Noise, Not Salmon Shortage, May Be Driving Southern Resident Killer Whale Decline

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

In today’s edition:

• Science - Exploring the Influence of Ultralight Dark Matter on Extreme-Mass-Ratio Inspirals (EMRIs) for Future Gravitational Wave Detection.

• Technology and AI - New Algorithm Empowers Robots to Handle Complex Physical Tasks in Real Time, and more.

• Engineering - Widespread Electric Vehicle Adoption Could Yield Massive Public Health Benefits, Study Find, Stretchable Organic Electrochemical Transistors Enable AI-Powered Wearables for Health Monitoring, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Astronomers Detect Very-High-Energy Gamma-Rays Around Pulsar PSR J0248+6021, and more.

• Health & Medicine - New In Vitro Model Offers Insight into Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis, and more.

• Environment - Global Study Reveals Lack of Awareness of "Climate Justice" but Strong Support for Its Principles, New Study Shows High Levels of PFAS Accumulation in Fish, Even Far from Contamination Sources, and more.

• Nature - Noise, Not Salmon Shortage, May Be Driving Southern Resident Killer Whale Decline.

• Other Sciences & Arts - Did Disease Shape the Rise and Fall of Early European Settlements?, Dual-Language Books Boost Bilingual Literacy When Paired with Guided Instruction.

• Industry - Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" System Under Investigation After Crashes in Low-Visibility Conditions, and more..

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Exploring the Influence of Ultralight Dark Matter on Extreme-Mass-Ratio Inspirals (EMRIs) for Future Gravitational Wave Detection: A study investigates the potential effects of ultralight dark matter on extreme-mass-ratio inspirals (EMRIs), which consist of a supermassive black hole (SMBH) and a smaller companion object. The study employs a relativistic framework to examine how ultralight dark matter, such as fuzzy dark matter or boson clouds, influences the gravitational waves emitted by these systems. These changes could be detected by future space-based gravitational wave observatories like LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna). The research suggests that ultralight dark matter forms a dense wake around the smaller object in EMRIs, causing dynamical friction that alters the gravitational wave signals. If such effects are observed, they could provide valuable insights into the nature of dark matter, while the absence of such signals could constrain its properties. The study offers new avenues for dark matter research and the potential for further gravitational discoveries

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

New Algorithm Empowers Robots to Handle Complex Physical Tasks in Real Time: Researchers at Penn Engineering have developed the consensus complementarity control (C3) algorithm, enabling robots to handle complex physical interactions, such as manipulating sliding objects, in real time. This breakthrough addresses a key challenge in robotics: controlling physical contact with the environment. C3 allows robots to predict and react to various possibilities during contact, achieving tasks like balancing a waiter's tray—previously impossible for autonomous robots. The algorithm holds promise for future AI integration, translating commands from large language models (LLMs) into precise actions, bringing robots closer to operating autonomously in real-world environments.

Biometric Tool Safeguards Aid Distribution and Prevents Fraud in Humanitarian Efforts: To ensure fair distribution of scarce humanitarian aid, researchers at CISPA and EPFL, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), have developed a secure biometric system. This tool uses biometric data, such as fingerprints, to prevent people from registering multiple times for aid, ensuring more equitable resource allocation. The system uses a cryptographic protocol to verify if an individual is already registered without storing personal data long-term, protecting privacy. This innovation, along with a token-based system for distribution, enhances the efficiency and security of humanitarian aid efforts.

Researchers Uncover Security Vulnerabilities in AI-Governed Robots, Call for Responsible Innovation: A new study from Penn Engineering's Responsible Innovation initiative reveals critical security vulnerabilities in AI-controlled robots, highlighting risks in their safe deployment. Researchers demonstrated that large language models (LLMs) integrated with robots can be easily hacked, as their RoboPAIR algorithm achieved a 100% "jailbreak" rate across various robotic systems, including the Unitree Go2 and NVIDIA's Dolphin LLM. The study raises concerns about AI-powered robots being manipulated into dangerous behaviors and calls for a "safety-first" approach, emphasizing the need for reevaluating how AI is regulated in physical systems to ensure safe, responsible deployment.

