Global Scans · Genetics · Weekly Summary

• [New] Five generation projects worth $3.5 billion reached financial close in the quarter, of which four were the cluster of wind projects that broke the investment vacuum in that technology last year. Pearls and Irritations
• [New] A University of Texas at Austin research team funded by the National Institutes of Health and in a partnership with Bay Area biotech company Metagenomi Thereaputics has developed a smaller pair of molecular scissors for gene editing that could make site-specific delivery within the body possible. EurekAlert!
• [New] On Truth Social, the President announced a new 4.5-billion-dollar manufacturing investment from Eli Lilly for sites in Indiana, which will focus on genetic medicine. Daily Trump Report
• [New] A USD 18.3 million investment in Genetic Improvement Networks will support the development of more resilient vegetable varieties. MarkNtel Advisors
• [New] Ultimately, in 2026, the digital foundations will be built for genomic services that are equitable, accessible and useful for all. CapGemini
• [New] As next-generation solid-state battery technology matures toward aerospace application readiness and lithium-ion energy density continues to improve, battery performance constraints on eVTOL commercial viability in Taiwan will progressively diminish. Mobility Foresights
• [New] By 2026, we can expect to see a surge in the development of personalized therapies for conditions such as cancer and rare genetic disorders, significantly improving public health outcomes. Devigon Tech
• [New] A top U.S. general, who oversees the sustainment of the United States Marine Corps during conflict, is warning that China's threat to the U.S. is much larger than many may realize. Daily Express US
• [New] Discussions included the Joint Crediting Mechanism, with the Philippines promoting the use of Alternate Wetting and Drying in rice farming - a method that reduces emissions and opens opportunities for carbon credit generation. Daily Tribune
• [New] AI adoption in manufacturing could generate between $1.2 trillion and $2 trillion in value annually. EitBiz
• [New] Generative AI and agentic AI are still in their early stages for German companies and investors - yet the potential for M&A is significant: 76% already use AI in due diligence, and 83% expect AI to improve post-merger integration. KPMG
• [New] The MIT-IBM Computing Research Lab will continue to serve as a foundation for training the next generation of computational scientists and innovators. MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• [New] A new UN secretary general in 2027 would at least have the chance to challenge the current unrepresentative security council - made up of the second world war victors China, France, Russia, UK and US - to reform after 30 years of failing to do so. The Guardian
• [New] By 2026, consultants are expected to use AI-enabled tools for research, analysis, drafting and insight generation as a standard part of their work. Vencon Research
• [New] We can expect many more creators to adopt generative AI methods in 2026 to make dialog and level design increasingly intelligent, realistic, and engaging. FunTimes Magazine
• [New] One of the most visible generative AI trends in 2026 will be the complete transformation of creative work. FunTimes Magazine
• [New] Just this month, for instance, researchers in Chile found evidence in mice that sucralose and stevia can potentially alter the gut microbiome and affect genes linked to metabolism and inflammation in negative ways-changes that could even be passed on to later generations. Gizmodo
• [New] The study in JAMA Network Open found prediabetic adults with certain variations in the vitamin D receptor gene had a 19% lower risk of developing diabetes when taking a high daily dose of vitamin D. Futurity
• [New] HHS, the FDA, and the US Department of Veterans Affairs will collaborate with one another - and where appropriate, the private sector - to increase clinical trial participation, expand data sharing, and generate real-world evidence. ArentFox Schiff
• [New] As generics expand access and ongoing research clarifies long-term outcomes, healthcare systems will adapt to prioritise obesity treatment, ultimately improving population health and quality of life worldwide. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Generic formulations - particularly from Indian, Chinese and Brazilian manufacturers - are expected to expand access significantly following patent expirations between 2026 and 2031 [36. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] A treatment made by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals could be the first gene therapy for deafness to earn approval from the FDA. Live Science
• [New] European startups like Wayve lead development of next-generation AI models that could leapfrog current technological approaches. Natixis - Natixis CIB

Last updated: 10 May 2026