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Unstable software tests cause issues that spread across projects

Researchers found that over half of projects in the popular OpenStack ecosystem are affected by shared instability from “flaky tests”, resulting in a cumulative loss of 1,156 days of developer time. The study identifies environmental and system-level factors as major causes of test instability.

SourceKyushu University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Software Engineering·TypeData/statistical analysis

Vegetation patterns and ecosystem resilience: relationship status “complicated”

Researchers challenge long-held assumptions about vegetation patterns in dryland ecosystems, finding that such patterns can actually indicate reduced ecosystem resilience. The new theoretical framework takes into account spatial constraints and environmental heterogeneities, revealing that ecosystem stability depends on specific enviro...

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Eureka! Scientists develop new way to detect breakthroughs in science

A team of researchers at Binghamton University has developed a method to pinpoint discoveries that reshaped the course of science. The new metric uses neural embedding to analyze approximately 55 million scientific papers and patents, identifying major breakthroughs and simultaneous discoveries with greater accuracy.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis

FAU lands $4.5M US Air Force T-1A Jayhawk flight simulator

Florida Atlantic University has received a $4.5 million grant from the US Air Force to establish a high-fidelity platform for autonomous decision-making and real-time sensor fusion research. The T-1A Jayhawk simulator will be used to study cognitive performance, situational awareness, stress and decision-making under pressure.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

SFI Press launches “The Economy as an Evolving Complex System IV”

The Economy as an Evolving Complex System IV presents a new approach to understanding the economy, highlighting agent-based models and network tools that capture diversity and feedback loops. These tools are being used by policymakers and central banks to forecast GDP during crises and manage housing bubbles.

SourceSanta Fe Institute

Power grids to epidemics: study shows small patterns trigger systemic failures

Researchers identified small clusters of interacting components that act as amplifiers, triggering outsized reactions in complex systems. These clusters can control how strongly a system reacts after a disruption, and their presence can determine the stability of entire systems.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

A hidden rhythm brings microscopic particles into unison

Groups of tiny particles suspended in liquid oscillate together, keeping time as though they sense each other's motion. The surrounding fluid enables the particles to 'feel' one another at a distance, influencing their motions without direct contact.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

SNU-KHU researchers jointly develop a framework to manipulate emergent behavior and decode real-world flocking

Scientists at Seoul National University have developed a framework to manipulate emergent behavior in animal groups and robot swarms. The approach uses physics-informed AI to learn local interaction rules, enabling the control of collective patterns such as rings, clumps, and flocks.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

FAU engineers develop smarter AI to redefine control in complex systems

Researchers at FAU have developed a smarter AI framework that can manage complex systems with unequal levels of authority and adapt to imperfect information. The framework, based on reinforcement learning and game theory, reduces unnecessary computation while maintaining system stability and optimal strategy outcomes.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Systems Man and Cybernetics Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Funding for training and research in biological complexity

The European consortium, funded by €4.5M, will recruit and train 15 PhD researchers to develop new models and methods for understanding complex biological systems. The network, coordinated by the University of Edinburgh, aims to create a framework grounded in physics that can be applied systematically.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen

Beyond words: the cognitive force of metaphor

Researchers Marie Teich and Wilmer Leal develop a formal framework to analyze metaphors, confirming they are enduring linguistic and cognitive structures. The study reveals two significant metaphorical processes: mappings from concrete to abstract topics and the emergence of new mappings between domains.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS Complex Systems·TypeData/statistical analysis
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Going viral: how ideas, beliefs, and innovations spread in the digital age

A new theory explains how ideas gain momentum and spread like wildfire. The researchers introduce a mathematical model that takes into account the evolution of ideas as they spread, leading to complex results with unexpected outcomes. This work has implications for understanding belief formation, misinformation, and social contagion.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters

Scientists find a 'speed limit' for innovation

A new study from the Complexity Science Hub reveals that innovation can only endure over time if it is balanced with exnovation - the loss or forgetting of older possibilities. The researchers found an interesting trade-off between innovation speed and system stability.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPhysical Review Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Organized scientific fraud is growing at an alarming rate

