Sustainable development

Microsoft and GitHub back Anthropic’s MCP

Microsoft and GitHub are officially joining the steering committee for MCP, a growing standard developed by Anthropic that connects AI models with data systems.

The announcement came during Microsoft’s Build 2025 event, highlighting a new phase of industry-wide backing for the protocol, which already has support from OpenAI and Google.

MCP allows developers to link AI systems with apps, business tools, and software environments using MCP servers and clients. Instead of AI models working in isolation, they can interact directly with sources like content repositories or app features to complete tasks and power tools like chatbots.

Microsoft plans to integrate MCP into its core platforms, including Azure and Windows 11. Soon, developers will be able to expose app functionalities, such as file access or Linux subsystems, as MCP servers, enabling AI models to use them securely.

GitHub and Microsoft are also contributing updates to the MCP standard itself, including a registry for server discovery and a new authorisation system to manage secure connections.

The broader goal is to let developers build smarter AI-powered applications by making it easier to plug into real-world data and tools, while maintaining strong control over access and privacy.

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UK research body hit by 5 million cyber attacks

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the country’s national funding body for science and research, has reported a staggering 5.4 million cyber attacks this year — a sixfold increase compared to the previous year.

According to data obtained through freedom of information requests, the majority of these threats were phishing attempts, with 236,400 designed to trick employees into revealing sensitive data. A further 11,200 were malware-based attacks, while the rest were identified as spam or malicious emails.

The scale of these incidents highlights the growing threat faced by both public and private sector institutions. Experts believe the rise of AI has enabled cybercriminals to launch more frequent and sophisticated attacks.

Rick Boyce, chief for technology at AND Digital, warned that the emergence of AI has introduced threats ‘at a pace we’ve never seen before’, calling for a move beyond traditional defences to stay ahead of evolving risks.

UKRI, which is sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, manages an annual budget of £8 billion, much of it invested in cutting-edge research.

A budget like this makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors alike, particularly those looking to steal intellectual property or sabotage infrastructure. Security experts suggest the scale and nature of the attacks point to involvement from hostile nation states, with Russia a likely culprit.

Though UKRI cautioned that differing reporting periods may affect the accuracy of year-on-year comparisons, there is little doubt about the severity of the threat.

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has previously warned of Russia’s Unit 29155 targeting British government bodies and infrastructure for espionage and disruption.

With other notorious groups such as Fancy Bear and Sandworm also active, the cybersecurity landscape is becoming increasingly fraught.

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Ascension faces fresh data breach fallout

A major cybersecurity breach has struck Ascension, one of the largest nonprofit healthcare systems in the US, exposing the sensitive information of over 430,000 patients.

The incident began in December 2024, when Ascension discovered that patient data had been compromised through a former business partner’s software flaw.

The indirect breach allowed cybercriminals to siphon off a wide range of personal, medical and financial details — including Social Security numbers, diagnosis codes, hospital admission records and insurance data.

The breach adds to growing concerns over the healthcare industry’s vulnerability to cyberattacks. In 2024 alone, 1,160 healthcare-related data breaches were reported, affecting 305 million records — a sharp rise from the previous year.

Many institutions still treat cybersecurity as an afterthought instead of a core responsibility, despite handling highly valuable and sensitive data.

Ascension itself has been targeted multiple times, including a ransomware attack in May 2024 that disrupted services at dozens of hospitals and affected nearly 5.6 million individuals.

Ascension has since filed notices with regulators and is offering two years of identity monitoring to those impacted. However, critics argue this response is inadequate and reflects a broader pattern of negligence across the sector.

The company has not named the third-party vendor responsible, but experts believe the incident may be tied to a larger ransomware campaign that exploited flaws in widely used file-transfer software.

Rather than treating such incidents as isolated, experts warn that these breaches highlight systemic flaws in healthcare’s digital infrastructure. As criminals grow more sophisticated and vendors remain vulnerable, patients bear the consequences.

Until healthcare providers prioritise cybersecurity instead of cutting corners, breaches like this are likely to become even more common — and more damaging.

