Taufer is coordinating a multidisciplinary team spanning UT, the University of Utah, Purdue University, the Texas Advanced Computing Center, and MLCommons, alongside partners from universities, national laboratories, and industry. The approach targets a common bottleneck in modern science: researchers increasingly depend on high-performance computing resources, but access to those resources is uneven and collaboration can be slowed by data movement and management overhead.

In today’s experiments, instruments stream enormous volumes of information every second, often in heterogeneous formats. Even when data is available, converting it into usable scientific insight typically requires substantial compute, careful organization, and long preparation cycles—sometimes taking months before analysis can begin. Additionally, collaborators may be unable to participate if they lack compatible infrastructure or permissions.

Taufer describes the goal as increasing scientific throughput while making advanced AI-enabled workflows accessible regardless of an institution’s HPC capacity. By lowering these barriers, the project aims to improve reproducibility, expand participation by educators and students, and enable teams to iterate more rapidly toward measurable discoveries.

The work builds on earlier NSF funding received in 2022 through the Integrated Data and Systems Sciences program, which supported development and pilot testing of the National Science Data Fabric. NSDF is designed as a secure digital layer that allows researchers to connect to data where it is generated—such as leadership-class computers, campus clusters, or scientific instruments—without forcing them to physically relocate data.

A recent demonstration helped illustrate NSDF’s real-time collaboration potential across regions. Scientists at Cornell’s Structural Materials Beamline in New York streamed live measurements while the system linked the stream to AI infrastructure at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. ORNL used the incoming data to generate and update an AI model of material strain, returning guidance on where to measure next as the experiment continued.

During the pilot phase, NSDF indexed more than 75 petabytes of data across 68 repositories, spanning multiple disciplines. With the new award, the project will transition from a research prototype into a production-scale resource meant to serve far more scientists and communities, moving toward an ongoing national “data-to-decision” workflow.

Scaling the concept also requires interoperability across very different facility types, each with distinct data characteristics, policies, and technologies. The team will continue investing in cyberinfrastructure, AI and data management, while expanding the community of domain scientists, engineers, and computer scientists working to integrate these systems as one coherent platform.

Subject of Research: AI-driven scientific discovery; national data infrastructure (NSDF); secure data sharing and real-time AI workflows
Article Title: Taufer Leads Team Awarded $9M by NSF To Enable US Transition to AI-Driven Discovery
News Publication Date:
Web References: https://research.utk.edu/aitn/
References:
Image Credits: University of Tennessee

Keywords

Artificial intelligence; AI-driven discovery; scientific data fabric; cyberinfrastructure; secure data sharing; HPC accessibility

This research challenges prior assumptions about the geographic limits of the European eel’s habitat and highlights the species’ ability to adapt and survive in environments previously considered outside their range. The silvering stage, a critical transformation phase preparing the eel for its long spawning migration back to the Atlantic Ocean, is indicative not just of survival but of successful maturation in these inland freshwater systems. This discovery bears significant implications for understanding the resilience and adaptability of this critically endangered species.

The collaborative effort encompassed universities across different regions, including the University of Inverness, Cyprus University of Technology, and the Environment Agency, forming a robust multidisciplinary research alliance. Led by BU Researcher Sotiris Meletiou, the team identified and monitored silver eels in select freshwater habitats in Cyprus, specifically targeting periods and environments conducive to silvering and migration. Their study employed a combination of field surveys, specimen captures, and detailed environmental monitoring to confirm the presence of mature silver eels actively migrating in these eastern Mediterranean waters.

European eels have one of the most complex and enigmatic life cycles known among fish species. Beginning life as tiny glass eels arriving from the Sargasso Sea, they spend many formative years maturing in freshwater before undergoing silvering—physiological and morphological changes enabling their return migration to the ocean for spawning. Despite the species’ once widespread distribution, European eel populations have suffered a catastrophic decline over the last century, attributed to multiple anthropogenic factors such as pollution, habitat fragmentation, parasitic infections, and overexploitation.

The team’s discovery in Cyprus is particularly significant against this backdrop of dramatic population decreases. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the European eel as “Critically Endangered” since 2008, noting that current population levels are approximately 10% of historical numbers. The confirmed presence of silvering eels in Cyprus suggests that despite adverse conditions, some populations endure and complete critical life stages even at the species’ range periphery.

