Cells Can Hear: Study Reveals How Sound Directly Influences Cellular Activity

Hello and welcome to our April 16th 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 - Cells Can Hear: Study Reveals How Sound Directly Influences Cellular Activity, and more.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - Bioreactor Breakthrough Yields 10 Grams of Cultured Chicken Muscle.

• Astronomy, Space, Astrobiology - AI Designs Breakthrough Gravitational Wave Detectors Beyond Human Blueprints, and more.

• Robotics - Robots Revolutionize Plant Bioengineering to Boost Biofuel and Food Production.

• Health & Medicine - CT Scan Radiation May Cause 5% of Annual Cancers, UCSF Study Warns, and more.

• Neuroscience - How the Brain Handles Uncertainty During Movement—Key to Improving Brain-Computer Interfaces, and more.

• Environment - Inactive” Herbicide Ingredients May Threaten Drinking Water Safety, Study Finds.

• Nature - Breakthrough Bee Feed Could Sustain Colonies Without Natural Pollen, Air Pollution Disrupts Bumble Bee Gut Microbiome, Offering Clues to Population Decline, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Fossil of Tiny "Dirt Ant" Found in Caribbean Amber Redraws Evolutionary Map.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

Cells Can Hear: Study Reveals How Sound Directly Influences Cellular Activity: A new study from Kyoto University demonstrates that cells can directly respond to sound waves, challenging the long-held belief that sound perception is limited to the brain and sensory organs. Researchers developed a system that bathed cultured cells in acoustic waves using a vibration transducer and measured cellular responses with RNA sequencing and microscopy. They found that sound suppresses adipocyte differentiation (the formation of fat cells) and influences cell adhesion and gene expression, identifying around 190 sound-sensitive genes. These findings suggest that sound, as a noninvasive and non-material stimulus, could be harnessed in future medical and therapeutic applications to modulate cellular and tissue behavior directly—opening up new frontiers in mechanobiology and health care.

Scientists Discover New Form of Quantum Entanglement in Nanoscale Photons:
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown form of quantum entanglement involving the total angular momentum of photons confined within nanoscale structures. The study shows that when photons are squeezed into structures smaller than their wavelength, traditional distinctions between their spin and orbital angular momentum break down. Instead, they become entangled through a combined property: total angular momentum. This is the first new form of quantum entanglement discovered in over 20 years and opens the door to developing more compact, efficient quantum communication and computing components. The breakthrough enhances the interaction between photons and nearby materials, paving the way for powerful new quantum technologies and further miniaturization of photonic systems.

Scientists Discover Finland's First Giant Virus, Revealing Hidden Viral Diversity in the North: Researchers have isolated Finland’s first known giant virus, named Jyvaskylavirus, marking a significant breakthrough in virology. The study shows that giant viruses—previously believed to be rare in northern climates—are more widespread than assumed. The 200-nanometer virus infects the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii and is genetically related to Marseilleviruses found in France. This discovery, along with the detection of other novel giant viruses in environmental samples, enhances understanding of viral roles in soil ecosystems, particularly their influence on microbial populations and ecological balance.

New Thermodynamic Framework Brings Clarity to the Physics of Glass: Despite its everyday presence, glass has long puzzled physicists due to its disordered atomic structure and status as a non-equilibrium material. In a recent study, Koun Shirai of the University of Osaka introduces a novel thermodynamic framework that redefines what it means for a material to be in equilibrium. Shirai proposes that a system is in equilibrium if no energy can be extracted without affecting its surroundings. Under this definition, glasses qualify as equilibrium systems, enabling traditional thermodynamic tools to apply. He further defines order parameters—typically used to describe equilibrium states—as time-averaged atomic positions, bridging the gap between glasses and crystalline solids. This approach could also advance our understanding of other complex, out-of-equilibrium systems, such as biological materials.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Bioreactor Breakthrough Yields 10 Grams of Cultured Chicken Muscle:
Researchers have developed a hollow fiber bioreactor (HFB) that mimics a circulatory system, successfully producing over 10 grams of cultured chicken muscle tissue. The study presents a scalable method for fabricating whole-cut cultured meat by using semipermeable hollow fibers, commonly found in dialysis machines, to deliver nutrients and oxygen deep into artificial tissues. This breakthrough overcomes the long-standing challenge of cell survival in thick, densely packed tissues, previously limited by poor nutrient diffusion. The engineered tissues show improved texture, alignment, and contractility—key to replicating the qualities of real meat. The technology also holds promise beyond food, with potential applications in regenerative medicine, drug testing, and biohybrid robotics. Future goals include refining oxygen delivery, using food-safe materials, and automating production processes to further scale cultured meat and biomedical uses.

