The Download: The Pentagon's AI-powered lie detector and young organ limits (www.technologyreview.com)

The Pentagon is seeking $30.3 million to develop an AI-powered lie detector system over the next five years, known as "Polygraph+" or "Polygraph Next." This initiative aims to enhance the accuracy of traditional polygraphs by incorporating advanced scoring algorithms utilizing AI and machine learning, alongside a novel technique called "standoff sensing," which can measure physiological responses without direct attachment to the individual being tested. The significance of this project lies in its potential to revolutionize truth verification methods, although it raises questions about the reliability of technology in lie detection, given the historical challenges faced in this field. Furthermore, discussions around transplanting young organs as a means of prolonging life have been tempered by recent research, which indicates that transplanted organs, such as hearts, may not deliver the expected longevity for recipients. This insight adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing discourse about organ transplants and biotechnological interventions in aging. As research continues to evolve, it highlights the need for robust understanding of biological aging processes, particularly as they pertain to the potential for organ replacement in the quest for extended life spans.