Breakthrough in Biosensors Enables Imaging of Physiological Signals in Live Animals

Hello and welcome to Sunday’s STEAM newsletter! We bring you summaries of the latest news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - New Method to Correct Misplaced Proteins Offers Hope for Disease Treatment, and more.

• Technology and AI - Large Language Models and Collective Intelligence: Opportunities and Risks.

• Engineering - Synhelion Launches World's First Industrial Plant for Solar Fuels, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Extreme Solar Storms in History: What Tree Rings Tell Us About Our Future Risks, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Coffee Consumption May Lower Dementia Risk in People with Hypertension, Study Finds, and more.

• Neuroscience - Brain Coordination During Walking: Insights for Rehabilitation from New Study, and more.

• Environment - Iron-Rich Sahara Dust Plays Key Role in Supporting Marine Life Across the Atlantic, and more.

• Nature - Breakthrough in Biosensors Enables Imaging of Physiological Signals in Live Animals, and more.

• Industry - OpenAI’s Expansion Raises Privacy Concerns Amidst Push for AI Growth, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

New Method to Correct Misplaced Proteins Offers Hope for Disease Treatment: Researchers at Stanford University, led by Steven Banik, have developed a novel approach to correct the misplacement of proteins within cells, a common factor in diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The team created "targeted relocalization activating molecules" (TRAMs), which act as shuttles to transport proteins back to their proper cellular locations. Their study demonstrated that TRAMs successfully relocated proteins like FUS, which forms toxic clumps in ALS patients, reducing cell death. This method could lead to new therapies for diseases caused by protein misplacement and unlock novel cellular functions.

Wind's Limited Impact on Cycling "Everesting" Records, Study Finds: A new study by Martin Bier, a physics professor at East Carolina University, explores the impact of wind on cycling "Everesting" challenges, where cyclists ascend a mountain repeatedly to match the elevation of Mt. Everest (8,848 meters). Despite a debate about a strong tailwind helping a previous record, Bier's research shows that wind has minimal effect on the overall effort. While a tailwind might slightly assist on uphill climbs, the downhill headwind—where speeds can reach up to 80 kph—largely cancels out the advantage. Bier concludes that the key to improving Everesting times lies in fitness and power output, not weather conditions.

Entanglement Discovered in Top Quarks at the Large Hadron Collider: Physicists at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Geneva have observed entanglement in pairs of top quarks, the heaviest known particles in the universe. Top quarks, which are 184 times heavier than protons, are of particular interest due to their immense mass. Entanglement, a quantum phenomenon where two objects remain linked across distances without physical connection, has been previously observed at low energies, mostly involving photons and atoms. This discovery is significant because it demonstrates entanglement at much higher energy levels, opening new avenues for research into quantum physics. Researchers believe studying these particles may help unlock mysteries in physics, such as potential new forces or undiscovered physical laws.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Large Language Models and Collective Intelligence: Opportunities and Risks: An article published in Nature Human Behaviour explores the impact of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT on human collective intelligence. LLMs can enhance accessibility and accelerate idea generation in group processes, but they also pose risks, such as reducing motivation to contribute to knowledge platforms and fostering false consensus. The study, led by researchers from Copenhagen Business School and the Max Planck Institute, calls for transparency in LLM development, including external audits and diversity in training data. The authors stress the importance of balancing LLM potential with safeguards to preserve the integrity of human collective intelligence.

ENGINEERING

Synhelion Launches World's First Industrial Plant for Solar Fuels: In June 2024, Synhelion, an ETH spin-off, inaugurated DAWN, the world's first industrial plant to produce solar fuels, in Jülich, Germany. Using concentrated sunlight to heat steam to 1,200°C, DAWN converts CO₂ and water into synthetic fuels like kerosene and gasoline. A thermal storage system, developed with Empa's High-Performance Ceramics Lab, allows continuous production, even at night. The system relies on specially designed ceramic "super-bricks" that store and release heat. Synhelion and Empa are already collaborating on future projects to enhance material durability and efficiency, with a second plant planned for Spain in 2025.

