Universal vaccine breakthrough: Cambridge and DIOSynVax say an AI-designed “super-antigen” coronavirus vaccine cleared its first human trial in 39 volunteers, aiming for broad protection across sarbecoviruses and future mutations. Public health tech: The ADA’s 2026 Innovation Challenge named Adaptyx Biosciences, Nymble Health, and Silverstream Medical for wearable and AI-driven diabetes care tools. Medical devices: Researchers report an ultrasound-based “pacemaker” concept using sonogenetics to noninvasively steady heart activity. Healthcare policy & regulation: Nova Scotia moves to regulate naturopathic doctors, while the EU unveils a roadmap to phase out animal testing in chemical safety reviews. AI in education and jobs: Bangladesh pushes mandatory internships and stronger industry-academia links to cut graduate unemployment. STEM capacity building: Ghana’s flagship Abomosu STEM school faces growing pains—staffing, funding, maintenance, and industry partnerships. Environment & health risks: A new $3.3M study will test whether microplastics accumulate in the body and harm the cardiovascular system. Energy and industry: India accelerates coal gasification as a bridge fuel amid LNG shortages, despite higher emissions trade-offs. Space strategy: The Philippines backs new satellite programs to boost sovereign Earth observation and secure geostationary communications.