This week’s UN climate talks in Belem, Brazil, were marked by extreme weather phenomena, including oppressive heat and flooding, culminating in a fire that disrupted negotiations. Despite a backdrop that starkly illustrated the climate crisis, the discussions concluded with a notably diluted agreement that conspicuously omitted any mention of fossil fuels. This absence raises questions […]
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a transformative force with significant implications for the economy. The question on many minds is whether to embrace a sense of optimism or succumb to pessimism regarding AI’s impact. To delve deeper into these discussions, Mat Honan, editor in chief, is set to […]
In the latest edition of our newsletter, we delve into the fascinating developments surrounding AlphaFold and the evolving landscape of AI chatbots. AlphaFold, a groundbreaking AI system pioneered by Google DeepMind, has significantly advanced the field of protein structure prediction. Under the leadership of John Jumper and CEO Demis Hassabis, AlphaFold achieved lab-level accuracy in […]
In a world increasingly reliant on technology, Marcin Jakubowski, the visionary founder of Open Source Ecology, is pioneering a movement aimed at empowering individuals to build sustainable societies from the ground up. By 2025, Jakubowski envisions a lifestyle where individuals can construct their own homes, harness solar energy, and cultivate their own food sources, including […]
The intersection of artificial intelligence and companionship has become a focal point in discussions about privacy and ethics, especially as generative AI technologies advance. In a recent collaboration between the Financial Times and MIT Technology Review, Eileen Guo and Melissa Heikkil delved into the implications of AI chatbots serving as companions. With platforms like Character […]
As winter settles in, particularly in regions like London, the reduction in sunlight hours raises important questions about vitamin D, often referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin.’ This essential nutrient is vital for several bodily functions, yet many people, especially those living in northern latitudes, may find themselves deficient due to limited sun exposure during […]
In today’s edition of our technology newsletter, we explore two significant topics: the role of vitamin D in our health and the advancements in artificial intelligence showcased at a recent conference in Africa. Recent studies have shed light on the critical functions of vitamin D in the human body, particularly as many individuals in the […]
The landscape of global electricity consumption is undergoing significant changes as we advance toward 2025. The latest World Energy Outlook report from the International Energy Agency sheds light on key trends influencing electricity demand, costs, and the interplay with artificial intelligence (AI). A notable prediction indicates a 40% increase in electricity demand over the next […]
In the latest edition of The Download, we spotlight significant insights from the International Energy Agency’s new World Energy Outlook. This comprehensive report evaluates the present state of global energy while projecting future trends. Among its key findings are surprising statistics regarding the evolution of electricity and the infrastructure of power grids, which are vital […]
In today’s digital landscape, the concept of digital resilience—defined as the capability to prevent, withstand, and recover from digital disruptions—has become a strategic imperative for businesses. With the advent of agentic AI, which encompasses a new era of autonomous systems that can plan, reason, and execute tasks with minimal human oversight, the need for enhanced […]