The Download: Lasers for Nuclear Fuel, and Organ Preservation Advances
Plus: Silicon Valley is split over how to respond to Chinese AI.
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.
How Lasers Could Help Provide Fuel for Nuclear Reactors
Nuclear power provides about 9% of global electricity today, and that fraction could tick up as countries look to build new reactors. New, cheaper methods to obtain fuel could help ensure that those nuclear projects stay on track. As of 2026, with several countries accelerating their nuclear energy plans amid climate goals, the demand for efficient fuel production has never been higher.
One of those methods is called laser enrichment. It allows you to separate out the material you want—in this case, uranium-235—from other isotopes in a mixture of old waste or natural uranium. This technique promises to be more energy-efficient and cost-effective than traditional centrifuge enrichment, potentially reducing the cost of nuclear fuel.
A company called Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) is about to start testing whether the technology works at commercial scale. If successful, it could transform the nuclear fuel supply chain. Read our story about their efforts.
—Casey Crownhart
The Quest to Keep Organs Alive Outside the Body
It's super difficult to freeze organs. Once ice forms in them, they're done. The ice crystals create all kinds of damage and render the organs unusable. That hasn't stopped many researchers from trying. In 2026, the organ transplant waitlist remains critical, making breakthroughs in preservation technology a high-stakes priority.
In new research, one team has been able to supercool organs—cooling them below freezing without ice formation—extending their viability for hours. This could revolutionize transplant logistics, allowing organs to travel farther and saving more lives. The team's approach uses special preservation solutions and controlled cooling rates to prevent ice nucleation. Read the full story to learn how this could reshape organ donation.