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The Download: a reality check for geoengineering and the science of interoception

This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology.

Hacking the atmosphere: geoengineering gets a reality check

Solar geoengineering, the controversial idea that we could deliberately intervene in the climate system to counteract global warming, is moving beyond computer simulations and into the practical engineering challenges required to make it real.

Researchers are now working on aircraft, materials, and other systems for solar geoengineering. But as they delve into these details, they’re finding that even early deployment would require significant new infrastructure, time, and investment.

Find out what happens when solar geoengineering encounters the realities of trying to cool the planet.

—James Temple

MIT Technology Review Narrated: inside interoception, the hidden sense of how you feel inside

Scientists have a word for how we sense ourselves from the inside: interoception. Today, thanks to a 2021 Nobel Prize and new tools that can map internal signaling across the body, research into interoception is taking off.

As researchers decode how signals move between body and brain, a clearer picture is starting to take shape—with implications for how we treat conditions from obesity to anxiety.

—Katherine W. Isaacs

This is our latest story to be turned into an MIT Technology Review Narrated podcast, which we publish each week on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Just navigate to MIT Technology Review Narrated on either platform, and follow us to get all our new content as it’s released.

The must-reads

I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.

1 SpaceX is now valued higher than Amazon 
Its market value hit $2.659 trillion yesterday. (Axios)
+ A post-IPO stock surge also briefly pushed it above Microsoft’s. (Quartz)
+ It’s now the world’s fifth most valuable company. (Guardian)
+ SpaceX is acquiring AI coding startup Cursor for $60 billion. (CNBC)

2 G7 leaders want access to top US AI models
They’re pushing to escape restrictions on the likes of Fable 5. (Reuters $)
+ The Mythos shutdown has sparked a global scramble for sovereign AI. (Fortune)
+ The world is looking to ditch US AI models. (MIT Technology Review)

3 Trump’s AI export strategy has run into Trump’s export controls
His administration risks undermining its own AI plans. (Axios)
+ It now effectively has a licensing regime for frontier AI. (Fortune)
+ Here’s how a top Chinese AI model overcame US sanctions. (MIT Technology Review) 

4 Huawei’s big comeback has exposed the limits of US chip controls
It’s overcome restrictions on advanced chipmaking gear. (Financial Times $)
+ The AI boom has ignited Asia’s chip companies. (NYT $)

5 AI fears are pushing Silicon Valley toward gene-editing startups
They want smarter babies to counter superintelligent AI. (Mother Jones)
+ The pursuit of perfect babies is an ethical mess. (MIT Technology Review)

6 A brain implant has enabled a speechless ALS patient to work full-time
The system translates his brain activity into speech. (The Register)
+ He’s become the first “power user” of a BCI. (MIT Technology Review)

7 A leak has revealed details of Peter Thiel’s secret society
Its program ranges from cult-building to prepping for World War III. (Wired $)

8 ChatGPT’s market share has slipped below 50% for the first time
Thanks to the rise of Gemini and Claude. (TechCrunch)

9 A quantum state that lasts forever may finally be within our grasp
Experiments suggest that quantum “eternity” is possible. (New Scientist $)

10 Commodore has made a digital detox phone that isn’t dumb
The Callback combines gadget nostalgia with modern needs. (The Verge)

Quote of the day

“The Entity List is like whack-a-mole and you’ve got to ‌keep whacking ⁠the moles.” 

—Philip Luck, who studies global supply chains at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, tells Reuters that a lack of new blacklistings is likely leading American innovations to adversaries who could use them against the US.

One More Thing

A model generated by AlphaFold shows how amino acids fold to form a protein.

COURTESY OF DEEPMIND


This is the reason Demis Hassabis started DeepMind

Watching DeepMind’s AI master the ancient board game Go, Demis Hassabis realized that his company was ready to take on one of the most important and complicated puzzles in biology: predicting the structure of proteins. 

The result was AlphaFold2, an AI that could predict the shape of proteins down to the nearest atom. “It’s the most complex thing we’ve ever done,” Hassabis told MIT Technology Review.

Taking on scientific problems is the culmination of what Hassabis set out to achieve, and it’s what he wants to be known for.  “This is the reason I started DeepMind,” he says. “In fact, it’s why I’ve worked my whole career in AI.”

Discover how he plans to transform science with AI. 

—Will Douglas Heaven

We can still have nice things

A place for comfort, fun, and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line.)

+ This mesmerising footage of wind rolling through grass looks like CGI.
+ The glorious early days of internet discovery have been revived by the return of StumbleUpon.
+ A German subway entrance has been delightfully designed as an old tram car crashing into the pavement.
+ The Last Museum lets you search across 5.8 million museum artworks spanning from 3000 BC to the present day.

