This edition of The Download, a daily technology newsletter, covers recent developments in the carbon removal sector and other technology-related news.
The carbon removal industry, which saw significant growth and the emergence of numerous startups, is currently experiencing challenges. Notably, Running Tide, an aquaculture company aiming to sequester a billion tons of carbon dioxide, ceased operations last summer. Several other firms have either downsized or altered their business models, and venture capital investment in the sector has decreased. Experts suggest that the industry may be entering a difficult period characterized by consolidation and reevaluation of strategies. Questions remain about the future trajectory of the carbon removal sector during this transition.
Additionally, a new AI-powered smartphone application has been introduced to assist in assessing pain levels in individuals, particularly those unable to communicate their feelings effectively. This tool could potentially aid healthcare providers but also raises concerns about the complexities involved in quantifying and treating pain effectively.
In other news, Meta’s legal team has advised employees to remove sensitive aspects of their research on teen mental health to minimize legal risks. Former Binance founder Changpeng Zhao received a pardon from Donald Trump after pleading guilty to federal money laundering violations. Additionally, Anthropic and Google Cloud have secured a substantial agreement focused on chips worth billions.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the accessibility of deepfake harassment tools on social media and the implications of algorithms on online pricing. Investigations into high-tech gambling schemes have led to recent arrests, revealing intricate methods involving specialized equipment.
Finally, research into the mechanisms of hunger could provide insights into obesity trends and the effectiveness of recent weight-loss drugs.
Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/24/1126569/the-download-carbon-removals-future-and-measuring-pain-using-an-app/