Search headlines

College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences honors outstanding faculty and staff during annual awards presentation

The College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS) honored outstanding faculty and staff for their commitment to excellence in research,

May 5 • 9:11 PM EDT • Health • news.clemson.edu

New AI method tackles one of science’s hardest math problems

Penn researchers have developed a smarter AI method for solving notoriously difficult inverse equations, which help scientists uncover hidden causes behind observable effects. By introducing “mollifier layers” that smooth noisy data, they’ve made these calculations more stable and far less computationally demanding. This could transform fields like genetics, where understanding how DNA behaves is key to disease research.

May 5 • 8:00 PM EDT • Science • sciencedaily.com

Makayla Ellison ’27 wins poster award at SC INBRE Science Symposium

Ellison didn't let a few jitters get in the way of delivering an outstanding poster presentation. She won best neuroscience poster and a perfect score from all judges for her research that explores eating disorders and overall eating behaviors.

May 5 • 3:20 PM EDT • Science • furman.edu

Elizabeth Gordon receives South Carolina Academy of Science Faculty of the Year Award

Furman Chemistry Senior Instructor Elizabeth Gordon M'97 is recognized by the academy for outstanding teaching across all STEM disciplines. Biochemistry major and Furman EMT Campbell Romero '27 knows why.

May 5 • 9:46 AM EDT • Science • furman.edu

Jannik Sinner closing in on Novak Djokovic’s Masters record

Jannik Sinner’s outstanding season rolled on as he eased past Alexander Zverev to claim the Madrid Open title on Sunday. Sinner took full control from the start inside Manolo Santana Stadium, beating the German world No.

May 5 • 9:28 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Veronica Klawender

The College of Science is proud to recognize 12 outstanding seniors who went above and beyond during their time as Wildcats. Veronica Klawender is this semester's recipient from Ecology & Evolutionary Biology!

May 5 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • science.arizona.edu

SecureFood School: Transforming Food System Risk Science into Real-World Education

Strengthening food system resilience requires not only technological innovation, but also an improved societal understanding of food system dynamics and risks.

May 5 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • food-safety.com

Adam Bonica named a 2026 Andrew Carnegie Fellow

The Stanford political scientist is one of 24 outstanding scholars and writers to receive the honor. This year’s fellows will focus on political polarization in the U.S. and solutions to mitigate it.

May 4 • 8:00 PM EDT • Politics • news.stanford.edu

ACLU sues Palmetto Bay for ‘retaliating’ against Councilman who mocked Charlie Kirk’s death

The complaint claims the Village’s actions not only harmed Cody’s standing but also interfered with voters’ right to representation.

May 4 • 6:15 PM EDT • Politics • floridapolitics.com

Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL leak with improved cameras and 'Pixel Glow' RGB LEDs

Brighter displays may be coming too!

May 4 • 10:21 AM EDT • Technology • androidauthority.com

Mobile-health Network Solutions Enters into Non-Binding US$119 Million Strategic Framework with Hector Capital to Acquire BIMA and M&M Helix, Accelerating AI-powered Healthcare Expansion across Asia and Africa

Singapore, Singapore--(Newsfile Corp. - May 4, 2026) - Mobile-health Network Solutions (NASDAQ: MNDR) ("MNDR" or the "Company"), a leading AI-powered digital health platform, today announced the signing of a non-binding Strategic Cooperation Framework Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with Hector Capital Holdings Pte. Ltd. ("Hector Capital"). Under the framework, Hector Capital will invest up to US$119 million into MNDR to support the acquisition of majority shareholdings in MILVIK Singapore..

May 4 • 9:16 AM EDT • Health • finance.yahoo.com

Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Ojas Sanghi

The College of Science is proud to recognize 12 outstanding seniors who went above and beyond during their time as Wildcats. Ojas Sanghi is this semester's recipient from Computer Science!

May 4 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • science.arizona.edu

MIT scientists finally reveal the hidden structure of a mysterious high-tech material

For decades, relaxor ferroelectrics have powered everything from medical ultrasounds to sonar systems, yet their inner atomic structure remained a mystery—until now. Researchers have finally mapped their three-dimensional structure in unprecedented detail, uncovering hidden patterns in how electric charges are arranged at the nanoscale. The breakthrough not only challenges long-standing assumptions about how these materials behave but also allows scientists to refine the models used to design them.

May 4 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • sciencedaily.com

Debate to explore whether the U.S. scientific enterprise is too risk-averse

Panelists will consider how longstanding funding structures and institutional incentives shape the kind of research that gets pursued—and the possibilities left behind

May 4 • 7:00 AM EDT • Science • hub.jhu.edu

Friday After 5 celebrates 30th anniversary with expanded 2026 season lineup

Friday After 5 will mark its 30th anniversary this summer with what organizers are calling its biggest and most diverse season yet, continuing a long-standing tradition of free, family-friendly entertainment along the downtown riverfront.

May 4 • 1:13 AM EDT • Entertainment • owensborotimes.com

Nominate Today! Nominations Are Now Open for the Fort Worth Business Titans Awards

The Business Press is accepting nominations for the Business Titans Awards, honoring outstanding businessmen who are making a meaningful impact in both the busi

May 4 • 12:46 AM EDT • Business • fortworthbusiness.com

Understanding environmental exposures in early life for lifelong health

Nature Health - Understanding early-life environmental exposures is crucial for protecting lifelong health and should be prioritized in developing exposomics studies and infrastructures worldwide.

May 3 • 8:00 PM EDT • Health • nature.com

Analysis: De Zerbi channels positive performance

Roberto De Zerbi had demanded all negative thoughts be dismissed as he attempted to salvage safety in this wretched, turbulent season for Spurs. The response on the pitch was also outstanding as they tore into Villa from the first whistle, pressing high to force goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and his defenders into poor clearances and uncertainty. Spurs suddenly looked like a team bursting with self-belief and confidence as the hosts, closing in on a place in next season's Champions League, were run ragged.

