10 research outputs found
Application of Newtonian physics to predict the speed of a gravity racer
Gravity racing can be studied using numerical solutions to the equations of motion derived from Newtonâs second law. This allows students to explore the physics of gravity racing and to understand how design and course selection influences vehicle speed. Using Eulerâs method, we have developed a spreadsheet application that can be used to predict the speed of a gravity powered vehicle. The application includes the effects of air and rolling
resistance. Examples of the use of the application for designing a gravity racer are presented and discussed. Predicted speeds are compared to the results of an official world record attempt
Discovery of os cordis in the cardiac skeleton of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Cardiovascular diseases, especially idiopathic myocardial fibrosis, is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in captive great apes. This study compared the structure and morphology of 16 hearts from chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) which were either healthy or affected by myocardial fibrosis using X-ray microtomography. In four hearts, a single, hyperdense structure was detected within the right fibrous trigone of the cardiac skeleton. High resolution scans and histopathology revealed trabecular bones in two cases, hyaline cartilage in another case and a focus of mineralised fibro-cartilaginous metaplasia with endochondral ossification in the last case. Four other animals presented with multiple foci of ectopic calcification within the walls of the great vessels. All hearts affected by marked myocardial fibrosis presented with bone or cartilage formation, and increased collagen levels in tissues adjacent to the bone/cartilage, while unaffected hearts did not present with os cordis or cartilago cordis. The presence of an os cordis has been described in some ruminants, camelids, and otters, but never in great apes. This novel research indicates that an os cordis and cartilago cordis is present in some chimpanzees, particularly those affected by myocardial fibrosis, and could influence the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death
Autonomous discovery in the chemical sciences part II: Outlook
This two-part review examines how automation has contributed to different
aspects of discovery in the chemical sciences. In this second part, we reflect
on a selection of exemplary studies. It is increasingly important to articulate
what the role of automation and computation has been in the scientific process
and how that has or has not accelerated discovery. One can argue that even the
best automated systems have yet to ``discover'' despite being incredibly useful
as laboratory assistants. We must carefully consider how they have been and can
be applied to future problems of chemical discovery in order to effectively
design and interact with future autonomous platforms.
The majority of this article defines a large set of open research directions,
including improving our ability to work with complex data, build empirical
models, automate both physical and computational experiments for validation,
select experiments, and evaluate whether we are making progress toward the
ultimate goal of autonomous discovery. Addressing these practical and
methodological challenges will greatly advance the extent to which autonomous
systems can make meaningful discoveries.Comment: Revised version available at 10.1002/anie.20190998
Proceedings of the 4th World Conference on Research Integrity
CITATION: OâBrien, S. P., et al. 2016. Proceedings of the 4th World Conference on Research Integrity. Research Integrity and Peer Review, 1:9, doi:10.1186/s41073-016-0012-9.The original publication is available at https://researchintegrityjournal.biomedcentral.comThese Proceedings contain the abstracts of the presentations given at the 4th World Conference in concurrent sessions, partner symposia, and poster sessions. Also included are summaries of the discussions in three focus tracks, which allowed delegates to consider and work on questions about the roles of funders, institutions, and countries in improving research systems and strengthening research integrity. Videos of the plenary presentations are available at the conference website (www.wcri2015.org).https://researchintegrityjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41073-016-0012-