Anthropic Researcher Says AI Could Have More Than 10% Chance of Killing All Humans

Artificial intelligence could pose an extreme threat to humanity within the next decade, according to a senior safety researcher at AI company Anthropic.

Evan Hubinger, Anthropic’s alignment science lead, said he personally believes there is a greater than 10% chance that AI could “kill all humans” within the next decade.

The startling assessment came in response to a resignation post from Jacob Coxon, a former researcher at both Anthropic and OpenAI. Coxon announced that he was leaving Anthropic and accused major AI companies of moving too quickly toward increasingly powerful, potentially self-improving systems.

“I resigned from Anthropic today,” Coxon wrote in a post on X. “Neither company is acting responsibly. They are racing straight to self-improving superintelligence and gambling with our lives.”

Hubinger responded to Coxon’s concerns and acknowledged that Anthropic researchers genuinely believe AI could eventually pose an existential threat.

“Jacob is correct here—we really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans,” Hubinger wrote.

He added that, in his personal assessment, the risk is greater than 10% over the next decade.

The Biggest Concern Isn't Today's AI

Hubinger emphasized that he does not believe current AI systems pose a major risk of wiping out humanity.

Instead, his concern centers on the possibility of superintelligent AI capable of recursively improving itself.

Recursive self-improvement refers to a scenario in which an AI system could help improve its own software, capabilities or training processes, potentially allowing it to become dramatically more capable at an accelerating rate.

Hubinger said the risk from current AI models is low, but warned that the development of superintelligence could change the situation dramatically.

Coxon raised similar concerns in his resignation statement, arguing that increasingly powerful AI systems could eventually become capable of hacking computer systems, rapidly advancing scientific fields and gaining access to significant resources and real-world power.

An AI Race Could Make Things Worse

Coxon also argued that AI companies may feel pressured to continue developing increasingly powerful systems because they fear a competitor could get there first.

In his view, researchers may recognize the potential dangers but continue pushing forward because they believe another company or country will move ahead if they don't.

That creates what critics describe as an AI arms race, where safety concerns could take a back seat to the pressure to develop more powerful technology.

Coxon suggested that preventing a catastrophic outcome could ultimately require governments to consider extraordinary measures, including a temporary halt on increasing the capabilities of the most advanced AI models.

How Worried Should We Be?

The comments are certainly alarming, but the 10% figure is Hubinger's personal estimate of an extremely uncertain future scenario, not a prediction that AI will kill humanity.

There is also no scientific consensus that AI has a specific 10% chance—or any precisely measurable probability—of causing human extinction within the next decade.

Still, the comments highlight a growing debate within the AI industry itself: How quickly should companies develop increasingly powerful AI, and how confident should we be that those systems can ultimately be controlled?

For researchers like Hubinger and Coxon, the question isn't whether today's chatbots are going to destroy the world. It's whether humanity can develop adequate safety measures before AI systems become far more capable than the ones we have today.

5 Collectibles to Watch in the Second Half of 2026

Could the next big investment be sitting in a trading-card pack, a LEGO box or an old Nintendo game?

Collectibles can be risky investments. Unlike stocks or savings accounts, they don't generate interest or dividends, and their value can rise or fall quickly. But scarcity, nostalgia, pop-culture popularity and major events can sometimes create big opportunities for collectors.

As we head into the second half of 2026, here are five types of collectibles worth keeping an eye on.

1. Pokémon 30th Anniversary Products

Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary in a big way, and that could make its commemorative merchandise particularly interesting to collectors.

The Pokémon 30th Celebration Trading Card Game expansion arrives September 16, featuring a new Pikachu illustration from legendary Pokémon artist Ken Sugimori.

Anniversary products can have an advantage over individual cards because collectors may want to keep special-edition boxes and sets sealed as souvenirs.

There's already evidence that Pokémon anniversary merchandise can become significantly more valuable over time. The Pokémon 25th Anniversary Ultra-Premium Collection originally sold for $119.99 and has been selling for around $1,400 on the secondary market as of August 2026.

