In this week’s edition of The Prototype, we explore the potential onset of a brain drain in the U.S., celebrate Hubble’s 35th anniversary, delve into advancements in quantum internet, discuss improvements in GPS accuracy, and more. You can subscribe to The Prototype and receive it in your inbox here.
getty
The U.S. may be losing its appeal for scientific research and technological development due to budget cuts. A recent report from Nature reveals that there has been a 32% increase in U.S. scientists applying for jobs abroad compared to last year. Additionally, a recent poll found that 75% of researchers are considering job opportunities in Europe and Canada.
Recent months have seen the termination of hundreds of NIH and NSF grants, with new grants from the NIH experiencing a significant decrease of $2.3 billion. Leaked budget proposals indicate potential cuts of up to 50% to scientific agencies by the Trump Administration.
This uncertainty in basic research is affecting the U.S.’s ability to attract international talent. Immigrants make up 35% of American Nobel laureates and have founded over 55% of startups valued at $1 billion or more. However, applications to U.S. institutions from abroad have dropped by 41% this year, according to data from Nature.
Stay tuned for more updates.
The Hubble Telescope Celebrates 35 Years in Space
NASA, ESA, STScI; Image Processing: Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI)
This week marks the 35th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope, which was deployed into orbit by the Space Shuttle Discovery. To commemorate this milestone, NASA has released four new images captured by the telescope, showcasing Mars, nebula NGC 2899, the Rosette Nebula, and spiral galaxy NGC 5335.
Throughout its operational life, Hubble has conducted over 1.7 million observations of more than 55,000 celestial objects. Its data has contributed to over 22,000 research papers and totals over 400 terabytes. Despite its initial mirror flaw, which required repairs in 1993, Hubble has been a pivotal tool in space exploration.
This celebration comes at a critical time for NASA, as leaked budget plans suggest potential cuts of 50% to its science budget, putting projects like the Nancy Roman Space Telescope at risk.
In response to concerns about the budget proposal, Jared Isaacman, the nominee to lead NASA, expressed support for adequate funding and opposed canceling the Roman Space Telescope.
DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK: ACHIEVING QUANTUM NETWORKS USING STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Quantum communication offers unparalleled security due to the inherent nature of physics preventing interception. However, the challenge lies in scaling quantum networks, which traditionally require specialized cooling equipment. A recent study published in Nature demonstrates successful quantum information transmission over 250 kilometers using a conventional telecommunications network, opening avenues for a scalable quantum internet.
FINAL FRONTIER: ENHANCING RELATIVITY WITH NEW ATOMIC CLOCKS
This week, the European Space Agency deployed two highly precise atomic clocks to the International Space Station. These clocks will be synchronized with Earth using microwave and laser links, enabling measurements of Earth’s gravitational redshift to refine our understanding of Einstein’s theory of Relativity. Additionally, this advancement could lead to improved accuracy in GPS positioning.
FORBES PREDICTION COMES TRUE: SUCCESSFUL TRIAL OF SOFT BRAIN IMPLANT
Axoft, a company developing soft brain-computer implants for neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, announced the results of the first clinical trial of its brain implant, Fleuron. The study, conducted on four patients, demonstrated the safe implantation and removal of the device with minimal scarring, along with successful reading of brain signals from individual neurons.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK
NASA’s Lucy spacecraft completes a successful flyby of a three-mile-wide asteroid between Mars and Jupiter, capturing video footage of the asteroid. The spacecraft is set to study nine other asteroids in the solar system.
Sethuraman Panchanathan, head of the National Science Foundation, resigns with 16 months remaining in his term, without providing a reason for his sudden departure.
Researchers at ETH Zurich develop an algorithm that enhances the performance of AI models by integrating contextual data, improving prediction accuracy and reducing computational requirements.
A Chinese research team achieves a milestone by operating a thorium-powered nuclear reactor, offering a safer alternative to traditional nuclear power sources.
MIT researchers create a stretchy and strong metamaterial using an innovative technique that could revolutionize the development of flexible materials like glass, ceramics, and textiles.
Scientists at Northwestern University and UC San Diego introduce an injectable therapy that could aid in repairing damaged cardiac tissue post-heart attack, potentially preventing heart failure.
PRO TIP: EXERCISE FOR BRAIN HEALTH
The brain demands significant energy, consuming about 20% of the body’s total calories. When glucose levels are low, the liver converts ketones into an alternative energy source for the brain. Research from the University of Missouri shows that exercise can enhance brain performance even in low-energy states, offering hope for individuals with cognitive impairments linked to liver function disruptions.
WHAT’S ON MY PLAYLIST
While compiling this newsletter, I’ve been enjoying Dream Into It, the latest album from iconic rocker Billy Idol. With three fantastic duets featuring Avril Lavigne, Alison Mosshart, and Joan Jett, this album showcases Idol’s enduring talent. Tracks like “Too Much Fun”, “Wildside”, and “Still Dancing” are standout hits that demonstrate Idol’s timeless appeal.
EXPLORE MORE ON FORBES
