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Computer simulation

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A computer simulation, a computer model or a computational model is a computer program, or network of computers, that attempts to simulate an abstract model of a particular system. Computer simulations have become a useful part of mathematical modeling of many natural systems in physics (computational physics), chemistry and biology, human systems in economics, psychology, and social science and in the process of engineering new technology, to gain insight into the operation of those systems, or to observe their behavior.

Computer simulations vary from computer programs that run a few minutes, to network-based groups of computers running for hours, to ongoing simulations that run for days. The scale of events being simulated by computer simulations has far exceeded anything possible (or perhaps even imaginable) using the traditional paper-and-pencil mathematical modeling: over 10 years ago, a desert-battle simulation, of one force invading another, involved the modeling of 66,239 tanks, trucks and other vehicles on simulated terrain around Kuwait, using multiple supercomputers in the DoD High Performance Computer Modernization Program; a 1-billion-atom model of material deformation (2002); a 2.64-million-atom model of the complex maker of protein in all organisms, a ribosome, in 2005; and the Blue Brain project at EPFL (Switzerland), began in May 2005, to create the first computer simulation of the entire human brain, right down to the molecular level.

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News tagged with computer model

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Modern tests demonstrate soundness of old iron bridge

Modern tests demonstrate soundness of old iron bridge

Technology / Engineering

created Dec 21, 2009 | popularity 4.4 / 5 (8) | comments 2

An unusual bowstring truss iron bridge that carried traffic across Roaring Run in Bedford County, Va. for almost 100 years is now a picturesque footbridge at the I-81 Ironto, Va. rest stop. Built in 1878, ...


Soil Microorganisms? Role Cited as a Missing Factor in Climate Change Equation

Space & Earth / Environment

created Dec 17, 2009 | popularity 3.4 / 5 (7) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Those seeking to understand and predict climate change can now use an additional tool to calculate carbon dioxide exchanges on land, according to a scientific journal article co-authored by a University of ...


Rain or Shine? Computer Models How Brain Cells Reach a Decision

Medicine & Health / Neuroscience

created Dec 14, 2009 | popularity 3.3 / 5 (4) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Yale University researchers have devised a computer model to explain how the brain makes decisions based on statistical probabilities-as, for instance, when a doctor makes a diagnosis based on several conflicting ...


Researchers examine correlation between political speeches, voting

Other Sciences / Social Sciences

created Dec 08, 2009 | popularity 4.3 / 5 (3) | comments 0

Although politicians are often criticized for making empty promises, when it comes to their voting records, their words may carry more weight than previously thought, according to findings by two Penn State information technology ...


Formation of the Gulf of Corinth rift, Greece

Formation of the Gulf of Corinth rift, Greece

Space & Earth / Earth Sciences

created Dec 22, 2009 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 0

A study of the structure and evolution of the Gulf of Corinth rift in central Greece will increase scientific understanding of rifted margin development and the tectonic mechanisms underlying seafloor spreading ...


NASA Calculates a Carbon Budget for California

Space & Earth / Environment

created Dec 16, 2009 | popularity 2.8 / 5 (9) | comments 6

(PhysOrg.com) -- While world organizations struggle to find a benchmark and tracking standards for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, NASA has been supporting California’s new carbon emissions inventory report, using its satellite ...


Scientists chase deadly MRSA bacteria with new models

Scientists chase deadly MRSA bacteria with new models

Medicine & Health / Diseases

created Dec 07, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Ten years ago, Chicago hospitals were at ground zero when the deadly MRSA bacterium, till then confined to hospitals, learned some new tricks and spilled out into the community. This year, ...


New computer model could lead to safer stents

New computer model could lead to safer stents

Medicine & Health / Research

created Dec 02, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- After suffering heart attacks, patients often receive stents designed to hold their arteries open. Some of these stents release drugs that are meant to halt tissue growth in arteries, but ...


Researchers develop virtual streams to help restore real ones

Physics / General Physics

created Nov 24, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a unique new computer model called the Virtual StreamLab, designed to help restore real streams to a healthier state. The Virtual StreamLab, which demonstrates the ...


Routine screening for postnatal depression not cost effective

Medicine & Health / Psychology & Psychiatry

created Dec 23, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Routine screening for postnatal depression in primary care - as recommended in recent guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) - do not appear to represent value for money for the NHS, ...


Cornellians build computer climate-change model

Space & Earth / Earth Sciences

created Dec 21, 2009 | popularity 2.7 / 5 (7) | comments 5

(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers are contributing to a new model of climate change that may give more accurate predictions of the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in Earth's future.


Dutch researchers explore advanced brain diagnostic techniques

Dutch researchers explore advanced brain diagnostic techniques

Medicine & Health / Neuroscience

created Dec 21, 2009 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 0

At present the task of diagnosing brain disorders using electroencephalography (EEG) is still performed by humans, but in years to come it will increasingly be taken over by computerized systems. This will ...


New computer model could lead to safer stents

Medicine & Health / Research

created Dec 07, 2009 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 0

After suffering heart attacks, patients often receive stents designed to hold their arteries open. Some of these stents release drugs that are meant to halt tissue growth in arteries, but can have life-threatening side effects ...