AI Models Diagnose Tuberculosis by Analyzing Cough Sounds

Hello and welcome to Saturday’s STEAM newsletter - bringing you summaries of the latest news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Gamma Ray Burst Analysis Supports Einstein's Relativity, and more.

• Technology and AI - AI Models Diagnose Tuberculosis by Analyzing Cough Sounds, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Scientists Narrow the Search for Dark Matter in the Universe, and more.

• Health & Medicine - AI-Based Tongue Imaging Offers Non-Invasive Detection of Coronary Artery Disease, Study Links Cardiovascular Fitness to Enhanced Brain Health, and more.

• Neuroscience - How Music Shapes Memory: Neuroscientists Uncover Emotional and Cognitive Connections, and more.

• Environment - Study Reveals Gaps in Environmental Students' Understanding of Biodiversity Loss Causes, Climate Change Threatens Global Timber Supply as Cropland Shifts Northward, and more.

• Nature - Male Mosquitoes Use Sound to Enhance Vision in Mating Swarms, and more.

• Other Sciences & Arts - Discovery of a 2,500-Year-Old Egyptian Observatory with Precise Tools, Ancient Submerged Bridge in Spanish Cave Reveals Early Human Settlement Patterns.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Gamma Ray Burst Analysis Supports Einstein's Relativity: A Chinese research team used data from the most powerful gamma-ray burst observed (GRB 221009A) to test Einstein's relativity postulates. They found no evidence of Lorentz invariance violations, suggesting that high-energy photons, regardless of frequency, travel at the same speed through a vacuum. This raises the lower limit for possible quantum gravity effects and supports the consistency of the speed of light in all reference frames.

Discovery of Doughnut-Shaped Region Inside Earth's Core Enhances Understanding of Magnetic Field: Researchers from the Australian National University have discovered a doughnut-shaped region in Earth's liquid outer core that affects the planet's magnetic field. This structure, located at low latitudes and parallel to the equator, slows seismic waves, suggesting the presence of light chemical elements. Understanding this region could provide new insights into Earth's magnetic field dynamics and its future behavior.

Combining Data and Simulations Accelerates Drug Discovery Process: Researchers from the University of Cincinnati have developed a method combining transcriptional signature connectivity with docking simulations to speed up drug discovery. This approach uses databases to screen potential therapeutic molecules and simulates their interactions with protein targets, reducing the time required for initial screening from months to minutes. The new method aims to improve efficiency, accuracy, and the development of targeted treatments, potentially transforming responses to public health crises like pandemics.

Bacterial Cells Can Pass Non-Genetic 'Memories' to Offspring: A study from Northwestern University reveals that bacterial cells can transmit non-genetic "memories" of temporary environmental changes to their offspring for multiple generations. These changes are stored in the gene regulatory networks, not in DNA, challenging traditional beliefs about genetic inheritance. The findings could potentially inform new approaches to combat antibiotic resistance by altering bacterial sensitivity across generations.

New Food Microbiome Database Reveals Microbial Diversity in Foods: Researchers have developed a comprehensive food microbiome database by sequencing the metagenomes of 2,533 different foods. They identified 10,899 food-associated microbes, half of which were previously unknown species. The study found that food-associated microbes significantly contribute to the human gut microbiome, particularly in infants. This database could help improve food quality, safety, and authenticity by understanding microbial influences.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

AI Models Diagnose Tuberculosis by Analyzing Cough Sounds: Google has developed an AI model called HeAR, trained on 300 million audio snippets, to detect early signs of respiratory diseases like tuberculosis by analyzing sounds of coughs and sneezes. Partnering with India's Salcit Technologies, which uses an app called Swaasa to record and analyze cough sounds, the AI aims to provide early diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes. This collaboration showcases the expanding role of AI in healthcare for early disease detection.

Silicon Chip Breakthrough Propels 6G Communications: Researchers from the University of Adelaide and Osaka University have developed a silicon-based polarization multiplexer that enhances 6G communication capabilities. This innovation allows multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously over the same frequency band, effectively doubling data capacity while reducing data loss. The breakthrough enables high-speed wireless networks and could revolutionize fields like augmented reality, next-gen mobile networks, and more.

