The Download: the future of AlphaFold, and chatbot privacy concerns

The latest edition of The Download from MIT Technology Review highlights the rising interest in next-generation nuclear reactors, which are gaining traction as a solution to climate change and energy independence concerns, moving away from outdated 20th-century designs.

The hyperscale data center has emerged as a critical infrastructure component, characterized by vast facilities housing thousands of specialized computer chips that execute complex calculations for advanced AI models. These massive structures, often spanning millions of square feet, are constructed with substantial materials and extensive wiring to support their operations. Despite their technological significance, they face widespread public discontent due to environmental and social concerns.

Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, particularly in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, as the industry seeks to address the limitations of lithium's supply and price volatility. This shift is gaining traction in China, which is positioning itself as a leader in this technology.

AlphaFold, an advanced AI system developed by Google DeepMind, is poised to significantly enhance the capabilities of African researchers in structural biology, enabling them to conduct cutting-edge research in protein structure prediction. This development is expected to democratize access to sophisticated scientific tools that were previously limited to well-funded institutions.