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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.
The weeds are winning
Since the 1980s, a growing number of plant species have developed resistance to the biochemical processes utilized by herbicides. This rise in herbicide-resistant weeds poses a significant threat to crop yields, with out-of-control weed populations capable of reducing yields by 50% or more; in some instances, they can devastate entire fields.
The ramifications extend beyond just crop losses, potentially driving farmers out of business—a scenario comparable to the challenge posed by antibiotic resistance in medicine. To date, weeds have developed resistance to 168 different herbicides, across 21 of the 31 known modes of action, which refer to the specific biochemical targets that herbicides aim to disrupt.
To combat this growing issue, agriculture must adopt a broader range of weed management techniques, a transition that proves more challenging than it may seem. Read the full story.
—Douglas Main
This piece is from the next print issue of MIT Technology Review, which delves into the weird and wonderful world of food. If you don’t already, subscribe to receive future copies once they land.
Everything comes back to climate tech. Here’s what to watch for next.
Climate technology is in a constant state of evolution, impacting sectors like energy, transportation, agriculture, and policy. With ongoing innovations, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments.
Casey Crownhart, our senior climate reporter, has been considering the future trajectory of climate technology. Explore her insights and predictions for the upcoming advancements in this field.
This story is from The Spark, our weekly climate and energy newsletter. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Wednesday.
This octopus-inspired adhesive can stick to just about anything
What’s new: A recent development in adhesive technology draws inspiration from the suction capabilities of an octopus’s tentacle.
What is it? Researchers have successfully simulated the octopus’s formidable grip and controlled release ability to create an adhesive capable of handling a variety of objects. This innovation could enhance underwater construction techniques or be implemented in everyday applications, such as assistive gloves. Read the full story.
—Jenna Ahart
Roundtable: Producing climate-friendly food
The agricultural sector significantly contributes to global greenhouse-gas emissions, but some enterprises are developing innovative solutions to mitigate these impacts. Among these are two companies featured in the recently announced MIT Technology Review’s list of 15 Climate Tech Companies to Watch for 2024. Pivot Bio is pioneering new fertilizers, while Rumin8 focuses on reducing emissions from livestock.
Today, at 12 PM ET, join MIT Technology Review senior editor James Temple and senior reporter Casey Crownhart in a subscriber-exclusive Roundtable. They will discuss the future of food in relation to climate issues with special guests Karsten Temme, co-founder and chief innovation officer of Pivot Bio, and Matt Callahan, co-founder of Rumin8. Register here.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
1 The next Hurricane Milton could be even worse
Extreme storms are becoming increasingly severe, and climate change exacerbates the situation. (NY Mag $)
+ Hurricane disinformation is spreading—and poses significant risks. (The Atlantic $)
+ Consult reliable resources for the latest information. (Vox)
2 Tesla is preparing to unveil its Cybercab robotaxi
The company is entering a highly competitive market. (Wired $)
+ It’s critical for Elon Musk to fulfill his long-promised developments. (The Verge)
+ Future prospects for robotaxis in 2024. (MIT Technology Review)
3 Russia has banned Discord
Despite its military relying on the chat platform for battlefield communication. (WP $)
+ It adds to the growing list of US platforms restricted in Russia. (Vice)
4 What the James Webb Space Telescope reveals about cosmic history
Including insights into ancient galaxies and gigantic black holes. (Quanta Magazine)
5 Meta’s new AI chatbot has finally launched in the UK
Regulatory challenges delayed its release compared to the US. (The Guardian)
+ However, there are mixed feelings about the use of chatbots. (NYT $)+ Innovative AI that can perceive, hear, and interact is already here. (MIT Technology Review)
6 Nigeria is contemplating sanctions against Starlink
Following a sudden increase in its monthly subscription fee. (Bloomberg $)
7 Rise of the wooden skyscrapers
This could serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials like steel and concrete. (Knowable Magazine)
+ Understanding the hidden environmental costs of everyday objects. (MIT Technology Review)
8 Beware of porch pirates
Thieves are increasingly targeting packages containing AT&T phones across the US. (WSJ $)
9 Self-hypnosis apps are gaining traction
They should not be viewed as substitutes for medical treatment. (FT $)
10 The Europa Clipper mission is thrilling
But it nearly faced cancellation. (Ars Technica)
+ Currently, space startups are attracting considerable investor interest. (Reuters)
+ NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft aims to investigate the conditions for life around Jupiter. (MIT Technology Review)
Quote of the day
“It has been a catastrophic year.”
—Brian McNoldy, a senior research scientist at the University of Miami, candidly describes the 2024 hurricane season to The Atlantic.
The big story
How environmental DNA is giving scientists a new way to understand our world
February 2024
Environmental DNA (eDNA) represents an innovative and relatively low-cost method for assessing the diversity and distribution of various life forms.
This approach differs from traditional methods, which often focus on identifying DNA from individual organisms. Instead, it captures the broader genetic material present in an environment, providing a comprehensive snapshot of biodiversity. This technique is capable of serving as a surveillance tool, enabling researchers to detect organism populations that might otherwise remain hidden.
Through sampling eDNA from various mediums—such as water, soil, or even the atmosphere—it becomes possible to identify specific organisms or create an overview of the entire living community in a given area. This groundbreaking method has significant implications for understanding the complex tapestry of life that surrounds us. Read the full story.
—Peter Andrey Smith
We can still have nice things
A place for comfort, fun, and distraction to brighten your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or tweet ’em at me.)
+ Start your day with a smile by watching this adorable mole.
+ At 81, Martin Scorsese isn’t planning to retire any time soon.
+ These incredible surf hotels are on my travel wish list.
+ Ever wondered why cheese is yellow while milk is white?!
Source
www.technologyreview.com