Technology

Rice University Breakthrough: New AI Method Accelerates Protein Engineering Scientists at Rice University have developed a novel method to generate large datasets for training artificial intelligence models in protein engineering. A significant bottleneck in AI-guided protein engineering has been the lack of sufficient experimental data to train accurate models. The new technique utilizes an activity-based barcoding system that records the activity of individual protein variants, creating the necessary large-scale data for machine learning. As a proof of concept, the team applied this method to a small CRISPR-Cas protein, and the resulting AI model was able to predict mutations that significantly enhanced the protein’s activity. This breakthrough could dramatically accelerate the development of optimized proteins for various applications. ...

WeRide & Grab Launch Singapore’s First Public Robotaxi Service WeRide and Grab have officially launched Singapore’s first public autonomous ride-hailing service, named Ai.R, in the Punggol district as of April 1, 2026. This launch follows a successful trial period that began in January 2026, during which the service catered to over 1,000 early riders and the fleet accumulated 30,000 kilometers of autonomous mileage. The service utilizes WeRide’s GXR and Robobus vehicle models. For the initial public phase, rides will be offered free of charge until mid-2026. The service operates on weekdays from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with routes designed to connect residential areas with key local amenities. Each vehicle will have a certified safety operator on board, with remote operator training also in progress. ...

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning California’s New AI Regulations, Chipmaker Funding, and Scientific Breakthroughs The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning landscape has seen significant developments in the last 24 hours. Key updates include new AI regulatory measures in California, a major funding round for a South Korean chipmaker, new research on public perception of AI, and breakthroughs in high-temperature computing and quantum energy prediction. These advancements highlight the rapid evolution of AI technology and its growing impact on society and industry. ...

FBI Warns of Supply Chain Attack Targeting AI Developers The FBI’s Cyber Division has issued a critical alert regarding a sophisticated supply chain attack targeting artificial intelligence developers. A threat actor group identified as ‘Team PCP’ has reportedly compromised two widely-used developer tools, injecting malicious code directly into trusted build pipelines. The attackers exploited weak credential management and used AI-assisted coding techniques to escalate privileges and evade detection. The FBI strongly urges all AI organizations to immediately audit their software dependencies, rotate all credentials, and implement more robust security protections for their build pipelines to mitigate this threat. ...

US Regulators Highlight AI’s Growing Role in Banking for Fraud Detection and Underwriting A U.S. House Financial Services subcommittee convened on March 26, 2026, to examine the integration of artificial intelligence within the financial sector. Testimonies from federal regulators, including the Federal Reserve and FDIC, revealed that banks are increasingly utilizing AI and machine learning for a variety of functions. These applications range from improving operational efficiency to enhancing fraud detection and anti-money laundering processes. Notably, AI is being used with cash flow data to assist in credit underwriting for individuals who might not have access to credit through traditional methods. The National Credit Union Administration has also launched an AI Resources page on its website to support credit unions in adopting these new technologies. ...

Agentic AI Takes Center Stage, Shifting Focus from Generative Models In March 2026, the artificial intelligence landscape is undergoing a pivotal shift from generative AI to more autonomous, agentic AI systems. These advanced AI agents are engineered to execute complex, multi-step workflows with minimal human oversight, fundamentally transforming business operations. This trend is highlighted by the release of new models like OpenAI’s GPT-5.4, which features native computer-use capabilities, allowing it to interact directly with software interfaces. The industry’s focus is evolving from experimentation to implementation, embedding AI as an invisible infrastructure within enterprise environments. Upcoming events like NVIDIA’s GTC 2026 are also expected to heavily feature agentic and physical AI. ...

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning AI Industry Sees Major Developments in Early March 2026 The artificial intelligence sector has experienced a flurry of significant activity in early March 2026, marked by major infrastructure adjustments and new AI model advancements. In a notable development, Oracle and OpenAI have reportedly canceled plans to expand a major AI data center in Texas. This facility was a key part of the ‘Stargate’ infrastructure project, but disagreements over financing and evolving demands from OpenAI led to its cancellation. Concurrently, the AI model landscape continues its rapid evolution with OpenAI’s launch of GPT-5.4, a new model boasting enhanced reasoning and coding capabilities. Adding to the industry’s momentum, the Allen Institute for AI (AI2) has released Olmo Hybrid, a new open-source 7B-parameter model demonstrating improved data efficiency. These events highlight the dynamic nature of the AI industry, with simultaneous shifts in both large-scale infrastructure and the continuous innovation of AI models. ...

IIT Kharagpur Launches New School for Applied AI to Boost Industry Innovation The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has announced the launch of its new School of Digital Engineering, Applied Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning. This new school is designed to be a premier hub for research and innovation, with a strong focus on industry integration to promote the real-world application of AI technologies. According to the institution’s director, Suman Chakraborty, this initiative represents a significant shift in institutionalizing applied AI. The ultimate goal is to position IIT Kharagpur as a leading global center for developing responsible and sovereign AI for key sectors like healthcare and manufacturing. ...

Biotech’s ‘Builder’ Phase: AI Integration Drives R&D Transformation The biotech industry is shifting from standalone artificial intelligence tools to developing fully integrated, AI-native discovery systems. According to the 2026 Biotech AI Report from Benchling, this new “builder” phase sees organizations reshaping their data infrastructure and company structures to make AI a core component of their research and development models. A common trend is to embed AI leadership directly within R&D to ensure technology remains connected to the experimental context. However, the report highlights that poor data quality and availability are the top reasons for the failure of AI pilot projects. These infrastructure issues are creating a significant bottleneck for AI adoption in more complex areas like generative design and biomarker analysis. ...

Telefónica and Nokia Pioneer New AI-Agent API Monetization Models Telefónica is exploring how agentic AI can shift revenue models for network APIs away from traditional per-call pricing. In a collaboration with Nokia, Telefónica has been testing AI software agents to support network API use as part of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. A key application, showcased with Mavenir, is a ‘No-Show Prediction’ agent designed to forecast attendance and trigger interventions, reducing missed appointments in sectors like healthcare and retail. According to Telefónica’s Alex Harmand, other monetizable use cases include identity orchestration, context-aware risk scoring for payments, and network quality optimization for enterprise clients. ...