ASTRONOMY, SPACE, ASTROBIOLOGY

AI Designs Breakthrough Gravitational Wave Detectors Beyond Human Blueprints: Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence system named Urania that can design revolutionary gravitational wave detectors, outperforming current human-engineered blueprints. The study demonstrates how AI explored vast experimental possibilities to optimize interferometric detector designs, crucial for capturing ripples in spacetime from events like black hole mergers. Urania not only rediscovered known strategies but also proposed entirely new, unconventional configurations—some beyond current human understanding. These designs could enhance detector sensitivity by more than an order of magnitude, expanding our ability to observe cosmic events. The team has made 50 of the top-performing designs publicly available in a “Detector Zoo,” marking a pivotal moment in AI-assisted scientific discovery. This breakthrough suggests a growing role for AI in shaping the future of physics and our exploration of the universe.

Astronomers Discover Two More “Double-Faced” White Dwarfs with Mysterious Split Surfaces: Astronomers have discovered two new "double-faced" white dwarfs, bringing the total known to seven. These rare stars, with one hemisphere dominated by hydrogen and the other by helium, challenge long-held beliefs that white dwarf surfaces are uniformly composed of hydrogen. The study suggests strong magnetic fields are the key to this unusual phenomenon. Four of the seven double-faced white dwarfs exhibit strong magnetism, rare among typical white dwarfs. The researchers propose that magnetic convection varies across the star, with stronger magnetic fields at the poles pulling different elements to different sides. This discovery opens a new class of white dwarfs and deepens our understanding of stellar evolution and surface dynamics.

Astronomers Discover First “Polar Planet” Orbiting Brown Dwarf Binary:
Astronomers have identified a groundbreaking exoplanet, 2M1510 (AB) b, that orbits at a 90-degree angle around a rare eclipsing binary of brown dwarfs—objects too massive to be planets but not massive enough to ignite as stars. The study marks the first confirmed "polar planet" orbiting such a binary. Using data from the Very Large Telescope in Chile and novel analysis techniques, researchers observed unusual movements in the binary system’s orbits, revealing the influence of the right-angled planetary orbit. This surprising discovery provides the strongest evidence yet of extreme orbital configurations previously theorized but never observed. It also underscores the richness and unpredictability of planetary systems beyond our own, adding a real-life twist to science fiction worlds like Star Wars' Tatooine.

ROBOTICS

Robots Revolutionize Plant Bioengineering to Boost Biofuel and Food Production: A groundbreaking study has developed an automated, high-throughput pipeline for plant bioengineering, significantly accelerating the creation of genetically enhanced crops. The research showcases FAST-PB, a robotic system that integrates genome editing, synthetic biology, and single-cell metabolomics to rapidly engineer plants for increased oil production and stress resilience. Using the iBioFAB biofoundry, scientists automated key processes—including protoplast gene editing, tissue culture, and chemical profiling with single-cell mass spectrometry. This allows for precise, rapid identification of beneficial genetic traits, cutting down the time, labor, and cost traditionally required for plant transformation.

Harvard’s RoboBee Gets Crane Fly-Inspired Legs for Safe Landings: Harvard’s tiny flying robot, the RoboBee, has achieved a major milestone: controlled, safe landings—thanks to crane fly-inspired legs and an improved flight controller. The update addresses the challenge of ground effect and instability during descent by integrating long, jointed legs and programming that slows the robot before impact. These changes protect the RoboBee’s delicate actuators and enable it to land on soft or rigid surfaces like leaves. Still tethered for now, the RoboBee aims for future full autonomy, with potential applications in pollination, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. The project showcases the power of bioinspired design at the intersection of biology and robotics.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

CT Scan Radiation May Cause 5% of Annual Cancers, UCSF Study Warns: A new study estimates that radiation from CT scans may contribute to approximately 5% of all cancer cases annually in the U.S.—about 103,000 cancers from 93 million CT scans performed in 2023 alone. The risks are highest for infants, followed by children and adolescents, though adults remain the most affected due to frequent scan use. The study highlights that CT scans of the abdomen, pelvis, and head are the largest contributors to future cancers. Researchers stress that while CT scans are invaluable diagnostic tools, many are overused or performed with unnecessarily high radiation doses. The study urges reducing both scan frequency and dosage, especially for children, to prevent potentially avoidable cancer cases and calls for more transparent patient-clinician conversations about CT scan risks.

