Rise and shine, another busy day is on the way. However, this is also shaping up as a beautiful day as well, given the clear and sunny skies — and delicious breezes — enveloping the Pharmalot campus this morning. This calls for celebration with a cup of stimulation, and we are opening a new package of cinnamon buns for the occasion. Spring has sprung, after all. What is upon us right now, however, is our ever-growing to-do list. Sound familiar? So here are some items of interest. Have a great day, everyone. …
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced several initiatives intended to rein in the prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the most widely prescribed class of antidepressants, which he has described as exceptionally difficult to quit, The New York Times writes. The initiative focuses on the most widely prescribed class of psychiatric medications, first-line treatments for depression and anxiety that include Zoloft, Lexapro, Paxil, and Prozac. In 2026. 16.7% of U.S. adults, or roughly one in six, reported currently taking one of these pills. The changes — new trainings, reimbursement mechanisms, and clinical guidelines — nudge clinicians to help patients get off medications, and to consider non-pharmaceutical interventions, like therapy, nutrition, and exercise.
A closely watched therapy developed by Johnson & Johnson failed to show a statistically meaningful improvement for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. But the company plans to advance the drug into late-stage testing, focusing on a growing subgroup of patients, STAT tells us. On Tuesday, trial investigators presented the results of a study that tested how well combining the drugs Tremfya and Simponi would stop the immune system from mistakenly attacking healthy tissues in the digestive tract. J&J tested the combined therapy in two Phase 2b clinical trials hitting both major forms of inflammatory bowel disease — ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In each trial, the combination performed better than the individual drugs, but did not meet the primary endpoint of clinical remission.
This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology.
Week one of the Musk v. Altman trial: what it was like in the room
Two of the most powerful figures in AI—Sam Altman and Elon Musk—are in the middle of a landmark legal showdown, with Musk alleging he was misled about OpenAI becoming a for-profit company.
Our reporter Michelle Kim, who also happens to be a lawyer, has been in court each day, and has broken down the first week’s key moments in her latest report. In a new Q&A, she also reveals what it was like in the room, the new details that have emerged about how Musk and OpenAI operate—and what we can expect from this week’s proceedings.
This story is from The Algorithm, our weekly newsletter giving you the inside track on all things AI. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Monday.
A blueprint for using AI to strengthen democracy
—Andrew Sorota & Josh Hendler lead work on AI and democracy at the Office of Eric Schmidt.
Faster than many realize, AI is becoming the primary interface through which we form beliefs and participate in democratic self-governance. This shift could further strain already fragile institutions, but it could also help address problems like polarization and declining civic engagement.
Artificial scientists: 10 Things That Matter in AI Right Now
Large language models can already assist scientists in all sorts of ways, from writing code to searching through literature and drafting articles. But companies and labs have a much more ambitious vision. They want to build AI systems that can act as a full member of a scientific team—and even conduct entire research projects.
These artificial scientists seem like a win for frontier labs and for society at large. But they could also narrow the scope of scientific inquiry.
Artificial scientists is an item on our list of the 10 Things That Matter in AI Right Now, MIT Technology Review’s guide to what’s really worth your attention in the busy, buzzy world of AI. We’re unpacking one item from the list each day here in The Download, so stay tuned.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
1The Pentagon has struck sweeping AI deals for classified work It’s signed contracts with Microsoft, Nvidia, AWS, and Reflection AI. (NYT $) + It wants the US military to be an “AI-first” force. (BBC) + The announcement leaves Anthropic increasingly isolated. (WP $) + Here’s how the firms could train on classified data. (MIT Technology Review)
2Elon Musk has finally settled the SEC lawsuit over the Twitter purchase He’s agreed to pay a $1.5 million fine for waiting too long to disclose his initial stock purchases. (Guardian) + But won’t lose any of the $150 million he allegedly saved. (The Verge) + Musk allegedly illegally hid his growing Twitter stake. (CBS News)
3 A Chinese court has ruled that firms can’t lay off workers on AI grounds They can’t terminate employees just to replace them with AI. (Bloomberg $) + The court said a firm had illegally fired one of its workers. (NPR) + Chinese tech workers are starting to train their AI doubles—and pushing back. (MIT Technology Review)
4A gene therapy is helping deaf children hear again In a trial, 80% of patients gained measurable hearing. (Vox)
5 The White House is vetting AI models before they’re released It may create a new working group to oversee AI development. (NYT $) + A war over AI regulation is coming to the US. (MIT Technology Review)
6Nature has retracted a paper on ChatGPT’s educational benefits Over “discrepancies” and a lack of confidence in the findings. (404 Media) + The paper had already racked up hundreds of citations. (Ars Technica) + AI giants want to take over the classroom. (MIT Technology Review)
7GameStop made a $56 billion bid for eBay eBay said it was reviewing the offer. (Ars Technica) + The bid has drawn skepticism from investors and analysts. (Reuters $)
8AI systems are increasingly used to monitor workers’ emotions New tools claim to measure “agreeability” as well as productivity. (The Atlantic $)
9Peter Thiel is backing wave-powered data centers He’s leading a $140 million investment into a startup developing the tech. (FT $)
10Ask Jeeves is shutting down after nearly 30 years online The closure marks the end of one of the internet’s earliest search engines. (NYT $)
Quote of the day
“By the end of this week, you and Sam will be the most hated men in America.”
