The European Public Prosecutor's Office has requested the arrest of 16 Italian researchers, professors, and tech company owners in the Naples, Sicily, and Lombardy regions, as part of an ongoing investigation.

Italian researchers warn that human activity and naval traffic in the Venice lagoon must be strictly monitored for the safety of Mimmo, a solitary dolphin that has settled in the area, according to

Researchers suggest that remote working has positively impacted fertility rates in the US, leading to an estimated 291,000 more births in 2024, and could similarly boost Britain's low fertility rate.

Hungarian researchers have identified a potential solution for a vaccine against Mycoplasma hyorhinis, a bacterial pathogen that threatens pig populations worldwide.

Researchers at the State University of Campinas in Brazil have created a new product: chocolate honey derived from stingless bees, which is reported to be beneficial for human health.

Researchers have issued a warning about the presence of harmful synthetic chemical compounds in popular headphone models, with some substances potentially causing cancer and migrating into the human body.

A new report suggests that AI could soon replace half of all white-collar jobs, raising concerns about mass unemployment, though other researchers remain skeptical.

A small grave in Serbia has revealed the remains of 77 women and children, along with animal sacrifices and burnt seeds, leading researchers to suspect a mass murder with cultic motives as part of a settlement's ritual decommissioning.

After Mexican forces killed the country's most wanted cartel leader on Sunday, false accounts of spectacular violence swept across social media, fueled by what researchers say was a coordinated propaganda campaign by organised crime.

Researchers have conducted a computer analysis of 'sign types' on 40,000-year-old artifacts, including notches, dots, and lines, suggesting these markings could represent an early form of communication preceding written language.

The Citrini Research paper imagines a scenario in which widespread AI adoption leads to disruption and societal chaos. Evercore called it “thought-provoking” but “implausible.”

Information encoded in symbols likely helped Stone Age hunter-gatherers coordinate groups, researchers say

Canada is implementing an immigration overhaul for 2026, fast-tracking permanent residence for doctors, pilots, researchers, senior managers, transport workers, and foreign military recruits.

A new study indicates that diabetes is less common among people living at high altitudes, where oxygen levels are lower. Researchers found that red blood cells 'absorb' sugar in these conditions.

Details on how much OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, pays its AI researchers, engineers, and other key personnel have been revealed, showcasing high compensation in Silicon Valley.

Researchers have identified a 'four-day rule' as a quick method to improve mood, challenging traditional health adages.

Korea Ginseng Corp. said Tuesday that findings from a joint clinical study suggest a formulation containing Korean red ginseng extract may help lower blood alcohol levels and alleviate hangover symptoms. The study, conducted by the company’s research and development division in collaboration with researchers from CHA University’s Department of Food Science and Biotechnology and Jeonju Korean Medicine Hospital of Wonkwang University, was published in the international academic journal Journal of

In the 1970s, a chimpanzee group split, and researchers, including Jane Goodall, observed one faction systematically hunting down its former companions in what became known as the 'great chimpanzee war'.

By the end of today, 22 Nigerian women will have died from cervical cancer and before tomorrow, another 33 will be newly infected, researchers at the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, have disclosed. The post 22 Nigerian women die daily from preventable cervical cancer — NIMR raises alarm appeared first on Vanguard News.

Oxford researchers find that using AI to make medical decisions presents a risk to patients.

Researchers announced a major stride in treating diabetes, while also highlighting that nearly one in four US adults with the chronic disease are unaware of their condition.

US researchers have developed the first human antibody capable of blocking a highly prevalent virus that most people carry for life and is sometimes associated with serious diseases.

A new study suggests that mental health issues are associated with an increased risk of death in cancer patients, prompting calls from charities and researchers for routine mental health screening for those diagnosed with cancer.

US President Donald Trump is reportedly building a personality cult during his second term, drawing comparisons to authoritarian leaders and raising concerns among researchers.

A team led by Gerald Steinbauer-Wagner in Graz has developed a four-legged detection robot for emergency services, capable of sniffing out dangerous substances and guarding exclusion zones after industrial accidents.

American researchers conducted a study involving 169,000 people, providing further evidence that antibiotics should not be used irresponsibly.

States are beginning to ban toxic substances in menstrual pads and tampons as researchers investigate potential health links, addressing emerging health issues related to period products.

Researchers have found that early signs of dementia can be identified much earlier than previously thought by analyzing a person's writing style, based on a study of a deceased author's books.

Vidzeme Innovation Week, starting February 23rd, will host 33 events including seminars, workshops, conferences, and lab visits, bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators.

A new study by Swedish researchers, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, suggests that the video game Tetris could significantly reduce intrusive memories associated with trauma and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A group of scientists has completed the world's deepest drill in Antarctica, retrieving a sediment sample estimated to be around 23 million years old. This data will allow researchers to analyze the process of ice sheet melting.

Researchers have identified genetic traces of a previously unknown human ancestor, estimated to be 1.5 million years old, within modern human DNA, despite lacking fossil evidence for the species.

Researchers are exploring how proteins can be modified to function as quantum sensors within the body, offering an alternative to solid-material sensors that are difficult to place inside cells.

What you learn in one species can be used to help the other, said researchers

International researchers have announced a study indicating that cats could potentially help in understanding and treating certain types of cancer, including breast cancer.

Climate experts, policymakers, and researchers have renewed calls for Ghana and other African countries to take decisive action against climate change, as global temperatures edge closer to the 1.5°C threshold.