May 3 • 4:14 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Stephen Colbert’s Best & Worst Moments on ‘The Late Show’

Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ track record has not been spotless, but he’s been, by all accounts, an upstanding steward of a venerable TV institution.

May 3 • 11:00 AM EDT • Entertainment • citizentribune.com

2026 Indoor Football League schedule, results, standings and streams

May 3 • 12:29 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

‘The reality, for better or worse’: Columbia comp sci students and faculty grapple with AI’s disruption of the field

‘The reality, for better or worse’: Columbia comp sci students and faculty grapple with AI’s disruption of the field ‘The reality, for better or worse’: Columbia comp sci students and faculty grapple with AI’s disruption of the field A field that once seemed like a direct path to stable, lucrative work is becoming less certain under AI, students and faculty told Spectator. By Ria Vasishtha and Arjun Menon May 3, 2026 Shanying Liu / Deputy Illustrations Editor Asia Genawi, SEAS ’29, first encountered artificial intelligence during her sophomore year at her high school in Indiana. Back in 2023, policies on AI varied widely—even within the same district—and some schools had no guidance at all. As Genawi began to see the effects of AI trickle into her classroom, she turned to guidance from her home state’s Department of Education, which she said she found “outdated and inaccessible.” Genawi spent the rest of her high school career dedicated to the issue, including writing a 15-page memo exploring varying AI policies across Indiana schools, which she sent to every Indiana state senator and representative whose contact information she was able to find. She later helped draft a bill that would have required public high schools to establish and share their own AI policies with students in an accessible format. But with so many other bills already awaiting referral, hers never made it to committee. When Genawi arrived at Columbia to study computer science, she found that the gaps she had spent years trying to address in Indiana had followed her there. Many students and professors were also grappling with what AI meant for the field. Across Columbia’s undergraduate schools, computer science has become the most popular major—accounting for around 11 percent of degrees awarded in Columbia College, 32 percent in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and 12 percent in the School of General Studies in 2024. While the number of computer science majors in SEAS grew from 166 to 173 during the 2024-25 academic year, the total number across the three schools fell around 4.5 percent from 393 to 375, driven by declines at Columbia College and General Studies. At Barnard, it has grown to become the second most popular major as of 2025, up from third the year prior. The number of degrees awarded have grown fivefold since 2016. Faculty members and students in the department told Spectator that the surge in the major’s popularity has been driven in large part by its apparent promise of a secure, well-paid career path. However, they noted that the recent rise of generative AI has compromised the sense of stability that once defined the field, even as interest in technical skills among students persists. According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in 2024, out of 74 majors tracked, computer science had the fifth highest unemployment rate among majors at 7 percent, while computer engineering had the second highest at 7.8 percent. “Anecdotally, people are moving away from CS as a major,” Daniel Bauer, a senior lecturer in the computer science department, said. “They’re still taking some of our classes, right, because they think they need that, but they’re instead majoring in other things.” Bauer described a field that had shifted from what he called a “nerdy outlier discipline” to one that “everyone needs,” a sign that technical skills have become a baseline expectation across industries with the emergence of AI. “A lot of people thought, ‘Oh, it’s a guaranteed path to a stable income. You get a six-figure job right out of your undergrad,’” Bauer said. Now, companies may see AI as a way to reduce demand for entry-level programmers, especially in what he calls “code monkey jobs,” roles where a large number of employees are “just writing out code nine-to-five.” Chris Murphy, a senior lecturer in the computer science department, described the current moment as the convergence of two forces: the downturn of the job market and generative AI coming onto the scene. “Things kind of started to really pick up in 2014, 16,” he said, recalling the years after the weaker 2010 market. Murphy added that this was also a period where “students were getting more experience outside of class than they were inside of class” through internships, jobs, and side projects. Murphy suggested that the earlier momentum helped make computer science feel like both an academic program and a reliable pathway into work. That feeling is harder to sustain now as the industry reconfigures, which is a shift that students are seeing firsthand. Rebecca Yu, SEAS ’27, said that during a recent internship in Big Tech, she saw that “every single tech company was racing to integrate” large language models. She added that her manager said her intern class was the first to complete their assigned projects, which she attributed to the increased efficiency that comes with AI. Frank Liu, SEAS ’29, said that with AI lowering the barrier to coding, companies now expect everyone to write code. “A lot of companies outright say if you’re not using coding in your job, you might get fired for not being productive enough,” Liu said. Yu similarly expressed that students increasingly have to accept AI being a part of industry workflow, adding that many also “make use of it to maximize their productivity.” Richard Li, CC ’28, described a “franticness” among his peers as the pace of change accelerates. He explained how “some new tool” is released regularly, noting that tools rise and fall in prominence within weeks. He has come to believe that he doesn’t need to “match that speed all the time” and keep up with every development. Li has learned that AI tools allow him to “take a breath” and “get back into the loop much easier than before” when he needs to. While some companies specifically target Columbia when hiring, sending representatives to campus career fairs and recruiting large numbers from Columbia, a computer science degree cannot be treated as a static credential, Yu described. “You can’t just get your degree and stop learning after that. You have to always be learning,” Yu said. “That is something you basically have to expect for your job.” AI has not only affected students’ decisions to major in computer science, but also reshaped how the subject is taught. Across departments, faculty members no longer treat work done outside the classroom as a reliable measure of understanding, shifting instead toward in-person exams, quizzes, and attendance checks. While homework once made up as much as 60 to 70 percent of a student’s grade in computer science classes, Murphy said that breakdown has since flipped, with exams and quizzes now accounting for the majority. “The assumption—especially among pessimists—is that they’re using it to do their homework,” Murphy said. “They take the homework assignment. They put it into generative AI. Out comes the solution. Submit solution. The end.” Murphy said that faculty members ranged in their responses from fully prohibiting AI use to actively teaching students how to effectively work with AI. He said he shifted his approach this year after his teaching assistants