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Tech & Engineering

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 3-Apr-2026 03:16 ET (3-Apr-2026 07:16 GMT/UTC)

How AI can rig polls

Dartmouth College
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New research from Dartmouth reveals that artificial intelligence can now corrupt public opinion surveys at scale—passing every quality check, mimicking real humans, and manipulating results without leaving a trace. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, show just how vulnerable polling has become.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

The genome editing playbook is different in neurons

Gladstone Institutes
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The gene editing tool known as CRISPR-Cas9 is changing what’s possible for treating a wide range of diseases caused by genetic mutations. But so far, attempts to use the technology to address brain-based genetic disorders have proved challenging in the lab. Scientists have now discovered why. In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers from Gladstone Institutes, the Innovative Genomics Institute, and UC Berkeley have shown that neurons and other nondividing cells respond differently to CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing than dividing cells.

Journal: Nature Communications

Rats played major role in Easter Island’s deforestation, study reveals

Binghamton University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

While the Rapa Nui people did play a role in the island’s deforestation, the greater role may belong to a virtual tidal wave of rats, according to new research from Binghamton University, State University of New York.

Journal: Journal of Archaeological Science

From artificial organs to advanced batteries: A breakthrough 3D-printable polymer

University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new material developed at UVA could lead to breakthroughs in transplant treatments, drug delivery systems, even battery storage.

Journal: Advanced Materials
Funder: UVA LaunchPad for Diabetes, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation

SwRI turbocharges its hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine

Southwest Research Institute
Business Announcement

SAN ANTONIO — November 17, 2025 — Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has upgraded its hydrogen-powered heavy-duty internal combustion engine (H₂-ICE) with a state-of-the-art turbocharger. The upgrades have significantly improved performance across the board, making the engine competitive with current long-haul diesel engines focused on fuel economy while maintaining near-zero tailpipe emissions.

Naval Research Laboratory scientist elected fellow of the American Physical Society

Naval Research Laboratory
Grant and Award Announcement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Physical Society (APS) selected John Lyons, Ph.D., a physical scientist in the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Materials Science and Technology Division, as a 2025 APS Fellow for his fundamental contributions to the understanding and design of wide-band-gap semiconductors using first-principles methods, including strategies for semiconductor doping and for understanding and controlling exciton fine structure.

Clinical trials affected by research grant terminations at the National Institutes of Health

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About The Study: Approximately 1 in 30 trials and more than 74,000 trial participants were affected by grant funding disruptions. Affected trials disproportionately studied infectious diseases, prevention, and behavioral interventions, and were based in the Northeastern U.S. or in other countries. Because trials require sustained financial support to ensure operations and participant safety, unanticipated funding disruptions raise concerns about avoidable waste, data quality, and compromised ethical obligations to participants.

Journal: JAMA Internal Medicine