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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·DateJul 24, 2023

Was warfare responsible for the fall of small-scale societies?

Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub found that periodic outbreaks of warfare can account for boom-bust patterns in population dynamics of early farming societies. The study suggests that social conflict played a crucial role in shaping the population dynamics of these societies, contrary to previous assumptions that climate chang...

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 19, 2023

Is this the future of farming?

Researchers propose a 'state space' approach to reframe farming planning questions, enabling analytics and machine learning to explore optimal crop combinations and simulate different scenarios. This framework allows farmers to design diverse agricultural landscapes based on natural ecosystems, increasing crop yield and sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 12, 2023

Fighting intolerance with physics

A complex system economic model shows that inequality boosts intolerance, but redistribution of wealth can prevent its spread. Economically disfavored individuals from minority groups may prioritize helping wealthy individuals over their own group when discriminated against.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateMar 14, 2023

Targeting wealth managers would cripple Russia's oligarchs

A new study by Dartmouth College researchers finds that sanctions on wealth managers would be more effective than asset seizure in crippling Russia's oligarchs. The research uses network science to map the connections between wealthy individuals and their financial experts, revealing a vulnerable network that can be disrupted with targ...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 28, 2023

Finding simplicity within complexity

A University of Houston researcher has developed a method to describe complex systems using the least number of variables possible, reducing complexity from millions to just one. This advancement speeds up science with efficiency and ability to understand and predict natural system behavior.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateDec 8, 2022

Even fruit flies count

A new computational model based on fruit fly brain data may help explain how humans process memories and experiences. The model suggests that living organisms, including humans, use a similar '1-2-3-many' count sketch to track encounters with familiar sights and smells.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2022

And when will YOUR medical care collapse?

A research team from the Complexity Science Hub Vienna has developed a stress test to identify weaknesses and strengths in healthcare systems. They used data from Austria to show how many resident physicians can drop out before patients don't find a new doctor within reasonable distance, highlighting regional differences in resilience.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2022

Prepare for the next supply chain disruption

Researchers at CSH create the first complete representation of Hungary's economy, mapping production networks and supply relationships. They find that only a few firms pose a substantial risk to the overall economy, with nearly 75% of systemic risk concentrated on just 100 high-risk companies.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

Hitting rewind to predict multi-step chemical reactions

A new method predicts the starting materials and reaction paths of multi-step chemical reactions using only information about the target product molecule. The algorithm reduces the number of paths to explore, mitigating the combinatorial explosion that occurs in single-step reactions.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJACS Au·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2022

Inferring the size of a collective of self-propelled Vicsek particles from the random motion of a single unit

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering propose a paradigm to solve the problem of inferring collective size from individual behaviors. By observing self-propelled Vicsek particles, they show that the time rate of growth of mean square heading is sufficient to predict the number of particles under particular parameters.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2022

Amazon rainforest losing resilience

The Amazon rainforest is experiencing a decline in resilience, which could trigger dieback and have severe consequences for the environment. The study found that resilience has dropped consistently since the early 2000s, with parts of the forest losing resilience faster due to deforestation and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 7, 2022

Can a planet have a mind of its own?

Researchers propose that cognitive activity operating on a planetary scale is necessary to tackle global issues. A mature technosphere involves integrating technological systems with Earth through feedback loops, making it self-maintaining and exhibiting emergent behavior.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology·DateFeb 16, 2022

Physicists unify sociological theories that explain social stability

Researchers from the Complexity Science Hub Vienna propose that homophily, or interacting with like-minded individuals, automatically leads to social balance and stability. They demonstrate this using data from the Massive Multiplayer Online Game Pardus, where players tend to form friendships with those who share similar characteristics.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

A mathematical secret of lizard camouflage

A multidisciplinary team at UNIGE has developed a simple mathematical equation to explain the complex distribution of scales in ocellated lizards. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of skin color pattern evolution and provides an optimal pattern for animal survival.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeNews article·DateJan 27, 2022

iDIRECT network framework developed at the University of Oklahoma could help scientists better understand biological systems

