Add BrightSurf on Google Email

The wisdom of crowds: What smart cities can learn from a dead ox and live fish

A study by Portland State University researchers found that diverse crowds of local stakeholders can collectively produce complex environmental models similar to those of trained experts. The results correspond more or less exactly to scientific knowledge on the subject, with the final outcomes improving as more individuals are involve...

SourcePortland State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 14, 2020

An unbiased approach for sifting through big data

Researchers developed a novel probabilistic approach to mine big data, enabling the creation of an 'Optimal Information Network' (OIN) for assessing health outcomes in U.S. cities. The OIN identified poor and favorable health metrics, with some cities showing high variability over time.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 2, 2018

Predicting influencers has just been made simpler

Researchers developed a new theory identifying key individuals spreading news and viruses in epidemics by analyzing message transmission dynamics. The study predicts the influence of spreaders in networks, enabling efficient immunization strategies and identifying influential actors.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJan 29, 2018

Are complex networks and systems more stable than simpler ones?

Research by RMIT Professor Lewi Stone suggests that complex systems are likely to be fragile despite their diversity. The study revisited classic theories on stability in complex systems, finding that simplicity can govern the behavior of these networks. This challenges the long-held assumption that complexity leads to instability.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2016

A quantum of light for material science

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have developed a novel theoretical method to simulate material properties, including the effects of photons. This approach treats particles and photons as a quantum fluid, allowing for accurate descriptions of electron-photon interactions.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 23, 2015

New research complicates seismic hazard for British Columbia, Alaska region

A recent study on the 2012 Mw 7.8 Haida Gwaii and 2013 Mw 7.5 Craig earthquakes reveals a confirmed subduction zone in the Haida Gwaii area, complicating seismic hazard assessments for British Columbia and Alaska. The research also found that the mainshock altered stress fields in the rupture zone, leading to normal faulting behavior.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateApr 6, 2015

Ultrafast complex molecular simulations by 'cutting up molecules'

A novel ultrafast quantum chemical method called FMO-DFTB enables rapid simulations of complex molecular systems, achieving a huge improvement over traditional methods. The method has successfully evaluated large molecules including polypeptides, DNA segments, small proteins, and fullerite surfaces.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·DateDec 4, 2014

Of bio-hairpins and polymer-spaghetti

The study reveals that biopolymer filaments undergo a transition from entangled spaghetti-like structures to aligned bow-shaped filaments when in flow, leading to dramatic shear-thinning behavior. This finding may aid the search for renewable alternatives and provide insights into biological processes such as cytoplasmic flow.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2014

Georgia Tech jailbreaks iOS 7.1.2

Researchers at Georgia Tech have discovered a way to jailbreak current generation iOS devices running iOS 7.1.2, showcasing the vulnerability of Apple's closed platform to exploitation. The study highlights the importance of patching all publicly disclosed threats to prevent potential attacks.

Making life simpler for control freaks

Two brothers propose that all complex systems fall into just three basic categories, enabling control through understanding critical control points. This framework has implications for controlling economic systems, biological processes, and social networks.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateMar 20, 2014

Optimizing custody is child's play for physicists

Researchers used physical models to tackle the challenge of finding a suitable weekend for both parents in a recomposed family to see all their children at the same time. They found that minimizing energy in a material model is equivalent to maximizing parent-child time, and developed an algorithm to achieve this.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 21, 2014

3D printing used as a tool to explain theoretical physics

Researchers have successfully demonstrated how complex theoretical physics can be transformed into a physical object using a 3D printer. They created an 8 cm3 object based on a mathematical model describing forest fires, which could be used to produce works of art or transform scientific discussions.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateDec 8, 2013

Global networks must be redesigned

Helbing's research reveals that global networks can amplify vulnerability to disasters, making it difficult to predict and control complex systems. By redesigning these networks with real-time data, we can enhance transparency, adaptive control, and mitigate catastrophic failures.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMay 1, 2013

In search of the key word

Researchers found long-range correlation between letters and words within texts, enabling conclusions about topic connections. Burstiness analysis also reveals representative words in passages.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2012

Market exchange rules responsible for wealth concentration

Two Brazilian physicists used statistical mechanics methods to study free market models, finding that wealth distribution follows a power law and concentrates among a few agents. New regulations, such as taxes giving poorer agents a higher probability of wealth gain, may help prevent wealth concentration and decrease inequalities.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 7, 2012

Taking a fresh look

A new study by Northwestern University researchers uses complex systems and computer modeling to better understand educational policies. The approach, which treats education as a complex system, has been applied to school choice and student tracking, revealing promising results in understanding policy implications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2010

Less is more in the fight against terrorism

A mathematical analysis suggests that isolating terrorist network hubs is more effective than targeting the entire network. The study uses complex systems tools to analyze and model terrorist networks, finding that soft targets are not worth pursuing. Instead, focusing on the key hubs can lead to successful defeat.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations·DateSep 17, 2010