—Elon Musk texted a warning to OpenAI president Greg Brockman two days before their courtroom battle started, NBC News reports.
One More Thing
SIMON MITCHELL
Meet the divers trying to figure out how deep humans can go
Two hundred and thirty meters into one of the deepest underwater caves on Earth, a team of extreme divers tested a route to new depth records: breathing hydrogen.
They believe the gas could help the human body withstand underwater pressure significantly past its natural threshold. But the approach is highly experimental—and dangerous.
BackgroundFrontotemporal dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses several clinical syndromes with impaired behavioral, language, and motor functions. These syndromes show considerable overlap in clinical features and imaging patterns. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the syndromic heterogeneity in FTD using unbiased data-driven approaches.MethodsWe used data-driven clustering analysis of structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data on 400 patients with clinical FTD diagnoses [behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia (svPPA), right temporal variant of frontotemporal dementia (rtvFTD), apraxia of speech with agrammatic aphasia (AOS-PAA), primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal syndrome (CBS) and primary progressive aphasia who did not fit into the other diagnostic categories (PPA-other)]. MR images were w-scored relative to cognitively unimpaired individuals, and principal component analysis was performed. A clustering ensemble approach, including hierarchical algorithms, was applied to the MR-based principal components, and imaging and clinical characteristics of the clusters were investigated. Various numbers of clusters (K = 2, 3, or 4) were evaluated.ResultsThe K = 3 solution offered the most clinically meaningful separation of FTD syndromes. The first cluster captured mostly frontal MRI abnormalities related to the speech, language and behavioral clinical dimensions, including patients with AOS-PAA, PPAOS, PPA-other, and bvFTD. The second cluster captured mostly temporal abnormalities and included mainly patients with svPPA and rtvFTD, but also bvFTD, AOS-PAA, and PPA-other. The third cluster captured cortical and subcortical atrophy, particularly in the midbrain, and included atypical Parkinsonian syndromes, with all PSP and CBS patients captured in this cluster, as well as most PPAOS patients. Considerable overlap of clinical syndromes was noted across these clusters, whereby patients with AOS-PAA, svPPA, PPA-other, and bvFTD were captured in more than one cluster.DiscussionOur findings highlight heterogeneity in FTD, which mainly exists along three axes: speech, language and behavioral deficits reflecting frontal atrophy, language deficits reflecting temporal atrophy, and motor and motor speech deficits reflecting mostly midbrain and subcortical atrophy, with cortical involvement.
