AI-powered coding tools are rapidly gaining traction, promising increased developer productivity, but concerns remain regarding code quality and long-term maintainability, creating uncertainty about their true impact. MIT Technology Review's investigation reveals a more nuanced reality than the hype suggests, while also highlighting key biotech trends poised to reshape healthcare by 2026.
Symbolic.ai, an AI startup focused on journalism, has partnered with News Corp to integrate its platform into Dow Jones Newswires, aiming to boost productivity by automating tasks like fact-checking and headline optimization. The platform, developed by Symbolic.ai, leverages AI to streamline editorial workflows, potentially impacting the media industry by improving efficiency in content creation and distribution. News Corp's adoption of Symbolic.ai follows its earlier partnership with OpenAI, signaling a broader trend of AI integration within the media conglomerate.
Iran is experiencing one of its most extensive internet shutdowns to date, now exceeding 170 hours, as the government restricts access for 92 million citizens amid ongoing anti-government protests. Experts at NetBlocks and Access Now note this disruption, impacting a significant population, is among the longest globally, raising concerns about information control and its effect on digital rights. This blackout surpasses previous Iranian shutdowns and highlights the increasing trend of governments using internet restrictions as a response to civil unrest.
The ACLU is suing the Trump administration on behalf of three US citizens, alleging that ICE agents targeted Somali and Latino communities in Minnesota, leading to unlawful arrests and harassment. This legal action coincides with escalating tensions in Minneapolis, where protests against ICE activities prompted the deployment of tear gas and discussions about invoking the Insurrection Act, highlighting the growing controversy surrounding federal immigration enforcement tactics.
MIT Technology Review's 2026 Breakthrough Technologies list highlights sodium-ion batteries, next-generation nuclear, and hyperscale AI data centers as key climate technologies poised for significant impact. Sodium-ion batteries, offering a cheaper and safer alternative to lithium-ion, are expected to see wider adoption in grid storage and smaller electric vehicles due to the abundance of sodium.
Next-generation nuclear reactors are gaining traction as a potential solution for clean energy, offering a modern alternative to traditional, costly nuclear power plants. However, the rapid proliferation of hyperscale data centers, while technologically impressive, is facing increasing public backlash due to concerns about resource consumption and environmental impact across various states.
X (formerly Twitter) has implemented safeguards to prevent its Grok AI from creating sexually explicit images of real individuals, responding to mounting criticism and regulatory scrutiny. This technological update aims to address concerns about AI-generated deepfakes and their potential for misuse, though investigations into past violations remain ongoing. The move reflects the growing pressure on tech companies to proactively manage the ethical implications of AI technologies.
Despite the US announcement of "phase two" of a 20-point ceasefire agreement, Israel killed eight Palestinians in Gaza, signaling a continuation of conflict. The Israeli military targeted Hamas commanders, indicating a unilateral definition of the ceasefire's next stage, which involves establishing a Palestinian technocratic administration.
X has implemented restrictions on its Grok AI to prevent the generation of non-consensual and sexualized images of real people, following widespread criticism. However, independent tests reveal that the standalone Grok app and website may still be capable of producing such content, highlighting inconsistencies in the implemented safety measures and raising concerns about the platform's ability to effectively prevent misuse across all access points.
Multiple news sources indicate growing concern among politicians and even some tech executives about the increasing strain data centers, particularly those supporting AI development, are placing on the electric grid and the potential for rising electricity costs for residents and small businesses. While there's broad agreement that data centers should contribute more to grid upkeep, consensus is lacking on the appropriate amount, leading to varied responses from the tech industry, ranging from willingness to pay more to staunch opposition.
Ronald Deibert, director of Citizen Lab, researches digital threats to civil society, exposing global surveillance abuses and highlighting a shift in perspective on liberal democracies. Simultaneously, advancements in climate technology are emerging, signaling progress in addressing environmental challenges and offering potential industry-wide impact in 2026.
Symbolic.ai, an AI journalism startup founded by tech veterans, has partnered with News Corp to integrate its AI platform into Dow Jones Newswires, aiming to boost productivity in financial news production. The platform offers tools for newsletter creation, fact-checking, and SEO optimization, potentially increasing research efficiency by up to 90% and reflecting News Corp's broader strategy of incorporating AI into its media operations.
Gene editing technologies, exemplified by the successful base editing treatment of baby KJ Muldoon for a rare genetic disorder, are poised to revolutionize healthcare by 2026. Alongside gene resurrection from ancient species and controversial embryo screening for traits like height and intelligence, these advancements promise significant, albeit ethically complex, impacts on the biotech industry and human health. These technologies will likely spur further research, development, and ethical debates within the scientific community and broader society.
MIT Technology Review's 2026 Breakthrough Technologies list highlights sodium-ion batteries, next-generation nuclear, and hyperscale AI data centers as key climate technologies poised for significant impact. Sodium-ion batteries, utilizing abundant sodium, offer a cheaper and safer alternative to lithium-ion for grid storage and smaller EVs, despite energy density limitations.
Following a deadly crackdown and internet blackout, protests in Iran against the theocratic regime appear to be subsiding, though activists claim thousands have been killed. International pressure is mounting, with the U.S. announcing new sanctions and the UN Security Council holding an emergency meeting, while the potential for further U.S. action remains a point of concern.
A federal judge has rejected dismissal requests from OpenAI and Microsoft, setting the stage for a jury trial in late April regarding Elon Musk's claims that OpenAI abandoned its original nonprofit mission by partnering with Microsoft and becoming a for-profit entity. The trial will examine whether OpenAI breached its founding agreements and if Microsoft knowingly facilitated this shift, impacting the competitive landscape of the AI industry as the former partners now vie for market dominance.
After extensive testing, the Apple Watch Series 11 emerges as the top choice for iPhone users, while the Google Pixel Watch 4 leads the Android smartwatch market, offering fitness tracking, notifications, and voice assistant access. The author highlights several other smartwatches with varying styles and functionalities, catering to diverse user preferences and budgets, as well as smart rings and fitness trackers.
OpenAI has invested in Merge Labs, Sam Altman's BCI startup focused on non-invasive neural interfaces using molecules and ultrasound, aiming to enhance human capabilities and AI collaboration. This $250 million seed round, valuing Merge Labs at $850 million, positions it as a competitor to Neuralink, though Merge Labs is pursuing a less invasive approach than Neuralink's surgical implants. The investment highlights the growing interest and competition in the BCI field, promising advancements in restoring lost abilities and expanding human potential through AI integration.
Volvo's upcoming EX60 SUV will feature HuginCore, a new software-defined platform powered by Google's Gemini, enabling advanced data processing and real-time environmental awareness for improved vehicle performance and safety. This second-generation platform marks a significant step in Volvo's transition to software-defined vehicles, utilizing advanced electronic architecture and drawing inspiration from Norse mythology to emphasize data collection and informed decision-making.
X has implemented restrictions on its Grok AI to prevent the generation of non-consensual and sexualized images, following public outcry over its misuse. However, independent tests reveal that the standalone Grok app and website still allow for the creation of photorealistic nudity and the manipulation of images into revealing content, highlighting a critical gap in X's content moderation efforts.
