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The gut microbiome as a health compass

Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict NAFLD development based on gut microbiome data, showing 90% of subjects who developed the disease had subtle differences in their samples. The model combines easily measurable information from blood and microbiome data with high accuracy.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2022

Uncovering a novel way to bring to Earth the energy that powers the sun and stars

Researchers at PPPL have discovered that adding tungsten to plasma fuel pellets improves the compression of fuel, increasing fusion yield. The study uses krypton gas to measure X-rays emitted by the pellets, providing new insights into the fusion process.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 8, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New model finds best sites for electric vehicle charging stations

Researchers developed a computational model to determine optimal places for electric vehicle charging facilities and powerful stations without straining the local power grid. The model considers travel flow, user demand, and regional power infrastructure needs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2022

A model of improved safety for LNG storage

Researchers have developed a rigorous computer simulation technique to optimize LNG tank design, reducing construction costs while improving safety against catastrophic failures. The new model can be used to mitigate environmental and economic consequences of failure, enabling Australia to store more energy at the right time.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalBulletin of Earthquake Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 2, 2022

Multi-spin flips and a pathway to efficient ising machines

A team of researchers from Waseda University developed a novel solution to efficiently solve complex optimization problems using Ising machines. Their hybrid algorithm reduces residual energy and reaches more optimal results in shorter time, increasing the machine's applicability across industries and sustainability practices.

SourceWaseda University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Computers·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 31, 2022

More reptile species may be at risk of extinction than previously thought

A new machine learning tool assesses extinction risk for reptiles with limited data, revealing a higher number of threatened species than previously estimated. The study highlights the need for increased conservation efforts in regions such as Australia, Madagascar, and the Amazon basin.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2022

Researchers simulate COVID-19 classroom transmission

Researchers simulated COVID-19 transmission on a university campus, finding that universal mask usage and high vaccination rates can curb new infections. The study suggests that at least 93% of students should be vaccinated during highly transmissible variant outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

New project to help identify and predict insider threats

A new project led by University of Illinois professor Jingrui He seeks to detect and predict insider threats in large organizations. The team will use multimodal data to identify outliers and rare category types of insider threats and propose dynamic update techniques.

SourceUniversity of Illinois School of Information Sciences·DateMay 24, 2022

Where do “Hawaiian box jellies” come from?

A team of University of Hawaii researchers found that the number of hours of darkness during the lunar cycle triggers mature Hawaiian box jellyfish to swim to shore to spawn. The study also revealed that jellies are likely to come from the lee of Diamond Head Crater, where they benefit from shelter and food.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalRegional Studies in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2022

How fast-growing algae could enhance growth of food crops

Researchers at Princeton and Northwestern universities developed a computational model of the pyrenoid, identifying key features needed for enhanced carbon fixation in plants. The study suggests that engineering a pyrenoid-like ability could improve crop growth rates and mitigate food insecurity.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Plants·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 19, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Korea Maritime and Ocean University scholars find key to reducing defects in multimaterials

Researchers from Korea Maritime and Ocean University have developed a way to synthesize high-performance functionally graded materials with minimized defects. By controlling the mixing gradient of component materials, they improved mechanical properties and eliminated interfacial cracks.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of Materials Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

Model for distinguishing materials like a human being does

A research team developed a model that mimics human judgment to distinguish between reflective and transparent materials. The model outperformed humans in accuracy but struggled to identify image clues.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalJournal of Vision·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022

Teaching physics to AI makes the student a master

Researchers at Duke University have developed a machine learning algorithm that incorporates known physics into neural networks, allowing for new insights into material properties and more efficient predictions. The approach helps the algorithm attain transparency and accuracy, even with limited training data.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022

New drought benchmark in Europe

The European drought event from 2018 to 2020 was the most intense in over 250 years, affecting approximately one third of the land area. The drought's total duration was unusually long, starting in April 2018 and ending in December 2020.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalAGU Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2022

Illinois astronomers help capture first image of Milky Way's black hole

A team of University of Illinois researchers, led by Charles Gammie, has captured the first direct visual evidence of a supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way. The image reveals a dark central region surrounded by a bright ringlike structure, providing valuable clues about the workings of such giants.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

An algorithm trained to detect unhappiness on social networks

Researchers developed an algorithm to identify users' basic needs from their Instagram posts, images, and captions. The study analyzed 86 profiles in Spanish and Persian, achieving promising accuracy and complementary information between visual and textual cues.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Affective Computing·DateMay 12, 2022

Online retail images reveal skin tone discrepancies

A study by Cornell University researchers found that online retail images of models have statistically lighter skin tones than videos of the same product and model. The discrepancy was also linked to 'tokenism,' where one model with darker skin is used to represent a range of diversity.

