This week in The Prototype, we delve into the recent NASA layoffs, gene therapy using blood cells, a potential breakthrough in quantum computing, the launch of a new space telescope, tips on avoiding falling for conspiracy theories, and more. You can subscribe to The Prototype newsletter here.
NASA chief scientist Katherine Calvin was among those laid off this week.
Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images
NASA made the decision to close three offices this week, including the Chief Scientist’s office, which provided guidance on science programs and strategic planning to NASA leadership. This move resulted in the layoff of 23 employees. This action is a precursor to forthcoming plans for a more extensive reduction in force in compliance with President Trump’s executive orders. The exact number of individuals affected is currently uncertain, as the agency was exempt from the cuts affecting probationary employees in other agencies (with some of these cuts being reversed).
Last November, my colleague Jeremy Bogaisky reported on the Trump Administration’s probable focus on consolidating NASA’s research efforts, spread across 10 major field centers. Some of these centers have been underused in recent years as NASA has shifted towards collaboration with commercial partners for rocket development. For example, NASA has 38 rocket test stands at six different locations nationwide, but most of them are not in use.
One key question is how these plans will progress in the absence of a NASA administrator. While President Trump nominated billionaire Jared Isaacman to lead the agency in January, the Senate has not yet scheduled a confirmation hearing or vote.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Revolutionary Gene Therapy Using Bioengineered Blood Cells
Immusoft
When a patient requires gene therapy, they often undergo a “preconditioning regimen” of medications to prepare their body, which may involve immunosuppression. While essential for these life-saving treatments, these drugs can sometimes have adverse side effects.
Seattle-based Immusoft is pioneering a novel approach: utilizing bioengineered white blood cells known as “B cells” to deliver gene therapies. Typically, B cells are responsible for producing antibodies in the body. Immusoft leverages this function of B cells to generate specific proteins that treat diseases instead.
Recently, the company shared positive data from its initial clinical trial, where B cells were used to treat mucopolysaccharidosis type I, a genetic disorder. Individuals with this condition lack a protein crucial for breaking down and recycling sugars called GAGs. Accumulation of these sugars can lead to skeletal abnormalities, vision impairment, heart disease, and hinder simple movements due to reduced joint flexibility.
Upon introduction into the body—without requiring a preconditioning regimen—Immusoft’s B cells migrate to the bone marrow, where they are engrafted and commence producing the enzyme that breaks down GAGs. The clinical trial revealed significantly reduced GAG levels in patients, as CEO Sean Ainsworth noted, along with improvements in mobility and flexibility. No adverse effects were reported during the study.
Next steps involve collaboration with the FDA to expand clinical trials to encompass pediatric patients and progress towards regulatory approval. The company is also exploring therapies for conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH: POTENTIAL ACHIEVEMENT OF QUANTUM SUPREMACY
Quantum computing firm D-Wave claimed to have achieved “quantum supremacy” by solving a complex physics problem that would take a conventional computer hundreds of years to solve. Their findings were published in Science this week. However, two separate research teams published their findings, demonstrating subsets of the same problem solved using conventional computers, suggesting no inherent advantage to quantum computing. Senior scientist Andrew King from D-Wave stated in a briefing this week that these findings were not directly comparable as they did not encompass the full scale of the problem solved by his team. If the company’s claim withstands further scientific scrutiny, it would signify a significant milestone in quantum computing.
EXPANDING HORIZONS: NASA’S NEW SPACE TELESCOPE
NASA successfully deployed its SPHEREx space telescope into Earth’s orbit earlier this week, establishing successful communication with the telescope. Once fully operational, SPHEREx will conduct infrared surveys of the sky, revealing insights into the compositions of asteroids, galaxies, and other celestial objects that are invisible to the human eye. This data will include details on oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other chemicals that could indicate the presence of life. Initial observations with the telescope are expected to commence as early as next month.
ADDITIONAL ARTICLES THIS WEEK
The National Weather Service faces substantial budget cuts, prompting companies like Tomorrow.io to step in. Despite CEO assurances that such businesses do not seek to undermine NOAA’s operations, they may play a crucial role in filling the void.
Another piece highlights Cognixion, a company developing a non-invasive brain-computer interface. The startup announced the initiation of clinical trials with ALS patients using their device.
In the InnovationRx newsletter, my colleague Amy Feldman and I cover topics such as the escalating measles outbreak, a potential HIV prevention shot lasting a year, advancements in heart valve replacements using robots, and more.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS
Graphitic Energy, based in California, has devised a method to generate clean and cost-effective hydrogen, simultaneously producing valuable graphite.
Not only do greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global warming, they are also contracting the upper atmosphere, potentially impacting satellite operations in low Earth orbit by up to 66%.
Research indicates that recycling plastic can be made more cost-effective by utilizing atmospheric moisture, as demonstrated in recent studies.
Researchers at MIT have successfully converted skin cells into neurons in mice, bypassing the need to first transform them into stem cells. If this breakthrough can be replicated in humans, it may revolutionize the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and spinal cord injuries.
China’s space agency has extended invitations for international collaboration on its Tianwen-3 mission, scheduled for 2028. The mission aims to retrieve a sample from Mars’ surface and return it to Earth.
PRO SCIENCE TIP: SOUND SLEEP SHIELDS AGAINST CONSPIRACY THEORIES
While psychological factors play a significant role in people’s belief in conspiracy theories, recent research suggests a physiological aspect as well: inadequate sleep. A study from the University of Nottingham observed over 1,000 individuals and found that those with recent sleep disturbances and insomnia were more inclined to embrace new conspiracy theories compared to well-rested individuals. So, if you’re reading this at bedtime, consider putting your phone down and prioritizing rest for better critical thinking capabilities in the morning.
WHAT’S ON MY WATCHLIST THIS WEEK
Having been a fan of Marvel’s Daredevil series on Netflix since its debut a decade ago, I was thrilled to learn about its revival. Marvel has reunited the original cast and launched Daredevil: Born Again on Disney Plus. Three episodes in, the show captures the essence of the original series flawlessly, delivering an exceptional viewing experience.
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