That doesn't mean the 30th-anniversary products will deliver the same returns. But limited-edition Pokémon merchandise could be worth watching, particularly if demand remains strong after the anniversary celebration.

2. Retired LEGO Sets

LEGO isn't just for kids anymore. Retired sets have become a serious collectible category, with certain sets selling for considerably more than their original retail prices.

The key is picking the right sets. Licensed themes, exclusive minifigures, popular franchises and elaborate collector-focused builds can all help create demand after a set leaves stores.

One example is the Harry Potter Gringotts Wizarding Bank Collectors' Edition. The set originally retailed for $429.99 before retiring in March. Sealed copies are now valued at around $790.

Of course, not every LEGO set becomes more valuable. But collectors looking for potential long-term appreciation may want to pay particular attention to sets that are being retired, especially those tied to major entertainment franchises.

3. Soccer Rookie Cards

The 2026 World Cup has put soccer—and soccer collectibles—under an even bigger global spotlight.

That could make rookie cards featuring young stars especially interesting to collectors. One player attracting plenty of attention is Lamine Yamal.

A PSA 10 2023 Donruss Optic Rated Rookie Lamine Yamal #177 reached a high trading price of $350 on August 1, shortly after his World Cup win. That's nearly $200 higher than its price before the tournament began.

But sports cards come with an obvious risk: performance matters.

A breakout season, major tournament victory or award can send a player's cards soaring, while injuries, poor performance or a loss of popularity can send prices in the opposite direction.

4. Limited Labubu and Pop Mart Figures

Labubu has gone from collectible toy to full-blown pop-culture phenomenon, making limited-edition Pop Mart figures another category worth watching.

For example, the Pop Mart Labubu Jazz Figure originally retailed for about $40 in April and has been selling for around $99 on the secondary market.

Labubu's growing presence in entertainment and other experiences could also help keep the character in the public eye. Pop Mart has been expanding the Labubu brand beyond collectibles, including plans for a film project.

As with any hot collectible, though, popularity can be unpredictable. Today's must-have figure could eventually become yesterday's fad. Limited production runs and unusual or highly sought-after designs may have the best chance of standing out.

5. Vintage Nintendo Games

If you've got old Nintendo games sitting in a closet or garage, it might be worth taking a closer look at them.

Sealed vintage video games can command serious prices, particularly when they involve iconic franchises and are in exceptional condition.

Earlier this year, a sealed copy of Super Mario Bros. sold at auction for an incredible $3 million, breaking the previous $2 million record established in a 2021 private sale.

Obviously, most vintage Nintendo games aren't going to come anywhere close to $3 million. But rare, sealed and well-preserved copies of popular titles can still attract collectors and potentially command substantial premiums.

So before throwing out those old Nintendo games, check the box—and check the condition.

Collectibles Aren't Guaranteed Investments

While these five categories could offer opportunities for collectors, there's no guarantee any particular item will increase in value.

Before spending money, consider marketplace and selling fees, authentication or grading costs, insurance and storage. Most importantly, don't invest money you may need in the short term.

The collectibles market can be unpredictable. Sometimes the best strategy is to buy something you genuinely enjoy owning—and consider any increase in value a bonus.

Image Credit: disneyland.disney.go.com

Downtown Disney Is Bringing Back Free Halloween Movie Nights

Halloween is coming to Downtown Disney, and you can enjoy some spooky movie magic without spending a dime!

The popular outdoor shopping and entertainment district will once again host free Halloween movie nights every Wednesday from September 9 through October 28.

The screenings will take place outdoors at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage & Lawn, located between Din Tai Fung and the Parkside Market food hall. So grab a blanket, bring your friends and family, and settle in for a Halloween movie under the stars.

And because no movie night is complete without snacks, guests can also expect Halloween-themed food and treats to be available during the events.

There’s just one thing missing: the movies!

Disneyland has not yet announced the lineup for this year’s Halloween film series. The movie schedule is expected to be revealed through Downtown Disney’s official Instagram account as the event gets closer.

So if you're looking for a cheap—and potentially spooky—way to celebrate Halloween this fall, Downtown Disney is giving you eight Wednesday nights of free entertainment.

