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Benchmarking computational methods for metagenomes

The Critical Assessment of Metagenome Interpretation (CAMI) Challenge evaluated computational tools for metagenomes, assessing assemblers, binners, and taxonomic profilers. The benchmarking results provide performance overviews for developers and applied scientists, informing the selection of suitable software for research questions.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 3, 2017

Automated fingerprint analysis is one step closer to reality

Researchers from NIST and Michigan State University have developed an algorithm that automates the key decision point in fingerprint analysis, reducing human subjectivity and improving reliability. The new system uses machine learning to score latent prints based on their quality, allowing for more efficient processing of evidence.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateAug 14, 2017

'Sherlock' and the case of narrative perception

The study found that brain activity in regions called the default mode network represent a kind of higher-level processing, building up representations of what's happening in the world around us. Participants who had previously watched the 'Sherlock' episode could anticipate events and recall them in the same order, suggesting that chu...

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateAug 2, 2017

Molecular archaeology

A new phylogenetic tree resolves key relationships among vertebrates, including the identification of lungfishes as closest living relatives of land vertebrates. The study uses a novel set of analyses for building large-scale genomic datasets.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 24, 2017

A turbo engine for tracing neurons

Researchers designed UltraTracer to work with existing algorithms, turbo-charging them for faster processing and larger datasets. The software can compare tens of thousands of neuron shapes to better understand cell types.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 27, 2017

No democracy without women's rights

A new study published in the European Journal of Political Research reveals that women's civil rights are essential for countries to become fully democratic. The research indicates that the failure to foster women's rights compromised any attempt at democratic governance in the Arab Spring countries.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Research·DateApr 11, 2017

First public data released by hyper suprime-cam Subaru Strategic Program

The Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program has released its first public dataset, containing almost 100 million galaxies and stars. This dataset will enable scientists to explore the nature of dark matter and dark energy, as well as study the formation and evolution of galaxies.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateMar 7, 2017

Nematode resistance in soybeans beneficial even at low rates of infestation

Researchers found that resistant soybean varieties yield more than susceptible ones even at low SCN infestation levels, with a yield advantage seen in environments with no SCN infestation. Despite mounting pressure from nematodes, varieties with PI 88788-resistance still provide moderate resistance and produce good yields.

Quicker and twice as accurate predictions

Researchers at URV develop collaborative filtering model with scalable algorithm for predicting individual preferences and group overlaps. The new approach provides more accurate predictions than existing algorithms by considering individual differences, making it ideal for large datasets.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2016

Unlocking big genetic datasets

Researchers at Columbia University developed a new machine-learning algorithm called TeraStructure to analyze massive genetic data sets. The algorithm can estimate population structure more accurately and twice as fast as current state-of-the-art algorithms, making it potentially useful for identifying disease-causing genetic mutations.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 7, 2016

Trauma patient deaths peak at 2 weeks

Researchers found that patients with lower severity trauma have peaks in mortality probability around 14 and 21 days after admission. The study used the largest trauma database in Europe to analyze 165,559 trauma cases, including 19,289 with unknown outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·DateSep 2, 2016

'Advance warning'

Geographers from UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Group will help African scientists predict food deficits using remote sensing tools and climate data. The new project aims to provide early warning systems for severe hunger, giving policymakers four months of advanced notice to allocate resources.