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Creative talent: has AI knocked humans out?

A large-scale study reveals that generative AI models have reached the threshold of average human creativity, but the most creative individuals still outperform even the best AI systems. The study also highlights the importance of human guidance and parameterization in modulating AI creativity.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 21, 2026

New journal section tackles AI, ethics, and digital health communication

The new AI, Health, and Digital Spaces section features an editor’s note emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration between public health experts and AI researchers. It provides a dedicated scholarly home for work integrating domain knowledge with technical innovation.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateJan 21, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Generative AI use and depressive symptoms among US adults

A recent survey study found a significant association between generative AI use and increased depressive symptoms in US adults. The magnitude of the effect varied by age group, suggesting that further research is needed to understand the causal relationship and underlying factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 21, 2026

Medical LLMs may show real-world potential in identifying individuals with major depressive disorder using WhatsApp voice note recordings

A new medical large language model (LLM) achieved over 91% accuracy in identifying female participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder after analyzing short WhatsApp audio recordings. The LLMs showed greater accuracy when classifying women compared to men, particularly when given the 'describe your week' data.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Protein foundation models reshaping the research paradigm of life sciences

Protein Foundation Models (pFMs) leverage vast amounts of sequence and structural data to predict protein structures and functions, enabling novel protein design and analysis. The models have evolved into several mature technical approaches, demonstrating versatility in basic biological research, protein discovery, and biomedical appli...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 21, 2026

To make AI more fair, tame complexity

Researchers found that complexity, including ground truth, real-world complexity, and stakeholder involvement, are key factors in reducing AI biases. By accounting for these complexities, developers can create more fair AI models.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateJan 21, 2026

AI can predict preemies’ path, Stanford Medicine-led study shows

A Stanford Medicine-led study develops an AI tool that predicts prematurity complications by analyzing blood samples collected at birth. The algorithm correlates molecular patterns with health outcomes, offering a new understanding of prematurity as multiple distinct conditions.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2026

AI platform helps cities develop within planetary boundaries

The AI Polis platform offers a city-level coordination system to design, prioritize, and scale projects that improve urban life while staying within planetary boundaries. By connecting technology, policy, finance, and environmental science, it guides cities in strengthening communities while protecting the planet.

SourceFrontiers·DateJan 21, 2026

Women see AI as riskier than men do

A study found that women are more averse to risk in general and personally exposed to AI risks, but support AI use nearly as strongly as men when benefits are guaranteed. Women's skepticism towards AI is linked to higher risk orientation and exposure to AI-related jobs.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 20, 2026
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

BioPathNet: New AI uncovers hidden patterns in biomedical knowledge graphs

BioPathNet is an AI method that analyzes large biomedical knowledge graphs to identify hidden connections between genes, diseases, and drugs. The model proposes hypotheses that can be tested experimentally or clinically, providing a hypothesis-generating tool for researchers.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJan 20, 2026

Physicists employ AI labmates to supercharge LED light control

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have successfully employed artificial intelligence labmates to improve the control of LED lights, leading to a fourfold increase in steering efficiency. The AI platform uses a combination of machine learning and equation-learning techniques to optimize experiments and achieve new insights int...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

AI4Min-PE: Predicting reactivity of deep-Earth substances

A new AI model, ShapKAN, has been integrated into the cloud-based platform AI4Min-PE to predict five critical thermodynamic parameters across extreme pressures. The platform offers speed and accuracy far beyond conventional approaches, enabling scientists to explore the chemistry of materials under extreme conditions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJan 20, 2026
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Multiple autonomous AI systems spontaneously collaborate to advance materials research

Researchers developed an autonomous AI network technology that enables multiple AI systems to spontaneously collaborate and share knowledge to discover new materials. This collaboration improves exploration efficiency and paves the way for the creation of numerous new materials.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

AI tool helps you learn how autistic communication works

A new AI-based learning tool, NeuroBridge, aims to bridge the communication gap between neurotypical and autistic individuals. The interactive LLM tool evaluates user responses to match autistic communication preferences, teaching users about cross-neurotype communication styles and their interdependent nature.

