Humans are having a highly detrimental impact on biodiversity worldwide. Not only is the number of species declining, but the composition of species communities is also changing. These are the findings of a study by Eawag and the University of Zurich published in the scientific journal Nature. It is one of the largest studies ever conducted on this topic.

Using a 56-qubit quantum computer, researchers have for the first time experimentally demonstrated certified randomness, a way of generating random numbers from a quantum computer and then using a classical supercomputer to prove they are truly random and freshly generated. This could pave the way towards the use of quantum computers for a practical task unattainable through classical methods.

A team of researchers from Beihang University and Truth Memory Corporation has fabricated a 1 Kbit spin-orbit torque magnetic random access memory (SOT-MRAM) chip with an implemented physical unclonable function (PUF). Published in Engineering, the new PUF shows high reliability, reconfigurability, and resistance to machine-learning attacks, offering a potential solution for Internet of Things (IoT) security issues.

The University of Portsmouth in England and technology company TG0 have created a smart insoles prototype that can accurately measure the body's interaction with the ground, which has the potential to help athletes avoid injuries, or even assist doctors in monitoring recovery.

Traditional teaching methods may not fully prepare students for the digital era. A recent discussion explores how AI-driven strategies can enhance learning outcomes and engagement. It examines adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, and AI-assisted assessments, highlighting their role in personalizing instruction and improving student performance. By integrating these technologies, educators can reshape modern classrooms. This discussion provides insights into the transformative potential of AI in education.

A study published in Engineering provides a comprehensive review of actuation and locomotion methods for miniature underwater robots (MURs). Titled "Actuation and Locomotion of Miniature Underwater Robots: A Survey," the research summarizes key propulsion technologies, evaluates their advantages and challenges, and explores future trends in MUR development for underwater exploration and marine applications.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has selected FAU’s Hamming Quasi-Cyclic (HQC) algorithm for standardization in its Post-Quantum Cryptography project. HQC was chosen for its security, efficiency and practical implementation in secure key exchange, which protects digital communications and ensures safe encryption against future quantum computing threats. FAU is the only U.S. university involved among all the authors of the two, winning key-encapsulation mechanism schemes selected by NIST, highlighting its prominent role in the field of post-quantum cryptography.