Researchers have developed an AI model capable of detecting chronic stress by examining routine chest CT scans, offering a new way to identify long-term physiological strain that is often difficult to measure.
The system calculates adrenal gland volume, providing clinicians with a clearer understanding of how prolonged stress may affect key hormone-producing organs.
The study examined nearly 3,000 patients and compared their adrenal measurements with cortisol levels, stress questionnaires and markers such as blood pressure and body mass index.
Findings showed that patients with higher reported stress consistently had enlarged adrenal glands and exhibited greater risks of conditions, including heart failure.
Scientists say the new approach provides an objective, scalable tool that uses medical imaging already standard in hospitals, reducing the need for costly or cumbersome testing.
The research team believes the model could help identify a wide range of stress-linked diseases in older adults and ultimately support earlier, more targeted interventions.
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Police in the UK have begun trialling an AI assistant called Bobbi to help manage non-emergency queries online and reduce pressure on overstretched call handlers.
The virtual tool responds to common questions and hands conversations to a human operator if users request it or ask about issues it cannot resolve.
Developers say Bobbi follows the same guidance as trained call handlers and offers recommendations based on official advice, reflecting input from more than 200 testers, including victim support groups.
The system cannot investigate crimes or replace the 999 emergency line, and police emphasise that crime reports must still be made through existing channels.
Senior officers believe the tool will free up staff for emergencies and complex cases as demand for police contact continues to rise each year.
Leaders at Thames Valley Police and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, the first forces to deploy the technology, say the assistant will help ensure the public receives timely support.
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Europe’s constrained energy supply and strict regulations are emerging as unlikely strengths in the global race to expand AI infrastructure. Limited power access and careful planning are encouraging more resilient, future-ready data-centre designs that appeal to long-term investors.
Countries such as the Nordics, Spain and Italy are drawing interest due to stronger renewable capacity and shorter grid-connection times, while the UK, Germany and the Netherlands face greater congestion.
Shifting to a ‘first ready, first connected’ model aims to curb speculation and speed up delivery of viable projects.
Europe’s biggest opportunity lies in cloud-focused facilities and AI inference, which analysts expect to account for most AI demand and must often remain within regional borders.
Tighter rules may slow construction, yet they reduce the risk of stranded assets and support sustainable sites that strengthen Europe’s investment case.
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Growing momentum around quantum computing is drawing heightened interest from major companies and policymakers. Corporate documents and earnings calls now reference quantum technologies more frequently than in previous years, signalling broader strategic shifts across multiple sectors.
Significant figures in advanced computing, including IBM and Nvidia, are extending their quantum programmes to strengthen their position in the next wave of digital innovation. Analysts note that such initiatives are helping to shape stronger market expectations and a rise in long-term investment.
Forecasts suggest a marked expansion in the global quantum computing market over the coming years, reflecting growing confidence among investors and technology leaders. Increased commercial activity is also encouraging more organisations to explore how quantum capabilities might be integrated into future planning.
Public familiarity with quantum technology remains uneven despite widening media attention and educational efforts. Researchers emphasise that although business engagement is accelerating, a broader understanding still lags behind scientific progress and the technical challenges that remain.
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Trials at a stadium in Milton Keynes demonstrated that thousands of spectators can stream high-quality live video feeds directly to their mobile devices.
Developed collaboratively by the University of Bristol, AI specialists Madevo, and network experts Weaver Labs, the system also delivers live player statistics, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and real-time queue navigation. Traditional mobile networks often struggle to cope with peak demand at large venues, leaving fans frustrated.
The innovation offers clubs an opportunity to transform their stadiums into fully smart-enabled venues. University researchers said the successful trial represents a major step forward for Bristol’s Smart Internet Lab as it celebrates a decade of pioneering connectivity solutions.
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South Africa is betting on green technology to drive development while cutting emissions. Overlapping laws and strategies create a complex, sometimes conflicting environment for investors and innovators. Analysts warn that fragmentation slows both climate action and the just transition.
