Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, have developed a mathematical framework explaining how rational individuals adopt social-distancing behavior during epidemics to balance infection risk and cost. Their study identifies simple rules that govern rational distancing, providing key insights for policymakers. The findings identified a simple law by which humans naturally self-organize to reduce harm when infection costs and prevalence are high.

Reporting in the February 26 issue of the journal Nature, a team of scientists from AWS and Caltech demonstrate a new quantum chip architecture for suppressing errors using a type of qubit known as a cat qubit. 

The potential drop method (PDM) is a common method for defect detection in conductive specimens by measuring the change in impendance. It has the ability to monitor large structures comprehensively. Its high sensitivity to defects and other material changes make PDM a promising method for structural health monitoring (SHM) of specimens subjected to dynamic loads. However, PDM is rarely usedin SHM because with increasing length and cross-section of the specimen, the defect senstivity decreases. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set the goal of eliminating hepatitis as a threat to public health by 2030. Blocking mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is not only the key to eliminating viral hepatitis, but also a hot issue in the field of hepatitis B prevention and treatment. To standardize the clinical management of preventing MTCT of HBV and achieve zero HBV infection among infants, the Chinese Foundation for Hepatitis Prevention and Control organized experts to compile a management algorithm for prevention of MTCT of HBV based on the latest research progress and guidelines, including 10 steps of pregnancy management and postpartum follow-up, among which screening, antiviral treatment, and infant immunization are its core components.

Aerospace engineering senior Philip Wilson attended an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) conference. Rohit Raut, a senior physics major, presented his work at a nuclear research symposium, and senior biology major Jaden Rankin had the opportunity to feature her research at an entomology conference. These and other University of Texas at Arlington students were able to showcase their original research at major symposiums thanks to UTA’s expansion of its popular undergraduate research program that provides funding for select students to present at academic conferences.

A low-energy challenger to the quantum computer that also works at room temperature may be the result of research at the University of Gothenburg. The researchers have shown that information can be transmitted using magnetic wave motion in complex networks.

A recent study shows that computer algorithms can be used to find molecules that can be developed into anti-inflammatory drugs. In the article, the researchers also describe how the same strategy can be used to search through 10 sextillion alternatives to identify the best drug candidate.