Niall Firth
@niallfirth.bsky.social
đ€ 1916
đ„ 1003
đ 251
Journalist. Executive editor, newsroom. MIT Technology Review
reposted by
Niall Firth
For some, Moltbook showed us whatâs coming next: an internet where millions of autonomous agents interact online with little or no human oversight. But is it? Smart from
@willdouglasheaven.bsky.social
www.technologyreview.com/2026/02/06/1...
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Moltbook was peak AI theater
The viral social network for bots reveals as much about our own current mania for AI as it does about the future of agents.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/02/06/1132448/moltbook-was-peak-ai-theater/
3 days ago
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For some, Moltbook showed us whatâs coming next: an internet where millions of autonomous agents interact online with little or no human oversight. But is it? Smart from
@willdouglasheaven.bsky.social
www.technologyreview.com/2026/02/06/1...
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Moltbook was peak AI theater
The viral social network for bots reveals as much about our own current mania for AI as it does about the future of agents.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/02/06/1132448/moltbook-was-peak-ai-theater/
3 days ago
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Cannot read about Mandelson with thinking of Mike Skinner and this incredible moment.
youtu.be/Ue1U9Se6jQI?...
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Mike Skinner Backstage Peter Mandelson Went Mad | Turn The Page Live | The Streets
YouTube video by stan tonkin
https://youtu.be/Ue1U9Se6jQI?si=xG2yR3CS604-8Nlf
4 days ago
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reposted by
Niall Firth
Our first Big Story of 2026 is on the Vitalistsâthe extreme-longevity movement that believes death is immoral, and we need to just... stop it. Excited to be publishing this deep dive on an increasingly influential group, from
@jesshamzelou.bsky.social
natch
www.technologyreview.com/2026/01/29/1...
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Meet the Vitalists: the hardcore longevity enthusiasts who believe death is âwrongâ
They argue we need a revolutionâand more and more influential scientists, funders, and politicians are taking them seriously.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/01/29/1131815/vitalism-longevity-enthusiasts-influence/
11 days ago
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Our first Big Story of 2026 is on the Vitalistsâthe extreme-longevity movement that believes death is immoral, and we need to just... stop it. Excited to be publishing this deep dive on an increasingly influential group, from
@jesshamzelou.bsky.social
natch
www.technologyreview.com/2026/01/29/1...
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Meet the Vitalists: the hardcore longevity enthusiasts who believe death is âwrongâ
They argue we need a revolutionâand more and more influential scientists, funders, and politicians are taking them seriously.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/01/29/1131815/vitalism-longevity-enthusiasts-influence/
11 days ago
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Um. Headlines are easier than this.
15 days ago
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Thoroughly enjoyed The Bone Temple. Reading reviews afterwards, as I like to, suspect many American reviewers donât get who the Jimmys are styled after. But why would they?
22 days ago
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A big day for us here at
@technologyreview.com
- our annual list of 10 Breakthrough Technologies is here! And it's a beauty. Here are the advances that we think will drive progress or incite the most changeâfor better or worseâin the years ahead.
www.technologyreview.com/2026/01/12/1...
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10 Breakthrough Technologies 2026
Here are our picks for the advances to watch in the years aheadâand why we think they matter right now.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/01/12/1130697/10-breakthrough-technologies-2026/
28 days ago
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reposted by
Niall Firth
Eryk Salvaggio
about 1 month ago
Finally, I will be free from the unwanted labor of leisure
add a skeleton here at some point
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I out myself as the annoying editor in the lede to this terrific
@willdouglasheaven.bsky.social
explainer on parameters. We hear about them constantly - but usually explained in metaphorical terms. But what are they REALLY??
www.technologyreview.com/2026/01/07/1...
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LLMs contain a LOT of parameters. But whatâs a parameter?
Theyâre the mysterious numbers that make your favorite AI models tick. What are they and what do they do?
https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/01/07/1130795/what-even-is-a-parameter/
about 1 month ago
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Every year, our AI writers here at
@technologyreview.com
make some predictions about things to look out for the year ahead. Our track record is pretty good - see what you think about their view for 2026.
www.technologyreview.com/2026/01/05/1...
