This is the latest issue of The Download, our weekday newsletter delivering a daily scoop on the current happenings in technology.
What mechanisms enable our bodies to retain memories?
“It’s like riding a bicycle” captures the extraordinary capacity of our bodies to recall movements. Typically, when we discuss muscle memory, we’re referring not to the muscles themselves, but rather to the retention of a coordinated movement pattern that resides in the motor neurons governing our muscles.
However, recent research has revealed that our muscles themselves retain memory of movement and physical activity. The more we engage in activities like cycling or various forms of exercise, the more those cells begin to register a memory of that activity. Discover the complete narrative.
—Bonnie Tsui
This article is part of MIT Technology Review Explains: a series that unravels the intricate, chaotic realm of technology to help you anticipate future developments. Explore more from the series here.
This feature is also included in our upcoming printed issue, centered around the human body. If you haven’t yet, subscribe now to receive future editions upon release. Additionally, you’ll get a free digital report on nuclear energy.
2025 climate tech enterprises to observe: Traton and its electric trucks
Daily, trucks transport millions of tons of goods across roads and highways globally. The majority are diesel-powered, making them a significant source of commercial carbon emissions.
Traton, a division of Volkswagen, is producing zero-emission trucks that could contribute to cleaning this sector, while also investing in a comprehensive charging network across Europe to facilitate other manufacturers in following suit. Discover the full narrative.
—Amy Nordrum
Traton is one of our ten climate tech enterprises to observe—our yearly listing of some of the most promising climate tech companies worldwide. Check out the remainder of the list here.
This examination could unveil the status of your immune system
Our understanding of immune health is surprisingly limited. The complex network of cells, proteins, and biomolecules that defends us against disease is incredibly intricate. Immunologists are still deciphering its workings.
Currently, a new test is being designed to assess immune health, even providing a score. However, this is challenging for multiple reasons. Explore the full story.
—Jessica Hamzelou
This article originally appeared in The Checkup, MIT Technology Review’s weekly biotechnology newsletter. To get it in your inbox every Thursday, sign up here.
The essential reads
I’ve searched the internet for today’s most entertaining/important/scary/intriguing stories regarding technology.
1 China intensifies checks on Nvidia’s AI chip imports
Customs personnel are examining shipments for the company’s China-specific chips. (FT $)
+ US officials are probing a company suspected of assisting China in avoiding export limits. (NYT $)
2 Tesla’s ‘full self-driving’ option is under scrutiny
Following numerous reports of vehicles using it running red lights. (WP $)
+ The company is lowering its prices to compete with the Chinese giant BYD. (Rest of World)
+ Elon Musk will still earn billions, even if he does not meet his ambitious objectives. (Reuters)
3 A data hoarder has assembled a searchable archive of Epstein documents
Simplifying the process of locating mentions of particular individuals and places. (404 Media)
4 OpenAI claims GPT-5 is its least-biased iteration yet
Even when dealing with “challenging, emotionally charged inquiries.” (Axios)
5 The creators behind ICE-tracking applications aren’t backing down
They’re challenging Apple’s decision to eliminate their apps from its store. (Wired $)
+ Another initiative to monitor ICE raids was recently deactivated. (MIT Technology Review)
6 The global biodiversity crisis is escalating
More than half of bird species are on the decline. (The Guardian)
+ The brief and peculiar history of gene de-extinction. (MIT Technology Review)
7 YouTube is reaching out to previously banned creators
It has reversed its lifetime ban policy, offering individuals behind previously banned channels another chance. (CNBC)
+ However, users banned for copyright violations or extremism are ineligible. (Bloomberg $)
8 This startup aims to introduce self-flying aircraft to our skies
Beginning with military cargo flights. (WSJ $)
9 Your plumber may be utilizing ChatGPT
They are increasingly turning to the chatbot for on-site troubleshooting. (CNN)
10 Do robots really need hands?
Perhaps not, yet that isn’t deterring researchers from attempting to construct them. (Fast Company $)
+ Will we ever trust robots? (MIT Technology Review)
Quote of the day
“Social media is a total dumpster.”
—Hany Farid, a computer science professor at the University of California, Berkeley, describes the surge of AI-generated low-quality videos infiltrating digital platforms to the New York Times.
One last thing
Who has the authority to determine who gets experimental medical treatments?
There has been a movement toward relaxing the requirements for new medications, making it increasingly accessible for individuals to receive treatments that may not benefit them—and could potentially be harmful. Anecdotal evidence seems to overshadow scientific data in the drug approval process. Consequently, we are witnessing the release of some ineffective drugs.
It is imperative we scrutinize how these decisions are made. Who should have access to experimental therapies? And who should be the decision-makers? Such inquiries are particularly urgent given the rapid advancements in biotechnology. We’re not merely refining existing treatments but are also inventing entirely new modalities. Uncover the full story.
—Jessica Hamzelou
We can still have enjoyable experiences
A haven for comfort, amusement, and diversion to brighten your day. (Have suggestions? Send me a message or shoot ’em my way.)
+ I adore this collective archive of every documented Wilhelm scream in various media.
+ Happy birthday to quicksilver Bruno Mars, who celebrated his 40th this week.
+ Here’s how to visit an interstellar interloper.
+ Bumi the penguin is enjoying the utmost fun with this bubble device 🐧
