This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. Today, we journey from the intricate science of biological aging to the pressing need to repair our digital world, all while spotlighting cutting-edge climate innovations that promise a more sustainable future.
From the microscopic mechanisms that govern our bodies to the grand challenges of global connectivity and environmental stewardship, technology continues to reshape our understanding of ourselves and the planet. Let’s dive into some of the most compelling narratives at the forefront of innovation.
Unlocking the Secrets of Biological Aging
How aging clocks can help us understand why we age—and if we can reverse it.
Wrinkles and gray hairs aside, it can be difficult to know how well—or poorly—someone’s body is truly aging. A person who develops age-related diseases earlier in life, or has other biological changes associated with aging, might be considered “biologically older” than a similar-age person who doesn’t have those changes. Some 80-year-olds will be weak and frail, while others are fit and active.
Over the past decade, scientists have been uncovering new methods of looking at the hidden ways our bodies are aging. And what they’ve found is changing our understanding of aging itself. This deep dive into biological aging seeks to decode the complex processes that determine our health and longevity. Read the full story. —Jessica Hamzelou
One more thing: The lucky break behind the first CRISPR treatment. The world’s first commercial gene-editing treatment is set to start changing the lives of people with sickle-cell disease. It’s called Casgevy, and it was approved in November 2022 in the UK.
The treatment, which will be sold in the US by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, employs CRISPR, which can be easily programmed by scientists to cut DNA at precise locations they choose. But where do you aim CRISPR, and how did the researchers know what DNA to change? That’s the lesser-known story of the sickle-cell breakthrough. Read more about it. —Antonio Regalado
Rethinking the Digital Frontier: Can We Repair the Internet?
Can we repair the internet? This pressing question echoes across the digital landscape as we confront the complex issues plaguing our online world.
From addictive algorithms to exploitative apps, data mining to misinformation, the internet today can be a hazardous place. These challenges highlight an urgent need for reforms in digital ethics and platform accountability, impacting everything from individual well-being to democratic processes.
New books by three influential figures—the intellect behind “net neutrality,” a former Meta executive, and the web’s own inventor—propose radical approaches to fixing it. These pioneers are advocating for significant structural changes to address the internet’s core problems. But are these luminaries the right people for the job? Their proposals spark crucial conversations about how to create a safer, more equitable digital future. Read the full story. —Nathan Smith
Innovating for a Sustainable Future: Climate Tech Spotlight
Our commitment to a sustainable future hinges on innovative climate tech solutions, especially those focused on circular economies for critical materials.
2025 climate tech companies to watch: Cyclic Materials and its rare earth recycling tech. Rare earth magnets are essential for clean energy, powering everything from electric vehicles to wind turbines, but only a tiny fraction of the metals inside them are ever recycled. This inefficiency poses a significant environmental and supply chain challenge.
Cyclic Materials aims to change that by opening one of the largest rare earth magnet recycling operations outside of China next year. By collecting a wide range of devices and recycling multiple metals, the company seeks to overcome the economic challenges that have long held back such efforts, pioneering a new path for sustainable resource management. Read the full story. —Maddie Stone
Cyclic Materials is one of our 10 climate tech companies to watch—our annual list of some of the most promising climate tech firms on the planet. Their work underscores the critical role that material science and recycling innovations play in achieving our clean energy goals. Check out the rest of the list here.
Today’s Essential Tech Briefs & Insights
The must-reads: I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology. These insights span critical policy changes, emerging threats, and transformative innovations.
California’s AI safety bill has been signed into law, holding AI companies accountable and mandating chatbots remind young users they’re not human. Governor Newsom also approved social media warning labels, reflecting growing concerns about digital well-being.
Satellites are leaking unencrypted data, including sensitive civilian and military communications. This security lapse highlights vulnerabilities in orbital networks, which are becoming increasingly congested.
Defense startups are reviving manufacturing in quiet US towns, building future weapons in states like Delaware, Michigan, and Ohio, marking the arrival of advanced military AI applications.
Europe worries about becoming an AI “colony” due to over-reliance on US technology, a concern amplified by the ongoing US-China tech rivalry.
Vast chunks of human knowledge are missing from the web, a gap that AI is poised to exacerbate, particularly impacting vulnerable languages on platforms like Wikipedia.
Mega batteries are unlocking an energy revolution, stabilizing grids and extending clean power utilization, with new ventures even exploring using the Earth itself for massive energy storage.
A new chemical detection technique is revealing what’s making wildlife ill, a crucial step towards understanding how ubiquitous toxic chemicals affect all living beings, including humans.
Despite record food crop production, global hunger persists, highlighting systemic issues in distribution. African initiatives are combating rising hunger by re-embracing traditional foods.
Google is starting to hide sponsored search results only after they’ve been initially displayed, prompting questions about its competitive stance against AI search innovators like OpenAI.
Indonesia’s film industry is rapidly adopting AI, leading to concerns among artists and storyboarders about job security and the future of human creativity in the sector.
Quote of the day: “It is attempting to solve a problem that wasn’t a problem before AI showed up, or before big tech showed up.” —Greg Loudon, a certified beer judge and brewery sales manager, tells 404 Media why he’s so unimpressed by a prominent competition using AI to judge the quality of beer.
Conclusion: Charting Tomorrow’s Tech Landscape
Today’s edition of The Download has offered a compelling snapshot of technology’s profound influence on aging, the internet, and climate solutions. From groundbreaking medical science to critical debates on digital ethics and sustainable innovation, these stories underscore the dynamic intersection of human ingenuity and global challenges.
Understanding these developments—whether it’s the potential for reversing aging, reforming online spaces, or recycling vital resources—is key to navigating our rapidly evolving world. They demand our critical engagement and thoughtful consideration for a better future.
Both these stories are from our forthcoming print issue, which is all about the body. If you haven’t already, subscribe now to receive future issues once they land. Plus, you’ll also receive a free digital report on nuclear power.
We can still have nice things: A place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet ’em at me.)
Why you should consider adopting a “coffee name.”
Where does your favorite Star Wars character rank in this ultimate list? (Number one is correct.)
Steve McQueen, you will always be cool.
The compelling argument for adopting an ethical diet.
Stay informed, stay engaged, and continue to explore the ever-evolving world of technology.
