Physicists Explore Harnessing Earth’s Rotation to Generate Electricity

Hello and welcome to our March 23, 2025 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 - Physicists Explore Harnessing Earth’s Rotation to Generate Electricity, and more.

• Materials - Researchers Develops Fast, Water-Based Method to Create High-Quality Thin Films for Flexible Electronics, and more.

• Biotechnology - Researchers Develop Breakthrough Imaging Technique for Tracking Gold Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy, and more.

• Engineering & Technology - Caltech Unveils Solar-Powered Reactor for Sustainable Jet Fuel Production, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Ancient Spheres: Study Reveals Early Hominins Used Naturally Occurring Basalt Balls as Tools, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Scientists Map Hidden Mutations in Stomach Lining, Uncover Clues to Early Cancer Development, and more.

• Neuroscience - Brain Rhythms Reveal How We Predict the Future, Study Finds, and more.

• Environment - CERN Study Reveals Multi-Step Formation of Human-Made Air Pollutants, Expanding Understanding of Regional Air Pollution.

• Nature - Gray Seals Use Blood Oxygen Monitoring to Prevent Drowning, Study Finds, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Asgard Archaea: Ancient Microbes May Hold the Key to the Origins of Complex Life, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

Physicists Explore Harnessing Earth’s Rotation to Generate Electricity: A team of physicists has experimentally demonstrated the potential to generate electricity using Earth’s rotation and magnetic field. Their study describes a device—a manganese-zinc ferrite cylinder aligned at a specific angle—that produced 18 microvolts of electricity when isolated from other influences. The researchers believe the voltage originates from the Earth’s rotation interacting with its magnetic field, challenging past assumptions that such energy would be canceled out by internal electron rearrangements. While the results are preliminary and require independent verification, the experiment suggests a novel method of energy generation that could, if scaled, become a viable alternative power source.

Rutgers Scientists Capture Real-Time Cellulose Formation, Revealing Surprising Self-Assembly in Plants: Rutgers University researchers have, for the first time, recorded 24-hour live imaging of cellulose synthesis in plant cells. Using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, the team observed Arabidopsis protoplasts (plant cells without walls) spontaneously sprouting chaotic cellulose filaments that self-assembled into structured fibril networks—a surprising result that challenges traditional views of highly ordered biosynthesis. The study showed that simple physical mechanisms like diffusion and self-organization could drive the formation of complex cell wall structures. These insights could help engineer more resilient crops, enhance biofuel production, and optimize the use of plant-based materials in textiles, plastics, and medicine.

MATERIALS

Researchers Develops Fast, Water-Based Method to Create High-Quality Thin Films for Flexible Electronics: A research team has developed a rapid and eco-friendly method for producing catalytic thin films using only water and oil in under one minute. The process uses nanomaterial-coated oil droplets that float and assemble at the water’s surface, triggered by hydrogen peroxide decomposition. The resulting films are highly porous, mechanically strong, and flexible, with precise thickness control (starting at 350 nm) and can cover areas up to 100 cm². Demonstrated on complex surfaces—including micropatterned substrates and a leaf—the technology enables the creation of flexible, conductive electrodes, offering potential for wearable electronics, catalysts, and energy storage devices.

Light-Powered Breakthrough in Drug Development: Chemists Create Cleaner, More Efficient Path to Vital Medicines: Researchers have developed a novel, light-driven chemical process that could revolutionize pharmaceutical manufacturing. The study outlines a method to efficiently produce tetrahydroisoquinolines—compounds vital to treating conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. Traditional synthesis methods require harsh conditions and can produce unwanted byproducts. The new approach uses photoinduced energy transfer, triggered by light and a specialized catalyst, to achieve high selectivity and cleaner reactions. This advancement not only paves the way for new drug discoveries but could also benefit agriculture and materials science through the development of better pesticides and durable materials.