SourceCornell University·JournalVisual Communication·DateMay 11, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

More difficult than expected for glaciers to recover from climate warming

The study found that even if Earth's climate stopped warming, it would be difficult to rebuild the ice shelf once it has fallen apart. The researchers suggest that the ice shelf may not recover unless the future climate cools considerably. This has significant implications for sea-level rise and the stability of polar ice sheets.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 9, 2022

“Digital twins” – an aid to give individual patients the right treatment at the right time

A team of international researchers created digital models of disease interactions to identify key proteins and signaling cascades in seasonal allergies. They found that inhibiting PDGF-BB protein was more effective than existing treatments, suggesting a potential breakthrough in personalized medicine.

SourceLinköping University·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 6, 2022

Unpacking black-box models

MIT researchers develop ExSum, a framework to formalize explanations of machine-learning models into quantifiable rules. This allows for testing assumptions about model behavior and reveals unexpected insights, such as negative words having sharper contributions to model decisions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 5, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Quantum mechanics could explain why DNA can spontaneously mutate

A team of physicists and chemists at the University of Surrey used computer modeling to show that quantum mechanics can cause errors in DNA replication, leading to mutations. The researchers found that protons can tunnel through energy barriers, causing mistakes in the pairing of DNA bases.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 5, 2022

Researchers find way to make traffic models more efficient

A new method reduces computational complexity of traffic models, making them operate more efficiently. The modified algorithm breaks down complex forecasting questions into smaller problems that can be solved in parallel, significantly reducing run time. This approach also allows for a good enough solution within an error bar, rather t...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 5, 2022

Graph convolution machine for context-aware recommender system

A new model, GCM, uses graph neural networks to capture user behavior interactions and factorization machine to model feature interactions, demonstrating effectiveness on public datasets. The research advances context-aware recommender systems by leveraging graph learning for strong user and item representations.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Why Venus rotates, slowly, despite sun’s powerful grip

The study suggests that Venus' atmosphere plays a crucial role in determining its rotation speed, with fast winds dragging along the surface and slowing it down. This has significant consequences for the sweltering Venusian climate, with average temperatures of up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 20, 2022

Researchers study how to unlock clinical risk-prediction models so they can be applied to multiple clinical settings

A team of NYU Tandon researchers investigated the variability of mortality prediction models when applied to different hospitals and geographic regions. They found that these models exhibit a lack of generalizability due to dataset shifts in race and clinical variables, leading to disparities in performance across racial groups.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2022

Better, faster, energy efficient predictions

Scientists develop models that complement simulations using reinforcement learning and numerical methods to predict climate change, turbulent flows, and morphogenesis. This approach enables faster and more energy-efficient predictions, solving complex problems in engineering and climate applications.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateApr 8, 2022

Study investigates assumptions about colonoscopy accuracy

Researchers found that modeling studies have been assuming colonoscopies are more accurate than they really are, detecting fewer small adenomas. However, colonoscopy still appears effective in finding precursors of cancer.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateApr 5, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Novel framework for classifying chaos and thermalization

Researchers developed a novel framework to characterize weakly chaotic dynamics in complex systems with many constituent parts. By investigating Lyapunov spectrum scaling, they identified emerging quasi-conserved quantities that shed light on quantum computation and physical models.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

New link between greenhouse gasses and sea level rise

A new study provides evidence that long-term warming of the Amundsen Sea, a key contributor to global sea level rise, is linked to rising greenhouse gases. The research suggests that ocean temperatures in the region have been rising since before records began and are expected to continue if greenhouse gas emissions increase.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 5, 2022

Improving the targeted treatment of movement disorders

Dystonia is characterized by involuntary movements and postures, limiting daily activities. A new study maps specific brain networks for treatment success in patients with cervical and generalized dystonia. The findings reveal distinct stimulation sites depending on the type of dystonia, offering a more targeted approach to improving t...

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Improving predictions of bacteria in Ala Wai Canal, Hawai‘i

Researchers have developed a model to predict Vibrio vulnificus abundance in the canal by analyzing rainfall, water temperature, dissolved nutrients and organic matter. The study found that warmer waters due to climate change may lead to an increase of twice or three times current levels of bacteria by the end of the century.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateMar 30, 2022

Scientists develop the largest, most detailed model of the early universe to date

Researchers have created the Thesan simulation, a cubic volume spanning 300 million light years across, to study cosmic reionization and galaxy formation. The simulation aligns with observations and sheds light on key processes, such as how far light can travel in the early universe.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 24, 2022

