In the latest edition of The Prototype, we delve into the search for extraterrestrial life, the prestigious Lasker Awards for biomedical research, gene editing advancements in diabetes treatment, and more. If you want The Prototype delivered directly to your inbox, subscribe here.
Artist conception of the Trappist One System
NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Joseph Olmsted (STScI)
The James Webb Space Telescope is focused on seven planets orbiting a red dwarf star known as Trappist-1, located approximately 40 light-years away. Among these planets, Trappist-1e shows potential for hosting water on its surface, a critical element for sustaining life.
Data from the telescope indicates that if Trappist-1e has an atmosphere, it is not dominated by hydrogen or carbon dioxide, making it more hospitable for life. Observations of starlight patterns near the planet suggest the presence of a nitrogen-rich atmosphere, similar to Earth’s, although further data is required for confirmation. A researcher mentioned in The New York Times expressed optimism that the planet might possess an atmosphere akin to our own.
Closer to home, a rock collected by NASA’s Perseverance Rover on Mars in 2024 may contain evidence of ancient microscopic life. Discovered in the Jezero Crater, a former site of a lake and river delta, the rock exhibits minerals produced by microbial activity on Earth. While not conclusive, this finding adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting the possibility of past life on Mars.
2025 Lasker Awards Recognize Pioneering Biomedical Researchers
Lucy Shapiro, recipient of this year’s Special Achievement Lasker award.
Lasker Foundation
This week, the Lasker Foundation celebrated scientists who have made significant contributions to biomedical research by awarding them the annual $250,000 prizes. Since 1945, these awards, spanning Clinical Medical Research, Basic Medical Research, and Special Achievement In Medical Science, have honored scientists who often go on to receive prestigious accolades like the Nobel Prize.
Among this year’s recipients, the Basic Medical Research award was bestowed upon Dirk Görlich and Steven L. McKnight for their groundbreaking work on “low-complexity domains” within proteins. Contrary to previous belief, Görlich and McKnight demonstrated the crucial roles these simple structures play in facilitating the movement of specific proteins in and out of a cell’s nucleus while excluding others. This discovery holds significant implications for understanding diseases like Alzheimer’s and potentially unlocking future therapeutic interventions.
The Clinical Medical Research award was presented to Michael J. Welsh, Jesús González, and Paul A. Negulescu for their contributions that led to the development of Vertex Pharmaceutical’s cystic fibrosis drug Trikafta, approved by the FDA in 2019. Prior to this breakthrough, more than half of individuals with cystic fibrosis did not survive into adulthood. With the introduction of this medication, patients can now anticipate a significantly longer lifespan, transforming what was once a fatal condition into a manageable one, as acknowledged by the Foundation.
Lucy Shapiro was honored with the Special Achievement in Medical Science award for her extensive contributions to the field of biology. Over her 55-year career, she made significant discoveries related to bacterial reproduction, established Stanford’s Department of Developmental Biology, and provided counsel to governments on emerging diseases and biowarfare concerns. Additionally, Shapiro founded two companies: Anacor Pharmaceuticals, focused on dermatitis and fungal infection treatments, and 5Metis, specializing in agricultural fungicides.
DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK: GENE-EDITED CELLS OFFER NEW HOPE FOR DIABETES
Individuals with Type 1 diabetes, who are unable to produce insulin and rely on injections for treatment, may find promise in a recent breakthrough. A patient underwent a transplant of gene-edited pancreas cells designed to evade immune rejection and successfully produced insulin without adverse reactions. This innovative approach holds promise for revolutionizing diabetes treatment and could potentially benefit a broader population of diabetes patients in the future.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEK
SpaceX has agreed to acquire spectrum from Echostar for $17 billion to enhance its satellite internet service, contingent on the successful deployment of the Starship spacecraft.
Amazon’s Zoox is set to challenge Waymo’s robotaxi service, initiating rides in Las Vegas and planning expansion to San Francisco later this year.
SandboxAQ, an advanced computing startup, launched a comprehensive dataset for AI models to expedite the discovery of chemical reactions for various industrial applications, including energy, agriculture, and consumer goods.
Researchers in Sweden have developed two distinct methods to 3D-print artificial skin containing blood vessels, offering potential applications in healing severe wounds like burns.
Astronomers have uncovered additional evidence hinting at the presence of a planet comparable in size to Mercury–or even Earth–located on the outskirts of the Solar System beyond Neptune.
PRO SCIENCE TIP: JUNK FOOD IMPACTS MEMORY FUNCTION
Preparing for an important exam? Consider opting for a salad over pizza. Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine discovered that consuming foods high in saturated fats, commonly found in junk food, disrupts cells in the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for converting short-term memories into long-term ones. This disruption occurs within a few days and may elevate the risk of developing cognitive disorders like dementia over time. Fortunately, making dietary adjustments can swiftly reverse the damage to these cells, potentially reducing long-term cognitive risks.
MY CURRENT ENTERTAINMENT FIX
The Struts’ iconic track “Could Have Been Me” stands out as one of the top rock songs of the 2010s and a staple in my workout playlists. Recently, the band elevated this hit by collaborating with legendary Queen guitarist (and astrophysicist) Sir Brian May, resulting in an epic rendition. To experience the magic for yourself, take a listen.
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