Toxic Chemicals Found in Children’s Mattresses Pose Health Risks, Study Warns:
Two University of Toronto studies (1,2) reveal that children's mattresses may expose infants and toddlers to harmful chemicals like phthalates, flame retardants, and UV-filters. These substances, which are linked to neurological, hormonal, reproductive issues, asthma, and cancer, were found in concerning concentrations in bedroom air—especially around sleeping areas. Testing 16 newly purchased children's mattresses confirmed they were a major source of emissions, which increased with heat and pressure simulating a child's body. The chemicals detected, including some banned in Canada, were found in mattresses manufactured across North America. Researchers call for stronger regulations and routine chemical testing by manufacturers. To reduce exposure, parents are advised to simplify bedding, wash it frequently, and opt for undyed or neutral-colored fabrics.

New Role of Galectin-1 Uncovered in Pancreatic Cancer’s Aggressive Behavior:
A groundbreaking study has uncovered a previously unknown role of the Galectin-1 protein within the nuclei of fibroblasts—cells that make up the stroma, or supportive tissue, of pancreatic tumors. The study reveals that nuclear Galectin-1 regulates gene expression epigenetically, particularly influencing the oncogene KRAS, a major driver in 90% of pancreatic cancers. This internal function of Galectin-1 activates fibroblasts, helping tumors grow and resist treatment. Previously, research focused on targeting Galectin-1 secreted into the tumor environment, but these findings highlight the need for new drugs that inhibit the protein inside cells. The discovery opens the door for combined therapies aimed at both extracellular and intracellular Galectin-1, offering a promising new approach to combat one of the deadliest cancers.

NEUROSCIENCE

How the Brain Handles Uncertainty During Movement—Key to Improving Brain-Computer Interfaces: A study reveals how the brain processes visual uncertainty during movement—a finding with major implications for brain–computer interface (BCI) technology. Using rhesus monkeys, researchers distinguished between target uncertainty (not knowing where to move) and feedback uncertainty (not knowing where the hand is). Target uncertainty disrupted the planning phase of movement, while feedback uncertainty affected execution, particularly when using BCIs where visual feedback is the only sensory cue. The brain processed these two uncertainties at different times, reflected in motor cortex activity. The findings suggest BCIs could be greatly improved by integrating additional sensory feedback—like vibrations—to help users more accurately control prosthetics or computers. The study offers valuable insights into movement control and how to enhance assistive technologies for people with motor impairments.

Why We Get Faster at Repetitive Tasks: Study Reveals It’s Learning, Not Boredom: A new study reveals that the common phenomenon of speeding up during repetitive tasks—such as reading—is primarily driven by genuine learning rather than boredom. The research involved nearly 1,500 participants in six self-paced reading experiments. The findings showed that as participants progressed through the tasks, their reading speed increased and their recall accuracy improved, especially for key information tied to comprehension questions. This suggests participants actively refined their attention and strategies over time. The study challenges assumptions that task performance declines due to lack of motivation, instead highlighting the brain’s natural adaptation and learning processes during repetition.

Right Frontal Lobe Identified as Key to Human Reasoning and Problem-Solving:
Researchers have pinpointed the right frontal lobe as critical for logical thinking and problem-solving. The study used lesion-deficit mapping on 247 patients with brain damage and 81 healthy controls to explore the neural basis of reasoning. Patients with right frontal lobe lesions performed significantly worse—making 15% more errors—on two newly developed reasoning tests (verbal analogical and nonverbal deductive tasks). These findings provide causal evidence, improving upon previous correlational studies using fMRI, and establish a strong link between reasoning and fluid intelligence. The newly designed tests may soon aid NHS clinicians in identifying subtle cognitive impairments tied to right frontal lobe dysfunction, potentially enhancing diagnosis and treatment options.

