Crabs with Headlamp-Like Faces Use Light-Focusing Anatomy for Low-Light Communication

Hello and welcome to our May 28th edition. The STEAM Digest is a curated newsletter that brings you the latest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Physics - Crystal Strain Mimics Elusive Electron Behavior, Prompting Rethink of Key Physics Findings, and more.

• Biology - Landmark Cryo-EM Study Reveals DNA Repair Mechanism by RAD51 Protein.

• Chemistry - Iron Powder Outperforms Carbon in Removing Toxic PFOS from Water.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - AI-Powered Blood Test Accurately Detects Sepsis Risk in Under Three Hours, and more.

• Engineering & Technology - MIT's Sodium-Metal Fuel Cell Promises Breakthrough for Electric Aviation and Clean Energy, and more.

• Robotics, AI, Hardware, Software, Gadgets - Smartphone Touchscreens May Soon Detect Dehydration During Fasting and Exercise, and more.

• Astronomy, Space, & Astrobiology - Planet Nine? Study Shows Wide-Orbit Planets Form Naturally in Young Star Clusters, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Autism Linked to Higher Risk of Early Parkinson’s, and more.

• Neuroscience- Ultrasound-Powered Implant Offers Personalized, Opioid-Free Chronic Pain Relief.

• Pediatrics - Early Maternal Warmth Boosts Teen Health by Shaping Social Safety Perceptions.

• Nature & Ecology - Crabs with Headlamp-Like Faces Use Light-Focusing Anatomy for Low-Light Communication, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - 5,000-Year-Old Bread Unearthed in Turkey Inspires Modern Revival and Agricultural Reflection, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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PHYSICS

Crystal Strain Mimics Elusive Electron Behavior, Prompting Rethink of Key Physics Findings: A new study by physicists reveals that tiny strains in crystals can create electron behaviors that closely imitate spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB), a foundational concept in physics. Initially thought to be a true example of SSB in zirconium silicon sulfide crystals, the observed directional wave-like electron patterns were ultimately traced to subtle fabrication-induced distortions. This discovery suggests that previous claims of SSB in electronic systems may require reassessment, emphasizing the importance of ruling out strain effects. The findings also open avenues for potential applications in strain-engineered electronic devices.

Cornell and MIT Turn Noisy Lasers into Ultra-Stable Quantum Beams:
Researchers from Cornell and MIT have developed a method to transform noisy, high-power lasers into ultra-stable beams in a quantum state with no classical equivalent. By passing laser pulses through nonlinear optical fibers and isolating stable frequencies with spectral filters, the team achieved noise levels 30 times lower than the original, even at peak intensities up to 0.1 terawatts/cm². This breakthrough—powered by “noise-immune quantum correlations” and a new predictive model—allows for the use of common amplified lasers to generate quantum light, enabling more accessible, high-precision photonic applications, from lab research to fiber-optic communication systems.

New Laser-Based Imaging System Sees Millimeter Details from Over a Kilometer Away: Researchers have developed a laser emitter system capable of super-resolution imaging of millimeter-scale objects from 1.36 km away, as demonstrated in an urban outdoor test. By combining intensity interferometry with pseudothermal laser illumination and computational reconstruction, the system imaged 1.5 mm-wide letters with a resolution of 3 mm—14 times finer than a standard telescope’s diffraction limit. This breakthrough overcomes traditional optical limits and atmospheric distortion, offering potential applications in remote sensing, surveillance, and LiDAR. The technology represents a major leap in long-range high-resolution imaging in real-world environments.

BIOLOGY

Landmark Cryo-EM Study Reveals DNA Repair Mechanism by RAD51 Protein:
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have revealed the first high-resolution structure of the human RAD51-DNA complex during homologous recombination (HR), a crucial DNA repair process. Using cryo-electron microscopy, the team visualized RAD51 bound to damaged DNA forming a displacement loop (D-loop), showing how L2 loops in RAD51 act as spacers to unwind donor DNA and expose nucleotides for strand pairing. The study explains the strand exchange process, identifies sequence mismatch tolerance, and uncovers how RAD51 captures and guides the exchanged strand through a specific channel. This breakthrough provides fundamental insight into genome stability and may inform cancer therapy development targeting DNA repair pathways.

Biologists Unveil Unified Theory of Gauge Freedoms in Genetic Modeling:
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a unified mathematical theory for handling gauge freedoms—alternative parameter sets that yield the same model predictions—in computational biology. Common in physics, these freedoms also appear in genetic models but were previously treated as nuisances. The new framework provides efficient, generalizable formulas to improve the speed and accuracy of interpreting massive genetic datasets. A companion study explains that these freedoms stem from the need to reflect natural symmetries in biological sequences. The work may advance applications in plant breeding, drug discovery, and beyond.

CHEMISTRY

Iron Powder Outperforms Carbon in Removing Toxic PFOS from Water: Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have found that microscale zero-valent iron (mZVI) is 26 times more effective per unit surface area than activated carbon at removing PFOS, a harmful "forever chemical," from water. Unlike carbon, iron powder remains effective even after rusting, suggesting oxidized iron continues to aid in PFOS adsorption. The study highlights a cheaper, highly efficient method for water purification and offers promise for large-scale removal technologies. Further research is underway to understand why oxidized iron retains its effectiveness.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

AI-Powered Blood Test Accurately Detects Sepsis Risk in Under Three Hours:
Canadian researchers have developed a rapid blood test and portable device that detects sepsis with over 90% accuracy, significantly faster than current diagnostics. The AI-based test identifies a six-gene signature linked to early-stage sepsis using RT-PCR and machine learning. A portable device, PowerBlade, developed by the National Research Council, delivers results in under three hours from a single drop of blood. Tested in hospitals and with 30 patients, it achieved 92% accuracy in identifying high-risk individuals. The innovation could enable faster, life-saving treatment, especially in emergency and remote settings.

