High-Potency Cannabis Linked to Distinct DNA Changes, Shedding Light on Psychosis Risk

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

In today’s edition:

• Science - New Study Explores Liquid Crystals Powered by Light for Advanced Applications, Breakthrough in mRNA Synthesis Could Revolutionize Vaccine Production, and more.

• Technology and AI - AI-Powered Video Analyzer Detects Human Actions with Unprecedented Precision, Revolutionizing Diamond Integration for Quantum and Electronics Applications.

• Engineering - Researchers Develops Groundbreaking Swirl Burst Injector for Clean Biofuel Combustion, and more

• Astronomy & Space - Exploring the Excess of Bright Distant Galaxies: Gamma-Ray Bursts as a New Probe.

• Health & Medicine - High-Potency Cannabis Linked to Distinct DNA Changes, Shedding Light on Psychosis Risk, Rethinking US Dental Care: Over-diagnosis, Economics, and the Need for Evidence-Based Practices, Researchers Develop Antimicrobial Hemostatic Sponge to Combat Fatal Bleeding.

• Neuroscience - Single Bouts of Exercise Show Modest Cognitive Benefits, UC Santa Barbara Study Finds, New Study Reveals Dopamine’s Dual Role in Movement and Motivation, and more.

• Environment - Protein Shell Discovery in Diatoms Enhances CO2 Capture, Paving Way for Future Climate Solutions, and more.

• Nature - Pollen Competition: Plants Evolve Strategies to Displace Rival Pollen on Pollinators, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

New Study Explores Liquid Crystals Powered by Light for Advanced Applications: Researchers from Dartmouth and Southern Methodist University have developed a synthetic molecular switch that allows liquid crystals to change colors in response to natural light. The study demonstrates that attaching a chiral triptycene molecule to liquid crystals triggers the formation of helices that reflect different wavelengths of light, changing color. The switch, made from triptycene and hydrazones, could enable innovations like liquid crystal lasers, erasable display screens, and anti-counterfeiting tags. This breakthrough expands the potential applications of liquid crystals for future technologies.

Breakthrough in mRNA Synthesis Could Revolutionize Vaccine Production: Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a fully chemically-synthesized mRNA technology that bypasses the slow enzymatic steps traditionally used in mRNA production, greatly speeding up the process. This innovation holds potential for faster responses to viral outbreaks and emerging diseases. The team also created purer mRNA using novel purification techniques, reducing impurities that can cause adverse immune reactions. Additionally, the team synthesized circular mRNA, which is more stable and longer-lasting. These advancements could transform mRNA-based treatments, including vaccines for infectious diseases, cancer, and genetic disorders.

Researchers Achieve Breakthrough in Quantum-Enhanced Sensing for Multi-Sensor Applications: Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Oklahoma have made a significant advance in quantum-enhanced sensing, utilizing quantum states of light to probe multiple sensors simultaneously. The study used squeezed light to reduce noise levels, leading to a quantum enhancement in sensitivity for four sensors arranged in a plasmonic array. This breakthrough could benefit applications such as dark matter detection, materials characterization, and biological and medical imaging by allowing more accurate and efficient measurements across multiple sensors simultaneously.

New Discovery Uncovers Key Binding Site on Difficult-to-Target Protein FOXA1, Offering Hope for Cancer Treatments: Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a critical small molecule binding site on the previously undruggable protein FOXA1, a key player in hormone-driven cancers like breast and prostate cancer. The study reveals how small molecules can bind to FOXA1, potentially altering its ability to regulate genes involved in cancer growth. This breakthrough could pave the way for new cancer treatments targeting FOXA1. Future research will focus on optimizing these small molecule interactions to inhibit FOXA1's role in cancer proliferation.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

AI-Powered Video Analyzer Detects Human Actions with Unprecedented Precision: Researchers at the University of Virginia have developed a groundbreaking AI-driven video analysis system called the Semantic and Motion-Aware Spatiotemporal Transformer Network (SMAST), which can accurately detect and interpret human actions in real time. This system enhances surveillance, health care, and autonomous vehicle navigation by using selective attention models and motion-aware algorithms. SMAST significantly outperforms current systems in action detection, offering potential for improving public safety, accident prevention, and diagnostic processes.