SourceTufts University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Using artificial intelligence to understand how emotions are formed

Researchers created a computational model that combines physiological signals, sensory input, and word information to construct human emotions. The model achieved an agreement rate of about 75% when compared to participants' self-reported emotional evaluations.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Affective Computing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 20, 2026

‘Revoice’ device gives stroke patients their voice back

Researchers developed a wearable Revoice device that decodes speech signals and emotional cues to enable seamless real-time communication in people with post-stroke dysarthria. The device achieved a word error rate of 4.2% and sentence error rate of 2.9%, showing promising results for stroke rehabilitation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Artificially alive: How AI is bringing the dead back and what that means for the living

A new study reveals AI is being used to recreate deceased people's voices, faces, and personalities without consent, raising questions about ownership, exploitation, and power. The study identifies three dominant ways AI brings back the dead, including spectral labor, where digital remains are extracted and monetized.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNew Media & Society·TypeCase study·DateJan 19, 2026
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Energy learning hyper-heuristic algorithm for cooperative task assignment of heterogeneous UAVs under complex constraints

Researchers developed an energy learning hyper-heuristic algorithm to tackle complex task assignment challenges in heterogeneous UAVs. The algorithm outperforms traditional methods in convergence speed and solution quality, enabling efficient completion of tasks while avoiding obstacles.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalDefence Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2026

Revealing the cell’s nanocourier at work

Researchers have discovered the ExHOS nanomachine, which controls constitutive exocytosis by delivering spherical molecular packages to the cell surface. This process is essential for preserving cell fitness and vital functions such as communication and growth.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2026
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Autonomous AI agents developed to detect early signs of cognitive decline

Developed by Mass General Brigham researchers, the autonomous AI system achieves high accuracy in detecting cognitive impairment using routine clinical documentation. The system includes five specialized agents that critique each other and refine their reasoning, just like clinicians would in a case conference.

SourceMass General Brigham·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 15, 2026

IIT: a new microscopy technique that preserves the cell’s natural conditions

Researchers at IIT develop optical microscopy technique that combines polarization and dark-field microscopy to observe cells with high contrast, preserving their natural conditions. The next step involves using AI to enrich images with molecular information related to diseases.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalOptics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2026
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Review: The opportunities and risks of AI in mental health research and care

The article reviews AI's potential to improve mental health diagnoses, monitoring, and treatment while addressing unique challenges such as biased training data and patient privacy concerns. The authors argue for human-centered approaches and coordinated oversight to ensure responsible AI deployment in mental health care.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 15, 2026

Physics of foam strangely resembles AI training

Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that foams exhibit internal motion resembling deep learning in AI systems. The study suggests a common mathematical principle underlying both foams and AI training, with implications for designing adaptive materials and understanding biological structures.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2026

Scientists demonstrate first-time use of AI for genetic circuit design

Researchers developed a new technique called CLASSIC that enables large-scale testing of complex DNA circuits in human cells. The approach uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze vast numbers of complete circuits at once, providing scientists with a clearer picture of the rules governing genetic part behavior.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Hydrogel cilia set new standard in microrobotics

Scientists created biologically realistic artificial cilia using hydrogel, enabling precise control over their motion. The tiny structures can be powered by low-voltage electrical signals and have shown remarkable durability and versatility.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Oliver Zielinski selected as Fellow of The Oceanography Society

Oliver Zielinski's contributions to oceanography have significantly advanced understanding and stewardship of the ocean through innovative research and leadership. He has led applications of artificial intelligence for environmental monitoring and mentored early-career scientists.

SourceThe Oceanography Society·DateJan 14, 2026

Helping AI systems recover from mistakes and find optimal solutions

Researchers developed EnCompass, a framework that enables programmers to improve agents' performance by allowing easy recovery from errors and testing different search strategies without major code rewriting. This improves the organization of core logic in complex AI systems.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateJan 14, 2026

An AI-guided framework reveals conserved features governing microRNA strand selection

Researchers have decoded the logic of microRNA strand selection using AI, revealing a conserved and programmable mechanism governing gene regulation. The study found that this decision follows conserved rules rather than chance, with mammalian microRNAs showing a strong bias towards a single dominant strand.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Bringing human dexterity to robots by combining human motion and tactile sensation

A team of researchers from Keio University has developed a novel system that uses Gaussian process regression to model and reproduce complex human motions. This enables robots to adapt to touch and interact with objects in dynamic environments, improving their dexterity and versatility.

