The Download: biotech’s future and cheaper, cleaner steel
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. Meet the under-35s shaping the future of biotech Every year, MIT Technology Review puts together our 35 Innovators Under 35, a list of some of the brightest and best young minds….
Every year, MIT Technology Review publishes a list of 35 Innovators Under 35, highlighting young scientists and engineers under 35 years old who are making significant contributions in fields like science and technology. In 2026, nine of these innovators are working in biotechnology, a field that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives to develop products or processes for medicine, agriculture, and industry. Their groundbreaking work includes therapies that reverse vision loss by reprogramming cells, brain electrodes inspired by traditional Japanese art, and personalized gene-editing treatments for rare genetic disorders in babies. Additionally, some are exploring the use of generative AI to design new viruses that could either produce new drugs or help clean up pollution. These innovations are part of a broader effort to push the boundaries of what biology can achieve, with potential applications ranging from healthcare to environmental sustainability.
Laureen Meroueh, founder of Hertha Metals and one of the honorees on the 35 Innovators Under 35 list, is challenging the traditional steelmaking process, which has remained largely unchanged since the 1850s. The conventional method involves multiple steps to purify iron ore into steel, often using coal as a fuel source, which is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Meroueh’s innovation is a new type of furnace that simplifies steelmaking by converting iron ore directly into liquid steel in a single step. This process replaces coal with natural gas, reducing emissions by at least 50% compared to traditional methods. Additionally, it cuts production costs by 25%, making cleaner steel more affordable. If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the environmental impact of one of the world’s most polluting industries while maintaining economic viability.
Anthropic, an AI company, has reported identifying five cases where its AI model, Claude, was potentially used to explore the creation of biological weapons. The company also detected six instances of AI being used to develop software for conventional weapons. These findings are part of a broader effort to monitor and prevent the misuse of AI technologies. Governments and organizations are increasingly concerned about the risks associated with AI, including its use in surveillance and cyberattacks. For example, governments have reportedly used Claude for surveillance purposes, while Russian-linked hackers have employed it to automate attacks on Ukraine. Anthropic’s report highlights the need for stronger safeguards to prevent AI from being exploited for harmful purposes, as AI capabilities continue to advance.
California has passed a law banning certain addictive features on social media platforms for users under 16 years old. The law prohibits features like infinite scroll and autoplay, which are designed to keep users engaged for longer periods. This legislation is the first of its kind in the United States and aims to protect young users from the potential harms of excessive social media use. The law also introduces new regulations for AI and companion chatbots, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of technology on children’s mental health and privacy. The move follows increasing scrutiny of social media platforms and their role in shaping user behavior, particularly among younger audiences.
Two AI researchers have resigned from Anthropic and Google, citing safety concerns about the rapid development of AI technologies. Their departures follow the high-profile resignation of Jacob Coxon from Anthropic, which sparked discussions about the risks associated with AI. Critics, including Elon Musk, have dismissed these concerns as exaggerated or even fabricated, but the issue has gained traction in political circles. Congress is now considering tougher regulations on AI to address potential threats, including misuse and unintended consequences. The debate highlights the tension between innovation and safety in the AI industry, as well as the growing recognition of the need for oversight.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has been meeting with power companies to pitch the company’s AI-driven cybersecurity tools. These meetings come in response to reports of AI-powered attacks targeting critical infrastructure, such as energy grids. Altman has also indicated that OpenAI is open to slowing down the development of advanced AI models to address safety concerns. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the potential risks associated with AI, particularly in areas where security is paramount. The move underscores the importance of balancing innovation with the need to mitigate potential threats posed by rapidly advancing AI technologies.
After years of resistance, major music labels are beginning to collaborate with AI companies. Universal Music Group has partnered with ElevenLabs, an AI startup, to launch an AI-powered remix platform. This shift marks a significant change in the music industry’s stance toward AI, which has previously been viewed with skepticism due to concerns about copyright infringement and the devaluation of human creativity. The partnership aims to explore new creative possibilities while addressing the challenges posed by AI-generated content. The move reflects the industry’s recognition of AI’s potential to enhance music production and distribution, even as it grapples with the ethical and legal implications.
Chinese pharmaceutical companies are making significant strides in the development of weight-loss drugs, challenging the dominance of US-based firms in the global market. These companies are working on hundreds of GLP-1 treatments, a class of drugs that mimic a hormone involved in regulating blood sugar and appetite. The global market for weight-loss drugs is projected to grow substantially, driven by increasing demand for obesity treatments and related health conditions. China’s entry into this market could disrupt the current landscape, offering more affordable and accessible alternatives to existing therapies. This development highlights the increasing competition in the pharmaceutical industry and the role of innovation in shaping global health outcomes.
Electric air taxis have begun official test flights in Texas, marking the first flights under the White House’s new pilot program for advanced air mobility. These taxis, also known as eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft), are designed to provide a new mode of transportation that is faster and more efficient than traditional ground-based options. The test flights are part of a broader effort to integrate air taxis into the transportation infrastructure, with the potential to reduce congestion and improve mobility in urban areas. The initiative reflects growing interest in sustainable and innovative transportation solutions, as well as the role of technology in transforming how people travel.
Chinese drones are playing a critical role in the rescue and relief efforts following devastating floods in Nepal. These drones are being used to deliver food and medical supplies to affected areas, as well as to airlift survivors and recover bodies from flood-hit regions. The deployment of drones highlights their potential to provide rapid and efficient assistance in emergency situations, particularly in areas that are difficult to access by traditional means. This use of drone technology underscores the growing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles in disaster response and humanitarian aid, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution to some of the challenges posed by natural disasters.
