Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

This month, we’re focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), a topic that continues to capture attention everywhere. Here, you’ll find the latest research news, insights, and discoveries shaping how AI is being developed and used across the world.

Latest News Releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 5-Jun-2026 04:16 ET (5-Jun-2026 08:16 GMT/UTC)

9-Feb-2026

 

Researchers use machine learning to design next generation cooling fluids for electronics and energy systems

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study reveals how advanced carbon based nanofluids could significantly improve heat transfer in technologies ranging from microelectronics to renewable energy systems. By combining numerical modeling with artificial intelligence, researchers have developed a powerful method to optimize cooling performance under complex physical conditions.

9-Feb-2026

Columbia Engineering announces new program: Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science
Business Announcement

With the rapid advancement of AI affecting all sectors of society, Columbia Engineering announced a new Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) program that combines core AI courses in computer science and engineering with a broad range of concentrations, through a partnership with many Columbia schools, to provide students with specialized domain-specific training.

9-Feb-2026

 

Exploring why some children struggle to learn math

Society for Neuroscience
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Kids with math learning differences may have issues not only with processing numbers, but also with updating and adapting their thinking approaches as they discriminate between number amounts.

Journal

JNeurosci

Funder

Stanford Maternal and Child Health Research Institute

9-Feb-2026

Math learning disability affects how the brain tackles problems, Stanford Medicine study shows

Stanford Medicine
Peer-Reviewed Publication

On simple math problems, even if they’re getting correct answers, kids with a math learning disability aren’t using their brains the same way as their peers. 

9-Feb-2026

 

Hotel guests embrace AI convenience — but still want a human touch, USF study finds

University of South Florida
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New research from the University of South Florida published in the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology reveals that while smart AI concierges are great for quick, 24/7 help and for easing hospitality staff workload, most guests still prefer face-to-face customer service, especially with requests that involve an emotional attachment.

Journal

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology

9-Feb-2026

Study: Platforms that rank the latest LLMs can be unreliable

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Reports and Proceedings

The results of popular LLM ranking platforms can be skewed by just a few data points, possibly providing an unreliable report about which LLM would perform best in real situations, according MIT researchers who also developed a way to test the rankings and identify these influential data points.

Funder

Office of Naval Research, MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab, National Science Foundation, Amazon, CSAIL Seed Award

9-Feb-2026

 

Adrienne Sponberg named executive director of the Ecological Society of America

Ecological Society of America
Business Announcement

Following an extensive search and due to her deep experience within the ecological community, the ESA Governing Board unanimously selected Dr. Adrienne Sponberg to become its new executive director effective March 2.