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- 1Nicholas Polson credited with 258 papers in 2026βNicholas Polson has authored 258 academic papers in 2026 so far
A tally circulating online claims Duke University statistician Nicholas Polson has authored 258 academic papers so far in 2026, an extraordinarily high count for a single researcher. Commenters are treating the figure as a case study in inflated publication practices and authorship norms in academia, with debate over how such productivity is possible and what it says about pressure to publish.
- 2Doctor warns of collusion between academics and drug industryβOne of the greatest problems in medicine is the collusion between academics seeking money and industry in search of a pl
Richard Lehman, a British general practitioner and commentator on medical evidence, says one of the greatest problems in medicine is the collusion between academics seeking money and industry looking for a plausible narrative to sell products. He argues that the role of academia is to question lucrative dogma rather than join what he calls the feeding frenzy around commercial interests.
- 3MI5 warns Chinese spies are targeting UK academicsβMI5 has issued an unprecedented public warning about a new Chinese spy threat targeting British academics. The Security
MI5 has issued an unprecedented public warning that a Chinese institute is secretly trying to exploit British universities and research bodies, recruiting academics to pass on expertise that could help Beijing develop more powerful technology. The Security Service alert, aimed at staff across UK academia, urges researchers to stay alert to suspicious approaches. It is a rare direct public intervention and has sparked debate about the scale of Chinese espionage against British science and how universities should respond.
- 4Chicago Physicist Vincenzo Vitelli Wins MacArthur FellowshipβΌChicago Physicist Vincenzo Vitelli Selected For MacArthur Foundation Fellowship
Physicist Vincenzo Vitelli, based in Chicago, has been selected for a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, the prestigious award often called a 'genius grant' that recognizes exceptionally creative individuals with substantial no-strings-attached funding. The honor places him among a select group of fellows across the arts, sciences, and academia announced by the foundation.
- 5MI5 Warns UK Universities Over Chinese Research Frontβπ UPDATE MI5 Warns UK Universities About Chinese Espionage Front The Chinese entity is identified as the China Academy o
MI5 has alerted UK universities that the China Academy of General Technology (CAGT) is a front for Chinese espionage, describing the organisation as a 'significant threat'. The warning raises concerns about academic research partnerships and comes at a sensitive moment in UK-China relations, with institutions now reassessing cooperation involving the entity.
- 6ASMR antique book care video draws large audienceβHandling & Caring for Antique Books | ASMR Cozy basics (relaxing tips, soft spoken, Dark Academia)
A soft-spoken ASMR video on how to handle and care for antique books, styled around the Dark Academia aesthetic, is attracting wide attention online. It offers relaxing tips on preserving old volumes, and viewers have responded enthusiastically, with engagement reaching several hundred thousand. It reflects the continued popularity of cozy, book-themed relaxation content.
- 7Ukrainian Science Academy Struck by Drone, Research Role HighlightedβUkrainian Science Academy, Struck by Drone, Played Key Role in Research https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/29/science/ukrai
The National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine was struck by a drone in a Russian attack, drawing attention to the institution's significant role in Ukrainian and international scientific research. The report highlights how the strike damaged a body long central to the country's scientific work, adding to the wider toll of the war on Ukrainian academia and infrastructure.
- 8New Scientist examines AI's impact on mathematical researchβVery interesting article in New Scientist page 5 issue 3613 about the effects of AI and LLM use on # mathsresearch . The
A New Scientist article in issue 3613 argues that AI and large language models are set to change how progress is made in mathematics. The concern raised is that mathematicians could end up spending much of their time reviewing and filtering AI-generated output rather than doing original work. Readers are debating whether AI tooling will accelerate discovery or burden researchers with checking machine-generated results.
- 9Sixth Truly Devious Book by Maureen Johnson ReleasedβΌIβve been waiting for this new release, and now itβs here! Book six of a planned seven in the # TrulyDevious series by #
Book six of the planned seven-book Truly Devious series by author Maureen Johnson has been released, and readers are celebrating its arrival. The new instalment, The Velvet Knife, is being discussed among mystery, young adult and dark academia fans, many of whom say they have been waiting for the release. The series will conclude with its seventh and final book.
- 10Government and civic leaders to join World Academic Summit 2026βSeptember: Government and civic leaders join THE World Academic Summit 2026 | News and features
The University of Bristol has announced that government and civic leaders will take part in the Times Higher Education World Academic Summit in September 2026. The summit brings together university leaders, policymakers and industry figures to discuss the future of higher education and research. The announcement highlights the event's aim of connecting academia with public sector decision-makers.