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: 3-Nov-2026 16:16 ET (3-Nov-2026 21:16 GMT/UTC)

14-May-2026

Anthropomorphism encourages gratitude for non-human entities

American Psychological Association
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Whether it's artificial intelligence programs or the Amazon rainforest, people often experience gratitude or protectiveness toward non-human entities because they perceive these entities as having good intentions, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. 

Journal: Emotion

14-May-2026

Physics in uncharted waters: The mysteries of marine snow

University of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Can “snow” fall in the ocean and influence the climate of the entire planet? It turns out that it can. Research conducted by scientists from the Faculty of Physics at University of Warsaw, published in Journal of Fluid Mechanics, helps us understand how microscopic “flakes” of dead organic matter collide and sink into the deep ocean, transporting vast amounts of carbon and affecting the pace of global warming.

Journal: Journal of Fluid Mechanics
Funder: National Science Centre of Poland Sonata Bis grant, Swiss NSF Ambizione grant

14-May-2026

Childhood disadvantage can limit the social benefits of intelligence later in life, new research shows

University of Bath
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Children who grow up in disadvantaged households may receive fewer social benefits from their intelligence in adulthood than those raised in more advantaged environments, according to new research from the University of Bath.

Journal: Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

14-May-2026

Artificial Intelligence + Education: Theory and Practice in Application Development

ECNU Review of Education
Book Announcement

Artificial Intelligence + Education: Theory and Practice in Application Development is a work in the field of AI applications in education that combines cutting-edge theory with practical value for frontline educational practice.

14-May-2026

AI-enhanced project-based learning bridges STEM educational gaps in Africa

ECNU Review of Education
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study published in ECNU Review of Education explores how AI-enhanced project-based learning can bridge educational gaps in resource-limited STEM classrooms across Africa. Researchers trained educators from five nations using low-cost tools like smartphone coding and speech-to-text-to-image AI. The findings demonstrate that these accessible technologies empower teachers to transition from rote instruction to competency-based learning, fostering inclusive innovation and providing a scalable model for sustainable education reform in developing contexts.

Journal: ECNU Review of Education

14-May-2026

Engaging young minds: Augmented reality helps children with STEM

Flinders University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Easy-to-use adaptive immersive technologies incorporating augmented reality (AR) can motivate learning, social engagement and cognitive development in early childhood, according to new research.

The Flinders University study found that innovative artificial intelligence-driven AR smart glasses – combined with group work, iPad exercises and other classroom activities – resulted in high levels of engagement and cohesive classroom behaviour when used to teach a science topic in an Australian junior primary school.

Journal: Journal of Science Education and Technology

14-May-2026

Scientists show genes give neurons a ‘GPS’ to form the brain’s neural circuits

Nagoya University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

How complex neural circuits are genetically designed and wired is a fundamental question in neuroscience. Scientists have shown for the first time that genes encode a “wiring map” that guides neurons to connect with the correct brain regions. The findings, based on machine learning analysis of mouse brain data, were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and offer new avenues for research into brain development and disease.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Funder: Japan Science and Technology Agency, JST SPRING, JSPS KAKENHI, Moonshot R&D–MILLENNIA Program, Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) Multidisciplinary Frontier Brain and Neuroscience Discoveries (Brain/MINDS 2.0), Cooperative Study Program of Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS: program number 19–102)