As 2025 draws to a close, MIT Technology Review reflects on a year of rich storytelling and insightful discussions across numerous topics, including power, creativity, innovation, and security. The organization successfully hosted a series of exclusive virtual roundtables featuring editors and experts, alongside two live events on the MIT campus. In addition, the editorial team published a considerable volume of online articles tracking advancements in computing, climate technology, and robotics, among other fields.
This year, several stories captured readers’ attention, revealing insights into the rapid evolution of technology and its implications for society. A standout piece examined the energy footprint of artificial intelligence, as millions began integrating generative AI tools into their daily lives. Senior reporters James O’Donnell and Casey Crownhart provided an in-depth analysis of AI’s resource consumption, highlighting the energy and water requirements for various AI operations, an issue that has become increasingly relevant as the technology continues to proliferate.
Another notable story explored the vital role of vitamin D beyond its well-known benefits for bone health. Senior reporter Jessica Hamzelou reported on emerging research indicating that vitamin D may also impact immune and cardiovascular health, particularly during winter months when deficiencies are more prevalent. Additionally, senior editor Will Douglas Heaven’s exploration of the complexities surrounding the definition of AI resonated well with readers, emphasizing the ambiguity that surrounds this transformative technology.
The implications of biotechnology were further examined in a thought-provoking op-ed from Stanford University experts, who posited that ethically sourced “spare” human bodies could revolutionize medical research by providing essential materials for testing and transplantation. This concept sparks significant ethical discussion while underscoring the potential of biotechnological advancements. Meanwhile, the rise of AI chatbots has led to intriguing social dynamics, with reporter Rhiannon Williams documenting how individuals can easily form emotional connections with these digital companions—a trend that raises questions about the nature of human-AI relationships.
As for the future of energy, the electric grid faces challenges from climate change and evolving regulatory environments. The experience of the publicly owned Lincoln Electric utility in Nebraska serves as a case study for navigating these disruptions. Lastly, the year witnessed historic milestones, such as the birth of Thaddeus Daniel Pierce, the world’s oldest baby born from an embryo frozen for over 30 years, and the investigative efforts of twin brothers John and Gerald Tedesco into unidentified drones posing security risks to U.S. military installations. As we prepare for 2026, the anticipation for the next edition of the ’10 Breakthrough Technologies’ list continues to build, promising to spotlight innovations that could shape the future.
Source: MIT Technology Review’s most popular stories of 2025 via MIT Technology Review