Breaking AI & Tech News Analyzed

For the first time, thousands of cancer patients from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds will benefit from an enhanced genetic test offered by the NHS. The new screening expands the panel of DPYD gene variants from four to five, directly addressing a long‑standing bias that left non‑white patients vulnerable to dangerous chemotherapy side‑effects. In England, patients slated for chemotherapy undergo a genetic check that can guide dose adjustments and mitigate adverse reactions such as mouth sores, hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and, in severe cases, death. Up to 40% of the 38,000 individuals receiving fluoropyrimidine‑based chemotherapy each year experience a harmful drug reaction. Previously, the test only targeted four DPYD variants common in people of European descent, meaning many Black patients received inaccurate “all‑clear” results. The addition of a fifth variant—more prevalent among African, Caribbean and other minority groups—means clinicians can now identify patients at risk who were previously missed. Since its rollout at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust last September, three minority‑ethnic patients have had their initial chemotherapy doses adjusted, lowering their chance of a potentially fatal reaction. Dr Veline L’Esperance, senior clinical adviser at the NHS Race and Health Observatory, called the change “tangible results for patients who have historically been left behind.” She emphasized that the update shifts the discussion on ethnic health inequality from rhetoric to actionable care. Prof Habib Naqvi, chief executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, described the development as a “groundbreaking outcome” for chemotherapy safety, while noting that ethnic minorities remain under‑represented in genomic research and biobanks. He warned that broader inclusion is essential for the promised benefits of precision medicine to reach all communities. Prof Dame Sue Hill, chief scientific officer for NHS England, highlighted the significance of discovering the fifth variant: “Personalising chemotherapy based on genetics can save lives and reduce harmful side‑effects, especially for patients of African ancestry.” She added that the North West NHS Genomic Medicine Service has already demonstrated the practical impact of this approach. These steps come amid broader evidence that minority patients in the UK face longer diagnostic waits, more GP visits before a cancer diagnosis, and lower perceived support during treatment. The expanded DPYD test represents a concrete effort to close those gaps and ensure equitable, science‑driven care for all cancer patients.

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick strongly criticized the red card decision given to defender Lisandro Martínez during the team's 2-1 loss to Leeds United at Old Trafford. Martínez was sent off in the 56th minute for pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a decision Carrick described as 'shocking' and one that may prompt an appeal.The red card could result in a three-match ban for Martínez, potentially sidelining him for United's upcoming fixtures against Chelsea, Brentford, and Liverpool. This comes at a critical time as Harry Maguire is also facing a possible suspension for his second yellow card in as many games.Carrick questioned the severity of the red card, stating, 'The arm [is] in the face of Lisandro and he is off balance and grappling. He goes to touch his shirt and gets a red card for it.' He emphasized that the incident did not constitute aggressive behavior, adding, 'It is not aggressive, there is no jolt, no tug.'The manager also expressed concern over another incident involving Noah Okafor's goal for Leeds, suggesting that Dominic Calvert-Lewin impeded Leny Yoro in the buildup. 'The goal, Leny Yoro gets a forearm smash in the back of the head. I don’t know how that doesn’t get overturned,' Carrick remarked.Leeds United's manager, Daniel Farke, reflected on the historic victory, stating, 'I feel tired, relieved, proud of the boys. The first league win here in over 40 years is amazing.'

Goldman Sachs's chief executive, David Solomon, has expressed heightened awareness of the capabilities of Anthropic's Mythos AI model and is collaborating closely with the tech firm following warnings about the cybersecurity risk it poses.The US bank has been closely monitoring the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, including large language models (LLMs), as part of broader efforts to protect itself from hackers.“Obviously the LLMs are making rapid progress and we’re hyper-aware of the enhanced capabilities of these new models with the help of the US government and the model publishers,” Solomon told analysts on an earnings call on Monday.Anthropic, the company behind the Claude family of AI tools, claimed last week that its latest model, Mythos, posed an unprecedented risk due to its ability to expose flaws in IT systems. The company warned that AI models have reached a level of coding capability where they can surpass all but the most skilled humans at finding and exploiting software vulnerabilities.Solomon emphasized that Goldman Sachs is working closely with Anthropic and all of its security vendors to harness frontier capabilities. “We are very focused on supplementing our cyber and infrastructure resilience. And this is part of our ongoing capabilities that we have been investing in, and are accelerating our investment in.”The news comes after the US Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, summoned Solomon and other big American bankers to Washington to discuss the Mythos model last week. The meeting focused on heads of so-called systemically important banks, where regulators believe that a major disruption to their operations, or their potential collapse, would put financial stability at risk.On Monday, the UK government’s AI Security Institute (AISI) warned that Mythos was a “step up” over previous models in terms of the cyber threat it posed. AISI said Mythos could carry out attacks that required multiple actions and discover weaknesses in IT systems without human intervention.

Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News host, is set to launch his own publishing imprint, Tucker Carlson Books, in partnership with US-based publisher Skyhorse. The imprint aims to provide a platform for books that might otherwise be censored or shut down.Among the initial titles to be published are Russell Brand's How to Become a Christian in Seven Days, described as a "testimony and guide to a timeless, yet zeitgeist-capturing, grounded, yet psychedelic encounter with Christ." Brand is currently facing charges of rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault in the UK, to which he has pleaded not guilty.Another title set to be published is Milo Yiannopoulos's Ex Gay. Yiannopoulos, a controversial "alt-right" commentator, has previously been shunned by publishers due to his contentious views. His 2017 memoir, Dangerous, was canceled by Simon & Schuster after footage surfaced in which he made comments that appeared to condone sex between adult men and underage boys.Carlson, a former Trump supporter and promoter of right-wing conspiracy theories, was reportedly fired from Fox News in 2023. He soon launched his own media company, Tucker Carlson Network, and the imprint is being launched in partnership with this network.Skyhorse publisher Tony Lyons stated that the imprint will give "a platform to things that would, in many cases, be shut down, be censored, and be covered over by propaganda." Carlson emphasized that Lyons is "just looking for books that nobody else will publish."Skyhorse, which was launched in 2006, claims to be one of the fastest-growing independent book publishers in the US. Its previous publications include Woody Allen's memoir Apropos of Nothing and US Secretary of Health and anti-vaccine activist Robert F Kennedy Jr's The Real Anthony Fauci.

A 10-metre long humpback whale that became stranded on a sandbar in the Baltic Sea last month has left experts and the German public in a state of distress. The male whale, which has repeatedly stranded and freed itself, is now stranded once more and in the throes of death.The drama has captivated the country, drawing politicians, shamans, and animal rights activists to the scene. Experts have faced death threats and accusations of worsening the whale's plight, with some calling for the far right to take power.The local mayor has admitted: 'We have all been totally out of our depth.' A leading humpback whale expert has even stopped allowing her name to be quoted in the media, citing the danger of talking about humpback whales in Germany.The whale's condition has rapidly declined due to a fishing net caught in its jaw, weakening it and leading to a loss of direction. The Baltic Sea's low salt levels and shallow waters are not suitable for the whale's survival. Wounds and infections have been detected on its body, with experts describing it as 'very sick.'Despite the emotional public outcry and various rescue suggestions, including using cranes, planes, and inflatable pontoons, authorities have declared the whale beyond saving. The environment minister of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Till Backhaus, has pleaded with the public to leave the animal in peace to die, saying it has been one of the most demanding operations of his 27 years in office.

Elizabeth Allen, a visionary artist known for her vibrant textile works, lived a reclusive life in a dilapidated hut in Biggin Hill, Kent. Her journey to fame began unexpectedly in 1965 when artist Patrick Heron visited her, leading to a series of exhibitions across Britain and internationally.Allen's work, characterized by its naive style and use of recycled materials, often depicted scenes from her life, including her orthopaedic footwear and a notable piece titled The Great Swan Song, which reflects her surprise at sudden fame. Her textiles also addressed social issues like the independence of African nations.Despite her brief moment in the spotlight, Allen's work was largely forgotten after her death in 1967. However, her art has been rediscovered and is now featured in the exhibition Troublemakers and Prophets at Compton Verney in Warwickshire. The exhibition includes pieces that have been stored away for decades, offering a fresh perspective on Allen's life and work.Curator Ila Colley highlights Allen's critical view of the church and her use of the Bible as inspiration for many of her pieces. The exhibition also features Autobiraggraphy, a textile work that includes scenes from Allen's life, such as her eviction by police in 1934.The exhibition aims to rediscover marginalized artists like Allen and provide a more inclusive view of art history. Colley hopes that this exhibition will lead to the discovery of more works by Allen and a deeper understanding of her life.

