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GeekWire

Insights from Uncommon Thinkers: How these innovators found novel approaches in their fields

Dec 14, 2024
Ingrid Swanson Pultz, CTO at Mopac Biologics, discusses her groundbreaking development of a gluten-destroying enzyme that offers hope for celiac patients. Chris Dunckley from TerraPower Isotopes reveals how his team transforms radioactive waste into cancer therapies, focusing on innovative techniques like extracting thorium-229. Andy Lapsa, CEO of Stoke Space, shares insights on creating fully reusable space vehicles using liquid cooling technology. Together, they embody the spirit of 'uncommon thinking' in driving impactful change across their fields.
32:00

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • ZAP Energy's pursuit of fusion energy through smaller, simpler devices could revolutionize global power production and mitigate resource conflicts.
  • Mopac Biologics' gluten-destroying enzyme represents a significant medical advancement for celiac disease, improving patients' quality of life through innovative protein design.

Deep dives

The Promise of Fusion Energy

Fusion energy holds the potential to provide a limitless and carbon-free power source for the planet, offering a sustainable solution for global energy needs. This energy source could eliminate conflicts related to natural resource scarcity, as it would not depend on geographical locations or traditional energy resources. Researchers at ZAP Energy are pursuing a more cost-effective approach by utilizing smaller fusion devices which require simpler engineering than conventional large-scale systems. Although progress is anticipated to take about a decade before fusion energy becomes viable for consumption, the implications of successful fusion technology could revolutionize energy production and usage worldwide.

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