As the rapid growth of AI is putting unprecedented demands on computing power and energy use, scientists are focusing their research efforts on developing ultra-fast, energy efficient computing capabilities. We invite you to share your perspectives on the societal and ethical dimensions, both now and in the future, of exploring the expansion of high-power AI. What does our future look like when we have energy-efficient computing power that can meet the needs of this rapidly advancing industry?

The origin of life was a puzzle: the ingredients were known, but not how they first combined. Researchers have shown how simple, even toxic, chemicals could combine under early-Earth conditions to form the building blocks of RNA—the molecule that stores information and drives reactions in every living cell. Recreating these steps doesn’t just answer a scientific mystery; it invites us to reflect on how this knowledge might change the way we understand life and imagine its future. Could understanding life’s origins change not only how we see the past, but how we choose the future?

RNA-based medicines can modulate gene expression, offering new ways to prevent, manage and treat disease at its source. These medicines are no longer limited to just the liver, but can also reach the brain, heart or muscles. siRNA therapies are also incredibly durable, providing months of benefit from a single injection. These breakthroughs could bring new hope for genetic conditions and neurodegenerative disorders while also making treatments more accessible and affordable. As this new era of medicine emerges, we’re challenged not only to marvel at what’s possible but also to decide how this could shape the future of society.

Mapping every cell in the human body is a monumental scientific challenge: the types of cells are known, but how they all work together in complex systems is still unfolding. Researchers are now using AI to accelerate this process, automating the identification of cell types and their functions. This effort not only deepens our understanding of biology but also opens the door to revolutionary breakthroughs in precision medicine and new therapies. As we push the boundaries of what we know, we must ask: how could this knowledge transform our view of the human body, and what societal and ethical considerations might it raise?