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Study tracks global death toll of COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers analyzed mortality data from 103 countries to track excess deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found significant increases in deaths in some countries, while others saw a decrease due to social distancing measures.

SourceeLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2021

The graveyard never lies

A recent study published in eLife journal analyzed mortality data from 103 countries to determine the true rate of COVID-19 deaths. The researchers found significant underreporting of pandemic deaths, with some nations reporting 2-50 times higher excess deaths than official numbers.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2021

Machine learning and lidar: New tools for the tackle box

Researchers applied supervised machine learning to lidar data from fishery surveys, automating the identification process in regions with a strong possibility of harboring fish. The technique decreased manual inspection in datasets from Yellowstone Lake and Gulf of Mexico studies by 61.14% and 26.8%, respectively.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Applied Remote Sensing·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 27, 2021

New research at ESMT Berlin shows potential variance in academic research

Researchers found that subjective decisions play a critical role in shaping empirical results, emphasizing the need for open data, systematic robustness checks, and transparency in academic research. This study highlights the benefits of diverse analytical approaches and the importance of humility when communicating findings.

SourceESMT Berlin·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJul 15, 2021

Study: Culture influences mask wearing

A new study finds that cultural collectivism is a strong predictor of mask usage in the US and globally, with high collectivistic cultures encouraging masking. The study analyzed datasets from the US and 29 countries, controlling for other factors to confirm the link between collectivism and mask use.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2021

Strong quake, small tsunami

A recent study by GEOMAR scientists has provided a comprehensive understanding of the northern Chilean subduction zone, shedding light on the relationship between earthquakes and tsunamis. The data set, obtained through a unique deployment of ocean-bottom seismometers, revealed that aftershocks were located both beneath and above the p...

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 11, 2021

Gauging groundwater

A comprehensive study finds that many global groundwater wells are at risk of running dry due to declining water levels. The researchers analyzed construction records and monitoring well data from 40 countries, finding that 6-20% of wells may dry up if water levels continue to decline.

Nonconscious brain modulation to remove fears, increase confidence

A new dataset from ATR Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group provides insights into Decoded Neurofeedback, a technique that uses AI and brain scanning to modify fear memories and boost confidence. The dataset includes five studies and could lead to new treatments for PTSD, phobias, and anxiety disorders.

Study finds revised concussion guidelines shorten duration of symptoms

A new study found that the revised concussion guidelines led to a significant reduction in symptom duration among young athletes. The adoption of active rest, recognizing pre-existing conditions, and educating athletes about recovery improved outcomes, with male athletes experiencing a median duration drop from 11 to 5 days and female ...

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2021

Reconstruction shows increased global warming trends since 1850s

A newly merged global surface temperature dataset, including reconstructed land and marine measurements, reveals a consistent increased warming trend compared to previous estimations. The study provides evidence that the globe has warmed at a significantly faster rate than previously thought, with improved coverage of the Earth's surface.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 28, 2021

Borrowing from birds, experts reduce search times for novel high-entropy alloys to seconds

Computational materials scientists at Ames Laboratory have created an algorithm that uses a hybrid approach inspired by cuckoo birds' nesting habits to find novel high-entropy alloys. The new method significantly reduces the search time for these materials, which are highly sought after for their unique properties and applications.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Computational Science·DateJan 14, 2021

Diffractive networks light the way for optical image classification

Researchers at UCLA have developed Diffractive Deep Neural Networks (D2NNs) for all-optical object classification, achieving higher accuracy than individual constituent D2NNs and digital AI models. The success of the ensemble learning approach demonstrates the power of combining multiple predictions to obtain a more accurate prediction.

COVID patterns

A team of researchers has found evidence that UV radiation from sunlight significantly affects COVID-19 transmission. By analyzing daily COVID-19 cases and environmental conditions, they discovered a correlation between UV exposure and the growth rate of new cases.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2020

Genetics of human face begin to reveal underlying profile

An international team of researchers has connected specific genetic signals with specific areas of the face, identifying 203 genomic regions that play a role in human facial development. The study sheds light on craniofacial malformations such as cleft lip and palate, as well as evolutionary differences between various populations.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 7, 2020

Nature is widely adapted to current climate -- making it harder to adjust to a new one

Researchers analyzed a massive dataset of seasonal events across the former Soviet Union and found that species' activities fail to keep up with their cues due to past evolution. Local adaptation patterns result in a massive imprint on nature's calendar, making geographic variation in seasonal timing more pronounced in spring and less ...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020