Mantis Shrimp Armor Inspires Advanced Shockwave Protection

Hello and welcome to our February 6th edition. The STEAM Digest is a curated newsletter that brings you the latest news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Ultrasound-Guided Sparks: A Breakthrough in Controlled Electricity Transmission, and more.

• Biotechnology - Yale Scientists Reprogram Genetic Code to Create Synthetic Proteins, and more.

• Engineering & Technology - Breakthrough in Multi-Material 3D Printing Using Capillary Action, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Mantis Shrimp Armor Inspires Advanced Shockwave Protection, and more.

• Health & Medicine - New MIRO Device Advances Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy, and more.

• Neuroscience - How the Brain Learns to Overcome Fear: Insights for Anxiety Treatment, and more.

• Environment - Global Temperatures Break January Record Amidst Climate Change Debate, and more.

• Nature - Mantis Shrimp Armor Inspires Advanced Shockwave Protection, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

Ultrasound-Guided Sparks: A Breakthrough in Controlled Electricity Transmission: Scientists have discovered a way to guide electric sparks through the air using ultrasonic waves, a breakthrough that could revolutionize various applications from welding to electronics. The study shows that sound waves can direct sparks around obstacles and onto non-conductive materials by heating and lowering the air’s density. Unlike previous methods relying on dangerous lasers, this new technique is safe, affordable, and continuous. Researchers envision applications in atmospheric sciences, biological procedures, circuit powering, and even contactless Braille systems.

Protein “Tails” Play Key Role in Cell Membrane Function and Genetic Disorders: Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have uncovered how short protein tails help embed vital proteins into cell membranes, solving a long-standing biological mystery. While some proteins naturally extend into the membrane, others with short tails evolved hydrophobic properties, allowing them to be assisted by YidC, a specialized protein that flattens membrane regions for easier insertion. The study also linked genetic mutations affecting tail hydrophobicity to rare diseases, including epilepsy and inflammatory disorders. These findings could lead to better understanding and treatments for membrane-related genetic diseases.

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Yale Scientists Reprogram Genetic Code to Create Synthetic Proteins: Yale researchers have successfully re-engineered the genetic code of E. coli, creating a genomically recoded organism (GRO) called "Ochre" that streamlines redundant codons to expand protein-building possibilities. By eliminating two of the three stop codons, scientists unlocked the ability to encode unnatural amino acids, enabling new programmable biotherapeutics and biomaterials. This breakthrough—achieved through over 1,000 precise genome edits—could revolutionize medicine, industrial biotechnology, and synthetic biology. Potential applications include longer-lasting protein drugs and biomaterials with enhanced conductivity, with commercialization efforts already underway through Yale spin-off Pearl Bio.

CRISPR Breakthrough Unlocks Genetic Secrets of Beans' Nitrogen Fixation: Scientists at the University of Cordoba have successfully used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to study the adenine recycling enzyme (APRT) in beans, a crop resistant to genetic modification. They discovered that two gene copies encoding APRT have distinct functions—one aiding adenine recycling and the other regulating cytokinins, which influence root and nodule growth. This pioneering research sheds light on nitrogen metabolism in beans and could enhance crop sustainability, drought resistance, and root development. Future work aims to characterize two more gene copies, further advancing legume genetic research.

AI and 3D Laser Scanning Revolutionize New Zealand’s Forest Mapping: Researchers from New Zealand and Flinders University have developed an AI-driven mapping system using high-resolution aerial imagery and 3D laser scanning to accurately map radiata pine forests across New Zealand’s North Island. This spatially explicit forest description provides vital data on forest extent, age, and volume, supporting harvest planning, wood supply forecasting, and climate initiatives. The system also enables near real-time monitoring of forests using satellite-based harvest detection, helping manage risks in cyclone-affected regions like Gisborne. This innovative approach could be adapted for forestry industries in Australia and beyond.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Breakthrough in Multi-Material 3D Printing Using Capillary Action: Researchers at LLNL have developed a revolutionary multi-material 3D printing technique using capillary action to guide liquid materials into precise patterns within 3D-printed lattice structures. This cellular fluidics approach enables the fabrication of complex structures that were previously unprintable, offering applications in aerospace, biomedical engineering, and self-healing materials. The method eliminates the need for specialized multi-material printing setups by allowing selective material infusion into scaffolded designs. Future advancements may extend to ceramics, metals, and biomaterials, significantly expanding possibilities in additive manufacturing and high-performance material design.

Porous Plastic Sheets Offer Energy-Free Cooling for Buildings: Researchers have developed porous polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sheets that passively cool buildings by up to 8.4°C (14°F) without electricity. These radiative cooling sheets, created using powder sintering, reflect 96% of infrared and visible light, reducing indoor temperatures by scattering and radiating heat into space. When tested, PMMA-lined boxes cooled from 80°F to 65.3°F, outperforming conventional materials. Though degradable over time, the sheets are recyclable, presenting a sustainable cooling alternative that could reduce reliance on air conditioning and create new green industry jobs.

