In a year marked by relentless technological advancement and profound societal shifts, MIT Technology Review proudly presents its most popular stories of 2025, a curated collection that captivated readers and sparked critical conversations across the globe. This year has been a testament to our commitment to dissecting the most impactful innovations, from the burgeoning ethical considerations of artificial intelligence to the intricate workings of the human body and the evolving landscape of our planet. Our editorial team navigated a dynamic year, publishing six thematic magazine issues—exploring the multifaceted concepts of power, the boundless potential of creativity, the relentless drive of innovation, the fundamental intricacies of bodies, the complex tapestry of relationships, and the ever-present imperative of security. Beyond the printed page, we fostered a vibrant intellectual community through our subscriber-exclusive series, Roundtables, hosting fourteen virtual conversations that delved deep into emerging trends with leading editors and external experts. Two significant on-campus events further enriched this discourse, bringing together brilliant minds to ponder the future. All the while, our digital platform pulsed with hundreds of meticulously researched articles, chronicling breakthroughs in computing, the urgent innovations in climate tech, the intricate advancements in robotics, and a myriad of other fields that are reshaping our world. As 2025 draws to a close, we invite you to revisit these seminal pieces, the stories that resonated most profoundly with our readership, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the technological and societal currents that defined the year. Whether grappling with the explosive growth of artificial intelligence or unraveling the future of biotechnology, these selections represent the stories that truly captured the zeitgeist.

One of the most pressing concerns of 2025 revolved around the environmental impact of artificial intelligence. As generative AI tools became ubiquitous, adopted by hundreds of millions worldwide, the question of AI’s energy footprint escalated into a global dialogue. Senior reporters James O’Donnell and Casey Crownhart embarked on a groundbreaking investigation, meticulously calculating the energy and water demands of AI, down to the granular level of a single query. Their comprehensive analysis, detailed in "We did the math on AI’s energy footprint. Here’s the story you haven’t heard," provided an unprecedented look at the resource implications of this transformative technology, offering crucial insights for future sustainable development. This deep dive into the often-overlooked externalities of AI proved to be a cornerstone of our most read content, underscoring a growing public awareness and demand for accountability in the tech sector.

The intricate mechanisms of the human body also captured significant reader attention, particularly concerning the multifaceted role of vitamin D. Senior reporter Jessica Hamzelou’s piece, "We’re learning more about what vitamin D does to our bodies," illuminated the widespread issue of vitamin D deficiency, often exacerbated by reduced sunlight exposure during winter months. While the "sunshine vitamin" is well-known for its importance in bone health, Hamzelou’s reporting delved into cutting-edge research revealing its surprising influence on other bodily functions, including the immune system and cardiovascular health. This exploration into the subtle yet profound impacts of micronutrients on overall well-being resonated deeply, highlighting a growing interest in personalized health and preventative care.

Amidst the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, the fundamental question of its definition remained a point of significant public curiosity. Senior editor Will Douglas Heaven’s comprehensive exploration, "What is AI?", published in 2024, continued to draw substantial readership in 2025. Heaven’s insightful analysis dissects the persistent ambiguity surrounding the definition of AI, explaining why this lack of consensus is not only a point of contention but also a crucial element in fostering critical thinking about the technology’s capabilities and limitations. This foundational piece served as an essential primer for many navigating the complex discourse around AI.

A provocative and forward-thinking op-ed, "Ethically sourced ‘spare’ human bodies could revolutionize medicine," presented a bold vision for the future of medical research. A team of experts from Stanford University argued that the creation of living human bodies incapable of thought, awareness, or pain could unlock unprecedented opportunities in drug development and medical testing. These hypothetical "bodyoids," as they are termed, could provide essential biological materials, potentially accelerating breakthroughs in transplantation and treatment. The piece, which explored the technical feasibility and ethical quandaries of such advancements, sparked widespread debate, reflecting a growing willingness to engage with the ethical frontiers of biotechnology.

The increasing sophistication and pervasiveness of AI chatbots led to unexpected human-AI interactions, as explored in Rhiannon Williams’ article, "It’s surprisingly easy to stumble into a relationship with an AI chatbot." Williams chronicled the rapid development of emotional bonds between users and AI companions, noting that while this can be a positive experience for some, it carries potential risks for others. The report highlighted instances of individuals forming unintentional romantic attachments, a trend that MIT Technology Review pledged to continue monitoring closely in the coming year, signaling a growing concern about the psychological and social implications of advanced AI.

As the world grapples with the escalating challenges of climate change and an uncertain energy future, the question of modernizing our electric grids became paramount. The article, "Is this the electric grid of the future?", examined the transformative efforts of Lincoln Electric, a publicly owned utility in Nebraska. Facing increased disruptions from extreme weather events and a complex regulatory environment, Lincoln Electric’s journey offers a compelling case study in the pursuit of reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy delivery. This in-depth look at a real-world example of energy transition resonated with readers seeking tangible solutions to a global crisis.

In the realm of biotechnology and reproductive science, a remarkable story captured global attention: the birth of a baby from an embryo frozen for over three decades. The exclusive report, "Exclusive: A record-breaking baby has been born from an embryo that’s over 30 years old," detailed the arrival of Thaddeus Daniel Pierce, conceived from an embryo created in 1994. This extraordinary event, facilitated through an "embryo adoption" agency, highlighted the long-term viability of cryogenic preservation and raised new discussions about the ethical and societal implications of extended-term embryo storage. The story underscored the rapid advancements in IVF technology and the profound human stories that emerge from scientific innovation.

The persistent mystery surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs, took a new turn in 2025 with the emergence of drone incursions. The article, "How these two brothers became go-to experts on America’s ‘mystery drone’ invasion," introduced readers to twin brothers John and Gerald Tedesco, who have become leading investigators of this concerning new threat. Their dedication, operating from a custom-built, equipment-filled RV, allowed them to delve into the hundreds of unexplained drone incursions reported over US military installations in 2024. Their work has positioned them as key figures in understanding these enigmatic aerial events, drawing interest from government officials and the public alike.

Concluding our most popular stories is the indispensable annual feature, "10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2025." For over two decades, MIT Technology Review’s newsroom has identified and analyzed the most significant technological advancements poised to shape the future. This year’s esteemed list showcased transformative innovations such as generative AI in search, the development of cleaner jet fuels, and advancements in long-acting HIV prevention medications. This comprehensive overview serves as a vital compass for understanding the trajectory of innovation, offering a glimpse into the technologies that will define the coming years. The anticipation for the 2026 edition, slated for publication in early January, further underscores the enduring value and impact of this foresightful annual report, with a special look at technologies that narrowly missed the cut also providing valuable context.