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AI Chatbot Claude Receives Extensive Moral Education, While Scientists Explore Brain Chemistry and Plant Communication
Artificial intelligence ethics, the science of reward, and plant communication were among the diverse topics making headlines recently. Anthropic's AI chatbot, Claude, received an extensive moral education documented in an 80-page "soul document," while researchers delved into the neurological basis of reward and the intricate communication methods of plants.
Amanda Askell, an in-house philosopher at Anthropic, spearheaded Claude's moral development, crafting the majority of the detailed document, according to Vox. The document aimed to instill ethical principles in the AI.
Meanwhile, a study published in Nature News on January 28, 2026, explored how brain chemistry rewards hard work. The research investigated why completing difficult tasks can feel rewarding.
In the realm of botany, the Max Planck Society reported on January 28, 2026, that plant mothers send molecular "text messages" to pollen. Dr. Jiali Zhu studied grafted plants of the species Capsella rubella to discover that small RNAs, which regulate gene expression, are transmitted from the mother plant to the pollen, according to Phys.org. It was previously believed that these small RNAs originated solely within the pollen itself.
Separately, Time magazine addressed health and wellness, publishing articles on managing sugar cravings and the benefits of hypochlorous acid. Experts suggest balancing blood sugar to tame a sweet tooth, as fluctuating glucose levels can trigger cravings. Alison Acerra, a registered dietician nutritionist in New York, noted that blood sugar dips can lead individuals to reach for sugary snacks as a quick fix.
Time also explored the rising popularity of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in skincare and cleaning products. Dr. Howard Sobel, a cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, stated that HOCl's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for fighting germs, calming skin, and treating wounds without irritation. "It’s powerful, but gentle," Sobel said. HOCl is naturally produced by the body.
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