Asexual Animals Steal Genes to Make Their Own Medicine

Hello and welcome to Friday’s STEAM newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Scientists Replicate Enzyme That Captures Carbon, and more.

• Technology and AI -.New Framework for Robots to Learn from Online Human Videos, and more.

• Engineering - Controlling Ferrofluid Droplets with Light, New Parameter Clarifies Soft Material Failure Under Stress, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - New Explanation for Jupiter's Shrinking Great Red Spot, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Nanoparticle Delivery Method Targets Sickle Cell Mutations, and more.

• Environment - Earth's Water Rapidly Losing Oxygen with Serious Consequences, and more.

• Nature - Asexual Animals Steal Genes to Make Their Own Medicine, Stingrays' Role in Estuary Ecosystems, and more.

• Industry - NASA Cancels VIPER Moon Rover Mission After $450 Million Investment, 911 System Faces Increasing Outages, Highlighting Urgent Need for Modernization.

• World - Defective CrowdStrike Update Causes Global Tech Outage, Paris Olympics to Use AI-Powered Surveillance for Security.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Scientists Replicate Enzyme That Captures Carbon: Researchers from King's College London and Imperial College London have successfully recreated the active site of Acetyl-CoA Synthase (ACS), an enzyme that captures carbon dioxide and converts it into acetyl coenzyme-A. This achievement advances understanding of carbon fixation and could aid in designing industrial catalysts for carbon capture and utilization. The study uses advanced techniques like Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy to study the enzyme's mechanism, opening new possibilities for addressing climate change.

Unprecedented Nanostructuring Inside Silicon: Researchers at Bilkent University have developed a technique to fabricate nanostructures deep inside silicon with unprecedented precision. Using spatial light modulation and special laser pulses, they created extremely localized voids within the silicon wafer. This breakthrough overcomes previous limitations of nanofabrication, enabling the development of nanophotonic elements and potentially revolutionizing applications in electronics and photonics by achieving features down to 100 nm.

How Mantle Hydration Changes Over the Lifetime of a Subduction Zone: Researchers at AGU Advances explored how water release and mantle hydration vary over the life of a subduction zone. By modeling the subduction of a 90-million-year-old plate beneath a 10-million-year-old plate, they found that the hydration of the mantle wedge is closely linked to the thermal evolution of the subduction zone. Their findings indicate that Earth's fore-arc mantle wedges hold significantly more water than previously estimated, impacting our understanding of subduction zones and the Earth's water cycle.

Gold Co-Catalyst Enhances Micropollutant Degradation: Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that adding a gold co-catalyst to titanium dioxide (TiO₂) significantly improves the photocatalytic degradation of micropollutants like pesticides and plasticizers. This enhancement occurs due to a phenomenon called surface band bending, which extends the adsorption range far beyond the gold particle itself. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient methods for cleaning wastewater and environmental pollutants using solar energy.

Electrified Membranes with Carbon Nanotubes Enable Faster Desalination: Researchers at Princeton University have developed a desalination method using electrified membranes with carbon nanotubes. This technique accelerates water purification by rapidly removing salt ions, improving efficiency and scalability compared to traditional methods. The innovation leverages carbon nanotubes' high conductivity and unique structural properties, promising significant advancements in desalination technology.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

New Framework for Robots to Learn from Online Human Videos: Researchers at the National University of Singapore, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Nanjing University developed a new framework that enables robots to learn tasks from arbitrary online human demonstration videos. This system, comprising Real2Sim, Learn@Sim, and Sim2Real components, allows robots to replicate actions seen in videos by tracking object motion and learning grasping points in simulation. This approach, tested on tie-knotting tasks, can potentially be expanded to other complex tasks, enhancing robots' capabilities through imitation learning.

Blockchain to Combat AI Misinformation: A study from the University of Oregon proposes using blockchain technology to address AI misinformation. The researchers suggest integrating blockchain to enhance transparency, verifiability, and accountability in AI systems, reducing issues like biases and deepfake content. This method could prevent misuse and ensure factual integrity in AI-generated information, highlighting the potential for blockchain to improve the reliability of AI outputs.