Researchers Reveal Vulnerabilities in Deep Learning Models for Remote Sensing Tasks: A team from Northwestern Polytechnical University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University conducted a comprehensive review to assess the robustness of deep learning (DL) models used for remote sensing (RS) tasks like object detection and image classification. Their analysis revealed critical vulnerabilities in DL models, such as susceptibility to natural noise (e.g., rain, fog) and adversarial attacks. The researchers also tested physical and digital attacks, showing how these models could be compromised. Their work aims to improve the robustness and security of DL models, crucial for applications in environmental monitoring, disaster response, and urban planning.

ENGINEERING

Widespread Electric Vehicle Adoption Could Yield Massive Public Health Benefits, Study Finds: A study by the University of Toronto's Department of Civil & Mineral Engineering reveals that large-scale adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S., combined with renewable energy, could deliver public health benefits worth up to $188 billion by 2050. The researchers simulated scenarios involving aggressive EV adoption and grid decarbonization, finding that reduced emissions of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter would improve overall health. The study highlights that these benefits depend on continued decarbonization of the power grid alongside EV adoption, emphasizing the need for simultaneous action in both sectors.

Stretchable Organic Electrochemical Transistors Enable AI-Powered Wearables for Health Monitoring: Researchers at the University of Hong Kong have developed a new wearable device based on stretchable organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), offering a breakthrough in AI-powered, in-sensor computing for health monitoring. Unlike traditional neuromorphic transistors, these OECTs can function effectively in wet or humid environments, making them ideal for wearables like smartwatches. The stretchable OECT arrays minimize motion artifacts, enhance data quality, and are integrated with machine learning algorithms to provide real-time edge computing. The device, capable of accurately predicting hand gestures, could revolutionize wearable technology for medical and health applications by providing more comfortable and efficient devices.

Agrivoltaics: Harnessing Solar Energy to Decarbonize Agriculture: Agrivoltaics, the integration of solar panels into agricultural spaces, offers a promising approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector, which contributes up to 22% of global emissions. This system enables farmers to produce clean energy while maintaining or even enhancing crop and livestock production. However, challenges include ensuring the right balance of sunlight for crops and selecting the best photovoltaic (PV) materials. Researchers have developed an open-source tool that uses simulations to identify optimal PV materials for different climates and crops, making agrivoltaics more efficient. This tool helps guide decisions to maximize energy generation and agricultural productivity, contributing to the global push for net-zero emissions.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Astronomers Detect Very-High-Energy Gamma-Rays Around Pulsar PSR J0248+6021: An international team of astronomers using the Large High-Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) has detected very-high-energy (VHE) gamma-ray emissions near the pulsar PSR J0248+6021, potentially indicating the presence of a pulsar halo or a pulsar wind nebula. Based on LHAASO data, the researchers identified two gamma-ray sources near the pulsar, one of which aligns with an extended source from the LHAASO catalog. The detected gamma rays are likely produced by highly relativistic electrons and positrons from PSR J0248+6021 through inverse Compton processes. This discovery provides new insights into the nature of VHE gamma-ray sources.

NASA's Europa Clipper Mission Overcomes Radiation Challenges to Explore Jupiter's Moon: NASA's $5.2 billion Europa Clipper mission, set to study Jupiter's moon Europa for potential signs of life, faces the challenge of navigating through the planet's intense radiation belts. Concerns about the spacecraft's semiconductor transistors arose due to high radiation levels, which could cause malfunction by ionizing and trapping excess charge in the transistors. After extensive testing, NASA confirmed the electronics can withstand the radiation. The Clipper will spend one day of each 21-day orbit in the harshest radiation, with the transistors expected to recover through annealing. The mission launched on October 14, 2023, and will arrive at Europa in 2030.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

New In Vitro Model Offers Insight into Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis: Researchers from Tampere University, Finland, and Izmir Institute of Technology, Turkey, have developed an advanced in vitro cancer model to study why breast cancer frequently spreads to bone. Using lab-on-a-chip platforms, the model mimics the bone microenvironment and helps explore the mechanisms behind breast cancer bone metastasis, which occurs in about 53% of cases, leading to severe complications. This study offers a promising tool for predicting metastasis risk and advancing preclinical research on cancer diagnostics and treatments, addressing a critical gap in understanding metastatic breast cancer.

