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Feature Stories

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 2-Apr-2026 14:16 ET (2-Apr-2026 18:16 GMT/UTC)

UC Davis test identifies active, infectious form of tuberculosis

University of California - Davis Health

Researchers in the UC Davis Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine have created a new tuberculosis blood test that can detect the active, infectious form of the disease.The discovery enables faster diagnosis and treatment. It also helps prevent the spread of tuberculosis (TB) by quickly identifying those who are contagious.

HKUST innovations shine at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today showcased its award-winning inventions, which were recognized at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (Geneva Inventions Expo). The University's 62 participating teams won a total of 62 accolades, including 13 Gold Medals with Congratulations of the Jury, 20 Gold Medals, 20 Silver Medals, and 9 Bronze Medals. This year's achievements set a new record for the University and make it the highest-awarded higher education institution in Hong Kong.

The award-winning inventions from HKUST span various strategic research domains, including AI, electronics, health technologies, the low‑altitude economy, and materials science. Notably, over 60% of these projects leverage AI to drive research breakthroughs, further underscoring HKUST's distinctive strengths and robust capabilities in advancing "AI + X" interdisciplinary innovation and translation of research outcomes.

Vibrations in your skull may be your next password

Rutgers University

A team led by Rutgers University researchers has developed a security system that could change how people log in to virtual and augmented reality platforms by eliminating passwords, personal identification numbers and eye scans and replacing them with something far more seamless.

The system, a software program called VitalID, is based on the team’s discovery of a new biometric: tiny vibrations generated by breathing and heartbeats that resonate through the skull in patterns unique to each person’s bone structure and facial tissues.

Meeting: Association for Computing Machinery Conference on Computer and Communications Security

38th student research week successful at showcasing secrets of immune defense

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Student researchers had the opportunity to showcase their presentation skills at the 38^th Annual Student Research Week Feb. 25 – 27. The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences event allows students the opportunity to present their research findings and engage with industry leaders.

Digital human could allow for better early dementia detection

Texas A&M University

Apathy can be an early indicator of dementia. Texas A&M researchers are building a digital human that combines screening questions with facial expression analysis and biometric monitoring to identify subtle signals, including apathy.

Searching for the cause of ALS, researchers look to metabolism within cells

Les Turner ALS Foundation

One distinct hallmark of ALS is the dysfunction of a tiny protein called TDP-43. At the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine, a trio of researchers formed a unique hypothesis: What if the mitochondria—the powerhouses of a cell—were the triggers of this defect?

Tick talk: UK researcher targets Lyme disease with 2 grants

University of Kentucky

Brian Stevenson, Ph.D., a professor in the College of Medicine’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics and the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Department of Entomology, is leading two separate but related studies aimed at fighting Lyme disease by turning the bacteria’s own internal systems against itself.

Funder: Global Lyme Alliance

Harnessing the power of spin: Pioneering innovation through cutting-edge physics

Kyushu University

From smartphones to supercomputers, almost all our daily electronics run on the flow of "electron charge." But did you know? Electrons have another interesting property called "spin." In this feature, we sit down with Associate Professor Yamashita, a young researcher exploring this mysterious "electron spin" to create next-generation, ultra-high-performance devices. Join us as we dive into the world of Spintronics—the future of technology—and hear his inspiring message for the students who will lead the way!

Smartwatch-like device could help detect plastic particles in the human body

Estonian Research Council

Nano- and microplastics are increasingly detected in the human body. However, their detection remains challenging, often relying on invasive techniques and specialized equipment. Researchers at the Institute of Computer Science at the University of Tartu are developing a device that can measure plastic in human body.

Funder: Estonian Research Council

Sea Aggies triumph in search and rescue challenge

Texas A&M University

The Sea Aggies developed a self-contained, portable device to detect and decode an emergency radio signal from the Orion spacecraft — enabling recovery teams to locate the spacecraft — using a search and rescue satellite-aided tracking communication signal that is part of the Cospas-Sarsat program.

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