An experimental surgical procedure is offering a beacon of hope to individuals undergoing treatment for bowel or rectal cancer, enabling them to potentially have children after their fight with the disease. The damaging side effects of radiation and chemotherapy can significantly impact the uterus and ovaries, jeopardizing fertility. Surgeons are now pioneering an innovative solution: temporarily repositioning these vital organs out of the direct path of treatment. This groundbreaking technique involves carefully stitching the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes aside before cancer therapy begins. Once treatment concludes, the organs are meticulously returned to their original positions, offering a chance for future conception. This remarkable approach has already yielded incredible results, with a recent report from Switzerland detailing the birth of baby Lucien, the fifth child to be born following this procedure and the first in Europe. Since this announcement, at least three other babies have been born, underscoring the growing success and promise of this life-changing surgery. For a comprehensive understanding of this medical marvel, readers are encouraged to delve into the full story. This article first appeared in The Checkup, MIT Technology Review’s weekly biotech newsletter, and readers can subscribe to receive such insightful content directly in their inbox every Thursday.

Bangladesh’s once-notorious garment industry is undergoing a significant transformation, embracing sustainability and "frugal" factory practices to mitigate environmental damage and improve working conditions. For years, the waters of the Buriganga River, flowing through Dhaka, have been heavily polluted by dyes, chemicals, and heavy metals from textile production, a stark reminder of the industry’s environmental toll. The sector was also tragically marred by the 2013 collapse of the Rana Plaza factory, which claimed over 1,134 lives and injured approximately 2,500 people, highlighting critical safety and ethical concerns.

However, a paradigm shift is underway. Bangladesh is emerging as a leader in developing resource-efficient factories that prioritize cutting waste, conserving water, and building resilience against climate change impacts and global supply chain disruptions. These "frugal" factories are weaving a new narrative for the industry, one characterized by greener practices and a commitment to environmental responsibility. The hundreds of factories situated along the Buriganga’s banks and throughout Bangladesh are now stitching together a more sustainable future, illuminated by the adoption of eco-conscious manufacturing processes. This evolution represents a significant step forward for the nation’s vital garment sector. This story is featured in the latest print issue of MIT Technology Review magazine, which focuses on contemporary innovations. Subscriptions are available for those who wish to receive future issues.

The Must-Reads

This section curates the most compelling, important, and fascinating technology-related stories from across the internet.

1. ICE’s Use of a Private Jet for Deportation: The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly utilized a private jet, owned by Donald Trump’s business partner Gil Dezer, to deport Palestinian men to Tel Aviv. This revelation raises questions about the methods and resources employed in immigration enforcement. In related news, the latest Epstein files contain thousands of mentions of Donald Trump, further fueling public interest and scrutiny.

2. Epstein’s Continued Silicon Valley Investments: Despite serving 13 months in jail, Jeffrey Epstein continued to invest substantial sums of money into various tech ventures. The New York Times details how he funneled millions into companies like Palantir and Coinbase, with connections to figures like Peter Thiel. The sheer breadth of Epstein’s social network has also been a subject of extensive discussion. Intriguingly, a picture of the Mona Lisa was redacted in the Epstein files, sparking curiosity about its significance.

3. Revised Understanding of Statin Risks: New research suggests that the risks associated with taking statins, commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs, may be lower than previously understood. The Lancet study indicates that statins are not responsible for the majority of side effects they are often blamed for. This finding challenges the prevalent negative discourse surrounding statins on social media, where they are frequently cited as a scapegoat for various health issues.

4. Russia Weaponizes Winter Weather Against Ukraine: Russia is reportedly leveraging the harsh winter conditions to intensify its attacks on Ukraine’s power grid. The New Yorker reports on this strategy, which aims to cripple Ukraine’s infrastructure during the coldest months. In contrast, MIT Technology Review explores how power grids can be fortified to withstand winter storms, offering insights into resilience strategies.

   

5. China’s Spy-Cam Porn Problem: A disturbing trend has emerged in China where hotel guests are being secretly livestreamed having sex without their knowledge. The BBC reports on this issue, highlighting the violation of privacy and the exploitation of individuals for online audiences.

6. Geopolitical Gamblers and Prediction Markets: Geopolitical tensions are fueling activity in prediction markets, where individuals are betting on the likelihood of war. Rest of World examines how these platforms are capitalizing on such speculation, raising ethical considerations about profiting from potential conflict.

7. Oyster Farmers Hesitant on Water Pollution Programs: Promising initiatives aimed at easing water pollution through oyster farming appear to be faltering as farmers are not signing up for the programs. Undark reports on this development, which is a setback for efforts to improve coastal water quality. Previously, MIT Technology Review highlighted the potential of oysters to restore coastal waters, a concept that has faced resistance from developers.

8. AI to Approve Future Pay Rises: The integration of artificial intelligence into the workplace may soon extend to salary and promotion decisions. The Washington Post suggests that employees might soon need to impress AI algorithms rather than human managers for career advancement.

9. FDA Approves Brain Stimulation Device for Depression: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a brain stimulation device designed to treat depression. This marks a significant step towards offering non-invasive, drug-free treatment options for individuals suffering from depression. IEEE Spectrum reports on this breakthrough, and MIT Technology Review has previously explored how personalized brain stimulation could revolutionize depression treatment.

10. Cinema-Goers’ Fatigue with AI in Movies: Audiences appear to be growing tired of films focused on rogue artificial intelligence, with AI-centric movies reportedly flopping at the box office. This trend suggests a potential shift in audience preferences. Meanwhile, on the political front, Republicans are increasingly targeting "woke" content on platforms like Netflix, indicating a broader cultural debate surrounding media.

Quote of the Day

"I’m all for removing illegals, but snatching dudes off lawn mowers in Cali and leaving the truck and equipment just sitting there? Definitely not working smarter." This quote, from a web user in a forum for current and former ICE and border protection officers, as reported by Wired, expresses frustration with the current direction of the agency’s operations.

One More Thing

Is this the electric grid of the future? Lincoln Electric System, a publicly owned utility in Nebraska, is accustomed to facing severe blizzards. However, the challenges ahead for all electric utilities are of a different magnitude. Utilities must now contend with more extreme and frequent storms and fires, the growing threat of cyberattacks and physical disruptions, and a highly uncertain policy and regulatory environment. They are also tasked with maintaining low prices amidst inflationary pressures and adapting to a fundamental shift in how the grid operates, transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar and wind. The electric grid is preparing for a near future defined by disruption, and Lincoln Electric offers a valuable case study for understanding these impending changes. This story was originally published on MIT Technology Review.