TL;DR: Science still cannot explain why the dying report leaving their bodies despite major new research efforts, whilst a fully autonomous AI “digital clinical team” has been built to spot early signs of dementia in patient notes. Meanwhile, robots are learning to “feel” like humans to handle raw eggs, “super agers” win the genetic lottery twice to keep their memories young, and a new course teaches empathy to stop users from creating AI deepfakes. Plus: Gaming for over 10 hours a week is identified as the “tipping point” for poor health, the world’s fastest-growing plant is a potential new superfood, and doctors are adding smiley-face emojis to permanent medical records.
Science still cannot say why the dying leave their bodies and see the dead
A major attempt to explain near-death experiences as simple brain chemistry has failed to fully account for the phenomenon.
Despite advanced monitoring of dying brains, scientists remain unable to pinpoint exactly why so many patients report “leaving” their physical bodies or seeing deceased loved ones during cardiac arrest. The persistence of these vivid, structured experiences challenges current neuroscientific models, leaving the door open to deeper mysteries about consciousness and the end of life.
AI ‘digital clinical team’ built to spot early signs of dementia in patient notes
Researchers have created a fully autonomous AI system that acts like a “digital clinical team” to identify early signs of dementia that human doctors might miss.
By scanning thousands of patient notes, the AI can detect subtle cognitive declines and behavioural changes often buried in unstructured text. The system aims to speed up diagnosis and intervention, potentially transforming how dementia care is managed in overwhelmed healthcare systems.
Robots learn to handle raw eggs and brew coffee by ‘feeling’ like humans
A new bio-inspired approach allows robots to master the delicate art of handling fragile objects, moving them one step closer to working safely in human environments.
Engineers have developed a sensory system that mimics human touch, enabling robots to gauge the pressure needed to grip a raw egg without crushing it or operate a coffee machine with precision. This breakthrough in tactile feedback addresses a major hurdle in robotics: the “clumsiness” that has previously limited their use in domestic and care settings.
Solution offered for Grok ‘undressing’ scandal: Teach users empathy
A new 10-minute online course has been proven to stop people from using AI tools to create non-consensual deepfake pornography.
Researchers developed the “empathy intervention” in response to scandals involving AI image generators like Grok. The study found that users who completed the brief training module, which focuses on the real-world harm caused to victims, were significantly less likely to engage in generating explicit content. The findings suggest that technical guardrails alone are insufficient and must be paired with behavioural education.
https://thefreesheet.com/2026/01/17/solution-offered-for-grok-undressing-scandal-teach-users-empathy
‘Super agers’ win the genetic lottery twice to keep their memories young
People in their 80s who retain the sharp memories of those decades younger have won a specific genetic lottery not once, but twice, according to new research.
The study reveals that “super agers” possess a unique combination of genetic factors that protect their brains from the typical wear and tear of ageing, specifically resisting the buildup of Alzheimer’s-related proteins. This dual protection allows them to maintain exceptional cognitive function well into late life, offering new targets for anti-ageing therapies.
Gaming more than 10 hours a week is the ‘tipping point’ for bad health
Playing video games is generally harmless, but a new study has identified a specific “tipping point” at which the hobby begins to negatively affect physical and mental well-being.
Researchers found that gamers who play for more than 10 hours per week are significantly more likely to report health issues, including sedentary lifestyle risks and social withdrawal. However, those playing under this threshold showed no adverse effects, suggesting that moderation is key to enjoying gaming as a healthy pastime.
Fastest-growing plant on Earth identified as potential new ‘superfood’
The world’s fastest-growing plant could soon become a staple of global diets, thanks to its incredibly high nutritional value and sustainability.
Bamboo shoots have been identified by researchers as a sustainable superfood. Scientists are now working on ways to harvest and process the plant for human consumption, arguing it could be a crucial tool in fighting global hunger and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.
Hidden ocean damage nearly doubles the economic cost of climate change
A groundbreaking study has put a price tag on the damage caused by carbon emissions to the ocean, nearly doubling previous estimates of the social cost of carbon.
By factoring in ocean acidification, loss of biodiversity, and the collapse of fisheries, economists have revealed that the true cost of climate change is far higher than land-based models suggest. The research argues for much more aggressive carbon pricing to account for this “hidden” economic destruction occurring beneath the waves.
Greenwashing buys companies ‘false stability’ that evaporates over time
Companies that exaggerate their environmental credentials to attract investors receive a short-term boost in stability that quickly evaporates, according to new analysis.
The study found that whilst “greenwashing” can initially shield firms from market volatility and attract capital, this “false stability” crumbles as the truth inevitably comes out. Long-term, these companies face more serious reputational damage and financial penalties than if they had been transparent from the start.
AI makes scientists faster and more famous, but it is shrinking science itself
Artificial intelligence is acting as rocket fuel for individual scientific careers, but it may be narrowing the scope of scientific discovery as a whole.
A new paper argues that whilst AI tools help researchers publish faster and gain more citations (fame), they encourage a reliance on established patterns and datasets. This creates a “shrinking” effect where novel, high-risk research is neglected in favour of safe, AI-optimised studies, potentially stalling true innovation.
Doctors are putting smiley faces and pill emojis in permanent medical records
The humble smiley face has officially crossed the digital divide into one of the most serious documents in a person’s life: the medical record.
A review of electronic health records reveals that doctors are increasingly using emojis like smiley faces, pills, and thumbs-up signs in their clinical notes. Whilst some argue this adds a human touch and clarifies communication, others worry about the potential for misinterpretation in legal or medical contexts.
Grief for a pet can be more distressing than losing a human relative
For one in five people, the death of a beloved pet is more distressing than losing a human relative, highlighting the deep emotional bond we form with animals.
Psychologists found that the unique, uncomplicated love pets provide often makes their loss harder to bear than that of complex human relationships. The study calls for greater societal recognition of “pet grief,” which is often dismissed or minimised by employers and social circles.
Smokers three times more likely to quit for good using smartphone apps
Smartphone apps could be the key to kicking the habit for good, according to a major trial that found them significantly more effective than cold turkey or standard support.
The study showed that smokers using tailored apps – which offer progress tracking, craving management tools, and community support – were three times more likely to remain smoke-free after six months compared to those using willpower alone. The accessibility and constant presence of the “pocket therapist” appear to be the decisive factors.
Mothers now expected to solve climate crisis and social unrest, study claims
Raising a child has always been hard work, but a new study claims society now implicitly expects mothers to solve global crises like climate change and social unrest through their parenting.
Sociologists term this “intensive mothering 2.0,” where the burden of creating “perfect,” eco-conscious, and socially responsible future citizens falls disproportionately on women. The research highlights the immense psychological pressure this places on mothers, who are blamed for societal failures beyond their control.