Anthropic Runs Secret Biology Lab Amid Safety Warnings

Anthropic has confirmed it operates a wet biology lab in the Bay Area, using its AI models to conduct physical experiments. The lab focuses on fundamental biology rather than drug discovery, as the company avoids competing with pharma partners like Novo Nordisk. Anthropic also launched a Life Sciences Verification Program giving vetted researchers access to its most powerful models. The revelation has drawn sharp criticism given Anthropic's own dire AI safety warnings. A recent researcher resignation highlighted internal fears that AI could cause mass casualties, and Anthropic's alignment lead puts odds of AI exterminating humanity above 10%. Investor Chamath Palihapitiya mocked the contradiction, noting the company behind extinction warnings is now building a biology lab.