EurekAlert! In the Spotlight - Artificial Intelligence

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: 1-Jan-2026 00:11 ET (1-Jan-2026 05:11 GMT/UTC)

Data science uncovers patterns in health service use linked to child mortality

Washington University in St. Louis
Peer-Reviewed Publication

An interdisciplinary team of artificial intelligence (AI) and global health researchers at Washington University in St. Louis sought to determine how the use of reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health services may affect rates of child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.

Journal: Nature Communications

We must develop thinkers, not crammers and fact experts

Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Geography as a school subject is under pressure. There aren't enough qualified teachers and it loses out to other subjects in school. In many countries, important aspects are left out of the geography curricula.

Journal: International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education

WVU researchers train AI to diagnose heart failure in rural patients using low-tech electrocardiograms

West Virginia University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Concerned about the ability of artificial intelligence models trained on data from urban demographics to make the right medical diagnoses for rural populations, West Virginia University computer scientists have developed several AI models that can identify signs of heart failure in patients from Appalachia.

Journal: Scientific Reports
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation

Frequent use of artificial intelligence may hinder students’ academic performance

Estonian Research Council
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Marina Lepp, Associate Professor of Informatics at the University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science, together with co-author Joosep Kaimre, a recently graduated master’s student, examined in a research article the impact of artificial intelligence tools on students’ academic outcomes. A total of 231 students took part in the study.

Journal: Computers in Human Behavior Reports
Funder: Estonian Research Council

How AI can build bridges between nations, if diplomats use it wisely

Taylor & Francis Group
Book Announcement

Dr Donald Kilburg, who was a member of the US Department of State, says the technology is already shaping work for the likes of embassy officials whose jobs are to protect their country’s interests abroad.

The learning loop: SMU's blueprint for lifelong curiosity and impact

Singapore Management University
Grant and Award Announcement

SMU Assistant Professor Aidan Wong and his team won a grant for a proposed project on developing lifelong learning dispositions.

Funder: Ministry of Education - Singapore

AI takes flight: SMU project to boost machine learning in aircraft surface inspections

Singapore Management University
Grant and Award Announcement

SMU Assistant Professor Pang Guansong’s research to improve artificial intelligence used in aircraft surface inspections aims to make the skies even safer while reducing aircraft maintenance costs.

Funder: Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)