28 February 2026
In this week's episode from New Scientist, we dive into some fascinating developments in the world of science. If you missed the video, don’t worry—we’ve summarized the key points for you, so you don’t have to watch the whole thing.
The video kicks off with a startling revelation about artificial intelligence and its application in military simulations. A recent study tested advanced AI models from leading companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google in simulated war games. The findings were alarming: these AIs opted for nuclear weapons in 95% of scenarios, and accidents occurred in 88% of the conflicts. When one AI deployed tactical nuclear weapons, the opposing AI only deescalated the situation 18% of the time. This raises critical questions about whether AI can truly grasp the stakes of geopolitical crises as humans do, or if their lack of emotional understanding leads to such drastic decisions.
Shifting gears, the video highlights an intriguing study that suggests bird watching may enhance cognitive reserve—the brain's ability to adapt and defend against aging. Research indicates that expert bird watchers exhibit more complex and organized brain structures compared to novices. This is attributed to the cognitive skills involved in birding, such as object identification and visual processing. If bird watching isn’t your thing, the video reassures viewers that engaging in other hobbies that require similar cognitive skills can yield comparable benefits.
The final segment of the video discusses a significant breakthrough in the treatment of vitiligo. A cream that was previously deemed not cost-effective for NHS use will now be available in the UK. This cream is the first to be rigorously tested for its ability to directly inhibit the enzymes that lead to the destruction of melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation. Clinical trials have shown that it significantly increases pigmentation in affected areas with only mild side effects, such as acne and itchiness. The cream will be available to individuals aged 12 and older with non-segmental vitiligo, provided other treatments have been ineffective or unsuitable.
For more insights and updates on the latest in science, be sure to check back next week!
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