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Recently, The Lincoln Laboratory Supercomputing Center at MIT has unveiled the most powerful AI supercomputer at any U.S. university – TX-GAIN. Ranked on the TOP500 list, TX-GAIN strengthens LLSC’s role in supporting research across MIT and federally funded projects. It is equipped with more than 600 NVIDIA GPU accelerators and traditional high-performance hardware, making it one of the leading AI systems in the Northeast. At the moment, it is currently located in an energy efficient facility in Holyoke, Massachusetts. TX-GAIN is specifically designed for generative AI; however, it goes beyond simple classification tasks to create outputs. The researchers at Lincoln labs are currently applying it to many things, such as radar analysis, weather modeling, anomaly detection, and drug and material discovery. It is already advancing biological defense by enabling large-scale protein modeling. The researchers at LLSC emphasize accessibility through interactive supercomputing tools that allow users to run complex models as easily as working on a laptop. Its systems have already supported innovations in aviation safety, disease prevention, and disaster response. Additionally, TX-GAIN also drives research into reducing AI’s energy demands, being capable of lowering training costs by up to 80 percent. This supercomputer carries forward a legacy of advancing AI and human-computer interaction.

Planet Pulse

The Trump administration announced the cancellation of nearly $8 billion in federal climate and clean energy funding across 16 Democratic-led states, including California, Colorado, and New York. According to the Department of Energy, more than 300 awards tied to 223 projects were terminated, since they believed that they did not meet national energy needs, were not economically viable, or lacked sufficient return on taxpayer investment. One of the largest projects that were affected was California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems, which is a $1.2 billion hydrogen hub designed to advance clean hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels. This was part of a nationwide initiative under the Biden administration to establish seven regional hydrogen hubs. This cancellation raises concerns about setbacks in developing large scale hydrogen infrastructure, which some argue could help reduce emissions and improve air quality. Other affected projects include projects with focuses on renewable energy such as offshore wind, solar power, and energy efficiency programs. Some believe that by halting these initiatives, the US may be behind other nations in clean energy development. At the same time, the administration has announced steps to expand fossil fuel production, opening 13 million acres of federal land for coal mining and investing $625 million to modernize coal-fired plants.

Science Explained

The average pH level of water is 7; but what does that mean? pH is one of the most important indicators of water quality, influencing both environmental health and human safety. pH is defined as a measure of acidity or alkalinity on a scale from 0 to 14, with 0 being too acidic and 14 being too alkaline, or basic. Typically, water falls in the middle of alkalinity and acidity; however, due to natural processes and human activities, the water we drink usually falls between 6.5 and 8.5. When water falls below 6.5, it can dissolve metals such as lead, copper, and iron. Additionally, acidic conditions can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, harming fish, shellfish, and coral reefs by interfering with reproduction and growth. On the other hand, water that is above 8.5 can result in bitter tastes, and can even cause a buildup in pipes. Natural factors, like geology, rain, and plant activity, can influence pH; alongside human contributors like industrial discharges, agriculture, and mining. pH is vital for healthy drinking water, making regular testing and treatment essential. Tools like pH meters or neutralizers may help to restore balance. Overall, pH is an important part of life - not only for safe drinking water, but also for preserving aquatic life, preventing infrastructure damage, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Stem Crossroads

In places like Arizona, extreme heat becomes an issue for everyone. As a result, nine artists were commissioned to try and bring shade to the region. Across the U.S., cities are combining art and community engagement to bring awareness about the risks of extreme heat and to protect their communities. As the temperature is rising due to climate change, shade is vital. Simply explaining the risks are not enough; in cases like this, art plays an important role. Art has been shown to engage, foster hope, and even cool people down. Additionally, not only does creating shade with art cool people down; it also enriches public spaces. At one park in Phoenix, Arizona; panels decorated with ‘alebrijes’ from Mexican Folk art are held up. In another, a canopy with colorful drawings uses reflective paint and a UV resistant canvas.These pieces are part of many art pieces created with the help of locals. Each of them do two things; provide more shade and inform the public about the importance of heat safety. They were all unveiled at community events, alongside free sunscreen and cooling towels. In a time when the temperature is continuously rising, any effort to aid is critical. 

Opportunities

Medicine Encompasses is a student run nonprofit aiming to promote awareness and increase accessibility for high school students interested in medical careers. They have a variety of opportunities available for all high school students, both on a national and international scale. Deadlines and application dates vary for positions. 

https://www.medicine-encompassed.org/get-involved

If you have an interest in global health, environmental sustainability, or children and education, consider applying to United Planet. United Planet is a virtual and global nonprofit that aims to foster a global community through volunteering. This opportunity fosters an understanding of various cultures throughout the world, while also letting students work with like-minded peers. Must be 16 to apply. 

https://www.goabroad.com/providers/united-planet/programs/united-planet-virtual-internship-and-volunteer-quests-183609

Our Top Picks

Spotting false news and doubting true news: a systematic review and meta-analysis of news judgements - Jan Pfander and Sacha Altay

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-02086-1

What is News? - By Kirsten Eddy, Katerina Eva Matsa, Michael Lipka, Naomi Forman-Katz, Christopher St. Aubin, Luxuan Wang, Kaitlyn Radde, and Justine Coleman

https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/2025/05/13/what-is-news/