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Jersey artists push back against AI art

A Jersey illustrator has spoken out against the growing use of AI-generated images, calling the trend ‘heartbreaking’ for artists who fear losing their livelihoods to technology.

Abi Overland, known for her intricate hand-drawn illustrations, said it was deeply concerning to see AI-created visuals being shared online without acknowledging their impact on human creators.

She warned that AI systems often rely on artists’ existing work for training, raising serious questions about copyright and fairness.

Overland stressed that these images are not simply a product of new tools but of years of human experience and emotion, something AI cannot replicate. She believes the increasing normalisation of AI content is dangerous and could discourage aspiring artists from entering the field.

Fellow Jersey illustrator Jamie Willow echoed the concern, saying many local companies are already replacing human work with AI outputs, undermining the value of art created with genuine emotional connection and moral integrity.

However, not everyone sees AI as a threat. Sebastian Lawson of Digital Jersey argued that artists could instead use AI to enhance their creativity rather than replace it. He insisted that human creators would always have an edge thanks to their unique insight and ability to convey meaning through their work.

The debate comes as the House of Lords recently blocked the UK government’s data bill for a second time, demanding stronger protections for artists and musicians against AI misuse.

Meanwhile, government officials have said they will not consider any copyright changes unless they are sure such moves would benefit creators as well as tech companies.

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Chicago Sun-Times under fire for fake summer guide

The Chicago Sun-Times has come under scrutiny after its 18 May issue featured a summer guide riddled with fake books, quotes, and experts, many of which appear to have been generated by AI.

Among genuine titles like Call Me By Your Name, readers encountered fictional works wrongly attributed to real authors, such as Min Jin Lee and Rebecca Makkai. The guide also cited individuals who do not appear to exist, including a professor at the University of Colorado and a food anthropologist at Cornell.

Although the guide carried the Sun-Times logo, the newspaper claims it wasn’t written or approved by its editorial team. It stated that the section had been licensed from a national content partner, reportedly Hearst, and is now being removed from digital editions.

Victor Lim, the senior director of audience development, said the paper is investigating how the content was published and is working to update policies to ensure third-party material aligns with newsroom standards.

Several stories in the guide lack bylines or feature names linked to questionable content. Marco Buscaglia, credited for one piece, admitted to using AI ‘for background’ but failed to verify the sources this time, calling the oversight ‘completely embarrassing.’

The incident echoes similar controversies at other media outlets where AI-generated material has been presented alongside legitimate reporting. Even when such content originates from third-party providers, the blurred line between verified journalism and fabricated stories continues to erode reader trust.

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Google unveils Veo 3 with audio capabilities

Google has introduced Veo 3, its most advanced video-generating AI model to date, capable of producing sound effects, ambient noise and dialogue to accompany the footage it creates.

Announced at the Google I/O 2025 developer conference, Veo 3 is available through the Gemini chatbot for those subscribed to the $249.99-per-month AI Ultra plan. The model accepts both text and image prompts, allowing users to generate audiovisual scenes rather than silent clips.

Unlike other AI tools, Veo 3 can analyse raw video pixels to synchronise audio automatically, offering a notable edge in an increasingly crowded field of video-generation platforms. While sound-generating AI isn’t new, Google claims Veo 3’s ability to match audio precisely with visual content sets it apart.

The progress builds on DeepMind’s earlier work in ‘video-to-audio’ AI and may rely on training data from YouTube, though Google hasn’t confirmed this.

To help prevent misuse, such as the creation of deepfakes, Google says Veo 3 includes SynthID, its proprietary watermarking technology that embeds invisible markers in every generated frame. Despite these safeguards, concerns remain within the creative industry.

Artists fear tools like Veo 3 could replace thousands of jobs, with a recent study predicting over 100,000 roles in film and animation could be affected by AI before 2026.

Alongside Veo 3, Google has also updated Veo 2. The earlier model now allows users to edit videos more precisely, adding or removing elements and adjusting camera movements. These features are expected to become available soon on Google’s Vertex AI API platform.

