Hope for Common Cold Vaccine, TP-Link Faces Potential US Sanctions

Cutting-edge science and technology are paving the way for new breakthroughs.

MIT Technology Review's 'The Download' on October 31, 2025, highlights progress towards a common cold vaccine and the possibility of US sanctions against TP-Link as key news items.

The long-sought-after common cold vaccine is moving closer to reality. Scientists are actively researching vaccines effective against various cold viruses. Because colds are caused by numerous viruses, creating a single, universally effective vaccine has been challenging. However, recent research has identified common mechanisms across different viruses, suggesting new possibilities for vaccine development.

The US government is considering sanctions against TP-Link equipment. This stems from concerns over security vulnerabilities and alleged ties to the Chinese government. A US sanctions decision could impact the sale of TP-Link products within the United States. TP-Link is a major global manufacturer of network equipment, particularly holding a significant market share in the home Wi-Fi router market.

Meanwhile, the debate surrounding the 'Mandela Effect' continues. The 'Mandela Effect' refers to the phenomenon where a large number of people share a false memory of a specific event or fact. A prominent example is the widespread false memory of Nelson Mandela dying in prison.

A 2022 poll revealed that a majority of Americans (55%) believe that the Fruit of the Loom logo featured a cornucopia. Another 25% were unsure if the logo contained one, while only 21% correctly remembered the logo without it. This demonstrates the widespread nature of the 'Mandela Effect'.

In Ukraine, drone teams are revolutionizing warfare. The Ukrainian military has implemented a game-like system to enhance the efficiency of drone strikes. Soldiers who successfully carry out drone attacks receive rewards, which is believed to boost morale.

Ukrainian military officials expect this reward system for successful drone strikes to maximize battlefield efficiency. Drones can be used for a variety of purposes, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack, and their importance in modern warfare is steadily increasing.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has proposed establishing a deportation network in Texas. The proposal includes the construction of deportation-related facilities within Texas and the implementation of a system for managing the movement of immigrants. ICE aims to establish deportation facilities in various locations across Texas and create a system to systematically manage immigrant movement.

While specific details and timelines for the plan remain unconfirmed, it is expected to further intensify the debate surrounding immigration policy. Immigration issues in the United States are complexly intertwined with political, economic, and social aspects, and the proposed deportation network is likely to fuel further controversy.

MIT Technology Review, a publication providing in-depth analysis of the latest trends in science and technology, focuses on common cold vaccine development and the state of advanced technology in this issue.