called his belief that students weren’t using the technology “naïve,” and now permits students to use AI on assignments. His surveys of students in his introductory classes have told a more complicated story than the one so-called pessimists offer: Around 60 to 70 percent of students who reported using AI said they used it to have concepts explained to them, to clarify assignment instructions, to generate test cases, or to create practice questions. “Those are all ways that you might have had a tutor in the past to do that, and now you have this AI essentially as your tutor,” he said. Bauer has taken a different approach, teaching students how to use AI productively without sacrificing the core principles of the discipline. “People who are trained to actually use AI tools productively, while being in charge of designing the overall project, will be very much in demand in the next couple of years,” he said. Over the past year, a working group of computer science faculty has been redesigning the introductory and intermediate programming sequence to integrate generative AI as both a subject and a tool, representatives from SEAS wrote in a statement to Spectator. The effort is “coordinated” across the department, “not course-by-course,” with a systematic assessment of how AI integration is affecting student outcomes underway to shape the next round of changes. The goal, the department explained, is for students to be able to “read, verify, and reason about code, whether they or a model wrote it.” Tony Dear, senior lecturer in the computer science department, is piloting individualized AI feedback in a discrete mathematics course, while a machine learning course is also testing a Socratic AI dialogue system designed to “guide inquiry rather than supply answers,” the statement reads. Beyond individual courses, SEAS funded seven cross-departmental faculty projects in generative AI this past academic year, spanning biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, and computer science, according to the statement. This phenomenon extends beyond the computer science department. SEAS’ new AI minor, which it announced in November 2025, reflects the University’s attempt to adapt. The minor is specifically designed for noncomputer science majors and aims to provide “essential AI knowledge” while emphasizing practical and responsible use across disciplines, according to the SEAS website. At the center of the minor is AI in Context, a course taught by a team of faculty from the departments of computer science, applied mathematics, philosophy, music, literature, and the Writing Center, the representatives told Spectator. Bauer described it as targeted at students who want to bring AI into fields like economics or biology, rather than as a path into software engineering itself. At the graduate level, SEAS announced a new Master of Science in artificial intelligence in February, with the inaugural cohort starting in the fall. While recognizing how AI has helped them navigate coursework, students also described its rise as isolating, even among members of the Application Development Initiative, one of Columbia’s largest computer science clubs. “As people start to ask AI for questions that they would normally ask students and members, it starts to isolate people” Li said. Alexa Kafka, BC ’27, echoed Li’s sentiment, pointing out that computer science has always been a collaborative discipline with code reviews and pull requests, even as AI makes independent work easier. Despite this, Kafka noted that she hasn’t been to office hours “in at least a year.” Bauer added that faculty are exploring long-term solutions to the assessment problem. “One of the things that we’re trying to do at the department or school level is to maybe move towards computerized testing facilities,” Bauer said, referring to ideas in the department to revitalize computer labs as an alternative to pen-and-paper exams. “We have to accept that this is the reality, for better or worse.” But more exams, students say, does not mean better learning, nor does it reflect how computer science is actually done. “Code is so variable and can be approached in so many directions, there’s never just going to be one correct answer. There can be multiple optimal solutions,” Kafka said. Students also expressed concern that the shift toward exam-heavy grading pulls focus away from the applied, project-based work that better reflects both discipline and industry expectations. ADI has tried to respond more quickly than the curriculum can. Through a vibe coding workshop this past semester, club members said they wanted to help students understand not just that AI exists, but how to use it deliberately. “Vibe coding” refers to the practice of prompting AI to write code for a task or project, and has become widespread enough that ADI felt the gap in formal instruction was worth addressing, according to Sophia Huang, BC ’29. The workshop introduced students to the concept of context engineering, which Shaina Sahu, SEAS ’27, described as not just writing a prompt, but optimizing “the rest of the relevant information that you would feed into the model.” Without that, students said that AI-generated code can fail at scale or introduce difficult-to-detect bugs. Genawi said the shift toward AI has changed what it means to be good at computer science. “I think the shift has kind of gone towards what can you create and what can you do, instead of, what do you know,” she said. Indeed, during ADI DevFest, its annual hackathon, Li said more teams are trying to complete their projects than in years past. While sign-ups have historically outpaced submissions, Li said this is beginning to change because teams “have a tool that completes the vision for them.” While many students see AI as an equalizer that lowers the barrier to entry for coding and technical work, Murphy said it also creates new equity concerns inside the classroom around who can afford stronger tools and who already knows how to use them. “The equity issues I worry about are students who have access to paid versions of things versus free versions of things,” he said. Although popular AI models like ChatGPT and Claude have free versions available, both have paid models that can reach over $100 per month, which output different qualities of code. Murphy also pointed to differences in prior exposure to AI literacy itself. “Students who go to high schools or K-12 education, where they’re taught AI literacy, prompt engineering, context engineering, they understand how to do this, as opposed to students who go to schools who don’t teach that,” he said. “Then they come in, and then they’re somehow expected to know how to use these tools.” For Genawi, those disparities begin long before students arrive on campus. “It’s very interesting to consider how lucky you were geographically,” she said. “To be born where you were is influencing your ability to get access to these spaces.” Students like Yu, though broadly apprehensive about the future of computer science, are not without hope. “I’m optimistic, because I think if you’re truly passionate about CS, there will definitely be a place in the field to do something you want to do,” she said. Senior Staff Writer Ria Vasishtha can be contacted at ria.vasishtha@columbiaspectator.com. Follow Spectator on X @ColumbiaSpec. Staff Writer Arjun Menon can be contacted at arjun.menon@columbiaspectator.com. Follow Spectator on X @ColumbiaSpec. Want to keep up with breaking news? Subscribe to our email newsletter and like Spectator on Facebook. Produced with Spectate by Emily Ta

May 2 • 8:00 PM EDT • Science • columbiaspectator.com

Final 2026 SEC softball regular-season standings

A look at the final 2026 SEC softball regular-season standings.

