Category: Imported News

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The Download: Claude’s inner workings, and the future of world models

This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology.

What Anthropic’s latest AI discovery does—and doesn’t—show

—James O’Donnell

When Anthropic announced last week that it had found a new window into its models’ “internal thoughts” as they reason through answers, there was one colleague I had to talk to: senior editor Will Douglas Heaven.

Aside from having a PhD in computer science, Will has spent a lot of time digging into what we can say about how AI models work. I spoke with him about what we should take from Anthropic’s new (and typically quirky) research. Here’s what he had to say.

This article is from The Algorithm, our weekly AI newsletter. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Monday.

How will AI understand the real world?

Today’s AI systems can generate text, images, and code with impressive skill, but they still struggle with the complexities of the physical world. To bridge this gap, many researchers believe you need something called a world model.

At a LinkedIn Live event today, MIT Technology Review will investigate how this technology could transform robotics and help unlock a new generation of intelligent machines. Join Will Douglas Heaven, our senior editor for AI, and Sam Sinha, founding AI researcher and head of world models at 1X Technologies, for the discussion. 

Register here to attend the free session at 9:30 PDT, 12:30 PM EDT, and 5:30 PM BST. 

The must-reads

I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.

1 New York has become the first state to enact a data center moratorium
Its governor banned large data-center construction for up to a year. (WSJ $)
+ A bill passed by state lawmakers could go even further. (Verge)
+ Everyone hates data centers. (MIT Technology Review)

2 Smartphone shipments have hit a 13-year low due to the memory crunch
They fell 11% in the second quarter of 2026. (Reuters $)
+ The memory chip ‌shortage has increased prices. (Gizmodo)
+ And threatens the promise of Moore’s Law. (MIT Technology Review)

3 Sugar molecules have been found in interstellar space for the first time
It hints that life on Earth may have been seeded from space. (Nature) 
+ And boosts the odds of living organisms existing elsewhere. (New Scientist $)
+ Researchers used radio telescopes and data to spot the molecules. (NYT $)

4 Nvidia has halved its Asia buyer list to stop AI chips reaching China
It introduced a “white list” of companies that passed tougher checks. (FT $)
+ It moved amid tighter chip controls from the ‌Trump ⁠administration. (Reuters $)

5 Russian state hackers are targeting routers to spy and steal, the US warns
The government has warned users to secure their devices. (Ars Technica)
+ Now is a good time for doing crime. (MIT Technology Review)

6 Trump moved his crypto gains into stocks while urging people to buy more
His crypto projects earned him a fortune—but steep losses for retail buyers. (Reuters $)
+ He’s called for Congress to pass a new crypto bill to honor Lindsey Graham. (CNBC)

7 A new cell therapy has saved four children with terminal brain cancer
They were treated with an experimental immunotherapy. (New Scientist $)
+ Access for older children will also be limited. (Bloomberg $)

8 The LAPD has halted use of Flock surveillance cameras due to privacy issues
Flock’s automated license plate readers have caused concerns. (LA Times $)
+ It’s also been criticized for sharing data with state and federal officials. (Engadget) 

9 The US has approved launching a space mirror that reflects sunlight onto Earth
As part of a controversial plan to power solar panels round the clock. (Wired $)
+ But geoengineering faces many practical challenges. (MIT Technology Review)

10 Anthropic says Claude’s values vary depending on your language
It’s most cautious in English and most deferential in Arabic. (Gizmodo) 

Quote of the day

“The age when humans are the highest life form on earth will end. For better ​or for worse, it will happen and it can’t be stopped.” 

—SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son predicts that AI will overtake human intelligence by 2040 in a speech at his company’s annual corporate conference in Tokyo, Reuters reports.

One More Thing

Inside the strange limbo facing millions of IVF embryos

Millions of embryos created through IVF sit frozen in time, stored in cryopreservation tanks around the world. Many are left in a peculiar limbo, with no clear path forward.

UK residents can discard them, make them available to other prospective parents, or donate them for research. People in the US can also opt for “adoption,” “placing” their embryos with families they get to choose. In Germany, people aren’t typically allowed to freeze embryos at all. And in Italy, unused embryos must remain frozen, ostensibly forever. 

While these embryos remain in suspended animation, patients, clinicians, embryologists, and legislators must grapple with the essential question of what to do with them. What do these embryos mean to us? Who should be responsible for them? 

Dive into the ethical and legal challenges surrounding frozen IVF embryos.

