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When human expertise improves the work of machines

Researchers develop a technique called dimensional stacking to improve data analysis for materials scientists. By organizing data based on physical and chemical properties, machines can gain insights into complex materials like ferroelectrics. This approach shows that human experience still has a role in the age of machine intelligence.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateAug 15, 2019

Does cable news shape your views?

A new MIT study finds that partisan news coverage has a bigger impact on viewers without strong media preferences, while those with strong preferences may be less influenced. The study suggests that certain types of political media affect different populations in varying manners.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateAug 8, 2019

Coaching scientists to play well together

A new study from Northwestern University shows that a free online training tool can significantly boost scientists' knowledge of team science and increase their self-confidence. The COALESCE tool has been validated by research to help scientists collaborate smoothly, reducing disputes over data access and authorship.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science·DateJul 18, 2019

Finding 'Nemo's' family tree of anemones

Researchers built a phylogenetic tree based on DNA from newly collected anemone specimens to fill gaps in the origin of these species. They found that as a group, anemones independently evolved the ability to host clownfish three times throughout history, with two groups originating in the Tethys Sea.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateJun 19, 2019

Young frogs that were stressed as tadpoles move less on land, putting their survival at risk

A study by Oregon State University researchers found that juvenile northern red-legged frogs stressed as tadpoles are less likely to move on land, putting their survival at risk. The study suggests that climate-related stress can have long-term effects on the distribution and persistence of animals in freshwater habitats.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMay 2, 2019

North Africans were among the first to colonize the Canary Islands

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that people from North Africa were among the first to colonize the Canary Islands, arriving by 1000 CE. The researchers analyzed ancient mitochondrial genomes and identified lineages consistent with radiocarbon dating evidence, suggesting a complex and heterogeneous process of colonization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 20, 2019

All the data in the sky, alerted via UW eyes

The Zwicky Transient Facility has identified thousands of new objects in the night sky, including binary star systems and black holes. The facility's automated alert system has successfully generated over 1.2 million alerts each night, sharing data with survey partners who are experimenting with machine-learning classification systems.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateFeb 7, 2019

Making cities smarter

The convergence of cyber and physical infrastructure enables better decision-making and efficient resource use in smart cities. Chengshan Xiao, Professor at Lehigh University, is exploring novel hybrid precoding designs to reduce cost, complexity, and power consumption in next-generation wireless networks.

Pressure helps to make better Li-ion batteries

Scientists have discovered a new strategy to enhance the conductivity of lithium titanium oxide (LTO) anode materials for Li-ion batteries. By applying high pressure, LTO can transform into an amorphous phase that displays better conductivity. The findings provide insight into the relationship between structure and conducting properties.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 13, 2018

A turbo boost for materials science

A team from Lehigh University and UC Berkeley is developing an efficient Bayesian-guided computational framework to guide the search for new materials. This approach leverages deep learning neural networks to accelerate traditional physics-based simulation methods, enabling researchers to explore previously computationally intractable ...

Chilean scientists discover crucial event right before the death of a star

Researchers from Chile and international institutions have discovered a critical event right before the death of a star, revealing a previously unknown flash in Type II Supernovae. This breakthrough was made possible by using unique data analysis techniques developed in Chile, including machine learning and high-performance computing.