May 2 • 7:44 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Warrington sweep aside Huddersfield to go third

In-form Warrington Wolves sweep aside Huddersfield Giants at the Accu Stadium to go back up to third in the Super League standings.

May 2 • 5:29 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Report raises alarm about widespread tanning myths ahead of summer

That “healthy-looking glow” might actually be skin damage. A new report highlights common misunderstandings about tanning and skin cancer.

May 2 • 1:49 PM EDT • Health • usatoday.com

2026 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Awards & Honorable Mentions

Congratulations to our current graduate and undergraduate students and alumni who have received prestigious 2026 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowships (GRFP) and Honorable Mentions. The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited U.S. institutions. The five-year fellowship includes three years of financial support including an annual stipend and a cost of education allowance to the institution. Left to right: Row 1 – 2026 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship recipients: Jasmin Bioteau, Kasey Chung, Daniel Cohn, Michael Eng, Tyler Martinez. Row 2 – Henry Shavel, Breanna Sprague, Abigail Wilson, ofia Ando, Daniel Kendall. Row 3 – Rebecca Lee, Lauren Van Auken, Tim Duong. NSF Honorable Mention recipients: Evan Baerg, Isaac Hendrix. Row 4 – Nathan Palmer, Paul Saucedo, Helen Elmer and Maximilian Floridia. 2026 NSF Graduate Research Fellowships (GRFP) were awarded to current graduate students Jasmin Bioteau (Kwon), Kasey Chung (Garg), Daniel Cohn (Kappel), Michael Eng (Doyle), Tyler Martinez (Barber), Henry Shavel (Alexandrova), Breanna Sprague (Garg), Abigail Wilson (Garg); undergraduate researchers Sofia Ando (Shafaat, headed to Princeton for graduate school), Daniel Kendall (Barber, headed to MIT for graduate school), Rebecca Lee (Chen, headed to Stanford for graduate school) and Lauren Van Auken (Garg, headed to the Caltech for graduate school). Former undergraduate researcher Tim Duong ’25 (Neuhauser/Caram, now a graduate student at Princeton) also received the fellowship. 2026 Honorable Mentions by NSF, also a significant national academic achievement, were accorded to current graduate students Evan Baerg, Isaac Hendrix (Tinoco Valencia), Nathan Palmer (Conway),and Paul Saucedo (Doyle). Also receiving Honorable Mentions are former undergraduate researchers Helen Elmer ’25 (Gelbart/Knobler, now a graduate student at the Stanford University School of Medicine), and Maximilian Floridia ‘25 (P. Weiss, now a graduate student at Caltech). Congratulations again to all the recipients! Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penjen@g.ucla.edu.

May 1 • 3:50 PM EDT • Science • chemistry.ucla.edu

Taking stock of current division standings, Mets’ miserable month finally ends & Cardinals are the first team to do this in 2026

May 1 • 1:21 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

Greater Iowa City honors business leaders at annual awards ceremony

Greater Iowa City, Inc. celebrated outstanding business and community leaders at its annual A Toast to Business awards ceremony April 29 at the Graduate Iowa City. According to a news release, the event drew more than 200 attendees and recognized excellence across economic growth, workforce development and community investment in the region. “A Toast to […]

May 1 • 12:38 PM EDT • Business • corridorbusiness.com

MOMENT OF SCIENCE: Science behind lightning

From tingling skin to hair standing on end, Mother Nature gives us a warning that lightning is imminent.

May 1 • 9:11 AM EDT • Science • wistv.com

Underwater robot tracks sperm whale conversations in real time

Understanding how they communicate remained difficult because these marine mammals dive to depths of more than a mile for around 50 minutes each hour.

May 1 • 8:41 AM EDT • Science • detroitnews.com

Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Erin Schuette

The College of Science is proud to recognize 12 outstanding seniors who went above and beyond during their time as Wildcats. Erin Schuette is this semester's recipient from Chemistry & Biochemistry!

May 1 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • science.arizona.edu

AI method tackles one of science's hardest math problems

Penn Engineers have developed a new way to use AI to solve inverse partial differential equations (PDEs), a particularly challenging class of mathematical problems with broad implications for understanding the natural world. The advance, which the researchers call “Mollifier Layers,” could benefit fields as varied as genetics and weather forecasting, because inverse PDEs help scientists work backward from observable patterns to infer the hidden dynamics that produced them.

May 1 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • eurekalert.org

Nearly twice as many men as women standing in May elections in UK

Exclusive: women ‘massively underrepresented’ in next week’s local and devolved elections, campaigners say

May 1 • 1:00 AM EDT • Politics • theguardian.com

College of Science awards faculty and staff for excellence

Seventeen faculty and staff members were recognized for outstanding research, teaching and service.

Apr 30 • 4:16 PM EDT • Science • news.clemson.edu

Museum of Science and Mystic River Watershed Association Honored with 2026 Boston Climate Leader Award for Research and Innovation

BOSTON, April 30, 2026--The Museum of Science, in partnership with the Mystic River Watershed Association, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Boston Climate Leader Awards in the Community Organization category for Research and Innovation. The award recognizes the organizations’ groundbreaking work engaging communities in climate research and advancing understanding of extreme heat as an environmental justice issue.

Apr 30 • 10:29 AM EDT • Science • finance.yahoo.com

12 million images later, Mars starts to make sense

Mars has been photographed to death. Orbiters have mapped it in high resolution, low resolution and even infrared. Scientists are drowning in data, and the problem isn’t seeing Mars anymore. It’s understanding it.That’s where Mirali Purohit comes in.

Apr 30 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • news.asu.edu

Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Hanga Andras-Letanovszky

The College of Science is proud to recognize 12 outstanding seniors who went above and beyond during their time as Wildcats. Hanga Andras-Letanovszky is this semester's recipient from Astronomy & Steward Observatory!

