The Download: reviving frozen pig kidneys and boosting nuclear power

Scientists have successfully revived pig kidneys that were stored at -150 °C for up to a year. The organs were cooled to a glass-like state, a process called vitrification, which prevents ice crystals from forming and damaging cells. Once rewarmed, the kidneys regained their natural color and produced urine, indicating they were functional. This breakthrough could revolutionize organ transplantation by extending the time organs can be stored before use. Currently, organs are typically stored for only a few hours or days. The team, however, has not yet confirmed whether the technique will work for human organs. Vitrification is already used for smaller tissues like blood vessels but has been challenging for larger, complex organs like kidneys due to their size and structure.

The largest nuclear operator in the US, Constellation, plans to add nearly one gigawatt (GW) of new capacity across 11 existing nuclear reactors at six plants. Additionally, the US Department of Energy awarded a $4.2 billion loan to Vistra to upgrade three nuclear plants. These upgrades aim to increase power output from existing reactors to meet rising electricity demand, particularly for data centers. Nuclear power is a clean energy source, producing no greenhouse gases during operation. The upgrades could provide a quick boost to clean energy supply without building new plants. However, the exact additional power output and timeline for these upgrades were not specified in the article.

Ukraine reported that sudden speed limits on Starshield, the military version of Starlink, disrupted key drone missions. Starshield’s speeds were capped at 100 mph, which slowed down military operations. Elon Musk suggested that the US government determines any speed limits for Starshield, while Ukraine suspected the restrictions were political retaliation. Starshield is a satellite-based communication system designed for military use, offering more than just internet connectivity. The Pentagon is a major user of this technology. The incident highlights the geopolitical complexities of relying on private companies for critical military infrastructure.

A suspect accused of bugging an OpenAI office had previously advised Saudi government agencies and was listed as a venture partner of a Saudi prince. This incident has raised concerns about AI espionage in Silicon Valley, where companies are increasingly vigilant against potential spying. AI companies are playing a cat-and-mouse game with spies, as sensitive technology and data become more valuable. The suspect allegedly hid a recording device in the OpenAI office, though details about the nature of the espionage were not disclosed. This case underscores the growing risks of corporate and state-sponsored spying in the tech industry.

Tesla has launched its new Roadster, a high-priced electric sports car, in a market that has grown skeptical of electric hypercars. The Roadster is Tesla’s first new model in years and is positioned as the company’s last human-driven car. However, the electric vehicle (EV) market has shifted, with consumers becoming more cautious about expensive EVs. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has called the Roadster a significant step for the company. The Roadster’s arrival comes at a time when the EV market is maturing, and competition from other automakers is intensifying.

Global smartphone shipments plunged by 22% in the third quarter of 2026, marking the worst quarter ever for the industry. Analysts attributed the decline to rising memory costs, which increased the price of smartphones and reduced consumer demand. This sharp drop contrasts with the rapid growth the smartphone market experienced over the past decade. The decline could have broader economic implications, as the smartphone industry is a major driver of technology innovation and consumer spending.

Apple’s market capitalization surpassed $5 trillion, joining Nvidia in this exclusive club. This milestone reflects Apple’s dominance in the tech industry under CEO Tim Cook’s 15-year leadership. Market capitalization is the total value of a company’s shares and is a key indicator of its financial health and investor confidence. Apple’s valuation growth highlights its strong position in markets like smartphones, services, and wearables. This achievement comes amid increasing competition and regulatory scrutiny in the tech sector.

NASA has set new launch targets for its Venus missions, with the DAVINCI probe scheduled to take off in 2030 and arrive at Venus in 2032. DAVINCI is designed to study the planet’s atmosphere and surface, providing insights into Venus’s extreme greenhouse effect and potential habitability in the past. The mission was previously at risk of cancellation but is now back on track. Venus is often called Earth’s sister planet due to its similar size and composition, but its harsh conditions make it a challenging target for exploration.

A report by Axios suggests that the US is not prepared for a potential space war, which could have devastating economic and military consequences. The article highlights the growing threats from countries like China and Russia, which are developing anti-satellite weapons. Space warfare could disrupt global communications, GPS, and other critical infrastructure, leading to widespread chaos. The US military relies heavily on satellites for intelligence, navigation, and communication, making space a critical domain for national security.