Antipsychotics Show Limited Cognitive Benefits for Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 68 studies found no substantial evidence that any specific antipsychotic significantly improves cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) compared to placebo. Antipsychotics, typically used to manage symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, showed only slight cognitive benefits, with no individual drug showing a clear advantage. First-generation antipsychotics, such as haloperidol, and clozapine ranked low for cognitive outcomes, while some second-generation antipsychotics showed minimal improvements. The study highlights the need for new treatments targeting cognitive deficits in SSDs.

Prolonged Fasting During Multiple Orthopedic Surgeries Increases Risk of Malnutrition and Complications: A study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2024 annual meeting highlights the risk of malnutrition in patients undergoing multiple orthopedic surgeries during the same hospital stay. The research, analyzing over 28 million patients, found that repeated or prolonged fasting increases the likelihood of protein-calorie malnutrition, leading to longer hospital stays, higher costs, and increased mortality risk. Malnourished patients had more surgeries on average and were 15% more likely to die due to complications like infections or poor wound healing. Researchers suggest personalized nutritional support to mitigate these risks in vulnerable patients.

ENVIRONMENT

Global Study Reveals Lack of Awareness of "Climate Justice" but Strong Support for Its Principles: A study led by the University of Nottingham surveyed 5,627 adults from 11 countries, showing that most people, even in regions heavily impacted by climate change, are unfamiliar with the term "climate justice." However, the majority recognized the social, historical, and economic injustices tied to the climate crisis. Key findings include widespread agreement that poorer communities suffer more from climate change (78%) and should have more influence in climate decisions (78%). The study underscores the need for more effective communication to connect public understanding of climate injustices with climate justice advocacy and policymaking.

New Study Shows High Levels of PFAS Accumulation in Fish, Even Far from Contamination Sources: Researchers at Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences found that fish can accumulate significant levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), even far from contamination sources like military bases. The study highlights the risks PFAS pose to public health, especially in communities relying on freshwater fishing. PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," are persistent in the environment and can be found in fish and shellfish in areas affected by firefighting foams used at military sites. The research emphasizes the need for more comprehensive monitoring of PFAS in aquatic ecosystems and expanded consumption advisories.

Eddy Currents Drive Deep Ocean Heat Waves and Cold Snaps, Threatening Twilight Zone Ecosystems: A new study reveals that almost half of deep-sea marine heat waves and cold snaps, occurring between 200 and 1,000 meters, are driven by large eddy currents. These swirling currents transport warm or cold water, intensifying extreme temperature fluctuations in the ocean's twilight zone. As climate change strengthens these currents, both marine heat waves and cold snaps are becoming more intense, posing a significant threat to the vast ecosystems of the twilight zone, which is home to the world's most abundant vertebrate species. The findings highlight the need for better monitoring and predictions to protect vulnerable ocean habitats.

Melting Glaciers Release Organic Matter with Varying Climate Impacts, Study Finds: A new study reveals that melting glaciers release diverse organic matter, which is consumed by microbes and respired as carbon dioxide, potentially affecting climate change. Researchers used ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry to analyze dissolved organic matter from 136 glacial meltwater rivers across six continents, identifying over 35,000 distinct chemical formulas. The types of organic matter varied based on human activity and location, with some glaciers carrying industrial pollutants while others contained organic compounds from microbial life. The study emphasizes the need to assess glaciers individually when evaluating their contribution to climate change and ecosystem impacts.

NATURE

Noise, Not Salmon Shortage, May Be Driving Southern Resident Killer Whale Decline: Researchers from the University of British Columbia have found that a lack of access to salmon is not the primary cause of the population decline in southern resident killer whales. In their study, Burak Saygili and Andrew Trites consulted with sport anglers and whale-watching crews, discovering that the orcas are frequently observed among salmon groups. Instead, the researchers propose that the whales may struggle to catch salmon due to noise pollution from heavy sea traffic in their habitat. Additionally, seasonal variations in salmon availability may contribute to their struggles, particularly during the spring.

