TESTING AND RESEARCH

AI can now build an OS from scratch, claims Anthropic

In just eight days, Anthropic's Claude Fable 5.2 created a functional prototype operating system. This involved more than 1,000 dedicated AI agents who tirelessly collaborated to craft and evaluate the code.

From lab to farm: How Proximal Soilsens is developing a ‘glucometer’ for soil testing

Developed over nearly a decade of research at IIT Bombay, Proximal Soilsens’s patented NutriSense X aims to make laboratory-grade soil testing portable, faster and accessible. The device tests multiple soil parameters in seconds, without requiring electricity or elaborate laboratory infrastructure.

Anthropic unveils Fable 5.2 and Mythos 5.2, its most powerful AI models yet: All you need to know

In a blog post, Anthropic said both models improve on coding, reasoning and vision, and cost less than the 5.1 versions. “Testers have found that Fable 5.2 and Mythos 5.2 communicate more clearly than past Fable and Mythos models,” it added.

OMCs reject Karnataka’s high-ethanol fuel claim, seek fresh tests

State-run oil marketers in India have rejected Karnataka's claims regarding excessive ethanol content in petrol sold. They argue that the state's testing procedures lack adherence to prescribed standards and were unverified. The oil companies assert that their E20 fuel adheres to Bureau of Indian Standards and undergoes strict quality checks. They highlighted that previous tests indicated compliance within the mandated ethanol blending range.

Bitcoin trades near $75,000 as ETF outflows and US monetary tightening fears weigh on crypto sentiment

Bitcoin's value hovers around $75,000 as ETF outflows take a toll on investor confidence. Similarly, Ethereum struggles near $2,140 after falling past vital support thresholds. Emerging data shows a notable decline in institutional investment in both cryptocurrencies. Analysts stress that identifying the next pivotal support levels for Bitcoin and Ethereum is crucial for their potential rebound. Overall, the crypto market is now valued at $2.53 trillion, reflecting these shifts.

Moral judgments can be manipulated using magnetic waves. How MIT scientists discovered a way to change people's sense of right and wrong

Scientists at MIT discovered that magnetic pulses targeting a specific brain region can temporarily influence how people judge right and wrong. In an experiment, participants became more likely to consider harmful actions acceptable when the intended harm did not occur, revealing how the brain processes intentions and outcomes when making moral decisions.

Rs 4 lakh investment built an Rs 7848 crore empire. How a Mumbai man, who once earned Rs 150 a month, built a flourishing diagnostic laboratory chain

The entrepreneurial path of Dr. Arokiaswamy Velumani shows how perseverance, vision, and ingenuity can help create a profitable business with little funding. He invested just Rs 4 lakh to start a small thyroid testing lab in 1996, with Rs 2 lakh coming from personal savings and another Rs 2 lakh taken out of his provident fund.

MIT scientists built over 400 tiny ecosystems with 12 to 20 bacterial species; after adding an outsider, the more changeable communities were easier to invade

Researchers at MIT have discovered that chaotic ecosystems easily accept new species while stable ones resist invasion. Conventional ecological beliefs suggest high biodiversity prevents invasions, but stability plays a crucial role. This finding has implications for the effectiveness of probiotic supplements in human gut microbiomes. Individuals with more stable guts may struggle to welcome beneficial probiotics. Future studies will further explore these dynamics and their relevance in wellness treatments.

Northwestern scientists put tiny particles in liquid under an electric field; they began moving together without touching, and the liquid carried the signals

Engineers at Northwestern University have made a fascinating discovery: tiny plastic spheres can synchronize their movements within a liquid environment. Remarkably, this phenomenon arises from fluid interactions rather than direct communication or contact. These findings could illuminate the dynamics of coordination seen in nature, such as in fireflies or heart cells. Researchers hope to leverage this synchronization to explore potential applications across various fields.

Scientists gave mice an existing asthma drug before exposing them to peanut extract; 95% were protected from severe allergic reactions in the experiment

Researchers at Northwestern University found that the asthma drug Zileuton reduces allergic reactions in mice fed peanut extract. The study indicates that Zileuton could block the inflammation that leads to anaphylaxis. While it works in mice, clinical trials in humans are just beginning. This research highlights a new biological pathway related to food allergies and the immune response.

