The Download: how America lost its lead in the hunt for alien life, and ambitious battery claims

MIT Technology Review

by Rhiannon Williams

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Download highlights two significant developments in science and technology: the U.S. losing its lead in the search for Martian life and a controversial battery breakthrough claim. NASA’s Perseverance rover discovered intriguing rock formations on Mars that could hint at microbial life, but the mission to bring these samples back to Earth is stalled due to funding cuts and political indifference. Meanwhile, China is advancing its own Mars sample return mission, positioning itself as a leader in this new space race. The story underscores how mismanagement and budgetary issues can cost the U.S. its competitive edge in critical scientific endeavors. The article also delves into the skepticism surrounding Donut Lab’s claim of a revolutionary solid-state battery technology. While the Finnish company claims its batteries offer fast charging, high energy density, and affordable production costs, experts are wary of these claims due to their over-optimism. Such advancements could transform the EV industry and enhance renewable energy storage, but the lack of concrete evidence from Donut Lab has raised doubts among scientists and industry insiders. For readers interested in AI, these developments highlight the broader implications of technological innovation and competition. The race for extraterrestrial life discovery reflects how geopolitical rivalries intersect with scientific progress, while breakthroughs in battery technology could reshape the future of clean energy and climate change mitigation. Both stories emphasize the challenges of balancing ambition with realism in advancing groundbreaking science and tech, making them critical reads for understanding global trends in innovation and sustainability.

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Originally published on MIT Technology Review on 2/26/2026