This is the latest issue of The Download, our weekday dispatch featuring a daily insight into the happenings in the tech world.
Next-generation nuclear reactors move beyond the 20th-century design
The adoption of commercial nuclear reactors has increased markedly in recent times as climate change concerns and the need for energy independence overshadow fears regarding accidents and nuclear waste. However, constructing nuclear facilities is costly and time-consuming.
A new wave of nuclear power innovation could transform reactor design and functionality. Supporters are optimistic that emerging technologies can invigorate the sector and aid in the transition from fossil fuels without producing greenhouse gases. Here’s a glimpse of that vision.
—Casey Crownhart
Next-gen nuclear is featured among our 10 Breakthrough Technologies this year. For insights into its inclusion, subscribe to The Spark, our weekly newsletter focused on energy and climate change, launching tomorrow. Additionally, you can explore the full list of technologies here.
Data centers are incredible. Yet, they face widespread disdain.
The hyperscale data center is a testament to modern engineering prowess. It represents a breakthrough across various fields. They undeniably showcase technological advancement. Yet, public sentiment is negative.
Discover why they’re causing such outrage in our article.
—Mat Honan
This account initially appeared in The Debrief with Mat Honan, a weekly newsletter addressing significant tech stories from our editor-in-chief. Subscribe here to receive the next installment in your inbox on Friday.
The essential reads
I’ve scoured the web to bring you the most interesting/important/alarming/fascinating stories about technology today.
1 Iran is systematically undermining Starlink
The satellite internet service is designed to be resistant to jamming—yet Iranian officials are managing to do just that. (Rest of World)
+ Reports circumventing Iran’s internet restrictions indicate that thousands have lost their lives. (NYT $)
+ A firsthand look at Ukraine’s largest Starlink repair facility. (MIT Technology Review)
2 Research casting doubt on microplastics’ harmful effects
Some researchers claim findings may stem from contamination and false positive results. (The Guardian)
3 Trump seeks to ease the criticism of data centers
He is attempting to persuade tech firms to contribute more financially, aiming to lower consumer energy expenses. (WP $)
+ Microsoft has become the inaugural tech company to commit to this approach. (NYT $)
+ AI is known to consume a lot of power. But what’s the actual scale of this challenge? (MIT Technology Review)
4 US emissions increased last year
A combination of heightened electricity consumption and increased coal usage contributed to this rise. (NYT $)
+ However, there’s good news: coal generation in India and China has finally begun to decrease. (The Guardian)
+ Spotlighting four positive developments in climate news from 2025. (MIT Technology Review)
5 Elon Musk must be held accountable for his actions
If we allow him to unleash a torrent of harassment toward women and children, what may follow? (The Atlantic $)
+ The US Senate has passed legislation providing non-consensual deepfake victims new tools to fight back. (The Verge $)
6 Reasons the US is at risk of falling behind in the moon race🚀🌔
Funding cuts to NASA are exacerbating the situation, but they aren’t the only issues. (Wired $)
7 Google’s Veo AI model now converts portrait images into vertical videos
They are exceptionally polished, as well. (The Verge $)
+ AI-generated influencers are spreading fictitious images of themselves in compromising scenarios with celebrities on Instagram. (404 Media $)
8 Former NYC mayor Eric Adams is under scrutiny for a crypto ‘pump and dump’ scheme
He endorsed a token that briefly reached a market value of $580 million before crashing. (Coindesk)
9 Are you a mid-level manager? Here’s some positive news
Your expertise is not likely to be replaced by AI in the near future. (Quartz)
10 Even minor lifestyle changes can enhance your lifespan
Research involving 60,000 adults revealed that slightly more sleep and physical activity can make a significant impact. (New Scientist $)
+ Aging begins to affect us in our 40s and 60s. However, our well-being doesn’t have to plummet.(MIT Technology Review)
Quote of the day
“What I’m looking forward to in ’26 is more individuals voicing their opinions. Challenging authority is fundamental to free speech and key to American society.”
—LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman shares with Wired his desire for increased pushback from Silicon Valley against the Trump administration this year.
One last note
Steps Africa can take to become a significant AI contender
Africa is still in the initial stages of embracing AI innovations. Yet, experts argue the continent has various competitive advantages, including a relatively youthful and increasingly educated demographic, an expanding landscape of AI startups, and a large base of potential consumers.
Nonetheless, ambitious initiatives to create AI solutions tailored to African needs face multiple obstacles. Researchers express concern that these challenges could hinder Africa’s AI industry and impair its efforts to establish its own direction in the worldwide AI landscape. Explore the complete article.
—Abdullahi Tsanni
We can still enjoy nice things
A space for comfort, joy, and diversion to uplift your day. (Have ideas? Contact me or send me a message.)
+ If you’re still thinking back on the previous year and looking ahead, this complimentary guide could assist!
+ It turns out British comedian Rik Mayall shared some valuable life insights.
+ I’m inclined to stay in this home in São Paolo.
+ If you’re eager to curb doomscrolling, it’s beneficial to assess your sleep patterns. ($)
