Revolutionary Electrodes Improve Boron Removal in Water Desalination

Hello and welcome to our January 22nd 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 - Revealing the Structure of Filopodia: A Step Forward in Cancer Research, and more.

• Materials - New Insights into Carbon Nanoparticle Oxidation for Environmental and Energy Advances.

• Biotechnology & Biomedicine - Gene Editing Could Reduce Risk of Complex Diseases, Study Suggests.

• Engineering & Technology - Revolutionary Electrodes Improve Boron Removal in Water Desalination, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Swarm Satellites Unveil Ocean Tides’ Magnetic Signatures and Insights on Magma Distribution, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Study Links Hospital and Private Equity Consolidation in Primary Care to Higher Service Prices, and more.

• Neuroscience - Thought-Controlled Quadcopter Flight Achieved with Brain-Computer Interface, and more.

• Environment - Offshore Wind Farms May Pose Environmental and Health Risks from Metal Leaching.

• Nature - Study Confirms Wild Baboons Lack Mirror Self-Recognition, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

Revealing the Structure of Filopodia: A Step Forward in Cancer Research: Researchers at Rockefeller University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the structure of filopodia—cellular protrusions critical for movement in healthy and cancerous cells. Using advanced imaging technologies, they visualized the intricate assembly of hexagonal bundles formed by fascin proteins binding actin filaments, solving a decades-old mystery. The study revealed how fascin's structural flexibility allows it to adapt to imperfect filaments and assemble stable yet flexible bundles. This insight enhances understanding of how metastatic cancer cells use filopodia to spread and may improve the design of fascin inhibitors, a class of drugs in clinical trials aimed at halting metastasis by disrupting filopodia formation.

Researchers Develop Fertilizer from Wastewater Urea Using Innovative Process: A team of chemists and agriculture specialists has developed a method to transform urea in wastewater into percarbamide, a crystallized fertilizer. Using defect-engineered graphite electrodes and an electric current, the process converts urea, water, and oxygen into solid percarbamide crystals, which release nitrogen slowly over time. Tests on crops like peanuts, wheat, and lettuce showed improved growth compared to traditional fertilizers, attributed to the slow nitrogen release. While the process may be challenging to scale for industrial use, it presents a promising approach for localized fertilizer production using human and animal urine as a sustainable resource.

Copper Sensing and Chelation Show Promise in Lung Cancer Research: Researchers at Princeton University's Chang Lab have developed a novel sensing probe to detect copper levels in human cells, uncovering a connection between copper regulation and cell growth in certain lung cancers. The study found that cancers with high levels of the antioxidant regulator NRF2 and low copper were particularly susceptible to copper chelation therapy, which deprives cancer cells of the essential nutrient, resulting in increased cell death. This proof-of-concept research highlights copper's role in cancer biology and its potential as a therapeutic target, though further studies in human tissues are needed.

MATERIALS

New Insights into Carbon Nanoparticle Oxidation for Environmental and Energy Advances: Scientists have studied how carbon nanoparticles oxidize under diesel engine exhaust conditions, uncovering temperature-dependent shifts in dominant oxidants from nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) at lower temperatures to oxygen (O₂) at higher temperatures. Using the KM-GAP-CARBON kinetic model, the research explains how reactive carbon atoms are oxidized first, slowing the process temporarily before accelerating again as particle surface-area-to-volume ratios increase. These findings improve understanding of carbon surface reactions, offering potential advancements in soot particle filters, carbon capture technologies, and synthetic fuel production, contributing to sustainable development in the Anthropocene.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICINE

Gene Editing Could Reduce Risk of Complex Diseases, Study Suggests: A study by Australian researchers suggests that editing multiple genetic variants in human embryos could significantly reduce the risk of complex diseases like Alzheimer's, diabetes, and schizophrenia. Using mathematical models, the researchers found that modifying as few as 10 genetic loci could dramatically lower disease prevalence. However, the study also acknowledges significant challenges, including technical limitations, ethical concerns, and potential unintended effects. While practical applications remain distant, the findings highlight the need for international cooperation and ethical deliberation as gene-editing technologies advance.

