Science/Tech

Active-duty US soldiers to receive psychedelic drugs for PTSD next year
Hope that sessions of MDMA-assisted therapy could help soldiers fight longer by helping them process trauma
As the war on drugs approaches its end, a new doctrine could soon take hold: psychedelic drugs for active-duty soldiers suffering from PTSD.
In two studies funded by the Department of Defense (DoD), 186 service personnel with PTSD will likely next year undergo multiple sessions of...

OpenAI tells ChatGPT models to stop talking about goblins
The AI firm said that unlike previous model bugs, this issue “crept in subtly”.
Palantir Is Making a French Chore Coat. Yes, That Palantir.
The data analysis company is selling a version of the jacket that it says will show its commitment to “re-industrializing America.”

UK researchers develop tool to identify people most at risk of obesity-related diseases
Data tool could help NHS prioritise who gets access to limited weight-loss medication, say scientists
A new tool that can shed light on who is most at risk of obesity-related diseases could help identify people who would benefit most from weight-loss medications, researchers have said.
Recent data suggests about two-thirds of adults in England are overweight or obese – a situation that has...

A world record, a media frenzy and Earth’s wonder: Guardian Australia’s top photos of April – video
From world record breakers to the most iconic image of all time, these are Guardian Australia’s top three photos for April. Photographer and picture editor, Carly Earl, hand-picks three photographs as her favourites every month and explains the craft and composition that makes them special. April’s edition includes a quiet, intimate moment of record-breaking athlete, Gout Gout, a picture...

Big US tech stocks swing as investors probe AI spend
Meta, Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft all reported their financial performance at the same time on Wednesday

The friendlier the AI chatbot the more inaccurate it is, study suggests
Researchers found adjusting AI systems to be more warm and friendly to users would result in an “accuracy trade-off”.

Musk accuses Altman of stealing a charity as courtroom battle begins
The case over OpenAI’s history and public commitments could have major implications for the future of AI.

Social media restrictions for under-16s even if no ban, minister says
The government is consulting on changes as a new social media law goes through its final Parliamentary stages.

Musk v Altman: The most toxic row in tech goes on trial
The battle between the AI big hitters has largely played out on social media. Now it is coming to the courtroom.

Valve’s £85 Steam Controller divides gamers ahead of May launch
The pad will be compatible with PCs, Valve’s handheld console, the Steam Deck as well as its upcoming gaming PC.

China blocks Meta’s $2bn acquisition of AI start-up Manus
It comes after months of scrutiny by Chinese regulators over deal struck with Facebook owner.

I brought my husband back for his funeral as a hologram
After nearly 60 years of marriage, Pam wanted to honour her husband Bill with a hologram at his funeral.

Tech Now
Alasdair Keane visits the underground insect farm turning food waste into animal feed.

OpenAI boss ‘deeply sorry’ for not telling police of Tumbler Ridge suspect’s account
Sam Altman on Thursday wrote a brief letter of apology to the people of Tumbler Ridge, Canada in the wake of a January mass shooting.

UK cyber chiefs say it’s time to ditch passwords for passkeys – what are they?
Passwords have long been the default way we secure accounts online but the NCSC has said passkeys are a better option.

Biobank data incident caused by ‘a few bad apples’, boss says
Professor Sir Rory Collins said he was “angry” and “upset” about the incident, as both the bank’s boss and a participant.

White House memo claims mass AI theft by Chinese firms
A memo from Michael Kratsios says firms, mainly in China, are wrongfully distilling US AI models.

Meta says it will cut 8,000 jobs as AI spending grows
The cuts, which employees had been expecting for weeks, will be Meta’s largest layoff since 2023.