Electricity-Generating "Slime" Could Revolutionize Medicine, Robotics, and Green Energy: Researchers at the University of Guelph have developed a biocompatible, electricity-generating slime that could power wearable devices, promote wound healing, and even provide robots with sensory feedback. Made of 90% water, oleic acid (from olive oil), and amino acids, this soft material changes its microscopic structure under an electric field, enabling potential applications in drug delivery, pressure-sensitive synthetic skin, and energy-harvesting floors. Future developments could lead to medical bandages that accelerate healing by amplifying the body's natural electric fields. This breakthrough offers a safe, sustainable alternative for biomedical and green energy innovations.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Mole-Inspired Robot Could Burrow into Mars and the Moon: Chinese researchers have developed a mole-inspired robot designed to burrow through Martian and lunar soil in search of subsurface life and water. Unlike previous space drills, this biomimetic robot mimics real mole behavior, using forearms and hind legs to push and dig. Early tests in simulated regolith showed successful burrowing but difficulty tunneling forward, highlighting the need for improved limb coordination. Future versions may feature multi-mode movement, enabling crawling, running, and swimming. This breakthrough advances planetary exploration, potentially aiding in resource extraction and subsurface research beyond Earth.

Asteroid Bennu Samples Reveal Ancient Salts, Hinting at Life’s Building Blocks: Curtin University researchers have analyzed pristine asteroid samples from NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission, uncovering extraterrestrial salts that could reshape our understanding of planetary formation and the origins of life. The samples contain halite (sodium chloride) and other evaporite minerals, suggesting Bennu’s parent body once had briny water—a key ingredient for organic molecule development. Sealed to prevent contamination, these 4.5-billion-year-old materials mirror salt deposits on Earth, offering insight into ancient cosmic water activity. The discovery strengthens the possibility of life-supporting conditions on icy bodies like Enceladus and Ceres.

Are We Alone? The Search for Extraterrestrial Life Intensifies: As space exploration advances, the search for extraterrestrial life remains a central question. New telescope technologies, like the James Webb Space Telescope, have identified thousands of potentially habitable exoplanets, while gravitational wave detectors expand our understanding of cosmic events. Scientists are also exploring alternative biochemistries, including the possibility of silicon-based life. Theories on life's origin—such as meteorites delivering organic molecules—suggest life may have extraterrestrial roots. Using the Drake Equation, estimates suggest up to 12,500 intelligent civilizations could exist in the Milky Way alone, making the existence of alien life statistically likely.

Russian Astronomers Study Extreme Luminous Blue Variable Star DDO68-V1: Astronomers have analyzed 36 years of photometric data on DDO68-V1, a rare, extremely metal-poor luminous blue variable (LBV) star, to better understand its variability and mass loss. Located 41.2 million light-years away in the metal-poor dwarf galaxy DDO 68, the star underwent a giant eruption from 2008–2011, after which it gradually faded by 2.0 magnitudes. Unlike most LBVs, DDO68-V1 exhibits unusually large brightness fluctuations of up to 3.5 magnitudes, indicating extreme instability. Researchers propose high-cadence multiband monitoring to uncover potential binary interactions and further clarify its stellar evolution.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

New MIRO Device Advances Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy: Researchers have developed MIRO (Micro Immune Response On-chip), a microfluidic device that replicates tumors and their immune environments using patient cells. This breakthrough enables personalized cancer treatment testing, helping to predict immunotherapy success. Initial tests on HER2-positive breast cancer revealed how the tumor microenvironment blocks immune cells, reducing treatment efficacy. MIRO’s ability to track immune responses, analyze resistance, and identify biomarkers could revolutionize oncology drug development and clinical decision-making. A joint patent has been filed to integrate MIRO into hospitals and pharmaceutical research for better-targeted therapies.

Discovery of New Immune Pathway May Lead to Targeted Autoimmune Therapies: Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown mechanism in which the protein granzyme K (GZMK) triggers inflammatory tissue damage by activating the complement system against the body's own tissues. Found abundantly in rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular conditions, GZMK plays a crucial role in chronic inflammation. In animal models, mice lacking GZMK showed reduced arthritis and skin inflammation, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Unlike broad complement inhibitors, blocking GZMK could preserve protective immune functions while preventing harmful inflammation, paving the way for more precise autoimmune treatments.

NEUROSCIENCE

How the Brain Learns to Overcome Fear: Insights for Anxiety Treatment: Researchers at UCL’s Sainsbury Wellcome Center have identified the brain mechanisms that allow animals to suppress instinctive fears, offering potential insights for treating anxiety, phobias, and PTSD. The study, conducted in mice, found that learning to disregard harmless threats involves two key brain regions: the visual cortex, which enables learning, and the ventrolateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN), which stores these fear-modulating memories. The process is driven by endocannabinoids, molecules that regulate mood and memory. Since similar pathways exist in humans, this discovery could lead to novel therapies targeting fear-related disorders. Future studies will explore applications in clinical settings.