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The rise of tech giants in healthcare: How AI is reshaping life sciences

Silicon Valley targets health

The intersection of technology and healthcare is rapidly evolving, fuelled by advancements in ΑΙ and driven by major tech companies that are expanding their reach into the life sciences sector.

Once primarily known for consumer electronics or search engines, companies like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, and IBM are now playing an increasingly central role in transforming the medical field.

These companies, often referred to as ‘Big Tech’, are pushing the boundaries of what was once considered science fiction, using AI to innovate across multiple aspects of healthcare, including diagnostics, treatment, drug development, clinical trials, and patient care.

silicon valley tech companies

AI becomes doctors’ new tool

At the core of this revolution is AI. Over the past decade, AI has evolved from a theoretical tool to a practical and transformative force within healthcare.

Companies are developing advanced machine learning algorithms, cognitive computing models, and AI-powered systems capable of matching—and sometimes surpassing—human capabilities in diagnosing and treating diseases.

AI is also reshaping many aspects of healthcare, from early disease detection to personalised treatments and even drug discovery. This shift is creating a future where AI plays a significant role in diagnosing diseases, developing treatment plans, and improving patient outcomes at scale.

One of the most significant contributions of AI is in diagnostics. Google Health and its subsidiary DeepMind are prime examples of how AI can be used to outperform human experts in certain medical tasks.

For instance, DeepMind’s AI tools have demonstrated the ability to diagnose conditions like breast cancer and lung disease with remarkable accuracy, surpassing the abilities of human radiologists in some cases.

google deepmind AI progress Demis Hassabis

Similarly, Philips has filed patents for AI systems capable of detecting neurodegenerative diseases and tracking disease progression using heart activity and motion sensors.

From diagnosis to documentation

These breakthroughs represent only a small part of how AI is revolutionising diagnostics by improving accuracy, reducing time to diagnosis, and potentially saving lives.

In addition to AI’s diagnostic capabilities, its impact extends to medical documentation, an often-overlooked area that affects clinician efficiency.

Traditionally, doctors spend a significant amount of time on paperwork, reducing the time they can spend with patients.

However, AI companies like Augmedix, DeepScribe, and Nabla are addressing this problem by offering solutions that generate clinical notes directly from doctor-patient conversations.

AI doctor

These platforms integrate with electronic health record (EHR) systems and automate the note-taking process, which reduces administrative workload and frees up clinicians to focus on patient care.

Augmedix, for example, claims to save up to an hour per day for clinicians, while DeepScribe’s AI technology is reportedly more accurate than even GPT-4 for clinical documentation.

Nabla takes this further by offering AI-driven chatbots and decision support tools that enhance clinical workflows and reduce physician burnout.

Portable ultrasounds powered by AI

AI is also transforming medical imaging, a field traditionally dependent on expensive, bulky equipment that requires specialised training.

Innovators like Butterfly Network are developing portable, AI-powered ultrasound devices that can provide diagnostic capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional equipment. These devices offer greater accessibility, particularly in regions with limited access to medical imaging technology.

The ability to perform ultrasounds and MRIs in remote areas, using portable devices powered by AI, is democratising healthcare and enabling better diagnostic capabilities in underserved regions.

An advanced drug discovery

In the realm of drug discovery and treatment personalisation, AI is making significant strides. Companies like IBM Watson are at the forefront of using AI to personalise treatment plans by analysing vast amounts of patient data, including medical histories, genetic information, and lifestyle factors.

IBM Watson has been particularly instrumental in the field of oncology, where it assists physicians by recommending tailored cancer treatment protocols.

treatment costs.

A capability like this is made possible by the vast amounts of medical data Watson processes to identify the best treatment options for individual patients, ensuring that therapies are more effective by considering each patient’s unique characteristics.

Smart automation in healthcare

Furthermore, AI is streamlining administrative tasks within healthcare systems, which often burden healthcare providers with repetitive, time-consuming tasks like appointment scheduling, records management, and insurance verification.

By automating these tasks, AI allows healthcare providers to focus more on delivering high-quality care to patients.

