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The Download: speaking to robots, and growing pharmaceutical mushrooms

Mar 18, 2025 - technologyreview.com
The article highlights recent technological advancements and trends. BYD has introduced a new electric vehicle that can charge in just five minutes, potentially attracting customers deterred by long charging times. Google has launched an AI model, Gemini, that integrates large language models with spatial reasoning to enable robots to perform physical tasks based on verbal commands. This development could lead to more interactive robots in homes and workplaces. Additionally, the article discusses the potential future role of pharmaceutical-grade mushroom growers as psychedelic drugs like psilocybin show promise in treating depression, pending FDA approval.

Other notable stories include NASA astronauts returning to Earth after nine months in space, Microsoft developing an AI model that simulates human reasoning, and Alphabet's acquisition of cybersecurity startup Wiz for $32 billion. The article also touches on concerns about US funding cuts affecting HIV treatment progress, Elon Musk's ties to China, and the privacy implications of Amazon's Echo devices. Finally, exosomes are being marketed as a cure-all for various conditions, but their efficacy and mechanisms remain unclear.

Key takeaways:

  • BYD has unveiled a new electric vehicle that can charge in just five minutes, potentially attracting customers who were previously deterred by long charging times.
  • Google has launched a version of its AI model, Gemini, that integrates with robots, allowing verbal commands to be translated into actions in the physical world.
  • Research into psychedelic drugs like psilocybin shows promise for treating depression, with potential for a legal medical market if approved by the FDA.
  • Exosomes are being marketed as a cure-all for various conditions, but there is still a lack of understanding about how they work and their efficacy.
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