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Whatâs next for AI in 2026
Our AI writers make their big bets for the coming yearâhere are five hot trends to watch.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/01/05/1130662/whats-next-for-ai-in-2026/
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Niall Firth
In October I gave a talk at
@sxswsydney.com
about all things AI: the trends, the breakthroughs, the issues. You can watch it back here.
youtu.be/MSoU_orO2nc?...
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Featured | Everything you need to know about AI in 2026 w/ Niall Firth
YouTube video by SXSW Sydney
https://youtu.be/MSoU_orO2nc?si=JrKPZjyRdE3UvKJ7
about 2 months ago
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In October I gave a talk at
@sxswsydney.com
about all things AI: the trends, the breakthroughs, the issues. You can watch it back here.
youtu.be/MSoU_orO2nc?...
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Featured | Everything you need to know about AI in 2026 w/ Niall Firth
YouTube video by SXSW Sydney
https://youtu.be/MSoU_orO2nc?si=JrKPZjyRdE3UvKJ7
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Niall Firth
Mat Honan â
about 2 months ago
2025 was the year AI reached peak hype. (I mean, one hopes!). We have a fantastic series looking at the froth, anchored by this gem from
@willdouglasheaven.bsky.social
www.technologyreview.com/2025/12/15/1...
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The great AI hype correction of 2025
Four ways to think about this year's reckoning
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/12/15/1129174/the-great-ai-hype-correction-of-2025/
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reposted by
Niall Firth
Amanda Silverman
about 2 months ago
Today
@technologyreview.com
has a fantastic new package that corrects all the AI hype
www.technologyreview.com/supertopic/h...
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Hype Correction
An MIT Technology Review series Hype Correction  Itâs time to reset expectations. AI is going to reproduce human intelligence. AI will eliminate disease. AI is the single biggest, most important inven...
https://www.technologyreview.com/supertopic/hype-correction/
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OK here we go! Today we launch Hype Correction, our critical look at where AI is, and how we should reset our expectations.
www.technologyreview.com/supertopic/h...
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https://www.technologyreview.com/supertopic/hype-correction/
about 2 months ago
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Dropping a big package about AI tomorrow morning. Keep a look out!
about 2 months ago
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Yesterday we sent out the final part of State of AI: our partnership with
@financialtimes.com
Times - and it was a doozy! In this 6th edition
@willdouglasheaven.bsky.social
and
@tim.fo
debated how AI will shape the world at the end of the decade.
www.technologyreview.com/2025/12/08/1...
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The State of AI: A vision of the world in 2030
Senior AI editor Will Douglas Heaven talks with Tim Bradshaw, FT global tech correspondent, about what our world will look like in the next five years.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/12/08/1128922/the-state-of-ai-a-vision-of-the-world-in-2030/
2 months ago
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Brilliant job working with me here at
@technologyreview.com
. Come and be our new editorial director, print and manage our bi-monthly print magazine (126 years and still going strong!)
www.technologyreview.com/job/editoria...
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Sr. Editorial Director, Print
Position Overview: Do you love print? Do you thrive on imagining eye-catching front of the book treatments, deeply reported features, and powerful photo essays? This is an incredible and rare opportun...
https://www.technologyreview.com/job/editorial-director-print
2 months ago
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Week 5 of our State of AI collaboration with the
@financialtimes.com
- and this week we have
@davidrotman.bsky.social
and
@richardwaters.bsky.social
discussing the impact generative AI is having on the jobs market and the economy as a whole.
www.technologyreview.com/2025/12/01/1...
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The State of AI: Welcome to the economic singularity
This week, Richard Waters, FT columnist and former West Coast editor, talks with MIT Technology Reviewâs editor at large David Rotman about the true impact of AI on the job market.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/12/01/1127872/the-state-of-ai-welcome-to-the-economic-singularity/
2 months ago
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It's week 4 of State of AI, our partnership with the
@financialtimes.com
This week,
@eileenguo.bsky.social
kickstarts a conversation with
@melissahei.bsky.social
on the privacy implications of our new reliance on chatbots.
www.technologyreview.com/2025/11/24/1...