Google's AI boss Demis Hassabis said the memory market came down to "a few suppliers of a few key components." PONTUS LUNDAHL/TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said that the "whole supply chain" for memory chips is constrained. "You need a lot of chips to be able to experiment on new ideas," Hassabis told CNBC. Google produces its own TPUs, but Hassabis said that there were still "key components" that were supply-constrained. The memory shortage takes no prisoners. Even Google isn't immune. AI companies are duking it out for greater and greater quantities of memory chips. The problem? The industry is heavily supply-constrained. Costs have skyrocketed, products have been tied up, and some companies — especially those in consumer electronics — are increasing prices. On the AI front, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis told CNBC that physical challenges were "constraining a lot of deployment." Google sees "so much more demand" for Gemini and its other models than it could serve, he said. "Also, it does constrain a little bit the research," Hassabis said. "You need a lot of chips to be able to experiment on new ideas at a big enough scale that you can actually see if they're going to work." Researchers want chips, whether they work at Google, Meta, OpenAI, or other Big Tech companies, and memory is a key component. Mark Zuckerberg said that AI researchers demanded two things beyond money: the fewest number of people reporting to them, and the most chips possible. Hassabis said that wherever there was a capacity constraint, there was a "choke point." "The whole supply chain is kind of strained," Hassabis said. "We're lucky, because we have our own TPUs, so we have our own chip designs." Google has long built TPUs — Tensor Processing Units — for internal use. The company also leases them to external customers through its cloud, which has also put Nvidia on edge. But even access to their own TPUs won't save Google from having to navigate the highly competitive memory market. "It still, in the end, actually comes down to a few suppliers of a few key components," Hassabis said. Three suppliers dominate memory chip production: Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix. These companies are struggling to meet demand for chips from AI hyperscalers without dropping their longtime electronics customers. It doesn't help that AI companies mainly want a different type of memory chip than PC manufacturers do. Large language model producers want HBM (high-bandwidth memory) chips. Don't expect Google's spending on AI infrastructure and chips to go down anytime soon. On its fourth-quarter earnings call, the company projected capital expenditures of $175 billion to $185 billion for 2026. Read the original article on Business Insider

Researchers have created the first detailed genetic map of tumors in domestic cats, revealing striking similarities to human cancers. This discovery could pave the way for new therapeutic approaches for both animals and humans.

Researchers were surprised to film a shark in the Antarctic Ocean, specifically near the Shetland Islands, as there were previously no records of sharks in those waters.

How Bhattacharya's NIH Is Rethinking China, DEI, And High‑Risk Labs Authored by Jeff Louderback, Jan Jekielek via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), For decades, scientists have looked at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as an agency that publishes papers, according to Dr. Jay Bhattacharya. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, in Washington, on Feb. 8, 2026. Irene Luo/The Epoch Times Under President Donald Trump’s second term, the emphasis for NIH funding has shifted to “provable, testable hypotheses, not ideological narratives,” he said, which is resulting in widespread reforms to the agency. Bhattacharya, who obtained both a doctorate in economics and a medical degree from Stanford University within three years of each other, outlined changes that the NIH has implemented in his first year as the agency’s director and talked about his vision for the next three years in an interview with Epoch Times Senior Editor Jan Jekielek. The NIH has been instrumental in medical advances for decades, Bhattacharya said, but in the 21st century, it became “much more of a staid institution, not willing to take intellectual risks.” During the same time, the agency “was willing to take risks on dangerous gain-of-function and other social agendas, like DEI, that it had no business really engaging in.” “I think the NIH now, under my leadership, under President Trump’s leadership, and under what Secretary [Robert F.] Kennedy is looking over … is focused on actually addressing the chronic health problems of this country, reversing the flatlining of life expectancy, and making good on its mission ... research that improves the health and longevity of the American people, and the whole world,” he said. One of the 13 agencies managed by the Department of Health and Human Services, the NIH is the largest supporter of biomedical research globally, providing 85 percent of all biomedical research funding worldwide, according to Bhattacharya. It funds about $50 billion in scientific research via grants to hundreds of thousands of researchers at academic institutions and hospitals, he said. The NIH is not an agency that makes decisions or policies about public health directly, Bhattacharya said, noting that he intends to “remove the politicization of science that has existed for decades.” The National Institutes of Health Gateway Center in Bethesda, Md., on June 8, 2025. During President Donald Trump’s second term, National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya said the agency “is focused on actually addressing the chronic health problems of this country.” Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters/File Photo Political Agendas Over the past 15 to 20 years, the NIH has incorporated political rather than scientific agendas, Bhattacharya told The Epoch Times. “Probably the most prominent example of this is DEI—diversity, equity and inclusion,” he said. “If you were a researcher outside the NIH, the ticket to getting sort of extra, relatively easy funds was to promise to do DEI research. Looking into it, much of that research had no real scientific basis at all. I don’t even characterize this as science.” As an example, Bhattacharya used a project that studied the question: “Is structural racism the root reason why African Americans have worse hypertension results than other races?” “The problem with that hypothesis is that there’s no way to test it,” he said. “If structural racism is the cause, then what control group can you have to test the idea that that is true? ... None of that actually translated over to better health for anybody, much less for African Americans. “Scientists of the country understand that if they want NIH support, they need to propose projects that have the chance of improving the health of people rather than achieving some ideology that should not belong at the NIH.” The NIH has redirected its funding since Trump took office for his second term. That includes allocating funds for “early career scientists,” Bhattacharya said. President Donald Trump (C) speaks as National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (2nd L) looks on during a press conference at the White House on May 12, 2025. The NIH redirected its funding priorities after Trump began his second term. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Funding Changes There should be “fundamental changes” with the way the NIH funds educational institutions, Bhattacharya said, and he intends to work with Congress “to make [this] happen.” On Jan. 5, a federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration cannot reduce the amount of money the NIH pays grant recipients for indirect costs, including administration and facility maintenance. The ruling applies to three lawsuits filed by the attorneys general of Massachusetts and 21 other states, as well as hospitals, schools, and the associations that represent them. The NIH published a guidance document in February 2025 to limit how much grant funding could flow to research institutions to cover their indirect costs. These are costs that cannot be directly attributed to an individual research project and include expenses related to funding equipment, facilities, and research staff. The guidance document states that these indirect costs could not exceed 15 percent of funding for direct research costs, regardless of the costs incurred at universities. The NIH stated that Johns Hopkins, Yale, and Harvard charged in excess of 60 percent for indirect costs, even though they had billions of dollars in endowments. Attorneys for those who filed suit said small universities don’t have such large endowments and that if the guidance took effect, there would be many layoffs, stalled clinical trials, and laboratory closures. “If you don’t have amazing scientists who can win the grants, you’re not going to get the facility support. But in order to attract excellent scientists to your institution, you have to have excellent facilities. It’s the kind of Catch-22 that guarantees that our funding from the NIH is going to be concentrated in relatively few institutions,” Bhattacharya said. Scientists at schools such as the University of Alabama, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Kansas deserve access to funding like Stanford and Harvard, he said. A researcher studies skin wound healing in a lab at the University of Illinois Chicago in Chicago on March 5, 2025. On Jan. 5, a federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration could not limit the percentage amount the National Institutes of Health pays grant recipients for indirect costs, including administrative expenses and facility maintenance. Scott Olson/Getty Images Dealing With China The NIH must be “very careful about how we fund research relationships with China, especially post-pandemic,” Bhattacharya said. “The U.S. invested in the Chinese biomedical research enterprise. Almost every single top Chinese biomedical research scientist of note was funded in some part by the NIH. Many were trained in the United States, so we invested heavily in that,” he said. “Post-pandemic, and especially given the geopolitical circumstances we are in now, it looks, in retrospect, like it wasn’t all that wise an investment.” The NIH must implement more secure measures with foreign research, he said, referencing the collaboration with the Wuhan Institute of Virology. “In the case of Wuhan, what happened was that the NIH funded … Eco Health Alliance, which had a sub-award relationship with the Wuhan Institute of Virology,” Bhattacharya said. “When the pandemic happened, and the NIH had an interest in getting the lab notebooks of what exactly was studied in Wuhan, the Eco Health Alliance essentially delayed reporting at all about what it knew had happened,” Bhattacharya said. “They ultimately said, ‘Oh, well, we don’t control Wuhan Institute of Virology. We can’t get the lab notebooks.’” He noted that the NIH “funded research in collaboration with China that was actually quite dangerous and may indeed have led to the pandemic.” Under Bhattacharya, the NIH now has more stringent auditing processes with domestic and foreign institutions. “If it is NIH-funded, then [the domestic and the foreign institutions] have to have direct auditing relationships united with the NIH,“ he said. ”Then the NIH can shut off money to the foreign institution, if it’s not cooperating. ... It’s called a sub-project system. It’s one of the first things that I did.” Read the rest here... Tyler Durden Thu, 02/19/2026 - 21:45