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From network hub to therapeutic target: the role of mediodorsal thalamic nucleus in epilepsy

Mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD) is a pivotal hub for cortical functions, characterized by significant heterogeneity in its anatomical connectivity, cytoarchitecture, and function, constituting a complex nucleus composed of multiple functionally specialized subregions. We elaborates on the heterogeneous anatomical connectivity of MD and its crucial role in supporting higher cognitive functions such as working memory, cognitive control, and emotional integration. It then focuses on the multifaceted role of MD within epileptic pathological networks. Substantial evidence indicates that MD in patients with epilepsy exhibits structural atrophy and abnormalities in functional connectivity, with its activity being recruited early during seizures and likely involved in seizure propagation and generalization. However, the therapeutic efficacy of neuromodulation targeting MD, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), remains contentious, highlighting the current insufficient understanding of its distinct functional subregions and specific pathway mechanisms. Finally, the review discusses the challenges and future directions in translating MD into an effective therapeutic target. It emphasizes that future research must endeavor to elucidate its causal mechanisms within epileptic networks at the subregional level, account for the heterogeneity of seizure onset frequencies, and develop precise intervention strategies targeting specific epileptogenic pathways, thereby advancing novel therapies focused on thalamocortical circuits toward clinical application.
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Vagus Nerve Stimulation differentially modulates P3b in responders and non-responders: toward a biomarker of therapeutic efficacy

IntroductionAlthough vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an established therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy, its mechanisms of action remain unresolved, resulting in variable clinical efficacy. Given the strong anatomical and functional coupling between vagal afferents and the locus coeruleus–noradrenergic system, this study investigated whether VNS directly impacts an electrophysiological marker of this system, the P3b event-related potential, and how such modulation relates to therapeutic outcomes.MethodsFifteen adults who had undergone long-term VNS implantation performed an auditory oddball task with the device disabled (OFF) and enabled (ON), with ON separated into electrical pulse-train (ON HIGH) and inter-burst break (ON LOW) phases to investigate the direct impact of electrical stimulation on the P3b.ResultsLinear mixed-effects modelling revealed a significant interaction between VNS condition and clinical response: responders showed reduced P3b amplitude (p = 0.023) and prolonged latency during ON (p = 0.007), whereas non-responders exhibited increased amplitude (p = 0.009) and trending shortened latency (p = 0.078). These VNS-induced changes correlated monotonically with a continuous clinical response score (r_amplitude = −0.62, r_latency = 0.48). In addition, a simple classification approach based on a composite amplitude-to-latency index was included to illustrate the potential of P3b modulation as a biomarker for distinguishing responders from non-responders, showing an overall accuracy of 86.7%. No pulse-locked modulation was observed between ON HIGH and ON LOW.DiscussionThese findings demonstrate that VNS elicits group-specific acute effects on cognitive–electrophysiological markers and support P3b modulation as a promising biomarker for predicting therapeutic efficacy.
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Transformer-based fusion of radiomics-habitat and deep learning for assessing unruptured intracranial aneurysm instability

ObjectivesTo develop and validate a prediction model that integrates radiomics-habitat and deep learning (DL) features derived from vessel wall MRI (VWI) for evaluating unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) instability.MethodsFirst, from January 2022 to January 2024, 519 consecutive patients with suspected UIAs were screened. After applying exclusion criteria, 293 patients with 312 UIAs were ultimately enrolled. 197 UIAs were stable (from 188 patients) and 115 UIAs were unstable (from 105 patients). Second, aneurysm regions were segmented, and K-means clustering was used to partition them into three habitat subregions. Third, a Transformer-based fusion model for assessing UIA instability was developed to integrate radiomics-habitat features, DL features, and clinical variables. Model performance was evaluated using AUC, calibration curves, and clinical gain metrics, including Net Reclassification Index (NRI) and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI). Last, SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) was applied to enhance model interpretability.ResultsThe Transformer-based fusion model assessing UIA instability exhibited superior performance (validation AUC = 0.844) compared with the optimal radiomics-habitat model (AUC = 0.721) and the top-performing DL model (DenseNet169, AUC = 0.816). The model demonstrated superior clinical utility, with an NRI of 0.282 and an IDI of 0.558 compared to the Radiomics-Habitat model. Decision curve analysis showed a high net clinical benefit across a range of threshold probabilities.ConclusionThe Transformer-based fusion model provides an exploratory risk-assessment model and has the potential to assist in clinical decision-making.
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The relationship between healthy sleep patterns and the risk of scoliosis: a large prospective cohort study

