Academic research news covering universities, labs, grant outcomes, replication debates, and cross-disciplinary studies.
This commentary argues that parapsychology, long dismissed as pseudoscience, is gaining mainstream academic acceptance. It highlights the Society for Psychical Research's historical archives and notes that research into psychedelics and consciousness is increasingly being taken seriously by scientists, suggesting a shift in the scientific establishment's attitude toward the inexplicable.
This commentary argues that Susumu Tonegawa was a pioneering scientist whose bold experiments in memory and genetics reshaped neuroscience. It highlights his Nobel-winning work on antibody diversity and his role in founding major research institutes, portraying him as an intellectual giant whose fearless approach will be missed.
This commentary argues that Homer's Odyssey may be based on real geography, with scholars James Diggle and John Underhill presenting evidence for a specific location of Ithaca. They contend that geological and textual analysis supports a historical core to the epic, challenging purely literary interpretations.
The American Anthropological Association expressed outrage at a report commissioned by Vanderbilt and Washington University that found political criteria are eroding scholarly standards, citing anthropology as an extreme case. The AAA rejected the findings as selective and based on misunderstanding. The report warned of political criteria replacing standards across humanities.
A University of Freiburg study found that random clicking sounds during sleep, even if not loud enough to wake a person, can impair memory consolidation by reducing deep sleep and slow brain waves. Participants performed worse on visuospatial tasks after noisy naps, while word recall and motor skills were unaffected.
This commentary reflects on the life and legacy of scholar John Esposito, arguing that he transformed Western understanding of Islam by challenging Orientalist orthodoxies and reshaping the study of Muslim societies. It highlights his prolific career and influence during key historical moments.
The authors argue that academic institutions must adopt fair authorship governance to protect early-career researchers, as authorship determines career progression. They contend that current practices based on tradition rather than contribution are inadequate and that transparent, timely procedures are needed.
John Esposito, a non-Muslim scholar who authored over 50 books on Islam and founded Georgetown's Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, died at age 86. He spent decades building bridges between Islamic and Western worlds.
The Schlumberger Foundation named nine recipients of the 2026 Faculty for the Future Impact Prize, honoring women scientists and engineers from emerging economies for initiatives in education, technology, and social impact. Winners include Dr. Darshana Joshi, Dr. Angela Tabiri, and Dr. Novalia Pishesha. The prize provides funding and visibility to accelerate proven initiatives.
Northwest University terminated Jia Qianqian's teaching appointment and revoked her associate professor title after finding plagiarism in nine of her papers. Shaanxi Normal University also revoked her 2009 master's degree for plagiarism. Jia was a former child prodigy in China.