Dr. Michael Merzenich’s groundbreaking revelation of adult brain plasticity helped him design the cochlear implant, a device that has restored hearing for more than a million people with deafness. Honored with the Richard N. Merkin Prize in Biomedical Technology, his work continues to reshape global perceptions of what the human brain can achieve.

Curiosity is more than a passing interest—it’s a biological and cultural force that has powered human progress. As AI delivers rapid, confident solutions, our innate desire to explore may quietly weaken. Recognizing and cultivating curiosity amid “artificial certainty” is now a pressing priority.

Chimpanzees display remarkable traits in recognizing social cues and nonverbal communication. Yet human cognition, encompassing language, memory, and higher reasoning, stands in a league of its own—raising bold philosophical questions about intelligence, identity, and even the existence of God.

Scientists in Vevey, Switzerland, are nurturing human mini-brains in nutrient-rich fluid, exploring a frontier called “wetware.” By blending biology with technology, they aim to uncover how organoid intelligence might change the landscape of artificial intelligence.

Imagine harnessing the benefits of dreaming without closing your eyes. Scientists now suggest that certain psychedelics could make this a reality.