BackgroundCurrently, prospective evidence on how sleep habits specifically affect scoliosis is nearly nonexistent. We therefore sought to clarify the association between comprehensive sleep behavior patterns and the incidence of this disease.MethodsThis study conducted a prospective cohort study based on the UK Biobank (UKB), including 408,870 participants who did not have scoliosis at baseline. We have constructed a comprehensive sleep scoring system that integrates the following five key indicators: sleep chronotype, sleep duration, insomnia, snoring, and daytime sleepiness. To evaluate the association between healthy sleep patterns and the risk of scoliosis, we conducted a statistical analysis using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.ResultsOver a mean follow-up of 15.82 years, 2,976 incident cases of scoliosis were recorded (0.73%). The 408,870 participants who were free of scoliosis at baseline had a mean age of 56.48 years. Distribution of the healthy sleep score was as follows: 9,939 participants (2.43%) had 0–1 of the five healthy sleep behaviors, 46,175 (11.29%) had 2 behaviors, 115,094 (28.15%) had 3 behaviors, 150,287 (36.76%) had 4 behaviors, and 87,375 (21.37%) had all five. In multivariable models, each 1-point increase in the healthy sleep score was associated with a 10% lower risk of scoliosis [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.87, 0.93]. Compared with the 0–1 score group, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) for participants with a score of 5 was 0.64 (0.52, 0.80). In subgroup analyses, the inverse association between sleep score and scoliosis risk persisted among participants without diabetes but was absent among those with diabetes (pinteraction < 0.05).ConclusionCohort analysis results confirm that adherence to a healthy sleep-behavior pattern significantly reduces the risk of scoliosis.
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Impact of C-reactive protein–triglyceride–glucose and systemic immune-inflammation indices on obstructive sleep apnea in older adults with depression

ObjectiveBoth the C-reactive protein (CRP)–triglyceride–glucose index (CTI) and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) are easily accessible, cost-effective, and rapid indices derived from biochemical examinations. The study aimed to identify the roles of the CTI and SII in older adults with comorbid obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and depression.MethodsThe study included 52 older patients with depression coexisting with OSA and 108 patients with depression but without OSA. The CTI was calculated using the following equation: 0.412 × Ln (CRP) (mg/dL) + Ln [triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. The SII was calculated using the formula: platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte.ResultsA greater proportion of men and a higher mean body mass index were found in older adults with comorbid OSA and depression compared to those with depression only (p < 0.05). Older adults with comorbid OSA and depression also showed higher levels of fasting glucose, triglycerides, CRP, the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index, and the CTI than those with depression alone. We also found that older adults with comorbid OSA and depression had higher neutrophil counts, a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and a higher platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and an increased SII compared to those with depression alone. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that male sex and higher CTI and SII values were correlated with the presence of OSA in patients with depression.ConclusionThe study demonstrated that higher CTI and SII values may be associated with comorbid OSA and depression in older adults.
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Case Report: A literature review of the medical complications arising from etomidate-laced vapes and two case studies of hypokalemia associated with etomidate use

Etomidate, traditionally an anesthetic agent, has recently emerged as a substance of misuse through the adulteration of e-vaporizers. Previous reports have raised concerns of associated adrenal dysfunction. In this case report, we describe two patients with a history of etomidate-laced vaporizer use who were incidentally found to have asymptomatic hypokalemia (serum potassium 2.9 mmol/L and 3.3 mmol/L) during outpatient evaluation. Both patients also presented with diffuse and palmer crease hyperpigmentation, a clinical sign frequently seen in adrenal dysfunction. Unlike previously reported cases presenting with neuromuscular weakness or adrenal crisis, this case report highlights subclinical manifestations of endocrine disruption associated with etomidate use. Early screening of asymptomatic hypokalemia in etomidate misuse is therefore important for clinicians treating this emerging group of patients, as this may facilitate timely investigation and prevention progression to severe adrenal complications.
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Sexual functioning in trichotillomania and skin picking disorder

