The Download: AI’s trillion-dollar gamble and OpenAI’s biology data bid

MIT Technology Review’s latest newsletter examines the massive financial stakes behind the AI industry. Finance professor Jessica Wachter highlights that hyperscalers are projected to spend nearly $1.1 trillion on AI data centers by 2027, necessitating unprecedented productivity gains to justify these investments. Meanwhile, OpenAI is pivoting toward the life sciences by funding an initiative to acquire and curate data from failed biotech companies, aiming to create a comprehensive archive for medical AI research. The newsletter also covers the ongoing debate regarding AI extinction risks, featuring insights from MIT Technology Review editors. Additionally, the publication reports on Generation Lab’s claims of a new rejuvenation drug, though the company remains secretive about its specific chemical composition. The edition concludes with updates on Nvidia and Meta CEOs opposing coordinated AI slowdowns, emphasizing the industry's focus on competition and rapid development over regulatory caution.