IntroductionMalodors in the human body can diminish comfort in living and working environments, potentially increasing stress and dissatisfaction levels. Therefore, there is a growing need to objectively characterize the properties of human body malodor. The brain extracts various types of information from odor stimuli. Although the central processing pathways of the human olfactory system are not fully understood, some suggest that it comprises distinct parallel functional pathways. This study aimed to clarify whether human body malodor can be objectively evaluated using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) by defining regions of interest in the cerebral cortices based on functional pathways in the olfactory system.Materials and methodsEighteen healthy, right-handed Japanese adults in their 40s (nine women and nine men) participated in this study. During the three odor stimuli (middle-aged female scalp model odor (MFS model odor), isovaleric acid, and lavender), fNIRS measurements were performed on the cerebral cortical areas connected to the parallel functional pathways in the olfactory system. Odor intensity was adjusted to allow continuous inhalation without inducing marked changes in mood or stress, as confirmed by answering a questionnaire on temporary mood scales and measuring stress markers (heart rate, nose-tip temperature, fingertip blood flow, salivary cortisol, and salivary alpha amylase).ResultsThe MFS model odor elicited greater increases in oxygenated hemoglobin concentrations than lavender in the inferior frontal gyrus and left superior temporal gyrus, both of which are cortical regions that receive projections from the temporal piriform cortex. These differences in neural responses ceased to be significant after adjusting for perceived intensity, pleasure/displeasure valence, or subjective preference ratings. No significant odor-dependent differences were detected in physiological or endocrine stress markers.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility of objectively evaluating human body malodor using fNIRS in relation to cortical processing via olfactory pathways. The findings suggest that neural responses to human body odor, particularly in language-related cortical regions, do not simply reflect odor category, but are closely associated with subjective perceptual evaluations. This approach enables objective assessment of human body odor and holds potential for applications in sensory science and product development.
Background and AimsAnxiety and depression symptoms are common among autistic youth, yet little is known about the pattern and relationship of their trajectories from childhood into adolescence, a period of increasing social and academic demands.MethodsThis study used parallel process latent growth curve models to examine joint trajectories, including initial levels and rate of change in caregiver-reported depression and anxiety symptoms across age 7–16 within an inception cohort of autistic youth with varied communication abilities. We also examined autistic traits, sex assigned at birth, emotional reactivity and communication ability as potential predictors. Child anxiety and depression symptoms were estimated from Child Behavior Checklist Anxiety and Affective Problems subscales, completed by caregivers approximately annually.ResultsWhereas anxiety symptoms were relatively stable from childhood into adolescence, depression symptoms increased on average; significant heterogeneity of individual trajectories underlaid these overall trends. Findings indicated cross-sectional and longitudinal co-occurrence of anxiety and depression symptoms. Greater autistic traits and emotional reactivity correlated with greater initial anxiety and depression symptoms, but not their trajectories. Stronger communication ability correlated with more initial anxiety, but decreasing anxiety symptoms over time.ConclusionsFindings indicate group-level changes in depression symptoms and synchronous evolution of anxiety and depression symptoms in autistic youth across childhood and adolescence. This indicates the importance of joint monitoring of anxiety and depression symptoms in this period, with changes being potentially informative for early detection and intervention. Considering how anxiety symptom presentation may evolve across development may be a helpful next step to identifying at-risk subgroups.
PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted essential services, posing unique challenges for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who depend on consistent, specialized support. Service providers faced unique challenges in adapting to remote delivery methods, highlighting the fragility of existing systems during crises. This study explored the experiences of ASD service providers in Qatar during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online survey of 66 ASD service providers in Qatar was conducted. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and likelihood ratio tests, with qualitative responses assessed through thematic analysis.ResultsMost service providers (90.9%) worked remotely during the pandemic, with 81.8% engaging in online services. Providers reported significant skill regression in individuals with ASD. Stress levels were notably high (42.4%) and significantly associated with emotional tolls [p = 0.017, LR = 4.887], financial strains [p = 0.008, LR = 4.337], and personal challenges [p = 0.008, LR = 3.203]. Thematic analysis revealed decreased therapy effectiveness and difficulties in balancing work with family responsibilities.ConclusionThese findings suggest the importance of adaptive service delivery systems that maintain continuity of care during crises. Strengthening autism service infrastructure and developing resilient models are essential to safeguard autism support for future emergencies.