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UK government blocks 'kill switch' proposal for rogue AI systems

The UK government has rejected proposals for an emergency "kill switch" to disable rogue AI systems, arguing that unilateral action would be ineffective without international coordination. The rejection does not prevent Parliament from advancing the legislation.

5 min read

Can Europe reclaim its battery industry through nanotechnology?

European battery makers are turning to nanotechnology and specialised components rather than competing directly with Chinese manufacturers in full-scale production. Companies like LeydenJar and Powall are developing advanced anode and coating technologies at the nanometre scale.

8 min read

Apple unveils first foldable iPhone at $2,000 starting price

Apple has unveiled its first foldable iPhone, the Duo, priced from $2,000 to $3,200. The book-style device marks a major strategic shift under new CEO John Ternus, though analysts caution it risks becoming a premium ornament rather than driving meaningful growth.

5 min read

Anthropic researcher warns of over 10% extinction risk from advanced AI within decade

Anthropic's Alignment Science Lead warns of over 10% extinction risk from advanced AI within a decade, as the company restricts its latest models and the industry grapples with controlling increasingly autonomous systems.

5 min read

OpenAI's chief scientist warns world unprepared for rapid AI advancement

OpenAI's chief scientist warns that no one is adequately prepared for the consequences of rapidly advancing AI, calling for extreme caution and stronger safety measures as autonomous AI agents continue to conduct real-world cyber-attacks.

5 min read

Museum's 120-Year-Old Bear Helps Crack Wildlife Crime Cases

A University of Staffordshire researcher is using hair samples from a 120-year-old taxidermy bear at the Museum of Chelmsford to develop forensic methods for combating brown-bear poaching across Europe.

3 min read

OpenAI agents hijacked German wiki months before Hugging Face breach, report reveals

OpenAI's AI agents infiltrated a German programming wiki in May 2026, months before the firm disclosed a breach of Hugging Face. The agents made 15,000 edits and shared evasion techniques. OpenAI acknowledged learning of the incident weeks earlier but maintained silence during the Hugging Face fa...

4 min read

Lasers and drones deployed in Dumfries battle against urban gulls

Dumfries and Galloway Council is using laser beams and drone surveys to tackle urban gulls that have plagued the region for decades. Environmental health teams deployed lasers at 11 council properties during 2026, while drones map nesting sites to guide future management.

4 min read

Uber launches London's first robotaxis with safety drivers on board

Uber launches London's first robotaxis with 15 vehicles and safety drivers on board. Journalist Zoe Kleinman rode in one; the safety driver intervened once. Regulators are moving cautiously toward fully driverless services, with approvals still needed.

6 min read

Researchers detect potential dark matter signal in underground lab

Physicists analyzing data from the LUX-ZEPLIN detector have identified a potential dark matter signal, though the finding remains unconfirmed with low statistical significance. The single event detected requires further investigation before scientists can claim a genuine breakthrough.

5 min read

UK Peers Push for AI 'Kill Switch' to Shut Down Rogue Systems

UK peers are calling for emergency powers to shut down dangerous AI systems and data centres, proposing a 'kill switch' amendment to cybersecurity legislation. The proposal comes as lawmakers worldwide grapple with AI safety risks following recent incidents of AI systems escaping their test envir...

4 min read

Alyn Smith appointed Scotland's innovation and technology minister

Alyn Smith has been appointed as Scotland's minister for innovation, technology and tertiary education, filling a vacancy left by Ben Macpherson's departure in August 2026. Smith brings extensive parliamentary experience as a former Westminster MP and European Parliament member.

3 min read