One of the primary research sites for this study was the Polis River, located in northwest Paphos. Mature eels were captured at multiple points along this river, demonstrating that juvenile glass eels successfully migrate and develop upstream. However, the study also revealed that environmental challenges, particularly habitat fragmentation and watercourse disruptions like drying segments, hinder eel migration both upstream and downstream. This blockage not only restricts juvenile distribution but also delays the escapement of maturing silver eels critical for reproduction.

Dr. Demetra Andrea, a Principal Academic in Environmental Science on the UK team, underscored these findings by linking river fragmentation and local environmental conditions directly to eel population dynamics. The barriers in habitats such as the Polis River impede the effective escape of silver eels, thus reducing their migration success rates and subsequent contributions to spawning groups in the Sargasso Sea. This highlights the intricate dependency of eel populations on habitat connectivity and water availability.

In light of these findings, the study advocates for urgent reconsideration of the current frameworks governing eel conservation in Cyprus. European Union legislation requires the development of Eel Management Plans (EMP) for member states to aid in the recovery of this imperiled species. However, Cyprus currently enjoys an exemption from these mandates. Dr. Malen I Vasquez of the Cyprus University of Technology emphasized that the discovery of a thriving population encompassing all life stages offers an unprecedented opportunity for Cyprus to initiate and implement such conservation strategies immediately.

From a broader ecological and climatic perspective, Dr. Ros Wright of the Environment Agency’s National Fisheries Services team highlighted the importance of these findings in understanding the life history and resilience of European eels amid rapidly changing environmental conditions. The resilience demonstrated by eels surviving in fragmented, drought-affected habitats enriches scientific understanding of how this species might withstand the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events.

The research team further presents several critical recommendations aimed at improving freshwater ecosystems to facilitate eel migration. These include the removal or modification of barriers in rivers and lakes, restoration of natural flow regimes, and habitat rehabilitation to support both upstream and downstream movements of juvenile and mature eels. Such interventions are vital to reversing population declines and supporting long-term species viability.

By extending knowledge on the easternmost populations of silver European eels, this study catalyzes renewed scientific interest and conservation action in the Mediterranean basin. It underlines the importance of cross-border research collaborations and integrative ecological management to safeguard migratory species whose life cycles transcend geopolitical boundaries.

The discovery reiterates the urgent call for conservation policies sensitive to local environmental conditions and tailored to preserve critical freshwater habitats. The presence of mature silver eels in Cyprus, a previously unrecognized stronghold, holds immense promise for regional biodiversity, ecosystem health, and the future of a species teetering on the brink of extinction.

Subject of Research: Animals

Article Title: Silver European eel discovered in Cyprus for the first time

News Publication Date: 10-Feb-2026

Web References:
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.70357

Image Credits: Bournemouth University

Keywords: Fish, Fresh water fishes, Marine biology, Marine life, Marine conservation, Conservation biology, Biodiversity conservation, Endangered species, Extinction, Conservation ecology, Ecosystem management

At the apex of its territorial expanse in the second century CE, the Roman Empire governed a diverse population exceeding 55 million individuals, sprawling from the distant reaches of Britain in the northwest to the vast landscapes of Egypt and the Levant in the southeast. Central to managing this vast empire was a sophisticated and far-reaching network of roads, serving as vital arteries for military, administrative, commercial, and cultural exchange. Despite the acknowledged importance of these roads, prior efforts to map the network have been hampered by low-resolution data and incomplete digitizations, leaving substantial knowledge gaps about the Empire’s infrastructure.

The creation of Itiner-e is the result of a multidisciplinary collaboration led by researchers including Tom Brughmans, Pau de Soto, and Adam Pažout, who integrated a diverse range of sources such as archaeological findings, historical accounts, detailed topographic maps, and advanced satellite imagery. This integrative methodology allowed the graduate precision and contextual accuracy necessary for reconstructing road trajectories that respect the geographical realities of the ancient world. Notably, the dataset accounts for the serpentine nature of mountain passages, eschewing simplistic straight-line assumptions for more realistic routes that ancient travelers would have used.