Apr 30 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • science.arizona.edu

Matt Law names three “confirmed” candidates for Chelsea manager’s job

Matt Law named the three outstanding candidates for the Chelsea managerial role as things stand on a podcast.If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source...

Apr 30 • 3:00 AM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

This AI knew the answers but didn’t understand the questions

For decades, psychologists have debated whether the human mind can be explained by one unified theory or must be broken into separate parts like memory and attention. A recent AI model called Centaur seemed to offer a breakthrough, claiming it could mimic human thinking across 160 different cognitive tasks. But new research is challenging that bold claim, suggesting the model isn’t truly “thinking” at all—it’s just memorizing patterns.

Apr 29 • 8:00 PM EDT • Science • sciencedaily.com

Sony clarifies recent PlayStation DRM update

PlayStation fans and gaming preservations have been alarmed since late last week that a new 30-day timer attached attached to newly-purchased digital games for PlayStation 4 and 5 might render those games unplayable if the system they’re on is offline for longer than a month. But a rep from Sony told Game File today that new system will require only a single online check before it functions as a perpetual license for the digitally purchased game. That is consistent with a newer theory that emerged by gamers testing the 30-day timer over the last two days. “Players can continue to access and play their purchased games as usual,” a rep for PlayStation told me over email. “A one-time online check is required after purchase to confirm the game’s license, after which no further check-ins are needed.” The rep’s explanation squares with the current understanding among players about what’s happening. A multi-day mystery A post last Friday by YouTuber Lance MacDonald spread awareness over the 30-day timer. Quickly, players began stress-testing the system, removing a battery within their PlayStations and checking what would happen if their systems were offline past the timer window. They noticed that setting a PS4 or PS5 to be the “primary” console—a common Sony-authorized method to retain rights to a digital game—wasn’t overriding the 30-day limit. On Tuesday came the breakthrough: A gamer called Andshrew on the Resetera forums posted the results of some tasting. They found that digital games purchased on PS4/PS5 after some time in mid-April would get a 30-day timer that could then be removed and replaced with a perpetual license that would allow the game to be played offline. The transition to the perpetual license occurred some number of days after the digital game was purchased and the system was connected to the internet. They believed that a PlayStation’s online check-in would trigger the license change no sooner than 15 days after the user had purchased the game. This synced with the theory that Sony’s new system is related to the 14-day window that PlayStation users have to request a refund for digitally purchased games. The new timer/check-in system could be a way to defeat some exploit in that refund system, some users theorized. Game File is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe In a follow-up, I asked the Sony rep if the 15-day timeline is accurate or if the perpetual license can be activated sooner after purchase. If they share more, I’ll update this post. Sony has not said why they’ve introduced the timer and whether it is designed to stop people from exploiting the refund system. But their explanation suggests that this new DRM method should not result in long-term loss of access to digitally purchased games, just because a PlayStation is offline for a month or Sony’s servers are down. Xbox flashback For many some gamers, the initial reporting of the 30-day timer conjured memories of Microsoft’s disastrous May 2013 announcement of the Xbox One, which was going to require an internet-connected check-in once a day, lest your games become unplayable.1 After widespread backlash, Microsoft abandoned that plan, ahead of the Xbox One’s launch. 1 Fun fact: That 24-hour check-in detail was my scoop from an interview I had that day with then-Xbox exec Phil Harrison. I was EiC of Kotaku at the time and rushing from one Xbox One preview appointment on Microsoft’s campus to another. I phoned the news in to reporter Jason Schreier, who wrote it up for the site.

Apr 29 • 7:24 PM EDT • Technology • gamefile.news

Trump welcomes Artemis II astronauts to Oval Office — and fields questions on Iran, Comey and UFOs

The Artemis II astronauts’ journey to the moon and back landed them at the White House Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon — standing by while President Donald Trump talked UFOs, the Space Force and the Iran war.

Apr 29 • 4:45 PM EDT • Politics • cnn.com

2 UVA scientists elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences

The UVA researchers were elected for their work advancing understanding of disease and environmental challenges.

Apr 29 • 2:11 PM EDT • Science • news.virginia.edu

PAC proposes entertainment venue in Grayson

Paramount Arts Center, Inc. (PAC) has been in talks with the Grayson Tourism Commission concerning a proposed standing room only entertainment venue to be locat

Apr 29 • 6:00 AM EDT • Entertainment • cartercountytimes.com

‘It’s about the money’: Comedian Paul Mercurio explains why Disney is standing by Jimmy Kimmel this time

Apr 29 • 12:36 AM EDT • Politics • cnn.com

Blue Jays' Trey Yesavage delivers win over Red Sox in first start of rookie season, receives standing ovation

Apr 28 • 10:54 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

First-gen political science student named New College Outstanding Undergraduate

Emra Muslim, a first-generation college student graduating this spring with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Arizona State University’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, has been named the college’s Outstanding Undergraduate.

Apr 28 • 6:50 PM EDT • Science • news.asu.edu

San Francisco State University Partners with UC Law San Francisco to Expand Downtown Presence  - UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)