In a landmark achievement, Chinese scientists have directly observed and manipulated prethermalisation – a critical transitional state in quantum systems – using the 78-qubit “Chuang-tzu 2.0” superconducting processor. This allows researchers to “tune” the speed of quantum decoherence, providing a vital tool for managing complex quantum environments. If a quantum system is disturbed, it naturally returns to a balanced state. The energy and information within it spreads out until they are evenly...

Researchers have filmed a 10-to-13-foot sleeper shark off the South Shetland Islands, potentially marking the first recording of the species this far south.

Researchers have discovered an ancient Roman bottle containing fecal residue and aromatic traces, suggesting the use of poop for medicinal purposes.

A Trump adviser, Hassett, has suggested that New York Fed researchers should be punished for their arguments regarding tariffs.

Exercise could be acting through mechanisms that haven’t been captured yet in studies, researchers say

Top FDA Scientist Explains Why He Quit After Getting a Promotion From RFK Jr.  The Wall Street Journal

Chinese researchers have developed a new method to mass produce 2D material wafers, which could lead to high-performance electronics.

The UK Biobank has integrated general practitioner (GP) records, unlocking decades of medical insight for researchers.

Researchers indicate that Ukrainian civilian casualties increased by 26% in 2025, reflecting intensified Russian military targeting of cities and critical infrastructure. The figures underscore the escalating human cost of the conflict.

Exclusive: Figures said to reflect increased Russian military targeting of cities and infrastructure Civilian casualties in Ukraine caused by bombing soared by 26% during 2025, reflecting increased Russian targeting of cities and infrastructure in the country, according a global conflict monitoring group. Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) said 2,248 civilians were reported killed and 12,493 injured by explosive violence in Ukraine according to English-language reports – with the number of casualties an incident rising significantly. Continue reading...

Researchers have reportedly identified the surprising underlying cause of painful side effects associated with statin medications, a breakthrough after years of investigation.

Researchers are celebrating early positive results for a new drug that could become the first treatment for preeclampsia, a serious and dangerous complication of pregnancy.

Two research teams have identified potential landing sites for the Soviet Luna 9, the first human-made object to successfully land on the lunar surface, which had been lost for decades.

Researchers suggest that a new period blood test could provide a less invasive and more convenient alternative to traditional cervical screening, potentially increasing access and preventing disease.

Finnish President Stubb has changed his rhetoric on Ukraine, moving from preparing Finns for a painful peace to speaking of winning the war. A military science docent suggests that overly optimistic talk could be harmful.

Researchers indicate that criminal organizations in Mexico have been actively spreading their own propaganda on social media platforms, disseminating false information about the extent of violence.