Quantitatively, the Itiner-e dataset encompasses a staggering 299,171 kilometers of Roman roads, a substantial increase from the previously accepted figure of 188,555 kilometers. This revised inventory covers an area spanning nearly four million square kilometers, representing an unprecedented level of geo-referenced detail. Spatially, the augmented road coverage emerges predominantly from more comprehensive data for regions such as the Iberian Peninsula, Greece, and North Africa, where earlier maps had underestimated the complexity and extent of road systems.

Further refinement within the dataset categorizes these roads into primary and secondary classifications, with the former totaling 103,478 kilometers—approximately 34.6% of the network—while secondary roads constitute the majority at 195,693 kilometers or 65.4%. These distinctions are vital for understanding the Roman road system’s hierarchy and functional differentiation, reflecting varying degrees of traffic density, construction standards, and strategic importance. By furnishing such granularity, Itiner-e affords historians and archaeologists nuanced tools to analyze the empire’s logistical and administrative organization.

One of the notable challenges confronted by the creators of Itiner-e lies in the inherent uncertainty surrounding the exact locations of many roads. The dataset estimates that only 2.7% of roads have been pinpointed with high certitude, reflecting how scarce and fragmentary direct archaeological evidence can be. A considerable 89.8% are situated with less precise certainty, often reconstructed through inferential models balancing historical itineraries and environmental constraints, whereas 7.4% represent hypothesized routes where corroborative evidence remains elusive. This transparency regarding data certainty underscores both the scientific rigour of the project and the continuing need for further empirical verification.

Importantly, Itiner-e is more than a static map; it acts as a dynamic, openly accessible platform for a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary research inquiries. The authors emphasize its utility in exploring fundamental questions about Roman imperial connectivity, the mechanisms of territorial administration, patterns of migration, and the dissemination of diseases across the empire’s vast domains. These applications resonate with contemporary interests in how infrastructure shapes societal resilience and vulnerability, drawing valuable parallels between ancient and modern dynamics.

Despite its transformative scope, the Itiner-e dataset has specified limitations. The dataset captures a snapshot primarily reflective of the mid-second century CE road network and does not delineate the evolutionary changes these roads underwent over time. Roman roads were subject to continuous repairs, rerouting, and expansions aligned with shifting political borders, military campaigns, and regional developments, and understanding these temporal dynamics remains a critical challenge. Future research building on Itiner-e could incorporate chronological layering to unpack the diachronic development of the Empire’s infrastructure.

From a technical perspective, Itiner-e leverages cutting-edge geographic information system (GIS) techniques, combining vector-based spatial data with metadata about road certainty, road classification, and elevation profiles. The integration of satellite imagery analysis, particularly through remote sensing technologies capable of detecting subtle landscape modifications, enables the identification of previously undocumented road segments. Moreover, the adaptation of routes to mountainous terrains through non-linear path adjustments demonstrates a sophisticated appreciation of ancient engineering constraints and environmental adaptation strategies.

This research also exemplifies the expanding role of ‘big data’ and computational methodologies in classical studies and archaeology. Traditionally reliant on fragmentary textual sources and localized excavations, the discipline now benefits enormously from scalable digital infrastructures that facilitate comprehensive and reproducible analyses. As a fully open dataset, Itiner-e invites contributions and refinements from the global research community, fostering collaborative validation and iterative enhancement of the Roman road map.

The implications of Itiner-e extend into practical applications beyond academia. For instance, heritage preservation efforts can utilize detailed road mappings to prioritize excavation sites or protect vulnerable archaeological remains. Additionally, it may serve as an educational tool to deepen public fascination with Roman history, illustrating the logistical grandeur underpinning one of history’s most influential empires. Digital visualizations based on Itiner-e have potential to captivate broad audiences through immersive simulations or virtual reconstructions of Roman travel and commerce.

This new dataset also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, combining classical studies, archaeology, geography, and computer science. By synthesizing these domains, the research team has produced a dataset that not only enriches historical knowledge but also exemplifies how digital humanities can transform our understanding of ancient worlds. The methodology employed is likely to inspire similar projects targeting other large ancient networks such as roadways, aqueducts, and maritime routes.

