The Download: how the United States fell behind in the search for extraterrestrial existence, and bold battery assertions

In July 2024, NASA’s Perseverance rover stumbled upon an unusual rocky formation on Mars marked by peculiar spots. On our planet, such markings generally indicate the presence of microbial life.

Granted, those dots aren’t irrefutable evidence of extraterrestrial life. However, they present the most compelling suggestion yet that life could be more common in the universe.

To definitively ascertain this, the only feasible option is to return a sample of that rock for analysis on Earth.

Fast forward over a year and a half, and the initiative to accomplish this is on thin ice, with no funding anticipated in 2026 and minimal support remaining in Congress. Consequently, those intriguing rocks may remain out there forever.

This means that, in the race for proof of alien existence, the U.S. has effectively surrendered its leading status to its foremost geopolitical competitor: China. The superpower is advancing swiftly with its own mission to retrieve rock samples. Their operation is more streamlined than that of the U.S. and Europe, and the Martian samples they collect may not meet the same quality standards. Yet, that detail likely won’t dominate the narrative in scientific publications and history.

Nearly a dozen insiders and scientists from both the U.S. and China shared the narrative of how America relinquished its edge in this new space competition. It’s replete with lofty aspirations and groundbreaking finds—alongside mismanagement, staggering expenditures, and ultimately, frustration and disenchantment. Discover the full account.

—Robin George Andrews

This article is also a part of the Big Story series: MIT Technology Review’s key, ambitious journalism. The stories in this collection delve deep into upcoming technologies and their ramifications for us and our world. Explore the complete series here.

A company claims a groundbreaking advancement in battery technology. Now they must validate it.

Whenever a firm asserts it has developed what essentially amounts to the ultimate battery solution, questions are bound to arise.

Excitement has been brewing since Donut Lab, a Finnish firm, revealed last month that it possesses a new solid-state battery technology, prepared for mass production. The company stated that its batteries can charge incredibly fast and have a high energy density which would enable super long-range electric vehicles. Moreover, it declared that the cells can function safely in extreme hot and cold temperatures, incorporate “eco-friendly and abundant materials,” and would be cheaper than current lithium-ion batteries.

It sounded remarkable—this type of technology could revolutionize the electric vehicle sector. However, many quickly questioned whether it was just too good to be true. Let’s explore why this company is generating buzz, the skepticism among experts, and the implications for the battery industry at this moment.

—Casey Crownhart

This article comes from The Spark, MIT Technology Review’s weekly newsletter on climate issues. To receive it every Wednesday in your inbox, subscribe here.

Today’s essential reads

I’ve searched the web for the most enjoyable/important/scary/fascinating stories regarding technology available today.

1 Chinese authorities attempted to enlist ChatGPT to undermine Japan’s prime minister
OpenAI states that the chatbot declined to assist in organizing an online smear campaign. (Axios)
+ The user requested ChatGPT to alter reports on covert influence operations. (Bloomberg $)

2 Meta’s AI is delivering ineffective tips to child abuse investigators
These not only drain resources but also impede investigations. (The Guardian)
+ U.S. investigators are employing AI to identify child abuse images generated by AI. (MIT Technology Review)

3 A judge has dismissed xAI’s legal action against OpenAI
Elon Musk’s startup was unable to demonstrate any misconduct on the part of its competitor. (Ars Technica)
+ xAI had accused previous employees of transferring trade secrets to OpenAI. (Reuters)
+ It could potentially refile but will need to adjust its claims. (The Verge)

4 China seems to be concealing regular drone maneuvers
Which might indicate practice for a potential assault on Taiwan. (Reuters)
+ Taiwan’s “silicon shield” may be weakening. (MIT Technology Review)

5 Pro-AI super PACs are amassing significant donations in advance of the U.S. midterm elections
They are garnering substantially more funds than their pro-regulation opposites. (FT $)
+ Anthropic is supporting a regulation-friendly PAC known as Public First Action. (NYT $)

6 Specialists are concerned about the impacts of AI-generated slop videos on child development
The nonsensical content often lacks structure and confuses youngsters.(NYT $)

7 Approximately 400 million individuals are living with long covid
Its consequences extend well beyond physical symptoms. (Bloomberg $)
+ Researchers are detecting signs of long covid in blood samples, which could lead to new therapies. (MIT Technology Review)

8 Tech enthusiasts are avoiding interviews with mainstream media
And leaning towards significantly less critical online platforms. (New Yorker $)

9 The ISS is unexpectedly susceptible
There is a substantial vulnerability in its key defenses. (Wired $)
+ Data centers are venturing into space, and our regulations are not prepared. (Rest of World)
+ Meet the astronaut who is training tourists to travel to the world’s first commercial space station. (MIT Technology Review)

 10 Our enthusiasm for fake meat has waned 🍔
Even makers of plant-based meat are conceding that some products do not taste pleasing. (Economist $)
+ The cost of (real) beef has surged in recent times. (The Guardian)
+ Here’s a flavor experience of a lab-grown burger. (MIT Technology Review)

Quote of the day

“We are employing both incentives and consequences.”

—Seth Besmertnik, chief executive of digital marketing startup Conductor, describes his strategy for rigorously evaluating the AI proficiency of his employees to the Wall Street Journal.

One additional note

Miniature synthetic organs may unveil the secrets of menstruation

No one completely understands how—or why—the human body orchestrates menstruation; the monthly cycle of cellular renewal, growth, and disintegration. Many individuals urgently require treatments to alleviate their menstrual cycles, but it’s challenging for researchers to develop drugs without grasping how menstruation fundamentally operates.

That clarity might be on the horizon, thanks to endometrial organoids—biomedical constructs made from strands of the tissue that lines the uterus, referred to as the endometrium. Organoids have already shed light on how endometrial cells interact and synchronize, and why menstruation is routine for certain individuals but difficult for others—some scientists are optimistic that these preliminary findings herald the beginning of a new chapter. Read the full narrative.

—Saima Sidik

We can still appreciate nice things

A source of comfort, enjoyment, and distraction to enhance your day. (Have any suggestions? Send me a message or reach out to me.)

+ The remarkable but true story of the Elder Scrolls III fans who created a world resembling a small country within it.
+ Tips on mastering the delicate skill of crafting the ideal sourdough loaf.
+ This charming Pika inspired the character Pikachu.
+  How many of these animated classics have you viewed?