Technology

The Download: saving the US climate programs, and America’s AI protections are under threat

Source

MIT Technology Review

Published

Jul 25, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

Nonprofits and academia are working to maintain US climate programs amid concerns about the Trump administration's dismantling of federal efforts. The Data Foundation is fundraising for an initiative to enhance the accuracy of climate emissions data, following Biden's previous efforts nullified by Trump. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission's actions against AI companies are being reviewed under Trump's AI Action Plan, potentially leading to quicker AI deployment with fewer safeguards. Additionally, a controversial gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Elevidys, has been linked to the deaths of two teenagers, impacting those seeking treatments for the disorder.

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Trump bans Anthropic AI from federal agencies after firm refuses to unlock capabilities — Anthropic cites risks of autonomous military applications, mass domestic surveillance

President Trump has banned Anthropic AI technology from all U.S. federal agencies after the company refused to unlock its capabilities for the Pentagon. Anthropic had concerns about the risks associated with autonomous military applications and mass domestic surveillance. The dispute arose from a contract Anthropic signed with the Pentagon, where the company sought guarantees on the use of its AI models. Trump accused Anthropic of endangering American lives and gave agencies a six-month phase-out period to find replacements. Elon Musk's Grok is potentially lined up as a replacement, while OpenAI CEO Sam Altman supports Anthropic's stance on ethical red lines for autonomous weapons.

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Huntington's disease treated for first time

Doctors have successfully treated Huntington's disease for the first time, slowing its progression by 75% in patients. The treatment involves gene therapy delivered through delicate brain surgery, aiming to reduce levels of the toxic huntingtin protein that kills neurons. Results from the trial involving 29 patients showed a significant slowing of the disease and preservation of brain cells. The therapy is considered safe, with plans to seek licensing in the US in 2026. While the treatment is a breakthrough, its high cost and complexity may limit widespread availability.

Hacker News•

8 months ago

MIT Technology Review

The deadly saga of the controversial gene therapy Elevidys

The gene therapy Elevidys, approved for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, has been linked to the deaths of two teenagers, sparking controversy over its efficacy and safety. Despite FDA approval, the drug failed to show significant improvement in patient outcomes and even led to fatal outcomes. Sarepta Therapeutics, the drug's manufacturer, faced backlash and FDA scrutiny, resulting in a temporary halt in Elevidys shipments. The DMD community is left grappling with disappointment and concern over the drug's risks and accessibility, highlighting the complex landscape of medical treatments for rare genetic disorders.

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