—Jessica Hamzelou

We can still have nice things

A place for comfort, fun, and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line.)

+ This website turns live LA Metro data into music.
+ British grammar is enlivening the American World Cup.
+ Comedy icon Mel Brooks recently turned 100. Here’s a look back at his legendary career.
+ Take a trip through modern music with this cinematic set from Thomas Bangalter, one-half of French house music duo Daft Punk.

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<![CDATA[Discover how coordinated schizophrenia care teams—clinicians, social supports, and peers—improve communication, housing, work, and quality of life.]]>
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Humanized APOE mouse brain volume increases over age irrespective of sex and APOE genotype: implications for translational validity to the human

BackgroundHumanized APOE mouse models are widely used to study late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) risk, yet it remains unclear whether they reproduce the macrostructural brain changes observed in human aging and disease.MethodsWe performed ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging to quantify total and voxelwise brain volumes in male and female mice across APOE genotypes (ε3/ε3, ε3/ε4, ε4/ε4) and ages spanning 6–25 months.ResultsTotal brain volume increased with age (cross-sectional estimate: 2.12 mm3/month) and was greater in APOE-ε4 carriers, with no effect of sex. Voxelwise analyses revealed regionally specific changes independent of total volume, characterized by cortical volume decreases and subcortical preservation or increases, as well as sex-dependent spatial patterns. No localized volumetric effects of APOE genotype were detected.ConclusionThese findings indicate that, despite incorporating a major genetic risk factor for LOAD, this model does not reproduce the atrophy phenotype characteristic of human aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, the observed pattern is more consistent with non-pathological or vulnerable aging, suggesting that humanized APOE alone is insufficient to induce MRI-detectable macrostructural atrophy within this cross-sectional comparison, though this finding does not preclude other APOE-dependent pathological mechanisms.
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Modelling learning dynamics in autism therapy through explainable multimodal representation learning

BackgroundAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents with complex, temporally evolving motor and social behaviours that are difficult to quantify in ecologically valid clinical contexts. While recent computational methods offer diagnostic insights, many depend on fully supervised learning, high-resolution video, or artificial experimental constraints, limiting scalability, interpretability, and privacy compliance. Few approaches leverage unsupervised models to uncover dynamic behavioural structure from minimally invasive inputs.MethodsTo address these limitations, we propose a privacy-preserving, unsupervised representation learning framework that operates solely on skeletal pose and optical flow features. Using 255 multimodal windows from 15 therapy sessions in the MMASD corpus, a publicly available, privacy-safe dataset of child-clinician interactions, we train a denoising temporal autoencoder to derive compact latent embeddings of behaviour.ResultsThe model uncovers a low-dimensional behavioural manifold composed of six latent motor clusters. Transition graphs reveal structured topologies, including behavioural hubs and bottlenecks. Saliency analyses identify anatomically and socially relevant features, such as joint pairs (LWrist-LAnkle, Neck-Rear Head) and dynamic flow regions (e.g., index pair 7, 14). Temporal saliency, based on reconstruction error, highlights spontaneous gesture onsets and socially salient events. KL divergence between early and late session phases quantified intra-session adaptation (range: 0.06–17.7) and showed a strong negative correlation with joint attention duration (r = −0.96, p = 0.002), suggesting links between behavioural dynamics and social engagement.DiscussionThese findings offer preliminary evidence that interpretable behavioural structure can be extracted from low-resolution, privacy-compliant inputs. While based on a limited sample, the framework illustrates potential for modeling learning dynamics, identifying salient motor patterns, and supporting objective progress tracking in ASD therapy. Future work will involve clinical validation and application to larger, longitudinal datasets to assess generalizability and therapeutic utility.
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Selective reduction of the light peak-to-dark trough ratio in reticular macular disease: an electrooculography study

