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Intelligent, but not conscious: A warning about AI chatbots

A team of neuroscientists highlights the distinction between intelligence and consciousness, warning against confusing AI systems with human-like emotions and experiences. Decades of research support their argument, citing examples like blindsight, which demonstrates intelligent behavior without conscious experience.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Transmitter·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 18, 2026

Open-source artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of humanity: Scientists question, if the world is ready

Researchers warn that open-source AI could increase environmental pressures, deepen technological inequalities, and spread misinformation. To mitigate these risks, the authors propose four governance actions to ensure AI contributes positively to the Sustainable Development Goals.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 11, 2026

Testing AI against public health’s existing tools

A new study found that AI-powered chatbots can make vaccine-hesitant parents more likely to say they will immunize their children against HPV, but no more than standard written public health materials. Additionally, the effects of the chatbots did not last longer than those of government health materials.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 8, 2026

Next-gen AI can learn continuously while consuming a fraction of the computing energy required by today’s AI systems

Researchers from UMass Amherst have developed a new AI architecture called ANT that enables continuous learning and reduces energy consumption by orders of magnitude. Unlike human brains, which operate asynchronously, modern deep neural networks rely on synchronized computations, leading to high energy demands.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2026

Rising emissions, depleting water and vanishing land—UN scientists: AI is threatening natural resources for billions

The global data centers powering artificial intelligence are projected to consume nearly triple the combined annual electricity use of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria by 2030. AI's environmental cost is being systematically mismeasured, with its water footprint equaling the basic annual domestic water needs of all 1.3 billion people ...

AI without hallucinations: Binghamton University researchers develop new way to reduce troublesome fake info

Binghamton University researchers have developed a new way to reduce troublesome fake information in AI chatbots, with high accuracy in identifying disease terms and drug names. The protocol harnesses multiple large language models to verify answers through 'voting', increasing confidence in the results.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalSTAR Protocols·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 2, 2026

AI enables the design of new molecules that selectively target specific cells

Researchers at IRB Barcelona used AI to design new chemical entities that selectively target specific cell types, demonstrating superior activity compared to conventional screening strategies. The methodology, called phenotypic discovery, uses observable responses in cells rather than a specific molecular target.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJun 2, 2026

AI can mass-produce finance research papers indistinguishable from human work

A new study shows AI can generate hundreds of convincing finance research papers efficiently, but also raises concerns about the potential impact on academic community and meaning of scientific discovery. The study demonstrates how AI can accelerate research paper production while highlighting areas for improvement in peer-review systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Economic Literature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 28, 2026

Audits help change a chatbot’s bad behavior

A new framework, SUVA, enables organizations to measure and adjust AI chatbots' social preferences, improving their performance in customer complaints and other human-AI interactions. By understanding an LLM's existing tendencies, organizations can decide whether an available model already fits its values and usage scenarios.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateMay 28, 2026

Insilico Medicine and Human Longevity announce collaboration to co-develop industry-first AI foundation model for longevity science

The collaboration aims to jointly develop a super-intelligence AI foundation model to predict disease risk, diagnose conditions, and discover novel therapeutics. By integrating advanced algorithms with deep biological insights, the models are expected to drive breakthroughs in early detection and personalized interventions for age-rela...

When AI imagines cities, smaller communities can disappear

A Virginia Tech study found that AI image generators consistently produce more realistic and recognizable images of larger metropolitan areas than smaller towns. The research raises questions about how generative artificial intelligence tools portray places and whose communities are most visible online.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalTechnology in Society·DateMay 22, 2026

Soil science: How AI could help scientists secure a vital global resource

A new study highlights the potential of AI tools in soil science, enabling researchers to better understand soil ecosystems and adapt to climate change. The system successfully generated hypotheses on how soils store carbon and what controls their storage limits, with outputs aligning with expert research.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 21, 2026

AI system automates coding for scientific research

A new AI system, Empirical Research Assistance (ERA), can automatically write scientific software programs that outperform human-written ones. ERA combines a large language model with search strategies to explore and refine thousands of pieces of code, reducing the time required for exploration from months to hours or days.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 20, 2026

AI can seem more human than real humans in a classic Turing test, study finds

A new study from UC San Diego suggests that advanced large language models (LLMs) can exhibit human-like tone, humor, and fallibility in conversations, making it increasingly difficult for humans to distinguish between them and actual humans. This has major implications for how we think of AI, as the Turing test is no longer just about...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2026

Insilico Medicine and Ribo enter strategic collaboration agreement: Leveraging AI platform and automated lab for end-to-end empowerment of RNA interference and oligonucleotide therapeutics development

Insilico Medicine's Pharma.AI platform combines with Ribo's expertise in oligonucleotide therapeutics, aiming to boost efficiency and certainty of clinical research. The partnership enables end-to-end empowerment of RNA interference and oligonucleotide therapeutics development.

How Big Tech’s new health AI assistants are redefining care

The rise of consumer-facing health AI assistants is transforming healthcare access, offering users personalized medical workspaces and real-time lab result interpretation. However, concerns around data privacy and the risk of misdiagnosis highlight the need for caution in this rapidly evolving landscape.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 5, 2026

AI speeds chemists' search for better disinfectants

Researchers used AI to design new molecules for disinfectants, leveraging a dataset of hundreds of existing quaternary ammonium compounds. The approach yielded 11 promising compounds with activity against antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, offering a potential solution to the growing threat of 'superbugs'.

SourceEmory University·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 5, 2026

Rich more likely to use AI study finds, as experts warn these burgeoning technologies are increasing social inequality

A recent study reveals that individuals with higher education or income are more aware of and use AI tools, exacerbating social inequalities. The researchers recommend increasing engagement with AI-related topics through outreach campaigns, educational programs, and community workshops to reduce this new digital divide.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2026

Research finds journalism classes lack consistent approach to AI use across institutions

New research from the University of Kansas found varying approaches to AI use in journalism classes across US institutions. The study suggests that a more consistent approach could better serve education and practice, but inconsistent policies may confuse students. Researchers recommend clearer guidelines from accrediting bodies.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournalism & Mass Communication Educator·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 29, 2026