Revolutionizing Diamond Integration for Quantum and Electronics Applications: Researchers at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and Argonne National Laboratory have developed a novel method for bonding diamonds to materials compatible with both quantum and conventional electronics. This technique solves a major hurdle in integrating diamond, which is homoepitaxial, meaning it traditionally only bonds with other diamonds. By using surface treatments and annealing processes, the team successfully bonded thin diamond membranes to materials like silicon and sapphire, enabling new possibilities in quantum computing, sensing, and conventional electronics. This breakthrough could lead to a revolution similar to the impact of CMOS technology, enabling scalable, advanced diamond-based technologies.

New AI Technique Enhances 3D Mapping for Autonomous Vehicles: Researchers at NC State University have developed a breakthrough technique called Multi-View Attentive Contextualization (MvACon) that enhances the ability of artificial intelligence programs to accurately map three-dimensional spaces using two-dimensional images. MvACon acts as a supplement to existing vision transformer AI systems, improving their performance without requiring additional data from cameras. Tested on three leading vision transformers, MvACon significantly improved object detection, speed, and orientation capabilities. This advancement could lead to more reliable and efficient autonomous vehicle navigation.

ENGINEERING

Researchers Develops Groundbreaking Swirl Burst Injector for Clean Biofuel Combustion: Baylor University researchers have introduced a revolutionary Swirl Burst (SB) injector capable of ultra-clean combustion of glycerol/methanol blends, addressing the challenge of burning viscous biofuels with near-zero emissions. The research demonstrates the SB injector's ability to transform glycerol, a biodiesel byproduct, into a cost-effective renewable energy source without requiring costly preheating. This breakthrough, achieving over 90% combustion efficiency, significantly reduces carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, promoting sustainable energy solutions and advancing biofuel economics.

Researchers Set World Record for Wireless Transmission Speeds, Paving the Way for Next-Gen Networks: Researchers from UCL have achieved a wireless transmission speed of 938 Gigabits per second (Gb/s) across a frequency range of 5–150 GHz, breaking the previous record for bandwidth by using a novel approach that combines high-speed electronics and millimeter-wave photonics. This new technology could revolutionize wireless communication by enabling faster, more reliable data transmission, addressing current bandwidth limitations. The innovation promises to enhance mobile networks, 5G, and future 6G applications, allowing for faster downloads and more stable connections in densely populated areas.

New Lead-Free Material Generates Electricity from Vibrations, Offering Sustainable Energy Solutions: Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) have developed a piezoelectric polymer film infused with a chalcogenide perovskite compound that generates electricity when exposed to stress or vibrations. The environmentally friendly material is one of the few high-performing piezoelectric options that is lead-free, making it ideal for green energy applications. Potential uses include integrating the material into infrastructure, vehicles, and even biomedical devices to convert mechanical energy into electrical power, offering a path to sustainable energy production.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Exploring the Excess of Bright Distant Galaxies: Gamma-Ray Bursts as a New Probe: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has discovered more bright galaxies in the distant universe than expected, particularly those with a redshift (z) greater than 10. These galaxies formed early in the universe’s history, within 300 million years after the Big Bang. Scientists, including Tatsuya Matsumoto from Kyoto University, propose that gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) can serve as a probe to investigate this excess of galaxies and their star formation rates. GRBs, the brightest cosmic explosions, trace the formation of massive stars, offering insights into why the JWST is observing this surplus. Data from the Einstein Probe and future missions like HiZ-GUNDAM will help clarify the cause of this unexpected excess.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

High-Potency Cannabis Linked to Distinct DNA Changes, Shedding Light on Psychosis Risk: A recent study reveals that frequent use of high-potency cannabis (THC content of 10% or more) leaves a unique mark on DNA, specifically affecting genes involved in mitochondrial and immune functions. Researchers from King's IoPPN and the University of Exeter analyzed DNA methylation in blood samples from 682 participants, including those with first-episode psychosis and healthy controls. The findings suggest that these DNA changes could help identify cannabis users at greater risk of developing psychosis, paving the way for potential preventative measures through DNA blood tests.