SourceKeio University Global Research Institute·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

New framework verifies AI-generated chatbot answers

Researchers develop a framework that mirrors human expert assessment to verify AI-generated answers, filtering out clear mistakes and identifying nuanced gaps. The system saves thousands of working hours and highlights the importance of contextual knowledge and internal documentation.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalJournal of Systems and Software·DateJan 13, 2026

LLM treatment advice agrees with physician recommendations in early-stage HCC, but falls short in late stage

Large language models (LLMs) provide treatment recommendations for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that align with clinical guidelines. However, their performance is limited in late-stage disease, where they prioritize tumor factors over liver function. LLMs should be used as a supplement to clinical expertise.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 13, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A new AI-based attack framework advances multi-agent reinforcement learning by amplifying vulnerability and bypassing defenses

Researchers developed PDJA, a novel AI-based attack framework that amplifies vulnerability and bypasses defenses in multi-agent reinforcement learning systems. The approach improves attack effectiveness and cross-layer vulnerability exploitation, opening new opportunities for evaluating the robustness of AI-driven autonomous systems.

SourceELSP·JournalArtificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 13, 2026

Two wrongs make a right: how two damaging variants can restore health

A study published in PNAS found that over 60% of pairs of damaging genetic variants can restore enzyme activity when combined, challenging long-held assumptions about genetics. This phenomenon, known as intragenic complementation, has implications for rare disease diagnosis and treatment.

SourcePacific Northwest Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2026

AI tools speed development of antibody probes to see activity inside living cells

Researchers at Colorado State University used AI to modify antibodies into stable intrabodies that can visualize histone modifications in real-time. This allows for better understanding of gene expression and its relationship with cancer and other disorders. The team created 19 new antibody-based probes with a 70% success rate, signifi...

SourceColorado State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 12, 2026
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Eye for trouble: Automated counting for chromosome issues under the microscope

A machine-learning-based algorithm developed by Tokyo Metropolitan University researchers can accurately count sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in chromosomes, giving a more objective measurement. The accuracy rate is 84%, which could help diagnose disorders like Bloom syndrome with greater consistency.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 10, 2026

AI turns water into an early warning network for hidden biological pollutants

Artificial intelligence is transforming water quality management by detecting subtle biological changes and triggering timely responses. AI-based sensors can analyze signals directly in the field for near real-time water quality assessment, predicting harmful algal blooms and pathogen outbreaks.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 9, 2026

Using the physics of radio waves to empower smarter edge devices

Researchers at Duke University have created a new method to use analog radio waves to boost energy-efficient edge AI, enabling devices to run powerful AI models without heavy chips or distant servers. The approach, called Wireless Smart Edge networks (WISE), achieves nearly 96% image classification accuracy while consuming significantl...

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2026
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Gleason chosen for Tennessee’s AI advisory council

Shaun Gleason, director of the Partnerships Office at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been appointed to Tennessee's AI Advisory Council. He brings decades of experience advancing the use of AI technologies in various fields, including scientific discovery and manufacturing.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateJan 9, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Putting workers at the centre of rapid AI change

A new framework proposes managing AI-related risks by treating workers as co-designers of workplace transformation. The framework integrates job crafting, participatory oversight, and expanded WHS definitions to address relational harms and promote human labour values.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Industrial Relations·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 7, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Scientists discover first method to safely back up quantum information

Researchers at University of Waterloo discover workaround for 'no cloning' problem in quantum computing by encrypting quantum information as it's copied. This breakthrough enables redundant and encrypted quantum cloud services, a crucial step towards building quantum computing infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 6, 2026

MIT study shows AI-generated sensors open new paths for early cancer detection

Researchers created an AI model to design peptides targeted by proteases, which are overactive in cancer cells. The peptides can be detected in urine, revealing specific types of cancer. This technology could lead to at-home tests for various cancers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 6, 2026

AI is quick but risky for updating old software

The use of generative AI in software development can lead to increased productivity, but also creates technical debt and hasty coding if not managed properly. Companies must prioritize fixing technical debt, develop clear guidelines for AI-assisted coding, and train developers on the hazards of AI coding.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateJan 6, 2026