Europe’s Construction Sector Could Achieve Near-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2060 with Energy-Efficient Technologies: A recent study suggests that Europe's construction sector could nearly eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060 by utilizing state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies. The research highlights that 75% of Europe’s buildings are currently energy inefficient, yet incorporating solutions like solar energy and heat pumps could reduce the energy demand for heating and cooling by up to 97%. This transition could significantly enhance energy security, reduce costs, and contribute to global climate targets, such as those set by the Paris Agreement. The study, led by Dr. Souran Chatterjee from the University of Plymouth, emphasizes the critical role the construction sector plays in addressing climate change and improving well-being.

Belgian Team Wins South Africa's Grueling Solar-Powered Car Race: A team of Belgian students and engineers from Innoptus won the prestigious Sasol Solar Challenge in South Africa, considered one of the toughest solar-powered car races globally. The eight-day competition, spanning thousands of kilometers and marked by challenging weather and altitude changes, saw 14 teams from around the world compete. Innoptus broke their own race record twice, crossing the finish line in Cape Town. The event showcases advancements in renewable energy technology, with teams from South Africa, Qatar, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, and Germany also participating.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Extreme Solar Storms in History: What Tree Rings Tell Us About Our Future Risks: In 1859, the Carrington Event, one of the strongest solar storms ever recorded, disrupted telegraph systems and lit up skies worldwide with auroras. However, new research suggests that even more powerful solar storms occurred in the past, detected through spikes in radiocarbon (carbon-14) levels in tree rings. Solar storms, caused by coronal mass ejections, can disturb Earth's magnetic field, and past events, like those in AD774 and 14,370 years ago, far exceeded the Carrington Event in intensity. These findings, using radiocarbon dating, not only enhance our understanding of solar activity but also highlight the risks such storms pose to modern technology, potentially disrupting satellites and power grids. Scientists are racing to identify more past solar storms to improve preparedness for future events.

Could Plants Thrive on Exoplanets Orbiting K-Dwarf Stars? New Research Suggests It's Possible: A new study published in the International Journal of Astrobiology explores how plants and photosynthetic organisms, like garden cress and cyanobacteria, respond to light from K-dwarf stars. K-dwarfs are more abundant and stable than our sun and are considered promising hosts for habitable exoplanets. The researchers found that both organisms thrived under simulated K-dwarf light, showing similar or better growth compared to solar light. These findings suggest that K-dwarf stars could support photosynthetic life, bringing us closer to understanding which stellar environments might be optimal for habitable exoplanets.

Tidal Heating on Jupiter’s Moon Io Reveals Clues About Planetary Formation and Potential for Life: Cornell astronomers have used data from NASA's Juno spacecraft to study Io, Jupiter's most volcanically active moon, revealing important insights into tidal heating, a process crucial for planetary evolution. Io's internal heat, generated by gravitational forces from Jupiter and its moons, powers over 400 volcanoes. Surprisingly, researchers found significant volcanic activity at Io’s poles, challenging previous theories. This study helps scientists better understand how tidal heating might sustain subsurface oceans on icy moons like Europa, Titan, and Enceladus—key locations in the search for extraterrestrial life.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Coffee Consumption May Lower Dementia Risk in People with Hypertension, Study Finds: A study by public health researchers at Ningxia Medical University, China, suggests that regular coffee consumption may lower the risk of dementia in people with high blood pressure. Using data from the UK Biobank, the researchers found that hypertensive individuals who drank half to a full cup of coffee daily had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to non-drinkers. Ground coffee provided even greater benefits. The study highlights a potential link between caffeine's anti-inflammatory properties and reduced dementia risk, though further research is needed to confirm this correlation.

Yale Study Identifies Over 100 Genes Linked to Anxiety Disorders: A groundbreaking study led by researchers from Yale’s Department of Psychiatry has uncovered more than 100 genes associated with anxiety by analyzing the genetic profiles of over 1 million participants across multiple cohorts. The study highlights how these genes influence different brain structures, contributing to individual risk for anxiety. Some of the identified genes also predispose individuals to other mental illnesses, such as depression and schizophrenia, as well as physical conditions like gastrointestinal disorders and chronic pain. The findings emphasize the importance of genetic diversity in research to better understand anxiety’s complex genetic architecture across different populations.