Rethinking US Dental Care: Overdiagnosis, Economics, and the Need for Evidence-Based Practices: A series of opinions and letters in JAMA Internal Medicine spotlight growing concerns over the state of U.S. dental care, focusing on the economic drivers behind excessive diagnoses and procedures. Initiated by Paulo Nadanovsky's article "Too Much Dentistry," the discussion highlights issues such as frequent, unnecessary treatments and the overuse of dental X-rays, questioning the lack of clinical evidence supporting these practices. While advancements in dental technology and preventive measures are acknowledged, the contributors agree on the need for stronger oversight and evidence-based guidelines to prevent overdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions.

Researchers Develop Antimicrobial Hemostatic Sponge to Combat Fatal Bleeding: Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed SilFoam, a hemostatic sponge that rapidly expands upon injection, helping to control bleeding while providing antimicrobial protection. The SilFoam bandage is made from a gel composed of siloxanes and silver oxide, offering a quick, non-invasive solution for hemorrhaging injuries. The sponge not only applies pressure to wounds but is also easy to remove, reducing tissue damage. This breakthrough, aimed at preventing fatal blood loss in emergencies, will undergo further testing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Short Bursts of Exercise Boost Energy Expenditure Significantly: A study by pathophysiologists at the University of Milan reveals that engaging in short bursts of walking or stair climbing can result in 20% to 60% more energy consumption compared to continuous exercise over the same distance. Researchers measured the oxygen intake of volunteers performing start-and-stop exercises versus steady activity. They found that the body expends more energy gearing up for multiple short activities than maintaining a steady pace. This insight suggests that incorporating brief, repeated exercise bursts can enhance workout efficiency.

NEUROSCIENCE

Single Bouts of Exercise Show Modest Cognitive Benefits, UC Santa Barbara Study Finds: Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have found that even a single session of intense physical activity, such as cycling or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can positively affect cognitive functions like memory, attention, and executive function. Published in Communications Psychology, the study analyzed exercise research from 1995–2023, concluding that vigorous activities under 30 minutes yield the strongest benefits, particularly after exercise. However, these effects were generally small, prompting the researchers to explore whether cognitive tasks integrated with physical activities could amplify these benefits.

New Study Reveals Dopamine’s Dual Role in Movement and Motivation: Researchers from Harvard Medical School have discovered that dopamine’s role in movement relies on slow, sustained release, while reward-oriented behaviors depend on rapid dopamine action. Published in Nature, the study used genetically modified mice lacking rapid dopamine signaling and found that, while movement initiation was unaffected, motivation-related behaviors like reward anticipation were impaired. The findings clarify why the Parkinson’s treatment L-Dopa improves motor symptoms but is less effective for cognitive issues, suggesting future therapies may need to target fast dopamine signaling to address learning and motivation deficits.

TBI-Related Tau Accumulation Linked to Alzheimer's Risk: New Research Suggests BAG3 as Potential Therapeutic Target: A study led by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by promoting the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein and impairing the brain's protein clearance system. The research shows that the downregulation of the BAG3 protein, crucial for autophagy, contributes to tau accumulation after TBI. By overexpressing BAG3 in mouse models, researchers mitigated tau buildup and cognitive decline, suggesting that targeting BAG3 could be a potential strategy for Alzheimer's prevention after TBI.

