The Prototype: How The Federal Research Freeze Impacts Scientists And Startups
Jan 31, 2025 - forbes.com
The article discusses several key topics in science and technology. It begins with the ongoing situation involving astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who remain on the International Space Station due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner capsule. NASA plans to return them to Earth with SpaceX in April. The article also highlights the impact of federal research funding holds, affecting agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, causing uncertainty and financial strain for researchers and startups. Additionally, it covers the discovery of heart cells grown in space that may aid in repairing damaged hearts on Earth.
Other topics include AstroForge's mission to explore asteroid 2022 OB5 for mining potential, the release of cost-efficient AI models by Chinese company DeepSeek, and AST Spacemobile's satellite-to-device video call. The article also mentions the benefits of outdoor activities on children's learning, the return of the sci-fi show "Severance," and various other science and tech tidbits.
Key takeaways:
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are delayed on the ISS due to issues with Boeing's capsule, with SpaceX planning their return.
Federal research funding holds are impacting scientists and startups, causing uncertainty and financial strain.
Heart cells grown in space show potential for repairing damaged hearts on Earth, according to Emory University research.
AstroForge is launching a spacecraft to assess the mining potential of the near-Earth asteroid 2022 OB5.