A new study uncovers coordinated efforts of paper mills, brokers, and infiltrated journals to fabricate research, pay for authorships, and citations. Millions of dollars are involved in these processes, with the problem so widespread that it's outpacing legitimate scientific publications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Promising signals in quantum computing

A team of researchers developed a new quantum framework for analysing higher-order network data using topological signal processing. The Quantum Topological Signal Processing (QTSP) framework achieves linear scaling in signal dimension, opening the door to efficient quantum algorithms for problems previously considered out of reach.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalPhysical Review Applied

New tool maps hidden roles and risks in ecosystems

A new analytical method reveals overlooked species at risk of extinction, providing a valuable layer of insight for conservationists. The dual-role approach captures both predator and prey interactions, identifying keystone species and vulnerabilities.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalChaos Solitons & Fractals·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

One single rule helps explain life from ocean depths to open savannas

A new study found a universal organizing pattern governing species distribution across biogeographical regions. The research reveals that core areas provide optimal conditions for species survival and diversification, driving biodiversity radiance outward.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Liquid-crystal platform overcomes optical losses in photonic circuits

Researchers developed a new liquid-crystal-based platform to handle hundreds of optical modes in compact two-dimensional setups, overcoming optical losses. This breakthrough enables the scalability of quantum simulations and all-optical AI systems.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics

This AI-model is more certain about uncertainty

Researchers developed a new method to include uncertainty in predictive algorithms, ensuring accurate and reliable solutions. The approach uses Markov models to explicitly include uncertainty in specific parameters, allowing for faster predictions and more complete analysis.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

When systems suddenly tip: New insights into hard-to-predict transitions

Researchers uncover the origin of mixed-order transitions, where a macroscopic change is triggered by microscopic cascades. The study reveals long-term fluctuations can lead to sudden transformations in systems like water freezing or societal conflicts.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications

Adding bridges to stabilize quantum networks

Researchers propose a new strategy to stabilize quantum networks by rebuilding connections after each use, which leads to an eventual stable network state. The key is finding the optimal number of links to add, determined to be the square root of the number of users.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters

By the numbers: Diarylethene crystal orientation controlled for 1st time

A team from Osaka Metropolitan University has developed a crystal patterning method that controls the position and orientation of photochromic crystals, known as diarylethenes. This breakthrough allows for the creation of convex structures with precise control over crystal shape and size.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study

A new chapter in Roman administration: Insights from a late Roman inscription

A newly discovered Tetrarchic boundary stone provides valuable historical insights into the sweeping tax reforms of Roman Emperor Diocletian. The inscription mentions two previously unknown village names, a new imperial surveyor, and reflects the socio-economic dynamics during the Tetrarchy period.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPalestine Exploration Quarterly·TypeExperimental study

Ants vs. humans: Putting group smarts to the test

In a Weizmann Institute experiment, groups of ants demonstrated superior problem-solving skills compared to human groups and individuals. Humans struggled to improve performance when working together, relying on individual calculation rather than collective strategy.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Scientist proposes deducing commonality from complexity to resolve global challenges

Professor LI Jinghai proposes Mesoscience, a concept exploring common principles among complex systems at mesoscales. This approach aims to identify and develop solutions for global challenges such as climate change, human health, and sustainable development goals.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences

Experts urge complex systems approach to assess A.I. risks

The study emphasizes the need for a coherent approach to understanding A.I. threats, recognizing the intricate interplay between technology and society. Experts propose involving laypeople and experts in risk assessment processes, as well as promoting social resilience to ensure better decision-making.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeCase study

'Shallow' sports and 'deep' social hierarchies: Not all pecking orders are created equal

A new study by University of Michigan researchers introduces a framework to compare and analyze competitive interactions across various fields, from sports to social hierarchies. The 'depth of competition' model reveals that human games and sports are surprisingly shallow, while animal competitions exhibit much deeper stratification.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Revealing causal links in complex systems

