This is the current issue of The Download, our weekday newsletter delivering a daily update on the happenings in the tech world.
How aging clocks can shed light on our understanding of aging—and whether it can be reversed
Ignoring wrinkles and gray hairs, determining how someone’s body is genuinely aging can be challenging. An individual who experiences age-related illnesses sooner, or exhibits biological changes linked to aging, might be viewed as “biologically older” compared to a peer without such changes. While some 80-year-olds may be frail and weak, others remain vigorous and active.
In recent years, researchers have been discovering innovative ways to examine the subtle methods by which our bodies age. Their findings are reshaping our comprehension of aging itself. Discover the full story.
—Jessica Hamzelou
Is it possible to mend the internet?
The internet is rife with addictive algorithms, exploitative applications, data harvesting, and misinformation, making it a treacherous environment. Recent publications by three prominent thinkers—the mind behind “net neutrality,” a former Meta executive, and the original creator of the web—suggest bold solutions for repairing it. But are these thought leaders the appropriate choice for the task? Uncover the complete narrative.
—Nathan Smith
Both articles are featured in our upcoming print issue, focusing on the body. If you haven’t already, subscribe today to get future editions as they are released. Moreover, you will receive a complimentary digital report on nuclear energy.
2025 climate tech companies to keep an eye on: Cyclic Materials and its rare earth recycling innovation
Rare earth magnets are vital for sustainable energy, yet only a minuscule percentage of the metals contained within them gets recycled. Cyclic Materials plans to alter this by launching one of the largest rare earth magnet recycling facilities outside China next year.
Through the collection of various devices and recycling several metals, the firm intends to navigate the economic obstacles that have historically hindered such initiatives. Explore the full story.
—Maddie Stone
Cyclic Materials is featured in our top 10 climate tech companies to watch—our annual roundup of the most promising climate tech enterprises globally. Discover the complete list here.
The must-reads
I’ve scoured the web to find today’s most entertaining/important/disconcerting/captivating stories about technology.
1 California’s AI safety legislation has been enacted
This holds AI firms accountable legally if their chatbots fail to safeguard users. (TechCrunch)
+ It also mandates chatbots to inform young users that they are not human. (The Verge)
+ Gavin Newsom also approved initiatives for social media warning labels. (The Hill)
2 Satellites are leaking unencrypted information
Including civilian messages, along with military and law enforcement communications. (Wired $)
+ It’s becoming quite congested up there too. (Space)
3 Defense startups are rejuvenating manufacturing in quiet US towns
The arms of the future are being produced in Delaware, Michigan, and Ohio. (NYT $)
+ Phase two of military AI has commenced. (MIT Technology Review)
4 Europe is concerned about becoming an AI “colony”
The region is overly reliant on US technology, experts warn. (FT $)
+ The US is caught in a dilemma with China. (Rest of World)
5 Massive portions of human knowledge are absent from the web
And AI is likely to exacerbate the issue. (Aeon)
+ How AI and Wikipedia have contributed to the decline of vulnerable languages. (MIT Technology Review)
6 How mega batteries are facilitating an energy transformation
Large battery systems are aiding in stabilizing grids and maximizing the use of clean energy. (FT $)
+ This startup aspires to harness the Earth as a gigantic battery. (MIT Technology Review)
7 A novel chemical detection method reveals what’s causing illness in wildlife
It’s a progressive step toward a healthier future for all creatures—including humans. (Knowable Magazine)
+ We are inhaling, consuming, and drinking toxic substances. Now we must determine how they affect us. (MIT Technology Review)
8 The world is producing more food crops than ever before
Yet hunger remains a persistent issue. (Vox)
+ Africa is combating escalating hunger by revisiting past food traditions. (MIT Technology Review)
9 Google plans to obscure sponsored search results
Only after you’ve encountered them first. (The Verge)
+ Is Google in a race against OpenAI to enhance search functionality? (MIT Technology Review)
10 Indonesia’s film sector is adopting AI
To the detriment of artists and storyboard creators. (Rest of World)
Quote of the day
“It is trying to address an issue that wasn’t a concern prior to the arrival of AI, or before the emergence of large tech companies.”
—Greg Loudon, a certified beer judge and brewery sales manager, explains to 404 Media his discontent with a notable competition utilizing AI to assess beer quality.
One more thing
The fortunate breakthrough behind the initial CRISPR therapy
The first commercial gene-editing treatment is poised to begin transforming the lives of individuals suffering from sickle-cell disease. It is called Casgevy, and it received approval in November 2022 in the UK.
This treatment, which will be marketed in the US by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, uses CRISPR, which scientists can easily program to target specific DNA sequences they select.
But how do you target CRISPR, and how did the researchers determine what DNA to modify? That’s the lesser-known narrative of the sickle-cell innovation. Read more about it.
—Antonio Regalado
