Katherine Stiles
@katherinestiles.org
Current issues in Higher Education · Digital Education · AI in Higher Education · Biomedical Science · Neuroscience · Research · Graduate Careers · Culture ·
👁️ katherinestiles.org 👁️ @katherinestiles.bsky.social 👁️𝕏𓅫 https://x.com/_K_Stiles
👁️ katherinestiles.org 👁️ @katherinestiles.bsky.social 👁️𝕏𓅫 https://x.com/_K_Stiles
Pinned
· MedSky ·
Karolinska researchers have identified small molecules that can influence a previously hard‑to‑target receptor family implicated in cancer. Published recently in Nature Communications and the JBC.
Karolinska researchers have identified small molecules that can influence a previously hard‑to‑target receptor family implicated in cancer. Published recently in Nature Communications and the JBC.
Cracking the code of a hidden cancer receptor: How scientists found the first true Frizzled blocker
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified small molecules capable of influencing a hard-to-target receptor family linked to cancer development. The findings have been published in Nature Co...
phys.org
December 15, 2025 at 8:13 PM
· MedSky ·
Karolinska researchers have identified small molecules that can influence a previously hard‑to‑target receptor family implicated in cancer. Published recently in Nature Communications and the JBC.
Karolinska researchers have identified small molecules that can influence a previously hard‑to‑target receptor family implicated in cancer. Published recently in Nature Communications and the JBC.
· #AcademicSky ·
“How are you learning things if something is learning it for you?”
“How are you learning things if something is learning it for you?”
USC’s embrace of AI brings peril and promise - Daily Trojan
Artificial intelligence’s rise in higher education brings forward concerns of ethics.
dailytrojan.com
December 14, 2025 at 8:42 PM
· #AcademicSky ·
“How are you learning things if something is learning it for you?”
“How are you learning things if something is learning it for you?”
Reposted by Katherine Stiles
From avatars to cinema, @jonathanmccrea.bsky.social predicts many AI returns in the new year.
Opinion: ‘Tis the season for AI predictions – 2026 bots unwrapped
Jonathan McCrea gives his top five predictions for the AI sector in 2026, including Microsoft Copilot improvements and AI avatars going mainstream.
www.siliconrepublic.com
December 13, 2025 at 6:45 PM
From avatars to cinema, @jonathanmccrea.bsky.social predicts many AI returns in the new year.
Reposted by Katherine Stiles
· #AcademicSky ·
The University of Cambridge, Queen’s University Belfast, Leicester and many others are reporting deficits as UK higher education institutions of all sizes grapple with rising costs and falling revenues, reports @patrickjack.bsky.social via @timeshighered.bsky.social
The University of Cambridge, Queen’s University Belfast, Leicester and many others are reporting deficits as UK higher education institutions of all sizes grapple with rising costs and falling revenues, reports @patrickjack.bsky.social via @timeshighered.bsky.social
UK universities report ongoing deficits after ‘difficult year’
Cambridge, Queen’s University Belfast and Leicester record shortfalls for the second year in a row as latest accounts highlight sector-wide financial challenges
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 13, 2025 at 6:02 PM
· #AcademicSky ·
The University of Cambridge, Queen’s University Belfast, Leicester and many others are reporting deficits as UK higher education institutions of all sizes grapple with rising costs and falling revenues, reports @patrickjack.bsky.social via @timeshighered.bsky.social
The University of Cambridge, Queen’s University Belfast, Leicester and many others are reporting deficits as UK higher education institutions of all sizes grapple with rising costs and falling revenues, reports @patrickjack.bsky.social via @timeshighered.bsky.social
Reposted by Katherine Stiles
This year we were drowning in a sea of slick, nonsensical AI slop
Enough slop has accumulated over the past few years that scientists can now measure its effects on people over time. Researchers at the MIT found that people using large language models (LLMs) such as those behind ChatGPT to write essays show far less brain activity than those who don’t.
December 13, 2025 at 5:06 PM
This year we were drowning in a sea of slick, nonsensical AI slop
Reposted by Katherine Stiles
A good time to dust off this that Paul Manners and I wrote 3 years ago, arguing the nebulous term “research culture” excludes most of the university endeavour. We encouraged a pause. Feels like the REF2029 teams have landed in a sensible place.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
Universities face a crisis in professional culture - Research Professional News
Focus on research culture obscures wider and deeper problems, say Paul Manners and Rory Duncan
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:02 PM
A good time to dust off this that Paul Manners and I wrote 3 years ago, arguing the nebulous term “research culture” excludes most of the university endeavour. We encouraged a pause. Feels like the REF2029 teams have landed in a sensible place.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-v...
