Sex robots may be gaining attention in the fast-growing sex-tech industry, but a new Ben-Gurion University of the Negev study shows that human intimacy, communication, and authenticity remain irreplaceable. Drawing on interviews with Israeli sex workers, the research highlights the social and emotional dimensions of sexual labor that machines cannot replicate.

Sophie Nicklaus has been officially appointed Scientific Director of Food & Health for a four‑year term, by Philippe Mauguin Chair and CEO of INRAE, following consultation with its Board of Directors on 13 October. She becomes a member of the institute’s Management Board. Since April 2024, she has served as Deputy Scientific Director of Food & the Bioeconomy under Monique Axelos, who will retire at the end of the year. Given the critical challenges of food security and sovereignty, the sustainability and cost of food, as well as the intersecting issues of public health and innovation, INRAE has chosen to orient the remit of the new Scientific Director toward the domains of food and health, in order to contribute to the food of tomorrow: food that is healthy, sustainable, and accessible to all. A dedicated Scientific Directorate for Bioeconomy — first outlined under Monique Axelos — will be established by the end of the year.