The New York Times
A new United Nations (U.N.) initiative positions the organization as the central forum for AI governance, unveiling a new global dialogue and a 40-member panel of experts to assess the technology’s risks and opportunities. Delegates highlighted AI’s promise in areas like health and food security, but warned of dangers such as mass surveillance, misinformation, and inequality. Said U.N. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock. “The future will not be shaped by algorithms alone. It will be shaped by the choices we make together.”
From "Countries Consider AI’s Dangers, Benefits at U.N."
The New York Times (09/25/25) Steve Lohr
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BBC News
Voters in Switzerland narrowly approved the introduction of voluntary digital identity cards in the country. A similar proposal in 2021 was rejected over privacy concerns, but the new system will be government-controlled, storing data only on users’ smartphones rather than centrally. Digital IDs will remain optional, with traditional ID cards still valid. Authorities will only be able to verify specific requested details, such as proof of age.
From "Swiss Voters Approve Digital IDs"
BBC News (09/28/25) Imogen Foulkes
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Science
A massive earthquake swarm that began beneath the Greek island of Santorini earlier this year gave scientists a rare opportunity to map a volcano’s inner workings in real time. Researchers used newly deployed seafloor sensors and AI-processed seismic data to track more than 30,000 quakes, revealing magma movement between Santorini and the nearby Kolumbo undersea volcano. The swarm allowed scientists to model how a 13-kilometer dike formed and to confirm a long-suspected shared plumbing system.
From "Mapping the Plumbing Beneath a Greek Volcano"
Science (09/24/25) Evan Howell
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Reuters
Cisco unveiled a software tool designed to integrate quantum computers from different makers into a single cloud. The tool can analyze quantum computing problems, divide them, and assign each part to the most suitable machine across different quantum technologies. The company said it also is developing specialized networking chips to connect quantum computers, aiming to ease complexities for software developers.
From "Cisco Software Aims to Connect a Quantum Computing Cloud"
Reuters (09/25/25) Stephen Nellis
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Financial Times
Google DeepMind's new Gemini Robotics 1.5 and Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5 AI models can enhance robots’ ability to reason and complete multi-step real-world tasks such as sorting laundry and recycling rubbish. The models enable robots to plan, problem-solve, and even use online tools like Google search. Demonstrations showed robots folding laundry, packing for a trip with weather considerations, and sorting rubbish according to local guidelines. A new technique called “motion transfer” allows skills learned for one robot type to be applied to others.
From "Google DeepMind AI Model Lets Robots Perform Household Tasks"
Financial Times (09/25/25) Melissa Heikkilä
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UPI
Researchers at the Chilean research center Millennium Institute for Engineering and Artificial Intelligence for Health (iHEALTH) developed a digital twin that replicates the Purkinje network, the heart's electrical conduction system. The digital system offers a noninvasive method for detecting abnormal electrical activity in the heart and for testing pacemaker positions and other treatments before performing procedures on a patient. "This would allow for better planning of procedures, greater personalization and, therefore, more effective results," said Francisco Sahli at Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.
From "Replicating the Heart's Electrical System"
UPI (09/25/25) Francisca Orellana
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