This is the latest issue of The Download, our weekday newsletter delivering a daily round-up of technology news.
The infiltration of conspiracy theories in medical practices
Anyone who has googled their symptoms and persuaded themselves they have a brain tumor understands how the internet facilitates self-(mis)diagnosis of health issues. Although social media and other online platforms can serve as a support system for individuals seeking a diagnosis or community, misinformation poses serious risks to their health and even their lives.
We interviewed several healthcare professionals who shared insights on how this contemporary tendency to “do your own research” is transforming their field. Read the complete story.
—Rhiannon Williams
This article is a segment of MIT Technology Review’s series “The New Conspiracy Age,” which explores how the current surge in conspiracy theories is influencing science and technology.
Stop stressing about your AI footprint. Focus on the broader perspective instead.
—Casey Crownhart
As a reporter covering climate technology, I frequently get asked whether the use of AI is advisable, especially considering its negative environmental impact. Generally, I encourage people not to fret—let a chatbot organize your holidays, recommend recipe options, or compose poetry if that’s what you’re after.
This answer might catch some off guard. I assure you, I’m not disconnected from reality, and I am aware of all the alarming forecasts about AI’s electricity consumption. However, I strongly believe that the burden should not fall solely on individuals. Here’s why.
This piece is from The Spark, MIT Technology Review’s weekly climate newsletter. To receive it in your inbox every Wednesday, sign up here.
A new ion-based quantum computer simplifies error correction
Quantinuum has recently launched Helios, its third-generation quantum computer, featuring enhanced computational power and error correction capabilities.
Just like all previously existing quantum computers, Helios does not possess the power needed to run the industry’s coveted money-making algorithms, which would be beneficial for material discovery or financial analysis.
However, machines from Quantinuum, utilizing individual ions as qubits, could be more easily scaled compared to quantum computers that operate with superconducting circuits as qubits, such as those created by Google and IBM. Read the complete story.
—Sophia Chen
Essential reads
I’ve searched online to bring you today’s most intriguing/important/scary/captivating stories about technology.
1 A new California regulation could alter how all Americans navigate the web
It provides internet users with the option to refuse the sale or sharing of their personal data. (The Markup)
2 The FDA has expedited approval for a pill aimed at pancreatic cancer
The experimental medication shows promise, but specialists have concerns about potential shortcuts. (WP $)
+ Higher demand for AstraZeneca’s cancer and diabetes medications is boosting profits. (Bloomberg $)
+ A new cancer therapy eliminates cells through targeted heat. (Wired $)
3 AI innovators assert it surpasses humans in various tasks
But not every task is equal. (FT $)
+ Aren’t we all stepping into an AGI trap? (Vox)
+ How AGI transformed into the most significant conspiracy theory of our era. (MIT Technology Review)
4 IBM plans to reduce thousands of positions
It’s directing its efforts towards software and AI consulting, it seems. (Bloomberg $)
+ It aims to expand its clientele seeking AI services. (NYT $)
5 Big Tech’s data centers aren’t delivering the job growth that was promised
The roles they do generate are primarily in security and maintenance. (Rest of World)
+ We calculated AI’s energy footprint. Here’s the untold story. (MIT Technology Review)
6 Microsoft allowed AI shopping agents to roam in a simulated marketplace
They were easily influenced into making purchases, as discovered. (TechCrunch)
+ When AIs negotiate, a less sophisticated agent could result in losses for you. (MIT Technology Review)
7 Sony has assembled a dataset to assess the fairness of computer vision models
And it claims the dataset has been gathered ethically and fairly. (The Register)
+ These innovative tools could lead to less biased AI vision systems. (MIT Technology Review)
8 The social network era has ended
We now exist in a time of anti-social media. (The Atlantic $)
+ Fraudulent ads are rampant on these platforms, but these former Meta employees have devised a plan. (Wired $)
+ What’s the ultimate online boast? Lacking any followers. (New Yorker $)
9 Vibe coding is Collins dictionary’s word of the year 2025 📖
Outperforming stiff competition from “clanker.” (The Guardian)
+ What on earth is vibe coding, anyway? (MIT Technology Review)
10 These individuals discovered love with their chatbot companions
While the AI may not possess reality, the emotions of the humans are genuinely felt. (NYT $)
+ Forming a bond with an AI chatbot is surprisingly effortless. (MIT Technology Review)
Quote of the day
“The opportunistic side of me recognizes that your typical accountant won’t be handling this.”
—Sal Abdulla, founder of accounting software startup NixSheets, mentions to the Wall Street Journal that he utilizes AI tools to gain an advantage over his competition.
One additional note
Ethically obtained “spare” human bodies could transform the field of medicine
A multitude of challenges within medicine largely arise from one fundamental issue: a significant deficiency in ethically sourced human bodies.
There may exist a potential solution to break this ethical and scientific stalemate. Recent advancements in biotechnology are paving the way to create living human bodies devoid of the neural components that enable thought, consciousness, or pain perception.
While many might find this idea unsettling, if researchers and lawmakers can reconcile these technologies, we might eventually develop “spare” bodies, whether human or nonhuman. Read the full story.
—Carsten T. Charlesworth, Henry T. Greely & Hiromitsu Nakauchi
We can still enjoy nice things
A space for comfort, enjoyment, and diversion to enhance your day. (Have suggestions? Drop me a line or send me a message.)
+ Don’t forget to look up and catch November’s supermoon.
+ If you keep finding yourself mindlessly scrolling (and who doesn’t?), perhaps this hefty six-pound phone case could help you break the habit.
+ Life insights from a 101-year-old who has no intention of retiring.
+ Are you a fan of movement snacking?
