Scientists at Imperial College London have been left astonished after an AI tool replicated and even expanded on a decade of their superbug research in just 48 hours. Professor José R. Penadés and his team had spent years investigating how antibiotic-resistant bacteria develop, only for Google’s AI system, ‘co-scientist,’ to reach the same conclusion almost instantly. Even more remarkably, the AI generated additional hypotheses, one of which the researchers had never considered and are now actively exploring.
The discovery has sparked excitement over AI’s potential to revolutionise scientific progress. Had the researchers possessed the AI-generated hypothesis at the start of their project, it could have saved years of effort. However, the breakthrough also raises concerns about AI’s growing role in scientific fields traditionally driven by human expertise. Some fear automation could replace jobs, while others see it as a powerful tool to accelerate discoveries and push the boundaries of knowledge.
Despite initial scepticism, Prof. Penadés described the experience as ‘spectacular’ and believes AI will transform science. Comparing it to competing in a Champions League final, he emphasised that rather than replacing researchers, AI has the potential to act as a powerful collaborator. As technology continues to advance, the challenge will be to balance AI’s immense capabilities with the need for human oversight and ethical considerations in research, not just in the UK, but globally.
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Spotify has partnered with ElevenLabs to introduce AI-narrated audiobooks on its platform, aiming to expand its library and offer more options for authors and listeners.
ElevenLabs, a leading AI audio provider, enables authors to create audiobook narrations in 29 languages. To publish AI-narrated audiobooks, authors must download files from ElevenLabs and upload them via Findaway Voices, Spotify’s audiobook distribution service, where recordings undergo a review process before release.
Spotify ensures transparency by labelling all AI-narrated titles, giving listeners a clear choice. Authors can use ElevenLabs’ free plan, which offers 10 minutes of text-to-speech each month, or opt for the $99/month Pro plan for up to 500 minutes of narration.
The partnership follows Spotify’s earlier collaboration with Google Play Books and reflects its ongoing efforts to grow its audiobook catalogue through AI technology.
While the expansion of AI-generated audiobooks is expected to increase content availability, it has sparked debate within the publishing industry.
Critics argue that AI narration may compromise the listening experience, raising concerns about the balance between innovation and quality in the audiobook market.
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Chinese universities have launched AI courses based on DeepSeek, a breakthrough AI startup from Hangzhou, which has gained significant attention for its advanced models, DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1. These courses are part of a broader effort by Chinese authorities to boost scientific and technological innovation in higher education, aiming to create new growth sources for the economy.
Shenzhen University has introduced an AI course focused on DeepSeek, addressing key technologies as well as ethical and security issues. Similarly, Zhejiang University began offering DeepSeek-based courses in February, while Shanghai’s Jiao Tong University has incorporated DeepSeek to enhance its AI learning tools. Renmin University is applying the technology across various academic and research fields.
This educational push aligns with China’s new national plan to build a “strong education nation” by 2035, aiming to establish a world-class, accessible education system. Liang Wenfeng, founder of DeepSeek, recently attended a high-level meeting with President Xi Jinping and other tech industry leaders, further highlighting the significance of the startup’s contributions.
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OpenAI’s weekly active users exceeded 400 million in February, marking significant growth in AI adoption. The company had 300 million weekly users in December, and its paid business subscribers have more than doubled since September, surpassing 2 million.
Competition in the AI space remains intense, with China’s DeepSeek claiming its new model can rival or outperform Western alternatives at a lower cost.
Surging demand has led to service outages for the startup, while questions persist about its access to Nvidia’s H800 chips despite US export restrictions.
OpenAI also reported a sharp increase in developer traffic for its AI models, with usage of its latest o3 model rising fivefold since its January launch.
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STMicroelectronics has announced the launch of a new computer chip aimed at the rapidly expanding AI data centre market. Developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the photonics chip uses light rather than electricity, which helps increase speed and reduce power consumption in AI data centres. These chips are expected to be used in transceivers, which are crucial components in data centre infrastructure.
As top US software companies plan to invest $500 billion into AI infrastructure, there is rising demand for specialised chips, not only for computing but also for memory, power, and communications applications. ST’s new chip targets the communications sector, with a focus on improving the efficiency of transceivers, which are essential in AI data centres. The company also has a collaboration agreement with AWS to deploy this technology in their infrastructure later this year.
ST is working with a leading provider of optical solutions, although the company’s name has not been disclosed, to integrate the new chip into next-generation transceivers. The market for such devices, valued at $7 billion in 2024, is expected to grow significantly, reaching $24 billion by 2030. ST will begin mass production of these chips at its facility in Crolles, France.