In a new study in Nature Geoscience this month, Japanese researchers looked at how the difference in energy coming to and leaving the planet increased in 2022

Researchers studying ancient Scottish rocks have discovered evidence of rare periods, lasting a few thousand years, when Earth's climate unexpectedly warmed during the 'snowball Earth' period approximately 700 million years ago, challenging existing theories.

Vietnamese researchers have developed 'sensory skins' designed to protect and support the delicate breathing of premature and fragile infants.

A team of Chinese scientists has unveiled the world’s smallest and most energy-efficient transistor in a breakthrough poised to anchor the next generation of high-performance AI hardware. The researchers achieved the feat in ferroelectric transistors (FeFETs), which function similarly to neurons in the human brain as they integrate memory and processing in a single unit, thereby reducing the time lost in data transfer. In conventional semiconductor chips, data storage and computation occur in...

Russia has lost as many as 325,000 troops, according to some estimates, with more than 200,000 deaths verified by researchers.

Researchers have discovered that individuals with certain genetic variants, specifically in the CHRNB3 gene, are less likely to become addicted to tobacco, potentially opening new avenues for addiction treatment strategies.

Researchers at ASML have unveiled a new EUV light technique that is projected to increase the production capacity of key chip-making machines by 50 percent by 2030.

Chinese researchers have developed a highly promising water-based battery technology that is non-toxic, non-flammable, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and capable of enduring 120,000 charges, with potential applications in mobile devices, cars, and energy storage systems.

A new study highlights that not only forests but also grasslands and wetlands are increasingly being converted into agricultural areas, prompting researchers to call for greater protection of these natural regions for climate reasons.

A study conducted by NIMR researchers found a strong link between lifestyle habits like smoking and alcohol consumption and a higher risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer in women.

A report highlights that quality criteria in research are frequently determined by men, causing women researchers to disproportionately leave the field as they advance up the career ladder.

Researchers have reportedly deciphered the mechanism behind the distinct sound of horses neighing, solving a long-standing mystery.

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a new catalyst that uses sunlight to convert nearly all known plastics into acetic acid, with zero emissions during the process.

Researchers analyzing the mummified remains of a Scythian woman discovered she survived complex jaw surgery approximately 2,500 years ago, benefiting from a primitive prosthesis.

Researchers at Med-Uni Innsbruck have identified a molecular switch that halts amino acid uptake, protecting cells from 'overeating.' This discovery holds potential for new approaches in cancer therapy.

Despite viral social media posts accusing TikTok's new owners of content suppression, eight academics who examined the issue found no evidence to support the censorship claims.

The U.K. Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced an increase in the minimum stipend for PhD students it funds for the upcoming academic year, a move intended to benefit both domestic and international doctoral researchers amidst rising living costs.

The only intestinal simulator in Estonia has arrived at the Estonian University of Life Sciences and researchers plan to use it to test health-beneficial compounds from food by-products.

Health secretary likely referred to Harvard psychiatrist who says he’s ‘never used the word “cure” in my work’ Psychiatric researchers are pushing back against Health and Human Services secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr’s claims that a doctor at Harvard “cured schizophrenia using keto diets”, while also acknowledging that a carefully supervised ketogenic diet shows promise for a variety of mental health conditions. Kennedy Jr’s statement likely referred to Harvard psychiatrist Dr Christopher Palm...

Researchers have announced the discovery of a new dinosaur species in China, dubbed 'Thorny Dragon,' which features a unique body covering previously unseen by scientists.

Swiss researchers analyzed what four-legged friends bring into indoor spaces in terms of gases, particles, and microbes.

Researchers in Norway have documented severe spinal deformities in wild fish, more serious than any previously recorded in the country.

Researchers in Nova Scotia are conducting a study to determine if daily consumption of blueberries, combined with protein powder and exercise, can improve frailty and heart health in older individuals.

Researchers have developed a new method that can diagnose dementia much earlier than previously possible, based on analyzing books written by a deceased author.

Vidzeme Innovation Week, starting Monday, February 23rd, will host 33 events including seminars, workshops, and lab visits, bringing together entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators.

Talk show host Stephen Colbert claims he was censored by his employer, an incident that media researchers suggest highlights growing pressure on press freedom in the United States.

A study by US researchers suggests that the male sex hormone testosterone is responsible for men experiencing pain relief faster than women.

Researchers have drilled hundreds of meters deep under the West Antarctic ice sheet, discovering layers formed millions of years ago and evidence that the area was once partially an ocean.

Turkish researchers are conducting expeditions to Antarctica to explore its extreme ecosystems, specifically studying algae and microbes, with the goal of developing new antiviral drug candidates and sustainable biofertilizers.

Catalonia is following Amsterdam's lead in considering a ban on home purchases by non-residents, a measure that benefits resource-rich individuals but harms low-income earners, according to Dutch researchers.

Weather authorities are warning of a possible new El Niño event this year, which climate researchers say could have significant global consequences.

American researchers analyzing over 18 years of health data found that air pollution has a more significant impact on health than previously understood, affecting 27.8 million people.

Overseas researchers, policymakers, and businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to access China's public information, as a 'reverse Great Firewall' appears to be quietly blocking global access to official data.

A small lake in New Zealand, dubbed 'the clearest lake in the world' by researchers, is now being overwhelmed by hikers, leading to concerns from environmentalists and a Māori tribe about the potential introduction of invasive algae.