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pharyngeal musculature and genioglossus exercising as a postoperative rehabilitation intervention for patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) following uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)—a setting with limited prior evidence.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study conducted in the first people’s Hospital of Linping District, Hangzhou. They included 120 patients of OSAHS who received UPPP between October 2022 and October 2024. Sixty patients who received pharyngeal and genioglossal muscle exercises were matched with the cohort who did not receive any exercise in a 1:1 ratio. The main outcome was the clinical efficacy 6 months after operation. The secondary outcomes were the changes of apnea hypopnea index (AHI), lowest oxygen saturation during sleep (LSaO2), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life tool (WHOQOL-BREF) score.ResultsSix months after operation, the clinical effective rate of the exercise group was significantly higher than that of the non-exercise group (p < 0.05). Before operation, there was no significant difference in AHI, LSaO2, PSQI and WHOQOL-BREF scores between the two groups (all p > 0.05). Six months after operation, the AHI,LSaO2, PSQI and WHOQOL-BREF scores of the two groups were significantly improved, and the AHI, LSaO2, PSQI, physical and psychological scores of the exercise group were better than those of the non-exercise group (all p < 0.05); However, there was no significant difference in the scores of environment and social domains between the two groups (all p > 0.05).ConclusionsPharyngeal musculature and genioglossus exercising may improve postoperative outcomes and quality of life in patients undergoing UPPP, and could be considered a promising rehabilitation strategy in clinical practice.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effect of high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) targeting multiple brain regions on the recovery of consciousness in patients with minimally conscious state (MCS).MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on MCS patients between August 2022 and March 2024. Some patients received only conventional rehabilitation treatment, while others received additional TMS therapy. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) at three time points: before treatment (T0), two weeks post-treatment (T1), and one month post-treatment (T2). Additional assessments included electroencephalogram (EEG), brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP), somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP), and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE).ResultsA total of 30 patients were included and divided equally into two groups. The GCS and CRS-R scores of the 15 patients who received TMS therapy demonstrated significant improvements at T1 and T2. Furthermore, these patients exhibited significant enhancements in EEG and BAEP grading at T1.ConclusionThe findings suggest that adjunctive multi-target high-frequency repetitive TMS may promote recovery of consciousness in MCS patients. These results underscore the potential of repetitive TMS as a therapeutic intervention for MCS and warrant further investigation in future studies.
IntroductionIn the treatment of schizophrenia, antipsychotics used during acute inpatient care must control acute symptoms while remaining sufficiently tolerable to support treatment beyond the acute phase. Brexpiprazole, a serotonin-dopamine activity modulator may be one such option; however, its real-world use and short-term continuation in acute inpatient settings remain insufficiently characterized.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study of inpatients with DSM-5 schizophrenia treated with brexpiprazole at a university hospital in Japan between June 2018 and July 2024. The index date (week 0) was defined as the date of brexpiprazole initiation during the index hospitalization. The primary outcome was brexpiprazole continuation at week 8. We compared baseline demographic and treatment-related variables between the continuation and discontinuation groups and summarized reasons for discontinuation from electronic medical records. As a secondary exploratory analysis, we examined longitudinal changes in Clinical Global Impressions–Severity scale (CGI-S) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) total scores (weeks 0/4/8) in the continuation group using a linear mixed-effects model including time, concomitant psychotropic medication status, and their interaction.ResultsSixty-seven patients were included. Baseline illness severity was substantial (median CGI-S 5.0 [IQR 5.0–6.0]; mean BPRS total 58.5 ± 9.6). Concomitant psychotropic medications were common. Thirty-six patients continued brexpiprazole to week 8 (53.7%). In unadjusted exploratory comparisons, continuation was associated with the female sex (p = 0.036), lower prior chlorpromazine-equivalent dose (p = 0.015), and shorter duration of untreated psychosis (p = 0.003), with a trend toward shorter duration since onset (p = 0.073). The most frequent reason for discontinuation was adverse events (n = 10, 32.3%), most commonly akathisia (n = 6), followed by insufficient efficacy (n = 9, 29.0%) and patient preference/refusal (n = 7, 22.6%). In exploratory mixed-effects analyses within the continuation group, CGI-S and BPRS total scores decreased over time, with significant group-by-time interactions by concomitant medication status. However, between-group differences should be interpreted cautiously.DiscussionThis study describes 8-week continuation and reasons for discontinuation of brexpiprazole in acute inpatient schizophrenia care. Given the retrospective single-center design and potential selection/information bias and unmeasured confounding, further studies are warranted to clarify its clinical positioning in real-world practice.
