A research project led by Prof. Wei Wang from Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen) and Dr. Xi Chen from Chengdu University of Technology has introduced a novel strategy for constructing active colloidal assemblies. This work, published in Research (2024, 7, 0490; DOI: 10.34133/research.0490), provides fresh insights into the design of smart materials with real-time, on-demand reconfiguration.

The SETI Institute’s Artist in Residence (AIR) program announced Dominica Mediati as the recipient of its Beyond Silos STEAM residency. The residency supports STEAM educators in developing more inclusive, interdisciplinary teaching approaches that integrate art and science. Mediati is an intermedia artist and a sessional instructor in the Faculty of Education and School of Creative Arts at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada.  She works across painting, drawing, digital animation, and bioart practices, creating landscapes and characters that reflect and explore human and non-human narratives emphasizing microbiology.

“We received highly engaging project proposals from our shortlisted candidates,” said SETI AIR Director Bettina Forget. “Dominica’s innovative project stood out as it perfectly intersects with SETI Institute research and strongly foregrounds artistic practice in STEAM Education.”

The Beyond Silos residency aims to break down disciplinary silos in art and science and create meaningful learning situations to foster innovation, risk-taking, and creative problem solving. It gives art educators financial support and resources to develop a STEAM Education project for K-12 students. Educators will complete the project during the 18-month residency in a school or in partnership with a community organization. In addition to the $14K stipend, educators will work with SETI Institute scientists, educators, and partners to develop their projects. 

The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) and the Southeastern Universities Research Association (SURA) are pleased to announce that Anna Rader Groves has been selected for the 2025 AIBS & SURA Public Policy Fellowship. This professional development opportunity provides young scientists with valuable first-hand experience in science policy.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, so identifying those with cognitive issues early could lead to interventions and better outcomes. But diagnosing MCI can be a long and difficult process, especially in rural areas where access to licensed neuropsychologists is limited.

To increase accessibility to cognitive assessments, a team of researchers at the University of Missouri created a portable system to efficiently measure multiple aspects of motor function. The device is simple and affordable, combining a depth camera, a force plate and an interface board.