This week’s edition of The Prototype highlights a federal program aimed at bringing advanced semiconductor R&D to Florida, a quantum computing milestone in biotech, a new method for removing forever chemicals from water supplies, and more. Sign up to receive The Prototype in your inbox here.
Florida Semiconductor Engine
The tech sector is a crucial driver of the U.S. economy, with semiconductor chips powering servers, computers, phones, and more. Despite being primarily designed domestically, these chips are mostly imported, posing a significant challenge. Tawny Olore, CEO of the Florida Semiconductor Engine, is working to address this issue. The Engine, part of 10 regional networks supported by a $15 million grant from the National Science Foundation, is allocating half of its funds to research and development. This includes projects focusing on hardware security, 6G chip design, and cryogenic superconducting chips for advanced computing.
The remaining half of the funding is dedicated to workforce development programs to ensure a skilled workforce for the Engine’s projects. For instance, the Engine collaborated with Valencia College to establish an Associate’s Degree program in semiconductor engineering, training students for chip manufacturing processes.
Olore emphasizes the importance of having skilled individuals to fill the job opportunities created by the Engine’s initiatives.
Exciting developments are on the horizon.
IBM Achieves Quantum Milestone in Biotech
IBM conducted a simulation of mRNA structures on its Heron quantum processor.
IBM
Last month, IBM introduced its framework for developing a “fault-tolerant” quantum computer by 2029. This initiative aims to address practical challenges with low error rates due to quantum operations’ physics. Jamie Garcia, IBM’s director of algorithms and partnerships, highlights the importance of identifying business problems where quantum computing can offer solutions.
One such area is drug development, where IBM collaborates with Moderna to predict mRNA structures crucial for vaccine and therapeutic development. By leveraging quantum algorithms, the companies successfully predicted the structure of a 60-nucleotide mRNA sequence, a task beyond conventional computers’ capabilities.
Garcia emphasizes the quantum computer’s potential to handle increasingly complex structures, paving the way for innovative solutions in biotech.
Discovery of the Week: Novel Material Removes Forever Chemicals from Water
Researchers at the University of Utah have invented a zirconium-based material capable of eliminating Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from water sources. PFOA, a member of the “forever chemicals” family, poses environmental and health risks due to its persistent nature. The material not only absorbs PFOA but also fluoresces upon detection, enabling efficient monitoring of contamination. Additionally, the material is reusable, making it a versatile solution for water treatment.
Final Frontier: South Korea’s Lunar Base Plans
South Korea’s space agency unveiled plans to establish a permanent lunar base by 2045, aiming to develop capabilities for human missions to the Moon by 2040. This strategic roadmap outlines ambitious goals for space exploration, positioning South Korea as a key player in lunar missions.
Science and Tech Tidbits
Astronomers discovered an object in the outer solar system that exhibits synchronized movement with Neptune, presenting a unique celestial phenomenon.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have pioneered a method to repair environmentally-stressed DNA, offering potential applications in disease prevention.
Approximately 10 million individuals are infected with HTLV-1, a virus linked to inflammatory diseases and cancer. Promising research suggests that existing HIV medications could prevent transmission and disease progression.
Swiss scientists have developed a mineral foam capable of reducing street noise levels, offering a practical solution for urban noise pollution.
Pro Science Tip: Aim for 7,000 Steps a Day
A recent study suggests that walking about 7,000 steps a day can provide health benefits comparable to the traditional 10,000-step goal. The study indicates that the benefits of physical activity accumulate significantly up to 7,000 steps, with additional steps offering modest incremental advantages.
Entertainment Recommendation of the Week
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the “Scopes Monkey Trial,” I revisited Inherit the Wind, a compelling courtroom drama depicting a fictionalized account of the trial. The film, available on Amazon Prime, remains relevant and thought-provoking, featuring a standout performance by Spencer Tracy.
More from Forbes