Researchers say test can help develop therapies to prevent or slow onset of dementia

Ben Goertzel had dozens of email exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein. Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Getty Images Ben Goertzel, a computer scientist who popularized the term AGI, courted Jeffrey Epstein for research funding, emails show. DoJ files show that Goertzel was aware of Epstein's criminal charges, and their correspondence continued until at least 2018. Goertzel told Business Insider he "made a mistake" in accepting Epstein's money and regretted not doing due diligence. In January 2013, Jeffrey Epstein sent a blunt email to the computer scientist Ben Goertzel. Epstein had funded Goertzel's research in artificial intelligence and was frustrated with a lack of progress. However, on this day, the disgraced financier wasn't writing to discuss algorithms or neural networks — he wanted to discuss Goertzel's hair. "I think it is now time for you to drop the hippie look," Epstein wrote, warning Goertzel that his "disheveled 80s appearance" was an "unnecessary hindrance" to securing the capital that might one day help the two men achieve AGI — artificial general intelligence, a hypothetical level of computer intelligence that could surpass that of humans. Epstein compared the scientist's ponytail to "spinach in the teeth of a friend." "I would be willing to cut my hair for a lot of AGI money," Goertzel replied. Ben Goerzel (right) with Kelly Larson (co-curator of TEDx Hong Kong and Asia Consciousness Festival) and Jeffrey Martin (visiting assistant professor at Polytechnic University) Chris Ip/South China Morning Post via Getty Images The exchange was among dozens between Epstein and Goertzel in files released by the Department of Justice, chronicling Epstein's fascination with the potential of AI. Goertzel, a researcher who helped popularize the term AGI and develop the humanoid robot Sophia, courted Epstein for money over several years, promising he could build the "Sputnik of AI," the emails show. In an online résumé that has since been removed, Goertzel said Epstein gave him a $100,000 research grant in 2001. Emails reviewed by Business Insider show Epstein agreed to give Goertzel at least another $100,000 between 2008 and 2018, spread out across multiple transfers. It could not be learned how much of the money Goertzel ultimately received. The emails show Goertzel was aware of Epstein's criminal charges. In a 2010 email, Goertzel congratulated Epstein on his release from the Palm Beach County Jail. In 2008, Epstein had pleaded guilty to two sex charges, including solicitation of a minor. In 2015, several days after Prince Andrew was named in a lawsuit over underage sex claims related to Epstein, Goertzel wrote about "utterly idiotic negative publicity in the news" and said he was sorry Epstein's camp had to deal with it. "Maybe some variation of what is alleged did happen, but if so it was surely an occurrence among reasonably mature people who mutually consented at the time, so why is it anybody else's business?" Goertzel wrote, before asking for $25,000 for a "corporate contribution" to one of his companies. In a statement to Business Insider, Goertzel said he "made a mistake" in accepting Epstein's money. He said he regretted not doing due diligence on Epstein's crimes and that he had "basically zero knowledge of Epstein's sexual peculiarities and exploitative practices." He added: "I deeply regret being social-engineered by this terrible human being and not doing more research into him decades ago. I won't make this sort of mistake again." 'The Sputnik of AI' Goertzel is currently the CEO of SingularityNET, an AI and blockchain company. He is also chair of The AGI Society, a nonprofit that holds an annual AI conference. His correspondence with Epstein was among millions of documents released by the Justice Department. The files have reverberated through the business world, revealing emails between Epstein and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Virgin founder Richard Branson, LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, among others. The fallout for some people named in the files has been swift. Goldman Sachs' top lawyer, Kathryn Ruemmler, resigned in mid-February, and Brad Karp resigned as chairman of the law firm Paul Weiss, among others. Appearing in the files does not necessarily suggest that a person has engaged in wrongdoing. In one of the emails released by the Justice Department, Goertzel said he had known Epstein since 2001. Epstein took an interest in what labs like MIT and Google were doing in the AI field. Goertzel, who some consider one of the "godfathers of AGI," coauthored a 2006 book on the topic, and in 2008, he created OpenCog, an open-source project to try to architect human intelligence. Goertzel told Business Insider that he met Epstein through "mutual friends" in New York City. Epstein was well-connected with the rich and the powerful. Martin BUREAU / AFP via Getty Images Epstein appeared concerned in some emails by the lack of support for Goertzel's AGI theories among mainstream experts. "i believe in you. i can't figure out why i am in the minority," he told Goertzel in 2010. In a 2011 email, Goertzel asked if Epstein would fund half of a $3 million grant over four years to fund a "full speed ahead toward AGI" plan, which included building AI that could control a video game character and a humanoid robot. "Of course, US$3M is a lot of money. However, this would be the 'Sputnik of AGI' -- it would set the development of AGI on a whole new course," Goertzel wrote. In his statement to Business Insider, Goertzel said, "I had basically zero knowledge of Epstein's sexual peculiarities and exploitative practices and have no orientation toward that sort of thing and little understanding of it -- it was all about being overly desperate at that stage for any source of $$ to fund innovative frontier science, which Epstein did recognize as valuable but mainstream science at the time did not." Epstein sometimes pushed Goertzel for more tangible proof of breakthroughs and tried to influence some research directions, the emails show. In February 2013, he emailed Goertzel and suggested that having an AI system pass "iq tests for children" would provide a concrete research milestone. Goertzel agreed to pursue the idea. "Epstein was very smart and fairly technically savvy and had a lot of ideas about AI, which were not terribly stupid nor terribly brilliant," Goertzel told Business Insider. "I did not pay much attention to them nor did they influence my work in any way." Ben Goertzel, gives a press conference with Hanson Robotics at Web Summit, 2019 Henrique Casinhas/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Epstein used corporate and foundation vehicles to send money to Goertzel, including his Southern Trust Company, registered in the US Virgin Islands, the emails show. "As before, we can do this as a tax-deductible donation to a nonprofit, assuming that's still your preference," Goertzel said in a September 2010 email to Epstein. Depending on the circumstances, Goertzel, who spent some of his time in Hong Kong, requested that the money be sent to different nonprofits' accounts, the emails show. In 2014, Goertzel requested that Epstein send the money to Humanity+, a nonprofit focused on transhumanism that he was vice president of. Goertzel said it would act as a fiscal "pass-through" so the money could be diverted to himself and other researchers. "Yes all this was totally legit, the funding was going to open-source AGI R&D for the good of humanity and its future, which was very much within the mandate of Humanity+ as a 501-3c nonprofit," Goertzel told Business Insider. 'Moronic media shitstorm' Goertzel told Business Insider he "reconnected" with Epstein in 2008 after several years of no contact, and that Epstein told him about his legal situation. "He framed it as a politically motivated prosecution for involvement with a consenting adult. I believed him. I should not have," Goertzel told Business Insider. Several emails show Goertzel and Epstein arranging to meet in person. Goertzel told Business Insider they met on several occasions at Epstein's New York and Florida offices. "I never hung out with him in a social setting, never went to the island or flew in the jet or saw him partying with girlfriends or anything like that," he said. In 2015, Goertzel was following up on a payment he hoped to receive from Epstein. Richard Kahn, Epstein's accountant, responded that it had to be put on hold due to "bad press." The Guardian had reported days earlier that Prince Andrew was named in a US lawsuit involving Epstein. "I don't want to push you guys at a difficult time, but given my own situation I do feel moved to ask if Jeffrey might still be able to help with $25K for my 'corporate contribution' to the OpenCog Hong Kong project," Goertzel wrote. "He has helped in this way every year since 2010, usually via a donation to Humanity+." The South China Morning Post reported earlier on some of the payments Epstein made to Goertzel to help him secure Hong Kong grants. Epstein responded, "yes 25," and Goertzel thanked him and said he hoped to resume conversations "once this current moronic media shitstorm blows over." Emails between the men continued for several years. In December 2018, a few days after the Miami Herald published an investigation into Epstein that contributed to his arrest on federal sex-trafficking charges the next year, Goertzel sent an email inviting Epstein to an AI and blockchain event in New York. Alternatively, he said, they could find another time to meet in the city. "let me know if you're in town and might spare a few moments," Goertzel wrote. "it's been a while!" Have something to share? Contact this reporter via email at hlangley@businessinsider.com or Signal at 628-228-1836. Use a personal email address and a non-work device; here's our guide to sharing information securely. Read the original article on Business Insider

