Artificial intelligence

Scientists develop fast AI tool for fusion energy

Scientists have developed an AI model capable of simulating complex fusion plasma in seconds, a process that previously took hours or even days. The tool, named GyroSwin, offers a faster, more cost-effective approach to designing future fusion power plants.

Traditional five-dimensional plasma simulations, which account for spatial dimensions and particle velocities, require immense supercomputing power and long computation times.

GyroSwin uses AI to learn plasma dynamics, producing accurate simulations up to 1,000 times faster than conventional methods. Faster modelling will help optimise turbulence management, a key challenge in achieving practical fusion energy.

The AI tool preserves crucial physical information, such as fluctuation scales and sheared flows, ensuring simulations remain physically interpretable.

Researchers at UK Atomic Energy Authority, Johannes Kepler University, and Emmi AI believe GyroSwin could transform the design and operation of next-generation fusion plants, including the UK’s STEP project.

GyroSwin demonstrates how AI and supercomputing can accelerate the path towards clean, abundant fusion energy while reducing the cost and complexity of plasma modelling, paving the way for a new era of fusion innovation.

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UN report highlights AI opportunities for small businesses

AI is increasingly helping entrepreneurs in developing countries launch, manage, and grow their businesses, according to a new UNCTAD report. Start-ups and small businesses are using AI for marketing, customer service, logistics, finance, and product design.

Large language models are enabling smaller firms to adopt AI quickly and affordably, but adoption remains uneven. Many entrepreneurs struggle to see AI’s business value, and limited skills and talent slow adoption, especially in smaller firms.

Experts emphasise that supportive ecosystems, clear governance, and skills development are essential for meaningful AI integration.

Access to affordable technology and finance also plays a crucial role. Open-source platforms, collaborations, and phased adoption- from off-the-shelf tools to in-house capabilities, help firms experiment, learn, and grow while managing risk.

UNCTAD’s report highlights the importance of policy frameworks to foster AI adoption, recommending that governments provide clear, practical rules, accessible infrastructure, and targeted training.

Entrepreneurship support centres in several countries are already helping firms identify use cases and build hands-on AI skills, bridging the gap between strategy and practical implementation.

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AI fuels online abuse of women in public life

Generative AI is increasingly being weaponised to harass women in public roles, according to a new report commissioned by UN Women. Journalists, activists, and human rights defenders face AI-assisted abuse that endangers personal safety and democratic freedoms.

The study surveyed 641 women from 119 countries and found that nearly one in four of those experiencing online violence reported AI-generated or amplified abuse.

Writers, communicators, and influencers reported the highest exposure, with human rights defenders and journalists also at significant risk. Rapidly developing AI tools, including deepfakes, facilitate the creation to harmful content that spreads quickly on social media.

Online attacks often escalate into offline harm, with 41% of women linking online abuse to physical harassment, stalking, or intimidation. Female journalists are particularly affected, with offline attacks more than doubling over five years.

Experts warn that such violence threatens freedom of expression and democratic processes, particularly in authoritarian contexts.

Researchers call for urgent legal frameworks, platform accountability, and technological safeguards to prevent AI-assisted attacks on women. They advocate for human rights-focused AI design and stronger support systems to protect women in public life.

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Nvidia seeks China market access as US eases AI chip restrictions

The US tech giant NVIDIA has largely remained shut out of China’s market for advanced AI chips, as US export controls have restricted sales due to national security concerns.

High-performance processors such as the H100 and H200 were barred, forcing NVIDIA to develop downgraded alternatives tailored for Chinese customers instead of flagship products.

A shift in policy emerged after President Donald Trump announced that H200 chip sales to China could proceed following a licensing review and a proposed 25% fee. The decision reopened a limited pathway for exporting advanced US AI hardware, subject to regulatory approval in both Washington and Beijing.

If authorised, the H200 shipments would represent the most powerful US-made AI chips permitted in China since restrictions were introduced. The move could help NVIDIA monetise existing H200 inventory while easing pressure on its China business as it transitions towards newer Blackwell chips.

Strategically, the decision may slow China’s push for AI chip self-sufficiency, as domestic alternatives still lag behind NVIDIA’s technology.

At the same time, the policy highlights a transactional approach to export controls, raising uncertainty over long-term US efforts to contain China’s technological rise.

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AI agents set to reshape work in 2026

Google Cloud’s 2026 AI Agent Trends Report shows AI agents are moving from experimental tools to central business systems. Employees are shifting from routine execution to oversight and strategic decision-making.

The report highlights agents managing end-to-end workflows across teams, thereby improving efficiency and streamlining complex processes. Personalised customer service is becoming faster and more accurate thanks to these systems.

