Global Scans · Science · Weekly Summary

• [New] Elon Musk has announced that his rocket company, SpaceX, will acquire his artificial intelligence outfit, xAI, as he seeks to raise billions of dollars for his science-fiction-worthy outer space projects. CommonWealth Magazine
• [New] New research by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and the National Science Foundation's National Center for Atmospheric Research has developed a new tool providing a first step toward the ability to forecast space weather weeks in advance, instead of just hours. Mirage News
• [New] The sustainable plastic segment is likely to experience the fastest CAGR of 11.4% from 2026 to 2034 due to advancements in material science that reconcile performance with environmental responsibility. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Through the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and Horizon Europe, the EU has allocated $ € 97 billion (2021-2027) for research and innovation, with significant funding directed toward chemistry and materials science. Chemistry World
• [New] Bain estimates quantum computing could unlock $250 billion in value across pharmaceuticals, finance, logistics, and materials science. RBC
• [New] Firms that overcorrect by exiting China too aggressively risk forfeiting scale efficiencies, supplier relationships, and participation in China's increasingly strong science and technology talent pool that justify their original China-centric manufacturing strategies. Information Technology and Innovation Foundation | ITIF
• [New] Science communicators in wealthy countries might now move away from journalism and instead join universities as public-relations professionals. Scientific American
• [New] NSF will develop and promote funding opportunities in critical and emerging technologies, including AI, quantum information science and biotechnology. NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation
• [New] The U.S. CHIPS and Science Act has committed tens of billions in manufacturing subsidies and helped trigger hundreds of billions in private investment; the U.S. is projected to triple its semiconductor manufacturing capacity from 2022 to 2032. Linos NEWS
• [New] The space science plan does lay out ambitious targets for the number of space science missions until 2027, between 2028 and 2035 (15) and between 2036 and 2050, while also referencing China's goals to become a space science great power and to be at the frontier of space science by 2050. Merics
• [New] Space-based data centers may sound like science fiction, but experts say decisions made today could determine who controls the future of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital sovereignty - long before the first server ever leaves Earth. Caliber.az
• [New] Now, researchers in ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering report that the non-allergenic wheat protein glutenin successfully grew striated muscle layers and flat fat layers, which could be combined to produce meat-like textures. American Chemical Society
• [New] Growing investments in clinical research, real-time disease surveillance, and population-scale digital registries are expected to position the UAE as a future hub for high-value life science data analytics in the Middle East. Precedence Research
• [New] The fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are experiencing rapid growth, with a high demand for trained professionals projected by 2030. Frontiers
• [New] Quantum-accelerated supercomputing will be used by the US, EU, and China governments by 2030 for solving 50% of complex defence and science-related problems, including breaking encryption schemes. Network World
• [New] The NSF NQNI will accelerate U.S. leadership in quantum information science and engineering, nanotechnology, semiconductors, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and other emerging technologies. JD Supra
• [New] In 2026, life-science R&D will reach an inflection point as AI-augmented molecular design becomes the default in early discovery. Cambridge Innovation Capital
• [New] With shipments projected to grow over 50% in 2026, smart glasses are finally shedding their science project image. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Artificial intelligence represents one of the most significant science, technology and innovation developments of our time, with the potential to contribute USD 20 trillion to the global economy by 2030. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• [New] Science and technology are not luxury investments in an era of mass technological, geopolitical and environmental disruption. Mirage News
• [New] MSU's center, called the Center for High Order Plasma Turbulence Modeling for Z-Pinch, will build on research expertise in data science and scientific computing using artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop better predictive models to create fusion energy. Michigan State University
• [New] A physical installation is expected to occur by 2026 in Singapore through a collaboration with the National Quantum Computing Hub, with a focus on solving finance, pharmaceutical, and material science problems. Tom's Hardware
• [New] In a rapidly changing Arctic, where environmental changes affect the entire planet, sidelining science in favor of strategic competition risks leaving governments ill-prepared to understand or manage the far-reaching consequences of climate change. The Arctic Institute - Center for Circumpolar Security

Last updated: 02 March 2026