Edition: July 3, 2026

The browser wars have shifted from search to AI-powered assistants, with new entrants like Perplexity, The Browser Company, and OpenAI offering alternative browsers that leverage AI to enhance user experience. These browsers can perform tasks such as summarizing emails, browsing web pages, and sending calendar invites. Users can choose from a growing variety of browsers that prioritize AI, customization, and privacy.

Researchers have developed a device called the Eye-in-a-Care-Box (ECaBox) that can maintain and revive eyeballs from dead donors, potentially making eye transplants possible. The device uses perfusion to provide oxygen and nutrients to the eye, preserving its structure and function. This breakthrough could lead to a new frontier in retina preservation and whole-eye transplantation.

Negotiations between Google DeepMind and its London-based employees over unionization have stalled after initial talks, with union representatives feeling that the company is not engaging in good faith. The employees are seeking recognition of the Communication Workers Union and Unite the Union as joint representatives. The push to unionize began in February 2025, following Alphabet's removal of a pledge not to use AI for purposes like weapons development and surveillance.

Google DeepMind and film studio A24 have announced a research partnership to develop new technologies and workflows for the entertainment industry. The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and next-generation entertainment. This partnership also includes an investment from Google in A24.

Anthropic, a leading AI company, has announced Claude Science, an AI workbench for scientists to accelerate scientific discovery and healthcare interventions. The company also plans to develop its own drugs, further expanding its presence in the biotech and pharma industries. This move marks a significant step into the pharmaceutical sector for Anthropic.

Takeda has signed a $600 million deal with Insilico Medicine to use AI in early-stage drug discovery, gaining access to Insilico's Pharma.AI platform. The collaboration will focus on identifying drug candidates that meet predefined scientific and early development criteria. Takeda will receive exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize selected candidates.

A comprehensive AI glossary has been created to help individuals understand the complex terminology used in the field, covering topics such as artificial general intelligence, AI agents, and chain of thought reasoning. The glossary is regularly updated to reflect the evolving nature of AI. It aims to provide clear definitions for those building with, investing in, or simply trying to keep up with AI developments.

Midjourney has released a behind-the-scenes look at its futuristic medical scanner, but the video raises more questions than answers about the device's effectiveness. The scanner, which uses ultrasound probes, is intended for use in spas and aims to provide cheap and detailed imaging. Despite the innovative design, the company has yet to provide substantial proof that the scanner works as intended.

The UK has passed a generational sales ban on tobacco products, prohibiting retailers from selling to anyone born after January 1, 2009, in an effort to eliminate smoking entirely. This 'endgame' approach is a new strategy, and its effectiveness is unknown. The ban has received support from both major parties, but its longevity is uncertain due to potential repeal.

The UK has passed a generational sales ban on tobacco products, aiming to eliminate smoking entirely, and a new short story by Elizabeth Bear explores themes of preservation and control. The tobacco ban is considered a significant move, although its effectiveness is uncertain. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Bear's story delves into the consequences of erasing names and memories from the system.