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The State of AI: Chatbot companions and the future of our privacy
MIT Technology Reviewâs senior reporter for features and investigations, Eileen Guo, and FT tech correspondent Melissa HeikkilĂ€ discuss the privacy implications of our new reliance on chatbots.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/11/24/1128051/the-state-of-ai-chatbot-companions-and-the-future-of-our-privacy/
2 months ago
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As part of our conspiracy package (please read the whole thing, it's a joy!) we covered the DebunkBot. It's effective (and non-judgy, which must be a big part of its effectiveness.) Recommend playing around even if you don't have a pet conspiracy theory!
debunkbot.com
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DebunkBot | Conspiracies
DebunkBot is an AI system for evidence-based dialogue that reduces misbelief. Built on peer-reviewed research and designed with safety and measurement in mind, DebunkBot helps address false claims in ...
https://debunkbot.com/
3 months ago
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Today we have the latest in our collaboration with the
@financialtimes.com
. This week, we're talking all things WAR, with
@jamesodonnell.bsky.social
and
@helenwarrell.bsky.social
www.technologyreview.com/2025/11/17/1...
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The State of AI: How war will be changed forever
In this conversation, Helen Warrell, FT investigations reporter and former defense and security editor, and James OâDonnell, MIT Technology Reviewâs senior AI reporter, consider the ethical quandaries...
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/11/17/1127514/the-state-of-ai-the-new-rules-of-war/
3 months ago
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New thing to worry about on a flight just dropped!
www.technologyreview.com/2025/11/17/1...
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What is the chance your plane will be hit by space debris?
It's low but, um, never zero.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/11/17/1127980/what-is-the-chance-your-plane-will-be-hit-by-space-debris/
3 months ago
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Damnit I loved Sonder.
3 months ago
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The latest edition of our State of AI collaboration with the
@financialtimes.com
is live: this time
@caseycrownhart.bsky.social
debates with
@pilitaclark.bsky.social
about why the US is falling behind on power generation.
www.technologyreview.com/2025/11/10/1...
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The State of AI: Energy is king, and the US is falling behind
Casey Crownhart, MIT Technology Reviewâs senior climate reporter and Pilita Clark, FT columnist (and a former environment correspondent) ask whether power limitations are about to cost the US its tech...
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/11/10/1126805/the-state-of-ai-energy-is-king-and-the-us-is-falling-behind/?mc_cid=8eb900b154&mc_eid=UNIQID
3 months ago
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According to internet listicles, The Simpsons has predicted the future anywhere from 17 to 55 times. What's going on?https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1126462/the-simpsons-conspiracy-theories-al-jean/
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Can âThe Simpsonsâ really predict the future?
We asked Al Jean, the longest-serving showrunner, about all the conspiracy theories.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1126462/the-simpsons-conspiracy-theories-al-jean/
3 months ago
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As part of our package on conspiracies, I wrote about techniques you can use to talk to family and friends who have gone off the deep end.
www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1...
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How to help friends and family dig out of a conspiracy theory black hole
Some tried and trusted techniques that might help.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1126839/how-to-help-friends-and-family-dig-out-of-a-conspiracy-theory-black-hole/
3 months ago
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Today, as part of our New Conspiracy Age package, we have
@willdouglasheaven.bsky.social
ruffling some feathers to lay out his argument for why AGI is the biggest conspiracy of all. đ
www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1...
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How AGI became the most consequential conspiracy theory of our time
The idea that machines will be as smart asâor smarter thanâhumans has hijacked an entire industry. But look closely and youâll see itâs a myth that persists for many of the same reasons conspiracies d...
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1127057/agi-conspiracy-theory-artifcial-general-intelligence/
3 months ago
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The first instalment of our subscriber-only collaboration with the FT is live today. Our
@caiwei.bsky.social
speaks with John Thornhill about who is winning the AI race: China or Silicon Valley
www.technologyreview.com/2025/11/03/1...
