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Researchers have announced the birth of babies from an IVF trial involving three people
In the UK, eight babies were born thanks to a new technology which uses the DNA of three people. The two biological parents and a third individual who provides healthy mitochondrial DNA. These babies were born from mothers with mitochondrial disease genes and who could have passed on serious disorders.
The team uses a method in which the nuclei from the patient’s eggs, after they have been fertilized, are then transferred to donated, fertilized eggs. New embryos are made up of DNA from both parents, as well as a small amount of donor mitochondrial DNA floating around in their cytoplasm.
Others in the field have described this study as “tour-de-force” and “a notable accomplishment”. Not everyone, however, sees this trial as an overwhelming success. You can read the complete story.
–Jessica Hamzelou
The following four charts illustrate where AI could be heading next in the US
Nobody knows how AI is going to transform communities, the workplace, or society in general. It’s difficult to know the exact impact AI will bring to the workplace, so many local governments and workers are trying to interpret the tea leaves in order to adapt and prepare.
The Brookings Institution has released a new interactive report that attempts to map the embeddedness of AI jobs and companies in various regions in the United States, in an effort to provide policy recommendations to those who are struggling to stay up to date. Four charts will help you understand the issue.
Peter Hall
Air conditioning: a defense
–Casey Crownhart
It’s true that I haven’t hesitated in pointing a finger of accusation at the air conditioner. In many articles and newsletters, I have argued that AC contributes significantly to the global demand for electricity.
It’s a technology that can save lives, and one that will become more important as the climate changes. In the aftermath of Europe’s deadly heatwave, this technology has been vilified. Learn more by reading our article.
The article below is taken from The Spark – MIT Technology Review’s weekly climate newsletter. Subscribe to The Spark and receive the newsletter every Wednesday. Sign up for our newsletter .
Must-reads
I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
Donald Trump cracks down on dangerous science
Scientists who have been affected by the scandal argue that their research is crucial to finding new treatment options. (WP $)
+ MAHA’s infiltration of states throughout the US. The Atlantic Dollar
Trump has been granted his request by the US Senate to end foreign aid.
The White House has vowed to recover around $8 billion in overseas aid. (NYT $)
+ Around $1.1 billion will also be allocated to the public broadcasting sector. (WP $)
+ The US has cut off aid to the developing world, which could lead to HIV infecting 1,400 babies every day. (MIT Technology Review)
Three American airstrikes only managed to destroy one Iranian nuclear facility
It is possible that the remaining sites could be operational within a few months. (NBC News)
US to ban Chinese submarine cable technology
Cables are essential for internet connectivity around the globe. (FT $)
+ Cables are increasingly at risk from sabotage. (Bloomberg $)
Five reasons why the US outbreak of measles is getting worse
The tactics used by health officials to try and contain the disease are not working. (Wired $)
+ The hesitance to vaccinate is also on the rise. The Atlantic Dollar
+ Why childhood vaccinations have been a success for public health. (MIT Technology Review)
The new Supercomputer will be released in 6 months
Nexus will be used to find new treatments for disease. (Semafor)
Elon Musk teased an AI Grok companion inspired by Twilight
You shouldn’t really have…
+ The Wild West of AI Companionship (MIT Technology Review)
Eight future farms may be completely autonomous
AI-powered tractor and drone surveillance. (WSJ $)
+ African farmers use private satellite data for crop improvement. (MIT Technology Review)
Silicon Valley’s favourite new tool is 9 Granola
Not the delicious breakfast treat. The Information ($)
WeTransfer won’t be training its AI with our files, after all
Customers reacted in anger on social media. (BBC)
Today’s Quote
He’s doing everything the opposite of what I voted.”
Andrew Schulz, comedian and podcaster, who interview Donald Trump in 2016, explains to Wired why he is losing faith in him.
Another thing
Open-source AI is a result of Big Tech handouts. How long can it last?A leaked memo in May 2023, written reportedly by Luke Sernau a Google senior engineer, revealed what Silicon Valley had been whispering about for several weeks. An open-source freeforall threatens Big Tech’s hold on AI.
This is a positive thing in many respects. AI will not thrive if only a handful of mega-rich corporations decide on how to use it or gatekeep the technology. This open-source boom, however, is fragile, as if Big Tech decided to close shop, the boomtown may become a backwater. Click here to read the complete story.
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