2024

More lives can be saved if ambulance staff receive AI-support

Researchers developed mathematical models based on real events data from the Swedish Trauma Registry, showing that AI models outperformed clinical outcomes. The study highlights the potential of AI-powered decision support to improve ambulance staff's ability to assess injury severity and potentially save more lives.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalBMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 4, 2024

New research harnesses AI and satellite imagery to reveal the expanding footprint of human activity at sea

A new study uses machine learning and satellite imagery to create the first global map of large vessel traffic and offshore infrastructure, finding a remarkable amount of activity previously unknown. The analysis reveals that industrial fishing and transport activities are concentrated around Africa and south Asia.

SourceGlobal Fishing Watch·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 3, 2024

ASU research reveals regions in U.S. where heat adaptation and mitigation efforts can most benefit future populations

New ASU research models the benefits of combining heat adaptation strategies with mitigation efforts to lessen extreme heat exposure in major US cities. The study finds that Northeast and Midwest regions can expect greater benefits, while Sun Belt cities face limited reductions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Cities·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 18, 2023

Predictive models augur that at the end of the century fields will need more water than today

Researchers from the University of Córdoba used machine learning models to predict reference evapotranspiration in Southern Spain until 2100. The projections indicate a significant increase in water needs, with air temperature being the key factor in calculating this parameter.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2023

North Korea and beyond: AI-powered satellite analysis reveals the unseen economic landscape of underdeveloped nations​

A new AI-powered satellite analysis technique reveals the economic conditions of regions with limited data, such as North Korea. The approach combines human input with machine learning to provide detailed economic maps and monitor progress towards Sustainable Development Goals.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Social media posts that promote tobacco are increasing, AI detection technology finds

A study led by Keck School of Medicine of USC used AI detection technology to analyze influencer content on TikTok between 2019 and 2022, finding an increase in posts that promote e-cigarettes. The prevalence of pod devices, e-juice flavor names, and nicotine warning labels increased significantly over time.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 29, 2023

More is not always better

A new framework demonstrates that proportionately more multi-homing consumers lead to significant efficiency gains when integrating two business platforms. However, this trend also creates higher barriers to entry for new platform firms and may require policy guidance to mitigate potential harms of platform mergers.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Industrial Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2023

A computer model of the ear developed at IOCB Prague may help to improve cochlear implants

Researchers from IOCB Prague and MED-EL have created a complete computer model of the ear, allowing for detailed simulation of sound conversion and hearing processes. This model may help improve cochlear implants and better compensate hearing impairments.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalHearing Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2023

2023 Canadian wildfires impacted air quality as far away as Europe, China

A study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences found that record-setting Canadian wildfires had a significant impact on air quality across the Northern Hemisphere. The research used numerical air quality models to simulate the dispersal of pollutants from the fires, revealing widespread effects beyond Canada and the US.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateNov 16, 2023

Computer models fill critical knowledge gaps to help reduce cancer disparities

Researchers used computer modeling to analyze cancer incidence and mortality rates among diverse populations, confirming the validity of the approach. The studies aimed to address critical public health issues by identifying leverage points to increase equity in cancer burden among Black populations.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 8, 2023

Energy transition: A super-model to guide policy makers

A UNIGE team has developed a super-model to simulate the spread of three green technologies in Swiss municipalities by 2050. The results show that Switzerland is unlikely to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050 without significant policy changes, highlighting the need for increased efforts and updated policies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeNews article·DateNov 6, 2023

Human emissions increased mercury in the atmosphere sevenfold

Research from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences estimates that humans have increased atmospheric mercury levels sevenfold, with a pre-anthropogenic baseline of around 580 megagrams. Human emissions from coal-fired power plants and waste-incineration are responsible for the majority of this increase.

Smells like learning

A team of scientists discovered two types of neurons in fruit flies and mice that enable them to identify distinct smells. With experience, these animals can learn to differentiate between very similar odors, a process that could improve machine-learning models and AI systems.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 31, 2023