On Wednesday, Microsoft announced company researchers had developed a new chip that advances quantum computing using a new state of matter that is not a solid, liquid, or gas. This scientific breakthrough received wide media coverage—see stories in the New York Times, Reuters, MIT Technology Review, and the Verge.
Quantum computing could play a significant role in national security in the future. There is also a competitive race emerging, with China outspending both the U.S. and EU in public investments in quantum R&D.
This Week in Washington
- Broadband Breakfast: A bipartisan group of senators reintroduced legislation that intends to increase oversight of broadband supply chains. The Network Equipment Transparency (NET) Act would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to evaluate how shortages of network equipment, fiber-optic cables, and semiconductors impact broadband deployment.
- Wall Street Journal: Amid crippling attacks on critical infrastructure and severe threats from nation-states, Sen. Ron Wyden believes that Congress needs a bipartisan approach to solve the cybersecurity and technology challenges of the future.
- Cyberscoop: According to the Department of Energy’s chief information security officer, federal agencies need help from stakeholders outside of government to solve some of the harder technical barriers in setting up zero-trust architecture.
- Nextgov: President Donald Trump plans to nominate John Eisenberg to head the Justice Department’s National Security Division. As head of the national security division, Eisenberg would oversee various cybersecurity and surveillance authorities.
Article Summary
- Penn Today: A Perelman School of Medicine led research group used AI and machine learning to determine the “top-predicted” new treatment that was likely to work for idiopathic multicentric Castleman’s disease (iMCD). The AI prediction system could potentially apply to other rare conditions as well.
- Axios: Nvidia launched a free AI-powered tool that helps teach American Sign Language (ASL) called Signs. Now, language learners can access a library of signs that have been validated by people fluent in ASL.
- Telecompetitor: The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Round 2 grant, funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), is allocated to fund fiber-to-the-home service to over 350 residences, 30 businesses and nine anchor institutions in Alaska. Along with providing reliable and affordable high-speed broadband, this project is expected to bring new jobs to Alaska.
- Texas Tribune: Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar recommended federal officials change the requirements for billions of dollars in broadband funding, including eliminating the low-cost requirement. Hegar believes that removing this requirement could increase provider participation and reduce the administrative burden on state broadband offices.
Featured Podcast
- Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith
What will it take for a great power today to remain one? According to Jeffrey Ding, a professor at George Washington University and author of Technology and the Rise of Great Powers, it’s probably not flashy technology. In fact, Ding says that “technology is not the sole determinant of which countries can be successful in adapting to these industrial revolutions.” Learn more about how technology has shaped the rise of great powers in this episode. (“Jeffery Ding: AI and the Rise of Great Powers” – February 12, 2025)