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The New York Times reports on questions over whether Anthropic's Claude AI independently produced a genuine scientific finding. A researcher at the University of Copenhagen said his team had been sharing its research with the model, and that the AI's new result matched their own work, raising doubts about claims of an autonomous discovery and fueling debate over how much credit the system deserves.

Researchers at the University of Arizona report that satellite observations show drylands worldwide are greening, but in an increasingly volatile 'boom-and-bust' pattern: bursts of vegetation growth are followed by sharp crashes. The study suggests that rising atmospheric carbon dioxide is fuelling plant growth in arid regions, yet this greening masks growing instability, with vegetation swings becoming more extreme over time.

A new report on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk says his organization, Turning Point USA, insisted he appear outdoors despite security concerns. It also found that Utah Valley University, where he was shot and killed, failed to properly assess threats, including the possibility of a rooftop shooter. The findings raise fresh questions about responsibility and security lapses surrounding his death last year.

California universities and colleges are adjusting to the rapid spread of artificial intelligence in classrooms, according to the Sacramento Bee. Schools in the state are developing policies and programs on how to handle AI tools in teaching, coursework and student assessment. The report highlights how one of the largest public higher education systems in the US is responding to a technology that is changing how students learn and how instructors teach.

Andrew Yang, the former US presidential candidate known for championing universal basic income, took part in a debate segment for Jubilee's show about whether artificial intelligence will eliminate jobs. Yang argued the disruptive potential of AI echoes his long-standing warnings about automation, drawing reactions from viewers on both sides about how serious the threat to workers really is.

A study using artificial intelligence at the Large Hadron Collider challenges the theory that the universe has ten dimensions. The AI analysis of particle collision data casts doubt on predictions from string theory, which requires extra spatial dimensions beyond the four we observe. If confirmed, the findings would force physicists to rethink one of the leading candidate frameworks for unifying quantum mechanics and gravity.

Researchers at Rutgers University are using artificial intelligence combined with ocean data to predict where whales are likely to be found near offshore wind energy development areas. The work aims to help reduce risks to whale populations as wind farms expand along US coasts, a topic of ongoing concern for conservationists and the renewable energy industry.

Robert Pattinson says it would be "tough" for his version of Batman to interact with other characters in James Gunn's DC Universe. The comment fuels ongoing questions about how Matt Reeves' darker, standalone Batman films relate to Gunn's broader interconnected DC slate. Fans are debating whether Pattinson's Dark Knight could ever cross over with the wider franchise.

A discussion is under way about why members of Gen Z show low political engagement and what role universities can play in encouraging civic participation. Commentators argue that colleges should move beyond classroom teaching and create opportunities for students to practise democracy, from voter registration drives to structured civic dialogue. The debate touches on declining youth trust in institutions and how education can rebuild it.

Gretchen Givens Generett argues that artificial intelligence has a place in education, but says it should not take the leading role in the classroom. Writing in an opinion piece, she suggests AI can serve as a tool to assist learning, while human teachers should remain at the front of the room guiding students. The piece adds to an ongoing debate among educators over how much AI should be integrated into teaching.

A University of Washington study suggests coyote populations are growing in urban areas, with more of the animals living in cities than previously understood. The finding, reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting, adds to ongoing discussion about how wildlife adapts to urban environments and what it means for residents who encounter coyotes in their neighborhoods.

Around 4,600 SEIU-represented staff at Oregon's seven public universities are preparing to walk off the job on Monday unless contract talks produce a deal. The threatened strike threatens disruption across the state's university campuses, affecting operations and services for students at the start of the week.

A Jewish professor has filed a complaint against Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, accusing the Catholic institution of antisemitism, according to The Jerusalem Post. The legal action puts a spotlight on how the university handles discrimination claims and adds to a broader wave of complaints over antisemitism on US campuses. Details of the professor's identity and the specific allegations have not been disclosed.

Faculty at Boston College convened to discuss how artificial intelligence should shape teaching and learning, taking their cue from a recent encyclical by Pope Leo that addresses technology's place in human life. The meeting reflects a broader effort at Catholic institutions to frame AI debates around ethics and human dignity rather than purely technical concerns.

Academics at the National University of Cuyo (UNCuyo) in Mendoza, Argentina, are questioning three mining projects planned for Malargüe, warning they pose risks to glaciers, water resources and biodiversity. The department, in southern Mendoza province, sits near the Andes, where glacial and high-mountain ecosystems feed rivers relied on for agriculture and drinking water. The university's scrutiny adds an academic voice to ongoing debates over mining expansion in fragile Andean zones.

The Conjuring horror franchise is officially expanding with a new installment, according to a report from Collider. The horror series, which began in 2013 and spawned multiple spin-offs, is set to grow again, though details about the project's plot, cast, and release date have not yet been confirmed. Fans of the franchise are reacting to the announcement, with many speculating about what direction the new film will take within the established universe.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge report that sex differences in attention can be detected in newborns, suggesting the differences emerge far earlier in development than previously thought. The finding is drawing discussion among readers, with debate likely over what it means for the roles of biology versus environment in shaping cognitive sex differences.

Florida Tech students are living like astronauts on a simulated 'Mars' mission, operating under the principle that, as the mission motto puts it, 'You're on your own'. Participants isolate themselves in a habitat-style setting to test how crews might handle communication delays, limited resources and self-sufficiency during a real trip to the Red Planet. The project highlights growing university involvement in preparing the next generation of space explorers.

Universal's film releases have generated substantial box office revenue in 2026, according to a report by Gizmodo. The piece highlights the studio's strong financial performance at the movie box office this year, though the specific titles and figures driving the total are not detailed in the available information.