In July 2024, NASA’s Perseverance rover made a remarkable discovery on Mars: a peculiar rocky outcrop adorned with strange spots. On Earth, such markings are almost universally indicative of microbial life. While these specks are not definitive proof of extraterrestrial life, they represent the most compelling hint yet that life might not be a singular phenomenon in the vastness of the cosmos. However, the only way to confirm this profound possibility is to bring a sample of that rock back to Earth for detailed study.

Tragically, just over a year and a half later, this crucial sample return mission is in dire straits. With no funding allocated for 2026 and dwindling support in Congress, these potentially life-bearing Martian rocks might remain forever out of reach. This setback signifies a significant shift in the global race to find evidence of alien life, with America effectively ceding its pole position to its primary geopolitical rival, China. The superpower is now aggressively pursuing its own sample return mission from Mars. While this mission may be leaner and potentially yield less pristine samples than the combined efforts of America and Europe, the headline-grabbing achievement of bringing Martian rocks back to Earth will likely be attributed to China, etching their success into scientific journals and history books.

This narrative of how America’s lead in this new space race has faltered is pieced together from interviews with nearly a dozen project insiders and scientists from both the US and China. Their accounts paint a picture of ambitious dreams and promising discoveries, juxtaposed with significant mismanagement, exorbitant costs, and ultimately, widespread anger and disappointment. This in-depth report delves into the intricacies of this unfolding story.

This article is a key component of "The Big Story" series, a collection of MIT Technology Review’s most impactful and ambitious reporting. These pieces offer deep dives into emerging technologies and their potential implications for our future and the world we inhabit.

A Company Claims a Battery Breakthrough. Now They Need to Prove It.

When a company announces what could be the holy grail of battery technology, skepticism is almost always warranted. Interest surged last month when Donut Lab, a Finnish company, declared the development of a new solid-state battery technology ready for large-scale production. The company claims its batteries offer super-fast charging capabilities and a high energy density, promising ultra-long-range electric vehicles (EVs). Furthermore, they assert that these cells are safe in extreme temperatures, utilize "green and abundant materials," and will be more cost-effective than current lithium-ion batteries.

These claims are undeniably exciting, as such a breakthrough could revolutionize the EV industry. However, many experts have questioned whether these promises are too good to be true. This analysis explores the reasons behind the company’s prominence, the basis for expert skepticism, and the broader implications for the current battery industry.

This article originates from "The Spark," MIT Technology Review’s weekly climate newsletter.

The Must-Reads

This curated selection highlights the most engaging, important, scary, and fascinating technology stories from across the internet:

1. Chinese Law Enforcement’s Attempt to Misuse ChatGPT: Chinese law enforcement reportedly attempted to use ChatGPT to generate disinformation targeting Japan’s prime minister. OpenAI claims the chatbot refused to participate in planning an online smear campaign. The user had requested ChatGPT to edit status reports concerning covert influence operations.

2. Meta’s AI Generates False Child Abuse Tips: Meta’s AI systems are reportedly sending a deluge of unsubstantiated tips to child abuse investigators. These false leads not only drain critical resources but also actively hinder genuine investigations. In related news, US investigators are leveraging AI to identify child abuse imagery created by AI.

3. Judge Dismisses xAI’s Lawsuit Against OpenAI: A judge has ruled against Elon Musk’s xAI in its lawsuit against OpenAI, finding insufficient evidence to support claims of misconduct. xAI had accused former employees of misappropriating trade secrets when they joined OpenAI. While the lawsuit was dismissed, xAI may have the opportunity to refile, though its claims would need significant modification.

4. China Masks Drone Flights, Potentially Rehearsing Invasion: China appears to be concealing regular drone flights, which could be interpreted as rehearsals for a potential invasion of Taiwan. This raises concerns about the weakening of Taiwan’s "silicon shield" defense strategy.

   

5. Pro-AI Super PACs Outraise Pro-Regulation Counterparts: Leading up to the US midterm elections, pro-AI super Political Action Committees (PACs) are amassing substantial funds, significantly exceeding the financial contributions of groups advocating for AI regulation. Notably, Anthropic is supporting a regulation-friendly PAC called Public First Action.

6. Experts Concerned About AI "Slop Videos" and Child Development: Concerns are mounting over the potential negative impact of AI-generated "slop videos" on child development. These nonsensical clips, often lacking structure, can be confusing and detrimental to young viewers.

7. Long COVID Affects Hundreds of Millions: An estimated 400 million people worldwide are living with long COVID, and its effects extend far beyond physical symptoms. Scientists are identifying potential biomarkers for long COVID in blood, offering hope for new treatments.

8. Tech Executives Shun Mainstream Media: A growing trend sees tech leaders opting out of interviews with mainstream media outlets, instead gravitating towards less critical online platforms and talk shows.

9. International Space Station’s Vulnerability: The International Space Station (ISS) is surprisingly vulnerable due to significant gaps in its critical defense systems. This vulnerability is highlighted amidst the growing trend of data centers migrating to space, a development for which current legal frameworks are unprepared. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the world’s first commercial space station.

10. Declining Appetite for Fake Meat: Consumers appear to be losing interest in plant-based meat alternatives, with even manufacturers acknowledging that some products lack desirable taste. This trend comes as the price of real beef has recently surged. The taste profile of lab-grown burgers is also being explored.

Quote of the Day

"We are using carrots and sticks." – Seth Besmertnik, CEO of digital marketing startup Conductor, describing his approach to rigorously assessing his employees’ AI literacy.

One More Thing

Tiny Faux Organs Could Unlock the Mystery of Menstruation

The intricate biological process of menstruation, the monthly cycle of cellular birth, maturation, and death within the human body, remains poorly understood. While many individuals seek treatments for menstrual discomfort, the lack of fundamental knowledge about how menstruation functions makes designing effective medications challenging.

However, a potential breakthrough is emerging with the development of endometrial organoids. These biomedical tools, crafted from fragments of the uterine lining (endometrium), are beginning to shed light on how endometrial cells communicate and coordinate. Researchers are hopeful that these organoids will illuminate the reasons behind the regularity of menstruation for some and its debilitating nature for others, potentially ushering in a new era of understanding and treatment.

We Can Still Have Nice Things

A curated selection of comforting, fun, and distracting content to brighten your day:

• The remarkable story of Elder Scrolls III fans who have painstakingly constructed a world the size of a small country within the game.
• Expert tips on mastering the art of baking the perfect sourdough loaf.
• The adorable real-life inspiration behind the beloved character Pikachu.
• A look at some of the greatest animated movie classics that have captivated audiences.