MIT Technology Review's most popular stories of 2025 reveal a year dominated by AI's rise and its impact. Readers were most captivated by investigations into artificial intelligence's energy consumption. The publication released its findings today.
Senior reporters James O'Donnell and Casey Crownhart spearheaded the investigation. They quantified AI's resource demand, even down to single queries. This unprecedented analysis occurred throughout 2025, as generative AI tools exploded in popularity.
The report immediately fueled global discussions about AI sustainability. Experts are using the data to project future energy and water needs. The findings offer crucial insights for developers and policymakers.
MIT Technology Review dedicated significant coverage to AI, biotech, and climate tech in 2025. Their in-depth reporting resonated with a public eager to understand these rapidly evolving fields. The publication plans to continue investigating AI's long-term effects.
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President Trump will host President Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago to pursue a peace agreement aimed at ending the nearly four-year Russia-Ukraine war, focusing on security, economic agreements, and territorial disputes. This meeting comes amid intensified Russian attacks on Kyiv, highlighting the urgency and complexities of achieving a resolution and the critical role of negotiation in modern conflict resolution.
Myanmar's military junta is conducting a phased election amidst widespread criticism and a civil war that prevents voting in many areas. The election, seen by some as an attempt to legitimize the junta's power with support from China, has been marred by the dissolution of major parties, imprisonment of leaders, and strict laws punishing opposition, while reports of violence have emerged during the initial polling.
Drawing from multiple news sources, Jeffrey R. Holland, a prominent 85-year-old leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and former president of Brigham Young University, has died from kidney disease complications, leaving a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and altering the line of succession for the church's presidency. Known for his work in education and interfaith relations, Holland was next in line to lead the church after President Dallin H. Oaks.
Jair Bolsonaro's imprisonment for attempting a coup highlights the fragility of democratic institutions. Meanwhile, studies show AI companions are providing emotional support, particularly for women experiencing isolation, raising questions about the evolving role of technology in addressing human needs.
Radiative cooling, an age-old concept utilizing sunlight scattering and heat dissipation, is being revitalized with 21st-century technology to combat rising global temperatures and energy demands. Advanced paints, coatings, and textiles leverage this natural process to passively cool surfaces, offering a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive air conditioning and potentially alleviating strain on power grids.
Ukrainian President Zelensky will meet with Donald Trump in Florida to discuss a revised US peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine war, despite recent intense Russian attacks suggesting a lack of interest in de-escalation. Key discussion points will include security guarantees and territorial concessions, with a potential "free economic zone" for the contested Donbas region being explored as a compromise. The meeting aims to break the deadlock in negotiations amidst ongoing conflict.
Jair Bolsonaro's imprisonment for attempting a coup after his 2022 electoral loss highlights the fragility of democratic institutions. Meanwhile, studies show AI companionship is increasingly providing emotional support, particularly for women experiencing isolation, underscoring AI's growing role in addressing human needs.
CIOs must actively lead AI experimentation within their organizations, moving beyond governance to foster hands-on learning and innovation. This approach is crucial to avoid being left behind as AI rapidly evolves, enabling organizations to build trust and explore AI's potential despite inherent risks and uncertainties.
Radiative cooling, an ancient technique enhanced by modern materials science, offers a passive solution to combat rising global temperatures by scattering sunlight and dissipating heat without additional energy. Innovations in paints, coatings, and textiles leverage this natural phenomenon to cool surfaces, potentially reducing reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning and alleviating strain on power grids. This approach, inspired by historical practices like desert ice-making and reflective roofs, presents a sustainable strategy for mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Multiple sources highlight Netflix's vast library of TV shows, acknowledging both its acclaimed series and less impressive content. To help viewers navigate the platform, curated lists are updated weekly, recommending binge-worthy shows, including global hits like the Spanish crime thriller "City of Shadows," and offering alternatives on Hulu and Disney+ for those seeking new options.
CATL's expansion into Europe with a large EV battery factory in Hungary, part of a larger industrial park with Chinese and South Korean firms, faces local opposition due to environmental and health concerns related to hazardous chemicals and resource consumption. The project highlights the tension between the growing demand for clean energy technologies and the potential negative impacts on local communities and ecosystems, raising questions about sustainable development practices.
MIT Technology Review's most popular 2025 stories include an in-depth analysis of AI's energy consumption, quantifying the resource demands of generative AI tools to inform future sustainability efforts. Additionally, research on Vitamin D's broader health impacts beyond bone health, including its role in various bodily functions, garnered significant reader interest.
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