Eco-Friendly Detergent Made from Wood and Corn Rivals Commercial Cleaners:
Researchers have developed a sustainable detergent made from cellulose nanofibers (derived from wood) and zein protein (from corn) that cleans as effectively as conventional products. Concern over the environmental impact of common cleaning chemicals has driven efforts to find safer alternatives. The new formulation forms an emulsion that effectively traps and lifts stains without leaving residue. When tested on fabrics and dishware stained with substances like ink, chili oil, and tomato paste, the eco-friendly detergent performed comparably—and at times better—than commercial cleaners, particularly at higher concentrations. The findings suggest this plant-based solution could be a viable, environmentally gentle replacement for traditional cleaning agents.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Researchers Develop Breakthrough Imaging Technique for Tracking Gold Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy:  Researchers have developed a novel imaging technique that enables real-time tracking of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the body without external tracers. The method uses neutron activation to convert stable gold (^197Au) into radioactive gold (^198Au), which emits gamma rays detectable from outside the body. This approach preserves the chemical properties of AuNPs and allows precise, long-term tracking of drug carriers, even when delivering short-lived therapeutic agents like 211AtAt. The technique marks a major advancement in targeted drug delivery and cancer treatment, promising more effective monitoring of nanomedicine and drug distribution.

Zebrafish Study Reveals Key Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Early Organ Development: A study by researchers has shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs)—tiny membrane-enclosed nanoparticles—play a critical role in zebrafish embryonic development, especially during the first 72 hours. The study tracked both small and large EVs, revealing that their number and size increase significantly during early organ formation. These vesicles likely support cell differentiation and intercellular communication. The findings lay the groundwork for future research into EV-based drug delivery and targeted therapies, particularly if specific EV functions and destinations can be mapped.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Caltech Unveils Solar-Powered Reactor for Sustainable Jet Fuel Production:
A Caltech research team, part of the DOE's Liquid Sunlight Alliance (LiSA), has developed a lab-scale solar-thermal reactor capable of producing components of jet fuel using only sunlight. The study introduces a photothermocatalytic system that employs a multilayer selective solar absorber to maximize solar heat capture and minimize energy loss. The reactor successfully drove ethylene oligomerization—a key step in producing jet fuel—without relying on electricity or fossil fuels. With potential for scalability, this technology could offer a carbon-neutral alternative for the aviation industry. Combined with prior research on solar-based ethylene production from CO₂ and water, the approach represents a promising step toward fully solar-driven, net-zero-emission fuel systems.

U-M Study Advances Cleaner Biodiesel by Turning Wastewater and CO₂ into Valuable Products: A University of Michigan-led study explores a more sustainable biodiesel production method by capturing CO₂ and treating glycerol-laden wastewater using electrochemical processes. The team focused on replacing the energy-intensive oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with a more efficient glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR), leveraging glycerol’s low redox potential to cut energy use by 23–53%. Using a nickel catalyst, researchers produced high-value chemicals like formate. However, they found catalyst performance dropped 99.7% over 24 hours due to particle buildup. The study offers a roadmap for improving catalyst stability and integrating waste recovery, CO₂ utilization, and green chemical synthesis into a single system.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Discovery of Distant Spiral Galaxy with Giant Black Hole Jets Offers Warning for Milky Way: An international team of astronomers led by CHRIST University, Bangalore, has discovered a rare spiral galaxy—2MASX J23453268−0449256—nearly 1 billion light-years away, containing a supermassive black hole emitting radio jets over 6 million light-years long. This challenges existing theories that such jets form only in elliptical galaxies. Despite the jets, the galaxy has maintained its spiral structure, suggesting galaxies like the Milky Way could also produce similar energetic outbursts in the future. These jets, if directed toward Earth, could cause severe radiation damage and possibly trigger mass extinction. The study also revealed the galaxy holds ten times more dark matter than the Milky Way, offering new insights into galactic stability and evolution.

Ancient Spheres: Study Reveals Early Hominins Used Naturally Occurring Basalt Balls as Tools: A new study reveals that early hominin species may have deliberately collected and used naturally occurring basalt spheres as tools for over one million years. Analyzing over 30 basalt spheres from eight Pleistocene sites at Melka Kunture, Ethiopia, Mussi concludes that these round stones were selected for specific tasks—harder spheres for tool-making and softer ones for processing materials like vegetables or hides. The presence of flake scars and the improbability of natural transport support their intentional use. This finding offers compelling evidence of early hominins’ adaptive behavior and resourcefulness in tool selection and use.

