This is the latest issue of The Download, our weekday newsletter delivering a daily glimpse into the happenings within the tech sphere.
Welcome: the era of conspiracy
Every aspect of life is now intertwined with conspiracy theories. Proponents of these ideas are infiltrating the White House, transforming marginal thoughts into perilous policies. The foundational structures of America are deteriorating beneath the strain of intense skepticism and the enduring consequences of isolation from covid. Digital echo chambers are becoming increasingly difficult to break free from, and generative AI is reshaping our understanding of truth. The combination of technology and politics has propelled once-marginal beliefs into the spotlight, though they resemble the same myths that have circulated for centuries.
MIT Technology Review is here to elucidate how this moment is impacting science and technology—and the steps we can take to navigate through it. We are excited to unveil The New Conspiracy Age, a new series exploring how today’s surge in conspiracy theories is reshaping the fields of science and technology.
To launch this series, check out Dorian Lynskey’s intriguing article detailing why it has never been simpler to become a conspiracy theorist. And stay tuned—we’ll be highlighting a new narrative from the series each day in the forthcoming issues of The Download!
Four insights from Bill Gates on climate technology
Bill Gates doesn’t hold back or feign humility regarding his role in the climate sector today. “So, who is the largest financial backer of climate innovation firms?” he posed to a group of journalists at a media roundtable last week. “If there’s anyone else, I’ve never encountered them.”
The former Microsoft chief has dedicated the past ten years to investing in climate tech through Breakthrough Energy, which he established in 2015. In advance of the UN climate discussions beginning next week, Gates shared a memo outlining what he believes activists and negotiators should prioritize and how he views the current climate tech landscape. These are his thoughts.
—Casey Crownhart
This article originates from The Spark, MIT Technology Review’s weekly climate newsletter. To receive it in your inbox every Wednesday, subscribe here.
Top articles
I’ve scoured the web to bring you today’s most entertaining/significant/alarming/captivating stories related to technology.
1 US Homeland Security published misleading videos about immigration operations
They asserted to demonstrate recent activities but utilized footage that was outdated or filmed thousands of miles away. (WP $)
+ ICE is scanning pedestrian faces to confirm their citizenship. (404 Media)
2 Character.AI is restricting under-18s from interacting with its virtual companions
Currently, it faces several lawsuits from families alleging its chatbots have caused harm to their children. (NYT $)
+ The company states it will implement age verification features. (FT $)
+ Teenage boys are utilizing chatbots to roleplay romantic partners. (The Guardian)
+ A looming crackdown on AI companionship is on the horizon. (MIT Technology Review)
3 Trump instructed the Pentagon to recommence nuclear weapons testing
The US hasn’t performed such tests in more than three decades. (BBC)
+ The US President made several inaccurate claims in his statement. (The Verge)
+ He seems to be unaware of why he wants to resume the tests. (The Atlantic $)
4 A Google DeepMind AI model successfully forecast Hurricane Melissa’s intensity
It’s the first instance the US National Hurricane Center has utilized it. (Nature $)
+ Here’s how to support those impacted by its significant damage. (Vox)
+ Google DeepMind’s latest AI model excels in weather prediction. (MIT Technology Review)
5 A leading record label has reached an agreement with AI music company Udio
Universal Music Group had previously taken legal action against it for copyright violations. (WSJ $)
+ AI is making its way into the music industry, as well. (MIT Technology Review)
6 Are businesses exploiting AI as a pretext to lay off employees?
It certainly appears that way. (NBC News)
+ Big Tech will continue pouring billions into AI, regardless. (WP $)
7 Meta Ray-Ban users are filming themselves in massage parlors
They are bothering workers, who seem oblivious to being recorded. (404 Media)
+ Chinese smart glasses producers are eager to capture the market. (FT $)
8 Just three nations dominate global space launches
What will it take to involve other countries? (Rest of World)
9 Why you shouldn’t employ an AI agent
Their freelance effectiveness is… limited. (Wired $)
+ The individuals compensated to train AI are delegating their tasks… to AI. (MIT Technology Review)
10 This app’s AI-produced podcast featuring dogs is a massive success 🐶🎙️
But DogPack wants to assure viewers that it’s not attempting to deceive them. (Insider $)
Quote of the day
“Zuck invested five years and $70 billion to create a business that loses $4.4 billion a year to generate merely $470 million in income. So bad you can’t give it away, I suppose.”
—Greg Linden, a previous data scientist at Microsoft, expresses his thoughts on Meta’s troubled Reality Labs’ financial situation in a post on Bluesky.
One more note
How researchers aim to rejuvenate you
A bit over 15 years ago, scientists at Kyoto University in Japan made a noteworthy advancement. By introducing merely four proteins to a skin cell and waiting around two weeks, some of those cells experienced an unexpected and remarkable change: they re-emerged as youthful cells. They transformed into stem cells very similar to those present in a days-old embryo, just embarking on the journey of life.
At least within a petri dish, researchers employing this technique can rejuvenate aged skin cells from a 101-year-old individual to function as if they had never aged at all.
Now, following more than a decade of research and refinement on what is termed cellular reprogramming, various biotech firms and research facilities are claiming intriguing indications that this method could serve as a breakthrough technology for reversing aging. Read the complete story.
—Antonio Regalado
We can still enjoy good things
A space for comfort, amusement, and distraction to elevate your day. (Have any suggestions? Get in touch or send them my way.)
+ 2025’s Comedy Wildlife Award winners and finalists are timeless examples.
+ This Instagram account posted the same video of Thomas the Tank Engine taking daring train stunts daily, and I find that simply lovely.
+ How to achieve more of that elusive deep sleep.
+ Here’s an intriguing perspective on why we continue to find dragons so enthralling 🐉
