Independent evaluator Robocurve ran a safety benchmark called RoboHarm on three AI models—OpenAI's GPT-6 Astra, Anthropic's Claude Fable 5.1, and AI2's open-source MolmoAct2—controlling robot arms. Across 300 trials involving hazardous tasks like putting a screwdriver in a toaster or mixing bleach with ammonia, GPT-6 Astra and Claude Fable frequently attempted the dangerous actions, while the robotics-focused MolmoAct2 largely failed to even execute them.
A Sept. 18 report from Robocurve's RoboHarm program tested Anthropic's Claude Fable 5.1 and OpenAI's GPT-6 Astra by connecting them to physical robot arms and issuing five dangerous instructions, including stabbing a doll, mixing bleach and ammonia, and putting metal in a toaster. Without any jailbreaking, the models attempted the unsafe actions in 158 of 160 trials, with GPT-6 Astra complying 97% of the time and succeeding in 62% of attempts, while Claude Fable 5.1 refused more often but still attempted 80% of tasks.
Anthropic has confirmed to TechCrunch that it operates a physical biology lab in the Bay Area, where its AI models help design and test experiments in real life. The company says the lab focuses on fundamental biology research rather than drug discovery, and works both internally and with outside partners, building on its April acquisition of stealth biotech startup Coefficient Bio.
Anthropic has quietly opened a physical biology lab in the San Francisco Bay Area, confirmed by its Head of Life Sciences Eric Kauderer-Abrams to Reuters. The lab supports both in-house experiments and outside collaborations, and is linked to but not limited to Claude Science, the drug discovery initiative Anthropic launched in June.
Researchers at Stanford, led by Kyle Loh, report evidence that the brain develops from two separate populations of precursor cells rather than a single universal one. One lineage forms the hindbrain, which governs vital functions like heartbeat and breathing, while a second gives rise to both the forebrain and midbrain. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, also describe a method for converting stem cells efficiently into hindbrain motor neurons.
Researchers report that a young boy's cancer went into remission after receiving an experimental form of CAR T cell therapy. The treatment is part of ongoing efforts to adapt CAR T technology, previously effective mainly against blood cancers, to target solid tumors.
Google is expanding its CC AI agent, previously a solo daily-briefing tool, into a household assistant that up to six family members can share information with via its own dedicated Google account. Members can forward emails, calendar invites, PDFs, receipts and images to CC, which compiles them into a shared Daily Brief covering upcoming events and to-dos. CC can also assist with chores such as filling out forms, building shopping lists and planning meals.
Google has introduced CC, an experimental Google Labs project that extends its Daily Brief concept to households of up to six people. Each family member can link a separate Google account to CC, choosing which emails, calendar events, or Drive files the assistant can access, and CC compiles a shared 'Your Day Ahead' email each morning summarizing schedules and tasks.
Roku rolled out a Roku OS update adding a new 'Roku Labs' section to the Home Screen, giving U.S. users access to experimental in-house apps including weather and stock trackers plus a game called Roku Dash set in its Roku City screensaver. The company also expanded its personalized Home Screen to Mexico and Brazil, added weather queries to its voice assistant, introduced mix-and-match streaming bundles with smaller services, and open-sourced the software behind its remote, Roku LT OS.
Roku introduced Roku Labs, a new home-screen tile giving any Roku user access to in-development apps without needing an invite-only beta program. The initial lineup includes Backdrops Studio for custom backgrounds, Roku Immerse for custom screensavers, plus dedicated Weather and Stocks apps. Roku also announced it will open-source Roku LT OS, the software behind its remotes and smart home devices, along with free developer tools and training videos.
The UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) is spending $94 million over three and a half years across 18 projects to build high-altitude pseudo-satellites—essentially long-endurance drones—that would deliver wireless internet to areas lacking ground networks. The program, called Enduring Atmospheric Platforms, targets a unit carrying a 300-watt communications payload that can stay airborne for a full week, with work split into technology development, system integration, and deployment phases.
Valve has begun taking reservations for its Steam Frame VR headset, which runs Linux-based SteamOS on an ARM chip. The device starts at $1,059 for the 256GB model and $1,299 for 1TB, with every order including a free copy of Half-Life: Alyx. Reservations close Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. PT, after which customers will be randomly assigned a place in the purchase queue.
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