OTHER SCIENCES & ARTS

Did Disease Shape the Rise and Fall of Early European Settlements?: Throughout history, early farmers in Europe experienced a cycle of dense village living followed by dispersion, and later reformation into cities. Traditional explanations for these urban collapses focus on climate change, overpopulation, and social pressures. However, recent studies suggest that zoonotic diseases, linked to close proximity with animals, may have played a key role in the abandonment of early dense settlements like Çatalhöyük. Later cities, such as those of the Trypillia culture, had more dispersed layouts, possibly reducing disease transmission. Simulations show that this clustering could have helped prevent outbreaks, highlighting how disease may have influenced settlement patterns and urban development over millennia.

Dual-Language Books Boost Bilingual Literacy When Paired with Guided Instruction: A study by Assistant Professor Lisa Domke explored how 63 Spanish-English bilingual third and fifth graders read dual-language books (DLBs) in dual-language programs. Contrary to educators' concerns, over 52% of students did not stick to reading solely in their dominant language. Students made intentional language choices based on proficiency, interest, and comprehension. While fifth-graders used prior knowledge for translation, third-graders often relied on word alignment across languages, sometimes leading to mistranslations. The study suggests that DLBs, combined with targeted instruction, can effectively support bilingualism and biliteracy development.

How William Rowan Hamilton's Discovery of Quaternions Transformed Math and Technology: On October 16, 1843, Irish mathematician William Rowan Hamilton had a mathematical breakthrough that led to the invention of quaternions, a new way to represent 3D rotations using four-dimensional numbers. Hamilton's revelation, famously carved into Broome Bridge, revolutionized mathematics and physics by simplifying how rotations and forces in 3D space are calculated. His concept of quaternions, and later vectors, became foundational for modern applications ranging from programming rotations in robotics to designing advanced technologies like MRI machines and Mars rovers. Despite initial rejection, Hamilton's work has become essential in both theoretical and applied sciences.

INDUSTRY

Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" System Under Investigation After Crashes in Low-Visibility Conditions: The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating Tesla's "Full Self-Driving" (FSD) system following reports of crashes in low-visibility conditions, including one that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. The probe, which covers 2.4 million Teslas from model years 2016 to 2024, seeks to determine if FSD properly detects and responds to reduced visibility situations such as sun glare, fog, and dust. Tesla has previously issued recalls for FSD, and this investigation could impact the future deployment of autonomous vehicles, including Tesla's robotaxi plans. The crashes have raised concerns about Tesla’s reliance on camera-based hazard detection, which critics argue is insufficient without radar or laser sensors.

AI's Growing Role in Hollywood Faces Delays Amid Concerns Over Intellectual Property and Creative Control: Hollywood studios are in talks with AI companies to integrate artificial intelligence into film and television production, but progress has been slow due to legal, financial, and creative concerns. While AI promises to streamline processes like storyboarding, as seen in Lionsgate's partnership with AI startup Runway, major studios remain cautious. Issues such as the valuation of studio libraries for AI training, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring fair compensation for talent have yet to be resolved. Creatives worry about AI’s potential to eliminate jobs, while legal uncertainty around copyright is fueling hesitation. Despite these challenges, AI companies are pushing forward, with some filmmakers already experimenting with AI tools for music videos and digital content. The ultimate adoption of AI in mainstream Hollywood may come down to financial incentives.

Toyota and Boston Dynamics Partner to Advance AI-Powered Humanoid Robots: Toyota Research Institute and Boston Dynamics, owned by Hyundai, are teaming up to accelerate the development of AI-powered humanoid robots. The collaboration aims to combine Toyota's expertise in machine learning with Boston Dynamics' robotic capabilities, focusing on tasks like human-robot interaction and potential commercial applications in factories and elder care. This partnership presents a challenge to competitors like Tesla’s Optimus robot and other AI-driven humanoid projects. The ultimate goal is to create multi-tasking robots that can learn and perform a range of tasks efficiently, such as assembly line work and home assistance.