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The State of AI: Is China about to win the race?
In this conversation, the FTâs John Thornhill and MIT Technology Reviewâs Caiwei Chen consider the battle between Silicon Valley and Beijing for technological supremacy.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/11/03/1126780/the-state-of-ai-is-china-about-to-win-the-race/
3 months ago
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This feature about the Mandela effect is just joyous.
www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1...
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Why do so many people think the Fruit of the Loom logo had a cornucopia?
Itâs a popular example of the âMandela effect,â or a collective false memory. And while some people may laugh and move on, others spend years searching for an explanation.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1126705/mandela-effect-fruit-of-the-loom-psychology/
3 months ago
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reposted by
Niall Firth
Excited to be working with
@financialtimes.com
on this.
aboutus.ft.com/press_releas...
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ABOUT THE FT
The Financial Times is one of the worldâs leading news organisations, recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy.
https://aboutus.ft.com/press_release/ft-and-mit-technology-review
3 months ago
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reposted by
Niall Firth
So proud of this AMAZING new package up on
@technologyreview.com
today all about CONSPIRACIES. Helmed/conceived by
@asilverman.bsky.social
it covers everything from medical conspiracies, to the Simpsons, to Fruit of the Loom and much more. Dive in and enjoy!
www.technologyreview.com/supertopic/t...
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The New Conspiracy Age
Thereâs never been a better time to be a conspiracy theorist. An MIT Technology Review series The New Conspiracy Age Everything is a conspiracy theory now. Conspiracists are all over the White House, ...
https://www.technologyreview.com/supertopic/the-new-conspiracy-age/
3 months ago
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Excited to be working with
@financialtimes.com
on this.
aboutus.ft.com/press_releas...
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ABOUT THE FT
The Financial Times is one of the worldâs leading news organisations, recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy.
https://aboutus.ft.com/press_release/ft-and-mit-technology-review
3 months ago
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reposted by
Niall Firth
Dave Levitan
3 months ago
As part of
@technologyreview.com
's big new package on conspiracy theories, I went long on weather modification â what's possible, what's not, what's happening and where, and why people will probably always find ways to blame weather disasters on shady forces:
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Why itâs so hard to bust the weather control conspiracy theory
From effective rain-enhancing technology to a long, secretive history of trying to weaponize storms, thereâs fertile ground for misinformation.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1126467/weather-control-conspiracy-theory-cloud-seeding-floods/
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So proud of this AMAZING new package up on
@technologyreview.com
today all about CONSPIRACIES. Helmed/conceived by
@asilverman.bsky.social
it covers everything from medical conspiracies, to the Simpsons, to Fruit of the Loom and much more. Dive in and enjoy!
www.technologyreview.com/supertopic/t...
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The New Conspiracy Age
Thereâs never been a better time to be a conspiracy theorist. An MIT Technology Review series The New Conspiracy Age Everything is a conspiracy theory now. Conspiracists are all over the White House, ...
https://www.technologyreview.com/supertopic/the-new-conspiracy-age/
3 months ago
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This is such a brilliant and interesting piece. Recommend.
www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/21/1...
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The astonishing embryo models of Jacob Hanna
Scientists are creating the beginnings of bodies without sperm or eggs. How far should they be allowed to go?
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/21/1125523/jacob-hanna-israel-synthetic-embryo-models/
3 months ago
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Our new print magazine, The Body Issue, launches today and what a cover!! The contents are pretty brilliant too. Check out features about ageing clocks, extreme temperatures, bespoke babies and more.
www.technologyreview.com/magazines/th...
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The Body issue
Genetically-optimized babies, new ways to measure aging, and embryo-like structures made from ordinary cells: this issue explores how technology can advance our understanding of the human bodyâand pus...
https://www.technologyreview.com/magazines/the-body-issue/
4 months ago
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V good.
add a skeleton here at some point
4 months ago
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Really fascinating dive into the world of BECCS - a carbon removal approach that captures the emissions from burning wood and other biomass. And why Microsoft and others are so gung-ho about it right now. new from
@jtemple.bsky.social
www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/15/1...
