The Prototype: The Trump Administration Proposes Major Cuts To Science

The Trump administration's proposed budget delivers a significant blow to scientific research, exceeding the already substantial cuts implemented during its initial months. The plan proposes an $18 billion reduction for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—a 37% decrease—despite the NIH's contribution of nearly $100 billion to economic activity last year and its support for over 400,000 jobs. Further cuts target the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ($4 billion reduction) and billions more from the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all impacting vital research initiatives.

As previously indicated, the proposed budget includes a 24% cut to NASA's funding, with a 47% reduction to its science budget. This affects crucial satellite missions monitoring weather and natural disasters. The Planetary Society issued a statement urging Congress to reject this detrimental proposal.

In contrast, the European Union is actively attracting American scientists with a half-billion Euro incentive package for research projects. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also encouraged EU member states to allocate at least 3% of their budgets to scientific research.

IonQ's Ambitious Plan: Quantum Computing in Space

Quantum computing firm IonQ has acquired Capella Space, a satellite data provider with a fleet of over a dozen imaging satellites. While financial details remain undisclosed, the acquisition aims to establish a space-based quantum computing network secured by quantum key distribution, rendering it theoretically unhackable.

This acquisition follows recent deals by IonQ, including the purchases of ID Quantique (quantum encryption) and Qubitekk (quantum networking), and a partnership with Intellian (Korean satellite communications).

IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi emphasizes the importance of both quantum computing and quantum networking for future business infrastructure. He highlights the potential threat of quantum computing to break current internet encryption, making the development of countermeasures crucial. He stated, “The future of civilization as we know it runs through quantum networking… none of this can work in a world where data and information is not safe.”

Scientific Breakthrough: Combating Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance poses a growing threat. However, a recent study offers a potential solution. Researchers successfully prevented meningitis caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria by combining antibiotics with an enzyme from bacteria-killing viruses. Further research is planned to test this technique against other bacteria.

SpaceX's Starship Receives Green Light for Frequent Launches

The FAA has granted SpaceX permission for up to 25 Starship launches and landings annually from its Texas facility. Both stages of the spacecraft are designed for reusability, although only the first stage has successfully landed to date. Two test flights in 2025 resulted in the second stage's destruction.

Other News and Notes

My other newsletter, InnovationRx, covers Aetna's ACA withdrawal, digital health consolidation, the new FDA director for biologics and vaccines, a radioisotope M&A deal, and more (co-authored with Amy Feldman).

Science and Technology Tidbits

• My colleague Alan Ohnsman visited Waymo's new factory in Mesa, Arizona, where Jaguar electric vehicles are being converted into self-driving robotaxis.
• Independent research reveals that advanced LLMs from OpenAI and DeepSeek are even more error-prone than previous models, generating incorrect answers up to 79% of the time.
• Scientists have developed a microbial system capable of autonomously repairing cracks in concrete, potentially revolutionizing infrastructure maintenance.
• Okra's slimy substance shows promise in removing microplastics from water, outperforming traditional filter materials.
• Wiley and Amazon Web Services are collaborating to develop AI agents to assist scientists in researching published papers.

Health Tip: Fuel Your Body, Even Without Intense Training

A study of endurance athletes demonstrated that insufficient calorie intake during the preseason led to slower running times, increased fatigue, and a higher injury risk during the competitive season. Ensure adequate nutrition, even during periods of less intense training.

Entertainment

I recently attended my first Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds concert—an incredible experience! The over two-and-a-half-hour performance included tracks from their new album Wild God (previously recommended last October) and fan favorites like “Red Right Hand” and “Into My Arms.”

More at Forbes

• Forbes: How The Ultra-Wealthy Are Protecting Themselves Against Arson Attacks, Kidnapping And Worse (Monica Hunter-Hart)
• Forbes: Best Places To Retire In 2025: Greenville And Other Surprisingly Affordable Gems (William P. Barrett)
• Forbes: Meta Is Recruiting Former Pentagon Officials As It Ramps Up Military Ambitions (David Jeans)

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