· #AcademicSky · #EduSky · #SocialSciences ·
German adults outperform international peers in complex problem-solving tasks, study finds
German adults outperform international peers in complex problem-solving tasks, study finds
German adults outperform international peers in complex problem-solving tasks, study finds
Adults in Germany are better than the international average at coping with problems in new and complex situations. However, this adaptive problem-solving skill depends more heavily on sociodemographic...
phys.org
December 14, 2025 at 2:15 AM
· #AcademicSky · #EduSky · #SocialSciences ·
German adults outperform international peers in complex problem-solving tasks, study finds
German adults outperform international peers in complex problem-solving tasks, study finds
Misinformation is an inevitable biological reality across nature, researchers argue phys.org/news/2025-12... #academicsky
December 14, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Misinformation is an inevitable biological reality across nature, researchers argue phys.org/news/2025-12... #academicsky
From avatars to cinema, @jonathanmccrea.bsky.social predicts many AI returns in the new year.
Opinion: ‘Tis the season for AI predictions – 2026 bots unwrapped
Jonathan McCrea gives his top five predictions for the AI sector in 2026, including Microsoft Copilot improvements and AI avatars going mainstream.
www.siliconrepublic.com
December 13, 2025 at 6:45 PM
From avatars to cinema, @jonathanmccrea.bsky.social predicts many AI returns in the new year.
Reposted by Katherine Stiles
🔬MedSky🔬
An analysis of gene variants in more than a million people diagnosed with neurodivergencies and mental health conditions — by far the largest study of its kind so far — has found that 14 conditions typically regarded as distinct actually fall into five underlying genetic groups.
An analysis of gene variants in more than a million people diagnosed with neurodivergencies and mental health conditions — by far the largest study of its kind so far — has found that 14 conditions typically regarded as distinct actually fall into five underlying genetic groups.
Supposedly distinct psychiatric conditions may have same root causes
People are often diagnosed with multiple neurodivergencies and mental health conditions, but the biggest genetic analysis so far suggests many have shared biological causes
www.newscientist.com
December 13, 2025 at 3:55 PM
🔬MedSky🔬
An analysis of gene variants in more than a million people diagnosed with neurodivergencies and mental health conditions — by far the largest study of its kind so far — has found that 14 conditions typically regarded as distinct actually fall into five underlying genetic groups.
An analysis of gene variants in more than a million people diagnosed with neurodivergencies and mental health conditions — by far the largest study of its kind so far — has found that 14 conditions typically regarded as distinct actually fall into five underlying genetic groups.
· #AcademicSky ·
The University of Cambridge, Queen’s University Belfast, Leicester and many others are reporting deficits as UK higher education institutions of all sizes grapple with rising costs and falling revenues, reports @patrickjack.bsky.social via @timeshighered.bsky.social
The University of Cambridge, Queen’s University Belfast, Leicester and many others are reporting deficits as UK higher education institutions of all sizes grapple with rising costs and falling revenues, reports @patrickjack.bsky.social via @timeshighered.bsky.social
UK universities report ongoing deficits after ‘difficult year’
Cambridge, Queen’s University Belfast and Leicester record shortfalls for the second year in a row as latest accounts highlight sector-wide financial challenges
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 13, 2025 at 6:02 PM
· #AcademicSky ·
The University of Cambridge, Queen’s University Belfast, Leicester and many others are reporting deficits as UK higher education institutions of all sizes grapple with rising costs and falling revenues, reports @patrickjack.bsky.social via @timeshighered.bsky.social
The University of Cambridge, Queen’s University Belfast, Leicester and many others are reporting deficits as UK higher education institutions of all sizes grapple with rising costs and falling revenues, reports @patrickjack.bsky.social via @timeshighered.bsky.social
This year we were drowning in a sea of slick, nonsensical AI slop
Enough slop has accumulated over the past few years that scientists can now measure its effects on people over time. Researchers at the MIT found that people using large language models (LLMs) such as those behind ChatGPT to write essays show far less brain activity than those who don’t.