New Research Uncovers Brain Mechanisms Behind Alcohol-Induced Insomnia: Scientists at the University of Utah have identified specific brain signals and neurons responsible for alcohol-induced insomnia, a condition that can persist long after withdrawal and increase the risk of relapse. Using fruit flies, researchers found that acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter linked to memory and motivation, plays a crucial role in sleep disruption. Alcohol dampens brain activity, leading to a rebound effect where neurons become overactive, causing insomnia. By targeting a small subset of acetylcholine-producing brain cells, this research could pave the way for more precise treatments for alcohol-related sleep disturbances, reducing side effects and addiction risks associated with current sleep medications.

AI-Powered Brain Decoder Offers Hope for People with Aphasia: Researchers at UT Austin have developed an AI-based brain decoder that translates thoughts into continuous text, offering new hope for individuals with aphasia. Unlike earlier models that required hours of training using spoken words, the new system adapts in just one hour by analyzing brain activity while watching silent videos. This breakthrough suggests that brain-computer interfaces could one day enable non-verbal individuals to communicate more effectively. The study also reveals that the brain processes storytelling similarly across different sensory inputs, reinforcing that thoughts exist beyond language. Scientists are now testing the tool on aphasia patients to further its real-world applications.

ENVIRONMENT

Climate Change May Worsen Toxic Algal Blooms, Study Finds: New research reveals that different types of Microcystis aeruginosa, the cyanobacterium responsible for most harmful algal blooms (HABs), thrive under varying nutrient and temperature conditions. While efforts to reduce nutrients in freshwater bodies aim to curb HABs, some Microcystis strains can survive in nutrient-poor waters and adapt to rising temperatures, suggesting that climate change may intensify toxic blooms. The study highlights the need for targeted mitigation strategies beyond nutrient control as warming continues to amplify HAB events, threatening drinking water supplies and wildlife health.

Global Temperatures Break January Record Amidst Climate Change Debate: January 2025 set a new global temperature record, exceeding January 2024 by 0.09°C (0.16°F) and marking 1.75°C (3.15°F) above pre-industrial levels, according to Copernicus. Despite a cooling La Niña, warming persists due to record ocean heat and greenhouse gas buildup. Former NASA scientist James Hansen argues that global warming is accelerating, attributing it partly to reduced sulfur pollution from new shipping regulations. However, other experts debate whether this warming trend is beyond climate model predictions. The Arctic saw near-record low sea ice, reinforcing concerns about climate change's accelerating impact.

Cleaner Air Policies May Unintentionally Boost Methane Emissions: A new study finds that reducing sulfur emissions—a key component of clean air policies—may increase methane emissions from wetlands such as peatlands and swamps. Sulfur inhibits methane-producing microbes, and as sulfur levels drop, methane production surges, releasing an additional 20–34 million metric tons of methane annually. Combined with CO₂-driven plant growth, this effect could accelerate global warming beyond current projections. Researchers argue that climate targets must be stricter than outlined in the Global Methane Pledge, emphasizing the need for better integration of biogeochemical feedbacks in climate models.

NATURE

Mantis Shrimp Armor Inspires Advanced Shockwave Protection: Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that mantis shrimp armor uses sound-filtering structures to shield itself from its own powerful punches, which hit with the force of a .22 caliber bullet. The shrimp's dactyl clubs feature a herringbone-patterned impact layer for crack resistance and a corkscrew-layered Bouligand structure that selectively filters damaging vibrations. This phononic shielding mechanism prevents shockwaves from harming the shrimp’s delicate tissues, ensuring repeated strikes without injury. These findings could inspire new protective materials for military, sports, and impact-resistant gear, leading to better shockwave-dampening designs in human applications.

Whale Poop: A Key Fertilizer for Ocean Ecosystems: New research reveals that whale excrement plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems by recycling essential nutrients like iron and copper, which support phytoplankton growth. These tiny ocean plants fuel the krill populations that whales depend on. Scientists analyzed whale feces from blue and humpback whales, discovering that organic molecules help convert metals into safe, bioavailable forms. The findings suggest that the decline of baleen whales due to hunting disrupted ocean nutrient cycles, potentially affecting global carbon cycling. Restoring whale populations could help revive marine ecosystems and climate regulation.

DNA "Flip" in House Finches Sheds Light on Evolutionary Adaptations: A groundbreaking pangenomic study on house finches has uncovered a major DNA inversion that may have helped the birds develop disease resistance over millions of years. Using long-read sequencing, researchers analyzed structural variations that were previously overlooked, revealing how these birds genetically adapted to a conjunctivitis-causing bacterial pathogen. This study highlights the evolutionary response to diseases in wild populations and provides clues about how species—including humans—genetically adapt to new pathogens. Scientists see this pangenome approach as a powerful tool for future genetic and evolutionary studies across various species.