Enhancing Adaptive Radar with AI and a Large Open-Source Dataset: Researchers at Duke University have developed a method to enhance adaptive radar systems using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). This AI-driven approach significantly improves object detection, localization, and tracking in complex terrains. To facilitate further advancements, they have released a large open-source dataset, "RASPNet," containing 100 virtual landscapes. This resource aims to advance radar technology, particularly for applications like autonomous vehicles.

Can Consciousness Exist in a Computer Simulation? Dr. Wanja Wiese from Ruhr University Bochum explores whether AI can develop consciousness, examining significant differences between human brains and computers. His essay suggests that while computers can simulate processes necessary for consciousness, they may not replicate true conscious experience due to differences in causal structure and information processing. The research aims to prevent inadvertent creation of artificial consciousness and highlights the need for detailed criteria to identify genuinely conscious AI systems.

ENGINEERING

Controlling Ferrofluid Droplets with Light: Researchers from the Max Planck Institute, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have developed a method to control the movement of ferrofluid droplets in water using light. By heating these droplets with light, their buoyancy increases, allowing precise control of their movement. This technique could lead to applications in drug delivery and soft robotics, where light-controlled ferrofluid droplets could navigate complex environments.

New Parameter Clarifies Soft Material Failure Under Stress: Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a new parameter called the "brittility factor" to understand how soft materials fail under stress. This parameter helps link brittle and ductile behaviors, providing a unified model for various soft material behaviors. The discovery aims to improve material design for engineering applications, such as pharmaceutical technology and landslide prevention.

Machine Learning Reveals Secrets of Advanced Alloys: MIT researchers use machine learning to explore short-range order (SRO) in high-entropy alloys, utilizing 3D Euclidean neural networks for atom-by-atom analysis. This approach reveals chemical motifs within these alloys, enhancing material design and performance understanding. The study’s insights are expected to significantly impact various industries by optimizing material properties for specific applications.

New Humidity-Driven Membrane Removes Carbon Dioxide from the Air: Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a novel membrane that uses humidity differences to capture and concentrate carbon dioxide from the air. This innovative method, detailed in Nature Energy, leverages naturally occurring humidity to drive CO2 through the membrane, addressing the challenges of slow reaction kinetics and high energy requirements typical of traditional carbon capture methods. This breakthrough could significantly enhance direct air capture technology, aiding efforts to mitigate climate change.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

New Explanation for Jupiter's Shrinking Great Red Spot: Researchers from Yale University have provided new insights into why Jupiter's Great Red Spot is shrinking. Their study, using 3D simulations, suggests that interactions with smaller storms on Jupiter influence the size of the Great Red Spot. These smaller storms can actually feed the giant storm, modulating its size. The findings also draw parallels with weather systems on Earth, such as heat domes, that are sustained by interactions with smaller weather events.

Study Explains Why Food Tastes Bad in Space: A study led by RMIT University investigates why astronauts often find food unappetizing in space. The research, involving virtual reality simulations of the International Space Station (ISS), reveals that certain food aromas, like vanilla and almond, intensify in a confined space, while others like lemon remain unchanged. Factors such as benzaldehyde presence and fluid shifts in astronauts' bodies affect smell and taste. These insights could improve food designs for astronauts and isolated populations on Earth.

SpaceX to Deorbit the International Space Station: NASA has awarded SpaceX an $843 million contract to develop the United States Deorbit Vehicle (USDV) for safely deorbiting the International Space Station (ISS) around 2030. This vehicle will dock with the ISS and guide it into a controlled reentry over the remote South Pacific Ocean, specifically at Point Nemo, known as a "spacecraft graveyard" due to its distance from populated areas.

The USDV will ensure a safe and responsible transition as the ISS reaches the end of its operational life, marking a significant milestone in NASA and SpaceX's long-term collaboration. The decision to deorbit the ISS was chosen over alternatives like disassembling it or boosting it to a higher orbit due to technical, legal, and financial complexities.

New Dawn for Space Storm Alerts to Protect Earth's Tech: Researchers at Aberystwyth University have developed a method to accurately predict when a coronal mass ejection (CME) will hit Earth, even before it fully erupts from the sun. By studying "active regions" on the sun and measuring the "critical height" of magnetic fields, they can determine the CME's speed and arrival time. This advancement could significantly improve space weather forecasts, helping protect satellites, power grids, and communication networks from geomagnetic storms.

