EurekAlert! In the Spotlight - Home

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

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.

Latest News Releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 18-Nov-2025 20:11 ET (19-Nov-2025 01:11 GMT/UTC)

Public support for Iran strike high among Jewish Israelis, deeply divided from Arab Israelis

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Reports and Proceedings

A new survey conducted by researchers from the Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University reveals broad public support among Israeli Jews for the ongoing military campaign against Iran, with 83% backing the strike and a majority expressing confidence in Israel’s security institutions, emotional resilience, and preparedness for prolonged conflict. In contrast, Arab Israelis overwhelmingly oppose the campaign (only 12% support it), favor diplomacy over military action (73%), and report significantly higher levels of fear and despair. The study highlights a deep divide between the two communities not only in terms of policy preferences and emotional response, but also in perceptions of national unity, trust in institutions, and willingness to continue the campaign without U.S. backing. While Jewish Israelis largely see the Iran strike as unifying and justified even at high cost, Arab Israelis view it as divisive, dangerous, and diplomatically unjustified — underscoring a profound gap in public sentiment across Israeli society.

DUNE-TECH boot camp at Rice ignites next generation of America ’s neutrino scientists

Rice University
Meeting Announcement

In a milestone moment for science education and collaboration, Rice University hosted its first DUNE-TECH (DUNE Training ExperienCe Hub) camp this June, drawing students, researchers and scientists from across the country into the world of neutrino physics and computing. The weeklong event held on Rice’s campus was designed to prepare participants for meaningful engagement with the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) — the most ambitious neutrino experiment ever undertaken in the United States.

Solving big problems, one burrito truck at a time

Lehigh University

Aiming to make a complex topic more approachable, Lehigh University professor Larry Snyder collaborated with Gurobi Optimization to create the Burrito Optimization Game—a free, web-based tool that introduces users to mathematical optimization through an engaging burrito truck simulation. Since its launch in 2022, the game has been played over 50,000 times worldwide and is used by professionals, students, and even children to explore how algorithms can help solve challenging decision-making problems.

SELINA launches dedicated website section for its Communities of Practice

Pensoft Publishers
Meeting Announcement

The Communities of Practice initiative serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, learning, and stakeholder engagement, involving scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and business representatives from across Europe. Their overarching aim is to facilitate the practical application of ecosystem knowledge, thereby supporting more sustainable and informed decisions at different levels.

Machine learning can predict which babies will be born with low birth weights

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The evaluation of predictive models for low birth weight cases was based on data from a population study of over 1,500 pregnant women in the city of Araraquara in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Early identification of the problem is crucial for effective intervention.

Journal: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Funder: Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

AI detects hidden heart disease using existing scans stored in patient records

Mass General Brigham
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers at Mass General Brigham, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), developed an AI tool called AI-CAC that analyzes routine chest CT scans to identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular events by detecting coronary artery calcium (CAC). The tool, shown to be highly accurate and predictive of 10-year mortality, could enable earlier intervention and help repurpose millions of existing CT scans for proactive heart disease prevention.

Journal: NEJM AI
Funder: United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Insilico Medicine completes oversubscribed Series E, bringing total funding around $123 million

InSilico Medicine
Business Announcement

Cambridge, MA, June 16 — Insilico Medicine(“Insilico”), a clinical-stage generative artificial intelligence (AI)-driven drug discovery company, today announced the close of its Series E financing round at a total of around $123 million, surpassing its initial target amid strong investor interest. The oversubscribed series E round further recognizes Insilico’s unique dual-engine business model, which combines a generative AI platform with deep in-house drug discovery capabilities to continuously enhance reinforcement learning, strengthen Pharma.AI, and drive scientific innovation.