Researchers say finding indicates duckbilled plant-eating dinosaur was killed by a T rex

Kevin Hassett, who is reportedly in the front-running to be the next Fed Chair, stands next to President Donald Trump in the Oval Office Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Trump's top economic advisor sai

(ANSA) - OSLO, 18 FEB - The "Looking Beyond" photo exhibition was inaugurated today at the University of Bergen (UiB) by the Italian Ambassador to Norway, Stefano Nicoletti, the Vice Rector of UiB Sigrunn Eliassen, and the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology Gunn Mangerud, in the presence of professors, researchers, and students from the university—Norway's third largest academic center—as well as members of the local Italian community. The exhibition, promoted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) and produced in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and Telespazio/e Geos, was organized in Bergen by the Italian Embassy in Oslo and Dr. Andrea Magugliani, Honorary Vice Consul in Bergen, with the support of Vår Energi of the ENI group. Bergen is the third Norwegian stop for 'Looking Beyond', which has already been successfully hosted at the Science Museum (Vitenfabrikken) in Sandnes, near Stavanger, and at the Arctic University of Tromsø, where it was greatly appreciated by the public and teachers alike. The aim of the exhibition, consisting of 25 stunning high-resolution satellite images acquired by the COSMO-SkyMed constellation and sourced from the archives of Telespazio/e-Geos and ASI, is to stimulate reflection on the impact of human activities on the environment and the role of satellite technology in addressing global challenges such as deforestation, desertification, and pollution. But that's not all: divided into six thematic sections—agriculture, water, urban centers, climate change, natural disasters, and deforestation—Looking Beyond also aims to showcase the beauty of Earth as seen from space through spectacular images of glaciers, lava flows, megacities, cultivated fields, and waterways from different areas of the world. Italian Earth observation technology, in particular through the COSMO-SkyMed satellite constellation, plays a fundamental role in environmental monitoring and risk management. The satellites support early warning systems for landslides and floods, the coordination of relief efforts in the event of natural disasters, and the monitoring of crisis areas. In Norway, COSMO-SkyMed data is used thanks to a collaboration agreement between e-Geos and Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT). In his speech at the inauguration, Ambassador Nicoletti highlighted how "Italian Earth observation technology, developed by ASI and Telespazio, is now widely used in crucial sectors, and the COSMO-SkyMed constellation also supports monitoring activities in Norway, thanks to collaboration with local partners. We are very pleased to have been able to inaugurate a third stage of 'Looking Beyond' in Norway, which confirms the great attention and sensitivity of local institutions and the public towards issues such as scientific research and environmental protection." On the sidelines of the inauguration, Ambassador Nicoletti visited some of the university's leading research centers in the fields of aquaculture and marine biology and met with a group of Italian professors and researchers residing in Bergen. During the meeting, the Ambassador pointed out that "the more than 80 Italian scholars working in Bergen today represent one of the largest communities of researchers from our country in Norway, which now numbers almost 680 people. The social events we organize every year, such as Italian Research Day in the World or the Scienza Senza Confini (Science Without Borders) project by Comites in Oslo, are important opportunities for dialogue that aim to raise the level of interaction within the community of Italian researchers in Norway, who in turn represent an invaluable resource for promoting bilateral scientific and technological relations." Read article...

Researchers have detected a common respiratory bacterium in the retinal tissue of Alzheimer’s patients, suggesting a potential link between infection-driven inflammation and accelerated cognitive decline.

