Nvidia-Backed SandboxAQ Generates Synthetic Data to Accelerate Drug Discovery

/in /tarafından

Artificial intelligence startup SandboxAQ, spun out of Alphabet’s Google and backed by Nvidia, unveiled a large synthetic dataset designed to speed up drug discovery by improving predictions of how drugs bind to proteins. This crucial step helps scientists determine whether a drug candidate will effectively target biological processes involved in diseases.

Although the dataset is rooted in real-world experimental science, SandboxAQ created it computationally using Nvidia’s powerful chips rather than through lab experiments. By combining traditional scientific computing with advanced AI, the startup generated approximately 5.2 million new three-dimensional molecular structures that have not been observed naturally but are scientifically plausible based on existing data.

This synthetic data is being released publicly to train AI models capable of rapidly and accurately predicting drug-protein interactions, a process that would otherwise take far longer to compute manually—even on the fastest computers. SandboxAQ plans to monetize its own AI models developed using this data, offering a faster, cost-effective alternative to lab experiments.

Nadia Harhen, SandboxAQ’s general manager of AI simulation, explained the breakthrough: “This is a long-standing problem in biology that the industry has been trying to solve. Our synthetic data is tagged with ground-truth experimental results, enabling models trained on this data to achieve unprecedented accuracy.”

The approach represents a promising intersection of scientific computation and AI, potentially accelerating the development of new medicines and improving outcomes in pharmaceutical research.

UBS and Pictet Report Data Leak Following Cyber Attack on Service Provider; Client Data Safe

/in /tarafından

Swiss banks UBS and Pictet disclosed on Wednesday that they were affected by a data leak caused by a cyber attack on their Swiss-based service provider, Chain IQ. Despite the breach, neither bank reported any compromise of client information.

According to Swiss newspaper Le Temps, tens of thousands of UBS employees’ data, including contact details and a direct internal line to UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti, were stolen. Chain IQ, headquartered in Baar, provides services to major firms including KPMG and Mizuho.

UBS confirmed that the incident involved stolen information related to the bank and other companies, emphasizing that no client data was affected. The bank said it responded quickly to mitigate operational impacts.

Chain IQ revealed that the cyber attack targeted it and 19 other companies, with some data published on the darknet. The firm stated that countermeasures were immediately implemented to contain the situation but declined to comment on ransom demands or communications with attackers due to ongoing investigations.

KPMG, listed as a Chain IQ client, said its infrastructure remained unaffected but enhanced its security protocols in response to the breach.

Pictet reported that only invoice-related information involving some of its suppliers, such as technology providers and consultants, was stolen. The private bank reassured that client data remained secure and stressed the importance of strict controls to prevent unauthorized access.

Swiss financial regulator Finma is overseeing the case according to standard procedures.

Cybersecurity expert Ilia Kolochenko of ImmuniWeb warned that breaches at third-party vendors pose a significant risk even to top financial institutions, potentially affecting the long-term trust in Swiss banking.

Chinese Bitcoin Mining Hardware Giants Establish U.S. Production to Circumvent Tariffs

/in /tarafından

The world’s top three manufacturers of bitcoin mining machines — Bitmain, Canaan, and MicroBT — are setting up production bases in the United States as part of a strategic response to President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. These firms, all originally Chinese, dominate over 90% of the global market for mining rigs, specialized computers essential for bitcoin mining.

The move aims to avoid hefty U.S. tariffs imposed amid escalating trade tensions, while potentially easing geopolitical concerns related to China’s influence over critical tech infrastructure. Guang Yang, CTO of Conflux Network, highlighted that the trade war is triggering deep structural changes in bitcoin’s supply chain, pushing U.S. companies toward sourcing hardware from politically acceptable locations.

Bitmain, the largest by sales, began U.S. production in December 2023, shortly after Trump’s re-election. Canaan started trial U.S. production after Trump announced new tariffs on April 2, seeking to shield itself from duties. MicroBT is actively pursuing localization in the U.S. to reduce tariff impacts.

This sector, valued by analysts at around $12 billion by 2028, includes upstream mining rig production, energy-heavy bitcoin mining, IT infrastructure, and trading platforms. U.S. rival Auradine, backed by leading miner MARA Holdings, is lobbying to restrict Chinese equipment imports to boost competition in hardware.

Despite 30% of global bitcoin mining taking place in North America, more than 90% of mining hardware comes from China, creating an imbalance and raising security concerns. Auradine’s Sanjay Gupta warned of risks linked to “hundreds of thousands” of Chinese rigs connected to the U.S. grid. However, Canaan’s Leo Wang dismissed security threats from mining rigs, stating they are ineffective outside bitcoin mining, though he warned Chinese manufacturers could face collateral impacts from U.S. tech restrictions.

Bitmain’s AI arm, Sophgo, was recently blacklisted by the U.S. government over security concerns, illustrating rising scrutiny of Chinese tech firms.

Historically, China dominated bitcoin from hardware through mining and trading until 2021, when Beijing banned cryptocurrency activities citing financial risks. Miners and exchanges moved abroad, but Chinese manufacturers maintained dominance in hardware, leveraging their early lead in designing mining-specific chips.

Canaan has relocated its headquarters to Singapore and established a U.S. pilot production line, with the U.S. contributing 40% of its revenue last year. Wang emphasized the goal of reducing costs amid tariffs by exploring all alternatives.

The U.S. currently imposes a baseline 10% tariff on many imports and an additional 20% on Chinese goods, with potential further tariffs on Southeast Asian countries hosting Chinese assembly plants.

While Trump promotes crypto-friendly policies and has positioned himself as a “crypto president,” China’s dominance in bitcoin infrastructure remains a potential choke point. Legal expert John Deaton warned that China’s control could disrupt bitcoin network stability and impact U.S. users if exports are restricted.

Top U.S.-based miners, including MARA, Core Scientific, CleanSpark, and Riot Platforms, face risks from heavy reliance on Chinese hardware. Economist Ryan Yonk noted this dependence is “potentially problematic” despite Chinese rig makers’ efforts to establish a U.S. presence.

Kadan Stadlemann, CTO at Komodo, said U.S. miners will still buy rigs from China in the short term and face higher costs, but the tariff-driven shift aims to reshape the industry’s supply chain long term.