A team of MIT engineers developed an algorithm to identify causal links in complex systems, taking data from various sources and analyzing interactions between variables. The method generates a causality map linking variables with likely cause-and-effect relationships, including synergistic and redundant links.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications

New benchmark helps solve the hardest quantum problems

A new benchmark, V-score, has been developed to tackle quantum many-body problems. The V-score combines energy and fluctuation data into a single number, making it easier to rank different methods based on accuracy.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience

'Squeezing' increased accuracy out of quantum measurements

Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully applied quantum squeezing to enhance the accuracy of measurements in complex quantum systems. By reducing uncertainty in one aspect while increasing it in another, they can measure variables like position and momentum with greater precision.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPhysical Review Research
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

‘Good complexity’ can make hospital networks more cybersecure

A recent study found that hospitals with standardized data governance platforms were 47% less likely to be breached. The research proposes building enterprise-wide data analytics platforms to manage data sharing among diverse systems, simplifying the system and reducing breaches. Practitioners should embrace IT complexity as long as it...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMIS Quarterly

How do new words arise in social media?

Researchers analyzed 650 million tweets to identify new words and tracked their adoption. Words used by central users persisted longer, while those with less central positions had a rapid rise and decline. The study reveals the predictive power of social network position in shaping language.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Complex Systems·TypeObservational study
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Balancing instability and robustness: new mathematical framework to understand dynamics of natural systems

Researchers introduce ghost channels and cycles to understand transient behaviors in complex systems like climate processes or neuronal networks. This new approach challenges traditional concepts based on stable or unstable equilibria, potentially helping predict tipping cascades and ecosystem degradation.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior - caesar·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Escaping from traps

Researchers from MPI-DS investigated how non-reciprocal interactions can help overcome static equilibrium states in complex systems. They found that these interactions can counteract energy barriers, allowing trapped systems to escape and potentially leading to more efficient molecular systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

The Complexity Science Hub launches Graduate Program in Austria

The Complexity Science Hub is launching a new PhD program in Austria, focusing on complexity research to address current challenges. The interdisciplinary program will provide students with expertise in data, network, and complexity science.

SourceComplexity Science Hub
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New study reveals how parasites shape complex food webs

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London developed a novel analysis to explore the impact of parasite virulence and infection probability on species coexistence in a complex system. The study found that stochasticity plays a significant role in determining whether species coexist or go extinct.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences

Which countries are more at risk in the global supply chain?

Researchers analyzed firm-level data from the global supply network, revealing that wealthy nations are only exposed to supply chain disruptions from other high-income countries. Poor and developing nations are disproportionately affected by economic shocks due to their structural embeddedness in their local or national supply chains.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Researchers discovered the secret of how termites build their giant nests

Researchers found termites use humidity to guide their nest-building activity, not relying on pheromones. The study used artificial structures with varying heights and shapes, tracking termite behavior and correlating it with changes in the 3D structure.

SourceIMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study

Learning the intrinsic dynamics of spatio-temporal processes through Latent Dynamics Networks

Politecnico researchers developed a new type of neural network called Latent Dynamics Network (LDNet) that can accurately predict the evolution of complex systems in low-dimensional spaces. This approach offers significant innovations over traditional methods, enabling up to 5 times more accurate results with a reduction of over 90% in...

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Going viral: New models show how human behavior influences pandemic trends

Researchers created mathematical models to examine aspects of human behavior affecting pandemic trends. They found that risk perception and adherence to preventive measures are crucial in understanding why similar policies resulted in different outcomes.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis

Plant groupings in drylands support ecosystem resilience

Research reveals that spatial patterns in dryland vegetation are critical for adapting to changing environmental conditions. The study provides empirical evidence supporting the role of self-organized clusters in maintaining ecosystem function and health.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Swarming cicadas, stock traders, and the wisdom of the crowd

Researchers developed a mathematical model showing how cicadas come to a consensus about local average temperature, leading to large-scale swarms. The model is related to those describing 'avalanches' in decision-making among stock market traders, highlighting the importance of communication in collective behavior.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review E
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Leading scientists, philosophers identify nature’s missing evolutionary law

A team of scientists and philosophers identifies a new law of nature that governs the evolution of complex systems, including plants, animals, stars, and minerals. The law states that complex systems evolve to states of greater patterning, diversity, and complexity, regardless of whether they are living or nonliving.