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Big Techâs big bet on a controversial carbon removal tactic
Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage can scale faster than other approaches. But some experts are dubious about the climate benefits.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/15/1125715/big-techs-big-bet-on-a-controversial-carbon-removal-tactic/
4 months ago
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reposted by
Niall Firth
MIT Technology Review
4 months ago
Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage can scale faster than other approaches. But some experts are dubious about the climate benefits.
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Big Techâs big bet on a controversial carbon removal tactic
Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage can scale faster than other approaches. But some experts are dubious about the climate benefits.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/15/1125715/big-techs-big-bet-on-a-controversial-carbon-removal-tactic/?utm_medium=tr_social&utm_source=bsky&utm_campaign=site_visitor.unpaid.engagement
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This is happening tomorrow! If youâre at
@sxswsydney.com
come along! Heckle! (Donât heckle.)
add a skeleton here at some point
4 months ago
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Hereâs a palate-cleanser of the âalways watch it when it pops upâ variety
vimeo.com/288590683?fl...
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Differences // CBeebies
Producer: Nick Fewtrell DoP: David Procter Editor: Eve Ashwell Agency: Karmarama 2 x Gold British Arrows, D&AD Pencil, APA Collection and Cannes Lion Shortlist.
https://vimeo.com/288590683?fl=pl&fe=sh
4 months ago
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Chatfishing!! Bleugh
add a skeleton here at some point
4 months ago
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Next Wednesday Iâm going to speaking at Darling Harbour Theatre about all things AI
@sxswsydney.com
. Itâs going to be fun!
4 months ago
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So proud of our entire climate team for this fabulous new list of the 10 climate tech companies that we think stand a chance of making a difference. It's our 3rd edition of the list and it's better than ever.
www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/06/1...
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2025 Climate Tech Companies to Watch
MIT Technology Review's annual list of companies that are taking meaningful steps to reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/06/1124257/2025-climate-tech-companies-to-watch/
4 months ago
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reposted by
Niall Firth
Our brilliant features and investigations editor
@asilverman.bsky.social
being interviewed by Erika Hayasaki about the world of being an editor!
thereportedessay.substack.com/p/tackling-s...
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Tackling Science Narratives
A Conversation with Amanda Silverman, Features Editor at MIT Technology Review
https://thereportedessay.substack.com/p/tackling-science-narratives
4 months ago
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Our brilliant features and investigations editor
@asilverman.bsky.social
being interviewed by Erika Hayasaki about the world of being an editor!
thereportedessay.substack.com/p/tackling-s...
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Tackling Science Narratives
A Conversation with Amanda Silverman, Features Editor at MIT Technology Review
https://thereportedessay.substack.com/p/tackling-science-narratives
4 months ago
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How lovely. My story on what we will leave behind for future historians is in the "notables" section of the new Best American Science & Nature Writing book! (Don't tell 'em ok)
jaimealyse.beehiiv.com/p/basnw25
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Coming soon! The Best American Science & Nature Writing 2025
Discover the 2025 Best American Science & Nature Writing anthology, curated by Susan Orlean and featuring exceptional science writing that explores the wonders of our natural world.
https://jaimealyse.beehiiv.com/p/basnw25
4 months ago
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reposted by
Niall Firth
Amanda Silverman
4 months ago
Itâs been an exciting few weeks for features over at
@technologyreview.com
. First we published one for all you lovely Wikipedia nerds out there, about how the platform + AI are sending small languages into a doom spiral, from
@jacobjudah.bsky.social
www.technologyreview.com/2025/09/25/1...
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How AI and Wikipedia have sent vulnerable languages into a doom spiral
Machine translators have made it easier than ever to create error-plagued Wikipedia articles in obscure languages. What happens when AI models get trained on junk pages?
https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/09/25/1124005/ai-wikipedia-vulnerable-languages-doom-spiral/
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