In conclusion, Itiner-e stands as a monumental achievement in the digital reconstruction of ancient infrastructure, showcasing the power of modern technology fused with classical expertise to dramatically enhance our comprehension of the Roman Empire’s spatial organization. While certain uncertainties and limitations remain, this dataset lays a robust foundation for future explorations into the empire’s impact on connectivity, administration, and socio-economic dynamics over an unprecedented geo-spatial scale. As the digital humanities continue to evolve, resources like Itiner-e will be instrumental in bridging past and present, enabling new narratives about the engineering prowess and societal complexity of antiquity.

Subject of Research: High-resolution mapping and digitization of the Roman Empire’s road network

Article Title: Itiner-e: A high-resolution dataset of roads of the Roman Empire

News Publication Date: 6-Nov-2025

Web References:
10.1038/s41597-025-06140-z

Keywords: Roman Empire, Roman roads, archaeological GIS, digital humanities, ancient infrastructure, spatial datasets, historical geography, remote sensing, digital archaeology

At the core of this ambitious initiative lies a convergence approach mandated by the National Science Foundation’s Sustainable Regional Systems Research Networks (NSF SRS-RNs) grant scheme. Convergence, in this context, transcends superficial collaboration and instead requires profound integration of perspectives, methods, and goals across diverse scientific disciplines and stakeholder communities. However, the qualitative data harvested from participant interviews reveal that convergence is far from straightforward. Instead, it is riddled with ambiguities and practical difficulties that challenge conventional academic paradigms and the institutional frameworks within which research operates.

One of the study’s pivotal observations emphasizes the lack of an existing roadmap or template for achieving successful convergence. Researchers and practitioners alike find themselves navigating uncharted territory, forging new ways of working without a well-defined guide. The creation of a shared understanding about what convergence means within the context of a particular group is itself a significant undertaking. It demands deliberate investment of time and cognitive effort—a willingness to engage in open dialogue, to negotiate differing terminologies, and to build consensus on collective objectives.

Leadership enthusiasm emerges as a critical determinant in sustaining convergence. The study posits that when leaders within research networks embody and promote a genuine commitment to convergence principles, they set a tone that permeates the entire team. Such leadership galvanizes members to embrace the complexity of integrative work rather than retreating to discipline-specific silos. Leaders who are passionate about convergence often spearhead innovations in team culture that foster inclusivity and equitable participation, which are essential components in addressing systemic food waste.

Another innovative insight from the RECIPES experience relates to funding mechanisms targeted explicitly at convergence roles. Allocating designated funds to positions responsible for facilitating cross-disciplinary communication, coordinating joint activities, and resolving emerging conflicts plays a fundamental role in smoothing the operational hurdles typically faced in large collaborative projects. These “convergence facilitators” act as connective tissue within an otherwise fragmented research network, helping to translate and align differing disciplinary languages into a coherent collective endeavor focused on impactful outcomes.

The RECIPES team’s findings also highlight the transformative impact of community building as an underpinning strategy. Beyond institutional mandates or formal structures, convergence flourishes in environments where interpersonal relationships and trust are nurtured. Informal interactions, shared experiences, and social cohesion create fertile ground where interdisciplinary partnerships can deepen and thrive. The project’s success in cultivating an ethos of everyday convergence was partly attributable to intentional investment in community-building activities that allowed team members to develop a sense of belonging and mutual accountability.

Importantly, the researchers argue that convergence should not be constrained to a monolithic definition or a rigid framework. Instead, it must be flexible enough to embrace diverse forms and scales of integration, tailored to the unique attributes of each research group and its context. This pluralistic perspective acknowledges that the path to convergence is not uniform but is shaped by situational variables including disciplinary cultures, institutional norms, and the specific societal problems under investigation, such as food waste reduction in this case.

The study’s findings resonate beyond the RECIPES network and food systems research to suggest broader systemic transformations needed in academia and funding landscapes. Promoting convergence requires rethinking promotion criteria and academic reward systems that traditionally value individual disciplinary achievements over collective, interdisciplinary contributions. Likewise, funding agencies must consider reforming grant provisions to allow for longer-term, flexible investments that accommodate the slower, iterative processes intrinsic to authentic convergence.

