Fruit-Sucking Moth Uses Nanostructures to Mimic 3D Leaf Camouflage

Hello and welcome to our February 12th 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 - Researchers Reveal Key Surface Chemistry of Nematodes, Unlocking New Insights into Behavior and Disease, and more.

• Materials - Fruit-Sucking Moth Uses Nanostructures to Mimic 3D Leaf Camouflage, and more.

• Biotechnology - Bacterial Cellulose Promotes Plant Tissue Regeneration Through Hormonal and Defense Pathways.

• Engineering & Technology - Biohybrid Hand with Muscle Tissue Achieves Scissor Gesture in Robotics Breakthrough, and more.

• Health & Medicine -Yogurt Consumption Linked to Lower Risk of Certain Colorectal Cancers, and more.

• Neuroscience - Scientific Evidence Confirms Hypnosis Alters Brain Activity, and more.

• Environment - California's Prop 65 Drives Industry Shift Toward Safer Products.

• Nature -Scientists Engineer Animals to Neutralize Dangerous Methylmercury Pollution, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - A New Theory on the Origins of Money: Trade as the Driving Force.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

Researchers Reveal Key Surface Chemistry of Nematodes, Unlocking New Insights into Behavior and Disease: A new study has provided the clearest-ever picture of the surface chemistry of nematodes, shedding light on how these microscopic worms interact with their environment and each other. Using advanced mass spectrometry imaging, scientists analyzed the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus, discovering that their surfaces are predominantly composed of lipids (70–80%), which play a crucial role in maintaining hydration, resisting bacteria, and influencing interspecies interactions. The study found that surface lipids serve as chemical cues affecting predator-prey dynamics, with Pristionchus pacificus using lipid signals to detect and prey upon C. elegans. This breakthrough offers new insights into nematode biology, with potential applications in evolutionary research, behavioral studies, and the fight against parasitic worm infections.

Advanced Nanofiber Wound Patches Enhance Healing and Infection Control:
Researchers have developed nanofiber wound patches combining polyurethane (PU) and magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), offering superior strength, blood compatibility, and antimicrobial properties. This study marks a major advancement in wound care. Using electrospinning technology, the team created highly durable patches that mimic natural tissue structure, supporting cell attachment and growth. The MgCl₂ infusion significantly strengthened the patches, nearly doubling their mechanical resilience compared to standard PU patches. The patches also delayed clotting time, improving blood compatibility and reducing risks of clotting-related complications. Crucially, the patches demonstrated antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, reducing infection risks—a major advantage over traditional wound dressings. Additionally, they promoted fibroblast growth, essential for faster tissue regeneration. While further in vivo studies are needed to confirm real-world effectiveness, these findings open new possibilities for next-generation wound management solutions, particularly for severe wounds from burns, trauma, or surgery.

Researchers Stabilize High-Pressure Superconductivity at Ambient Conditions:
Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in high-temperature superconductivity, successfully stabilizing a material’s superconducting state at ambient pressure for the first time. In their study researchers applied their pressure-quench protocol (PQP) to Bi₀.₅Sb₁.₅Te₃ (BST), a material that typically requires high pressure to become superconducting. This new technique preserves high-pressure-induced superconducting phases without the need for extreme environments, making it easier to study and use in practical applications. The discovery opens new avenues for developing superconductors that function in everyday conditions, potentially leading to energy-efficient technologies and new states of matter previously unseen under normal conditions.

MATERIALS

Fruit-Sucking Moth Uses Nanostructures to Mimic 3D Leaf Camouflage: Researchers have discovered that the fruit-sucking moth (Eudocima aurantia) creates an optical illusion of a crumpled leaf on its wings despite having a completely flat surface. The study reveals that the moth uses specialized nanostructures to manipulate light reflection, mimicking the highlights and coloration of a curved leaf. By employing thin-film reflectors and pigmentary coloration, the moth exploits predator perception of 3D shapes to enhance its camouflage, making it appear as an inedible object. The research, conducted using specimens from the London Natural History Museum, highlights a sophisticated form of mimicry in nature, adding to the scientists’ previous discoveries on shape-shifting moth wing patterns. This breakthrough provides new insights into biological camouflage mechanisms, with potential applications in biomimetic materials and stealth technology.

