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Over the past few years, attempts to forecast advancements in the realm of artificial intelligence have become increasingly common, despite the unpredictable nature of the field. Observations from previous trends have inspired renewed predictions for what’s to come.
Looking back at the projections made last year, the focus on customized chatbots, which have evolved into what is now referred to as AI agents, highlights a significant trend in AI innovation. Additionally, the rise of generative video technology and versatile robots capable of undertaking a broader range of tasks were also anticipated.
As we look forward to 2025, our AI specialists present five notable developments to watch for this upcoming year.
—James O’Donnell, Will Douglas Heaven & Melissa Heikkilä
This article is part of MIT Technology Review’s What’s Next series, which explores industry trends and emerging technologies to provide insights into the future. You can read more about this series here.
Stem-cell therapies that work: 10 Breakthrough Technologies 2025
Twenty-five years ago, scientists made groundbreaking strides by isolating potent stem cells from embryos created via in vitro fertilization. These cells, with the potential to differentiate into any human tissue, sparked hopes for a transformative era in medicine that could provide replacements for damaged or diseased tissues.
However, the journey of stem-cell research has been fraught with challenges. Although advancements allowed researchers to produce these versatile cells without the need for embryos, the transition from stem cells to fully functional adult tissues has proven to be more complex than initially anticipated. Currently, there are signs that these challenges are being overcome, with stem cells finally poised to deliver their long-awaited therapeutic promise. Read the full story.
Stem-cell therapies have been highlighted as one of the 10 Breakthrough Technologies for 2025 according to MIT Technology Review’s annual tech watch list. Be sure to explore the entire list and cast your vote for the honorary 11th breakthrough by April 1!
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