Categorized in Humans and technologyAre you ready to be a techno-optimist again?In 2001, we picked our first annual set of 10 breakthrough technologies. Here’s what their fates tell us about progress over the last two decades.
Categorized in The Big Story: mRNAThe next act for messenger RNA could be bigger than covid vaccinesNew messenger RNA vaccines to fight the coronavirus are based on a technology that could transform medicine. Next up: sickle cell and HIV.
Categorized in Artificial intelligenceWhy GPT-3 is the best and worst of AI right nowOpen AI's language AI wowed the public with its apparent mastery of English – but is it all an illusion?
Categorized in ComputingHow data trusts can protect privacyWe can’t expect people to navigate the confusing world of data collection on their own. It’s time to join forces.
Categorized in Climate changeNovel lithium-metal batteries will drive the switch to electric carsA new type of battery could finally make electric cars as convenient and cheap as gas ones.
Categorized in Battling covidDigital contact tracing brought tech rivals together while the pandemic kept us apartBitter enemies teamed up to build tools they hoped would help slow the virus’s spread.
Categorized in SpaceHyper-accurate positioning is rolling out worldwideUpgrades to satellites in orbit and systems down below will bring centimeter-level accuracy to the masses.
Categorized in Humans and technologySome parts of remote living are here to stayThe pandemic was a stress test for many kinds of remote services. Which ones passed?
Categorized in Artificial intelligenceAI armed with multiple senses could gain more flexible intelligenceHuman intelligence emerges from our combination of senses and language abilities. Maybe the same is true for artificial intelligence.
Categorized in Humans and technologyThe beauty of TikTok’s secret, surprising, and eerily accurate recommendation algorithmsThe app’s “For You” page regularly features new or unknown creators alongside those with millions of fans.
Categorized in Climate changeCheap renewables could make green hydrogen a practical replacement for fossil fuelsHydrogen made using electricity generated from wind or solar power could provide a clean and carbon-neutral source of energy. Europe is leading the way.
Categorized in The Big Story: Tech PolicyHow to fix what the innovation economy broke about AmericaAcross the country, small towns have been left behind. Finding a way to turn things around is crucial if American democracy is to be saved.
Categorized in BiotechnologyWhy covid-19 might finally usher in the era of health care based on a patient’s dataAfter nearly three decades of proselytizing, Lee Hood believes the pandemic may finally enable his vision of personalized, precision medicine for all.
Categorized in Humans and technologyHow schools plan to close the pandemic education gapMany students fell behind as a result of remote learning. Now, educators are trying to figure out how to catch them up.
Categorized in Humans and technologyIn pictures: up close with transhumanistsThey have many reasons for modifying their bodies, but transhumanists are united in their belief that technology can unlock a new way of being.