Recent advances in large language models (LLMs) have opened new avenues for accelerating scientific research. While models are increasingly capable of assisting with routine tasks, their ability to contribute to novel, expert-level mathematical discovery is less understood. We present a collection of case studies demonstrating how researchers have successfully collaborated with advanced AI models, specifically Google's Gemini-based models (in particular Gemini Deep Think and its advanced variants), to solve open problems, refute conjectures, and generate new proofs across diverse areas in theoretical computer science, as well as other areas such as economics, optimization, and physics. Based on these experiences, we extract common techniques for effective human-AI collaboration in theoretical research, such as iterative refinement, problem decomposition, and cross-disciplinary knowledge transfer. While the majority of our results stem from this interactive, conversational methodology, we also highlight specific instances that push beyond standard chat interfaces. These include deploying the model as a rigorous adversarial reviewer to detect subtle flaws in existing proofs, and embedding it within a "neuro-symbolic" loop that autonomously writes and executes code to verify complex derivations. Together, these examples highlight the potential of AI not just as a tool for automation, but as a versatile, genuine partner in the creative process of scientific discovery.

When materials become just one atom thick, melting no longer follows the familiar rules. Instead of jumping straight from solid to liquid, an unusual in-between state emerges, where atomic positions loosen like a liquid but still keep some solid-like order. Scientists at the University of Vienna have now captured this elusive “hexatic” phase in real time by filming an ultra-thin silver iodide crystal as it melted inside a protective graphene sandwich.

Erin McCanlies was listening to the radio one morning in April when she heard Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promising to find the cause of autism by September. The secretary of Health and Human Services said he believed an environmental toxin was responsible for the dramatic increase in the condition and vowed to gather “the most credible scientists from all over the world” to solve the mystery.

Nothing like that has ever been done before, he told an interviewer.

McCanlies was stunned. The work had been done.

“That’s exactly what I’ve been doing!” she said to her husband, Fred.

A trawl of job views and application data suggests jobseekers are looking abroad as the Trump administration’s cuts to science take hold.

JWST spotted two sulfur‑bearing gases (DMS and DMDS) in the atmosphere of hycean exoplanet K2‑18 b (8.6 × Earth’s mass, 124 ly away), a combination that on Earth is made only by marine microbes—making this the strongest potential biosignature detected so far, though follow‑up observations are needed to rule out non‑biological sources.

The study, preserved elsewhere in House of Representatives records, found that undocumented people were arrested at half the rate of native-born citizens for violent and drug crimes, and a quarter the rate for property crimes.

It also noted that the undocumented had the lowest offending rates overall for felony and violent felony crime in the border state.

On Monday, the company, which describes itself as the “world’s only de-extinction company,” announced the rebirth of the once-extinct dire wolf. The Texas-based bioengineering company used DNA extracted from two fossils as well as 20 edits of the genetic code of a grey wolf — similar to a technique used in the movie Jurassic Park, where dinosaurs are brought back to life by using frog DNA to fill in genetic gaps — to bring the species out of extinction.

In shock move, four institute directors at the US biomedical agency are removed from their posts.

Scientists investigated a new two-dimensional form of matter known as Bose glass, which could help physicists study a concept known as many-body localization.

What's good for your aging gut may also be good for your aging brain.

New research challenges a long-held assumption about oxygen in the deep sea, with scientists finding oxygen produced without photosynthesis in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.

Its finding that there’s another source of oxygen on the planet other than photosynthesis also has far-reaching implications that could help unravel the origins of life.

A new study provides some theoretical underpinning to sci-fi warp drives, suggesting that the superfast propulsion tech may not forever elude humanity.

In fact, there is strong evidence that masks do work to prevent the spread of respiratory illness. It just doesn't come from RCTs. It comes from Kansas. In July 2020 the governor of Kansas issued an executive order requiring masks in public places. Just a few weeks earlier, however, the legislature had passed a bill authorizing counties to opt out of any statewide provision. In the months that followed, COVID rates decreased in all 24 counties with mask mandates and continued to increase in 81 other counties that opted out of them.

frail or unhealthy individuals were more likely to die during the pandemic than those who were not frail. During the flu, the estimated hazards for individuals with periosteal lesions that were active at the time of death were over two times higher compared to the control group

If their claims turn out to be true, the team in Korea will have made one of the biggest breakthroughs in physics history, no doubt leading to revolutionary changes in electronics and certainly Nobel medals for all those involved.

There is still a long way to go in understanding exactly how any of these proteins fit into the physiology of dementia, and a much better understanding of the underlying mechanisms is needed before people can benefit. Such insights “could potentially open doors for early interventions”, says Seyfried.

“This will change medicine. It will change research. It will change bioengineering. It will change everything,” Lupas adds.

all this due to an improved ability to calculate something. wild.

‘structure is function’ is an axiom of molecular biology