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Could this simple robot outmaneuver a human hand?

A novel robot, BioflexBot, successfully mimics fundamental hand motions and exceeds human performance in precision and range of mobility. The BioflexBot can grasp complex objects, reach long distances, and deliver objects in confined spaces.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 13, 2026

Well-worn wins: Wild capuchin monkeys prefer stones with a proven track record of cracking nuts

In a new study, researchers found that wild capuchin monkeys prioritize stones with proven track records of cracking nuts, even if they're not the mechanically optimal choice. This demonstrates that primates rely on durable physical traces to guide their tool selection.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateAug 5, 2026

Wearable devices and data sharing in the US

In this serial survey study, wearable device use increased among U.S. adults, but daily use and clinician-directed data sharing remained limited. The findings suggest a need for approaches to help realize the potential of wearable devices as health care tools.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 10, 2026

Chimpanzees can be multitalented musicians

Researchers at Kyoto University's EHUB center analyzed the musical performances of a 26-year-old male chimpanzee named Ayumu. The study found that Ayumu's instrumental sound-making was not random and exhibited isochronous intervals, similar to a metronome.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2026

Managing many errors at once: toward intelligent accuracy control in machine tools

Researchers explore ways to understand and control multiple errors affecting machine tool accuracy, combining traditional models with data-driven approaches and digital twin technology. This enables more integrated systems that can monitor themselves, predict changes, and adjust behavior automatically.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 1, 2025

Blending technologies may help coral offspring blossom

Researchers at Ohio State University developed two technologies to support the survival and growth of baby corals, combining Underwater Zooplankton Enhancement Light Array (UZELA) with 3D printed artificial settlement modules. This combination doubles coral survivorship and quadruples growth, providing a promising solution for coral re...

SourceOhio State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 29, 2025

Killer whales groom each other using tools made from kelp

A team of whale experts discovered that southern resident killer whales regularly use lengths of bull kelp as tools to groom each other during social interactions. The whales fashion the tools by breaking off the ends of kelp stalks and then press them against a partner, rolling them between their bodies for long periods.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2025

Innovative toolkit blazes trail for healthcare providers to learn with patients struggling with opioid use, chronic pain

A new online toolkit developed by the University of Ottawa and Health Canada aims to educate healthcare providers on managing opioid-related issues. The toolkit's co-creation model involves patient input, leading to a deeper understanding of chronic pain and opioid use, and a more compassionate approach to care.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 20, 2025

Bridging the AI gap in medicine: new framework targets family doctor education

A new curriculum framework helps train future family physicians to integrate AI into their practice, addressing a critical gap in medical training. The AIFM-ed framework provides a structured road map for medical educators to bridge the AI gap, ensuring that future doctors are clinically competent and technologically fluent.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Medical Education·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 29, 2025

Weak evidence behind how we measure pain in babies

A newly-published Cochrane review found significant gaps in clinical rating scales used to assess pain in newborn babies. The review of 79 studies involving over 7,000 infants across 26 countries revealed that none of the available scales are backed by high-quality evidence.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 13, 2025

ECNU Review of Education study explores how large language models can revolutionize teaching as personalized assistants

A study explores how large language models (LLMs) can transform teaching by generating customized educational materials, assessing student progress, and providing targeted feedback. LLMs excel at automating routine tasks, reducing teachers' workload and enabling them to focus on mentoring students.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 2, 2025

New study reveals why students reject ChatGPT feedback in academic writing

A recent study found that 45.9% of ChatGPT-generated feedback was rejected by second-language learners, with content-focused feedback facing higher rejection rates. The researchers identified four key factors driving rejection: misalignment with goals or external standards, and the subjective nature of content-related suggestions.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeSurvey·DateMar 10, 2025

Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) launches a second funding opportunity to accelerate novel tool development to advance Parkinson's disease research

The Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative offers funding of up to $6M for research community members to develop sustainable tools for Parkinson’s disease research. The funding supports the development of preclinical models, detection reagents, and modulation agents to accelerate therapeutic research.

Study provides novel insights into GenAI feedback

Researchers found that GenAI feedback offers timely and personalized feedback, educational benefits as an essay editor and tutor, and social benefits as a supportive environment. However, challenges include limited AI skills, dependency risk, and emotional understanding limitations.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2025

New AI Tool Mimics Radiologist Gaze to Read Chest X-Rays

Researchers developed ItpCtrl-AI, a transparent AI framework that reads chest X-rays like a radiologist, providing accurate diagnoses and increasing trust in medical technology. The framework uses a gaze heat map to show the computer where to search for abnormalities and what section of the image requires less attention.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalArtificial Intelligence in Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 25, 2025

New toolkit empowers healthcare providers with evidence-based strategies for childhood obesity prevention and treatment

The Childhood Obesity Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment Toolkit provides healthcare providers with practical guidance for preventing, evaluating, and treating childhood obesity. The toolkit is grounded in scientific evidence and offers actionable treatment approaches for children and adolescents dealing with overweight and obesity.

New laparoscopic imaging technique accurately maps biological tissue for minimally invasive surgery

A new laparoscopic imaging technique uses stereo depth estimation and speckle-illumination SFDI to accurately map the optical properties of biological tissue. The device provides detailed optical property maps, enabling surgeons to identify critical tumor margins and improve clinical outcomes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateFeb 17, 2025