Boeing Closer to Understanding Starliner Thruster Failures: Boeing has made progress in identifying the cause of thruster failures on its Starliner capsule during its first crewed test flight. Testing of a spare thruster on Earth replicated the conditions experienced during the capsule's docking at the ISS. The data collected will help engineers analyze the issues and ensure the Starliner's safe return. The capsule remains docked at the ISS, with no confirmed return date for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Nanoparticle Delivery Method Targets Sickle Cell Mutations: Johns Hopkins researchers have developed nanoparticles that deliver gene therapy directly to bone marrow cells, targeting sickle cell disease mutations. This new method, detailed in Nature Nanotechnology, uses CRISPR/Cas and base-editing techniques to activate hemoglobin and correct the sickle cell mutation in a mouse model. The approach reduces the complexity and side effects of current gene therapies, aiming to offer a transfusion-based treatment that avoids invasive procedures and minimizes side effects.

Prenatal Diet May Influence Autism Risk: A study by the University of Glasgow and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that a healthy prenatal diet may lower the risk of autism in children. Researchers analyzed data from over 95,000 mother-daughter pairs in Norway and England, finding that women with healthier diets had a 22% lower chance of having a child with autism. The study emphasizes the potential role of prenatal nutrition in reducing autism risk, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear.

Pandemic Health Behaviors Linked to Neonatal Health Issues: A study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, published in JAMA Network Open, found that pandemic-related social distancing and reduced healthcare access correlated with increased neonatal and early neonatal mortality and preterm birth rates. Researchers linked higher social distancing indices with delayed healthcare access, affecting maternal and neonatal outcomes. The study highlights the need to consider unintended health consequences in future public health crises.

How Cancer Cells Continue to Divide Despite Treatment: Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have discovered that cancer cells can evade treatments designed to stop their division by exploiting a specific enzyme, APC/C. This enzyme's activity helps maintain the efficacy of the drug palbociclib, used to treat metastatic breast cancer. However, reduced APC/C activity can lead to poor patient responses and increased relapse risk. The findings provide new insights for developing better cancer treatments and understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance.

Innovative Microscopy Reveals Amyloid Architecture: Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new microscopy technique called single-molecule orientation–localization microscopy (SMOLM) to study amyloid-beta (A-beta) fibrils, which are associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. This method allows for real-time observation of the beta-sheet structures within A-beta fibrils as they grow and decay. The insights gained could lead to better understanding of the dynamics of amyloid aggregation and its role in neurodegenerative diseases.

ENVIRONMENT

Earth's Water Rapidly Losing Oxygen with Serious Consequences: A study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution warns that Earth's water bodies are rapidly losing oxygen, posing a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems. This deoxygenation is driven by climate change and nutrient pollution, leading to the expansion of "dead zones" where aquatic life cannot survive. The reduction in oxygen levels impacts biodiversity, fisheries, and the global carbon cycle, highlighting the urgent need for mitigation strategies to address climate change and reduce pollution.

Effective Solar Farm Design to Prevent Erosion: A study by Pennsylvania State University highlights that solar farms, even on hilly terrains, can manage stormwater runoff and prevent soil erosion if properly designed. The research found that healthy vegetation and well-draining soil mixtures are crucial. Monitoring two solar farms over a year, researchers noted that specific designs, including infiltration basins and trenches, effectively mitigated runoff. These findings support the development of solar farms on marginal lands without significant ecosystem disruption.

Largest Methane Leak Ever Recorded at Oil Well: An international team of scientists documented the largest methane leak ever recorded at the Karaturun East oil field in Kazakhstan. The leak, starting on June 9, 2023, released approximately 131,000 tons of methane over 205 days, surpassing previous incidents like Aliso Canyon in 2015. The study utilized advanced satellite data processing to track and quantify the massive emission. Continuous monitoring and advanced detection methods are essential for managing such environmental impacts.

