Virginia Tech researchers have received a five-year National Science Foundation grant to develop an open-source automated forecasting system for lakes. The system will enable real-time data collection and publishing, allowing researchers to predict water quality in lakes around the globe.
Researchers at Oxford University have discovered a network of ocean currents that scatter coral larvae between remote islands in the Seychelles. This 'coral superhighway' suggests that centrally located reefs may play a crucial role in linking distant islands, supporting regional reef resilience.
A new study led by Worcester Polytechnic Institute aims to determine whether AI can help doctors predict which patients will benefit from mindfulness-based stress reduction in managing chronic lower back pain. The research uses machine learning and physiological data from fitness sensors to detect patterns that may not be apparent to d...
A computational model of the more than 26 million atoms in a DNA-packed viral capsid has expanded our understanding of virus structure and DNA dynamics. The study found that the DNA formed switchback loops as it was pushed into the capsid, similar to how DNA is organized in eukaryotic cells.
Researchers at UCSF used clinical data and a precision medicine approach to identify early risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, predicting its onset with 72% accuracy. High cholesterol, osteoporosis, and erectile dysfunction were found to be predictive factors in both men and women.
Researchers have introduced an optimization technique that accelerates Bayesian inference without requiring extensive user effort. This new automated method achieves more accurate results faster than another popular approach and offers reliable uncertainty estimates to help scientists understand when to trust their predictions.
A recent study from Argonne National Laboratory has uncovered new insights into the relationship between genetic ancestry and prostate cancer risk. The research, which included large increases in representation among men of African, Hispanic, and Asian ancestries, found 187 new genetic markers that provide more accuracy in calculating ...
A Bayesian model analysis reveals how key covariates affect SARS-CoV-2 viral kinetics at individual and population levels. The study identifies intrinsic differences between Omicron and Delta variants, shedding light on their growth drivers.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 30, 2024
A new study reveals that Singapore has lost 37% of its species over the past two centuries, with larger mammals and forest-dependent birds being particularly at risk. The researchers recommend prioritizing landscape-scale conservation efforts for charismatic species, such as tigers and orangutans, to mitigate extinction rates.
A European study links agricultural activities with West Nile virus emergence and spread, as well as urbanization and migratory bird patterns. The study highlights the need for enhanced surveillance in Central Europe.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 25, 2024
A new model developed by MIT engineers predicts how certain shoe properties will affect a runner's performance, incorporating factors like stiffness and springiness. The model aims to help designers create high-performing shoes with novel properties.
A new study by Northwestern University found that lab-trained AI models are easily misled by tissue contaminants, resulting in errors in diagnoses and vessel damage detection. The researchers suggest improving the problem of quantifying and addressing biological impurities in AI models to enhance accuracy.
A research group from Tohoku University Graduate School of Engineering has replicated human-like variable speed walking using a musculoskeletal model steered by a reflex control method reflective of the human nervous system. The breakthrough in biomechanics and robotics sets a new benchmark in understanding human movement.
A new study published in Palaeontologia Electronica shows the Megalodon was more slender than earlier studies suggested, changing our understanding of its behavior and impact on ancient ocean life. The revised model suggests a longer digestive canal, potentially leading to less predation pressure on other marine creatures.
Researchers used the 2022 FIFA World Cup to study COVID-19 spread and hospitalizations at mass gatherings. They found that pre-travel screenings did little to prevent infections, but pre-match testing with rapid antigen or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests was more effective.
The review discusses the optical aspects of QPAT, including mathematical models for light propagation and interaction with biological tissues. The authors outline two approaches to estimating chromophore concentrations from absorbed optical energy density data, highlighting the challenges associated with practical implementation, such ...
A study predicts tecovirimat administration impacts time to viral clearance in mpox patients, combining pre-clinical and clinical data. Early tecovirimat treatment shortens the time to mpox clearance in a human infection model.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 21, 2023
Multiple sclerosis affects over 2.8 million worldwide, and EU funding will investigate viral infections like EBV as potential causes and co-factors. The BEHIND-MS consortium aims to develop new cell models to test hypotheses on the disease's development.
Researchers developed a new framework to predict how microbes interact with each other in unique compositions. Most microbes had minimal impact on the final outcome, with only select few playing crucial roles. The model has potential applications in personalized medicine and understanding microbiome assembly.