Could falling asleep earlier help with weight loss? Here’s what researchers found

A study of adults with prediabetes found a link between falling asleep earlier and losing more weight. Most participants still fell asleep after midnight by the end of the eight-week program. The results raise a question researchers haven’t answered yet: Would changing bedtime on its own make a difference?

Karnataka finds ethanol content above E20 limit in petrol samples, seeks action against OMCs

The Karnataka government has accused oil marketing companies of exceeding the mandated ethanol content in petrol. Tests conducted on petrol samples showed levels surpassed the legal 20% threshold significantly. The government plans to submit its findings to the Centre and seek appropriate actions against the companies involved. It has also demanded a compensation fund and clearer disclosures at fuel stations.

Good sleep may help counter effects of diabetes, heart disease on brain: Study

A groundbreaking study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden reveals that quality sleep significantly boosts cognitive function in individuals suffering from cardiometabolic disorders. Analyzing data from over 400,000 participants, including nearly 35,000 brain MRI scans, the research underscores the connection between better sleep and increased brain matter volume, particularly in those with type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or stroke, suggesting that prioritizing sleep could enhance brain health significantly.

Maruti Suzuki to set up 12 automated driving licence test tracks in Telangana

Maruti Suzuki has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Telangana transport department for test tracks. The company will set up twelve automated driving licence test tracks across six locations in the state. Each track will feature advanced technology including high-definition cameras and RFID sensors for comprehensive testing. This initiative is part of Maruti Suzuki's corporate social responsibility efforts aimed at improving road safety.

OpenAI launches GPT-6 Cyber with 'Critical' cybersecurity rating

OpenAI released GPT-6 Cyber, a model built to find and exploit security flaws, to a small group of vetted customers on Thursday, rating it "Critical" in cybersecurity under its safety framework.

DRDO successfully tests indigenously developed Pralay missile off Odisha coast: Rajnath Singh

The Defence Research and Development Organisation executed a successful flight test of the Pralay missile. This test took place off the coast of Odisha at 11:10 am as part of user evaluation trials. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that all objectives were met during the exercise. Data captured through various range instruments validated the success of the test.

DRDO conducts flight-test of ‘Pralay’, the indigenously developed quasi-ballistic missile

Your old medical reports may reveal a disease risk you don't know about. Here's how AI can help

AI could help uncover hidden health risks by analysing years of old medical reports, blood tests, prescriptions and hospital records. Predictive AI models may identify patterns linked to conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias, liver disease and Type 1 diabetes, potentially allowing earlier medical intervention. However, incomplete medical records, data inconsistencies and false alerts remain major challenges.

Odisha signs MOU with J-PAL South Asia to strengthen evidence-based policymaking

The Government of Odisha has signed a three-year MoU with Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab. This agreement aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking through research and collaboration. J-PAL South Asia will support various governmental departments to address their policy priorities effectively. A Steering Committee will oversee the partnership and monitor project development every six months. The collaboration builds on ongoing efforts to improve areas such as education, sanitation, and governance.

With most drug candidates failing in humans, India’s draft rules bet on the wrong science in animal lab testing

Recent draft rules in India threaten advancements in non-animal testing for drug development and safety. The new regulations may prioritize animal testing over innovative human-based methods, despite their proven reliability. Efforts to incorporate non-animal methodologies into national standards have gained support from various government initiatives. Significant funding has been allocated to promote alternative testing methods throughout the country.

India leads on non-animal testing and its draft lab animal rules threaten to undo that

India's draft Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules 2026 proposes significant changes to animal research regulations and oversight. It allows for harsher experimental practices that could cause severe suffering to animals. Local committees would gain power to approve experiments without thorough central review, raising concerns about ethical standards. This shift contradicts the existing legal framework established by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960.

Rutgers scientists changed one gene in tiny worms to test a human kidney disease clue; the altered nerve protein fell to 15% of normal and missed its target

Researchers at Rutgers University have delved into the genetics of kidney disease by studying the miniature roundworm C. elegans. By manipulating a specific DNA segment, they discovered a drastic reduction in levels of polycystin-2, showing that this mutation hinders the protein's delivery to its cellular destination. This alteration also disrupts the functioning of polycystin-1, emphasizing the critical role of genetic mutations in disease understanding.