December 13, 2025 at 5:06 PM
This year we were drowning in a sea of slick, nonsensical AI slop
Waking up one morning in early 1965, Paul McCartney became aware of a long complex melody playing inside his head. He jumped straight out of bed, sat down at his piano and picked out the melody on the keys. [Keep reading ⮛]
A Hidden Brain State Before Sleep May Be The Key to Human Genius
The Beatles' song Yesterday was written in what psychologists refer to as the "hypnagogic state".
www.sciencealert.com
December 13, 2025 at 6:52 AM
Waking up one morning in early 1965, Paul McCartney became aware of a long complex melody playing inside his head. He jumped straight out of bed, sat down at his piano and picked out the melody on the keys. [Keep reading ⮛]
Reposted by Katherine Stiles
More molecules and compounds vital to the origin of life have been detected in asteroid samples delivered to Earth by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, strengthening the case that life’s building blocks originated in space. 🧪⚛️ physicsworld.com/a/components...
Components of RNA among life’s building blocks found in NASA asteroid sample – Physics World
Samples from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu found to contain molecules and compounds vital to the origin of life
physicsworld.com
December 12, 2025 at 11:45 AM
More molecules and compounds vital to the origin of life have been detected in asteroid samples delivered to Earth by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, strengthening the case that life’s building blocks originated in space. 🧪⚛️ physicsworld.com/a/components...
Reposted by Katherine Stiles
My first feature for @sciencenews.bsky.social:
The saga of the Asgard archaea: single-celled organisms found living in the seabed, which could explain the origin of all animals and plants.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/cells-origin-of-life-asgard-archaea
The saga of the Asgard archaea: single-celled organisms found living in the seabed, which could explain the origin of all animals and plants.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/cells-origin-of-life-asgard-archaea
December 12, 2025 at 6:11 PM
My first feature for @sciencenews.bsky.social:
The saga of the Asgard archaea: single-celled organisms found living in the seabed, which could explain the origin of all animals and plants.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/cells-origin-of-life-asgard-archaea
The saga of the Asgard archaea: single-celled organisms found living in the seabed, which could explain the origin of all animals and plants.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/cells-origin-of-life-asgard-archaea
Reposted by Katherine Stiles
Want to live as long as Dick Van Dyke? There may be things you can do...
Dick Van Dyke Credits His Longevity to One Habit, And It's Backed by Science
Dick Van Dyke, the legendary American actor and comedian who starred in classics such as Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, turns 100 on December 13.
www.sciencealert.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Want to live as long as Dick Van Dyke? There may be things you can do...
· MedSky ·
Downing several strong energy drinks every day may pose a serious stroke risk, doctors have warned in the journal BMJ Case Reports...
Downing several strong energy drinks every day may pose a serious stroke risk, doctors have warned in the journal BMJ Case Reports...
Heavy energy drink intake may pose serious stroke risk, doctors warn - BMJ Group
Fit man in his 50s who drank 8 cans daily developed extremely high blood pressure Tighter regulation of sales and advertising of these drinks needed, urge report authors Downing several strong energy ...
bmjgroup.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:49 PM
· MedSky ·
Downing several strong energy drinks every day may pose a serious stroke risk, doctors have warned in the journal BMJ Case Reports...
Downing several strong energy drinks every day may pose a serious stroke risk, doctors have warned in the journal BMJ Case Reports...
Reposted by Katherine Stiles
BREAKING: Four major publishers agree deals with UK university sector
Elsevier, Springer Nature, Taylor & Francis and Wiley meet “sector-agreed thresholds” in long-running talks
Free to read
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-o...
Elsevier, Springer Nature, Taylor & Francis and Wiley meet “sector-agreed thresholds” in long-running talks
Free to read
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-o...
Four major publishers agree deals with UK university sector - Research Professional News
Elsevier, Springer Nature, Taylor & Francis and Wiley meet “sector-agreed thresholds” in long-running talks
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
December 12, 2025 at 1:30 PM
BREAKING: Four major publishers agree deals with UK university sector
Elsevier, Springer Nature, Taylor & Francis and Wiley meet “sector-agreed thresholds” in long-running talks
Free to read
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-o...
Elsevier, Springer Nature, Taylor & Francis and Wiley meet “sector-agreed thresholds” in long-running talks
Free to read
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-o...
