SCIENCE

May 11 2026HEALTH

New Hope for Depression: How Two Brain Treatments Work Together

Scientists recently tested a fresh approach to fighting depression in mice by pairing a natural compound with brain stimulation. They wanted to see if two different methods could work better together than alone. First, they stressed out mice to mimic human depression. Then, they split the animals in

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May 10 2026SCIENCE

Plainfield North Shines in State Science Olympiad

The University of Illinois hosted the state‑level Science Olympiad, where 54 schools vied for top honors. Plainfield North High School, after placing fourth in its regional meet, qualified to compete among the best teams in the state. At the tournament on April 18, students from Plainfield North

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May 10 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Chicago’s Science Spotlight: A Top Museum Gets Global Praise

One of Chicago’s standout spots now joins an elite club of museums worldwide. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry just made the cut for Travel + Leisure’s list of the 27 best museums for art, history, and culture. With its massive size and focus on interactive learning, the museum stands out

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May 10 2026HEALTH

Why coffee is getting a health upgrade (and how to drink it right)

Coffee used to get a bad rap. Doctors once warned pregnant women to avoid it and linked it to scary diseases like cancer. But those old warnings mostly came from studies that mixed up coffee with smoking—people often lit up while sipping their brew, making it hard to tell what was really causing har

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May 09 2026SCIENCE

A Trail of Science Stories

Ned Rozell, who spent three decades writing about Alaska’s science for the university’s forum, rode a 515‑mile bike trip from Fairbanks to Unalakleet before he retired. During the ride, he was honored with three awards: the Edith Bullock Prize from the University of Alaska Foundation, the Roger Smit

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May 09 2026TECHNOLOGY

AI learns Battleship to sharpen its research skills

Researchers turned to a classic game to teach AI how to make smarter choices in scientific work. The game was Battleship, where players guess ship positions on a hidden grid. Instead of just playing for fun, AI used the game to practice managing limited resources—just like scientists do when running

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May 09 2026HEALTH

Digital Footprints: How Our Tech Habits Shape Health Over Time

Every swipe, click, and notification leaves a trace. Over years, these digital footprints add up to a hidden layer of health influences most people never consider. Researchers argue that the time we spend online isn’t just about entertainment—it actively rewires our biology and behavior in ways that

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May 08 2026EDUCATION

First Wisconsin Scholar Wins $10, 000 Science Prize

A young man from Boyceville High School in Wisconsin has just become the state’s first recipient of a $10, 000 scholarship awarded by the Science Olympiad USA Foundation. The award is given to students who show strong academic performance, active community service, and a deep commitment to the Scien

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May 08 2026SCIENCE

A Leader in Brain Research Steps Down

The world of brain science is losing one of its brightest leaders. After years of guiding a key journal, Professor Tara Spires-Jones is handing over the reins. Her work helped shape how we share new discoveries in brain research. But why does this role even matter? Journals like this one act as bri

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May 08 2026EDUCATION

Summer of Sails: Hands-on Fun at the Great Lakes Science Center

May in Cleveland just got more exciting for families craving hands-on learning. The Great Lakes Science Center is rolling out a month packed with boat-themed activities, two big new exhibits, and plenty of chances to get wet while exploring science. The star of the show? The historic Steamship Willi

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