With help from monkeys, scientists build a leaner AI brain

NPR | By Jon Hamilton

Published February 25, 2026 at 4:18 PM CST

Scientists have created an AI version of a monkey brain that recognizes images without requiring the massive computing power of existing AI systems.

Tags

Jon Hamilton

Jon Hamilton is a correspondent for NPR's Science Desk. Currently he focuses on neuroscience and health risks.

What to know about Sen. Katie Britt, who's negotiating changes to how ICE operates

Sam Gringlas

Alabama Sen. Katie Britt came to national prominence in 2024 with an image as a firebrand on the right but has developed a reputation as a bipartisan deal maker in the Senate.
'Bridgerton' is back: Head downstairs to meet this season's love interest

Ava Berger, Juana Summers, Megan Lim, Justine Kenin

Bridgerton continues to enthrall fans. This season, Yerin Ha stars as Sophie Baek in a Cinderella-coded story.
Supreme Court appears split in tax foreclosure case

Nina Totenberg

At issue is whether a county can seize homeowners' residence for unpaid property taxes and sell the house at auction for less than the homeowners would get if they put their home on the market themselves.
Every month in Baker, Nev., people come out for a full moon hike

Fil Corbitt

Among the cattle ranches and stretches of desert of Eastern Nevada, there aren't a lot of social events. But there is a full moon hike every month in the tiny town of Baker.
FBI Director Kash Patel faces scrutiny over travel on government jet

Ryan Lucas

Democrats and others are raising questions about FBI Director Kash Patel's travel on a taxpayer-funded plane.