SourceCarnegie Science Earth and Planets Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study

Unraveling the mysteries of glassy liquids

Researchers propose a new framework to explain the emergence of 'dynamical heterogeneities' in glass-forming liquids, which become increasingly correlated as they cool down. This study provides insights into the Stoke-Einstein breakdown and suggests a new handle for understanding other complex systems with intermittent dynamics.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review X

How wind turbines react to turbulence

Researchers from the University of Oldenburg developed a new stochastic method to mitigate sudden swings in wind turbine power output. The study found that control systems are mainly responsible for short-term fluctuations and can be optimized to ensure more consistent energy output.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalPRX Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis

Eureka baby! Groundbreaking study uncovers origin of ‘conscious awareness’

A groundbreaking study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that agency emerges from the coupled relation between humans and their environment. Infants are found to discover their causal powers and transition from spontaneous to intentional behavior at a critical level of coordination, marking an abrupt increase in movement rate.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Cellular cartography - charting the sizes and abundance of our body's cells reveals mathematical order underlying life

Researchers created a comprehensive index of human cells mapping sizes and abundance across the entire body. The study reveals surprising mathematical patterns underlying cell size and number, challenging fundamental understanding of cell growth and proliferation.

SourceMax-Planck-Institut fur Mathematik in den Naturwissenschaften·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis

Ecology and artificial intelligence: stronger together

A new paper suggests that ecology can inspire more powerful, resilient, and socially responsible AI to solve complex problems. Artificial intelligence systems can incorporate greater amounts of data and diverse sources, discovering new interactions and drivers that may not have been considered before.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial

What do neurons, fireflies and dancing the Nutbush have in common?

Researchers at the University of Sydney and Max Planck Institute have developed new methods to describe synchronicity in complex systems. Their findings suggest that convergent walks on a network structure can lead to poor quality synchronisation.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Unraveling complex systems: The Backtracking Method

Researchers at EPFL have developed the Backtracking Dynamical Cavity Method (BDCM) to study disordered systems, which are found in materials science, climate, and social networks. By tracing steps backward from stable points, the BDCM provides valuable insights into complex system dynamics.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review X

Bees and ETRVs: an unlikely match-up of the natural world and electric trackless rubber-tyred vehicles

The study uses an improved artificial bee colony algorithm to minimize potential issues with ETRVs, such as excessive energy consumption and operational safety concerns. The algorithm successfully finds the most competitive solution on all instances, achieving significant improvement over other comparative algorithms.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalComplex System Modeling and Simulation
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

New understanding of the body’s cells: Synchronize like pendulum clocks

Human cells have been found to synchronize their movements in unison, similar to grandfather clocks, allowing them to work more efficiently and combat diseases. This new understanding can pave the way for developing biochemical tools to prevent serious diseases like cancer and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalCell Systems

Introducing GOBI: A breakthrough computational package for inferring causal interactions in complex systems

GOBI overcomes model-free and model-based inference method limitations by introducing an easily testable condition for a general monotonic ODE model to reproduce time-series data. It successfully infers positive and negative regulations in various networks, distinguishing between direct and indirect causation.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis

Team applies variable reduction strategy to improve emergency material scheduling

A research team applied a variable reduction strategy to an emergency material scheduling problem, simplifying the model and reducing complexity. The approach improved optimization efficiency and yielded higher-quality solutions, offering insights into effective solution methods for large-scale problems.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalComplex System Modeling and Simulation