AI & Health Research: USC researchers report the vagus nerve can carry gut signals to the hippocampus, linking what animals eat to memory-related brain chemistry—work that could inform Alzheimer’s risk. Adolescent Mental Health: UC Davis-led analysis of the ABCD Study finds sleep quality is the most consistent lifestyle factor tied to worse grades and peer difficulties in young teens with mental health symptoms. Food Science & Consumer Trust: A UC Davis investigation raises questions about whether some “avocado oil” claims on processed foods match what’s actually in the product, reigniting scrutiny of labeling. California Courts & Medicine: A federal judge temporarily blocks California from disciplining three doctors over COVID-19 advice shared with patients, challenging state enforcement tied to AB 2098. Biosecurity-Adjacent AI: Stanford and Palo Alto’s Arc Institute used an AI model to generate viable bacteriophages that can’t infect humans or animals, a step that also highlights misuse concerns. Local Tech Governance: San Mateo County approved a framework to permit and regulate commercial humanoid robots, including emergency shutoffs and job-displacement tracking. Tech Industry: Joby Aviation plans to buy Resonant Sciences for about $500M to expand defense-focused autonomy and hybrid aircraft systems.