AI-Powered System Revolutionizes Nanoparticle Counting and Measurement:
Researchers have developed an AI-based system to automate the labor-intensive process of counting and measuring nanoparticles, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy. Traditionally, analyzing microscopic images of nanoparticles required painstaking manual work, but the new method, based on Meta's "Segment Anything Model," enables automated particle detection and measurement—even for complex, irregularly shaped nanoparticles. The system dramatically speeds up the process, allowing researchers to complete eight to ten analyses in the time previously required for just one. Not only is the AI faster, but it also delivers more precise measurements than traditional methods, reducing errors and enhancing the reliability of subsequent nanoparticle synthesis experiments. This breakthrough represents a major step forward in colloid chemistry and materials science, allowing scientists to focus more on experimentation while AI handles data processing.

Scientists Develop Liquid Metallic "Leukocytes" That Mimic Living Cells: Researchers have created liquid metallic entities that simulate the behavior of leukocytes (white blood cells). The study demonstrates how these "liquid metallic leukocytes" autonomously perform complex biological-like actions, such as engulfing foreign substances, shape-shifting, pulsatile movement, and climbing against gravity. By integrating chemotaxis and asymmetric chemistry, the researchers developed a system where the self-adaptive surface tension of the liquid metal enables continuous movement and environmental responsiveness. These structures can climb slopes, navigate obstacles, and adjust their shape dynamically, showcasing their adaptability and potential in autonomous sensors, microfluidics, and medical applications. This breakthrough opens new avenues in nature-inspired materials science, bridging the gap between synthetic biology and advanced materials, and paving the way for next-generation bio-inspired technologies.

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Bacterial Cellulose Promotes Plant Tissue Regeneration Through Hormonal and Defense Pathways: A new study reveals that bacterial cellulose (BC) plays a crucial role in plant tissue regeneration by activating both cytokinin signaling and defense response pathways. Researchers found that BC patches applied to wounded leaves of model plants Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana triggered new cell formation within two days and complete wound closure in seven days. Unlike plant cellulose, BC contains cytokinins, hormones essential for plant development. Additionally, it induces oxidative stress (ROS) at wound sites, activating genes typically involved in pathogen defense. The study identified WRKY8 as a key transcription factor regulating this process, marking the first time cytokinin and defense signaling have been shown to work together in regeneration. These findings have significant agricultural implications, particularly for grafting, pruning, and plant wound healing in crops like vines, roses, and stone pines. Although initial field trials have been promising, further research and technology transfer efforts are needed to confirm BC’s efficacy in real-world applications.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Biohybrid Hand with Muscle Tissue Achieves Scissor Gesture in Robotics Breakthrough: Researchers have developed a biohybrid hand capable of making a scissor gesture and manipulating objects, marking a significant step in biohybrid robotics. The hand's movement is powered by Multiple Muscle Tissue Actuators (MuMuTAs)—thin strands of lab-grown muscle tissue bundled like sushi rolls. This innovative approach enables stronger and more flexible movements compared to previous biohybrid devices, which were smaller and simpler. While currently limited to lab environments and requiring suspension in liquid, the technology showcases promising potential for advanced prosthetics, drug testing on muscle tissue, and lifelike robotic limbs. Challenges such as muscle fatigue, free movement, and controlled finger resetting remain, but researchers believe these obstacles can be overcome with further refinements.

MIT Develops First Fully 3D-Printed Electrospray Engine for CubeSats: MIT engineers have created the first fully 3D-printed electrospray engine, a miniature thruster designed for small satellites like CubeSats. Traditional electrospray engines, which use electric fields to emit high-speed droplets for propulsion, are costly and time-consuming to manufacture. By combining two advanced 3D printing techniques, the researchers successfully fabricated a modular system with sharp emitter tips and precise microfluidic channels, making the technology more accessible and adaptable for space applications. The 3D-printed thruster, consisting of 32 electrospray emitters, demonstrated efficiency comparable to or greater than existing engines while being significantly cheaper and easier to produce. This approach could enable astronauts to print thrusters in space, eliminating the need to transport them from Earth. Additionally, researchers found that adjusting voltage could control thrust more effectively than traditional pressure-based systems, simplifying engine design. Future work will focus on increasing emitter density, improving propulsion efficiency, and testing the engine on an operational CubeSat.