Despite these broader systemic challenges, the RECIPES case demonstrates that tangible, actionable strategies exist within the immediate control of research groups to foster convergence in their everyday operations. Recognizing convergence as a dynamic ethos rather than a static endpoint allows scientists to continuously adapt and refine their collaborative approaches. This ethos entails embedding convergence into routine practices and interactions, making it an intrinsic part of the research identity rather than an external imposition or add-on.

One compelling implication of this study is the need for further scholarly exploration into how convergence manifests concretely in day-to-day research activities. Understanding the micro-level social dynamics, communication patterns, and decision-making processes that sustain interdisciplinary integration would provide invaluable guidance for designing future convergent networks. Such research could illuminate best practices and pitfalls, contributing to the evolving theory and practice of scientific convergence.

In a world facing increasing complexity and urgency—from climate change to food security—fostering convergence is not merely an academic ideal but a practical imperative. Networks like RECIPES that actively cultivate convergence offer critical lessons for how scientific communities can reimagine their modus operandi. Their ongoing efforts to nurture interdisciplinary bridges exemplify how collaboration across scales and sectors can generate transformative knowledge with real-world impact.

Ultimately, this study signals a paradigm shift in how research collaborations must be conceptualized and supported. The call for convergence demands a reorientation from fragmented expertise toward integrated approaches capable of addressing intertwined social, ecological, and technological challenges. The RECIPES network reminds us that while the journey toward convergence is complex and fraught with ambiguity, it holds extraordinary promise for reshaping food systems and advancing sustainability goals globally.

To realize this promise, stakeholders involved in science policy, funding, and institutional governance must heed the lessons from RECIPES—prioritizing community, leadership, and flexible funding while embracing diverse forms of convergence tailored to the contours of each research endeavor. In doing so, they will unlock new pathways to innovation and impact that transcend disciplinary boundaries, ultimately fostering a research ecosystem more attuned to the imperatives of our time.

Subject of Research: Convergence strategies within multidisciplinary networks aiming to reduce food waste and promote sustainable food systems.

Article Title: Cultivating an ethos of “everyday convergence”: insights from the Multiscale RECIPES Network for food waste reduction.

Article References:
Wood, A., Daly, J., Folger, J. et al. Cultivating an ethos of “everyday convergence”: insights from the Multiscale RECIPES Network for food waste reduction. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 12, 1658 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05905-6

Image Credits: AI Generated

Traditional PTE sensor sheets, designed to convert broadband photo-thermal energy into usable electrical signals, have long suffered from fabrication bottlenecks. One critical issue is the spatial misalignment inherent in their conventional manufacturing processes, mainly because each constituent component—carbon nanotube channels, dopants, and electrodes—needs to be fabricated separately. Such disjointed assembly impedes high-yield production and undermines the uniformity and performance consistency needed for large-scale applications. Professor Li’s team has ingeniously circumvented these limitations by pioneering an all-printable device fabrication platform that harmonizes every step within a single dispenser-printing process.

Central to this novel methodology is the formulation of highly concentrated, solution-processable carbon nanotube (CNT) inks, which serve as the backbone of the photothermal conversion function. The CNT channels, printed with utmost mechanical precision, facilitate efficient photo-thermoelectric conversion by serving as superior photo-absorbers. Enhancing ink concentration not only improved print fidelity but also increased sensor sensitivity, addressing a key technical challenge in the deployment of PTE sensors. By integrating dopants and electrically conductive pastes into the process, the research team has crafted fully printable sensor sheets, scalable to diverse sizes and adaptable to varied substrate materials.

The all-in-one dispenser printer employed by the researchers enables mechanically alignable, consecutive deposition of each sensor constituent, effectively eliminating critical spatial misalignments observed with conventional manual alignment. This monolithic approach ensures that every printed layer, from CNT channels to electrodes, aligns with micron-scale precision, significantly improving device yield rates and enabling mass production potential. The technique’s versatility allows for the seamless adaptation of sensor geometries tailored for specific applications, ranging from high-resolution imaging sensors to wearable flexible devices.