On Jupiter's moon Europa, ‘chaos terrains’ could be shuttling oxygen to ocean

Researchers propose that chaos terrains on Europa's surface could shuttle oxygen to the moon's subsurface ocean, where it could sustain life. The computer model showed that 86% of oxygen is transported through the ice via a 'porosity wave', potentially raising hopes for finding life in Europa's ocean.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 24, 2022

Mathematical model will accelerate creation of alloys with specified properties

Researchers at Ural Federal University have developed a method to significantly accelerate the synthesis of aluminum-based alloys using computer modeling. The new approach allows for control over the internal structure and physical properties of the alloy, enabling the creation of materials with desired characteristics.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Physics Condensed Matter·DateMar 21, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Large US firms have lower product diversity, study finds

A recent study found that large US firms have lower product diversity, with companies manufacturing similar products becoming more common. This decrease in product diversity could be due to various factors such as narrowing consumer demand and data biases in the analysis.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 16, 2022

Chemical reaction design goes virtual

A new virtual ligand-assisted screening method enables efficient searching of ligands for optimal catalysis, accelerating reaction design. By simplifying ligand description with two metrics, researchers identify promising ligands and focus on real testing.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 13, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

New maps show airplane contrails over the U.S. dropped steeply in 2020

MIT engineers mapped airplane contrails over the US in 2020 and found a 20% drop in coverage compared to prepandemic years. The team's computer-vision technique can help predict where contrails form, allowing airlines to reroute planes and reduce aviation's climate impact.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 7, 2022

Nocturnal teeth grinding can damage temporomandibular joints

A recent study found that sleep bruxism can lead to temporomandibular joint disorders due to increased mechanical loading. The research discovered that specific combinations of tooth shape and location during grinding significantly impact the risk of TMJ problems.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of Advanced Research·DateMar 3, 2022

How to help humans understand robots

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University applied cognitive science theories to human-robot interaction, finding that humans need to see variation in robot behavior to build accurate mental models. Theories suggest that strategic variation can reveal concepts that might be difficult for a person to discern otherwise.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 2, 2022

The benefits of peripheral vision for machines

Adversarially robust models capture aspects of human peripheral processing, with results showing similarity in image transformations and perception alignment. The study's findings shed light on the goals of peripheral processing in humans and could help improve machine learning models.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 2, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Machine learning helps to identify climatic thresholds that shape the distribution of natural vegetation

A study using machine learning identifies climatic thresholds driving vegetation distribution, highlighting the importance of extreme climate conditions for savannas and deciduous forests. The findings provide valuable insights for improving process-based vegetation models and their coupling with Earth System Models.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 25, 2022

Predicting the chaos in Tourette Syndrome tics

Researchers have replicated and expanded on previous work to show that tics associated with Tourette syndrome have a fractal pattern, which can predict disease severity. This discovery could lead to a diagnostic tool for doctors to analyze tic patterns and diagnose patients with Tourette's

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2022

Pioneering simulations focus on HIV-1 virus

Researchers at University of Texas at Austin create first-ever biologically authentic computer model of HIV-1 virus liposome, shedding light on replication and infectivity. The study reveals key characteristics of the liposome's asymmetry and its role in shaping macroscopic properties.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Study: US flood damage risk is underestimated

Researchers used AI to predict flood damage in the US, finding a high probability of flood damage for more than 1.01 million square miles across the country. The study suggests that recent FEMA maps do not capture the full extent of flood risk, with 84.5% of reported damage not within high-risk flood areas.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 2022

Distinct structural domains in MUNC long non-coding RNA regulate gene expression

The study of MUNC long non-coding RNA reveals the importance of experimentally determining its structure to identify functional domains. The researchers found that two structural domains, including six common 'hairpins,' were crucial for regulating gene expression and muscle cell differentiation.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Bots less of a bother on social media than celebs, study finds

A new study by the University of Edinburgh suggests that social media bots pose less of a threat to spreading harmful messages and misinformation. Bots were found to have very limited relation to users' stance on different topics, making up less than 10% of accounts affecting users' views.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalSocial Network Analysis and Mining·DateFeb 17, 2022

URV researchers discover a way to predict the degradation of a neural network

A research team led by Professor Àlex Arenas from Universitat Rovira i Virgili has discovered a theoretical explanation for the degradation of neural networks, allowing for predictions on when they will stop functioning. This breakthrough can help in understanding neurological diseases and optimizing network systems.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2022

Sustainable bioeconomy: Development of environmentally friendly bio-shampoos and plant protection agent technologies

A new study examines the toxic impact of bio-based substances and innovative technologies on the environment, finding both biosurfactants and microgels as highly promising candidates for use in sustainable products. The results highlight the importance of integrating green toxicology into bioeconomy strategies.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.