Cognitive neuroscientists at Brown University investigated one of humanity’s favorite pastimes and discovered how people can spread gossip without the subject of that gossip finding out — at least not right away. In a study supported by a federal grant from the National Science Foundation, the researchers found that gossiping relies on a person’s ability to perform complex computational processes each time they decide to spread information, and that most people do this instinctively. 

Paulina DeVito, 22, has received the award for her groundbreaking work in AI and education. A standout scholar who earned two bachelor’s degrees by 20 and a master’s with a perfect GPA in just one year, DeVito now investigates how generative AI is discussed across social media – especially among young women in STEM. Her research analyzes themes, sentiments, and engagement around hashtags like #WomenInSTEM to inform ethical, AI-based educational tools and policy, spotlighting issues like flawed AI cheating detectors in schools.