By Thomas Şerban von Davier, Affiliated Faculty Member, Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University
AI systems began a major shift in 2025 from content creators and chatbots to agents capable of using other software tools and acting on their own.
(Full Story)
|
By Jeremy David Engels, Liberal Arts Endowed Professor of Communication, Penn State
The practice of this meditation often involves quietly reciting to oneself several phrases that evoke and visualize the beings who will receive loving-kindness.
(Full Story)
|
By Alexander Lowie, Postdoctoral associate in Classical and Civic Education, University of Florida
Founder Stewart Rhodes says he will relaunch the group, serving as an important outlet for thousands of members who have felt lost since his imprisonment, a scholar writes.
(Full Story)
|
By D. Brian Blank, Associate Professor of Finance, Mississippi State University
Brandy Hadley, Associate Professor of Finance and Distinguished Scholar of Applied Investments, Appalachian State University
The U.S. economy heads into 2026 in an unusual place: Inflation is down from its peak in mid-2022, growth has held up better than many expected, and…
(Full Story)
|
By Kobus Maree, Professor of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria
The world of work today, in the 21st century, is far more unpredictable than it was in the 20th century. Jobs come and go, roles change constantly, and automation and digital disruption are the only constants. Many young people will one day do jobs that don’t yet exist or did not exist a few years ago. Change is the new normal.
In this world, career counselling focuses on navigating repeated transitions and developing…
(Full Story)
|
By Neil Saunders, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics, Department of Mathematical Sciences, City St George's, University of London
Here are the answers to the festive maths quiz I set on December 23. I hope you enjoyed it.
Read more: The magic of maths: festive puzzles to give your brain and imagination a workout
Puzzle 1: You are given nine gold coins that…
(Full Story)
|
By Abigail Parrish, Lecturer in Languages Education, University of Sheffield
Jessica Mary Bradley, Senior Lecturer in Literacies and Language, University of Sheffield
Language learning is often a daunting prospect. Many of us wish we had learned a language to a higher level at school. But even though adults of all ages can do well in acquiring a new language, fear – or the memory of struggling to memorise grammar at school – can hold us back.
We both work in languages education and recognise the real benefits that learning…
(Full Story)
|
By Johan Kjellberg Jensen, Visiting research fellow in Environmental Sciences, Lund University
We’re constantly told that spending time in nature is good for the body and the mind alike. A large body of research shows multiple health benefits from contact with nature, ranging from stress reduction to an improved immune system and even improved academic achievement in children.
But not everyone is getting these benefits. Some people have feelings of fear, dislike or disgust towards animals and nature. The phenomenon, biophobia, has been somewhat overlooked…
(Full Story)
|
By Jolanta Burke, Associate Professor, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
For many people, the run-up to Christmas is filled with excitement and anticipation. For others, it can quietly tip into something more difficult. A drop in mood is particularly common after Christmas, especially in the final week of the year and the first days of the new one. Understanding why this happens can help make that emotional dip easier to manage.
The post-Christmas blues are closely linked to the brain’s reward system. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that allow brain cells to…
(Full Story)
|
By Michelle Spear, Professor of Anatomy, University of Bristol
When you curse after stubbing your toe, you’re not losing control – you’re activating ancient neural circuits that help your body cope with pain.
(Full Story)
|