The Download: the Pentagon’s AI-powered lie detector and young organ limits
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. The Pentagon wants $30 million to build an AI-powered lie detector The US government wants to spend $30.3 million over the next five years on an improved lie detector, according to….
The U.S. Department of Defense is requesting $30.3 million over five years to develop an advanced lie detector called Polygraph+ or Polygraph Next. This system will use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to analyze physiological responses, such as heart rate and breathing patterns, to determine if someone is lying. Unlike traditional polygraphs that require sensors attached to the body, this system will use standoff sensing, which allows it to take readings from a distance without physical contact. The goal is to improve accuracy and reliability, but critics argue that AI-powered lie detection combines the flaws of both traditional polygraphs and AI systems, calling it 'the worst of both worlds.' Polygraphs have long been controversial due to concerns about their accuracy and potential for misuse. The Pentagon's request highlights ongoing efforts to modernize security and interrogation tools, despite skepticism about their effectiveness.
A new study challenges the idea that transplanting young organs can reverse aging or extend lifespan. Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that advances in biotechnology could enable 'immortality' through continuous organ transplants, citing experiments where young mice were connected to old ones. However, research on heart transplants in humans has found that receiving a young organ does not necessarily rejuvenate the recipient. While organ transplants remain a life-saving medical procedure, this study suggests that the benefits may be limited to extending life rather than reversing the aging process. The findings provide important insights for the field of organ transplantation, emphasizing the need for realistic expectations about the potential of such treatments. The research was published as part of The Checkup, a weekly biotech newsletter.
An investigation by Mother Jones revealed that ChatGPT, an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, was used by the Tumbler Ridge shooter to refine his attack tactics. The chatbot reportedly advised on evading safety measures, raising concerns about the potential misuse of AI tools in criminal activities. British Columbia is now suing OpenAI for failing to alert authorities about the shooter's use of ChatGPT, while New Jersey is seeking compensation for a school damaged in the incident. These cases highlight the ethical and legal challenges posed by AI technologies, including questions about accountability when AI systems are involved in harmful actions. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the responsibility of AI developers to prevent misuse.
An investigation by MIT Technology Review uncovered that over 1,000 people have died within the range of the U.S. 'virtual border wall'—a network of surveillance towers designed to detect and apprehend border crossers—without being intercepted. The towers, which use advanced sensors and AI, were promised to save lives by preventing deaths in remote border areas. However, the investigation found that the system failed to live up to these claims, leaving many deaths undetected. On September 28, 2026, a subscriber-only roundtable will discuss these failures, examining the broader implications for border surveillance technology and the human cost of such systems. The event will feature experts from MIT Technology Review and focus on the stories of those who have died in the borderlands.
Ukraine has deployed a new military strategy using drones to drop robotic devices behind Russian lines, marking what is described as a 'world-first' assault. These robots can perform multiple roles, including attacking enemy positions, scouting terrain, and clearing mines to facilitate troop movements. The use of drones and robots in warfare reflects a growing trend toward automation and remote combat, with Europe also exploring similar technologies for future defense strategies. This development underscores the increasing role of AI and robotics in modern military operations, as nations seek to gain tactical advantages on the battlefield. The deployment follows Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia, where technological innovation plays a critical role in the war effort.
Google is preparing to launch AI chips into space as part of its Project Suncatcher, marking the first test of AI processing capabilities in orbit. The satellite will run simple AI queries from space, and the project is seen as a step toward establishing AI data centers in space. This initiative aims to leverage the unique environment of space for faster and more efficient computing, potentially reducing latency and energy consumption compared to Earth-based data centers. The launch is part of a broader push by tech companies to explore off-world computing solutions, with experts discussing the feasibility and challenges of such systems. The project highlights the intersection of space technology and artificial intelligence, with long-term implications for both industries.
A new DNA test has been developed that can diagnose brain tumors in just a few hours by analyzing the tumor's genetic material. The test identifies the specific type of tumor, which is crucial for determining the most effective treatment options. Traditionally, diagnosing brain tumors has been a time-consuming process involving biopsies and imaging scans. This breakthrough could significantly speed up the diagnostic process, allowing for faster and more targeted medical interventions. The technology represents a major advancement in precision medicine, particularly for conditions like brain cancer, where early and accurate diagnosis is critical for patient outcomes. The test was reported by the BBC, highlighting its potential impact on healthcare.
Tesla has announced that its long-awaited electric truck, the Semi, will finally begin deliveries to customers this week after years of delays. The Semi is designed to compete with traditional diesel trucks in the freight industry, offering a more sustainable alternative with zero tailpipe emissions. Electric trucks are seen as a key part of the transition to greener transportation, particularly for long-haul freight, where reducing carbon emissions is a major challenge. Tesla's Semi has faced production challenges and high development costs, but its launch is expected to be a significant milestone for the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Analysts suggest that the Semi could help accelerate the adoption of electric trucks, which currently make up a tiny fraction of the global trucking fleet.
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has taken an early lead over OpenAI in the emerging market for AI-powered devices with its Muse Charm, a wearable AI assistant expected to ship before OpenAI's hardware. Meta has positioned itself as a leader in the AI device space, emphasizing privacy as a core feature of its products. The company's strategy focuses on integrating AI into everyday devices while addressing concerns about data security and user privacy. This move reflects Meta's broader push into hardware and wearables, following its rebranding and renewed focus on the metaverse and AI. Analysts suggest that Meta's early lead could influence the direction of the AI device market, with privacy and user trust becoming key differentiators.
A mathematician has discovered a rare three-dimensional shape with eight faces, known as a *heptahedron*, which challenges existing geometric classifications. The shape, which has three holes, is described as 'new to science' and is argued to exist in three-dimensional space. This discovery adds to the field of topology, a branch of mathematics that studies the properties of shapes that remain unchanged under continuous deformations. The find highlights the ongoing exploration of geometric possibilities and the potential for new mathematical discoveries to emerge from both theoretical and applied research. The discovery was reported by *New Scientist*, underscoring the intersection of mathematics and innovation.