Machine Learning Revolutionizes Enzyme Engineering for Faster, Efficient Catalysis Design: Researchers have developed a machine learning-driven computational workflow that accelerates enzyme engineering by eliminating the need for living cells in the design process. This method allows the rapid design, testing, and prediction of thousands of enzyme variants, significantly reducing the time required to enhance enzyme activity. The new approach synthesizes and tests enzymes in cell-free systems, yielding significant improvements in chemical reactions, including a proof-of-concept pharmaceutical synthesis with a yield increase from 10% to 90%. While challenges like limited data availability remain, this breakthrough opens the door to applications in sustainability, toxin degradation, and pharmaceutical development. Future expansions aim to explore diverse chemical reactions and address data needs to further optimize the process.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Revolutionary Electrodes Improve Boron Removal in Water Desalination: Engineers from the University of Michigan and Rice University have developed carbon cloth electrodes that efficiently remove boron from seawater during desalination. Boron, a toxic contaminant, often passes through conventional filters, necessitating costly chemical treatments. This new technology traps boron in electrode pores using oxygen-containing structures, reducing energy and chemical demands while cutting desalination costs by up to 15%. The electrodes eliminate the need for post-treatment processes by charging boron via water splitting, enabling it to bind to capture sites. This innovation, potentially saving $6.9 billion annually worldwide, represents a significant advancement in making seawater a viable source of drinking water and addressing the global water crisis.

Floating Solar Panels Could Power 100 Million Homes Using Federal Reservoirs: A study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reveals that federal reservoirs in the U.S. have the potential to generate up to 1,476 terawatt-hours of electricity annually through floating solar panel projects, enough to power approximately 100 million homes. This represents the maximum theoretical energy output if every suitable reservoir were fully utilized. Floating solar panels, or floating PV, offer several advantages, including reducing land use competition and conserving water by shading reservoirs to prevent evaporation. Researchers highlight hybrid systems combining floating solar and hydropower, which could ensure grid reliability during droughts. Although no large-scale floating solar installations exist in the U.S. yet, the study provides critical data to help developers identify optimal reservoir sites while considering factors like environmental impact, local energy demand, and regulatory challenges. Future research will expand on these findings, exploring additional water bodies and practical implementation strategies.

Robotic Exoskeleton Boosts Pianists' Speed and Skill Beyond Performance Plateaus: Researchers have developed a robotic exoskeleton that enhances piano playing by controlling finger movements during training. In a study involving 118 trained pianists, the exoskeleton, which attaches to the top of the hand, guided the fingers in patterns and speeds mimicking piano exercises. The participants, previously plateaued in their playing abilities, showed improved speed and performance after training, with enhancements observed in both hands despite the robot training only the right hand. Motor cortex tests indicated neuroplastic changes, suggesting that the training altered brain activity to support the observed improvements. This research highlights the potential of robotic assistance to push musicians beyond natural performance limits.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Swarm Satellites Unveil Ocean Tides’ Magnetic Signatures and Insights on Magma Distribution: Using data from ESA's Swarm satellite constellation, researchers have detected faint magnetic signals created by ocean tides, offering insights into magma distribution beneath the seabed and potential trends in global ocean temperatures and salinity. These weak magnetic signatures, induced by electrically conductive seawater moving through Earth's magnetic field, were detected at unprecedented accuracy thanks to Swarm's low-altitude orbit and advanced magnetometers. The study highlights Swarm's capability to analyze the entire ocean water column and support understanding of events like the 2022 Hunga-Tonga volcanic eruption. Data quality was enhanced during a solar minimum, when reduced solar activity minimized interference. With its mission extended well beyond its planned four-year lifespan, Swarm could continue collecting valuable data through the next solar minimum after 2030, advancing oceanographic and geophysical research.

