Science

• NASA is launching multiple technology and science demonstrations to low Earth orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Monday, March 30, 2026, as part of the Transporter-16 commercial rideshare mission. • The payload includes the AEPEX CubeSat for studying high-energy particle effects on the upper atmosphere, magnetic field measurement CubeSats, the R5-S10 CubeSat for proximity operations and formation flying, a power processing system from CisLunar Industries, and a heat shield experiment from Varda Space Industries. • The experiments aim to test thermal protection systems, advance in-space communications, and deepen understanding of Earth's atmosphere to support NASA's exploration and research goals.

• NASA announced nuclear rocket development as part of this week's major science news, signaling advancement in propulsion technology for future space missions. • The announcement was featured in Live Science's weekly roundup of the latest scientific developments, alongside research on space reproduction challenges and insights into cannabis effects on appetite. • Nuclear propulsion systems represent a significant technological leap that could enable faster deep-space exploration and reduce mission duration for long-distance space travel.

Papers reveal how chemical lobby influenced policy, reversing Biden-era limits on a common carcinogenSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxA new trove of chemical producer and US Environmental Protection Agency documents reveal an elaborate industry operation that killed strong regulations around formaldehyde, a highly toxic carcinogen widely used in everyday goods from cosmetics to furniture to craft supplies.The Biden EPA in late 2024 determined any exposure to formaldehyde increased the risk of cancer and other health problems. The Trump EPA in late 2025 moved to undo those findings and replace them with less protective figures. Continue reading...

• Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals and Connecticut Science Center announced an Innovation Lab on March 26, 2026, to boost STEM education for students and families statewide. • Ribbon-cutting set for March 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. ET during STEM Career Showcase for over 500 middle and high school students. • Keynote by Connecticut Chief Workforce Officer Kelli-Marie Vallieres, Ph.D., with remarks from Carine Boustany, Ph.D., Boehringer's SVP of US research.

• President Donald Trump named prominent tech figures like Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, Nvidia chief Jensen Huang, AMD CEO Lisa Su, and investor Marc Andreessen to his President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) on March 25, 2026. • The council, co-chaired by AI/crypto advisor David Sacks and science/technology assistant Michael Kratsios, typically has 24 members but currently lists 13, including two women: Safra Catz and Lisa Su. • PCAST, established since 1990 and originating under FDR, provides advisory reports on topics like quantum computing, pandemics, and energy without regulatory power; the current iteration ends in ten months unless extended.

• President Donald J. Trump appointed the first members to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) on March 25, 2026. • Co-chaired by David Sacks and Michael Kratsios, the council includes Marc Andreessen, Sergey Brin, Safra Catz, Michael Dell, Jacob DeWitte, Fred Ehrsam, Larry Ellison, David Friedberg, Jensen Huang, John Martinis, Bob Mumgaard, Lisa Su, and Mark Zuckerberg. • Established by Executive Order, PCAST will advise on emerging technologies' impact on the American workforce and strengthening U.S. leadership in innovation.