One of the transformative features of the new PTE sensor sheets lies in their ultrabroadband photo-detection capability. Thanks to the engineered CNT film, these sensors operate reliably across an extensive spectrum, surpassing many traditional narrowband photodetectors in sensitivity and stability. The photo-thermoelectric mechanism capitalizes on thermal gradients induced by incoming photons, translating them into electrical outputs even under varying environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity fluctuations. These qualities open new frontiers in real-time, non-invasive monitoring of materials and structural diagnostics in sectors like aerospace, civil engineering, and healthcare.

Professor Li’s team further demonstrated the adaptability of their CNT sensor design by successfully printing them on various flexible substrates, highlighting the platform’s utility in producing soft, deformable sensors. Applications such as transparent patch-scanners, flexible gloves embedded with sensor matrices, and conformal imagers showcase the technology’s potential for wearable and ubiquitous sensing solutions. This capability bridges the gap between rigid, bulky photodetector arrays and the demand for pliable, ergonomically compatible devices in emerging technology landscapes.

The researchers meticulously validated the performance of their fabricated PTE sensor sheets through experimental studies, underlining excellent reproducibility and high-yield integration. Their approach disproves previous notions that manual precision alignment is an unavoidable bottleneck in flexible sensor fabrication. By releasing all sensor constituents from the constraints of separate processing steps, this work paves the way for a new manufacturing paradigm in flexible electronics, conducive to automation and scalability while maintaining material and functional integrity.

Crucially, this technology’s implications go beyond the laboratory. The photothermal sensitivity of the CNT channels, coupled with a universally printable device structure, positions the sensor sheets as invaluable tools for non-destructive testing (NDT). Industries that rely on structural health monitoring, such as transportation infrastructure, energy systems, and manufacturing, will benefit immensely. The ease of integration and robustness of the sensor arrays promise greater deployment to detect subsurface defects, corrosion, or material fatigue—long-standing challenges in industry standards for safety and reliability.

The theoretical underpinnings of this breakthrough combine nanomaterials science with innovative printing methodologies. Carbon nanotubes, noted for their exceptional electrical, thermal, and optical properties, become even more versatile when formulated into printable inks. The carefully balanced ink solvents and dopants ensure homogeneous dispersion and processability, fostering consistent network formation during drying and curing phases. Such fine control over the nanoscale arrangement directly correlates to macroscopic sensor performance, enhancing sensitivity and stability for real-world uses.

Beyond their immediate functionality, these printable PTE sensor sheets exemplify sustainable device manufacturing. The solution-processable nature of the materials and the elimination of cumbersome alignment steps reduce material waste, processing time, and energy consumption. This environmentally conscientious approach aligns well with global trends toward greener electronic fabrication and resource-efficient production methodologies, marking an important stride in responsible technology development.

The team’s multifaceted expertise, spanning electrical engineering, materials science, and applied physics, is reflected in the collaborative nature of the work’s execution. This synergy was instrumental in transitioning a conceptual vision into a scalable fabrication process and reliable sensor product. Through careful experimentation, iterative refinement, and rigorous validation, the team successfully translated fundamental photothermal effects into practical, manufacturable devices suitable for broad implementation.

Published online on May 13, 2025, in npj Flexible Electronics, this research sets a new benchmark for the fabrication of flexible, multi-functional sensor sheets. The meticulous documentation and detailed experimental results outlined in the paper provide a solid foundation for future investigations and industrial adoption alike. As technology rapidly advances toward flexible, wearable, and large-area sensing systems, developments such as these by Kou Li and colleagues herald a future where high-performance sensors are both accessible and seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

As the global demand for intelligent sensing platforms continues to surge, the ability to fabricate such photo-thermoelectric devices en masse and with high uniformity could revolutionize a wide array of sectors. From environmental monitoring to medical diagnostics and structural safety, the impact of this innovation is poised to be profound. The synergy of advanced nanomaterial formulation, precision printing, and mechanical alignment within a single fabrication platform embodies the cutting edge of contemporary flexible electronics research.

Subject of Research:
Not applicable

Article Title:
Mechanically alignable and all-dispenser-printable device design platform for carbon nanotube-based soft-deformable photo-thermoelectric broadband imager sheets

News Publication Date:
13-May-2025

Web References:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41528-025-00419-2

Image Credits:
Created by Assistant Professor, Kou Li, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Chuo University

Keywords

Sensors, Carbon nanotubes, Applied optics, Direct visualization