NATURE

Asexual Animals Steal Genes to Make Their Own Medicine: Bdelloid rotifers, ancient asexual organisms, have survived for millions of years by stealing genes from other organisms to create their own antibiotics. These genes, obtained through horizontal gene transfer from bacteria, fungi, and plants, allow them to produce antimicrobial compounds, enhancing their survival against infections. This discovery could lead to new antibiotic treatments for humans, as the compounds made by rotifers are likely safe for animal cells.

Stingrays' Role in Estuary Ecosystems: Stingrays significantly impact estuarine ecosystems by moving thousands of tons of sand annually on the seafloor. A study by the University of Newcastle found that stingrays in the Brisbane Water estuary displace over 21,000 tons of sand each year through their foraging and burying behaviors. This sand turnover is crucial for oxygenating the sediment, benefiting various marine organisms. The decline in stingray populations, due to habitat degradation and urban development, poses a risk to these ecosystems, potentially impacting other species and commercial fishing activities​.

Killifish Adapt Egg-Laying Habits in Response to Predators: Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington found that killifish adjust their egg-laying habits based on the presence of predators. By studying killifish in Trinidad, the team observed that these fish modify their egg-hatching plasticity, laying eggs in water or on moist peat moss depending on predator presence. This adaptation helps enhance their survival rates. The study provides insights into evolutionary plasticity and could inform predictions on how species adapt to environmental pressures like climate change.

Marine Protected Areas Benefit Recreational Fisheries: A global study led by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa found that Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) enhance recreational fisheries by increasing the number of "trophy-size" fish in adjacent areas. This spillover effect strengthens over time, often taking more than 20 years to become evident. The study highlights MPAs' role in boosting fish biomass and supporting local fisheries, emphasizing the need for patience and long-term commitment to conservation efforts.

New Species of Portuguese Man O' War Discovered in the Tasman Sea: Researchers have discovered a new species of Portuguese man o' war (group of animals closely related to jellyfish) in the Tasman Sea. Unlike other species, this newly identified creature, named Physalia maxima, exhibits unique genetic and morphological traits. This discovery expands our understanding of marine biodiversity and the ecological roles these organisms play in their environments. The findings underscore the importance of continued exploration and study of marine life, which often yields surprising and significant insights.

INDUSTRY

NASA Cancels VIPER Moon Rover Mission After $450 Million Investment: NASA has canceled the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission due to cost overruns and delays, despite already spending $450 million on development. VIPER was intended to explore the lunar south pole for ice and other resources, supporting the Artemis program's future crewed missions. The decision was made to avoid further expenses that would disrupt other missions. While the rover is fully assembled, it has not undergone all necessary preflight tests. NASA may consider reusing VIPER or its components in future missions.

911 System Faces Increasing Outages, Highlighting Urgent Need for Modernization: The US 911 system is experiencing frequent outages, affecting emergency response capabilities across multiple states. These outages expose the system's fragmentation and outdated infrastructure. Although some regions have upgraded to next-generation 911 systems with digital, internet-based infrastructure, many areas lag due to funding disparities. Federal legislation to modernize the 911 system is stalled in Congress. Experts emphasize that upgrading to more resilient systems is crucial to prevent service disruptions during emergencies.

WORLD

Defective CrowdStrike Update Causes Global Tech Outage: A defective update from CrowdStrike led to a significant global IT outage affecting Microsoft's Windows operating systems. The issue originated from a flaw in CrowdStrike's security software update, causing disruptions across numerous businesses worldwide. CrowdStrike's CEO, George Kurtz, acknowledged the problem, attributing it to a single content update flaw. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities within interconnected tech infrastructures and the impact of security software issues on global operations​.

Paris Olympics to Use AI-Powered Surveillance for Security: The 2024 Paris Olympics will implement AI-driven surveillance technologies to enhance security, marking the first use of such extensive AI monitoring at an Olympic event. The system will use algorithms to analyze video data from drones and CCTV cameras, detecting suspicious activities without employing facial recognition or biometric data collection. While French officials assert that this measure aims to ensure public safety during the games, privacy advocates and human rights organizations have raised concerns about potential privacy violations and the risk of normalizing mass surveillance. Critics argue that the temporary security measures could become permanent, posing threats to civil liberties and setting a concerning precedent for future events​