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Better poverty mapping: New machine-learning approach targets aid more effectively

A new machine-learning approach to mapping poverty has been developed by Cornell University researchers, aiming to help policymakers and NGOs better identify the poorest populations in poor countries. The approach uses national surveys and Earth observation data to create actionable terms for policymakers, outperforming previous methods.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 26, 2025

Co-prescribed stimulants, opioids linked to higher opioid doses

A study analyzing millions of U.S. prescriptions over 10 years found that co-prescribed stimulants and opioids are associated with escalating opioid intake. Patients taking both stimulants and opioids had a higher average monthly intake of morphine milligram equivalents (MME) compared to those taking only opioids.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2025

Recognizing Indigenous rights in environmental data

A team of researchers recommends incorporating principles like collective benefit and ethical governance into ecological data practices to align with existing data infrastructures. They suggest establishing collaborative relationships with Indigenous rights holders and exploring how data can be aligned with Indigenous expertise and wor...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 5, 2025

New data science tool greatly speeds up molecular analysis of our environment

A research team developed a computational workflow for analyzing large data sets in metabolomics, speeding up the process to capture chemical profiles of coastal environments. The tool, accessible to researchers worldwide, highlights potential sources of pollution and enables statistical insights within minutes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Protocols·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2024

Can Google street view data improve public health?

Researchers analyzed 2 million Google Street View images to explore the utility of digital data in informing public health decision-making. They found that neighborhoods with more crosswalks had lower rates of obesity and diabetes, but no significant link was found between sidewalks and health outcomes.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2024

NUS artificial intelligence platform demonstrates promising results in effectively treating a patient with a rare cancer

A team at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine leveraged an artificial intelligence-derived platform, CURATE.AI, to guide treatment for a patient with Waldenström macroglobulinemia, a rare blood disorder. The trial demonstrated substantial improvement in red blood cell levels and minimised side effects.

Big data, AI, and personalized medicine: scientists reveal playbook aiming to revolutionize healthcare

A team of scientists outlines a bold vision for precision approaches to understanding, preventing, and treating diseases using revolutionary technologies and interdisciplinary collaborations. They emphasize the need for increased funding and research to address future challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic illnesses.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 23, 2024

Unraveling the drought dilemma: can reservoirs be a carbon source?

Research found that during severe droughts, agricultural reservoirs in Korea's southern region experienced increased total organic carbon concentrations. The study suggests that these reservoirs may shift from carbon storage to carbon sources, emitting carbon into the atmosphere. This finding highlights the need for integrated environm...

New transit station in Japan significantly reduced cumulative health expenditures

A new transit station in Japan significantly reduced average healthcare expenditures per capita over four years, with savings of approximately $929.99. The study used a causal impact algorithm and time series data to analyze the medical expenditure data gathered from a suburban city on the West Japan Railway line.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2024

AI tool instantly assesses self-harm risk

A new assessment tool developed by researchers at Northwestern University predicts suicidal thoughts and behaviors with an average accuracy of 92%. The tool uses a simple picture-ranking task along with contextual variables to identify individuals at risk of self-harm.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Mental Health·DateMay 9, 2024

An entirely new COVID-related syndrome

A new COVID-related syndrome, MDA5-autoimmunity and Interstitial Pneumonitis Contemporaneous with COVID-19 (MIP-C), has been identified in patients with severe lung scarring and autoimmune diseases. The syndrome was discovered through a retrospective observational study by UC San Diego researchers and UK colleagues.

International balance of power determined by Chinese control over emerging technologies, study shows

A new study by the University of Exeter finds that China's growing use of emerging technologies in civilian and military domains has escalated its stakes as a threat and near-peer competitor to the US. Western states have responded with diplomatic efforts, bans, and restrictions to undermine China's power.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalChinese Political Science Review·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Illustrating the relationship between pedestrian movement and urban characteristics using large-scale GPS data

This study uses large-scale GPS data to assess pedestrian movement around Tokyo's stations and its relationship with urban characteristics such as density, diversity, and design. The findings highlight that TOD attributes significantly impact pedestrian count, distances, and durations, but the impact varies across different metrics.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·DateFeb 6, 2024

AI reads “pandemic” as “healthy living” and “endemic” as “travel”

A recent study found that during stringent COVID-19 periods, online searches surged in the health and daily life category. As government policies relaxed, searches shifted towards duty-free and travel-related products. The research team applied PCA to Big Data of internet search activity volume data from NAVER DataLab platform.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateNov 20, 2023

What can we learn from the Great Resignation?

A study by the Complexity Science Hub analyzed work discourse on Reddit between 2018 and 2021, finding that mental health concerns significantly contributed to the surge in quit rates. The study suggests that companies can improve working conditions by prioritizing employees' relational and self-fulfillment needs.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalEPJ Data Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2023

AI-driven earthquake forecasting shows promise in trials

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed an AI algorithm that accurately predicted 14 earthquakes within about 200 miles of their location and strength, with only one false warning. The system detected statistical bumps in real-time seismic data and paired them with previous earthquakes to make predictions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeCase study·DateOct 5, 2023

Pioneering research links the increase of misinformation shared by Republican US politicians to a changing public perception of honesty

A study analyzed millions of tweets by Republican and Democratic US politicians over a decade, finding that Republicans were more likely to share untrustworthy information. The researchers identified linguistic signals associated with low-quality information and suggested potential solutions for the public to recognize these signals

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Harnessing big data reveals birds’ coexisting tactics

Scientists at Michigan State University used big data to study bird coexistence in the Albertine Rift ecosystem. They found that birds partition their habitat use along environmental gradients and adopt different strategies to survive, allowing them to coexist without driving each other to extinction.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateAug 16, 2023

Hybrid AI-powered computer vision combines physics and big data

A new approach to enhance artificial intelligence-powered computer vision technologies has been developed by UCLA researchers, adding physics-based awareness to data-driven techniques. This hybrid methodology aims to improve how AI-based machinery sense, interact, and respond to their environment in real time.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 14, 2023

Amid volumes of mobile location data, new framework reduces consumers’ privacy risk, preserves advertisers’ utility

A new framework developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers significantly reduces consumers' privacy risk while preserving advertisers' utility in mobile location data analysis. The framework uses machine learning to quantify personalized privacy risks and performs personalized data obfuscation.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateJun 5, 2023

The 15-minute city begins with sidewalks that aid mobility

Researchers from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya studied sidewalk networks in Barcelona and found that even pedestrian-friendly cities like Barcelona struggle with mobility constraints. The study proposes a framework for assessing multi-factor walkability using percolation theory and insights into pedestrian behavior to improve sidewal...

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalComputers Environment and Urban Systems·DateMay 10, 2023