Amazon Web Services (AWS), for example, is leveraging its cloud platform to develop machine learning tools that assist healthcare providers in making more effective clinical decisions while improving operational efficiency.

It includes using AI to enhance clinical decision-making, predict patient outcomes, and manage the growing volume of patient data that healthcare systems must process.

Startups and giants drive the healthcare race

Alongside the tech giants, AI-driven startups are also playing a pivotal role in healthcare innovation. Tempus, for example, is integrating genomic sequencing with AI to provide physicians with actionable insights that improve patient outcomes, particularly in cancer treatment.

The fusion of data from multiple sources is enhancing the precision and effectiveness of medical decisions. Zebra Medical Vision, another AI-driven company, is using AI to analyse medical imaging data and detect a wide range of conditions, from liver disease to breast cancer.

Zebra’s AI algorithms are designed to identify conditions often before symptoms even appear, which greatly improves the chances of successful treatment through early detection.

Tech giants are deeply embedded in the healthcare ecosystem, using their advanced capabilities in cloud computing, AI, and data analytics to reshape the industry.

partners handshake ai companies

Microsoft, for example, has made significant strides in AI for accessibility, focusing on creating healthcare solutions that empower individuals with disabilities. Their work is helping to make healthcare more inclusive and accessible for a broader population.

Amazon’s AWS cloud platform is another example of how Big Tech is leveraging its infrastructure to develop machine learning tools that support healthcare providers in delivering more effective care.

M&A meets medicine

In addition to developing their own AI tools, these tech giants have made several high-profile acquisitions to accelerate their healthcare strategies.

Google’s acquisition of Fitbit, Amazon’s purchase of PillPack and One Medical, and Microsoft’s $19.7 billion acquisition of Nuance are all clear examples of how Big Tech is seeking to integrate AI into every aspect of the healthcare value chain, from drug discovery to clinical delivery.

These acquisitions and partnerships also enable tech giants to tap into new areas of the healthcare market and provide more comprehensive, end-to-end solutions to healthcare providers and patients alike.

Smart devices empower health

Consumer health technologies have also surged in popularity, thanks to the broader trend of digital health and wellness tools. Fitness trackers, smartwatches, and mobile health apps allow users to monitor everything from heart rates to sleep quality.

Devices like the Apple Watch and Google’s Fitbit collect health data continuously, providing users with personalised insights into their well-being.

seoul 05 02 2022 male hand with two apple watches with pink and gray strap on white background

Instead of being isolated within individual devices, the data is increasingly being integrated into broader healthcare systems, enabling doctors and other healthcare providers to have a more complete view of a patient’s health.

This integration has also supported the growth of telehealth services, with millions of people now opting for virtual consultations powered by Big Tech infrastructure and AI-powered triage tools.

Chinese hospitals embrace generative AI

The rise of generative AI is also transforming healthcare, particularly in countries like China, where technology is advancing rapidly. Once considered a distant ambition, the use of generative AI in healthcare is now being implemented at scale.

The technology is being used to manage massive drug libraries, assist with complex diagnoses, and replicate expert reasoning processes, which helps doctors make more informed decisions.

At Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ant Group’s medical model has impressed staff by offering diagnostic suggestions and replicating expert reasoning, streamlining consultations without replacing human doctors.

Our choice in a tech-driven world

As AI continues to evolve, tech giants are likely to continue disrupting the healthcare industry while also collaborating with traditional healthcare providers.

While some traditional life sciences companies may feel threatened by the rise of Big Tech in healthcare, those that embrace AI and form partnerships with tech companies will likely be better positioned for success.

The convergence of AI and healthcare is already reshaping the future of medicine, and traditional healthcare players must adapt or risk being left behind.

generate an image of an artificial intelligence head in front of a human head and digital codes in the background reproducing all the human heads inputs and psychological reactions

Despite the tremendous momentum, there are challenges that need to be addressed. Data privacy, regulatory concerns, and the growing dominance of Big Tech in healthcare remain significant hurdles.

If these challenges are addressed responsibly, however, the integration of AI into healthcare could modernise care delivery on a global scale.