Popcorn not included… but highly recommended.

Could Psilocybin Help Protect Nerves During Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy can be a lifesaving treatment, but it can also come with a painful and sometimes long-lasting side effect: nerve damage.

Now, researchers have discovered an intriguing possibility. A new study suggests that psilocybin, the psychedelic compound found in “magic mushrooms,” may help protect nerves from some of the damage caused by chemotherapy.

There’s a major catch, though: the research has only been conducted in mice and human nerve cells so far. No one should take psilocybin as a treatment for chemotherapy-related nerve damage based on these findings.

A Common Side Effect of Cancer Treatment

The condition researchers are studying is called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, or CIPN. It can cause burning pain, tingling, numbness and extreme sensitivity to things like cold or touch.

CIPN affects an estimated one-third to one-half of patients receiving certain chemotherapy drugs. In serious cases, the nerve damage can become severe enough that doctors have to reduce the chemotherapy dose or stop treatment altogether. It can also cause mobility problems and increase the risk of falls and fractures.

Researchers have been looking for ways to prevent CIPN for years.

The Unexpected Psilocybin Connection

The research team at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center wasn't originally searching for a treatment for chemotherapy-related nerve damage.

Instead, researchers were investigating whether substances that encourage neuroplasticity — the nervous system's ability to adapt and change — could potentially protect nerves.

After testing several psychedelic compounds, psilocybin stood out.

In experiments involving mice, researchers gave the animals two doses of psilocybin before treating them with cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug known to frequently cause nerve damage.

The results were striking.

The mice that received psilocybin did not develop the same hypersensitivity seen in untreated animals. The treatment also reduced sensitivity to cold and helped preserve nerve endings in the skin.

Even more interesting, the protective effect continued through as many as six rounds of chemotherapy.

It May Be About the Cell's "Power Supply"

So how could a psychedelic drug possibly protect nerves?

Researchers believe the answer may involve mitochondria, often described as the power plants of cells.

Nerve cells can stretch long distances throughout the body, meaning they have to transport mitochondria along microscopic structures called microtubules. These mitochondria supply energy to distant parts of the nerve.

The researchers compared the system to a railroad: chemotherapy can damage both the energy-producing mitochondria and the microscopic “tracks” that transport them.

In experiments involving human sensory neurons and peripheral nerve tissue, cisplatin reduced mitochondria and ATP — the cell's primary energy currency — in parts of the nerve.

Psilocybin didn't simply make the mitochondria produce more energy. Instead, it appeared to help preserve their ability to travel to the parts of the nerve where they were needed, keeping energy supplies available at nerve endings.

What About the Hallucinations?

One of the most intriguing parts of the study is that researchers found evidence suggesting the protective effect involves the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, which is also involved in many of psilocybin's psychedelic effects.

Researchers tested another compound designed to activate the same receptor without producing hallucinations. That compound also protected mice from chemotherapy-related nerve damage.

That raises an obvious question: Could a future treatment provide the potential nerve-protective benefits without the psychedelic experience?

Researchers don't know the answer yet.

The study's authors also caution that psilocybin's psychedelic effects could potentially contribute to its neuroprotective properties in ways scientists don't yet understand.

Don't Try This at Home

While the findings are promising, researchers stress that this is very early-stage science.

The study does not prove that psilocybin can prevent chemotherapy-related neuropathy in cancer patients. Different chemotherapy drugs can damage nerves through different mechanisms, so protection against cisplatin may not work against every type of chemotherapy.

Most importantly, psilocybin has not yet been systematically tested in humans for preventing CIPN.

Researchers at MD Anderson are now preparing a clinical trial to investigate whether the approach could eventually be used in cancer patients.

If human trials show that it is both safe and effective, psilocybin or related compounds could potentially open a completely new avenue for protecting the nervous system during cancer treatment.

For now, though, the takeaway is simple: the mushroom compound may have a surprising ability to protect nerves — but researchers still have a long way to go before we know whether that discovery can actually help people.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice.