A newly reported fossil offers rare, direct evidence of conflict between Cretaceous apex predators. In Chicago’s Field Museum collections, researchers found a four-meter Polycotylus plesiosaur with a large tooth embedded in a neck vertebra. CT scans and 3D modeling by University of Tennessee, Knoxville undergraduates identified the attacker as Xiphactinus, a giant predatory fish—likely a fatal bite.

A research team from China University of Mining and Technology has designed a groundbreaking folding magnetic soft sheet robot powered by magnetorheological fluids, featuring real-time reconfigurable magnetization, reversible multi-angle folding, and high-precision targeted drug delivery capabilities. The robot can reduce its surface area to one-third of the original via magnetic control, adapt to the complex and narrow cavities of the gastrointestinal tract, and achieve stable movement on various surfaces as well as in liquid environments. Validated through ex vivo porcine stomach experiments and ultrasonic detection, this robot realizes accurate drug delivery to lesion sites within an average of 5 minutes, presenting a promising noninvasive medical device for gastrointestinal tract operations.A research team from China University of Mining and Technology has designed a groundbreaking folding magnetic soft sheet robot powered by magnetorheological fluids, featuring real-time reconfigurable magnetization, reversible multi-angle folding, and high-precision targeted drug delivery capabilities. The robot can reduce its surface area to one-third of the original via magnetic control, adapt to the complex and narrow cavities of the gastrointestinal tract, and achieve stable movement on various surfaces as well as in liquid environments. Validated through ex vivo porcine stomach experiments and ultrasonic detection, this robot realizes accurate drug delivery to lesion sites within an average of 5 minutes, presenting a promising noninvasive medical device for gastrointestinal tract operations.

A new report warns that Generative AI-powered toys that ‘talk’ with young children need tighter regulation to ensure children’s psychological safety. The recommendations come from the first systematic study of how these toys influence development in the early years up to age five. While there is some optimism that AI toys could support aspects of childhood development, the study found that they misunderstand children, misread emotions and cannot engage in developmentally important types of play. The report raises concerns about children forming parasocial relationships with AI toys, potentially at the expense of essential human support.

Biochar is widely studied as a low cost material that can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Scientists have long believed that only the smallest pores in biochar play the main role in capturing carbon dioxide molecules. A new study now challenges this assumption by showing that larger pores may contribute more actively to carbon capture than previously thought.

A new study introduces a coordinated charging scheme for electric vehicles that prevents power grid overloading. By classifying vehicles (cars, trucks, and buses) and utilizing real-time pricing, researchers identified a more efficient way to install distributed generation units. This approach significantly reduces power loss and increases monetary benefits compared to traditional methods.

Researchers have developed a new eco friendly method to transform biochar into a highly hydrophobic material that can repel water and absorb large amounts of oil. The innovation could help advance sustainable materials for environmental cleanup and green coatings.