Acclaimed director Ken Loach revisits his 2016 film I, Daniel Blake, a poignant portrayal of poverty and the struggles faced by those in need. The film, which sparked controversy upon its release, shed light on the cruel realities of a system that vilifies the vulnerable.Loach reveals that the film was born out of a time of 'mean-spiritedness,' where those who needed support were met with punishment. The story follows Daniel Blake, a character who desperately wants to work but is thwarted by a system designed to fail him.The film's screenwriter, Paul Laverty, conducted extensive research, including a visit to a Glasgow food bank, where he encountered a young man who had not eaten in two to three days. This harrowing experience inspired a pivotal scene in the film, where Katie, played by Hayley Squires, is forced to eat cold baked beans from a tin.Loach notes that at the time of the film's release, the notion of food banks as an institution was unimaginable. However, food banks are now a normalized part of society, with many people relying on them to survive. The film's portrayal of poverty and hunger was met with resistance from some, including Damian Green, who claimed it was a work of fiction. Loach counters that while the characters are fictional, the stories are rooted in truth.Hayley Squires, who played Katie, shares her experience working on the film. She was drawn to the project after meeting Loach and was impressed by his authenticity and warmth. The film's shooting process was unique, with Squires and her co-star Dave Johns working chronologically and improvising scenes.Squires also recounts her preparation for the food bank scene, which included visiting a real food bank and cutting back on food to better understand the experience of hunger. The scene was shot only once, with Loach and the cinematographer Robbie Ryan working to create a sense of empathy and realism.

Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, is reportedly working on an AI version of its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. This AI clone is being trained on Zuckerberg's mannerisms, tone, and public statements to allow employees to interact with a digital version of their boss.The rationale behind this project is to make Meta's 79,000 employees feel more connected to one of the most influential figures in Silicon Valley. The AI character will be developed using images and the voice of Zuckerberg, with the CEO reportedly taking part in the training process.This move is part of Meta's broader effort to integrate AI into its business operations. The company aims to use AI to lower costs and accelerate work pace. Zuckerberg has emphasized the importance of efficiency, stating that the goal is to 'get more done' by elevating individual contributors and flattening teams.The development of this AI character follows Meta's previous experiments with digital avatars. In 2022, Zuckerberg shared his own avatar in the metaverse, which received public criticism for its graphic quality. The company has since scaled back its metaverse vision, focusing on AI-generated 3D characters for everyday conversations.Meta's investment in AI is part of a larger strategy to remain competitive with tech rivals. The company is pouring billions of dollars into AI research to create 'superintelligence,' a system capable of performing any cognitive task far better than a human.

West Bromwich Albion has denied any wrongdoing regarding the EFL's financial rules, despite growing fears of a points deduction that could significantly impact their relegation battle in the Championship. The Daily Telegraph reported that the EFL's Club Financial Reporting Unit (CFRU) had filed a compliance report against West Brom, alleging a breach of the loss limits for the 2024-25 season under the profitability and sustainability rules (PSR). If a points penalty were imposed, it would affect West Brom in the current campaign, with the club currently sitting 20th in the Championship, just two points above the relegation zone. West Brom responded by stating, “The club considers that it has fully complied with the rules.” They emphasized their commitment to cooperating with the EFL and resolving the matter, while also thanking fans for their support. Under PSR rules, Championship clubs are required to keep losses under £39m over a three-year assessment period. Certain expenditures, such as investments in infrastructure, youth, and women’s football, are ‘added back’ in the PSR calculation. West Brom, having competed in the Championship last season, was required to submit their annual accounts for 2024-25 by December 31. The EFL has declined to comment on the matter, and decisions on sanctions by the Club Financial Reporting Panel (CFRP) are typically published after discussions between the club and the EFL remain confidential.