Two-Dose HIV Vaccine Regimen Shows Promise in Generating Strong Immune Response: MIT researchers have developed a two-dose HIV vaccine regimen that generates a strong immune response, overcoming the challenge of the virus's rapid mutation. The study found that giving a small initial dose followed by a larger dose a week later produces the same strong antibody response as a more complex seven-dose regimen. The vaccine, made with an HIV envelope protein and nanoparticle adjuvant, increased both antibody and T-cell responses significantly. This approach, tested in mice, may pave the way for more practical mass vaccination strategies and could be applied to vaccines for other diseases.

Psilocybin Shows Long-Term Benefits Over SSRI Antidepressants in Treating Depression: A new study presented at the ECNP Congress in Milan compares the long-term effects of psilocybin, the active ingredient in "magic mushrooms," with the SSRI antidepressant escitalopram. Both drugs showed similar improvements in depressive symptoms over six months, but psilocybin offered additional benefits, including enhanced psychosocial functioning, greater meaning in life, and increased psychological connectedness. Unlike SSRIs, psilocybin also improved sexual drive. The researchers, from Imperial College London, caution that psilocybin is still experimental and administered in controlled environments. While promising, further studies are needed to confirm its broader applicability for treating depression.

NEUROSCIENCE

Brain Coordination During Walking: Insights for Rehabilitation from New Study: A study by researchers from Osaka University explores how the brain coordinates leg movement during walking. Using treadmill experiments with sudden speed changes, they discovered that the brain doesn't actively control leg coordination until a deviation from the normal walking rhythm—called the "antiphase relationship"—exceeds a certain threshold. This approach, modeled as two coupled oscillators, reveals that the brain balances energy efficiency and flexibility in movement. The findings could enhance rehabilitation for patients with neurological issues, such as those recovering from strokes or living with Parkinson's disease.

Study Uncovers Brain Pathways That Control Decision-Making Strategies in Primates: A study published in Nature Communications reveals how distinct neuronal pathways in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of primates control decision-making strategies. Using genetically engineered monkeys, researchers selectively silenced specific pathways while observing performance in tasks requiring either experience-based or knowledge-based decision-making. They found that the pathway connecting the OFC to the caudate nucleus supports trial-and-error learning, while the pathway to the mediodorsal thalamus helps with knowledge-based adaptation. These findings could help explain individual differences in decision-making and contribute to treatments for psychiatric disorders, as well as applications in AI and robotics.

Eye Tracking Unlocks New Insights for Brain-Machine Interfaces and Mental Health: A new study from Rose Faghih's lab at NYU Tandon highlights the potential of eye-tracking technology to decode hidden brain states, such as interoceptive awareness. Interoception refers to the brain’s ability to interpret bodily sensations, and this study shows that eye tracking—through pupillometry and gaze patterns—can reveal internal brain states, particularly during fear conditioning. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic tools, like the proposed "Mindcam," which integrates eye-tracking into devices like smartphones to monitor brain-body connections in real time, offering potential applications for treating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.

ENVIRONMENT

Iron-Rich Sahara Dust Plays Key Role in Supporting Marine Life Across the Atlantic: A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science reveals that iron carried in dust from the Sahara Desert becomes more bioreactive as it travels over the Atlantic Ocean, making it increasingly accessible to marine organisms. Researchers analyzed sediment cores from the ocean floor, finding that the farther the dust traveled, the more iron was used by phytoplankton before settling. This process, driven by atmospheric chemical reactions, highlights the vital role of Sahara dust in supporting marine ecosystems and potentially influencing global carbon cycles.

20 Years of Microplastics Research: Urgent Action Needed to Address Global Pollution: Two decades after the discovery of microplastics, more than 7,000 studies have shown their widespread environmental presence and harmful effects. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5mm, accumulate in the environment, wildlife, and human bodies. Research highlights their toxic impact on animals and humans, including potential health issues like inflammation, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity. As microplastics continue to increase, experts are calling for immediate global action, including policy measures in the upcoming UN Global Plastics Treaty. Solutions include redesigning plastics to minimize microplastic release and engaging communities to support these efforts.

