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: 19-Nov-2025 10:11 ET (19-Nov-2025 15:11 GMT/UTC)
Hidden Markov models: Theory, algorithms, and applications in bioinformatics
Compuscript LtdPeer-Reviewed Publication
The hidden Markov model (HMM), a statistical model widely applied in machine learning, has proven effective in addressing various problems in bioinformatics. Once primarily regarded as a mathematical framework for modeling stochastic processes, HMMs have become indispensable tools for solving a wide range of biological sequence problems, from gene prediction to protein structure analysis.
- Journal
- Genes & Diseases
- Funder
- National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Mathematical Tianyuan Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China
Deep emission cuts before mid-century decisive to reduce long-term sea-level rise legacy
International Institute for Applied Systems AnalysisPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Nature Climate Change
AI-powered drone phenotyping reveals key traits for breeding density-tolerant soybean varieties
Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of SciencePeer-Reviewed Publication
A research team has developed an advanced framework that combines unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) phenotyping with spatiotemporal deep learning and dynamic modeling to evaluate soybean density tolerance.
- Journal
- Plant Phenomics
Regional ocean dynamics can be better emulated with AI models
University of California - Santa CruzPeer-Reviewed Publication
Specialized AI models can better emulate short-term and long-term dynamics in the Gulf of Mexico while avoiding “hallucinations” — physically impossible scenarios. These models could soon be deployed for applications like managing port operations, directing ships during bad weather, and monitoring extreme events like hurricanes.
- Journal
- Journal of Geophysical Research Machine Learning and Computation
Miniscule wave machine opens big scientific doors
University of QueenslandPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- Science
- Funder
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS), US Army Research Office
“Virtual scientists” could soon unlock new frontiers of research
Duke UniversityPeer-Reviewed Publication
- Journal
- ACS Photonics