ENVIRONMENT

Inactive” Herbicide Ingredients May Threaten Drinking Water Safety, Study Finds: A study reveals that inactive ingredients—specifically amines used in herbicides—may significantly contribute to the formation of nitrosamines, harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in treated drinking water. The study shows that these supposedly inert additives, used to stabilize and enhance herbicide performance, can react during water treatment to form toxic compounds linked to cancer and other health risks, sometimes more so than the herbicides’ active ingredients. The study found that the use of amines in agriculture has increased over the past two decades, especially in regions like the Midwest, and that their environmental impact may rival that of pharmaceutical precursors like ranitidine and metformin. The research underscores the need to re-evaluate assumptions about water contamination sources and to conduct localized, seasonal field studies. It also highlights the importance of data sharing from farmers and agencies to guide safer agricultural and water treatment practices.

NATURE

Breakthrough Bee Feed Could Sustain Colonies Without Natural Pollen:
A new study reveals a nutritionally complete artificial diet that can sustain honey bee colonies without natural pollen. The food—resembling "Power Bars"—enabled nutritionally stressed colonies in commercial crop fields to survive and thrive. The feed contains isofucosterol, a key molecule found in pollen, along with other essential nutrients. In field trials, bees fed the new diet outperformed those on standard feed or no supplements, especially in crops like blueberries, which have low-quality pollen. This innovation addresses major threats from habitat loss and poor nutrition, offering a potential solution to colony collapse disorder. With plans for U.S. availability by mid-2026, researchers hope this feed will revolutionize bee management and secure global pollination services.

Air Pollution Disrupts Bumble Bee Gut Microbiome, Offering Clues to Population Decline: A new study reveals that black carbon air pollution significantly disrupts the gut microbiome of bumble bees, potentially contributing to their population decline. Researchers found that exposure to black carbon altered the behavior and biofilm structure of Snodgrasella alvi, a key beneficial gut bacterium in bees. When live bees were exposed to pollution, fecal sampling showed a notable reduction in beneficial gut bacteria, crucial to their health and immunity. This discovery adds air pollution to the list of threats—alongside habitat loss, pesticides, and disease—placing further strain on pollinators essential to global ecosystems and food security. Scientists call for more research into how air pollution affects microbial communities across all species, including humans.

New Bat Cell Lines Unlock Secrets to Virus Tolerance, Offering Clues to Prevent Future Outbreaks: In a major step toward understanding how bats harbor deadly viruses without getting sick, researchers have developed two new bat-derived cell lines from Seba’s short-tailed bat. The study provides crucial tools for studying how bat immune systems tolerate viruses such as coronaviruses and hantaviruses—pathogens that can be lethal to humans. The team overcame key challenges in creating cell lines that both support viral infection and preserve immune responses. These new lines, now publicly available through the American Type Culture Collection, mark a significant improvement over decades-old bat cell lines that often lack relevance to modern viruses. The development not only levels the playing field for researchers but also offers a pathway to uncovering the mechanisms behind bats’ unique virus tolerance, potentially leading to new antiviral therapies for humans.

How Weather and Diet Influence Woodrat Resistance to Rattlesnake Venom:
A new study reveals that environmental factors like temperature and diet significantly affect how well desert woodrats (Neotoma lepida) can resist rattlesnake venom. Researchers found that woodrats acclimated to warmer environments (85°F) had blood serum that was more effective at neutralizing venom than those kept in cooler conditions (70°F). Additionally, woodrats that consumed their natural, toxin-rich diet of creosote showed lower venom resistance than those fed standard rat chow. The findings suggest physiological trade-offs in energy use, where maintaining body temperature or processing a toxic diet may reduce the production of venom-neutralizing proteins. The study highlights how climate and ecology can influence the coevolution between predators and prey—and may even pave the way for new medical discoveries.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Fossil of Tiny "Dirt Ant" Found in Caribbean Amber Redraws Evolutionary Map: Scientists have discovered the first fossil of a Basiceros "dirt ant"—a rare, cryptic group known for camouflaging with soil—preserved in 16-million-year-old Dominican amber. This new species, Basiceros enana, is the smallest known member of its lineage and represents the first evidence that these ants once inhabited the Caribbean. The study reveals that Basiceros ants were once more widely distributed than previously believed, challenging assumptions about their evolutionary history. Advanced 3D imaging showed the fossil shares camouflage adaptations with modern relatives, such as particle-binding hairs. The find suggests these ants rapidly increased in size over millions of years and highlights how ancient land bridges may have enabled their spread. Ultimately, the Caribbean population went extinct, possibly due to ecological shifts and loss of predator diversity, offering key insights into extinction patterns and biodiversity conservation.