Allen Institute researchers and engineers have unlocked potential and vast discoveries through the new Brain Knowledge Platform (BKP).  This first-of-its-kind database and research tool has just launched with data from over 34 million brain cells. It compiles and standardizes the world’s neuroscience data into a common format and language allowing deep, seamless collaboration between international teams all united in the common goal of finding cures for brain disease.   

In many modern sciences, data often exist on curved geometric spaces rather than flat planes, posing challenges for traditional statistical tools. These curved spaces are called Riemannian manifolds. Researchers from Pusan National University and Seoul National University have developed the “Huber mean,” a new method for robustly analyzing data on Riemannian manifolds. This study offers a powerful way to calculate averages that remain accurate even when data contain noise or outliers.

On board the Polarstern research vessel, an international group of young scientists will immerse in the fascinating world of marine research. They are not only learning the basic methods of oceanography, but also the difficult art of communicating science in a comprehensible and inspiring manner. For the fifth time now, the Alfred Wegener Institute is organising this extraordinary training programme with a host of partners. This year once again under the direction of Professor Karen Wiltshire (now at Trinity College in Dublin), the participants benefit from a unique opportunity to experience research, international cooperation and scientific adventure first-hand. For the first time, new dedicated training is also being provided for young up-coming ocean teachers. This means that the fascination of marine research can reach even more young people in the future.

A multidisciplinary team of researchers has combined deep botanical knowledge with powerful genomic technology to decode and mine the DNA of non-flowering seed plants and uncover genes that evolved to help plants build seeds. These findings, published in Nature Communications, may aid scientists in improving seed crop production in agriculture and in the conservation of these ancient endangered seed plants.