A steady “snowfall” of tiny particles carries carbon, nutrients and pollution from the ocean’s surface toward the deep sea. Scientists can see those particles sinking, but determining exactly what they contain is much harder. University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography Research Professor Melissa Omand is turning to artificial intelligence to help solve that problem. The National Science Foundation awarded nearly $700,000 to the team for the three-year project, which is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and run through December 2029.

Scientists used machine-learning and super-resolution microscopy to overcome a challenge that has stymied research into the natural history of grasses for decades. Their method allowed them to detect subtle differences among grass pollen grains and trace changes in grass diversity at one site over a period of 25,000 years.

Okayama University of Science soccer players are using Google Gemini as a “thinking partner” to reflect on their performance, identify challenges, and improve team operations. What began as a faculty-led generative AI seminar has expanded into student-led learning and the use of AI across activities ranging from data analysis and training to public relations and community engagement.

Skin cancer is a global health challenge, with nearly 1.5 million new cases diagnosed in 2024 according to World Health Organization (WHO) data. In response, the University of Alicante (UA) and the Sant Joan d’Alacant University Hospital have collaborated to launch MEL-IA (MobilE skin Lesion dIAgnosis), an artificial intelligence system designed to automate the classification of skin lesions. The MEL-IA system achieves an overall accuracy of 86 %.

The award will support the Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in developing an AI-powered system to help identify personalized treatment options for children with cancer.

Researchers at the University of Osaka have developed a method for distinguishing the L- and D-forms of amino acids based on current waveforms generated by single molecules passing through a nanogap. The L/D ratio of amino acids is a potential biosignature of life. Major features of the amino acid composition were captured for astrobiologically relevant samples. The method could be used to develop electrical instruments for extraterrestrial life detection.