BackgroundThis study examines sexual functioning in adults with trichotillomania and skin picking disorder. To our knowledge, no study has examined sexual functioning in either of these disorders.Methods334 adults (mean age=30.21, SD = 8.23, 83.5% cisgender women, 67.6% sexually active with another person in the past month) were recruited from online Reddit communities. Participants completed surveys assessing demographics, sexual functioning, and current and lifetime pulling and picking severity. Comorbidities and treatment history were assessed via dichotomous variables. Sexual functioning was assessed via the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire – Short Form (CSFQ-14).Results27.1% (n=85) of the sample met criteria for sexual dysfunction. After controlling for relationship status, participants who rated their picking as currently at its worst had significantly lower scores on the Orgasm/Completion subscale. Sexual dysfunction, the total score, and subscales scores were not significantly associated with any current comorbidities or treatment variables.ConclusionsIt is difficult to compare rate of sexual dysfunction in adults with trichotillomania and skin picking disorder with the rate in the general population given the homogeneity of this study’s sample. However, worse skin picking symptoms appear to be associated with worse sexual functioning, particularly in the orgasm domain. Since severity of comorbidities was not assessed in this study, further research is needed to determine whether comorbid disorders have an effect on sexual functioning in this population.
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A connectome-based neural correlate of pediatric ADHD hyperactivity–impulsivity symptoms

BackgroundThis study examined the brain networks related to hyperactivity and impulsivity in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and aimed to develop a resting-state functional connectivity marker that can predict symptom severity.MethodsA total of 44 children with ADHD (31 boys and 13 girls; mean age = 8.45 ± 1.52 years; range = 6–12 years) who met DSM-5 criteria were included. Resting-state fMRI data and clinical symptom scores were collected. Connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) was used to predict hyperactivity–impulsivity symptoms based on whole-brain functional connectivity matrices. Symptoms were assessed using the SNAP-IV Parent and Teacher Rating Scales and the Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale. Model performance was tested with leave-one-out cross-validation and permutation testing.ResultsThe CPM model based on interregional functional connectivity successfully predicted hyperactivity–impulsivity symptoms (SNAP-IV parent and teacher ratings: r = 0.48, p = 0.001). The model also generalized well within the same dataset, as the selected functional connections significantly predicted hyperactivity–impulsivity scores on the Conners Parent Rating Scale (r = 0.49, p = 0.0009). Further analysis showed that stronger connectivity between the frontoparietal control network (FPN) and the dorsal attention network (DAN), and weaker connectivity between the FPN and the ventral attention network (VAN) and between the FPN and the somatomotor network (SMN), were related to symptom severity.ConclusionsWhole-brain functional connectivity is associated with hyperactivity–impulsivity symptoms in children with ADHD. The findings highlight the key role of FPN-related networks in these symptoms and provide a neural correlate that, pending further validation, represents a preliminary candidate for a neuroimaging marker.
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Early biopsychological changes during masculinizing gender-affirming hormone therapy in AFAB transgender individuals: a 4-month prospective study

ObjectiveTransgender individuals frequently experience elevated levels of psychological distress, including anxiety and trauma-related symptoms. Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) has been associated with improvements in mental health and quality of life; however, early biopsychological changes occurring during the initial phase of masculinizing hormone therapy remain insufficiently understood. The present exploratory longitudinal study investigated early endocrine and psychological changes in transgender individuals assigned female at birth undergoing masculinizing GAHT.MethodsWe conducted a 4-month prospective observational study involving 30 transgender individuals assigned female at birth initiating masculinizing GAHT. Participants were assessed at baseline (prior to treatment initiation), after 2 months, and after 4 months of therapy. Hormonal parameters (estradiol, testosterone, prolactin) and psychological measures including anxiety (HAM-A), trauma-related symptoms (TSC-40), and quality of life (MANSA) were evaluated. Due to the exploratory character of the study and the relatively small sample size, analyses were performed primarily using non-parametric statistical methods, including repeated-measures analyses.ResultsDuring follow-up, expected endocrine changes were observed, including decreased estradiol levels and increased testosterone concentrations. These changes were accompanied by reductions in anxiety and trauma-related symptoms and by improvements in quality of life measures over time. Repeated-measures analyses demonstrated significant longitudinal improvements in psychological outcomes across follow-up assessments (p < 0.05). Exploratory associations between hormonal and psychological variables appeared more pronounced after 4 months of treatment, particularly for estradiol in relation to anxiety and quality of life. Earlier assessments demonstrated weaker and less consistent associations. Psychological improvements were not directly proportional to the magnitude of hormonal changes alone, suggesting that psychosocial and treatment-related factors may also contribute to early adaptation during GAHT.ConclusionEarly masculinizing GAHT in transgender individuals assigned female at birth was associated with favorable endocrine and psychological changes during the first 4 months of treatment. The findings support a complex and potentially time-dependent relationship between hormonal alterations and psychological adaptation during early transition. Given the exploratory nature and limited sample size of the present study, further longitudinal research with larger cohorts and comparison groups is needed to clarify the underlying biopsychological mechanisms of GAHT.