CDC panel backs thimerosal‑free flu shots for all ages
A newly reconstituted CDC vaccine advisory panel recommended that everyone—including pregnant women and infants—should receive single-dose flu shots without thimerosal. The vote passed 5–1, following a presentation by anti‑vaccine advocate Lyn Redwood, despite 96% of U.S. flu vaccines already being thimerosal-free. Experts stress that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, has no proven harm at the low levels used, except for minor injection site effects. Critics caution that the move could undermine confidence in vaccine safety and complicate production logistics, since multidose vials are cheaper and widely used in global immunization programs. The panel also endorsed a Merck RSV antibody for infants. (CIDRAP)
Anthropic shredded millions of printed books for AI training
Court filings reveal that Anthropic physically destroyed millions of printed books to digitize content for its Claude language models. The company hired a Google Books specialist to oversee the mass “cutting up and scanning” operation, reflecting a large-scale physical-to-digital data conversion. The revelations highlight conflicts between AI developers seeking vast training data and copyright holders asserting infringement. It also raises ethical questions about cultural preservation, as physical copies were irreversibly discarded. This case underscores growing tensions over data acquisition methods in AI development. (Ars Technica)
Germany orders Apple, Google to block DeepSeek for data violations
Germany’s data protection commissioner warned that the Chinese AI app DeepSeek illegally transfers German user data to servers in China. Regulators have requested Apple and Google to remove the app from their German app stores, citing failure to meet EU data transfer standards. This step follows broader government bans on DeepSeek in Australia, South Korea, and Italy. If platforms comply, the removal could extend across the EU. Authorities view the app’s data practices as a national security threat. DeepSeek declined to comment. (CNBC)
Study: Chatbot use hampers deep learning skills
A meta-analysis of multiple studies shows that people using AI chatbots like ChatGPT perform worse on analytical reasoning and comprehension tests compared to those using traditional search methods or no tools. The research, conducted across thousands of participants, suggests AI reliance fosters cognitive laziness—users accept surface-level answers and bypass critical thinking. While AI tools improve speed and access to information, the findings raise concerns about long-term effects on education, decision-making, and intellectual rigor. Experts recommend integrating training in discernment and evaluation alongside AI use. (Gizmodo)
AI systems reflect collective human cognition, experts argue
An essay argues that advanced AI systems like ChatGPT and Claude are evolving into cognitive mirrors of humanity. Trained on vast datasets generated by millions, these models internalize and reflect dominant cultural norms, biases, and values—akin to a digital collective unconscious. While this offers a powerful lens into human thought patterns, it also risks reinforcing echo chambers and erasing minority perspectives. The piece urges careful curation of training inputs and development goals that value curiosity and diversity over consensus conformity. (Nautilus)
Trump’s T1 phone loses key promises during early rollout
Within a week of unveiling, the Trump-backed T1 phone has shed nearly all its flagship attributes. The promised August launch date vanished, references to U.S. manufacturing disappeared, and full technical specifications—including RAM, display, and battery details—were removed. Coverage maps and carrier plans remain vague. The $499 price point and “censorship-free” marketing now appear less definitive. Critics say these rollbacks suggest a rushed, underprepared launch. Company reps cite refinements during “early-stage development.” The episode highlights how political branding can clash with product reality. (Wired)
Engineered bacteria convert plastic into paracetamol
Scientists have engineered E. coli to break down PET plastic and convert it into 4-aminophenol, a precursor for paracetamol (acetaminophen). First the bacteria degrade plastic into terephthalic acid (TPA), then they perform a biochemical reaction to synthesize the drug intermediate. This innovative closed-loop bioprocess demonstrates a potential route for sustainably recycling plastic into valuable pharmaceutical compounds. Published in Nature, the work opens avenues for greener solutions to plastic pollution and chemical production, though experts note challenges remain before industrial-scale application. (Nature)
Animal antibiotics linked to human drug resistance
A new analysis links the routine use of ionophores—antibiotics widely used in livestock and poultry feed—to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance genes in humans. Ionophores are not medically used in human treatments but make up over a third of antibiotic use in U.S. animal production. Genetic surveillance suggests these drugs select for bacteria harboring resistance genes that can jump to human pathogens. The study calls for reconsidering non-therapeutic antibiotic use in agriculture to protect public health. (CIDRAP)
Ash saplings genetically resist fungal dieback
Research comparing ash tree populations before and after a fungal dieback outbreak in the UK found that younger saplings carry genetic markers associated with resistance. Sampling DNA across generations shows natural selection favoring survivors. This suggests that ash trees may be evolving in response to disease pressure. However, researchers caution that genetic adaptation alone may not be enough to restore forests and that human-assisted breeding could play a vital role. (The Guardia)
Ancient squid fossils reveal earlier rise to ocean dominance
A new study uncovers how modern squids rose to prominence earlier than once believed. Using “digital fossil mining,” scientists ground down Cretaceous-era Japanese rocks and captured ultrathin cross-sectional images to digitally reconstruct fossils hidden inside. They discovered 263 squid beaks from 40 species, revealing that soft-bodied squids—despite their poor fossil record—originated around 100 million years ago. This pushes back the known emergence of two major squid groups, Oegopsida and Myopsida, by 15 and 55 million years, respectively. Contrary to past theories that squids diversified only after the dinosaur-extinction event, findings show they had already become larger and more dominant than ammonites and bony fish by the Late Cretaceous, exerting early ecological influence over ocean food webs. (Science)
NASA risks wasting rare opportunity to study Apophis asteroid up close
In April 2029, the massive asteroid Apophis will narrowly pass Earth, offering an extraordinary scientific chance to study its interior through gravitational interaction. The OSIRIS-Apex mission, already en route after completing a prior asteroid mission, was set to observe Apophis for 18 months. However, the 2026 federal budget proposes canceling Apex, jeopardizing the most promising plan for this once-in-7,500-year opportunity. Other options—including ESA’s proposed Ramses mission and JAXA’s Destiny+ flyby—face funding delays or limited observational windows. With planetary defense a long-standing NASA priority, experts warn that defunding Apex wastes years of preparation and $800M of spacecraft capability. While Congress may intervene, scientists urge action before time runs out. Private backers, like astronaut Jared Isaacman, may yet fill the gap—but Apophis isn’t waiting. (Ars Technica)