This week’s edition of The Prototype delves into the Trump Administration’s planned extensive research cuts, advancements in nuclear fusion, the creation of transparent wood, and more. Sign up to receive The Prototype in your inbox here.
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy is set to reduce his department’s size by 10,000 jobs, on top of the 10,000 already eliminated through voluntary layoffs. The layoffs will impact critical scientific areas such as the National Institutes of Health and the Center for Disease Control. HHS has also initiated the process of terminating research grants related to Covid-19. Additionally, an email reviewed by Forbes reveals that NIH is terminating some awards under its “All of Us” program, aimed at ensuring underrepresented populations are included in medical research – a cause Kennedy emphasized during his confirmation hearings.
These cuts in medical research follow reports earlier this month that the Environmental Protection Agency may be cutting its entire scientific research office and laying off around 1,000 employees. This office is responsible for developing the scientific basis for regulations safeguarding human and environmental health.
Also at risk is the team at the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, which ensures the maintenance of atomic measurement data. While this may seem obscure, the team’s work is crucial for advanced research in areas such as computer chip manufacturing and medical diagnostic devices.
The decline in U.S. science could be a boon for Europe, as universities in countries like France are actively recruiting American scientists, as The New York Times reports. Dutch minister of education, culture, and science Eppo Bruins stated, “Several European countries are responding to this and are going to attract international scientific talent.”
Stay tuned.
Fusion Power Projects Progressing
Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Commonwealth Fusion Systems, backed by investors like Bill Gates and George Soros, announced this week the commencement of assembling its pilot fusion reactor, SPARC. The company is constructing a tokamak-style reactor, a donut-shaped vessel for high-energy particles that utilizes electromagnets to induce the nuclear fusion reaction required to generate electricity. Commonwealth aims for SPARC to produce more power than it consumes, potentially leading to a functional fusion power plant by the mid-2030s.
Meanwhile, in Canada, General Fusion has achieved the creation of plasma, a high-energy state of matter crucial for its prototype reactor. General Fusion’s approach to fusion power involves magnetized target fusion, using magnetic fields to compress plasma and generate the necessary heat for fusion. The company published its results in the peer-reviewed journal Nuclear Fusion this week.
Furthering the fusion news, Type One Energy from Tennessee released a series of peer-reviewed papers outlining the fundamental physics of its fusion power plant concept in the Journal of Plasma Physics. Their design is based on the “stellarator” concept, utilizing helical magnetic fields to confine the plasma necessary for fusion. Initially discarded in the late 1960s, this concept has seen a resurgence in recent years due to technological advancements. The company is constructing its first reactor at the site of a decommissioned coal power plant owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK: TRANSPARENT WOOD
Scientists at Georgia’s Kennesaw State University have developed an innovative material: biodegradable, transparent wood. The process involves treating balsa wood with bleach and other chemicals to extract wood portions, leaving behind porous cellulose. Inspired by ancient Indian cement-making methods, the researchers refill the pores with a mixture of egg whites, rice extract, and a curing agent. The resulting material is flexible, durable, and has the potential to replace plastics or glass in specific applications. Unlike previous methods using non-biodegradable epoxies, this team’s version is more environmentally sustainable.
FINAL FRONTIER: SHOOTING ROCKETS AT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
NASA recently launched two sounding rockets to study an aurora that appeared suddenly over Alaska’s skies. One rocket measured air pressure and magnetic effects, while the other released vapor traces. These experiments aim to enhance understanding of how aurorae impact the upper atmosphere and collect data for improved space weather forecasting.
WHAT ELSE I WROTE THIS WEEK
I discussed how attacks on mRNA vaccines by state and federal entities could jeopardize the U.S.’s leadership in developing vaccines and treatments for emerging diseases using this advanced technology.
In my InnovationRx newsletter, my colleague Amy Feldman and I explored the potential consequences of proposed Medicaid cuts on the declining trend of fatal drug overdoses, 23andMe’s bankruptcy, the new CDC head nominee, and more.
SCIENCE AND TECH TIDBITS
Waymo is set to launch its self-driving vehicle service in Washington, D.C., next year, marking a significant step for the leading U.S. robotaxi company.
An antibody related to lupus shows promise in combating aggressive tumors, offering a potential avenue for treating challenging cancers.
A team of roboticists has developed a method to 3D-print robots that can walk without electronic components, utilizing only a compressed gas cartridge.
An AI-powered therapy chatbot has enhanced mental health symptoms in patients participating in a randomized clinical trial of the software.
Researchers have created a nuclear battery that could potentially power devices for decades using carbon-14, emitting low levels of radiation easily shielded by aluminum.
PRO SCIENCE TIP: GET A BETTER MIC FOR YOUR ZOOM CALLS
While most of us focus on looking good during video calls, it’s crucial not to overlook how we sound. Research published this week reveals that the quality of your microphone affects others’ perceptions of your credibility and intelligence. Investing in a better microphone can enhance your virtual presence on video calls and interviews.
WHAT’S ENTERTAINING ME THIS WEEK
I’ve been enjoying Almost Home, the latest album from Ghost Hounds. This seven-piece band effortlessly navigates blues, rock, and country genres throughout the album. Lead singer Savnt’s versatile voice, complemented by guest vocalists Lainey Wilson and Patty Griffin, shines on tracks like “Broken Roses,” reminiscent of a classic Rolling Stones sound.
