Growing STEM

Students at Bay Middle School are playing robot freeze tag as a hands-on way to build engineering and coding skills. The activity is part of a Growing STEM segment, using programmable robots to teach students how to write code, troubleshoot hardware and apply engineering concepts in a playful, competitive format that educators hope will spark lasting interest in technology careers.

The National Stem Cell Foundation and the Saudi Space Agency have announced a collaboration to expand research into neurodegenerative diseases using microgravity conditions, working with Axiom Space. Studying cells in space can reveal disease mechanisms not visible on Earth, and the partnership signals Saudi Arabia's growing investment in space-based life sciences. Observers see it as a notable step for international biomedical research cooperation.

Fifth grade girls took part in hands-on science experiments during a STEM Day event at their school, according to a local report from The Intelligencer. The event aimed to give young students practical experience with science, technology, engineering and math activities. Encouraging girls' participation in STEM has become a growing focus for schools seeking to close gender gaps in technical fields.

Peterson Space Force Base is running an initiative to connect children with space, offering young people a chance to learn about space operations and careers. The outreach effort gives military families and local kids exposure to the Space Force's mission through educational activities.

A fellow at the University of Pennsylvania's Leonard Davis Institute has argued that storytelling plays a powerful role in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The claim is that narrative techniques help researchers communicate complex findings, connect with non-expert audiences and broaden participation in STEM fields. The commentary is published through Penn LDI's outlet.

Agriculture writer Hamidu Muhammad has published a guide explaining stem propagation, the vegetative method of plant reproduction in which a new plant is developed from a cutting of an existing stem. The piece walks readers through the science and practical steps of the technique, aimed at growers and farming enthusiasts interested in low-cost ways to multiply crops and garden plants.

New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips says the team's recent defensive stands trace back to work done during preseason practice. The Giants have shown improved defensive performances, and Phillips pointed to preparation and repetitions from training camp as the foundation. His comments highlight growing confidence in the unit as the regular season progresses.

South Korean stem-cell company MEDIPOST is being profiled as a pioneer in regenerative medicine with ambitions to expand globally. The company, known for developing stem-cell therapies, is positioning itself to move beyond its home market and become a leader in the international regenerative medicine sector.

Iran's Royan Institute has earned national recognition after its Center for Cell Science was ranked second nationwide. The placement highlights the institute's standing in stem cell and reproductive biotechnology research. Royan, based in Tehran, is one of Iran's leading biomedical research bodies, and the ranking underscores the growing profile of its cell science work within the country's research landscape.

Students in Holland, New York, have been launching model rockets as part of a hands-on science project, with many saying the experience has inspired them to consider future careers in the space industry. The activity combines classroom lessons in physics and engineering with the excitement of an actual launch, giving pupils a taste of real aerospace work. Local coverage highlights the program as an example of how practical STEM activities can spark early career ambitions.

Minnesota is hosting the second annual STEM Book Festival, an event celebrating books focused on science, technology, engineering and math. The festival aims to connect readers, families and educators with authors and resources that make STEM subjects accessible. As a second-year event, it signals growing local interest in combining literacy with science education, and it is drawing attention as a community gathering for book lovers and STEM advocates alike.

Hofstra University is hosting high school students for summer research programs on its Long Island campus, giving them hands-on experience tackling real scientific projects alongside faculty. The initiative highlights growing university efforts to engage teenagers in STEM fields early, offering lab work and mentorship before they reach college. It is drawing local attention as an example of pre-college science education.

Students at George Washington High School are taking part in a robotics challenge, designing and building their own robots as part of a hands-on learning program. Local coverage highlights how the project gives students practical engineering and teamwork skills while encouraging interest in technology careers, with participants describing the experience as a way of preparing for their futures.

Meta is drawing attention with Muse, its AI agent, with commentary arguing it holds a key advantage over rivals. Analysts suggest the agent's edge stems from Meta's vast user data and infrastructure reach, positioning it strongly in the competitive AI assistant race. Exact details of the claimed advantage were not specified in the report.