The Download: feeding the world with poop, and 2024’s performing stories
Jan 03, 2025 - technologyreview.com
The article from MIT Technology Review's newsletter, "The Download," covers a range of technology-related topics. It highlights a new facility in Seattle that treats fecal waste to recycle nutrients for agriculture, a practice with historical roots that could see a resurgence. The piece also mentions a pediatric gastroenterologist using stool transplants to treat bacterial infections, showcasing the wider scientific potential of human waste. Additionally, the article previews the forthcoming magazine edition, which will feature breakthrough technologies of 2025, and invites readers to subscribe for more insights.
The newsletter also covers various tech news, including a US appeals court striking down net neutrality rules, scrutiny over the car rental app Turo, and Nick Clegg's departure from Meta. Other topics include Yandex being ordered to hide maps of a Russian oil refinery, Apple's $95 million settlement over Siri privacy violations, new AI laws in California, and evolving understanding of genetic diseases. The article concludes with lighter content, such as a meteor shower and sustainable refrigerator innovations, and a quote from Nick Clegg on his successor at Meta.
Key takeaways:
A new facility in Seattle is innovating in recycling nutrients from fecal waste for agriculture.
MIT Technology Review highlights the top breakthrough technologies of 2025.
A US appeals court has struck down net neutrality rules, impacting broadband regulation.
Apple has settled a $95 million lawsuit over privacy violations related to Siri recordings.