Security operations are seeing benefits as AI agents handle alerts, investigations and fraud detection more effectively. Human analysts can now focus on higher-value tasks while routine work is automated.

Companies are investing in continuous training to build an AI-ready workforce. The report emphasises that people, not just technology, will determine the success of AI adoption.

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Japan develops AI drones to track bears

A drone school in northeastern Japan is developing AI drones to detect bears. The system will send real-time locations to authorities via a smartphone app.

The drones have night-vision and infrared cameras and follow bears automatically once detected. Each drone flies for one hour before handing off surveillance and returning to base.

AI was trained using photos of black and brown bears from a local zoo. Officials hope it will reduce dangerous encounters and offer non-lethal ways to manage bears.

Other companies are testing similar systems in Fukushima and selling AI-equipped drones commercially. The academy aims to prevent human-bear conflicts and keep people and wildlife separate.

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AI and cloud transform New Zealand services

Microsoft’s first New Zealand hyperscale cloud region has celebrated one year, providing local businesses and services with AI-powered tools and secure data storage. Organisations are using these capabilities to innovate, improve operations and enhance customer experiences.

Collaborations with Spark and Whakarongorau Aotearoa show AI can reduce administrative workloads and strengthen service delivery. Initiatives also support skills development, helping students, teachers and job seekers gain technology-focused credentials.

The datacentre operates sustainably, using renewable energy and waterless cooling systems to lower carbon emissions. These technologies help public services and businesses become more efficient while reducing environmental impact.

Looking ahead, Microsoft plans to expand AI adoption across New Zealand, supporting productivity, community services and responsible innovation for the next phase of digital growth.

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EU renews UK data adequacy decisions until 2031

The European Commission has renewed its two adequacy decisions allowing the continued free flow of personal data between the European Union and the United Kingdom. The decision confirms that UK data protection rules remain essentially equivalent to EU standards.

The adequacy findings cover both the General Data Protection Regulation and the Law Enforcement Directive, enabling personal data to move freely between the European Economic Area and the UK without additional safeguards.

In June 2025, the Commission adopted a temporary six-month extension after the original decisions were due to expire, allowing time to assess changes introduced by the UK’s Data (Use and Access) Act.

The renewal follows a positive opinion from the European Data Protection Board and approval from EU member states through the comitology procedure, completing the formal adoption process.

The renewed decisions include a six-year sunset clause, running until December 2031. A joint review by the Commission and the European Data Protection Board is scheduled after four years.

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NVIDIA joins US energy department Genesis mission to boost scientific discovery

The US Department of Energy has confirmed NVIDIA will join its Genesis Mission as a private-sector partner, strengthening collaboration between government, industry, and academia on advanced AI.

Launched under a recent executive order, the Genesis Mission aims to reinforce US leadership across energy, scientific research, and national security. Officials say the initiative is designed to significantly increase the productivity and impact of American science and engineering.

NVIDIA will support the Genesis Mission by providing AI and high-performance computing tools for climate modelling, manufacturing, robotics, nuclear energy, and quantum research. A memorandum of understanding sets priorities covering fission, fusion, digital twins, and autonomous laboratories.

The company is already working with the US Department of Energy on open AI models for scientific simulation. Projects also include AI-driven research in materials science, biology, and supply chains, with further collaboration planned.

The partnership builds on announcements made at NVIDIA’s GTC event in Washington. The announcements include work with Oracle on the Department’s largest scientific supercomputer at Argonne National Laboratory.

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How Microsoft is teaching AI to understand biological systems

Medicine still relies largely on population averages, even though genetic and cellular differences shape how diseases develop and respond to treatment.

Researchers at Microsoft argue that AI could transform healthcare by learning the language of biology and enabling truly personalised medicine instead of one-size-fits-all therapies.

Ava Amini, principal researcher at Microsoft Research, explains that AI can detect biological patterns at a scale impossible for human analysis.

Single cancer biopsies can generate tens of millions of data points, allowing AI models to identify meaningful signals and support precision treatment strategies tailored to individual patients.

Building on decades of biological coding systems, Microsoft has developed generative models such as EvoDiff and the Dayhoff Atlas to design new proteins using biological language.

Lab testing has shown a marked improvement in functional success, demonstrating that AI-driven protein design is moving beyond theory into real-world application.

Challenges remain in modelling entire human cells, where current AI systems still predict averages rather than biological diversity. Microsoft researchers continue to pursue integrated experimental and computational approaches, aiming to bring precision oncology closer to everyday clinical practice.

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