Neural networks are one typical structure on which artificial intelligence can be based. The term ›neural‹ describes their learning ability, which to some extent mimics the functioning of neurons in our brains. To be able to work, several key ingredients are required: one of them is an activation function which introduces nonlinearity into the structure. A photonic activation function has important advantages for the implementation of optical neural networks based on light propagation. Researchers in the Stiller Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) and Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) in collaboration with Dirk Englund at MIT have now experimentally shown an all-optically controlled activation function based on traveling sound waves. It is suitable for a wide range of optical neural network approaches and allows operation in the so-called synthetic frequency dimension.

A groundbreaking study from East China Normal University has leveraged AI to analyze classroom teaching patterns across China, revealing that teacher-centered instruction still dominates. This research utilizes a sophisticated AI-powered classroom intelligent analysis system to assess 1,008 recorded Chinese language classes spanning nine grade levels. Usage of AI enables effective systematic analysis of large volumes of classroom data, reducing time and human intervention.

The increasing prevalence of myopia is a global health concern, with high myopia increasing the risk of vision damage. This necessitates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for early diagnosis, prevention, and management of myopia.  Now, a Pediatric Investigation review sheds light on potential applications of AI in the early identification, risk assessment, and prevention of myopia. It further highlights the challenges and current development status of AI technology in the field of myopia.

The team led by Academician Chen Xiaoping from Tongji Hospital, affiliated with the Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with several major medical centers, including the Hunan Provincial People's Hospital and the Henan Provincial People's Hospital, conducted a multicenter retrospective study on the controversial issue of whether the caudate lobe of the liver should be routinely resected for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The results were published in Science China Life Sciences. 

A research team from Southeast University has developed a bio-inspired thermoelectric cement with remarkable Seebeck coefficient via employing interfacial selective immobilization. 

Enhanced computing performance is achieved using nanomaterial-based probabilistic-bits with high operational stability.

Networking, exchanging experience, pooling knowledge, enhancing skills – these are the objectives of the new EPICUR Hubs that have been developed under the leadership of KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology). Being primarily virtual, these centers are intended to promote the collaboration between young European scientists and to facilitate their networking across disciplines and borders in research, teaching, innovation, and transfer. The first EPICUR Hub themed “Sustainable Transformation” started on April 08, 2025 with a virtual kick-off event.