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: 25-Jun-2026 21:15 ET (26-Jun-2026 01:15 GMT/UTC)

10-Jun-2026

 

To discover new physics, AI may need to “unlearn” the old one

Sissa Medialab
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A study  in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics (JCAP)  explores how a machine-learning strategy known as transfer learning could dramatically reduce the computational cost of searching for new physics beyond the standard cosmological model — while also revealing an unexpected risk: sometimes AI systems can become too reliant on what they already know.

Journal

Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics

10-Jun-2026

 

Hydrogen from deep under Iowa? State universities can help build a hydrogen economy

Iowa State University

As companies search for geologic hydrogen deep below Iowa's farms, towns and cities, university scientists are starting to discuss how they could help the state develop a hydrogen economy.

9-Jun-2026

 

“Reading relationships, crunching stats” — 184× faster data analysis

Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)
Peer-Reviewed Publication

POSTECH Team Led by Professor Wook-Shin Han Develops TurboLynx, a Next-Generation Graph Analytics Engine.

Journal

Proceedings of the VLDB Endowment

9-Jun-2026

 

How ice-age sea-level falls may have turned seafloor volcanoes into ocean fertilizer

Boston College
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A Boston College-led study suggests that enhanced mid-ocean-ridge volcanism may have released hydrothermal iron that fertilized plankton in the eastern equatorial Pacific during ice-age transitions. The work reveals a hidden connection among sea level, deep-sea volcanism, ocean productivity, carbon storage, and climate.

Journal

Nature Geoscience

9-Jun-2026

Fertility challenges associated with small differences in children’s neurodevelopment, NIH study finds

Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Difficulty conceiving a pregnancy may be associated with small differences in children’s learning and behavior, according to a new study funded by the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Journal

JAMA Network Open

9-Jun-2026

Strong leadership will be key as AI reshapes the workforce

Texas A&M University

As artificial intelligence changes how work gets done, experts say strong leadership will play a critical role in helping employees adapt to shifting responsibilities, evolving technologies and changing workplace demands.

Journal

Human Resource Development Review

9-Jun-2026

How AI is unlocking new paths to recovery for bilingual aphasia patients

Boston University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Boston University's Dr. Swathi Kiran explains how "digital twins" and artificial intelligence are tailoring stroke rehabilitation for those who speak multiple languages.

Journal

Nature