Rather than replacing doctors, the goal is to empower them with better tools, insights, and outcomes. The future of healthcare is one where technology and human expertise work in tandem, enhancing the patient experience and improving overall health outcomes.

As human beings, we must understand that the integration of technology across multiple sectors is a double-edged sword. It can either benefit us and help build better future societies, or mark the beginning of our downfall— but in the end, the choice will always be ours.

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Microsoft brings Grok AI to Azure

Microsoft has become one of the first major cloud providers to offer managed access to Grok, the controversial AI model from Elon Musk’s xAI startup.

Now available through the Azure AI Foundry platform, both Grok 3 and Grok 3 mini will be billed by Microsoft and include the same service-level agreements as other Azure-hosted models.

Grok gained attention for its unfiltered and provocative tone, marketed by Musk as a more candid alternative to mainstream AI.

Unlike ChatGPT, it has been known to use vulgar language and provide responses on sensitive topics that other models typically avoid.

However, the AI has stirred criticism, particularly over troubling behaviour such as undressing women in photos and referencing conspiracy theories. Incidents of censorship and offensive content have raised concerns about its deployment on Musk’s platform X.

Instead of replicating that experience, Microsoft is offering a more controlled version of Grok within Azure. These versions include stricter content controls, enhanced data integration, and improved governance tools, distinguishing them from the models directly available through xAI.

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Can AI replace therapists?

With mental health waitlists at record highs and many struggling to access affordable therapy, some are turning to AI chatbots for support.

Kelly, who waited months for NHS therapy, found solace in character.ai bots, describing them as always available, judgment-free companions. ‘It was like a cheerleader,’ she says, noting how bots helped her cope with anxiety and heartbreak.

But despite emotional benefits for some, AI chatbots are not without serious risks. Character.ai is facing a lawsuit from the mother of a 14-year-old who died by suicide after reportedly forming a harmful relationship with an AI character.

Other bots, like one from the National Eating Disorder Association, were shut down after giving dangerous advice.

Even so, demand is high. In April 2024 alone, 426,000 mental health referrals were made in England, and over a million people are still waiting for care. Apps like Wysa, used by 30 NHS services, aim to fill the gap by offering CBT-based self-help tools and crisis support.

Experts warn, however, that chatbots lack context, emotional intuition, and safeguarding. Professor Hamed Haddadi calls them ‘inexperienced therapists’ that may agree too easily or misunderstand users.

Ethicists like Dr Paula Boddington point to bias and cultural gaps in the AI training data. And privacy is a looming concern: ‘You’re not entirely sure how your data is being used,’ says psychologist Ian MacRae.

Still, users like Nicholas, who lives with autism and depression, say AI has helped when no one else was available. ‘It was so empathetic,’ he recalls, describing how Wysa comforted him during a night of crisis.

A Dartmouth study found AI users saw a 51% drop in depressive symptoms, but even its authors stress bots can’t replace human therapists. Most experts agree AI tools may serve as temporary relief or early intervention—but not as long-term substitutes.

As John, another user, puts it: ‘It’s a stopgap. When nothing else is there, you clutch at straws.’

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Google releases NotebookLM app early

Google has launched its AI-powered research assistant, NotebookLM, on Android and iOS a day earlier than expected and just ahead of its annual I/O developer conference.

Until now, the service was only available on desktop, but users can now access its full features while on the move.

NotebookLM helps users understand complex content by offering intelligent summaries and allowing them to ask questions directly about their documents.

A standout feature, Audio Overviews, creates AI-generated podcast-style summaries from uploaded materials and supports offline listening and background playback.

Mobile users can now create and manage notebooks directly from their devices. Instead of limiting content sources, the app enables users to add websites, PDFs, or YouTube videos by simply tapping the share icon and selecting NotebookLM.

It also offers easy access to previously added sources and adapts its appearance to match the device’s light or dark mode settings.

With the release timed just before Google’s keynote, it’s likely the company will highlight NotebookLM’s capabilities further during the I/O 2025 presentation.

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