This is the latest issue of The Download, our weekday newsletter delivering a daily update on technology happenings.
A guide for Earthlings in search of new planets
The charm around Rebecca Jensen-Clem’s neck features 36 silver hexagons arranged in a honeycomb pattern. At the Keck Observatory in Hawaii, a similar amount of pieces forms a mirror measuring 33 feet, reflecting vistas of undiscovered worlds for her examination.
Jensen-Clem, an astronomer affiliated with the University of California, Santa Cruz, collaborates with the Keck Observatory in her quest to find new planets from Earth. This endeavor encounters a plethora of challenges, such as wind, and changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature.
Within her laboratory nestled among the redwoods, Jensen-Clem, together with her students, tests innovative technologies and software aimed at surmounting these hurdles and improving their celestial observations. Learn more about her and her contributions.
—Jenna Ahart
This article comes from the upcoming print edition of MIT Technology Review, focused on the human body. If you haven’t subscribed yet, subscribe today to receive your copies promptly.
2025 climate tech innovators to watch: Ather Energy and its high-end e-scooters
While the uptake of electric vehicles was spurred by Tesla or BYD sales in other regions, two-wheelers have spearheaded the green energy movement in India.
As one of the pioneering “pure play” electric scooter manufacturers, Ather Energy has significantly advanced micromobility EV adoption across India, facilitating the transition away from vehicles that emit carbon. Discover the complete story.
—Nilesh Christopher
Ather Energy is featured on our list of 10 climate tech companies to watch—our yearly compilation of some of the brightest climate technology firms globally. Explore the rest of the list here.
The essential readings
I’ve scoured the web to bring you today’s most engaging/important/terrifying/intriguing tales regarding technology.
1 The Trump administration has dismissed thousands of federal health workers
It cites the government shutdown as justification—but labor unions are filing lawsuits. (Reuters $)
+ The layoffs will devastate portions of the CDC that oversee disease monitoring. (STAT)
2 AI-generated videos of deceased celebrities are distressing their families
OpenAI faces increasing demands to limit the capabilities of its video generator Sora 2. (WP $)
+ Sora was downloaded over a million times within just five days—a pace even quicker than ChatGPT. (BBC)
3 The Dutch government has assumed control of a Chinese-owned semiconductor manufacturer
This decision follows Beijing’s tightening of export regulations regarding rare earth materials, potentially impacting Europe’s automotive sector. (CNBC)
4 Why some developers are resisting AI coding tools
Even at their peak, they can introduce bugs in the code that are difficult to identify. (The Information $)
+ The second surge of AI coding is here. (MIT Technology Review)
5 Police are pleading with youth to cease the AI homeless man prank
Teenagers are utilizing AI to generate images of a scruffy person in their residence and forwarding that to their parents. (The Verge)
6 How Elon Musk’s alignment with Trump continues to damage Tesla
Consequently, his vehicles are now pricier and less appealing. (The Atlantic $)
+ China may compel Tesla to redesign its door handles. (Wired $)
+ How has China come to dominate the electric vehicle market? (MIT Technology Review)
7 What resulted after schools in Australia prohibited phones?
Both students and staff report overwhelmingly favorable outcomes. (The Guardian)
8 AI excels at identifying minor earthquakes
However, the real goal is whether it can assist in forecasting larger ones as well. (Ars Technica)
+ Insights we can gain from Japan’s preparations for “megaquakes”. (MIT Technology Review)
9 Climate change is resulting in new hybrid species
The “grue jay” is a mix of blue jay and green jay. It serves as a testament to the era we live in. (Nautilus)
+ A groundbreaking gene-editing technology will assist humanity in tackling climate change. (MIT Technology Review)
10 How users strategize on Hinge to secure desired dates
It places users’ best matches behind a paywall—but individuals are discovering workarounds. (The Cut $)
+ A new term has emerged for daters who utilize AI to enhance their attractiveness: chatfishers. (The Guardian)
Quote of the day
“It’s as emotionally devastating as it is dangerous to the American public.”
—A staff member from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares with STAT about the ramifications of the Trump administration’s move to implement widespread layoffs at the agency.
One last thing
How the federal government is assessing modifications in the availability of street drugs
In 2021, the Maryland Health Department and state law enforcement were tackling a crisis: Drug overdose fatalities in the state were at unprecedented levels, and officials were uncertain why.
Seeking clarity, Maryland authorities reached out to scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the national metrology institute for the U.S., responsible for defining and upholding measurement benchmarks crucial for various industry sectors and health and security purposes.
A research chemist named Ed Sisco and his team had devised techniques for identifying minute quantities of drugs, explosives, and other hazardous substances—methods that could safeguard law enforcement officers and others required to handle these materials. Their initial pilot study revealed new, vital insights almost instantly. Explore the complete narrative.
—Adam Bluestein
We can still enjoy pleasant things
A space for comfort, enjoyment, and distraction to uplift your day. (Have suggestions? Send me a message or share with me.)
+ This zesty tea is just what you require when feeling unwell.
+ A guy, playing with his feline companion.
+ Growth in empathy is achievable—it’s not a static quality. Here’s a guide.
+ João Bernardino’s imagery of Portugal has a very calming effect.