MeerKAT Telescope Detects 26 New Galactic Radio Transients, Expanding Understanding of RRATsL: Astronomers using the MeerKAT telescope in South Africa have identified 26 new Galactic radio transients, with most classified as rotating radio transients (RRATs). RRATs are sporadically emitting neutron stars, considered a subclass of pulsars, with spin periods ranging from 1.06 to 17.49 seconds. The study, part of the MeerTRAP project, also uncovered two pulsars and one RRAT independently detected by other surveys. Key findings include timing solutions for five RRATs, suggesting they are several million years old with low magnetic field strengths, consistent with known RRAT characteristics. Two transients, MTP0021/PSR J0219−06 and MTP0023/PSR J1319−4536, exhibited complex pulse structures and are recommended for further study. The discoveries contribute to understanding neutron star behavior and challenge current magnetospheric emission models.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Study Links Hospital and Private Equity Consolidation in Primary Care to Higher Service Prices: A study by researchers from Brown University and the Brookings Institution examined the effects of hospital and private equity (PE) ownership on primary care physician prices using data from 2009 to 2022. The findings show that hospital-affiliated physicians negotiated 10.7% higher prices per office visit than independent physicians, while PE-affiliated physicians commanded prices 7.8% higher. Hospital-affiliated physicians grew from 25.2% to 47.9% during the study period, with PE-affiliated practices increasing to 1.5%, concentrated in states like Florida and Texas. New patient visits averaged $180 for hospital-affiliated physicians, compared to $155 for PE-affiliated and $147 for independent physicians. The study highlights concerns about rising costs driven by corporate consolidation in primary care. While quality of care was not evaluated, the findings emphasize the need for greater transparency and regulatory oversight to address the financial impact of consolidation on patients and insurers.

Frequent Social Media Use Linked to Increased Irritability in US Adults, Study Finds: A study by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School analyzed the link between self-reported social media use and irritability among 42,597 US adults. Using data from the COVID States Project survey (2023–2024), the study found that frequent social media use, particularly active posting, correlates with higher irritability levels, even after accounting for anxiety and depression. Participants using social media "most of the day" scored 1.55 points higher on irritability measures after adjustments. TikTok users showed the most pronounced irritability increase among platforms, and frequent political engagement amplified irritability levels. The findings highlight the need for further research to uncover the mechanisms behind this association and to explore potential intervention strategies.

Machine Learning and fNIRS Used to Predict Depression Treatment Outcomes:
Researchers have demonstrated the potential of using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and machine learning to predict treatment responses in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). In a six-month study of 70 patients, biomarkers like hemoglobin concentration in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) were found to correlate with treatment outcomes. The machine learning models, particularly those analyzing fNIRS data alone, achieved high predictive accuracy, with the Naïve Bayes model performing best. These findings could streamline depression treatment by reducing trial-and-error approaches and help develop more personalized therapeutic strategies.

NEUROSCIENCE

Thought-Controlled Quadcopter Flight Achieved with Brain-Computer Interface: Researchers have developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) that allows a participant with tetraplegia to control a virtual quadcopter using thought alone. By implanting electrodes in the motor cortex, the system interprets neural signals associated with imagined finger movements to command the quadcopter’s flight. This breakthrough, tested as part of the BrainGate2 clinical trials, demonstrated a sixfold improvement in precision compared to noninvasive methods like EEG. The study not only provides opportunities for recreation, such as gaming, but also highlights the potential for restoring fine motor control and facilitating future applications like remote work or operating complex tools. Researchers see this as a step toward restoring full-body mobility for individuals with paralysis.

New Insights into Brainstem Neurons Regulating Feeding Behaviors: Researchers have identified distinct neuron subtypes in the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (cNTS) that regulate feeding behaviors in mice. The study revealed that Th+ neurons, which respond to esophageal signals, regulate ingestion speed, while Gcg+ neurons, which monitor intestinal nutrients and calorie intake, influence satiation and food preferences. These findings highlight how different sensory pathways and neuron populations in the cNTS work together to process gut-originating signals and adapt feeding behaviors. The study provides new insights into the neural mechanisms of food intake regulation and offers promising avenues for developing therapies for obesity and eating disorders.

New Insights into Aging Microglia and Neurological Disease:Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet have advanced our understanding of how aging impacts microglia, the brain's immune cells, and their role in age-related neurological diseases. Using a novel long-term cultivation method, they discovered that aged microglia exhibit altered gene expression and a weakened immune response compared to younger cells. This reduced ability to address brain inflammation may contribute to conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The study identified 13 aging-associated genes, including SLC16A3 and P2RY13, as potential biomarkers of microglial aging in both mouse and human brains. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders and could inform the development of therapies to slow or reverse age-related changes in microglia. Researchers emphasized the need for improved aging models to drive further breakthroughs in combating age-related brain diseases.