Robot Dentist Streamlines Tooth Crown Preparation: Perceptive, a Boston-based company, has developed a robot capable of preparing a tooth for a crown in just 15 minutes, compared to the usual two-hour process. Utilizing advanced AI and optical coherence tomography (OCT), this prototype aims to provide faster, more accurate dental care, especially in underserved areas. While still in development and pending FDA approval, the technology could revolutionize dental procedures by reducing reliance on traditional X-ray imaging.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Scientists Narrow the Search for Dark Matter in the Universe: A team of 250 scientists from the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment has set tighter constraints on the properties of dark matter particles. Located deep underground in South Dakota, the experiment uses a tank of liquid xenon to detect potential collisions with dark matter particles, known as WIMPs. While no dark matter was found, the experiment ruled out several particles.

Exploring the Theoretical Journey of a Warp Drive Through a Black Hole: Two researchers investigated the theoretical implications of flying a warp drive spaceship into a black hole. Their study suggests that a warp drive could survive within a Schwarzschild black hole by using its gravitational field to reduce the negative energy required. This theoretical approach opens the door to exploring the creation of miniature warp drives in laboratory settings, potentially advancing our understanding of faster-than-light travel and black hole physics.

Optimizing Excavation for Asteroid Mining: New Bucket Wheel Design: Researchers from the University of Arizona propose a customized bucket wheel design for mining asteroids. Their study identifies high-volume, slow-moving buckets as ideal for the unique, low-gravity conditions of asteroids. The design includes features like screw feeders and claws to efficiently handle asteroid regolith. The findings aim to make asteroid mining more economically viable, focusing on maximizing material extraction while minimizing fuel costs.le masses and plans further data collection to continue the search.

NASA's New Solar Sail Successfully Deploys for Space Exploration: NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) has successfully extended its booms, deploying an 80-square-meter solar sail in low Earth orbit. This mission aims to demonstrate solar sail technology for future space exploration by using sunlight for propulsion. The ACS3 spacecraft, a 12-unit CubeSat, employs lightweight composite carbon fiber booms to support the sail. The next phase involves maneuvering the sail to adjust the spacecraft's orbit, proving its effectiveness for future missions.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

AI-Based Tongue Imaging Offers Non-Invasive Detection of Coronary Artery Disease: Researchers have developed an AI-based diagnostic algorithm using tongue imaging to non-invasively detect coronary artery disease (CAD). By combining traditional Chinese medicine's tongue observation with machine learning, the study demonstrated over 99% accuracy in diagnosing CAD. This approach offers a safer, cost-effective alternative to invasive coronary angiography, especially for older patients and those with multiple risk factors. Further research is needed to validate the model across diverse populations.

Study Links Cardiovascular Fitness to Enhanced Brain Health: A study by the National Institutes of Health found that higher cardiovascular fitness, measured by VO₂ max, is strongly correlated with increased cerebral myelination, particularly in middle-aged and older adults. The research suggests that cardiovascular fitness may protect sensitive brain regions from age-related degeneration, although it does not establish a causal link. The findings could guide future investigations into how improving fitness might support brain health and prevent neurodegenerative disorders.

Nanoparticles Enable Home Stress Testing for Cortisol Levels: A collaborative study by researchers from China and the UK introduces a new home-based stress testing device using nanoparticles. By modifying electrodes with iridium oxide, the device achieves higher sensitivity and stability in detecting cortisol, a key stress hormone, at levels 3,000 times lower than normal. This innovation could lead to more accessible, non-invasive stress testing, aiding in timely diagnoses and treatment of stress-related conditions.

Breast Milk Bile Acids: A Double-Edged Sword in Newborn Norovirus Infection: A study by the University of Florida reveals that bile acids in breast milk can both protect and exacerbate norovirus infection in newborns. While microbial bile acids, produced by gut bacteria, inhibit the virus, host bile acids found in breast milk promote infection due to newborns' immature gut microbiomes. The findings could guide future treatments for reducing norovirus severity in infants.

NEUROSCIENCE

How Music Shapes Memory: Neuroscientists Uncover Emotional and Cognitive Connections: Researchers at Georgia Tech explored how music affects memory and emotions. Two studies revealed that familiar, predictable music aids learning and recall, while emotionally charged music can reshape existing memories. These insights could lead to therapeutic applications, such as helping people with PTSD or depression by altering the emotional tone of their memories through music.