Flagship measures, such as the Climate Change Act and the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, anchor long-term goals. The government aims to mobilise around R1.5 trillion, including an initial R8.5 billion in catalytic finance.
Funding targets power generation, new energy vehicles and green hydrogen, with private capital expected to follow. Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer projects showcase successful public-private partnerships that attracted significant foreign and domestic investment.
Localisation rules, special economic zones and tariff tweaks seek to build manufacturing capacity and transfer skills. Critics argue that strict content quotas and data localisation can delay projects and deter prospective investors.
Observers say harmonised policies, clearer incentives and stronger coordination across sectors are essential for effective green technology transfer. Greater collaboration between the South African government, businesses, and universities could translate promising pilots into climate-resilient industries.
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UNESCO is strengthening capacities in AI ethics and regulation across Ecuador and Latin America through two newly launched courses. The initiatives aim to enhance digital governance and ensure the ethical use of AI in the region.
The first course, ‘Regulation of Artificial Intelligence: A View from and towards Latin America,’ is taking place virtually from 19 to 28 November 2025.
Organised by UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector in coordination with UNESCO-Chile and CTS Lab at FLACSO Ecuador, the programme involves 30 senior officials from key institutions, including the Ombudsman’s Office and the Superintendency for Personal Data Protection.
Participants are trained on AI ethical principles, risks, and opportunities, guided by UNESCO’s 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.
The ‘Ethical Use of AI’ course starts next week for telecom and electoral officials. The 20-hour hybrid programme teaches officials to use UNESCO’s RAM to assess readiness and plan ethical AI strategies.
UNESCO aims to train 60 officials and strengthen AI ethics and regulatory frameworks in Ecuador and Chile. The programmes reflect a broader commitment to building inclusive, human-rights-oriented digital governance in Latin America.
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A new feature called ‘Stories’ from Character.AI allows users under 18 to create interactive fiction with their favourite characters. The move replaces open-ended chatbot access, which has been entirely restricted for minors amid concerns over mental health risks.
Open-ended AI chatbots can initiate conversations at any time, raising worries about overuse and addiction among younger users.
Several lawsuits against AI companies have highlighted the dangers, prompting Character.AI to phase out access for minors and introduce a guided, safety-focused alternative.
Industry observers say the Stories feature offers a safer environment for teens to engage with AI characters while continuing to explore creative content.
The decision aligns with recent AI regulations in California and ongoing US federal proposals to limit minors’ exposure to interactive AI companions.
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Digital violence against women is rising sharply, fuelled by AI, online anonymity, and weak legal protections, leaving millions exposed.
UN Women warns that abuse on digital platforms often spills into real life, threatening women’s safety, livelihoods, and ability to participate freely in public life.
Public figures, journalists, and activists are increasingly targeted with deepfakes, coordinated harassment campaigns, and gendered disinformation designed to silence and intimidate.
One in four women journalists report receiving online death threats, highlighting the urgent scale and severity of the problem.
Experts call for stronger laws, safer digital platforms, and more women in technology to address AI-driven abuse effectively. Investments in education, digital literacy, and culture-change programmes are also vital to challenge toxic online communities and ensure digital spaces promote equality rather than harm.
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A landmark agreement has been reached between Warner Music and AI music platform Suno, ending last year’s copyright lawsuit that accused the service of using artists’ work without permission.
Fans can now generate AI-created songs using the voices, names, and likenesses of Warner artists who opt in, offering a new way to engage with music.
The partnership will introduce new licensed AI models, including download limits and paid tiers, to prevent a flood of AI tracks on streaming platforms.
Suno has also acquired the live-music discovery platform Songkick, expanding its digital footprint and strengthening connections between AI music and live events.
Music industry experts say the deal demonstrates how AI innovation can coexist with artists’ rights, as the UK government continues consultations on intellectual property for AI.
Creators and policymakers are advocating opt-in frameworks to ensure artists are fairly compensated when their works are used to train AI models.
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