Artificial

• Researchers at Columbia Engineering have developed a new robot capable of more realistic lip movements to reduce the "uncanny valley" effect and make robot faces feel less creepy. • The system achieves this by utilizing a learning model that analyzes human lip movements during conversations, addressing a critical area where previous robots have struggled. • This breakthrough matters because humans focus heavily on the mouth during social interaction, and improving facial synchronicity enhances human-robot communication and trust.

• President Biden issued an executive order aimed at promoting innovation and enhancing security within the field of advanced artificial intelligence. • The Director of OMB, alongside the National Cyber Director and CISA, must determine within 30 days if existing Federal grant programs can fund advanced AI vulnerability detection. • Within 60 days, the Office of Personnel Management is required to expand hiring and placement pathways for the United States Tech Force Information Cybersecurity Specialists.

• SoftBank Group announced a landmark €75 billion ($87.5 billion) investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure across France on May 30, 2026. • The initiative is the largest single investment in AI computing capacity in Europe, focusing on the development of massive data centers. • The first phase of the project aims to deliver 3.1 gigawatts (GW) of data center capacity specifically within the Hauts-de-France region.

• China has launched "human artificial embryos," created from living stem cells, to the Tiangong space station via the Tianzhou-10 mission. • These embryo-like structures will be used in experiments to study the specific effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation on human reproduction. • The research is critical for understanding the biological challenges humans face during long-term space travel and potential colonization.

• Artificial intelligence is accelerating scientific research by integrating machine learning into drug discovery, climate modeling, and scientific automation. • Key breakthroughs include the use of AI to accurately map protein structure and function, which has significantly advanced structural biology and medical research. • AI is enhancing environmental science by processing massive datasets to refine the accuracy of weather predictions and climate simulations.

• Sierra Leone's Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation is developing the country's first-ever National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy. • The initiative is being created in collaboration with the World Bank Group and other strategic partners to establish a framework for AI adoption. • This move is critical for expanding digital opportunities and ensuring the proper governance of emerging technologies within the nation.

Exclusive: People from deprived and minority ethnic backgrounds have better access to device than for previous technologiesThe rollout of a “life-changing” artificial pancreas on the NHS for people with type 1 diabetes has helped to narrow ethnic and socioeconomic inequality within access to treatment, according to figures.Officially known as a hybrid closed-loop system, an artificial pancreas comprises three interconnected parts: a sensor worn on the body called a continuous glucose monitor; an algorithm either built into the pump or on a separate device such as a phone that calculates the precise dose of insulin needed; and an insulin pump that delivers the dose into the bloodstream. Continue reading...