A new framework, iDIRECT, can effectively infer direct relationships in association networks, improving our understanding of complex systems. This approach has been successfully applied to gene regulatory networks in E. coli and microbial communities in response to climate warming.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2022

Online parenting communities pulled closer to extreme groups spreading misinformation during COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers at George Washington University found that mainstream parenting communities were exposed to misinformation from alternative health and anti-vaccination communities on Facebook. The study reveals how social media machinery can pull these communities closer to extremes, highlighting the need for a new strategy to combat onlin...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalIEEE Access·DateJan 3, 2022

An exploration of tipping in complex systems

This special issue examines the nature of tipping in complex systems, revealing recent trends and challenges. The studies highlight the pressing need to control tipping phenomena and harness their potential for efficient logic operations.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateNov 23, 2021

A frugal way to study complex systems and materials

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new method for rapidly prototyping complex geometries mirroring symmetries present in problems of interest. This technique uses a mixture of water and propylene glycol, along with a slippery surface, to create droplet lattices that can be manipulated and observed over time.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 16, 2021

Capturing a true picture of wolves in Yellowstone: Reevaluating aspen recovery

Aspen recovery in Yellowstone National Park has been found to be less robust than previously believed due to biased sampling methods. Random sampling of all young aspen within a stand revealed a slower rate of recovery compared to the five tallest young aspen, which were used in previous studies.

The influence collective risks have on the acceptance of social norms is being analysed

A study by UC3M researchers found that higher collective risks lead to stronger social norms and increased punishment for non-compliance. However, as perceived risk decreases, compliance with these norms also drops. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides evidence on how collective risks impact social behavior.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Behavioral synchronization in complex societies of feral horses

Research at Kyoto University using drones and a multi-agent system found that feral horses synchronize their behavior not only within unit groups but also across different parts of the herd. The study's results suggest that individual horses can recognize the behavior of distant individuals, averaging a nearest distance of 39.3m.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2021

New method reveals minimum heat for Leidenfrost effect

Physicists developed an electrical technique to study the Leidenfrost effect, revealing the temperature at which vapor layers form and collapse. The results show that stable vapor layers can be sustained at 240 degrees Celsius, with a minimum heat of 140 degrees Celsius required for their existence.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021

Finding the cause of a fatal problem in rocket engine combustors

Researchers found significant periodic flow velocity fluctuations in fuel injector ignite combustion oscillations, leading to high mechanical stress on the combustion chamber. The findings provide a reasonable answer for why these oscillations occur and have significant implications for preventing fatal damage in critical engines.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2021

Using virtual reality to help students understand the brain's complex systems, NYUAD researchers demonstrate effectiveness of 3D visualization as a learning tool

Researchers from NYUAD and University of Wisconsin-Madison develop interactive 3D diagrams to teach functional neuroanatomy. The study shows that VR exceeded PC viewing for experience-based learning outcomes, making it an enjoyable and easier learning tool.

SourceNew York University·JournalTranslational Issues in Psychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

Teaching the internet of things to learn

The VEDLIoT project is developing a new generation of IoT platforms that use machine learning to improve the performance and energy efficiency of devices. The platform aims to enable autonomous vehicles, smart homes, and industrial applications to learn and adapt to their environments.

Divide and conquer--modular controller design strategy makes upgrading power grids easier

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel approach for modular controller design, enabling decentralized system upgrades without compromising stability. The new design allows individual subsystem developers to design and implement controllers independently, improving overall system performance.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Automatic Control·DateNov 4, 2020

Theoreticians show which quantum systems are suitable for quantum simulations

A joint research group has developed a way to simulate the quantum physical properties of complex solid state systems using real systems of atoms. The team's approach uses mathematical and numerical methods to investigate which quantum systems are suitable for simulations, paving the way for progress in robust quantum computing.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2020