AI GO SYSTEM FLAWS EXPOSED, VULNERABILITY STUDY FINDS

Research on a leading AI system for the game Go, which can outperform top human players, has uncovered significant vulnerabilities. These findings from a recent study, which has yet to undergo peer review, raise concerns about the fragility and reliability of advanced AI systems, challenging their “superhuman” status. Researchers used adversarial attacks, which are special inputs designed to confuse AI systems, revealing that these systems can be manipulated to err. For instance, specific prompts made AI chatbots divulge harmful information. Further experiments showed that even when defenses were strengthened, adversarial bots developed for the study could still exploit weaknesses in the Go-playing AI, winning a significant majority of the games. This ongoing vulnerability suggests broader implications for all AI systems, including those like ChatGPT, indicating a challenging road ahead in making these technologies robust and trustworthy. The study underscores a crucial gap in our understanding of AI systems and their real-world applications. (Nature)

HUMAN GENOME PROJECT ETHICS QUESTIONED, RP11 DNA OVERUSED

In 1997, twenty volunteers at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY, contributed DNA to the Human Genome Project, aiming to map the human genetic code. The project promised anonymity and a diversified data set, where no individual’s DNA would comprise more than 10% of the final genome. However, nearly 75% of the genome published in 2001 traced back to one volunteer, identified only as RP11, raising ethical concerns about informed consent. The project faced pressure to compete with private ventures, leading to a reliance on RP11’s DNA despite initial promises. This decision, made under intense time constraints and competition, prioritized rapid completion over ethical consistency. The consent issues, coupled with the singular use of RP11’s DNA, highlight ongoing ethical challenges in genomic research, raising questions about trust and transparency in scientific research. The Human Genome Project’s reliance on RP11’s DNA continues to impact modern biology as his genetic sequence remains central in genetic research and testing. (Undark)

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FDA APPROVES EXPENSIVE GENE THERAPIES, CHEAPER DRUG PROMISING

Last year, the FDA approved two gene therapies for sickle cell disease, offering potential cures costing about $2 million each. These treatments, which require risky chemotherapy, are out of reach for most, especially in poorer regions. Concurrently, an oral drug showing promise in animal models could provide a cheaper, more accessible treatment. This drug, not yet tested in humans, stimulates healthy blood cell production. Sickle cell disease stems from a mutation that makes red blood cells crescent-shaped, causing pain and tissue damage. The new therapies modify genes to increase production of healthy hemoglobin. One therapy uses an engineered virus, the other CRISPR technology. An alternative approach involves a new compound increasing fetal hemoglobin in animal tests without side effects, presenting a potential breakthrough. However, its broad cellular role might complicate safety in humans. This discovery opens pathways for developing simpler sickle cell treatments. (Science)

ROCHE TIGIT DRUG FALLS SHORT IN LUNG CANCER TRIAL

In a significant setback, Roche’s TIGIT drug candidate tiragolumab underperformed compared to Merck’s Keytruda in the phase 2/3 SKYSCRAPER-06 lung cancer trial. This trial involved patients with previously untreated, advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, comparing tiragolumab combined with Tecentriq against Keytruda with chemotherapy. The interim analysis showed a hazard ratio of 1.27 for progression-free survival and 1.33 for overall survival, favoring Keytruda, indicating better performance and longer life expectancy for patients on Keytruda. Roche decided to unblind and halt the SKYSCRAPER-06 study and is now reassessing its broader tiragolumab program. Despite this, Roche continues to test tiragolumab in various cancers, including other lung, esophageal, and liver cancers. This includes the SKYSCRAPER-01 trial, which despite a previous setback, showed potential in overall survival, suggesting a possible future win for Roche. However, questions remain about the comparators used in these studies. Following the news, Roche’s stock fell over 2% in Switzerland. (Fierce Biotech)

BRAZILIAN PANTANAL DEVASTATED BY RECORD WILDFIRES

The Brazilian Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland, is facing catastrophic wildfires, with over 760,000 hectares already burned in 2024, marking a 1,500% increase in fires compared to the previous year. The devastation includes widespread loss of animal life and severe impacts on local communities. Early and intense fires this year suggest a dire season ahead, exacerbated by climate change and altered rain patterns which have dried out the region. Local inhabitants, struggling with health issues from smoke and loss of livestock, express frustration over insufficient government support and ineffective fire management strategies. Most fires, often started by ranchers for land clearing, have spiraled out of control due to the dry conditions. Conservationists emphasize the urgent need for better fire prevention and control measures to protect this critical ecosystem and its biodiversity. (The Guardian)

CRETACEOUS OCEAN WARMING SPURRED SHARK EVOLUTION, STUDY SAYS

Over 100 million years ago, a significant rise in ocean temperatures during the Cretaceous period may have spurred remarkable evolutionary adaptations in sharks, making them larger and faster, according to a study published in Current Biology. Researchers analyzed fin sizes and body lengths across 500 extinct and living sharks, noting that warmer waters likely pushed some sharks from their seafloor habitats to open waters. This shift from benthic to pelagic environments involved changes in their body and fin structures, enhancing their swimming efficiency and predatory capabilities. However, the study also underscores the potential dangers of current global warming, suggesting it could harm marine life rather than fostering similar adaptations. Historical data indicate that similar past climate changes have led to severe marine extinctions, highlighting the precarious balance of ecosystems in the face of environmental shifts. (New York Times)

Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.

WORDS: The Biology Guy.