The Future of 4D Printing: Smart Materials That Transform Over Time: 4D printing is an emerging technology that enhances 3D printing by using smart materials that change shape over time in response to external stimuli like heat, moisture, or pressure. This innovation has significant potential across multiple industries. In healthcare, self-expanding stents and adaptive prosthetics could revolutionize treatment. Robotics and wearable devices are being designed to adjust their shape and function dynamically. Space exploration is also benefiting, with NASA using 4D-printed materials for adaptable spacecraft components. Additionally, sustainable construction is exploring self-regulating building materials that improve energy efficiency. Despite challenges in cost and scalability, ongoing research and AI-driven advancements are driving rapid progress, positioning 4D printing as a transformative force in design and manufacturing.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Yogurt Consumption Linked to Lower Risk of Certain Colorectal Cancers:
A new study suggests that long-term yogurt consumption may reduce the risk of proximal colorectal cancer associated with Bifidobacterium, a beneficial gut bacterium found in yogurt. Analyzing data from over 150,000 participants in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS), researchers found that individuals consuming two or more servings of yogurt per week had a 20% lower incidence of Bifidobacterium-positive tumors. While no overall link between yogurt intake and colorectal cancer was found, the association was significant for proximal colon cancer, a type with worse survival outcomes. Researchers hypothesize that yogurt alters the gut microbiome in ways that may protect against this cancer type, though further research is needed to confirm causation and underlying mechanisms. This study adds to growing evidence connecting diet, gut microbiota, and colorectal cancer risk.

Discovery of New Muscle-Boosting Mechanism Could Lead to Safer Androgen-Based Therapies: Researchers have identified a new mechanism by which the male sex hormone 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) enhances muscle and bone function, potentially leading to safer muscle-strengthening drugs. The study reveals that GPR133, an adhesion G protein-coupled receptor, is activated by 5α-DHT, increasing skeletal muscle contractile force. A newly developed agonist, AP503, was found to boost muscle strength without the harmful side effects typically associated with androgen therapy, such as prostate cancer risk. The research also used structural biology methods to map the interaction between 5α-DHT, AP503, and GPR133, paving the way for optimized drug development. The study suggests AP503 could serve as a therapeutic agent for muscle-wasting conditions, though further studies are needed to assess its applicability in humans.

Lung Cancer Cells Develop Their Own Electrical Network to Spread: Researchers have discovered that small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells can generate their own electrical network, making them more aggressive and independent from their environment. Unlike most cancers, neuroendocrine (NE) cancer cells in SCLC create electrical activity while non-NE cells supply lactate as an energy source, mimicking the relationship between brain neurons and support cells. Blocking this electrical activity with the toxin tetrodotoxin (TTX) reduced the tumor’s ability to spread, suggesting that electric signaling plays a key role in cancer progression. This breakthrough could lead to new treatment strategies by targeting the tumor’s self-sustaining electrical network.

NEUROSCIENCE

Scientific Evidence Confirms Hypnosis Alters Brain Activity: Three studies from the University of Zurich (1,2,3) provide scientific evidence that hypnosis significantly alters brain activity, affecting large-scale functional networks and neurochemical processes. Using electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), researchers observed distinct changes in brain function at two different depths of hypnosis. They found increased theta brainwaves, reduced heart rate and breathing, and altered connectivity in brain regions linked to attention and bodily awareness. These findings confirm that hypnosis is a real neurological state, rather than imagination or pretense, and that multiple levels of hypnosis exist. While this research did not explore hypnosis as a treatment, it lays a foundation for future studies into its therapeutic potential, particularly for pain and anxiety management.

How the Brain Builds Cognitive Maps for Learning and Memory: Researchers have tracked how the brain forms cognitive maps in the hippocampus over time, revealing how neurons differentiate similar environments during learning. Using high-resolution imaging, they observed thousands of neurons in mice navigating two virtual corridors with different reward locations. Initially, neural activity represented both corridors similarly, but as learning progressed, the brain created distinct neural patterns encoding hidden contextual information, allowing the mice to differentiate between the two environments. The study found that specific "state cells" extract hidden cues from the environment to refine these mental maps. Researchers also identified a computational model—the Clone-Structured Causal Graph—that best replicates this learning process, suggesting the brain operates like a state machine to infer true situations beyond visible cues. These insights could advance treatments for memory disorders and improve artificial intelligence by mimicking biological reasoning and planning.

