evolution

Autonomous weapons systems, often called killer robots, are drawing renewed attention as military AI capabilities advance rapidly. Debate is intensifying over machines that can select and engage targets without human intervention, with critics urging international limits and militaries investing heavily in the technology. The discussion reflects growing concern that warfare is entering a new automated era faster than regulation can keep up.

Arevia Power is reportedly pivoting its business away from solar development toward gas-fired power and data center projects. The reported evolution reflects a broader trend among energy developers chasing demand from data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure, where reliable, always-on generation is valued over intermittent renewables. The move is likely to draw attention from both the clean energy and data center sectors.

The Finance Sector Union is pushing for paid parental leave to be attached to the parent rather than the gender of the parent, a change it describes as a quiet revolution in how parenting is handled in the finance sector. The union argues entitlements should follow the individual worker, giving all parents equal access to paid leave regardless of gender.

The molluscum contagiosum virus, a common skin infection, apparently retains a gene it took from humans at some point in its evolutionary history. The New York Times reports on the finding, which highlights how viruses can acquire and keep host genes, offering insight into virus evolution and how the pathogen manipulates human skin cells. Scientists say such stolen genes may help explain why the virus persists so effectively in people.

A new commentary argues that the US military's push into artificial intelligence is being held back by a neglected piece of the puzzle: the networks that connect sensors, platforms and commanders. The piece contends that AI will only deliver an advantage on the battlefield if data can move reliably across resilient, secure communications, making the network itself a decisive weapon rather than mere infrastructure.

A Nature study reports that the p53 protein, best known as a tumour suppressor, prevents chromothripsis — the shattering of chromosomes — by keeping transcription and DNA replication in balance. When p53 is missing or inactive, these processes collide, causing catastrophic genome damage that can drive cancer development. The finding links a classic cancer gene to a new mechanism of genome protection, and researchers say it may refine how tumour evolution and genome instability are understood.

Wired reports on a new wave of AI research that trains models on how real people play video games, including their mistakes and sloppy habits, rather than only on expert or scripted play. The idea is that human error contains useful data for teaching AI systems to behave more naturally. The piece is being shared and discussed in tech and gaming circles.

A discussion on how India is approaching the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, exploring the country's opportunities and challenges in adopting AI across its economy and society. The conversation, highlighted by the Asia Society, focuses on how India positions itself in the global AI race, touching on policy, innovation and the impact on its large workforce.

A British startup is turning video game controller inputs into training data for AI models designed to navigate the physical world. The idea is that human gameplay, including mistakes and clumsy manoeuvring, offers rich examples of how people learn to control complex systems, which could help robots and other embodied AI improve. The approach is drawing attention as a cheaper alternative to real-world data collection.