Brazil is on course to exhaust its annual beef export quota to China by September, industry researchers said on Tuesday, as the government warns that uncontrolled shipments could trigger a collapse in domestic prices and jobs in the cattle sector. If the pace of exports recorded in January is maintained, Brazil will fill its 2026 quota of 1.106 million tonnes well before year end, according to the Centre for Advanced Studies on Applied Economics at the University of Sao Paulo, known as Cepea. In...

Researchers have announced a significant breakthrough in the quest for a nearly limitless energy source, potentially paving the way for a new generation of energy technology.

Researchers are advocating for China to develop dual-use satellite application systems to enhance the military utility of commercial space technology.

Researchers find DMT – used in shamanic rituals – in tandem with psychotherapy has significant effect People with major depressive disorder can see a rapid and lasting improvement after a single dose of the psychedelic drug dimethyltryptamine (DMT) when it is combined with psychotherapy, doctors have said. A small clinical trial involving 34 people found that psychedelic-assisted therapy prompted a swift reduction in depressive symptoms that endured long after the drug had worn off, with some still feeling the benefits six months later. Continue reading...

A new phenomenon, dubbed 'nature anxiety' or 'biophobia,' is being tracked by scientists as more people report feeling uncomfortable in wild spaces. Researchers are investigating the reasons behind this growing discomfort with nature.

Researchers say limited eating approaches such as 5:2 diet not a ‘miracle solution’ amid surge in their popularity

Researchers have developed innovative aluminum structures that trap air bubbles, allowing them to float perpetually and potentially harvest energy from the ocean in harsh environments.

Scientists have documented a first-of-its-kind mass animal die-off, expressing profound concern and regret over the event.

A new study reveals that people with obesity are 70% more likely to be hospitalized by or die from infection. Researchers found that being an unhealthy weight significantly raises the risk of severe illness or death from most infectious diseases.

Stanford researchers have developed a breakthrough nasal spray vaccine that could offer protection against COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia for several months.

An AI-enhanced vessel detection system developed by researchers from Trinity College Dublin, has been awarded funding to help enhance the Irish Naval Service's defence capabilities.

The birds moult to protect themselves, but in a warming world, it could be endangering them.

Researchers have developed a new electronic implant, dubbed a "cyborg pancreas," designed to help lab-grown pancreatic cells mature and function correctly, paving the way for new cellular therapies for diabetes.

Researchers monitoring Mimmo the dolphin in the Venice lagoon suggest that human behavior and boat traffic, rather than the dolphin, require stricter controls to ensure the ecosystem's health.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), affecting around eight million people in the UK, is costing businesses over £4 billion a year, leading researchers to advocate for workplace screening.

Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a vast, unprotected database containing nearly 1 billion records, including personal identification codes, email addresses, phone numbers, and copies of identity documents.

American researchers have found significantly higher levels of microplastics in prostate tumors compared to surrounding healthy tissues.

The Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research Group (GHID-KCCR) at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) has hosted researchers from Cameroon, Guinea, and Uganda for intensive training in Filovirus surveillance.

A corruption case in Sicily and Campania, Italy, has led to the arrest of professors and researchers. They are accused of misusing EU funds to acquire personal items like mobile phones, smart TVs, and PCs.

Art historian Elita Ansone discusses the challenge of evaluating Soviet-era art, noting that Western art researchers struggle to comprehend how artists could produce works with completely opposite directions and theoretical stances in the same year, describing it as an almost schizophrenic situation.

Researchers from the University of New South Wales and the Australian National University have discovered that 'super-recognizers' — individuals with an exceptional ability to remember faces — are capable of identifying human faces generated by artificial intelligence.

United Nations researchers urge the Netherlands to do more for women's rights, stating that the country needs to better comply with the UN Women's Convention to combat all forms of discrimination against women.

American researchers have found that approximately 115,000 cancer deaths over 18 years in the US could be attributed to living near nuclear power plants.

Semmelweis University and Harvard University have signed an agreement to establish a joint doctoral training program, allowing Hungarian doctoral students and researchers to participate in collaborative programs at both institutions.

A new study involving Viennese researchers has shed light on how horses produce sounds, indicating they use their vocal cords to sing and their larynx to whistle.

American researchers have discovered that traces left by deer on trees and the ground can glow under ultraviolet light, a type of radiation invisible to humans but perceptible to these animals, suggesting a communication method.

Researchers have made a stunning medical discovery in a mass grave, uncovering what may be the world's oldest surgery in a Viking-age skull, revealing ancient trepanation performed on a towering 6'5" man.

A new study suggests a link between cannabis use and increased brain volume, challenging previous negative stereotypes, though researchers advise caution due to conflicting findings with prior research.

An analysis of over 36 million articles reveals that scientific journals exhibit a gender gap in trust, with women researchers facing more scrutiny.

Researchers report a 'huge increase' in extreme daily maximum temperatures across Europe over the past 14 years, far exceeding natural variations and showing the clear influence of human-induced climate change.

Researchers are developing a new sensor, dubbed a 'Fitbit for farts,' designed to measure the amount and frequency of gas released by individuals.

Danish researchers analyzed data from over 368,000 individuals to investigate a potential correlation between cancer diagnosis and the number of criminal offenses committed.

Researchers at BITS Hyderabad have developed a new low-energy, refrigerant-free cooling technology.

Swiss researchers have found that large dogs at rest emit as much CO2 as an adult human and introduce various gases, particles, and microbes into home environments.

Researchers at Ege University in Türkiye have successfully grown tomatoes in simulated moon conditions, marking a significant advancement in space biology.

Researchers at Riga Technical University (RTU) in Latvia are working on an ambitious project to establish a microchip testing center in Ķīpsala, aiming to develop technologies for faster and more efficient data transmission for AI applications.

