This week’s edition of The Prototype features groundbreaking advances in technology and medicine, including an innovative treatment aimed at helping children with acute flaccid myelitis reclaim their ability to walk, a startup developing a versatile “space truck” for NASA missions, Rocket Lab’s exciting new launch system, and much more. Subscribe to receive The Prototype directly in your inbox..
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Acute flaccid myelitis represents a serious and rare neurological disorder precipitated by a viral infection, inflicting significant weakness on the muscles by attacking the spinal cord. Children affected by this condition can experience severe weakness that prevents them from walking altogether.
Committed researchers at the Kennedy Krieger Institute have recently pioneered an innovative therapeutic approach that has successfully enabled some children to regain the ability to walk. The promising procedure employs electrical stimulation of the spinal cord in conjunction with functional movement training. In a study published recently in the journal Children, four children underwent this stimulation while ambulating on a treadmill supported by a specialized harness.
Over a rigorous timeline spanning 22 weeks, three of these children were able to walk greater distances, showcasing tangible improvements. Two of them exhibited notable enhancements in their walking speed and overall mobility. The researchers are now focused on refining the method to facilitate broader access for additional patients in need of this vital therapy.
This Startup Raised More Capital To Build Its Moon Rover
Lunar Outpost
Lunar Outpost is collaborating with industry giants like Lockheed Martin and Michelin to develop its ambitious “Lunar Terrain Vehicle” (LTV) intended for NASA missions. The company announced this week that it successfully completed a series A funding round for an undisclosed sum aimed at fueling the development of this groundbreaking lunar vehicle. The funding round was co-led by esteemed investment firms Type One Ventures and Industrious Ventures. Lunar Outpost is notably one of three companies under contract with NASA for the Artemis program, which is focused on returning astronauts to explore the lunar surface.
“The Lunar Terrain Vehicle is essentially a space truck,” CEO Justin Cyrus explained to Forbes. “It’s designed to support construction of power systems, communications infrastructure, and launch and landing pads essential for operations on the lunar surface.”
In addition to securing new funding, CEO Cyrus also revealed to Forbes that the company recently conducted a “human factors test” involving astronauts clad in full spacesuits examining a full-scale mockup of the LTV to assess its accommodations, displays, controls, and other critical components. Further hardware testing is on the horizon, along with ongoing simulator assessments focused on vehicle operation.
“Our next goal is to advance towards a fully drivable real-world prototype as we edge closer to developing a spaceflight-ready vehicle,” Cyrus added enthusiastically.
DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK: PREVENTING BLOOD CLOTS FROM MEDICAL DEVICES
Medical devices such as catheters and stents play essential roles in healthcare but can also lead to complications like bleeding or clots. Researchers may have discovered a groundbreaking solution: a novel coating for these devices that emulates the natural behavior of blood vessels. “By engineering a coating that closely replicates how the body naturally prevents clot formation, we’ve developed a potential solution that may significantly lessen reliance on high-risk blood thinners before and after the use of these devices,” said study leader Jayachandran Kizhakkedathu in an official statement. This pioneering research was published recently in Nature Materials.
FINAL FRONTIER: ROCKET LAB STARTS SELLING TRIPS ON NEUTRON
This week, Rocket Lab, based in California, announced that it has secured its first commercial launch contract for its next-generation rocket, Neutron, with a yet-unidentified satellite constellation operator. The agreement outlines two separate launch missions, the first of which is anticipated to occur around mid-2026. Rocket Lab envisions Neutron as a medium-lift rocket, targeting approximately half the payload capacity of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and aims for its inaugural launch in 2025.
WHAT ELSE I WROTE THIS WEEK
I spoke with industry experts about the implications of President-elect Trump’s proposed universal tariffs, detailing how their potential implementation could lead to substantial increases in drug prices and hinder innovation within the biotech sector.
In my other newsletter, InnovationRx, I covered the positive outcomes from clinical trials involving an AI-designed drug, alongside a look at Enveda’s pioneering technology that leverages AI to unveil promising drug candidates derived from plants.
SCIENCE AND TECH TIDBITS
My colleague Chris Helman analyzed ten compelling reasons why the green energy sector is poised for continued growth in the coming four years. Meanwhile, my colleague Alan Ohnsman interviewed esteemed investor Tom Steyer, who maintains optimism regarding significant growth opportunities within the sector.
Researchers from Rice University have developed a method to produce hydrogen from methane using light instead of heat, rendering the process virtually emissions-free.
Starfish Space, a company focused on developing spacecraft for servicing satellites in orbit, announced it secured $29 million in funding for its operations.
Groundbreaking researchers have developed autonomous robot swarms capable of temporarily organizing themselves to address various complex challenges.
PRO SCIENCE TIP: DON’T ABBREVIATE WHEN YOU TEXT
OMG, using abbreviations in texts can decrease your response rate. This finding stems from a extensive study involving over 5,300 participants, which indicated that excessive use of abbreviations leads to perceptions of insincerity and a perceived lack of effort. Notably, even younger individuals in the study favored receiving text messages written more formally.
WHAT’S ENTERTAINING ME THIS WEEK
Earlier this week, I had the extraordinary experience of attending a live performance by Adeem the Artist, an exceptional talent within the country music scene today. Their diverse songs span from moving ballads such as “Middle Of A Heart” to energetic foot-stompers like “Fast Cars” and inspiring social justice anthems like “Heritage of Arrogance.” For newcomers, White Trash Revelry is undoubtedly the best album to start with, yet any of their work is bound to impress.
