The Download: cutting AC emissions, and nature’s drug designer

2026-06-15 · Source: MIT Technology Review · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, short

Summary

New solid-state air conditioning systems are being explored to reduce AC's 7% global electricity use and 3% greenhouse gas emissions, though their efficiency remains a concern for scientists. Chemist Tim Cernak is pioneering "conservation chemistry," using AI and robotics to design animal-specific drugs, preventing harm from human pharmaceuticals. Regulatory actions include Anthropic shutting down access to its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models for foreign users due to a US directive. The UK plans to ban social media for under-16s by early 2027. Additionally, a coalition of states is investigating OpenAI over user data and child safety, while Tesla faces accusations of misleading regulators on "full self-driving" safety. NASA's X-59 "quiet supersonic" plane achieved 924 mph and 55,000 feet, aiming to eliminate sonic booms.

Key takeaway

For technology strategists evaluating future infrastructure and regulatory landscapes, this brief highlights critical shifts. You should assess the viability of solid-state cooling for long-term energy efficiency goals, despite current skepticism. Monitor the evolving regulatory environment for AI models like Anthropic's Fable 5 and Mythos 5, especially concerning international access. Be aware of increasing scrutiny on AI companies regarding data privacy and safety, which could impact deployment strategies.

Key insights

Emerging technologies like solid-state cooling and AI-driven drug design offer solutions for environmental and health challenges.

Principles

• Innovation can address global energy and ecological impacts.
• Regulatory scrutiny increases with AI model deployment.
• Interdisciplinary approaches yield novel solutions.

Method

Chemist Tim Cernak employs AI tools and robots to rapidly design and test animal-specific drugs, a process termed "conservation chemistry."

In practice

• Evaluate solid-state cooling for energy-intensive applications.
• Consider AI for specialized drug discovery and testing.
• Monitor global AI model access restrictions.

Topics

• Solid-State Cooling
• Conservation Chemistry
• AI Drug Design
• AI Model Regulation
• Social Media Policy
• Supersonic Flight
• Data Privacy

Best for: CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Director of AI/ML, General Interest, Tech Journalist, Consultant

Related on AIssential

• The Download: Kenya’s Great Carbon Valley, and the AI terms that were everywhere in 2025 — The tech landscape in early 2026 features climate tech innovation, rapid AI evolution, and ongoing regulatory challenges.
• Politico folds E&E News ahead of broader energy push — Anthropic released Fable 5, a powerful AI model with robust safeguards, making advanced capabilities publicly accessible while mitigating misuse risks.
• 🤖 La Machine #57: A look back at 2025 with The French Tech Journal — 2025 saw French tech navigate AI's rapid growth, geopolitical shifts, and regulatory challenges, emphasizing sovereignty and practical application.
• AI laws overlook environmental damage – here’s what needs to change — AI's substantial environmental footprint is largely unaddressed by current global regulatory efforts.
• Anthropic resists sharing financial info with lenders, sources say — AI's rapid advancement is profoundly reshaping financial markets, national security, and critical infrastructure, demanding new regulatory and operational responses.
• The Age of Inevitability: A Silicon Valley Tale — Advanced AI development is often detached from its real-world resource implications and societal impacts.

Open in AIssential →

Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by MIT Technology Review.