SFSU’s Lam Family College of Business will use classroom and office space at 198 McAllister Street to establish a new downtown campus. San Francisco State University (SFSU) and UC Law San Francisco have reached an agreement that establishes a new downtown home for SFSU’s Lam Family College of Business at UC Law SF’s Academic Village. The agreement places SFSU business students in close proximity to leading employers, industry partners and transit hubs, enhancing opportunities for internships, networking and career advancement. The UC Law SF Academic Village is a shared-campus model designed to foster collaboration among higher education institutions and contribute to San Francisco’s ongoing revitalization. San Francisco State University (SFSU) and UC Law San Francisco have reached an agreement that establishes a new downtown home for graduate business programs from SFSU’s Lam Family College of Business at UC Law SF’s Academic Village. The agreement creates a new downtown campus location for SFSU, giving students direct access to San Francisco’s thriving business environment. Beginning in Fall 2026, graduate business students will take classes at the UC Law SF building at 198 McAllister Street, at the nexus of the Civic Center, Mid-Market and Tenderloin communities. Under the agreement, SFSU will occupy 3,200 square feet of exclusive teaching and office space and will share additional classrooms with UC Law. The move positions students in close proximity to leading employers, industry partners and transit hubs, enhancing opportunities for internships, networking and career advancement. “This partnership is an example of the growing strategic collaborations that expand opportunities for our students,” said SFSU President Lynn Mahoney. “By situating graduate business programs in the city’s urban core, we will help students build connections, gain experience and achieve their goals for meaningful careers and upward mobility.” Students enrolled in select Lam Family College of Business graduate programs will have access to the Academic Village’s modern classrooms, conference facilities, library, study spaces and resident and event support services. The site also includes lounges, on-site dining and newly built, fully furnished, apartment-style housing for students and professionals. As institutional partners, SFSU College of Business students and alumni are eligible for tuition discounts if they enroll in the UC Law SF Master of Legal Studies program, designed for professionals whose work intersects with the law. “San Francisco State University is an excellent addition to our Academic Village, and we are excited to have the Lam Family College of Business join us in the fall,” said UC Law SF Chancellor & Dean David Faigman. “The partnership advances UC Law SF’s commitment to collaborate with California’s other great public schools and adds vibrancy and energy to the heart of the city. Our students and programs will benefit from the interdisciplinary opportunities that will arise.” The UC Law SF Academic Village is a shared-campus model designed to foster collaboration among higher education institutions and contribute to San Francisco’s ongoing revitalization. The Lam Family College of Business will begin occupying its new space there in July 2026, with classes beginning in August. The move continues SFSU’s longstanding presence in downtown San Francisco and reflects a broader effort to align academic programs with the needs of both career-minded students and the region’s expanding and evolving workforce. For more than 60 years, the Lam Family College of Business has delivered high-quality, AACSB-accredited business education across the San Francisco–Silicon Valley region. Its graduate programs — including the MBAand the STEM-designated Master of Science in Business Analytics and Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics — are designed to help students develop the skills they need to navigate the complex challenges of a global, data-driven economy. About San Francisco State University San Francisco State University is a public university serving students from the San Francisco Bay Area, across California and around the world, with nationally acclaimed programs that span a broad range of disciplines. More than 20,000 students enroll at the University each year, and its more than 304,000 graduates have contributed to the economic, cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond. Through them — and more than 1,300 world-class faculty members — SFSU proudly embraces its legacy of academic excellence, community engagement and commitment to social justice. For more information, visit sfsu.edu. About UC Law SF UC Law San Francisco is a public law school of the University of California, founded in 1878 as the first law school in the UC system. Located in San Francisco’s Civic Center, it offers a comprehensive legal education with a strong emphasis on experiential learning, public service and professional preparation. Through its Academic Village, UC Law SF brings together students, faculty and partner institutions in a collaborative campus environment in the heart of the city. Other Academic Village partners include UC San Francisco, UC Davis, the University of San Francisco and the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry. For more information, visit www.uclawsf.edu.

Apr 28 • 11:00 AM EDT • Business • uclawsf.edu

Neuroinfectious Diseases Research Workshop: Advancing Translational Science and Clinical Innovation

The Neuroinfectious Diseases Research Workshop will be a two-day scientific meeting designed to accelerate research, foster collaboration, and build capacity in the field of neurological infections. Hosted at the NIH Neuroscience Center (NSC, Executive Boulevard), this meeting will bring together clinician-scientists, laboratory investigators, translational researchers, government partners, and trainees committed to advancing understanding of neuroinfectious

Apr 28 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • ninds.nih.gov

Who was the New Orleans area prep sports athlete of the week for April 20-25? Vote now.

The past week in New Orleans area high school sports included several outstanding performances in many different sports.

Apr 28 • 5:00 AM EDT • Sports • nola.com

How much history should there be in science education?

Understanding how previous shifts in scientific understanding occurred affects how we view current theories

Apr 27 • 8:00 PM EDT • Science • chemistryworld.com

CSUSM Celebrates Topping Out of Hunter Hall of Science and Engineering

Cal State San Marcos marked a major construction milestone Friday, April 24, as university leaders, donors and community supporters gathered to celebrate the topping out of the new Hunter Hall of Science and Engineering.Topping-out ceremonies are a long-standing construction tradition, typically marked by the signing of the final structural beam...

Apr 27 • 5:38 PM EDT • Science • news.csusm.edu

Commentary: Chicago’s arts and culture is essential infrastructure. Here’s why.

They are not optional amenities. They are vital to GDP, workforce competitiveness and the city’s standing as a global capital of creativity.

Apr 27 • 9:45 AM EDT • Business • chicagobusiness.com

The Science Behind the Headlines: Understanding Attribution Science

When devastating weather events make headlines, a question increasingly follows: Did climate change play a role? Where did the emissions driving that risk come from? And what harms result when those risks materialize? This isn't just casual curiosity. Communities facing floods, families displace

Apr 27 • 9:30 AM EDT • Science • blog.ucs.org

Election 2026: The current politicians standing down

Several high-profile politicians will stand down from the States, some with decades-long careers.

Apr 27 • 9:20 AM EDT • Politics • bbc.com

Scientists Just Discovered Where the Earth Actually Came From

Scientists have seemingly settled long-standing arguments about whether the components of Earth originated from the inner or outer Solar System.

Apr 27 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • popularmechanics.com

Vote now for the Capital Region girls’ sports Team of the Week

We've nominated five high school teams that had outstanding performances last week. Cast your vote.