Researchers found that a more complex climate model projects stronger and sustained carbon uptake by plants until the end of the 21st century. This could lead to a larger impact on mitigating climate change through nature-based solutions like reforestation.
Researchers at Purdue University developed a new tool to visualize neural network decisions, making it easier to identify errors in image recognition. The tool uses graph-topological data analysis to provide a bird's-eye view of all images in a database, revealing areas where the network struggles to distinguish between classifications.
Researchers at Tufts University developed a genome-scale metabolic model to identify potential new treatment targets for Lyme disease. The model successfully predicted two compounds that selectively target Lyme bacteria while leaving other helpful bacteria untouched.
A recent study discovered two subgroups of people with idiopathic generalized epilepsy, one experiencing highest incidence during sleep and the other during daytime. The researchers found that either dynamics of cortisol or sleep stage transition explained most of the observed distributions of epileptiform discharges.
A new model describes microswimmer self-propulsion energy requirements, enabling optimized shape designs and applications in microfluidics, biophysics, and material science. The study reveals surprising similarities between artificial and natural shapes.
Researchers at Linköping University developed an AI-based method applicable to various medical and biological issues, accurately estimating people's chronological age and determining smoking status. The models identify previously known epigenetic markers used in other models, but also new markers associated with conditions.
Cilia synchronize their beating pattern by leveraging the fluid surrounding them and the border region. This observation reveals that border regions play a critical role in self-organization of living matter, similar to macroscopic mechanisms.
Insilico Medicine has identified 9 potential dual-purpose targets against aging and 14 major age-related diseases using Microsoft BioGPT. The proposed genes include CCR5 and PTH, which have not been previously correlated to the aging process.
A recent study published in Radiology: Artificial Intelligence found significant racial and sex-related biases in an AI chest X-ray foundation model, affecting its performance across patient subgroups. The researchers highlighted the need for comprehensive bias analysis to ensure diversity and representativeness in dataset collection.
Veterinary researchers used 3D organoids to investigate lung cancer in dogs, finding that canine primary lung cancer organoids faithfully mirrored tumor tissues. The study identified correlations between organoid cell viability and specific target molecules, paving the way for personalized treatment approaches.
A new Michigan State University and Corewell Health research found that in-home prenatal services can significantly reduce the risk of premature births and infant deaths. Pregnant individuals receiving enhanced prenatal care saw a 57% reduced risk, while expectant Black mothers experienced an even greater reduction.
Scientists developed computational eye models to help patients and surgeons select ideal intraocular lenses and predict visual outcomes. The technology uses anatomical information of the patient's eye to provide guidance on expected optical quality post-operatively.
Associate Professor Tadashi Ando from Tokyo University of Science conducted a study to test the performance of OPC and OPC3 water models, evaluating their shear viscosities and comparing values to experimental calculations. The calculated viscosities for both models were very close, with notable accuracy at temperatures above 310 K.
The UMass Amherst-UT Austin team has been awarded $27.5 million by the CDC to establish the nation's first disease outbreak response and modeling network. The $250 million program will support decision makers during public health emergencies like COVID-19.
The CDC has awarded a coalition led by UC San Diego researchers $17.5 million to develop innovative tools and networks for rapid response to emerging disease outbreaks. The project aims to integrate forecasting and analytic approaches with data to inform public health decisions.
By 2070, 44.61% of koala habitats in Australia will be highly susceptible to bushfires, up from 39.56% today. Koalas may struggle to survive due to habitat fragmentation and food source vulnerability.
The collaboration has garnered $5.68 million of grant support, with a five-year $2.13 million National Institutes of Health R01 grant and a five-year $2.89 million NIH R01 grant. Researchers are using computational biology to model a key Alzheimer's protein called TREM2 and its interactions with small chemical molecules.
Researchers analyzed data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and found a universal pattern of species abundance distributions, with most species being rare but not extremely rare. The study's findings may help answer Darwin's question about why some species are common while others are rare.
A team of researchers at the University of Waterloo and Dalhousie University have developed a method for forecasting short-term disease progression using limited data. The Sparsity and Delay Embedding-based Forecasting model, or SPADE4, uses machine learning to predict epidemic progressions with high accuracy.
A new study by the University of Oldenburg team confirms that radio waves in the VHF range above 116MHz have no impact on migratory birds' magnetic compass sense. This discovery debunks previous theories suggesting mobile communication networks affect the birds' navigation.
