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Digital twins for plants: how ordinary cameras are helping preserve living collections

Researchers at the University of Tartu have developed a method to create detailed 3D models of plants using consumer-grade cameras, allowing for the preservation of living collections. The technique, combining photogrammetry and 3D Gaussian Splatting, enables the capture of plant growth over time and creates interactive virtual walkthr...

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateNov 12, 2026

Concordia professor tackles decades-old engineering challenge with new 3D modeling framework

A Concordia professor has developed a faster way to predict fatigue damage in metal parts, addressing a longstanding challenge in engineering. The new framework, which completed calculations in 4.5 minutes, could help researchers develop more accurate models of damage accumulation and improve component designs.

SourceConcordia University·JournalTheoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 4, 2026

How a path-tracing method could help train next-generation event cameras

A new path-tracing method simulates event camera data from virtual 3D scenes efficiently, reducing computational costs for applications like autonomous driving and robotics. The method uses physically-based path tracing and adaptive temporal search to precisely determine event timings, enabling more efficient training-data generation.

SourceChiba University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 1, 2026

3D-printed rock avalanche

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a 3D-printed model of a rock avalanche to study the movement of mixtures of water, ice, and rock. The model, which is 1:577 in scale, was used to test various scenarios and measure parameters such as depth of runoff and impact dynamics.

SourceETH Zurich·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 8, 2026

Pusan National University develops adaptive multi-expert framework for dynamic 3D reconstruction

Researchers develop adaptive multi-expert framework for dynamic 3D reconstruction, combining strengths of multiple motion representations to improve reconstruction quality. The framework leverages complementary experts to handle heterogeneous dynamics, enabling more accurate reconstruction of complex scenes.

SourcePusan National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2026

New computer graphics research: From volcanic lava to robot vacuum room exploration

Researchers at ISTA develop two modeling approaches to represent extremely deformable surfaces more realistically while cutting computational costs. They take inspiration from natural systems like volcanic lava and cake batter to create a wave-based approach, which tackles long-standing graphics problems from a new angle.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2026

Getting an exercise form coaching assist from AI

Researchers from Drexel University developed BioCoach, a program using AI and computer vision to analyze video and provide form coaching in real time. The system analyzes visual appearance and motion patterns, as well as 3D skeletal movements and body shape, to deliver detailed biomechanics-based feedback.

SourceDrexel University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2026

UT MD Anderson establishes Center for Cellular Language Intelligence with $10 million gift from Peggy and Carl Sewell

The Center for Cellular Language Intelligence will decipher the complex communications that govern tumor ecosystems, revealing principles of cellular organization and biological programs influencing cancer initiation and response. Led by Linghua Wang, the center aims to accelerate discovery and deliver new therapeutic targets, predicti...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2026

New technique puts rendered fabric in the best light

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new technique to create digital images of cloth that more accurately captures the texture of textiles. The method models how light interacts with yarns, both as it passes through and reflects off the fabric, enabling more realistic renderings for the gaming and animation industry.

SourceCornell University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJan 12, 2026

FAU/Baptist Health AI spine model could transform lower back pain treatment

Researchers developed a fully automated finite element analysis pipeline to transform spine diagnostics and personalized treatment planning. The new approach enables rapid, patient-specific simulations that support preoperative planning, spinal implant optimization, and early detection of degenerative spine conditions.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 17, 2025

New class of protein misfolding simulated in high definition

Researchers at Penn State have simulated a new class of protein misfolding using atomic-scale models, revealing a type of entanglement that disrupts protein function and persists in cells. The findings support the existence of this long-lasting type of misfolding, which is thought to contribute to aging and disease.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2025

Creating carbon-capturing cement

A team of Penn engineers and materials scientists have developed a biomineral-infused concrete that captures up to 142% more CO2 than conventional mixes while using less cement. The new material is stronger, lighter, and uses fewer materials like cement.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2025

New 3D modeling method quantifies light-shading impact of freshwater microalgae

A novel 3D modeling method accurately quantifies the shading potential of over 800 microalgal species, affecting underwater light conditions and ecosystem balance. The study provides a comprehensive Projected Area Database for freshwater microalgae, enabling researchers to estimate the ecological impact of algal blooms.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalWater Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 24, 2025

A building material that lives and stores carbon

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a living material that can absorb CO2 from the air through photosynthesis and store it in a stable mineral form. The material, made with cyanobacteria, can be shaped using 3D printing and requires sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 20, 2025

Rice researchers engineer personalized treatments for movement impairments

Researchers at Rice University have developed a novel personalized medicine approach for addressing movement impairments. The Neuromusculoskeletal Modeling (NMSM) Pipeline software allows clinicians to work in collaboration to construct personalized computer models of individual patients, leading to more effective orthopedic surgery, p...

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateMay 20, 2025

Archaeologists combine cutting edge research techniques to shed light on the treatment of individuals with disabilities in the late Middle Ages

Researchers analyzed a skeleton with a severe knee injury to uncover the complexities of social attitudes towards individuals with disabilities in medieval Europe. The study found that despite negative cultural views, some individuals with disabilities received long-term care and prominent burials.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Archaeology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 15, 2025

Noto quake 3D model adds dimension to understand earthquake dynamics

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo used simulations to create a detailed 3D model of a fault, which helped them understand how different parts of a fault contribute to uplift during an earthquake. The study revealed that fault geometry is a critical factor in determining the impact of earthquakes on land.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalEarth Planets and Space·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2025

Chips off the old block

Researchers developed collagen-based scaffolds that can integrate with a vascular and perfusion organ-on-a-chip reactor to form complete tissue engineering platforms. The team demonstrated the ability to create non-planar 3D networks in soft, organic material by printing helical vascular networks modeled after DNA structure.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2025