Reposted by Katherine Stiles
Opinion: If a student feels remembered by a machine but overlooked by humans, something in the educational contract has broken, says Agnieszka Piotrowska #edusky
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/universities-must-respond-students-emotional-reliance-ai
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/universities-must-respond-students-emotional-reliance-ai
December 12, 2025 at 7:15 AM
Opinion: If a student feels remembered by a machine but overlooked by humans, something in the educational contract has broken, says Agnieszka Piotrowska #edusky
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/universities-must-respond-students-emotional-reliance-ai
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/universities-must-respond-students-emotional-reliance-ai
Reposted by Katherine Stiles
“Science is neutral and free of bias.”
If only. Plot twist: science is done by humans, not snowpeople. ☃️
Recognising bias doesn’t mean losing trust in science. It means taking responsibility for how we assess it.
🎄 lnkd.in/dKzeUFCn
🍫 lnkd.in/d2vfPS_u
If only. Plot twist: science is done by humans, not snowpeople. ☃️
Recognising bias doesn’t mean losing trust in science. It means taking responsibility for how we assess it.
🎄 lnkd.in/dKzeUFCn
🍫 lnkd.in/d2vfPS_u
December 12, 2025 at 7:33 AM
“Science is neutral and free of bias.”
If only. Plot twist: science is done by humans, not snowpeople. ☃️
Recognising bias doesn’t mean losing trust in science. It means taking responsibility for how we assess it.
🎄 lnkd.in/dKzeUFCn
🍫 lnkd.in/d2vfPS_u
If only. Plot twist: science is done by humans, not snowpeople. ☃️
Recognising bias doesn’t mean losing trust in science. It means taking responsibility for how we assess it.
🎄 lnkd.in/dKzeUFCn
🍫 lnkd.in/d2vfPS_u
· MedSky ·
Mini brains, big questions: Science is racing ahead of ethics
Mini brains, big questions: Science is racing ahead of ethics
Mini brains, big questions: Science is racing ahead of ethics
In a little over ten years, organoid models—miniature, lab-grown clusters of cells that imitate real organs—have transformed how we study human development and disease while accelerating drug discover...
medicalxpress.com
December 10, 2025 at 11:59 PM
· MedSky ·
Mini brains, big questions: Science is racing ahead of ethics
Mini brains, big questions: Science is racing ahead of ethics
Reposted by Katherine Stiles
A team of scientists led by Caltech and Cedars-Sinai has developed a new artificial intelligence framework that can accurately, quickly, and efficiently create virtual models of brain neurons.
www.caltech.edu/about/news/m...
www.caltech.edu/about/news/m...
Modeling Neurons with the Help of AI
NOBLE framework models bio-realistic neurons to improve studies of brain function and treatments for brain disorders
www.caltech.edu
December 10, 2025 at 7:53 PM
A team of scientists led by Caltech and Cedars-Sinai has developed a new artificial intelligence framework that can accurately, quickly, and efficiently create virtual models of brain neurons.
www.caltech.edu/about/news/m...
www.caltech.edu/about/news/m...
Scientists have engineered bacteria to produce xanthommatin — the colour-changing pigment behind octopus camouflage — at dramatically higher yields, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable materials, reports @robinson-julia.bsky.social via @chemistryworld.com.
Bacteria tweaked to produce high yields of colour-changing pigment behind octopus camouflage
Dangled carrot of formic acid fuel drives engineered bacteria to make cephalopod dye at yields a thousand times higher than conventional means
www.chemistryworld.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Scientists have engineered bacteria to produce xanthommatin — the colour-changing pigment behind octopus camouflage — at dramatically higher yields, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable materials, reports @robinson-julia.bsky.social via @chemistryworld.com.
Reposted by Katherine Stiles
University engagement for sustainability and greening has increased since EUA’s last survey on the topic in 2021. 📈
Most initiatives are based on voluntary commitment and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
📘 Full survey report bit.ly/48yIEDT
Most initiatives are based on voluntary commitment and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
📘 Full survey report bit.ly/48yIEDT
December 10, 2025 at 5:47 PM
University engagement for sustainability and greening has increased since EUA’s last survey on the topic in 2021. 📈
Most initiatives are based on voluntary commitment and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
📘 Full survey report bit.ly/48yIEDT
Most initiatives are based on voluntary commitment and engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
📘 Full survey report bit.ly/48yIEDT