Oxygen Found in Most Distant Galaxy Challenges Early Universe Models:
Astronomers have detected oxygen in the farthest known galaxy, JADES-GS-z14-0, located 13.4 billion light-years away. Reported in two studies (1,2) the discovery was made using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. The presence of oxygen in this young galaxy—seen as it was just 300 million years after the Big Bang—suggests galaxies in the early universe matured much faster than previously believed. The galaxy, originally identified by the James Webb Space Telescope, shows signs of significant chemical evolution, with roughly ten times more heavy elements than expected. ALMA’s precise measurements also confirmed the galaxy’s extreme distance with unprecedented accuracy. These findings are reshaping our understanding of how and when the first galaxies formed.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Scientists Map Hidden Mutations in Stomach Lining, Uncover Clues to Early Cancer Development: A new study has revealed how somatic mutations accumulate in the stomach lining, offering fresh insight into the early stages of stomach cancer. Researchers sequenced 238 samples of normal gastric tissue from individuals with and without cancer. They found that nearly 10% of the stomach lining in people aged 60 carries cancer-related mutations. Despite the stomach’s acidic environment, mutation rates were similar to other tissues, suggesting strong natural protection. Notably, the team identified unusual chromosomal changes—trisomies—in some individuals, hinting at exposure to an unknown mutagen. The study improves understanding of how normal cells begin transforming into cancer cells and highlights the impact of chronic inflammation and genetic instability in stomach cancer risk.

Mount Sinai Researchers Identify Key Immune Cell Failure Linked to Crohn’s Disease Onset: A study led by Mount Sinai reveals that gamma delta intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs)—a type of immune cell critical for maintaining intestinal health—are impaired before Crohn’s disease symptoms appear. Using a mouse model mimicking Crohn’s-like ileitis, researchers found that pro-inflammatory proteins disrupt communication between gamma delta IELs and gut epithelial cells, leading to cell death and loss of immune regulation. This early loss contributes to chronic inflammation and intestinal damage. The findings suggest gamma delta IELs could serve as biomarkers for disease prediction and targets for new therapies to prevent or manage Crohn’s disease.

Stem Cell Therapy Shows Promise for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery in Groundbreaking Japanese Study: In a world-first clinical study, researchers at Keio University in Tokyo successfully used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) to help improve motor function in two out of four patients with spinal cord injuries. iPS cells—mature cells reprogrammed into a juvenile state—were developed into neural stem cells and implanted into the spinal cords of patients. Over a year of monitoring, no serious side effects were observed. One elderly patient has regained the ability to stand and is practicing walking. While the primary goal was to assess safety, the results offer hope for future treatments. The research team now aims to advance to broader clinical trials.

NEUROSCIENCE

Brain Rhythms Reveal How We Predict the Future, Study Finds: In a groundbreaking study, neuroscientists have shown how brain rhythms help predict the timing of future events. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), researchers found that brain waves in the alpha (7–12 Hz) and beta (15–30 Hz) frequency ranges reflect the brain’s ability to anticipate events based on probability over time. Stronger oscillations, especially in the posterior parietal cortex, middle temporal gyrus, and sensorimotor cortex, corresponded to more accurate and faster reactions. These findings enhance our understanding of attention, decision-making, and may inform treatments for disorders like ADHD and Parkinson’s, which affect timing and motor control.

How the Hippocampus Builds Flexible Memories to Shape Future Behavior:
A new study by researchers explores how the hippocampus supports compositional memory—the ability to break down experiences into basic building blocks (or "primitives") and reassemble them to imagine future scenarios or guide decision-making. Using computer simulations and brain activity recordings, the team found that the hippocampus enables optimal behavior in novel environments through two key processes: memory composition and hippocampal replay. Contrary to earlier views that hippocampal replay simply consolidates memories passively, this study suggests it plays an active role in forming flexible, compositional memories. The findings propose a unified framework for understanding how the hippocampus contributes not only to memory and navigation but also to imagination and adaptive behavior.

Neuroscientists Unlock Zinc Regulation in Brain, Opening Door to New Neurological Treatments: Neuroscientists have discovered how to precisely control zinc release in the brain, a breakthrough that could lead to new therapies for neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and Alzheimer's disease. The study focuses on the zinc transporter protein ZIP12, which influences synaptic activity—how nerve cells communicate. The team identified molecular compounds that can modulate ZIP12, effectively “tuning” zinc’s influence like a volume knob to strengthen or weaken neural connections. This level of control could help normalize brain function in conditions where zinc signaling is disrupted. The discovery also offers a valuable toolkit for future research and drug development aimed at improving sensory processing and cognitive function.

