Mysterious chunks of DNA called ‘inocles’ could be hiding in your mouth
Scientists have discovered huge, mysterious pieces of DNA in the oral microbiome — the population of bacteria and other microbes living in our mouths — and they say this giant DNA might influence the human immune system. It’s well known that we have plenty of bacteria in our mouths and that these microbes can have both positive […]
Robots receive major intelligence boost thanks to Google DeepMind’s ‘thinking AI’ — a pair of models that help machines understand the world
Google DeepMind has unveiled a pair of artificial intelligence (AI) models that will enable robots to perform complex general tasks and reason in a way that was previously impossible. Earlier this year, the company revealed the first iteration of Gemini Robotics, an AI model based on its Gemini large language model (LLM) — but specialized for robotics. […]
Call for Competition: Young Creatives to Disseminate Research Findings
We invite dynamic teams and organisations owned and managed by young people between the ages of 18 and 35 to design and produce creative outputs that disseminate findings from a study covering 17 African countries. The research explores the contribution of the nonprofit sector to dignified and fulfilling work for African youth. Read more
Do humans and chimps really share nearly 99% of their DNA?
Chimpanzees, along with bonobos, are humans’ closest living relatives. In fact, you may have heard that humans and chimps share 98.8% of their DNA. But is this actually true? And what does “similar DNA” actually mean? Read more
Bye-Bye Teflon? This Slick New Material Could Change Cookware Forever
Engineers have crafted a new non-stick coating that could finally give Teflon some competition—without the dangerous “forever chemicals” that have raised health alarms. Read more
Study Reveals Two Simple Financial Habits That Significantly Boost Mental Health
New research shows that regularly saving money and paying off debt isn’t just good for your wallet—it’s a powerful way to boost mental health and resilience, no matter your income. Read more
Can Your DNA Predict Your Weight Years Before You Gain It?
A groundbreaking new study has revealed that your DNA may predict whether you’re likely to develop obesity—years before symptoms emerge. Read more
A single MRI can reveal how quickly you’re aging, scientists claim
A study suggests that a single brain MRI can be used to predict a person’s rate of aging across their whole body, which researchers say could change how we predict and prevent chronic disease. Read more
Why ChatGPT’s Essays Don’t Fool the Experts – Yet
Artificial intelligence has yet to match the quality of real student writing, according to new research from the University of East Anglia (UK). In a study published in the journal Written Communication, researchers compared essays written by 145 students to those generated by ChatGPT. Read more
AI Without Rules Is a Global Risk, Warns Leading Expert
Professor Shalom Lappin advocates for urgent international AI regulation, IP reform, and workforce preparedness to ensure AI development serves the public good, not just corporate interests. Read more