Aphantasia Linked to Reduced Visual Cortex Activation in Response to Sounds: A new study led by the University of Glasgow reveals that people with aphantasia, who lack the ability to form visual imagery, also show reduced activation in the brain's visual cortex in response to sounds. The research suggests that weaker feedback signals to the visual system in aphantasic individuals may explain their inability to create mental images. This finding sheds light on the neurological underpinnings of aphantasia and its impact on multisensory integration, expanding our understanding of "blind imagination."

ENVIRONMENT

Protein Shell Discovery in Diatoms Enhances CO2 Capture, Paving Way for Future Climate Solutions: Researchers at the University of Basel have uncovered a protein shell, called PyShell, that plays a crucial role in the efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation in diatoms, microscopic algae responsible for capturing up to 20% of the Earth's CO2. The study, published in Cell, reveals that PyShell encases diatom pyrenoids, creating a high CO2 concentration that enables the enzyme Rubisco to efficiently convert CO2 into nutrients. This discovery could inspire future bioengineering solutions to enhance photosynthesis and contribute to long-term CO2 reduction efforts to combat climate change.

New Study Links Landslide and Fault Slip Behavior, Offering Key Insights for Predicting Ground Movements: Researchers from UC Santa Cruz and The University of Texas at Austin have discovered that the same conditions causing slip along deep fault lines also lead to landslides, offering a model to predict landslide behavior. The study shows that friction changes in landslides are similar to those in faults. This finding is particularly relevant for areas like California, where landslides are a constant hazard. By applying fault slip models to landslides, scientists can now predict how environmental changes, such as rainfall, will influence ground movement, improving disaster preparedness.

Asymmetric Climate Warming Reduces Soil’s Carbon Sequestration Ability, Study Finds: Researchers from Lanzhou University and other Chinese institutions have found that asymmetric warming—where winters warm more than summers—reduces soil's ability to sequester carbon more than symmetric warming. In a decade-long study on the Tibetan plateau, they observed that soil exposed to asymmetric warming showed significant declines in microbial growth (58%) and carbon use efficiency (81%). These findings, published suggest that asymmetric warming may further reduce carbon absorption in cold regions, underscoring the need for climate models to incorporate these effects.

NATURE

Pollen Competition: Plants Evolve Strategies to Displace Rival Pollen on Pollinators: Researchers from South Africa and Brazil have provided evidence that plants can compete for space on pollinators to increase reproductive success. Through experiments with the flower Hypenea macrantha, the team demonstrated how explosive pollen placement can remove rival pollen from hummingbird bills, allowing the flower to place its own pollen in the same spot. This study suggests that plants, much like animals, may have evolved strategies to manipulate male gametes by displacing competitors on pollinators, enhancing their chances of successful reproduction.

Georgia Tech Researchers Sequence Genomes of Yellow Jacket Wasps, Unlocking Insights into Social Insect Behavior: A team led by Professor Mike Goodisman at Georgia Tech has successfully sequenced the genomes of two yellow jacket wasp species—Vespula squamosa (southern yellow jacket) and Vespula maculifrons (eastern yellow jacket). This research sheds light on the evolution and behavior of social insects, including their caste systems and the parasitic behavior of southern queens, who take over eastern colonies. By comparing the genomes, scientists hope to better understand supercolonies, colony survival, and the ecological roles of yellow jackets.

Yale Study Uncovers How Mosquitoes Use Taste to Choose Whether to Bite or Lay Eggs: A new study from Yale researchers, published in Nature, reveals how mosquitoes use taste to determine whether to bite humans or lay eggs. The study focused on the Asian tiger mosquito, a species now spread across six continents, and discovered that compounds in human sweat—such as a combination of salts and amino acids—trigger increased biting, while certain bitter compounds suppress feeding and egg-laying. This research provides insights into why some individuals are more attractive to mosquitoes and could lead to the development of compounds that deter mosquito bites, helping reduce the spread of diseases like dengue and chikungunya.