MORE FROM FORBES
Innovation Station: High-Tech Heroes and Heartfelt Help
Welcome, curious tech enthusiasts and cosmic adventurers! Buckle up as we dive into a digest of discoveries more miraculous than finding last week’s leftovers in the fridge. We’ve got kids walking again, a space truck that puts your Ford Ranger to shame, and even a new blood clot-busting gadget. It’s like a sci-fi film up in here, minus the bad acting—sorry, Tom Cruise!
Revving Up Those Little Legs
Let’s start with something that’ll really tug at your heartstrings: acute flaccid myelitis. Sounds like a rare Pokémon rather than a serious neurological disorder, doesn’t it? This nasty bugger attacks kids’ spinal cords, turning them into quinoa-loving couch potatoes.
But here’s the twist: researchers at the Kennedy Krieger Institute have developed a promising treatment that literally zaps the spinal cord into action using electrical currents while kids perform movement training. Think of it as a ‘Disneyland for your spine’ where children get to ride the success train back to walking! In a study published in Children, three out of four children walked further, and two improved their speeds. Cue the happy tears!
Space: The Final Frontier in Transport Trucks
Now, from heartwarming stories to downright breathtaking tech, let’s talk about the latest in lunar transport! You heard it right, folks. Lunar Outpost is aiming for the moon—literally! With the backing of cosmic heavyweights like Lockheed Martin and Michelin (imagine a lunar rover with tire pressure monitoring!), this startup just raised an undisclosed amount in Series A funding to construct a Lunar Terrain Vehicle. According to CEO Justin Cyrus, it’s “a space truck.” No, it doesn’t come with cup holders or a roadside assistance plan, but it will help build infrastructure on the moon. Finally, a vehicle you can brag about that isn’t stuck in traffic!
Cyrus also mentioned successfully testing a mock-up while bursting at the seams with astronauts in full gear. If you thought your last family road trip was cramped, just imagine this! More tests and a real-world prototype are on the way, promising hope for those interstellar journeys. Buckle up, Buzz Lightyears!
Blood Clots: Not Today!
Switching gears to a slightly grimmer subject, research has unveiled a new tool to combat medical device complications like blood clots. A group of scientists has discovered a new way to coat devices such as catheters and stents with a material that mimics blood vessel behavior. This means fewer blood thinners before surgery—because who truly wants to be a walking, talking pharmacy?
The study, led by Jayachandran Kizhakkedathu, was published in Nature Materials. This is the sort of scientific wizardry that gives ordinary folks hope and makes med tech sound actually cool. Who knew they could *coat* devices with something akin to superhero magic?
Rocket Lab: Flying to New Heights
Let’s turn our gaze to Rocket Lab, which this week announced it has secured its first launch contract for the upcoming Neutron rocket. Set for launch in 2025, this beauty boasts half the payload capacity of SpaceX’s Falcon 9. It’s all about those giant potential satellites, folks! Like dating, it requires a good amount of lifting before you truly take off.
With ambitions to be the medium-lift champion, Rocket Lab is serving glimmers of optimism to satellite operators everywhere. And we all know that without satellites, Netflix would just be a sad blank screen. So, go on, Neutron—make us proud!
Tidbits of Tech Triumphs
And while we’re at it, let’s sprinkle a few more marvelous milestones into our tech talk. Researchers are innovating ways to produce hydrogen with light instead of heat, leading us closer to emissions-free energy. Meanwhile, Starfish Space reeled in a whopping $29 million for their satellite servicing spacecraft—where do I sign up for this high-stakes poker game?
Pro Science Tip: Communication Counts!
If you thought texting in abbreviations showed efficiency, think again! Studies reveal that using too many shortcuts makes you seem insincere and puts a damper on possible responses. Apparently, you can’t just send “LOL” to convey a deep love for someone’s new cat! So, channel your inner boomer and type out those words, people!
Wrapping Up with a Cheeky Chuckle
And as a final note—if you’re into live music, check out Adeem the Artist. Their songs are like fine wine; they age well and reflect emotion! From the playful tunes to gut-wrenching ballads, this one’s a must-listen. So go ahead, bob your head and forget your worries even if only for a few minutes.
Until next week, keep those spirits high and your innovations higher! Over and out!
– How does Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket contribute to the reusability and sustainability of space missions?
F existing rockets and is designed to carry heavy payloads into space efficiently. With an impressive track record of launches under its belt, Rocket Lab is positioning itself as a key player in the growing space economy.
The Neutron rocket is not just about power; it’s also engineered for reusability. This means that after delivering its cargo, it will plunge back through the atmosphere and land safely, ready for another mission. It’s a bit like sending your car back to the dealership for a tune-up instead of trading it in for a new model—eco-friendly and economical!
Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright
From helping children walk again to developing lunar trucks and innovative medical technologies, the world of high-tech innovation continues to astonish. As we take these leaps forward, it’s crucial to keep supporting the brilliant minds behind these advancements. Pay attention to this space—literally and figuratively. Who knows what enchanting discoveries await us in the future? Until next time, keep your curiosity alive and your spirits high!