AIhub February 2026 Digest: Advances in Collective Decision-Making and Interactive AI
AI research is advancing rapidly in 2026, with breakthroughs in collective decision-making, multi-modal learning, and the governance of interactive AI systems.
Science
Skin androgens regulate Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity via quorum sensing – Nature Microbiology
A new study reveals that testosterone secreted by the skin influences the severity of Staphylococcus aureus infections by activating bacterial communication pathways.
Ryan Gosling Meets NASA Scientists for ‘Project Hail Mary’ Film Accuracy
Ryan Gosling and 'Project Hail Mary' team meet with NASA scientists to ensure film's science is grounded in real research.
Winter Storm Hernando Buries Northeast US in Snow, Closes Schools, Cancels Flights
Winter Storm Hernando brought record-breaking snowfall and severe weather to the northeastern US, closing schools and canceling over 10,000 flights.
Media Hunt for Prince Andrew Intensifies at Sandringham Estate
Journalists and photographers gathered at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate for two days, hoping to catch a glimpse of Prince Andrew, but the ex-prince remained elusive.
The Columbian Exchange: A Global Transformation After 1492
The Columbian Exchange, initiated in 1492, reshaped the world through the movement of plants, animals, and diseases between continents.
Printable Enzyme Ink Powers Next-Generation Wearable Biosensors
Researchers in Japan have developed a printable enzyme ink that could revolutionize self-powered wearable biosensors, offering a practical solution for real-time health monitoring.
UB to host 850 high schoolers for Science Exploration Day on March 18
Nearly 850 high school students from Western New York head to the University at Buffalo's North Campus on March 18 for the 33rd annual Science Exploration Day. The event packs workshops, lab tours and demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. across campus sites.
Novel insulin-like growth factor-binding protein proteases : detection and characterization
STOCKHOLM — Scientists in Sweden detected a group of previously unknown proteases that specifically break down insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins, according to a new doctoral thesis from Lund University. The...
Report reveals fatal shark attacks more than doubled in 2025
Fatal shark attacks on humans more than doubled to nine in 2025 from four the previous year. The International Shark Attack File reported 65 unprovoked bites globally, up 38% from 47 in 2024.
Industrial Research Labs Transformed U.S. into Tech Superpower, Study Finds
A new study reveals that the rise of industrial research labs in the 1920s was pivotal in transforming the United States into a technological superpower, reshaping innovation, workforce composition, and economic development.
Political Journalism Needs Fewer ‘Takes’ and More Analytical Legwork
Political journalism is undergoing a shift as independent analysts push for deeper data-driven reporting, rejecting the trend of preconceived narratives and emphasizing empirical research.
Hungarian Astronaut Tibor Kapu Named ‘Person of the Year’ for Scientific Contributions
Research astronaut Tibor Kapu has been named 'Person of the Year' for his contributions to Hungarian science and his inspiring work on the International Space Station.
Trump Orders Release of UFO and Alien Government Files
President Trump directed the defense secretary and relevant agencies to release government files on aliens and unidentified flying objects. The order covers all related information on these matters.
NYT Weather Team Emphasizes Data Over Hype in Storm Coverage
The New York Times Weather team, formed in 2022 and expanded in 2024, tracks storms by highlighting forecast uncertainties through data visualizations and explanations. Team leader John Keefe and reporters stress probabilistic outlooks over sensational predictions amid rising extreme weather events.