Designed

• UK scientists from the University of Oxford and biotechnology firm Basecamp Research have launched human trials for the world's first AI-designed vaccine. • The vaccine targets Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a potentially fatal viral disease primarily transmitted to humans via tick bites. • This milestone represents a significant shift in medical research, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can accelerate the design and development of complex drugs.

• France is seeking to join a joint British-German initiative to develop long-range missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory, according to the Financial Times. • Trilateral negotiations regarding Paris' accession to the missile program are expected to take place soon to strengthen European defense capabilities. • Separately, Norway's Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård has expressed interest in a plan to facilitate the rapid transfer of military personnel and equipment across the EU during crises.

New law proposes up to 20 years in prison for promoting ‘foreign interests’, and restricts those who work with or are funded by overseas partnersUgandan opposition figures, human rights organisations and legal experts have condemned a sweeping bill that proposes up to 20 years in prison for promoting “foreign interests”, and imposes restrictions on a broad range of people and organisations that work with or receive funding from overseas partners.The protection of sovereignty bill 2026 is being fast tracked through parliament, with debate expected to conclude before the presidential swearing-in on 12 May. Continue reading...

• OpenAI announced a new AI model specifically engineered to enhance the performance and capabilities of other AI systems. • The development positions OpenAI as a leader in meta-AI tools that optimize existing models for better efficiency and functionality. • This breakthrough could accelerate AI advancement cycles, enabling faster iterations and broader applications across industries.

London gallery to undergo biggest transformation in its 200-year history, with Kengo Kuma’s design called ‘exemplary’The National Gallery has announced that its largest and most significant transformation since its formation 200 years ago will be designed by the Japanese architect behind Tokyo’s Olympic stadium.The new wing will be designed by Kengo Kuma as part of Project Domani, the gallery’s expansion into art from the 20th and 21st centuries. Its completion would make the National Gallery the only museum in the world which exclusively displays paintings where visitors will be able to view the entire history of painting in the western tradition. Continue reading...

• BMW accidentally leaked images of its redesigned i3 EV, revealing a sleeker design ahead of its scheduled March 2026 U.S. market launch. • The updated model features enhanced aerodynamics and interior tech tailored for American consumers amid rising EV demand. • Separately, Toyota announced a $1 billion investment in U.S.-made EV production, bolstering domestic manufacturing.

Courts in Australia may be willing to hold social media companies accountable for real-world harm, lawyers sayFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralian law firms are investigating the scope for future legal cases after a landmark US court ruling that found Meta and YouTube liable for deliberately designing addictive products.A jury in Los Angeles ruled against the two tech giants on Wednesday, finding both to be negligent and having failed to provide adequate warnings about the potential dangers of their products. Continue reading...