Waste Of The Day: The Story Of Robosquirrel Authored by Jeremy Portnoy via RealClearInvestigations, Topline: Dr. Frankenstein was able to bring his monster back to life using just rusty tools and a cramped workshop. Researchers in California needed taxpayer funding from the National Science Foundation for their own reanimation experiment, with results that were not quite as impressive. In 2012, San Diego State University and the University of California, Davis used part of a ...

A team led by researchers from the University of Hong Kong has identified a specific protein that acts as an 'exercise sensor' in bones, explaining how physical activity contributes to bone strengthening.

Researchers are exploring the possibility of hypothetical dark matter stars, known as 'boson stars,' which could create detectable ripples in the cosmos, offering a new method to investigate the universe's invisible forces.

Chikungunya, a painful mosquito-borne disease once mostly confined to tropical regions, could now be transmitted across large parts of Europe as rising temperatures caused by climate change allow the virus to survive in more places for longer periods, researchers warn.

A study by American researchers suggests that engaging in intellectual activities such as writing, reading, or learning a new language can significantly lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Fifty years ago, researchers began expressing concerns about climate change, with their theories on international responsibility and nuclear energy remaining relevant today, despite delayed political action.

Japanese researchers have found evidence of an unprecedentedly long magnetic pole shift on Earth, lasting 40 million years.

The European Union has banned researchers from China from participating in its most advanced collaborative technology programs, including those focused on AI and chips.

Researchers are working to make detergents, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals more environmentally friendly by enabling their complete biodegradation. This initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of these widely used substances.

Researchers were surprised after capturing a giant creature on camera in a location where it has never been seen before, describing it as a 'tank'.

Researchers at Stanford University are developing a single nasal spray vaccine that could offer protection against all types of colds and flus, with animal testing showing promising results.

Federal Reserve researchers have suggested that Kalshi's forecasting methods could be more effective than traditional economic models.

The first association of Italian researchers in Sweden, Sinapse (Swedish-Italian Network for Advanced Partnership in Science and Education), has been established.

Researchers sent an AI chatbot to an AI-only social network, Moltbook, to investigate what AI chatbots discuss among themselves.

Researchers have discovered that shifting gravity patterns may have contributed to the growth of Antarctica’s massive ice sheets, explaining the origins of a 'gravity hole' over the continent.

A new study reveals a sharp increase in sexual assaults on airplanes, with the FBI investigating over 170 cases in 2024, raising concerns about the full scope of the problem.

Trump Calls In FEMA To Respond To Sewage Disaster In Potomac River Authored by Jill McLaughlin via The Epoch Times, President Donald Trump is directing federal emergency teams to respond to a sewage spill on the Potomac River, calling it a “massive ecological disaster” and blaming local leaders for not handling the crisis, which began nearly a month ago. “There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Feb. 16. Moore’s office didn’t immediately return a request for comment on Trump’s statement. On Jan. 19, a section of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line collapsed, causing the failure of a 60-year-old, 72-inch concrete pipeline along the Clara Barton Parkway in Montgomery County, Maryland. Over 250 million gallons of sewage poured into the Potomac River in one of the largest spills in U.S. history, according to University of Maryland researchers. Water samples collected at the site show high levels of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria that causes staph infections, researchers reported. “People coming into contact with the impacted water or land are at risk of becoming infected with these bacteria, which can lead to serious health conditions,” said Dr. Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein, a microbiologist and assistant professor at the university. Trump said the spill was the “result of incompetent local and state management of essential waste management systems.” “It is clear local authorities cannot adequately handle this calamity,” Trump stated. “Therefore, I am directing federal authorities to immediately provide all necessary management, direction, and coordination to protect the Potomac, the water supply in the Capital region, and our treasured National Resources in our Nation’s Capital City.” Despite state and local leaders not asking for federal assistance, Trump said he “cannot allow incompetent local ‘leadership’ to turn the river in the heart of Washington into a disaster zone.” The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will play a key role in coordinating the response, the president stated. FEMA and DHS are facing a partial funding lapse as Democrats in the U.S. Senate demand changes to immigration enforcement. Crews work to keep raw sewage from flowing into the Potomac River after a pipeline rupture, in Glen Echo, Md., on Jan. 23, 2026. Cliff Owen/AP Photo According to Virginia’s health department, the utility DC Water is handling repairs to the pipe, while Maryland has regulatory authority over the Potomac River for recreational advisories, water quality monitoring, and issuing bans on shellfish harvesting. The Virginia Health Department was working with the Maryland departments of Health and the Environment during the crisis. DC Water has stated that drinking water is not affected by the incident. The nearest Virginia location using the Potomac River as a primary source of water is the city of Fairfax, with an intake located several miles upstream of where the sewage spill entered the river, according to Virginia. Tyler Durden Tue, 02/17/2026 - 10:40

A Wall Street Journal article reviews two books, 'Triumph and Illusion' and 'Bloody Crowns', which explore the dynamics and prolongation of pivotal historical wars.

Researchers are observing a growing discomfort with wild spaces, dubbed nature anxiety or biophobia, and are investigating its origins and potential remedies.

Researchers in northern Norway have successfully brought back vital kelp forests after decades of effort, following damage to marine ecosystems from overfishing.

Researchers are investigating 4,000-year-old mummified remains found deep within caves in Saudi Arabia. This discovery offers new insights into ancient life and ecosystems in the region.

Australian researchers are cautioning that popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may lead to scurvy, a historic 'pirate disease,' due to potential poor nutrition and vitamin C deficiency.

Researchers and volunteers in Texas have documented instances of birds from different species preening one another, suggesting this interspecies behavior may be more common than previously thought.