4 technologies that were left off our 2026 breakthroughs list
If you’ve been with us for a while, you likely realize that our editorial team handpicks 10 breakthroughs each year that we believe will shape the future. This collaborative activity is generally enjoyable and consistently engaging, sparking vibrant conversations throughout, but can sometimes prove to be challenging.
Mark your calendars: the 2026 list will be revealed on January 12—stay tuned for that. Meanwhile, we’d like to present some technologies from this year’s rejected suggestions as a glimpse into our evaluation criteria. While these four technologies are not included in our list of breakthroughs for 2026, they were thoroughly contemplated, and we believe they merit attention. Read the entire article to discover what they are.
MIT Technology Review Narrated: The pursuit to understand our bodies’ responses to extreme temperatures
Researchers aim to mitigate climate change-related fatalities, as both heat and cold present complexities beyond our initial understanding. Global scientists are reassessing the thresholds at which extreme conditions transition from mere discomfort to life-threatening. Their discoveries are reshaping our perceptions of heat and cold limits—and methods for endurance in a shifting climate.
This is our newest article that will be aired as part of the MIT Technology Review Narrated podcast, which we release weekly on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Simply search for MIT Technology Review Narrated on both platforms and follow us to receive all our latest content upon release.
The essential reads
I’ve searched the web to bring you today’s most intriguing/important/terrifying/fascinating technology stories.
1 A CDC panel has recommended postponing the hepatitis B vaccine for infants
This reverses a 30-year strategy that has played a major role in drastically reducing the virus. (STAT)
+ The success of childhood vaccinations as a public health achievement. (MIT Technology Review)
2 Critical climate challenges are escalating in the Arab region
Drought presents the most urgent issue confronts nations. (Ars Technica)
+ The reasons behind Tehran’s water scarcity. (Wired $)
3 Netflix is acquiring Warner Bros for $83 billion
If sanctioned, this will rank among the most substantial mergers in Hollywood history. (NBC)
+ Trump claims the merger “could pose an issue” due to Netflix’s already extensive market presence. (BBC)
4 The EU has imposed a $140 million fine on X
For non-compliance with the new Digital Services Act. (NPR)
+ Elon Musk is now advocating for the total dissolution of the EU.(CNBC)
+ X has also retaliated by deleting the European Commission’s account. (Engadget)
5 AI-generated clutter is deteriorating Reddit
Moderators are becoming exhausted from combating the ever-increasing wave of nonsense. (Wired $)
+ The detrimental impact of AI and Wikipedia on endangered languages. (MIT Technology Review)
6 Researchers hold conflicting views about AI applications
AI tools may enhance the productivity of researchers, yet concerns linger regarding the repercussions of dependence on them. (Nature $)
+ ‘AI-generated clutter’ is diminishing faith in research presented at computer science conferences. (The Guardian)
+ Discover the researcher facilitating a scientific convention dedicated to AI. (MIT Technology Review)
7 Australia plans to prohibit under-16s from social media
The ban is set to be enforced in a couple of days—but teenagers are already attempting to circumvent it. (New Scientist $)
8 AI is degrading our writing habits 🖊️🤖
And most individuals remain unaware. (NYT $)
+ AI may enhance your creativity—but it has its limitations. (MIT Technology Review)
9 Tech entrepreneurs are undergoing etiquette training
The aim is to help them improve their ability to appear more relatable. (WP $)
10 Are we losing intelligence?
It may seem that way at times, but solid evidence to confirm this is lacking. (New Yorker $)
Quote of the day
“It’s a challenge to be Jensen day in and day out. It’s practically like a nightmare. He constantly worries about competitors and fears that they might undermine Nvidia.”
—Stephen Witt, author of ‘The Thinking Machine’, a book detailing Nvidia’s ascent, shares insights on what being its founder and chief executive, Jensen Huang, is truly like.
One final note
How wind energy technology could aid in decarbonizing shipping
Residents of the Marshall Islands—a group of coral atolls situated in the central Pacific Ocean—depend entirely on maritime transport. Historically, they relied on canoes for navigation, but today their seaborne activities primarily involve substantial, diesel-powered cargo vessels that contribute to environmental pollution.
Cargo shipping is responsible for about 3% of global annual greenhouse gas emissions, with projections indicating this number may escalate to 10% by 2050.
The islands are disproportionately feeling the impacts of climate change: rising temperatures, increasing frequency of extreme weather events, and higher sea levels. With these challenges, locals are investigating a surprisingly conventional method of reducing emissions from their shipping industries. Read the complete story.
—Sofia Quaglia
We can still enjoy nice things
A space for comfort, enjoyment, and escapism to enhance your day. (Have suggestions? Let me know or send me a message.)
+ Simple daily habits can create a fulfilling life.
+ Attempting to make an ultimate grilled cheese sandwich using an air fryer? Sounds good to me…
+ I regret to inform you that AI cannot ruin em dashes for us all.
+ Daniel Clarke’s art is vibrant and expressive. Be sure to check it out!
