Robotics in surgery: UC San Diego researchers remotely operated a Chinese-made humanoid robot to perform keyhole gallbladder removal in a human-robot team. Early dementia warning: A Finnish study of nearly 800 patients links early-onset dementia to falling work productivity up to 15 years before diagnosis. EU pesticide debate: Scientists warn an EU “simplification” plan could weaken safeguards by reducing periodic reassessment of pesticide active ingredients. Hidden lagoon pollution: New work on Spain’s Mar Menor suggests 70–90% of key nutrients come from underground water moving through seabed sediments, raising questions about restoration plans. Postdoc job security: Luxembourg lawmakers propose limiting fixed-term postdoc contracts and creating an open-ended “scientific mission” option. AI for science: Stanford-backed Biomni is pitched as a general-purpose biomedical “co-scientist” that can plan experiments and draft protocols. Tech & research policy: A proposed US rule would let political appointees steer federal research grants toward administration priorities. Education push: Delhi Technological University announced new data science and applied statistics programmes plus an economics double major. Climate risk: Scientists warn El Niño could drive faster warming and more extreme floods and downpours. Arctic expansion: China plans its biggest Arctic expedition yet, deploying four research vessels to study the Gakkel Ridge.