ENVIRONMENT

CERN Study Reveals Multi-Step Formation of Human-Made Air Pollutants, Expanding Understanding of Regional Air Pollution: A groundbreaking international study led by PSI at CERN’s CLOUD simulation chamber has revealed that anthropogenic organic aerosols—harmful carbon-containing air pollutants—form after multiple oxidation steps, not just one as previously believed. These pollutants, derived from precursor gases like toluene and benzene in urban exhaust, can take 6 to 48 hours to evolve into respirable particulate matter, meaning their impact extends far beyond their source. The study found that over 70% of these aerosols are produced through this delayed process. The findings suggest that controlling precursor gas emissions, not just direct particle emissions, is crucial for reducing regional air pollution and improving public health.

NATURE

Gray Seals Use Blood Oxygen Monitoring to Prevent Drowning, Study Finds:
A study by scientists reveals that gray seals can monitor their blood oxygen levels to determine when to surface for air, rather than relying on carbon dioxide cues like land mammals. The research involved controlled experiments with six adult seals in a pool, testing their dive times under varying levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The seals stayed underwater longer when oxygen was abundant and surfaced sooner when it was low, but high carbon dioxide levels had no effect. This suggests gray seals possess a unique physiological mechanism to prevent drowning.

Female Hummingbirds Mimic Males to Gain Nectar Access and Avoid Aggression, Study Finds: New research reveals that some female white-necked jacobin hummingbirds mimic male plumage to reduce aggression from others and gain better access to nectar. Using game theory and behavioral data, scientists showed that this mimicry represents a “hybrid signal” strategy—a stable equilibrium where only some females “lie” by appearing male. This deceptive tactic helps explain female polymorphism in the species and offers a broader framework for studying how signals like coloration, behavior, or body traits evolve in animals.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Asgard Archaea: Ancient Microbes May Hold the Key to the Origins of Complex Life: Once unknown, Asgard archaea—discovered in 2015 near hydrothermal vents in the Atlantic Ocean—are now seen as potential ancestors of complex life. Scientists at ETH Zurich have revealed that these microbes possess primitive versions of structures once thought unique to eukaryotes, such as actin filaments and microtubules. In a recent study researchers found that some Asgard archaea produce tubulin-based microtubules, hinting at ancient transport mechanisms within cells. These findings strengthen the theory that eukaryotes, including humans, evolved from Asgard archaea. The work not only challenges the traditional three-domain tree of life but also provides new insights into the evolution of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. Ongoing research aims to uncover the functions of these proteins and further decode the biology of this intriguing microbial lineage.

Drug-Resistant Bacteria Evolves to Eliminate Rivals, Becomes Dominant Hospital Strain: Scientists have discovered that a drug-resistant strain of Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) has evolved to dominate hospital settings by weaponizing a natural antimicrobial tool called a bacteriocin. The study used the Enhanced Detection System for Health Care-Associated Transmission (EDS-HAT) to analyze six years of hospital infection data, revealing that two VREfm strains emerged in 2018 and now account for 80% of cases. These strains gained the ability to kill off rival bacteria, giving them a competitive advantage in vulnerable hospital environments. A global genomic analysis confirmed the same pattern worldwide. While the new strains aren't more harmful to patients, the reduced diversity among VREfm could pave the way for targeted therapies, including potential use of bacteriocins as future antimicrobial agents.

Scientists Recreate Dinosaur-Era Proto-Feathers in Chicken Embryos: A study has shed light on the evolutionary origins of feathers by recreating structures resembling proto-feathers in chicken embryos. These primitive feather-like filaments likely appeared in dinosaurs around 200 million years ago and may have existed even earlier. By inhibiting the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway during embryonic development, scientists observed the formation of simple, unbranched buds similar to early proto-feathers. Despite this disruption, feather development eventually resumed, suggesting that modern feather formation is supported by a highly robust genetic network. The research offers valuable insight into how complex features like feathers evolved from simpler ancestral structures.