30-Mar-2026 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
30-Mar-2026 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 38th 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.
30-Mar-2026 The smartest robots may be the ‘dumbest’ ones Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Tech researchers have created swarms of tiny robotic particles that move and self-organize using only mechanical design — no electronics, software, or sensors. By encoding behavior in each particle’s shape, the team can control how the swarm spreads and reconfigures, with potential applications in medicine and space. Journal Advanced Intelligent Systems
30-Mar-2026 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.
30-Mar-2026 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?
30-Mar-2026 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
30-Mar-2026 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!
30-Mar-2026 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
30-Mar-2026 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.
30-Mar-2026 How to improve mental health safety on social media – not just for young people Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan A toolkit based on research about social media's impact on young minds can help people of any age improve safety online by changing built-in settings on multiple platforms Funder University of Michigan
