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Claude discovers a novel enzyme system with CRISPR-like repeats

780 points · 805 comments · raahelb

ryanschaefer · 1790190580 · focus · HN ↗
I’m confused why AI companies are using agents in-house for this type of research instead of partnering externally.
I guess the improvement loop is tighter and they have more control over how discoveries can be used for marketing?
But, in my mind, it begins to feel like they are setting themselves up to be “everything” companies instead of focusing on their core product…
1. GolfPopper · 1790190689 · focus · HN ↗
  Because the goal is marketing and maxxing the IPO, not real-world results.
  1. Chance-Device · 1790192582 · focus · HN ↗
    Better than doing this, just in case you hadn’t heard: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-open-ai-influencer-marketing-strategy-chatgpt-ads-sponsorships-instagram-2026-9" rel="nofollow">https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-open-ai-influencer-ma...
    qlte · 1790194319 · focus · HN ↗
    ...which Anthropic is always doing:
    Who, you may ask, would take that money? People like business influencer Megan Lieu, who chose not to disclose just how much she'd made from her AI deals, but says her biggest sponsorship to date has been with Anthropic (makers of Claude), as well as that her biggest sponsored contracts (for any client) are normally around the $30,000 mark.
    (from the third link)
    <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/06/google-microsoft-pay-creators-500000-and-more-to-promote-ai.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.cnbc.com/2026/02/06/google-microsoft-pay-creator...
    <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/NYCinfluencersnark/comments/1sn3t9k/anthropic_pr_dinner_is_wild_lol/" rel="nofollow">https://www.reddit.com/r/NYCinfluencersnark/comments/1sn3t9k...
    <a href="https://aftermath.site/ai-influencer-creator-deals-sponsorship-google-microsoft-anthropic/" rel="nofollow">https://aftermath.site/ai-influencer-creator-deals-sponsorsh...
    Chance-Device · 1790195224 · focus · HN ↗
    That isn’t actually the point, the point is that the AI companies should be made to feel that doing things for society is the only way they get any kudos.
    If they want to compete to be seen as the good guys, by all means let them. But it means actually having to be the good guy, in at least some respects.
    sebzim4500 · 1790199175 · focus · HN ↗
    Yeah I don't think OpenAI are the first company to discover marketing

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