EurekAlert! In the Spotlight

This month, we’re focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), a topic that continues to capture attention everywhere. Here, you’ll find the latest research news, insights, and discoveries shaping how AI is being developed and used across the world.

Artificial intelligence in society and research: Leopoldina Annual Assembly opens in Halle (Saale)

Leopoldina
Reports and Proceedings

Artificial intelligence in all its facets is the focus of this year’s Annual Assembly of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, which takes place in Halle (Saale) today, Thursday 25 September, and tomorrow, Friday 26 September. The event brings together renowned experts from various disciplines to discuss current developments in AI research, their possible uses, and what this means for society. To open the event, Dr Lydia Hüskens, Deputy Minister President and Minister for Infrastructure and Digital Affairs of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, and Dr Rolf-Dieter Jungk, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), will give welcome addresses. All the Annual Assembly lectures will also be livestreamed.

25-Sep-2025

Generative framework proposed for ecological soundscape analysis

Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A team led by Prof. LIU Fanglin from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a novel method based on generative models for ecological soundscape analysis.

Journal: Methods in Ecology and Evolution

25-Sep-2025

Researchers from Perugia University describe how AI can unveil the secrets of eruptions

KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The article examines how machine learning is revolutionizing igneous petrology and volcanology by automating tasks, enhancing models, and accelerating discoveries. At the same time, the authors warn of key challenges, including the need to understand what models actually learn and to ensure transparency, reproducibility, and interpretability. These concerns are especially critical for volcanic hazard assessment and crisis management. The study also addresses ethical risks and reviews evolving policies in the EU, US, and China.

Journal: Artificial Intelligence in Geosciences
Funder: Exploring uncharted realms of volcanic eruptions using experimental petrology and ground deformation data (VOLC-LAPSE), National Recovery and Resilience Plan, European Union – NextGenerationEU– Project Title “Multi-Risk sciEnce for resilienT commUnities undeR a changiNg climate - RETURN”, Consolidating the radiocarbon calibration over the 12–40 ka interval using paired 14C and 40Ar/39Ar dating of Mediterranean tephra (COMET)

Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

Latest News Releases

Artificial intelligence in society and research: Leopoldina Annual Assembly opens in Halle (Saale)

Generative framework proposed for ecological soundscape analysis

Researchers from Perugia University describe how AI can unveil the secrets of eruptions

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