Apr 27 • 5:30 AM EDT • Sports • timesunion.com

Complete NASCAR Cup points standings after 2026 Talladega spring race

Reddick still remains firmly in control of the championship after the Jack Link's 500, and even extended his advantage to 110 points

Apr 26 • 8:24 PM EDT • Sports • sports.yahoo.com

MIT researchers find self-organizing “pencil beam” laser could help scientists design brain-targeted therapies

After a surprising discovery that overcomes a longstanding problem in fiber optics, MIT researchers demonstrated a biomedical imaging technique that is faster and more precise than other methods, which could help scientists and clinicians study new brain therapies.

Apr 26 • 8:00 PM EDT • Science • eurekalert.org

‘Native American Business Showcase’ features artists, crafts

In an event featuring talented professionals standing by their glistening jewelry and clothing, the University of New Mexico has once again brought together Native American businesses, organizations and student entrepreneurs in this year’s Native American Business Showcase. Hosted by the American Indian Business Association, the Thursday, April 23 event marks the third annual showcase that has been held at UNM. Executive Director of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico Marvis Aragon opened the event, encouraging entrepreneurship and collaboration among Native small businesses.

Apr 26 • 8:00 PM EDT • Business • dailylobo.com

The 'Oscars of Science': Breakthrough Prize 2026 awards over $18 million for discoveries across space, physics and more

"This year's laureates show what great science can do — deepen our understanding of the world and lead to discoveries that improve millions of lives."

Apr 26 • 10:00 AM EDT • Science • space.com

Youtility Decision Science: $4.2 Million Raised To Build Behavioral AI Platform For Predicting Customer Decisions

Youtility Decision Science, a behavioral AI company focused on understanding and predicting consumer decision-making, announced that it has completed the second close of its seed funding round, bringing total capital raised to $4.2 million. The round was backed by a consortium of strategic investors, including Silver Falcon Capital, Fyllo, and National Media, along with additional industry investors and family offices.

Apr 26 • 8:55 AM EDT • Science • pulse2.com

Mezcal worm in a bottle DNA test reveals a surprise

The famous mezcal “worm” has long puzzled scientists, but DNA testing has finally cracked the case. Researchers found that all sampled larvae were actually agave redworm moth caterpillars—not a mix of species as once believed. While the discovery clears up a long-standing mystery, it also raises concerns about sustainability. Growing demand for mezcal and edible larvae could put pressure on wild populations and the agave plants they depend on.

Apr 26 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • sciencedaily.com

10 misconceptions about kids sports: How parents can push against them

Understanding what’s behind our misconceptions about youth sports could be the key to unlocking a happy sports journey for our kids.

Apr 26 • 6:05 AM EDT • Sports • usatoday.com

MMI Prep students excel at PA Junior Academy of Science

Theresa Long, head of school, announced MMI Preparatory School students had an outstanding showing at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition that was held Feb. 28, at Wilkes University. MMI’s 37 participating students earned…

Apr 26 • 1:00 AM EDT • Science • citizensvoice.com

WORLD IP DAY 2026: "Ready, Set, Innovate" - Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council

Small Businesses, Innovators, Creators Drive Innovation and Growth SBE Council is proud to join our small business allies and fellow organizations – all dedicated to fueling innovation and protecting intellectual property (IP) – in celebrating WORLD IP DAY 2026. The goal of the day is to increase the general understanding of the importance of IP. […]

Apr 25 • 11:16 PM EDT • Business • sbecouncil.org

Mohammad Saleem receives Young Investigator Award

The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate “outstanding promise” in physiological sciences research.

Apr 25 • 2:05 PM EDT • Health • news.vumc.org

This exotic particle could finally explain why matter has mass

A major physics experiment has uncovered evidence for a strange new form of matter, where a fleeting particle gets trapped inside a nucleus. This exotic state may reveal how mass is generated, suggesting that particles can weigh less when surrounded by dense nuclear matter. The findings support long-standing theories about how the vacuum of space influences mass.

Apr 25 • 8:00 AM EDT • Science • sciencedaily.com

Indian Health Service Announces New Round of Water Infrastructure Funding

The Indian Health Service (IHS) announced on Tuesday it will allocate $700 million in fiscal year 2026 funding to support drinking water and sanitation projects across Indian Country, marking a major step in addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps in Tribal communities. The funding comes through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provides a total of […]

Apr 24 • 10:32 PM EDT • Health • nativenewsonline.net

Eberly College of Science honors three with Outstanding Science Alumni Award

The Penn State Eberly College of Science has honored three alumni with the Outstanding Science Alumni Award for 2026. The board of directors of the Eberly College of Science Alumni Society established this award in 1995 to recognize alumni who have a record of significant professional achievements in their field and who are outstanding role models for students in the college.

Apr 24 • 4:33 PM EDT • Science • psu.edu

New fellowship program for senior, experienced tech and scientific innovators

The Belfer Center is seeking applicants from experienced, senior technology and scientific innovators from the private sector to pursue policy-relevant work aimed at expanding the understanding, potential, use, impact, and governance of emerging technologies.

Apr 24 • 12:36 PM EDT • Science • news.harvard.edu

No. 4 on the list of Tampa Bay’s Most Powerful Politicians: Ed Hooper

'With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the process, Ed Hooper quietly drives results where it matters most.'

Apr 24 • 12:00 PM EDT • Politics • floridapolitics.com

Dr. Dennis Slamon elected to Association of American Physicians

The AAP recognizes physician-scientists who have made outstanding contributions to basic or translational biomedical research and the advancement of academic medicine.

Apr 24 • 8:00 AM EDT • Health • uclahealth.org

Lincoln Public School students practice running a business at student farmers market

One of the 3rd grade teachers said its all about giving the kids an understanding of what it’s like to be producers and consumers and seeing where their money actually goes.