PurposeTo compare electrooculogram (EOG) parameters between eyes with reticular macular disease (RMD) and eyes with early-to-intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) without reticular pseudodrusen (RPD), and to assess whether RMD is associated with generalized RPE–photoreceptor complex dysfunction.MethodsIn this observational cross-sectional study, 42 eyes from 21 patients were analyzed (without-RPD group: 28 eyes; RMD group: 14 eyes). RMD was diagnosed using multimodal imaging (infrared reflectance and SD-OCT). EOGs were recorded with the RETI-port/scan 21 system according to ISCEV standards. Extracted parameters included dark trough (DT), light peak (LP), light rise time (Light Rise), and the LP:DT ratio. Group comparisons used the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Linear regression evaluated the association between RMD and LP:DT ratio with and without adjustment for age.ResultsAge did not differ between groups (median 69 vs. 72 years; P = 0.5). Absolute standing potentials were similar (DT: 598 vs. 681 μV, P = 0.2; LP: 1,092 vs. 1,150 μV, P = 0.8). Light rise time was also similar (8.00 [IQR 7.50–9.00] vs. 8.00 [IQR 7.00–9.00] min; P = 0.6). In contrast, the LP:DT ratio was significantly reduced in RMD (1.65 [1.50–1.80]) compared with without-RPD controls (1.90 [1.80–2.10]; P = 0.0043). RMD was independently associated with a lower LP:DT ratio (β = −0.25, 95% CI [−0.41 to −0.09]; P = 0.004).ConclusionCompared with AMD eyes without RPD, RMD eyes demonstrate a selectively reduced LP:DT ratio without a change in absolute standing potentials or light rise timing. This EOG pattern supports attenuated light response consistent with generalized dysfunction of the RPE–photoreceptor complex in RMD.
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Circadian–immune crosstalk in insomnia disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Insomnia disorder (ID) is a common sleep–wake disorder characterized by persistent difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, early-morning awakening, or non-restorative sleep, accompanied by daytime functional impairment. ID has traditionally been explained by the hyperarousal model, which emphasizes cognitive, emotional, cortical, neuroendocrine, and autonomic overactivation. However, this model alone does not fully account for the chronic persistence, relapse tendency, and multisystem associations of ID. Emerging evidence suggests that circadian rhythm disruption, impaired melatonin signaling, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activation, autonomic imbalance, and low-grade inflammation may also contribute to the development and maintenance of ID. Available evidence indicates that sleep disturbance is more consistently associated with selected inflammatory markers, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), whereas findings for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) remain less consistent. The circadian system regulates sleep, endocrine function, metabolism, and immune-inflammatory activity through the suprachiasmatic nucleus, melatonin and cortisol rhythms, peripheral clock genes, and rhythmic immune-cell responses. Disruption of this temporal network may alter melatonin secretion, inflammatory rhythmicity, and stress-related neuroendocrine responses, thereby contributing to the persistence of insomnia symptoms. Compared with previous reviews that have separately discussed hyperarousal, circadian rhythm disruption, melatonin signaling, or sleep-related inflammation, this review integrates these processes into a circadian–immune perspective for understanding ID. We summarize alterations in sleep–wake rhythms, melatonin signaling, HPA-axis activity, autonomic regulation, and immune-inflammatory responses in ID, and discuss potential intervention strategies, including light management, melatonin and melatonin receptor agonists, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), physical activity, time-restricted eating, and stress management. This review aims to provide a mechanistic basis for understanding the chronicity and heterogeneity of ID and for developing individualized intervention strategies.
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Perception and willingness toward second-generation long-acting antipsychotics among patients with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional survey in Fujian, China

ObjectiveTo assess perceptions and willingness toward second-generation antipsychotic long-acting injectables (SGA-LAIs) among patients with schizophrenia, to identify the influencing factors, and to provide evidence for optimizing clinical implementation strategies.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in which patients with schizophrenia who attended outpatient follow-up visits at a tertiary psychiatric hospital were recruited via convenience sampling. A validated, expert-reviewed questionnaire was administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with binary logistic regression models employed to explore the determinants of patients’ willingness to accept SGA-LAIs.ResultsThe sample characteristics included 126 males (55.5%), 114 patients (50.2%) aged 31–50 years, 140 patients (61.7%) with an illness course exceeding 5 years, and 126 patients (55.5%) with experience with SGA-LAIs. Overall, 155 participants (68.3%) expressed positive willingness to use SGA-LAIs, whereas 72 participants (31.7%) expressed negative willingness. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences between the willingness-positive and willingness-negative groups in terms of disease course (χ² = 12.314, P = 0.006) and prior SGA-LAI experience (χ² = 55.525, P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with prior SGA-LAI experience (OR = 11.11, 95% CI: 5.41~23.26, P < 0.001), a disease course of 5–10 years (OR = 2.898, 95% CI: 1.134-7.407, P = 0.026), and a disease course of > 10 years (OR = 3.282, 95% CI: 1.300-8.288, P = 0.012) demonstrated significantly greater willingness to accept SGA-LAIs. Among the willingness-positive group, the most endorsed advantages of SGA-LAIs were “avoiding daily medication” (80.7%) and “increased effectiveness” (68.4%), and the primary concern was “injection pain” (56.8%). In the willingness-negative group, the predominant reasons for refusal were “rejection of needles” (93.1%) and “rejection of changing therapeutic regimens” (79.2%).ConclusionThe overall acceptance of and willingness to use SGA-LAIs among patients with schizophrenia followed up in psychiatric hospitals are high. Experience with SGA-LAIs and disease course were identified as independent factors influencing patients’ willingness to use SGA-LAIs. In clinical practice, patient acceptance can be enhanced by strengthening doctor-patient communication, prioritizing medication education for patients with a long disease course, and improving patients’ initial experience with SGA-LAIs, thereby supporting broader clinical adoption of SGA-LAIs.
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A hybrid implementation-effectiveness study of a school-based intervention for promoting health and well-being in low-resource settings: the ISOBAR study protocol