Deep Brain Stimulation Uncovers Mechanisms of Impulsivity and Risk Aversion: A study by researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Cambridge used deep brain stimulation (DBS) to explore impulsivity and risk aversion in decision-making. Targeting the subthalamic nucleus (STN), they found that DBS can modulate decision speed and risk preferences by altering brain wave activity. This research could lead to improved treatments for disorders like Parkinson's, OCD, and addictions.

ENVIRONMENT

Study Reveals Gaps in Environmental Students' Understanding of Biodiversity Loss Causes: A survey of over 4,000 students from 37 countries found that many students studying environment-related subjects lack awareness of the main causes of biodiversity loss, such as climate change, invasive species, and pollution. The study by Goethe University Frankfurt highlights significant perception gaps influenced by country-specific factors. The findings emphasize the need for better education to prepare future decision-makers to effectively address global biodiversity challenges.

Climate Change Threatens Global Timber Supply as Cropland Shifts Northward: A study from the University of Cambridge reveals that climate change will shift agricultural zones northward, threatening global timber supplies. As cropland expands into areas currently used for forestry, competition for land will increase, particularly in the U.S., Canada, China, and Russia. This shift could reduce available land for timber production by up to 25%, risking future wood supplies, biodiversity, and carbon storage, and complicating strategies for sustainable resource use.

New Method Could Predict Major Earthquakes Months in Advance: A new study led by geophysicist Társilo Girona proposes a method for predicting major earthquakes months in advance by identifying low-magnitude seismic activity preceding large quakes. Using machine learning algorithms, the researchers analyzed past earthquakes in Alaska and California, finding that abnormal seismicity occurred months before the events. This approach, leveraging advanced statistical techniques, could improve earthquake forecasting but also raises ethical concerns about potential false alarms.

Typhoon Shanshan Weakens but Continues to Disrupt Japan: Typhoon Shanshan, now downgraded to a tropical storm, continues to cause significant disruption in Japan, affecting flights, train services, and prompting evacuation warnings due to heavy rain and the risk of landslides. The storm, initially one of the fiercest typhoons to hit Japan in decades, has already resulted in six deaths, over 120 injuries, and power outages for thousands. Authorities remain vigilant as the storm moves east, urging caution for potential further impacts.

NATURE

Male Mosquitoes Use Sound to Enhance Vision in Mating Swarms: New research shows that male Anopheles mosquitoes, which spread malaria, enhance their vision when they hear the high-pitched wingbeats of females. This sensory interplay could help develop targeted mosquito traps, using sound cues to attract male mosquitoes for more effective control of mosquito populations and malaria transmission.

Birds Exhibit Cultural Behaviors Through Unique Nest Building: A study on white-browed sparrow weavers in the Kalahari Desert reveals that these birds may have "culture," reflected in the diverse and consistent styles of nests built by different groups. Despite living in close proximity, each group’s nest design remains unique, suggesting that these differences result from social learning rather than genetics or environment. This finding supports the idea that some bird behaviors are culturally transmitted across generations.

Scientists Identify Neurohormone Behind Starfish Limb Shedding: Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a neurohormone that enables starfish to detach their limbs as a defense mechanism against predators. This hormone, similar to human cholecystokinin, triggers muscle contraction at the base of the arm, causing it to break off. The study offers insights into the regenerative abilities of starfish, which could lead to advancements in regenerative medicine and limb injury treatments.

OTHER SCIENCE & ARTS

Discovery of a 2,500-Year-Old Egyptian Observatory with Precise Tools: Egyptologists have uncovered a 2,500-year-old astronomical observatory at the Temple of Buto in Egypt, featuring a range of tools for tracking solar events. The site, used for religious, political, and agricultural purposes, includes a unique sloping shadow clock and other stone instruments for measuring the sun's inclination. This find sheds light on the advanced astronomical knowledge and practices of ancient Egyptians during a turbulent period in their history.

Ancient Submerged Bridge in Spanish Cave Reveals Early Human Settlement Patterns: A submerged stone bridge discovered in Genovesa Cave, Mallorca, Spain, suggests humans settled in the western Mediterranean earlier than previously thought. Researchers from the University of South Florida used mineral deposits on the bridge to date its construction to around 6,000 years ago, significantly older than earlier estimates. This finding narrows the timeline gap between settlements in different Mediterranean regions, providing new insights into early human colonization.