A new study found that voluntary collective isolation alone was ineffective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 among the Amazonian Tsimané. The researchers used a computer model and serological testing to confirm their predictions, showing nearly identical infection rates across communities.
Researchers at City of Hope have identified new molecular targets on a cell receptor that play a major role in cardiovascular regulation. The findings could lead to improved drugs for heart disease, an unfortunate side effect of some cancer therapies.
Researchers from Osaka University have shed light on how certain proteins contribute to the formation of piRNAs, a type of RNA that protects the genome. Tejas plays a key role in recruiting Vas and Spn-E, facilitating nuage formation and piRNA processing.
Researchers found that clinical strains of Aspergillus fumigatus differ significantly from environmental strains in amino acid synthesis. The fungus appears to shape the lung microbiome to its advantage, surviving on vital metabolites produced by other microorganisms.
A team of scientists has successfully elucidated the structure and function of LITE-1, a biomolecule used by Caenorhabditis elegans to detect danger. The researchers used artificial intelligence to predict the structure of LITE-1, which is a channel protein that forms a pore in the cell membrane allowing charged particles to pass through.
Researchers have identified KIAA0930 as a key factor causing muscle atrophy in cancer cells, which could lead to the development of new anti-cachexia therapies. The study found that KIAA0930 knockdown cells showed increased muscle mass and weight compared to control cells.
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.
A study by Kyoto University found that Daphnia's phenotypic plasticity is strongly related to its body size and the type of predator. Medium-sized Daphnia are more vulnerable to predation by both Chaoborus larvae and fish, which prefer larger prey.
A recent study led by McGill University estimates that the European Union will face significant economic losses due to biological invasions, with costs projected to reach over €142.73 billion by 2040. The study highlights the need for effective management and collaboration to address this threat.
The Save Our Seas Foundation's World of Sharks website now features interactive 3D models of white sharks and manta rays, enabling users to explore shark physiology and evolution in an engaging way. The 3D models are open-access and free to view and download for non-profit use.
A team of researchers from Kyoto University and international institutions has developed a mathematical solution to the temporal asymmetry of nonequilibrium disordered Ising networks. This breakthrough offers insights into the behavior of biological systems, machine learning, and AI tools.
Researchers have developed a new technique to generically treat several kinds of cancer, showing tumors grew almost three times less and survival rates reached 100% after just one injection. The method targets cancer cells with alpha radiation, sparing healthy tissue.
Researchers, led by Elizabeth King, aim to develop a knowledge base on complex genetic traits using fruit fly models. The project seeks to address the scientific knowledge gap in this field by focusing on interconnectedness among multiple factors.
Biomedical engineers at UTS have developed an intervertebral disc-on-a-chip, a precision-engineered toolbox for low back pain studies. The device simulates the complex mechanobiology of native tissue, enabling accurate evaluation of experimental methods for treatment or regeneration.
Researchers designed and tested textile fibers that can change shape and generate force like a muscle, showing promise for use as cell scaffolds. The findings suggest the fibers could be used to develop 3D models of living, moving systems in the human body.
Porphyrinic metal-organic frameworks (PMOFs) have been synthesized using various methods, including solvothermal synthesis. The native biocompatible properties of porphyrins endow PMOFs with great potential in biological applications. Several possible frameworks can be formed with a large scale of metal ions.
A new model for disease transmission takes into account the effects of social dynamics and social norms on behaviors such as mask-wearing. The study found that small changes in certain factors can lead to large changes in disease spread rates, creating distinct infection waves. Social conformity creates a 'stickiness' where individuals...
Researchers have developed a new method called EvoAug that uses artificial DNA sequences inspired by evolution to train deep neural networks for genome analysis. This approach enables the model to recognize regulatory motifs more accurately, leading to better performance and potential breakthroughs in understanding human health.
Researchers developed machine-learning algorithms to generate proteins with specific structural features, enabling the creation of biologically inspired materials. The models can produce millions of new protein ideas in a few days, allowing scientists to explore unique applications.
A new computational model suggests that reducing hormone doses in contraceptives could effectively suppress ovulation. The model found that hormone doses could be lowered by up to 92% in estrogen-only contraceptives and 43% in progesterone-only contraceptives, while still preventing ovulation.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2023
A team of researchers at Eötvös Loránd University developed a general formula to calculate honest equilibrium in any model, independent of signal costs. Their results reveal that honesty does not require signal costs to be paid in equilibrium, and that the cost is borne by cheaters, not honest individuals.