Apr 23 • 11:35 PM EDT • Business • 1011now.com

U.S. Forging a Healthier Oceania Through Trump Administration's America First Global Health Strategy Through Bilateral Health Memorandum of Understanding with Papua New Guinea - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in China

United States Forging a Healthier Oceania Through Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy Through Bilateral Health Memorandum of Understanding with Papua New Guinea Press Statement Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson April 23, 2026 Yesterday the United States and Papua New Guinea signed a five-year bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) through the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy. The landmark health MOU focuses on effectively addressing emerging infectious diseases and ongoing outbreaks, building and maintaining surge-response capacities, and enabling Papua New Guinea’s government to independently manage new health threats before they spread internationally. Working with Congress, the United States intends to provide $15 million through December 2030 through the jointly decided health MOU, building on decades of progress in reducing HIV infections and transmissions in Papua New Guinea. The government of Papua New Guinea intends to allocate up to $3 million to disease control programs and strengthen health systems at the national and provincial levels. Up to $5 million under the health MOU will directly support global health security funding, advancing our shared commitment to health security in the region. Through the signing of this $18 million MOU, we are bolstering infectious disease prevention and response by leveraging cost-effective, nationally-driven approaches, with the goal of increasing Papua New Guinea’s health system self-sufficiency. America First Global Health Strategy Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed so far represent more than $20.6 billion in new health funding, including more than $12.8 billion in U.S. assistance alongside $7.8 billion in co-investment from recipient countries, building on decades of progress fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases around the world. As of April 22, the State Department has signed 32 bilateral global health MOUs with Angola, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, and Uganda.

Apr 23 • 10:36 PM EDT • Health • china.usembassy-china.org.cn

Stunning 132 million-year-old dinosaur tracks are rewriting history

A long-standing mystery in southern Africa’s fossil record is beginning to unravel. After massive lava flows 182 million years ago seemed to erase evidence of dinosaurs in the region, scientists have now uncovered surprising new clues along the Western Cape coast. Dozens of dinosaur tracks, about 132 million years old, have been discovered in a tiny stretch of rock near Knysna—making them the youngest ever found in southern Africa.

Apr 23 • 8:00 PM EDT • Science • sciencedaily.com

Jefferson Einstein health workers say North Philly pediatric practices closures will leave ‘a hole’ in communities

Four longstanding pediatric offices will close June 30 and three others will become part of the True North Pediatrics group, based in Pennsylvania.

Apr 23 • 5:44 PM EDT • Health • whyy.org

Google accidentally shares Pixel 11 Pro Fold wallpapers in Android 17 preview

Google seems to have accidentally included some Pixel 11 Pro Fold wallpaper thumbnails in a recent Android 17 preview build.

Apr 23 • 3:16 PM EDT • Technology • androidauthority.com

ROSES-25 A.11 Early Career Investigator Program in Earth Science Correction

ROSES-25 A.11 Early Career Investigator Program (ECIP) in Earth Science supports outstanding scientific research and career development of scientists and

Apr 23 • 11:18 AM EDT • Science • science.nasa.gov

Scientists discover hidden forces are warping Earth deep beneath the surface

Scientists have mapped how Earth’s deepest mantle is being deformed—and the results point to long-lost tectonic plates buried thousands of kilometers underground. Using a massive global dataset of seismic waves, they found that most deformation happens in regions where these ancient slabs are thought to reside. The findings confirm long-standing theories but, for the first time, show the pattern on a global scale. It’s a major step toward understanding how the planet’s interior slowly churns over time.

Apr 22 • 8:00 PM EDT • Science • sciencedaily.com

Four ECEE students earn major National Science Foundation research fellowships

Four students from the Department of Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering at CU Boulder have been recognized with 2026 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program awards. NSF GRFP recognizes and support outstanding grad students from across the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields who are pursuing research-based master’s or doctoral degrees.Awardees receive a $37,000 annual stipend and cost of education allowance for the next three years as well as professional development opportunities.Learn more about their research below

Apr 22 • 7:31 PM EDT • Science • colorado.edu

Achieving Health Equity Demands Shift to Structural Change

Advancing health equity in medicine requires a clear-eyed understanding of history, a rejection of race-based clinical assumptions and a commitment to transform research into practice, said Dr. Joseph L. Wright, senior vice president and chief health equity officer of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in his keynote address for Weill Cornell Medicine’s eight annual Diversity Week.

Apr 22 • 4:35 PM EDT • Health • news.weill.cornell.edu

Integrated Modeling Virtual Institute (IMVI)

A framework for NASA's state-of-the-art Earth system models to advance Earth understanding and deliver actionable insights for societal benefit

Apr 22 • 1:05 PM EDT • Science • science.nasa.gov

Our unsung hero of science: Friedrich Miescher, the man who discovered DNA

Working on human pus in a medieval castle, Miescher discovered a substance that would eventually unlock our understanding of how life works.

Apr 22 • 11:27 AM EDT • Science • theconversation.com

America 250: How preventive care became a cornerstone of American health

Awareness of the importance of preventive care has grown dramatically in the United States, reshaping the nation’s understanding of health.

Apr 22 • 9:43 AM EDT • Health • wtop.com

Focusing in on human health research at annual space meeting

Long-duration spaceflight can chip away at an astronaut’s health, prompting scientists to find new ways to make living in space easier on the body. The journey to outer space is incredibly dangerous, but crews must also face day-to-day hazards, such as exposure to cancer-causing radiation, microgravity and extreme isolation. Understanding and ...

Apr 22 • 9:02 AM EDT • Health • news.osu.edu

iSchool Doctoral Students and Faculty Team Explore AI Use in Healthcare at KCHC

How does artificial intelligence (AI) impact how people take care of their health? On April 2-4, Florida State University (FSU) School of Information (iSchool) Ph.D. candidate Yuanying Pang addressed this question, representing her research team at the Kentucky Conference on Health Communication (KCHC) in Lexington, Kentucky. Their poster presentation, “Understanding How People Use Generative AI…

Apr 22 • 8:50 AM EDT • Health • news.cci.fsu.edu