A brain-computer interface, surgically placed in a research participant with paralysis in all four limbs, provided him an unprecedented level of control over a virtual quadcopter — just by thinking about moving his unresponsive fingers. Such groundbreaking technology could impact one’s ability to socialize, work, and enjoy recreational activities.

Cutting acid and base treatments from conventional desalination plants could save billions of dollars globally, making seawater a more affordable option for drinking water, say experts at U-M. A study describing the new technology has been published in Nature Water by engineers at Michigan and Rice University.

The effort builds on a recently established research collaboration between the two institutions. A facility in Washtenaw County will house one computing center to support Los Alamos scientists and engineers focused on national security AI challenges. An adjacent academic computing center will align U-M faculty and students with Los Alamos researchers.

The technology works faster and more accurately than current standard of care methods for tumor detection and could be generalized to other pediatric and adult brain tumor diagnoses. U-M neurosurgeons believe it could serve as a foundational model for guiding brain tumor surgery going forward.

The gift will create the Rogel and Blondy Center for Pancreatic Cancer. The center will provide support for clinical care and translational research, playing to the strengths of the Rogel Cancer Center’s team of 60 doctors and scientists from 10 departments already working in this area.

The University reported a record $2.04 billion in research volume during fiscal year 2024, marking the first time its annual research expenditures have exceeded the $2 billion mark.

Nanotechnology pioneer Raoul Kopelman had some very big ideas about some very small things. His legacy permeates modern technology, from precision medicine to artificial intelligence. But his most satisfying role was that of mentor, establishing ties with his students that spanned decades and created immeasurable value in the world.

The Space Power and Propulsion for Agility, Responsiveness, and Resilience Institute involves eight universities and 14 industry partners and advisers in one of the nation’s largest efforts to advance space power and propulsion. The institute will be the first to bring fast chemical rockets together with efficient electric propulsion powered by a nuclear microreactor.

Some of the first data from an international space mission is confirming decades worth of speculation about the galactic neighborhoods of supermassive black holes. More exciting than the data, though, is the fact that the long-awaited satellite behind it—the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission or XRISM—is just getting started providing such unparalleled insights.