1-May-2026 Class uses Minecraft as building blocks for MCAT University of Texas at Dallas A new University of Texas at Dallas class gives premed students the opportunity to take care of fictional patients in a virtual hospital – all in the blocky world of Minecraft. Instead of a textbook, students in the course, Experiential Medical Reasoning, use a playbook embedded in the popular video game. Students are challenged with making decisions such as which tests to order for patients and what possible diagnoses apply to patients based on their symptoms and medical charts.
1-May-2026 Which pothole to fix? AI team helps company develop city system University of Texas at Dallas Artificial intelligence (AI) experts from The University of Texas at Dallas have partnered with a Japanese company through its Irving, Texas-based subsidiary to help local governments prioritize road repairs. The system builds on NEXCO-Central’s existing technology, which combines artificial intelligence and video footage gathered from mobile cameras to assess road conditions and provide a network-wide view of pavement conditions.
1-May-2026 Can AI help prosecutors prove human trafficking? University of Virginia School of Data Science Human trafficking cases often collapse in court due to lack of clear evidence. Researchers are building AI systems that not only detect trafficking signals but can explain and defend them.
1-May-2026 A virtual copy of your brain? Scientists say it’s closer than you think University of Virginia School of Data Science Researchers are developing personalized digital brain twins built from real brain data that can simulate activity, predict disease, and test treatments virtually. Early clinical use in epilepsy signals a shift toward predictive, precision neuroscience while raising new questions about ethics and data ownership.
1-May-2026 Expert Q&A on political super humanizing University of Victoria University of Victoria political ecologists asks: Why does political violence help bolster approval ratings?
30-Apr-2026 Research advances plant immunity against evolving pathogens Texas A&M AgriLife Communications Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists are leading an effort to decode a complex “arms race” between plants and the evolving pathogens that threaten them. The work, led by researchers at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas, is backed by a $1.14 million National Science Foundation grant. The project, “Mechanism and Manipulation of NLR-Mediated Immunity,” explores how plants use internal sensors to detect and fight off infections, and how scientists might add new next-generation, artificial intelligence-based defenses to modern crops.
30-Apr-2026 New materials for thermal neutron shields in fusion reactors University of Birmingham Aegis Fibretech Ltd has presented the results of proof-of-concept testing have shown that materials produced using the company’s innovative electrospinning method are capable of capturing and sequestering the nuclear fusion neutrons produced following thermalisation. Funder UK Atomic Energy Authority
30-Apr-2026 Doomscrolling: Mayo Clinic expert shares tips to stop the scroll, protect your mental health Mayo Clinic “I should stop.” Have you ever said those words to yourself as you scrolled through one disheartening online post after another? This phenomenon is popularly known as doomscrolling. You may wonder: Why is it so difficult to stop doomscrolling once you start? More importantly, what can you do to break free from the negative spiral? Craig Sawchuk, Ph.D., a psychologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, offers insights.
30-Apr-2026 Doomscrolling: Mayo Clinic expert shares tips to stop the scroll, protect your mental health Mayo Clinic “I should stop.” Have you ever said those words to yourself as you scrolled through one disheartening online post after another? This phenomenon is popularly known as doomscrolling. You may wonder: Why is it so difficult to stop doomscrolling once you start? More importantly, what can you do to break free from the negative spiral? Craig Sawchuk, Ph.D., a psychologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, offers insights.
30-Apr-2026 Exploring fish reproductive biology and implications for future food Kyushu University Japan is an island nation surrounded by the ocean. Fish are deeply familiar to us, yet they hold many mysteries and possibilities—from their ability to change sex depending on environmental conditions to their remarkable vitality in passing life to the next generation. Fascinated by fish traits, Professor Kohei Ohta researches and explores the world of fish with endless curiosity. His research spans from fundamental studies on the origins of life to applied technologies that support Japan’s future fisheries. In this feature, he shares insights into the fascinating aspects of fish reproduction, the potential of aquaculture technologies, and the outlook for sustainable food production.
