Trump admin plans to cut team responsible for critical atomic measurement data

Summary

Trump plans to eliminate NIST’s Atomic Spectroscopy Group, which maintains crucial atomic measurement data used globally in fields like nuclear fusion and astronomy.

The Atomic Spectra Database, relied on by scientists and engineers, may be at risk, sparking backlash from researchers and lawmakers.

Critics warn that cutting the group will harm scientific progress and U.S. leadership in technology.

Representative Zoe Lofgren condemned the move as uninformed and potentially harmful to national security. A petition to save the group has gathered over 1,700 signatures.