Artificial Neurons Communicate with Living Brain Cells

The Frontier

Science & tech breakthroughs in AI models, hardware, and computing that define what's possible

Artificial neurons successfully communicate with living brain cells. Northwestern University engineers have developed printed artificial neurons that communicate with living brain cells, marking a significant advancement in neurotechnology and AI integration.

Northwestern's aerosol-printed neurons hint neurotech may scale via $50K printers, not $10B fabs, eroding the capital moat. Mouse brain slices fired at native voltages when stimulated, proving signal fidelity. If in vivo biocompatibility holds, watch hospitals build custom neural implants by 2029.

Science Daily

The App Store is booming again, and AI may be why. App launches surged 60% year-over-year in Q1 2026, with iOS seeing an 80% increase, suggesting a robust recovery in app development despite initial fears of AI replacing apps.

The resurgence in app launches indicates a potential shift in user engagement strategies, as developers adapt to integrate AI functionalities rather than replace traditional apps.

TechCrunch

Bank of Canada's Macklem says he has spoken to Fed chair about risks from Anthropic's Mythos AI model. Bank of Canada Governor Macklem's comments on Anthropic's Mythos AI model highlight ongoing concerns regarding AI's implications for financial stability and regulatory frameworks.

Macklem drags AI risk onto central-bank turf. Naming Anthropic at the IMF ends 15 years of G7 chiefs avoiding vendor call-outs, recasting a single model as a potential systemic node. If Powell echoes the worry by June, Basel-style capital add-ons for AI trading desks land on the 2027 docket.

Financial Post

Capital & Control

Tracking the flow of capital and influence that shapes the tech landscape

Once close enough for an acquisition, Stripe and Airwallex are now going after each other. The competitive dynamics between Stripe and Airwallex, previously on the verge of acquisition, illustrate the shifting landscape in fintech as both companies now pursue direct competition.

This rivalry may accelerate innovation in payment solutions, impacting market strategies and investor interest in both firms.

TechCrunch

Most enterprises can't stop stage-three AI agent threats, VentureBeat survey finds. A recent survey reveals that a significant majority of enterprises are unprepared for advanced AI agent threats, highlighting critical vulnerabilities in their security architectures. This indicates a widespread issue that could impact overall trust in AI technologies.

Gravitee's 82% confidence vs 6% budget signals capital is mispricing agent risk; $50B+ GenAI spend dwarfs the sub-$2B poured into agent-guard startups, leaving the control tier underbuilt. Hyperscalers will exploit the vacuum with premium security add-ons. Watch breach headlines push late-2026 mega-rounds into this niche.

VentureBeat

Digital Defense

Threats and defenses shaping the global security landscape

US-sanctioned currency exchange says $15 million heist done by "unfriendly states". Grinex, a US-sanctioned cryptocurrency exchange, reported a $15 million hack attributed to Western intelligence agencies, highlighting vulnerabilities in cryptocurrency infrastructure and the geopolitical implications of cyber operations.

$15M barely registers next to typical $100M+ DPRK crypto raids, pointing to an inside job or sanctioned-exchange exit scam rather than a costly Western spy op. Only 70 wallets hit across 16 months of siege. Watch Russia cite this to justify harsher crypto controls within 90 days.

Ars Technica

The Performance Edge

Peak performance science for sustained execution in high-stakes environments

Severe malaria may affect children’s cognitive abilities more than a decade later. A study indicates that children who experienced severe malaria may face long-term cognitive deficits, highlighting the need for ongoing health monitoring and interventions in affected populations.

12-year Ugandan data overturn the belief survival ends malaria's toll; cerebral or severe malarial anemia cuts later cognition, with math worst hit. Survivors still lag matched peers on standard tests. Net effect: donors to back neuroprotective add-ons and remedial schooling trials by 2028.

Science.org

Crypto & Digital Assets

Bitcoin, Ethereum, DeFi protocols, and digital asset market dynamics

Grinex exchange blames "Western intelligence" for $13.7M crypto hack. Grinex exchange has halted operations after a significant $13.7 million hack, claiming it was executed by Western intelligence. This incident raises concerns about the security of cryptocurrency exchanges, especially those operating in politically sensitive environments.

Grinex's $13.7M breach looks trivial to crypto bulls but flags Western intel swapping paperwork for code-based sanctions. Wiping 12% of the exchange’s ruble liquidity throttles a rare Russian dollar bypass after the 2025 Treasury blacklist. If two more sanctioned desks get drained, expect Russian flows to pivot to China OTC hubs by Q3.

Bleepingcomputer