PodcastsAll-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & FriedbergE140: LK-99, Sclerotic establishments, Fitch downgrades US debt, Trump indicted... again

E140: LK-99, Sclerotic establishments, Fitch downgrades US debt, Trump indicted... again
All-In with Chamath, Jason, Sacks & FriedbergFri Aug 04 2023
LK-99 Breakdown:
- LK-99 is a room temperature superconducting material that has gained attention in the scientific community.
- The paper describing how to make this material has been chased by labs around the world.
- Five different labs have published papers showing that the described chemical structure of LK-99 could enable superconductivity at high temperatures.
- This discovery has sparked optimism and excitement about the potential applications and abundance it could bring.
Funding Landscape for Breakthrough Science, Sclerotic Establishments, Boomer Incumbents:
- The conversation shifts to discussing the funding landscape for breakthrough science and the challenges faced by sclerotic establishments and boomer incumbents.
- It is mentioned that there is a lack of innovation in certain sectors outside of software due to various factors such as regulatory capture and hierarchical structures within academia.
- The need for more ambitious research proposals and disruptive thinking is highlighted as a way to drive true fundamental innovation.
Fitch Downgrades US Debt Rating:
- Fitch, one of the top three rating agencies, downgraded the long-term debt rating of the United States from AAA to AA+.
- This downgrade reflects concerns over higher interest rates, an aging population, and the debt-to-GDP ratio.
- The dysfunctional nature of government and issues like the debt ceiling are cited as reasons for concern.
Trump's Newest Indictment:
- Trump has been indicted on four counts related to his attempt to overturn the 2020 election and stop the peaceful transfer of power.
- These charges include conspiracy to defraud the US, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.
- There are allegations that Trump ordered employees to delete security videos related to these events.