Understanding the Default Mode Network’s Structure and Function: The default mode network (DMN) is a brain network active during rest and introspection, supporting functions like memory and social cognition. Researchers used post-mortem histology and neuroimaging to analyze its anatomical structure. They found that the DMN consists of sensory-receptive regions and a core that remains insulated from external inputs, highlighting its unique role in processing information. Their findings provide a foundation for understanding the DMN’s influence on cognition and behavior, with potential implications for studying mental health disorders.

ENVIRONMENT

California's Prop 65 Drives Industry Shift Toward Safer Products: A new study reveals that California's right-to-know law, Proposition 65, has significantly influenced businesses to reformulate products and reduce toxic chemical use. Rather than risk labeling products with cancer or reproductive harm warnings, many companies opt to eliminate harmful chemicals altogether, leading to widespread market changes. Interviews with industry leaders showed that 78% of businesses have reformulated products due to Prop 65, with 81% using the law to guide chemical avoidance. Additionally, 63% reported that these changes extended beyond California, reducing toxic exposures nationwide. The law also impacts supply chains, with third-party "green" certifications incorporating Prop 65 standards. These findings highlight how transparency laws can drive systemic changes in manufacturing, even in the absence of federal regulations, ultimately benefiting public health by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.

NATURE

Scientists Engineer Animals to Neutralize Dangerous Methylmercury Pollution:
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to detoxify methylmercury, one of the world’s most hazardous pollutants, by genetically modifying animals to convert it into a harmless gas. The study demonstrates how inserting bacterial genes into fruit flies and zebrafish enables them to produce enzymes that transform methylmercury into elemental mercury, which then evaporates from their bodies. The research found that modified animals had less than half the mercury levels of unmodified ones, with the remaining mercury in a less harmful form. While promising, the technology is still in early stages, requiring further safety testing and regulatory oversight before any environmental applications. This innovation could pave the way for new biotechnological solutions to mitigate mercury contamination from sources like coal burning and illegal gold mining, protecting both ecosystems and human health.

How the Antarctic Midge Survives Extreme Cold with Dual Dormancy Strategies: Researchers have uncovered how the Antarctic midge (Belgica antarctica), the only insect native to Antarctica, survives its extreme environment. The study reveals that the midge’s larvae use two types of dormancy during their two-year life cycle: quiescence in the first winter and obligate diapause in the second. Quiescence allows larvae to temporarily pause development and resume growth whenever temperatures rise, while obligate diapause ensures synchronized pupation so all midges emerge as adults during the brief Antarctic summer. This precise timing is crucial for mating and survival, as adult midges live for only a few days. The study suggests that other insects in harsh environments, such as the Arctic and high altitudes, may use similar strategies, offering new insights into extreme climate adaptations.

Discovery of Key Genes for Sorghum's Resistance to Striga Parasitic Plants:
Scientists have identified two genes, SbSLT1 and SbSLT2, that control sorghum's resistance to Striga, a parasitic plant responsible for significant crop losses. The study reveals that these genes regulate the secretion of strigolactones (SLs)—plant hormones that inadvertently trigger Striga germination. By knocking out these genes, researchers were able to prevent Striga infestation, reducing crop losses by up to 52% in field trials. AI-based analysis identified a conserved phenylalanine residue crucial for SL transport, suggesting a common mechanism across other crops like maize, rice, and tomatoes. This discovery could lead to the development of Striga-resistant crop varieties, improving food security in regions affected by parasitic plants, particularly in Africa and Asia. Future research aims to validate these findings in additional crops and accelerate the commercialization of Striga-resistant agriculture.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

A New Theory on the Origins of Money: Trade as the Driving Force: A recent study challenges traditional theories on the origins of money, proposing that it first emerged to facilitate long-distance trade rather than internal barter or state taxation. The two prevailing theories—the commodity theory, which sees money as a solution to inefficient barter, and the chartalist theory, which attributes money's origins to state control—both have limitations, particularly when applied to pre-state societies. The study suggests that early forms of money, such as shell beads in Western North America and standardized bronze ingots in Bronze Age Europe, arose to enable exchange across vast trade networks, where trust-based reciprocity was impractical. These trade-based currencies likely later influenced internal economies, supporting taxation and tribute systems as societies became more complex. The study provides compelling evidence that money existed before state structures and was a key factor in increasing interregional interaction and economic development. Future research may explore similar processes in regions like Mesoamerica and the Pacific Islands, further challenging conventional narratives about the emergence of money.