IntroductionSchool-based interventions can improve adolescent health outcomes and tackle the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Results to date are variable, partly due to lack of cultural adaptation of Westernised models and limited focus on implementation processes. The aim of the ISOBAR project is to develop, implement, and test a school-based intervention to address the emergence of mental and physical (i.e., nutritional, physical inactivity) health problems in LMICs. The three-stage intervention comprises (1) assessment for mental and physical health problems, (2) universal health literacy, and (3) indicated counselling.Methods and analysisThe ISOBAR multi-site project comprises three phases: (1) pre-intervention (co-development and cultural adaptation of the intervention); (2) implementation of the intervention; and (3) post-intervention evaluation. The intervention will be delivered using a staggered roll-out design to introduce the intervention sequentially to three schools per site (nine in total) in Chennai, Gujarat (India), and Ibadan (Nigeria). Each school will receive the intervention by the end of the study period. Local teams will recruit 200 adolescents per school (Total n=1, 800). All adolescents (in intervention and control conditions) will be assessed for mental health/behavioural problems and nutritional/weight problems at baseline. Adolescents in the intervention school will receive the universal health literacy intervention (main cohort), and those adolescents reaching pre-determined thresholds on mental health and/or nutritional indices (sub-cohort) will be referred to school-based counselling support. A suite of assessments will be conducted throughout the study period including: (1) intervention effectiveness (e.g., impact on help-seeking, weight, and mental health and behavioural outcomes); (2) implementation processes (e.g., facilitators and barriers) and outcomes (e.g., acceptability, appropriateness, sustainability); and (3) cost-effectiveness.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the University of Warwick’s Biomedical and Scientific Research Ethics Committee (BSREC 36/23-24) and the institutional ethics committees of all participating sites. Research findings will be disseminated through peer reviewed scientific publications, public announcements in local communities, policy briefings, print and online media, and institutional and professional social media accounts and websites.
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Coping styles and mental health outcomes in partners who have experienced a perinatal loss: a longitudinal study

Perinatal loss is common, but little is known about its impact on partners during the grieving process. This study examined psychological outcomes and coping strategies among recently bereaved partners (≤6 months post-loss; N = 73) at baseline (T1) and six-month follow-up (T2) via online survey. Participants were predominantly male (78%) and typically aged 25–44 (90%), and had experienced a range of perinatal losses (<20 weeks’ gestation to 28 days of life). Grief and depression symptoms were assessed using the Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS) and PHQ-9 respectively, and multivariate regression analyses examined the role of coping styles, demographic characteristics, and loss-related factors. Participants reported varying levels of grief and depression symptoms, with 38% displaying moderate-to-severe depression symptoms at follow-up. Across the cohort, participants reported using a range of coping strategies; however, avoidant coping was uniquely associated with higher grief and depression scores at baseline (PHQ-9: β = .30, p = .007; PGS: β = .49, p <.001). Avoidant coping also predicted poorer grief and depression outcomes at follow-up, although these relationships were no longer significant after controlling for baseline symptoms. Additionally, stillbirth, female gender, and younger age were associated with greater psychological distress at baseline across outcomes (β = .21–.32, p ≤.05). Associations between gender, stillbirth, and psychological outcomes remained at follow-up, although these did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance (β = .24–.40, p ≤.073). These findings highlight the psychological impact of perinatal loss on partners and underscore the importance of improving access to support for this group. Avoidant coping may represent a key target for intervention. Future research should further investigate factors influencing grief trajectories and identify effective forms of support for bereaved partners.