The Biggest Breakthrough Technologies Coming This Year
Jan 23, 2025
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In this discussion, Mat Honan, Editor-in-chief of MIT Technology Review, Casey Crownhart, climate reporter, and James O'Donnell, AI reporter, dive into transformative technologies on the horizon. They explore innovative solutions like cattle supplements that reduce methane emissions and breakthrough drugs aimed at eradicating AIDS. The trio discusses generative AI’s profound impact on search engines and its societal implications, while also shedding light on advancements in climate technology and the importance of government funding in fostering innovation.
Innovative cattle supplements aimed at reducing methane emissions represent a significant breakthrough in addressing climate change in agriculture.
Advancements in HIV prevention drugs could transform disease management, highlighting pivotal developments in biomedicine this year.
The rise of generative AI is reshaping online search experiences, increasing relevance while challenging the sustainability of traditional media outlets.
Deep dives
Breakthrough Technologies Overview
The year's selection of breakthrough technologies spotlights significant advancements across multiple sectors, emphasizing developments from artificial intelligence to climate solutions. Among these, longer-lasting HIV prevention drugs have made headlines for their promising efficacy, marking a pivotal change in disease management. Additionally, the introduction of small language models is revolutionizing the AI landscape by offering tailored solutions that reduce the complexity and energy demands of traditional large models. Innovations in sectors such as biomedicine, robotics, and climate change solutions reflect the ongoing evolution of technology as it integrates deeper into everyday life.
Generative AI and Information Retrieval
Generative AI search capabilities are fundamentally altering how users retrieve information online. This evolution allows search engines to summarize content from multiple sources, which enhances the accuracy and relevance of the results, ultimately facilitating better user experiences. While this technology shows promise in improving information accessibility, it also poses risks to traditional media by decreasing web traffic as users may rely more on AI-generated summaries rather than visiting original content sources. This shift raises concerns about the long-term viability of media companies that depend on search traffic for sustainability.
Small Language Models and Their Impact
Small language models are gaining traction as they offer efficiency and tailored applications, significantly impacting various industries. These models can be specifically designed to handle niche tasks, providing companies with a cost-effective alternative to large, general-purpose AI models. Their reduced energy consumption during training and usage addresses some environmental concerns tied to AI technology. As organizations begin to adopt small language models, they may enhance practical applications in tasks like legal research, making previously inaccessible technology more viable for businesses.
Climate Innovations: Green Steel and Cattle Burping Supplements
Climate technology breakthroughs include green steel production methods that significantly reduce emissions associated with traditional steel manufacturing. Companies are exploring innovative processes that utilize hydrogen generated from renewable energy, which could bring about more than 90% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Likewise, cattle burping supplements have emerged as a novel approach to mitigating methane emissions from livestock, addressing a critical environmental concern linked to agriculture. These strides in climate innovation highlight the potential for technology to create sustainable solutions that can tackle pressing global issues.
AI in Transportation: The Rise of Robo-Taxis
Robo-taxis are becoming increasingly commonplace, with their integration into urban settings highlighting both technological advancement and public concern. The rise of autonomous vehicles emphasizes the transition toward more automated transportation solutions that promise convenience but also raise questions about pedestrian safety and urban design. As these vehicles are deployed in cities, the conversation around their implications on urban life becomes crucial, urging developers to consider the experiences of pedestrians alongside the efficiency of vehicular traffic. Striking a balance between these elements will be key as society navigates the future of transportation.
A cattle supplement that cuts down on cow burps and thus, greenhouse gas emissions. Drugs that make it far easier to prevent AIDS and maybe end the disease altogether. Generative AI upending traditional search engines. These are just some of the advances that made MIT Technology Review’s 2025 list of 10 Breakthrough Technologies. Writers and editors from the magazine join us to talk about how these technologies will progress this year and why they could be so impactful.
Guests:
Mat Honan, editor in chief, MIT Technology Review
Allison Arieff, editorial director of print, MIT Technology Review
Casey Crownhart, climate reporter, MIT Technology Review
James O'Donnell, artificial intelligence reporter, MIT Technology Review