Meditation, Nature, and Digital Art Trigger Unique Brain Activity Patterns, UCLA Study Reveals: A study by UCLA researchers investigated the brain activity associated with transcendental meditation, viewing nature videos, and watching digital art. Using fMRI, nine participants were observed during these activities to compare their neural responses. The study found that meditation activated brain regions related to sensory processing, memory, and integration, while nature videos and digital art elicited distinct neural patterns reflective of their unique sensory and emotional qualities. These findings suggest that different transcendent experiences engage specific brain regions, highlighting their potential for improving well-being and reducing stress. Further research is planned to explore their therapeutic applications.

ENVIRONMENT

Offshore Wind Farms May Pose Environmental and Health Risks from Metal Leaching: A study reveals that metals like aluminum, zinc, and indium from corrosion-protection systems on offshore wind turbines leach into surrounding waters, potentially harming ecosystems and human health. Current European wind farms release thousands of tons of these metals annually, with zinc levels already surpassing major regional discharges into the North Atlantic. The research raises concerns about metal accumulation in marine species like oysters and seaweed, particularly in areas where aquaculture is co-located with wind farms, which could exceed safety limits for human consumption. As wind power expands, the study emphasizes the need for better monitoring, environmentally friendly corrosion systems, and stringent guidelines to mitigate potential risks while supporting clean energy goals.

Extreme Climate Events Turn Greenland Lakes from Carbon Sinks to Emitters: A study by the University of Maine found that record heat and precipitation in fall 2022 caused 7,500 lakes in West Greenland to shift from clear, carbon-sequestering ecosystems to brown, carbon-emitting ones. The events, driven by atmospheric rivers, thawed permafrost, releasing organic carbon and metals into lakes. This rapid ecological transformation, typically spanning centuries, occurred in less than a year, reducing water quality, altering biodiversity, and increasing carbon dioxide emissions by 350%. The findings highlight the long-term impacts of extreme climate events and emphasize the importance of monitoring lake dynamics for water treatment and climate resilience strategies.

Ancient Mantle Structures Challenge Theories of Earth's Interior: Scientists from have discovered two massive, ancient mantle structures beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean, known as Large Low Seismic Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs). These structures, composed of rigid, large-grained minerals, resist mantle convection and are at least half a billion years old. Using seismic wave data, researchers found that LLSVPs exhibit unique properties, including low wave damping despite high temperatures. These findings challenge traditional views of a well-mixed mantle and provide insights into processes like volcanism and mountain formation, driven by mantle plumes originating at LLSVP edges.

NATURE

Study Confirms Wild Baboons Lack Mirror Self-Recognition: A study conducted in Namibia’s Tsaobis Nature Park tested the self-awareness of wild Chacma baboons using a controlled laser mark test. Researchers observed 120 baboons interacting with mirrors and responding to lasers on their bodies. While the baboons reacted to visible laser marks on their hands or feet, they did not respond to marks on their faces or ears seen in a mirror, suggesting they did not recognize their reflections as themselves. This first-of-its-kind study in a wild setting strengthens the evidence that monkeys lack mirror self-recognition, contrasting them with some other animals like great apes. The findings also highlight differences in mirror exposure between wild and captive primates and provide a framework for future studies on self-awareness in non-hominid species.

Specialized Fat Receptors Found in Juvenile Dolphins: Scientists have discovered specialized taste receptors on the tongues of juvenile bottlenose dolphins that detect fatty acids in their mother’s milk. These receptors, arranged in a V-shaped row, aid in sensing and processing fat, crucial for the calves’ energy and brain development. The study highlights how dolphins compensate for their limited sense of smell, using this "fat taste" system to assess nutritional quality. The findings provide new insights into dolphin feeding, growth, and survival strategies, with implications for understanding sensory adaptations in marine mammals.

Cownose Ray's Tail Functions as a Sensory Antenna: Marine biologists from Harvard University have discovered that the cownose ray's long, thin tail serves as a sensory organ rather than a tool for movement or defense. Through dissections, CT scans, and analysis of preserved specimens, researchers found tiny holes along the tail connected to a lateral line canal—a sensory system common in fish and amphibians. This system likely helps the ray detect water movement, such as a predator approaching from behind, providing crucial awareness while the ray forages on the ocean floor. The study sheds light on the evolutionary adaptation of ray tails for open-ocean survival.