MIT Technology Review's 2026 Breakthrough Technologies: AI, Space Stations, and Gene Editing

NPR’s Shortwave features MIT Technology Review’s 2026 Breakthrough Technologies list, exploring topics from sodium ion batteries and space stations to personalized gene editing and embryo scoring. The episode highlights how AI is driving innovation across energy, space, and biology, and discusses potential benefits and risks of these rapid advances.

Overview of MIT Technology Review’s 2026 Breakthrough Technologies

The episode centers on MIT Technology Review’s 25th annual Top 10 Breakthrough Technologies, with a focus on high-impact AI-driven advances and other pivotal developments across energy storage, space infrastructure, biotechnology, and nuclear energy. Amy Nordrum, executive editor of MIT Technology Review, explains that the list seeks to identify technologies that could change how we live and work, for better and for worse, and emphasizes the breadth from artificial intelligence to space exploration, climate progress, and health innovations.

Sodium-ion Batteries: A Potential Shift in EVs and Energy Storage

The discussion starts in the land of electric vehicles with a comparison to lithium-ion batteries. Sodium-ion batteries are presented as a scalable option because sodium is abundant and globally available, potentially reducing supply chain risks and costs as production scales up. While currently not cheaper than lithium-ion, analysts suggest that, with mass production, sodium-ion batteries could reach roughly one third of lithium-ion costs, potentially helping to lower EV prices over time.

"Lithium supply is very concentrated in just a handful of countries" - Amy Nordrum

Private Space Stations and the New Era of Space Travel

Next, the episode turns to space, noting a wave of new private space stations planned to accompany or replace parts of the International Space Station. These stations are envisioned as smaller, luxury-oriented, yet capable research platforms that would enable private companies and countries with limited access to conduct experiments in microgravity. The interiors reportedly feature high-end design touches, including spacesuits by Prada and collaboration with well-known architects, signaling a shift toward broader participation in space research and commercialization.

"They’re not nearly as big as the International Space Station, certainly not in these first iterations" - Regina Barber

Personalized Gene Editing in Babies and the Frontier of Embryo Scoring

The podcast delves into gene editing with a case described as the first of its kind, where a baby named KJ received a bespoke base-editing treatment designed for his unique genetic mutation. This represents a highly personalized approach that goes beyond traditional CRISPR, aiming to treat very rare conditions. The discussion also covers embryo scoring used in IVF, raising concerns about how some companies advertise selecting traits like intelligence or eye color. The episode stresses that while these offerings raise hopes for more precise therapies, they also touch on ethical questions and the reliability of outcomes given the complexity of gene interactions.

"It’s the first example of this kind of new highly personalized gene editing treatment" - Amy Nordrum

Next-Gen Nuclear and AI-Centric Data Centers

Rapid-fire segments cover two other breakthroughs: next-generation nuclear reactors that promise cheaper, faster builds with different fuels and coolants, and AI-focused data centers that require vast GPU arrays and advanced cooling to support expanding AI workloads. The AI infrastructure theme underscores how computation is accelerating scientific and technological progress, enabling more ambitious simulations, modeling, and real-time decision making across industries.

Gene Resurrection and Conservation via Ancient DNA

The list also includes gene resurrection or ancient DNA applications aimed at boosting genetic diversity in endangered species or informing conservation strategies. While not reviving extinct animals, these efforts could provide innovative tools for preserving biodiversity in the face of climate change by reintroducing genetic variety into modern populations.

Closing Thoughts and Where to Learn More

The episode wraps by pointing listeners to the MIT Technology Review Top 10 list in show notes and invites audiences to explore past episodes on space structures and other breakthroughs. The format combines expert insight with rapid-fire coverage to illustrate how the convergence of AI, biotech, space, and energy technologies shapes our near future.