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Lam Research has introduced two new chipmaking tools designed to support the growing demand for advanced AI semiconductors. The company unveiled ALTUS Halo, a deposition tool that applies molybdenum layers to chips, enhancing their performance and enabling further scaling for next-generation devices.
Micron Technology has already adopted the tool, bringing molybdenum into mass production, according to executive Mark Kiehlbauch.
Alongside ALTUS Halo, Lam launched Akara, an etching tool that removes excess material from semiconductor wafers, creating precise chip structures essential for complex AI applications.
These innovations position Lam to compete with major players in wafer fabrication equipment, including Applied Materials, ASML, and KLA Corp.
As AI-driven semiconductor demand surges, major clients like Micron, Samsung Electronics, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) are relying on advanced manufacturing tools.
TSMC executive Y.J. Mii highlighted the need for innovative solutions to develop more powerful chip architectures. In January, Lam reported a strong third-quarter revenue forecast, signalling positive growth amid the AI chip boom.
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Apple has unveiled the iPhone 16e, a budget-friendly smartphone priced at $599, aimed at mid-market customers in key regions such as China and India.
The launch marks Apple’s attempt to revitalise declining sales and better compete with Android rivals like Samsung and Huawei, which are also adding artificial intelligence tools to their devices.
Designed as a successor to the SE series, the iPhone 16e incorporates features closer to flagship models, including the A18 chip for AI functions powered by Apple Intelligence.
Though missing a wide-angle lens and a camera control button, the 16e sports a 48-megapixel dual-camera system, a 6.1-inch display, and Apple’s Face ID. It also introduces the C1 chip, the company’s first in-house modem for cellular connectivity.
The iPhone 16e, available only in black and white, costs $200 less than the base iPhone 16. Analysts believe it will appeal to cost-sensitive markets where upfront payments are common. Pre-orders open on February 21 across 59 countries, with shipping set to begin on 28 February.
Apple forecasts stronger sales growth as it integrates AI features into more regions, although adoption has been slow. The 16e may provide a cost-effective entry point for customers seeking Apple’s latest technology without the premium price.
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Microsoft has introduced an AI model, named Muse, designed to assist in generating visuals and actions for video games. Developed in collaboration with Ninja Theory, part of Xbox Game Studios, Muse aims to streamline game development as rising costs and economic uncertainty challenge the industry.
The tool is already being used to create a real-time playable AI model, trained using data from other first-party games.
The gaming sector has faced increasing pressure as production expenses soar and players gravitate towards familiar titles. Microsoft’s move into AI-driven game design seeks to reduce development costs while enhancing creativity for both players and developers.
Muse could simplify complex game creation tasks, allowing studios to focus more on storytelling and gameplay innovation.
Fatima Kardar, corporate vice president for gaming AI at Microsoft, highlighted the broader potential of Muse, suggesting that it could eventually benefit both gamers and creators.
The company sees AI as a key tool in evolving game design and tackling industry challenges, positioning Muse as a step towards more efficient and imaginative game development.
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Google has introduced an AI tool designed to act as a virtual collaborator for biomedical researchers. Tested by Stanford University and Imperial College London, the tool helps scientists analyse large volumes of literature and generate new hypotheses. It uses advanced reasoning to streamline research processes and assist in problem-solving.
DeepMind, Google’s AI unit, has prioritised science in its innovations. The unit’s leader, Demis Hassabis, recently shared a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for groundbreaking AI technology. In an experiment addressing liver fibrosis, the AI tool proposed promising solutions, showing potential to improve expert-generated approaches over time.
The system is not intended to replace scientists but to enhance their work. Google stated that the tool could accelerate scientific advancements, offering new possibilities for tackling complex challenges. Researchers involved in the project highlighted its role in fostering collaboration, rather than diminishing it.
Experts see this development as part of a growing trend in using AI across various industries. Successes like ChatGPT have demonstrated AI’s ability to support tasks ranging from customer service to legal research.
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Google has removed its AI assistant, Gemini, from the main Google app on iOS, encouraging users to download the standalone Gemini app instead. The change, announced via an email to customers, is seen as a strategic move to position Gemini as a direct competitor to AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude.
The dedicated Gemini app allows users to interact with the AI assistant through voice and text, integrate it with Google services like Search and YouTube, and access advanced features such as AI-generated summaries and image creation. Those who attempt to use Gemini in the main Google app will now see a message directing them to the App Store.
While the shift may enable Google to roll out new AI features more efficiently, it also risks reducing Gemini’s reach, as some users may not be inclined to download a separate app. The company is also promoting its Google One AI Premium plan through the Gemini app, offering access to its more advanced capabilities.
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