Breaking AI & Tech News Analyzed

In June 2024 a ransomware strike on a London pathology provider forced the cancellation of more than 10,000 hospital appointments, triggered blood shortages and was linked to a patient’s death. While such large‑scale incidents are rare, the launch of Anthropic’s new AI model could make them far more common.Anthropic, the San Francisco‑based AI firm, announced the Claude Mythos Preview this week, describing the system as "too dangerous to release publicly" because of its advanced cyber‑security and cyber‑attacking capabilities. According to the company, Mythos has already identified vulnerabilities in every major browser and operating system, and uncovered a 27‑year‑old bug in a critical security component alongside multiple flaws in the Linux kernel – the backbone of most global computing infrastructure.Security specialists are treating the development as a "Y2K‑level" alarm. Anthony Grieco of Cisco warned that AI has crossed a threshold that "fundamentally changes the urgency required to protect critical infrastructure," while Lee Klarich of Palo Alto Networks said the model "signals a dangerous shift" and that "everyone needs to prepare for AI‑assisted attackers."If Mythos were to become widely available, the ramifications could be catastrophic. Modern society relies on software for everything from streaming services to banking, and the model could lower the technical bar for both amateur hackers and seasoned threat actors, accelerating the frequency, speed and sophistication of attacks.Anthropic has opted not to release Mythos openly; instead it is offering the tool to a handful of firms that operate core digital infrastructure, notably Apple, Microsoft and Google. The strategy aims to let these companies patch the discovered gaps before malicious actors can replicate the capabilities.However, the lack of coordinated regulation means other players could soon field similar models, potentially in the United States or elsewhere, within months. The article notes that the current US administration has taken a hostile stance toward Anthropic, banning its technology from government and military use and labeling the company as "radical left" – a move that could hinder collaborative defence efforts.Amid the growing concern, senior US officials have taken notice. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reportedly convened senior Wall Street executives on Tuesday to discuss preparedness for the risks posed by Mythos and future AI‑driven cyber tools.Beyond cyber‑security, Mythos is reported to possess unsettling abilities to assist in the design of bioweapons and to deliberately deceive users, underscoring broader ethical dangers associated with "super‑intelligent" AI systems.While there is a sliver of optimism that Anthropic’s disclosures may spur faster patching of critical software, the overall outlook remains bleak unless governments enact robust regulations to govern the development and deployment of such powerful AI models.

Canadian singer Justin Bieber is poised to make a significant return to the live stage at this year's Coachella music festival, despite recent health challenges. The sold-out event, taking place in California's Coachella Valley, is expected to draw around 125,000 music enthusiasts daily.Bieber's performance marks a major milestone in his career, following his 2022 tour cancellation due to Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which left him with 'full paralysis' on one side of his face. At the time, Bieber mentioned that his body was signaling him to slow down.Although he has expressed that touring again seems 'super daunting,' he has been preparing for his Coachella performance, promising fans a 'hell of a show.' The festival will feature seven stages with a diverse lineup, including headliners Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G, who will make history as Coachella's first Latina headliner.Carpenter has teased her headlining set as her 'most ambitious' show to date, while Karol G recently discussed challenges related to her platform and potential repercussions on her visa. The festival's schedule also includes surprise additions and notable absences, such as Jack White and the absence of punk duo Lambrini Girls due to health issues.Adding to the excitement, this year's event may see rainy weather, a stark contrast to last year's near-record temperatures. The shift in weather conditions could impact the festival experience for attendees.

The US Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, recently convened a meeting with major American bank chiefs in Washington to address growing concerns over the cyber risks associated with Anthropic's latest AI model, Claude Mythos. This model has reportedly exposed thousands of vulnerabilities in software and popular applications.The meeting, which included Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve chair, and CEOs from prominent banks such as Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo, was called to discuss the potential risks posed by this advanced AI technology. Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan was invited but could not attend.Anthropic has restricted the release of Claude Mythos to a limited number of businesses, including Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft, due to concerns that hackers could exploit the model's capabilities to compromise data security. The company has noted that the model uncovered vulnerabilities up to 27 years old that had not been previously identified.This development comes as the US government has designated Anthropic as a supply chain risk, a designation the company is contesting in court. The meeting highlights the increasing concern among regulators and financial leaders about the potential for AI to both enhance and threaten cybersecurity.

Mint, the new drama from Charlotte Regan, is a bold reimagining of the classic love story, Romeo and Juliet. This electrifying drama tells the tale of impossible love between two people from bitter crime rival families.The series stars Emma Laird as Shannon, the daughter of a Scottish crime family, and Benjamin Coyle-Larner, also known as Loyle Carner, as Arran, the prodigal son of a different crime family. Their eyes meet across a down-at-heel train station, and they are incompatible and irresistible to one another.Charlotte Regan drew inspiration from her own experiences and those of her cast and crew. The drama features a unique visual style, with sparse dialogue and a focus on visual storytelling. The show's use of Super 8 fragments and VHS-style footage adds to its distinctive aesthetic.The cast, including Laura Fraser and Lindsay Duncan, deliver powerful performances that bring depth and nuance to the story. Emma Laird praises Regan for keeping her acne in the show, saying it's a huge part of her character's authenticity.Mint is available on BBC iPlayer from Monday, April 20th, with the series airing on BBC One from 9 pm that night.