Tackling the Sanitation Crisis in Pacific Island Informal Settlements: A new study reveals critical sanitation challenges in informal urban settlements across Fiji and Vanuatu, where many residents rely on unsafe toilets like dry pits. The lack of proper sanitation systems exposes these communities to health risks, particularly during heavy rains and cyclones, which cause damage to sanitation infrastructure and contaminate water supplies. The study emphasizes the need for improved waste management systems that are resilient to climate hazards. Addressing this crisis is crucial for protecting public health and supporting sustainable development in vulnerable Pacific Island communities.

New Computational Tool Helps Colorado River Planners Navigate Climate Uncertainty: Scientists from Penn State have developed a new computational tool, the Framework for Narrative Storylines and Impact Classification (FRNSIC), to help decision-makers in the Colorado River basin address future uncertainties caused by climate change and drought. The tool combines exploratory modeling with scenario planning, providing more comprehensive and actionable storylines that reflect the needs of diverse stakeholders, such as farmers and policymakers. These storylines can help planners better understand the impacts of different drought scenarios and potential interventions.

NATURE

Breakthrough in Biosensors Enables Imaging of Physiological Signals in Live Animals: Researchers at Janelia in Virginia have developed a new strategy to create fluorescent biosensors that can track physiological signals in live animals, overcoming previous challenges with tissue penetration. Led by postdoc Helen Farrants, the team combined engineered protein biosensors with bright Janelia Fluor dyes to create WHaloCaMP, a sensor capable of detecting calcium signals in live fruit flies, zebrafish, and mice. This innovative approach allows the detection of multiple signals simultaneously using different colors, providing insights into cellular communication and paving the way for future biosensors to track a variety of physiological signals in real time.

Kleptoparasitic Seabirds at Greater Risk of Spreading Avian Flu: Frigatebirds, skuas, and gulls, known for stealing food from other seabirds through kleptoparasitism, are now at a higher risk of spreading the deadly HPAI H5N1 avian flu virus, according to new research. This virus, which has killed millions of birds worldwide, is spread easily during food-stealing interactions, where saliva from infected prey can transmit the virus to the predator. The behavior of these seabirds, who travel vast distances across oceans and encounter multiple bird species, further facilitates the spread of the virus across new populations and regions. This risk, combined with other threats like habitat loss and overfishing, endangers seabird species already facing significant population declines.

INDUSTRY

OpenAI’s Expansion Raises Privacy Concerns Amidst Push for AI Growth: OpenAI's recent opposition to a California bill aimed at setting safety standards for AI models marks a shift from its previous pro-regulation stance. The company, now valued at up to $150 billion, is rapidly expanding its data acquisition efforts, including partnerships with media companies, investments in biometric technology, and health AI projects. These ventures raise concerns about privacy, as they may allow OpenAI to collect and consolidate sensitive data. Despite no current evidence of misuse, OpenAI's history and rapid commercialization push suggest that privacy and safety could take a back seat in its quest for AI dominance.

Apple Rolls Out AI-Powered Siri and Features in iPhone 16 Models: Apple has released a test version of its AI-enhanced Siri and other features for the upcoming iPhone 16 models, which will be available in stores on Friday. The AI features, branded as "Apple Intelligence," aim to improve Siri’s conversational capabilities and automate tasks like writing, proofreading, and photo editing. These features will initially be available in U.S. English, with plans to expand internationally in December. Only the latest iPhones, including the iPhone 16 and last year’s iPhone 15 Pro models, have the special processors needed to support the AI. This release is expected to boost demand for the new iPhones and potentially raise Apple's market value.

Fuel Hose Degradation Linked to Airbus A350 Engine Fire, Leading to Cathay Pacific Flight Cancellations: A recent engine fire on a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350, caused by a ruptured fuel hose, led to dozens of flight cancellations and fleet inspections. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) suspects the issue stemmed from a cleaning process used during fuel hose refurbishment. The incident, involving a Rolls-Royce-powered A350-1000, triggered safety checks across similar aircraft models. Hong Kong investigators warned that the defect could have caused extensive engine damage. Rolls-Royce and Airbus are cooperating with regulators, while inspections of the affected engines continue globally.