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Building real security with virtual worlds

Computer science researchers at University of Maryland create virtual worlds using advanced modeling and prediction techniques to analyze military and policy actions. These virtual worlds allow defense analysts to predict the most likely outcomes of different courses of action, enabling them to make informed decisions.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateNov 26, 2009

Banking on outlier detection

Researchers developed a simple computer model that can predict specific outcomes for a given bank with minimal data demands. The model uses Locally Weighted Scatter Plot Smooth to identify potentially troubled banks by comparing their performance with similar peers.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Operational Research·DateOct 7, 2009

Looking different 'helps animals to survive'

Scientists have developed computer models explaining polymorphism in animal populations, where individuals can display multiple distinct forms. The research suggests that a modest level of predator dietary wariness is sufficient to maintain large numbers of prey forms within a single species.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEvolution·DateJul 23, 2009

The green Sahara, a desert in bloom

Researchers discovered three periods of high vegetation cover in the Sahara Desert over the past 120,000 years, tied to changes in Earth's rotation axis and increased precipitation. Computer model simulations support these findings, suggesting a potential expansion of vegetation in the region under human-driven climate change.

SourceKiel University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 30, 2008

Models look good when predicting climate change

A new study by University of Utah meteorologists finds that current climate models are accurate and can be valuable tools for reversing global warming trends. The study shows that coupled models can simulate present-day climate with accuracy approaching conventional observations.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateApr 2, 2008

Computers explain why pears may become brown during commercial storage

A computer model developed by researchers at the Catholic University of Leuven can predict the oxygen concentration inside pears, leading to a better understanding of internal browning. The model suggests that extremely low oxygen concentrations in the core of the pear can lead to cell death and browning.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 7, 2008

Liquid water found flowing on Mars? Not yet

Researchers used topographic data from NASA's HiRISE camera to determine how a flow of pure liquid water would look on the images versus an avalanche of dry granular debris. The study found that the dry granular case was the winner, suggesting that liquid water has not been found on the Martian surface within the last decade.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeology·DateFeb 29, 2008

Key to avoiding whiplash injury may lie in head restraint positioning

A study by Dr. Brian Stemper and colleagues found that setting head restraints close to the back of the head can minimize injuries from whiplash. The researchers developed a computer model that shows increasing distances between the head restraint and the back of the head can lead to ligament stretch, making whiplash injury more likely.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateDec 11, 2006

California's model skies

Researchers from the UK Met Office and the University of Leeds have developed computer models to predict rotor winds, which can be devastating for aircraft. The T-REX project uses these models to check accuracy and improve predictions, ultimately enhancing safety at mountainous airports.