This week’s edition of The Prototype delves into the risk tolerance of Andy Reid and Nick Sirianni, a startup creating a network of data-collecting balloons, the science behind the perfect boiled egg, and more. Sign up to receive The Prototype in your inbox here.
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On Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles will once again face the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. In 2023, the Chiefs narrowly beat the Eagles 38-35. This time around, we can anticipate another closely contested game, where fourth-down decision-making will play a crucial role.
Despite the odds favoring conversion, NFL coaches tend to be more conservative on fourth downs, usually opting to punt. However, recent trends show a shift towards more aggressive play-calling.
A recent study led by mathematician Nate Sandholtz sheds light on the fourth-down risk tolerance of NFL coaches. Analyzing data from 85 coaches over multiple seasons, the study reveals that Nick Sirianni is more inclined to go for it on fourth down compared to Andy Reid, who falls within the average range. The Super Bowl matchup will test whether their historical tendencies hold true.
Stay tuned for the action.
Startup Secures $30 Million for Constellation of Stratospheric Balloons
Urban Sky
Colorado-based Urban Sky has raised $30 million in a recent funding round to advance its high-tech stratospheric balloons designed for data collection. The company aims to establish a global network of long-duration balloons for environmental monitoring and disaster response.
Established in 2019, Urban Sky’s innovative balloons can be remotely navigated and deployed swiftly. Operating at altitudes up to 60,000 feet, these balloons serve clients in industries such as oil & gas, as well as government agencies like NASA, the U.S. Army, and U.S. Air Force.
Unlike satellites, planes, or drones, stratospheric balloons offer prolonged monitoring capabilities, making them ideal for scenarios like natural disasters, as highlighted by Urban Sky’s CEO Andrew Antonio.
“Imagine deploying a fleet of balloons over LA for an extended period to track the spread of fires in real-time with high precision,” Antonio shared.
Breakthrough in Reducing Methane Emissions from Rice Production
Rice cultivation contributes significantly to methane emissions, with about 12% of total emissions originating from this source. However, researchers have identified the root chemicals responsible for methane production in rice plants, leading to the development of a strain that emits 70% less methane while maintaining high yields. The findings were published recently in Molecular Plant.
Alert: Potential Asteroid Impact in 2032
The International Asteroid Warning Network has raised concerns about near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR4, with a 6% chance of colliding with Earth on December 22, 2032. Observations are ongoing to assess the risk accurately. While not an extinction-level event, an impact could have devastating consequences in the vicinity of the strike zone.
Exploring Black History in Space Exploration
Guion Bluford, Jr. holds the title of the first Black American in space, launching aboard the space shuttle Challenger in 1983. However, Air Force pilot Ed Dwight paved the way in 1961 as the first Black astronaut candidate, although he did not fly a NASA mission. In a heartwarming turn of events, Dwight, now 90, recently became the oldest person to travel to space aboard a Blue Origin flight.
Notable Science and Tech Updates
Recent developments include the potential impact of Trump’s executive orders on DEI on research publication, the implications of Project Stargate for Sam Altman’s fusion power startup Helion, and the latest funding round for nuclear reactor startup X-Energy. Additionally, a study is set to evaluate an experimental drug from Lilly for preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, scientists have developed a sponge coated with nanoparticles capable of extracting contaminants from polluted water.
Expert Tip: Mastering the Art of Boiling Eggs
Scientific researchers have devised a method called periodic cooking to achieve the perfect boiled egg with a firm white and creamy yolk. The process involves alternating cooking in boiling water and cold water in cycles, totaling 32 minutes. The results of their study were published in Communications Engineering.
Recommended Read: “Mother Night” by Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut’s Mother Night” chronicles the intriguing story of Howard W. Campbell, Jr., an American propagandist for the Third Reich during World War II. The novel challenges readers to ponder whether his actions make him a hero or a villain in the aftermath of the war.