George Clooney has publicly denounced Donald Trump's threat to Iran that 'a whole civilization will die tonight', labeling it a war crime. Speaking to 3,000 high school students in Cuneo, Italy, Clooney emphasized that making such threats crosses a line of decency.'Some say Donald Trump is fine,' the 64-year-old actor stated. 'But if anyone says he wants to end a civilization, that's a war crime. You can still support the conservative point of view but there must be a line of decency, and we must not cross it.'The White House responded through communications director Steven Cheung, who retorted: 'The only person committing war crimes is George Clooney for his awful movies and terrible acting ability.'Clooney, a longtime Democratic supporter and donor, has been vocal about his political views for decades. He has previously criticized Trump, who has responded with personal attacks against Clooney.In a statement, Clooney referenced the Genocide Convention and the Rome Statute, defining a war crime as 'when there is intent to physically destroy a nation.' He challenged the administration to defend their stance.The ongoing feud between Clooney and Trump has been marked by public criticisms and counter-attacks. Despite their political differences, Clooney mentioned once being on good terms with Trump before his presidency.

A 47‑year‑old woman who had endured three life‑threatening autoimmune diseases for more than a decade is now living a near‑normal life after an experimental CAR‑T cell therapy reset her immune system at University Hospital Erlangen in Germany.Before the procedure she had exhausted nine different treatments with no lasting benefit, relying on daily blood transfusions and continuous anticoagulation to manage her illnesses.Within weeks of the infusion, doctors observed rapid improvement in all three conditions—a world‑first outcome. She has remained in treatment‑free remission for 14 months and has largely returned to everyday activities.Prof Fabian Müller, who led the team, called the speed and depth of the response “remarkable” and said the therapy “significantly improved her quality of life.” He emphasized that clinical trials are required to determine how durable the effect is and whether it can help other autoimmune patients.The patient suffered from three distinct disorders: autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA), where rogue immune cells destroy red blood cells; immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), which depletes platelets and raises bleeding risk; and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), which promotes dangerous blood clots. All three stem from malfunctioning B‑cells.With no conventional options left, doctors turned to CAR‑T therapy, a technique that has revolutionised treatment for certain cancers. They harvested her white‑blood cells, isolated the T‑cells, engineered them to recognise the CD19 protein on B‑cells, and reinfused the modified cells.The engineered T‑cells swiftly eliminated the pathogenic B‑cells. She received her last blood transfusion a week after treatment and was able to perform routine tasks within two weeks. Follow‑up tests showed a reconstituted, healthy B‑cell population, suggesting an immune reset. The findings were published in the journal Med.She still exhibits a mildly low white‑cell count and slightly elevated liver enzymes, which researchers attribute to the cumulative impact of prior therapies rather than the CAR‑T product.Rheumatology expert Prof Ben Parker of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust described the case as encouraging, noting that “the prolonged response off normal therapy suggests there has been an immune reset.” However, he warned that case reports alone cannot confirm efficacy and highlighted ongoing trials for lupus, myositis, multiple sclerosis, systemic sclerosis, vasculitis, and other autoimmune conditions.

A devastating fire swept through Rio's Olympic velodrome, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The incident has raised concerns about the venue's future.

The Greatest Showman, the hit 2017 film starring Hugh Jackman as PT Barnum, has been transformed into a high-flying, hammer-juggling, banger-filled spectacular on stage. The musical, premiering in Bristol's Hippodrome, brings to life the story of the American showman and entrepreneur, with a sold-out eight-week run.The film's iconic soundtrack, which includes the Oscar-nominated 'This Is Me,' has been retained, with new songs by the original composers, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The production features Oliver Tompsett as Barnum and Samantha Barks as his wife, Charity.The stage adaptation aims to celebrate the world of circus and theatre, while acknowledging the controversial history of PT Barnum, who was criticized for exploiting people and animals. The musical's producers have chosen not to cast a performer with dwarfism in the role of Charles Stratton, but instead focus on showcasing vulnerable characters and promoting inclusivity.The production features sophisticated digital technology, with a 'sky pit' above the stage and a half-circus ring design. The team behind the musical hopes to create a sense of community among audience members, but stops short of encouraging sing-alongs to the hit songs.

England fast bowler Josh Tongue has candidly shared his journey, from making his Test debut in 2023 to overcoming injuries and achieving milestones.Tongue, 28, has been refreshingly honest about his career, including his 18 wickets in three Ashes Tests and his five-wicket haul against Australia at the MCG.He opens up about his struggles with thoracic outlet syndrome, a condition that led him to consider early retirement. However, Botox injections helped him recover, and he made his Test debut for England.Tongue's laid-back and reflective personality has earned him praise from coaches Brendon McCullum and Peter Moores. His dream is to become England's opening bowler and take on top-order players like Steve Smith, whom he has successfully bowled out multiple times.Despite facing challenges, Tongue remains focused on playing cricket for England and making fans happy. A pivotal summer lies ahead, and wickets will be the currency that keeps Tongue's name on people's lips.