Laser-Printed Blood Vessels Boost Organ-on-a-Chip Precision: Researchers have developed a fast, precise method using ultrashort laser pulses to create artificial blood vessels in hydrogels for organ-on-a-chip systems. The vessels support real endothelial cells and mimic natural responses like inflammation, thanks to a two-step thermal curing process that enhances stability. The team also successfully applied the method to create a vascularized liver model, improving tissue metabolism. This scalable, reproducible approach advances OoC technology for drug testing and biomedical research.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

MIT's Sodium-Metal Fuel Cell Promises Breakthrough for Electric Aviation and Clean Energy: MIT researchers have developed a revolutionary sodium-metal fuel cell that offers over three times the energy density of current lithium-ion batteries, potentially enabling regional electric flight and other heavy transport applications. The system uses liquid sodium and air as reactants, with a ceramic electrolyte and is wirelessly refueled, not recharged—making it safer and more efficient. Early tests showed energy densities exceeding 1,000 watt-hours per kilogram, the threshold for practical electric aviation. A byproduct of the system—sodium hydroxide—captures CO₂ and could even help de-acidify oceans, offering environmental benefits beyond zero emissions. Scalable and reliant on abundant sodium, the system is being commercialized by Propel Aero, with first applications targeting high-endurance drones.

Breakthrough Reveals Hidden Lithium Residues in EV Battery Cathodes, Offering Key to Longer Lifespan: Researchers have uncovered a previously overlooked cause of performance degradation in high-nickel (high-Ni) cathodes, critical components of next-generation EV batteries. Contrary to long-held beliefs, residual lithium (Li) compounds are not only on the surface but also embedded between internal particles of the cathode. Using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy, the team identified these intergranular Li residues as a major cause of gelation during manufacturing and reduced battery integrity. They propose a shift to single-crystal high-Ni cathode structures, which lack grain boundaries and prevent lithium build-up. This strategy reduced residual lithium by up to 54%, advancing efforts to improve battery performance, stability, and commercialization.

ROBOTICS, AI, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, GADGETS

Smartphone Touchscreens May Soon Detect Dehydration During Fasting and Exercise: Researchers have developed a novel, non-invasive method to monitor hydration using standard capacitive touchscreens like those in smartphones. The research team demonstrated that by analyzing fingertip skin capacitance—a value that changes with moisture levels—dehydration can be detected with up to 92% accuracy in athletes and 87% in people fasting during Ramadan. This technique offers a simple, real-time alternative to traditional hydration assessments, potentially benefiting not only fasting individuals but also athletes, the elderly, children, and those with kidney disease.

Caltech’s Flying-Driving Robot Morphs Midair for Seamless Terrain Transitions:
Caltech engineers have developed ATMO, a drone-like robot that transforms midair to drive on land—eliminating the need for landing before shifting modes. Unlike typical flying-driving robots, ATMO uses a single motor to switch between flight and ground movement, with its thruster shrouds doubling as wheels. To handle the complex aerodynamics of midair morphing near the ground, the team created a new model predictive control system that anticipates and adjusts to turbulence and force changes in real time. Inspired by animals like birds, ATMO offers improved agility and autonomy for delivery drones and robotic explorers navigating difficult terrain.

ASTRONOMY, SPACE, & ASTROLOBIOLOGY

Planet Nine? Study Shows Wide-Orbit Planets Form Naturally in Young Star Clusters: Researchers from Rice University and the Planetary Science Institute have shown that wide-orbit planets—like the theorized Planet Nine—can form naturally during the early, chaotic phase of planetary system evolution. Simulations reveal that giant planets can be scattered outward and then stabilized by nearby stars in dense birth clusters. The study estimates a 5–10% chance of forming a Planet Nine-like object in solar system-like conditions and links these planets to rogue worlds ejected entirely. High-metallicity stars with gas giants are identified as prime targets for future searches, including with the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

New 3D Velocity Method Reveals Deviations from Newtonian Gravity in Wide Binary Stars: Astrophysicist Kyu-Hyun Chae has developed a groundbreaking Bayesian method using full 3D velocity data to test gravity at ultra-low accelerations in wide binary star systems—those with separations greater than 2,000 AU. Applying the method to 300 binaries from ESA's Gaia mission, Chae found that when stellar acceleration falls below ~1 nanometer/second², gravitational strength exceeds Newtonian predictions by 40–50%. The results deviate from standard gravity with 4.2σ significance, aligning with predictions from Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND). This method—superior to traditional 2D velocity approaches—may decisively test gravity without invoking dark matter, as such anomalies can't be explained by unseen mass. Ongoing radial velocity measurements and binary purity checks are expected to sharpen results, potentially reshaping our understanding of gravity and cosmology.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Autism Linked to Higher Risk of Early Parkinson’s: A study from Karolinska Institutet found that people with autism are up to four times more likely to develop early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Using Swedish registry data from over 2 million individuals, researchers suggest shared biological factors—possibly involving dopamine—may link the two conditions. Even after adjusting for medication and other variables, the risk remained twice as high. While early Parkinson’s is rare, the study highlights the need for long-term monitoring in people with autism.

Drinking Sugar, Not Eating It, Tied to Higher Diabetes Risk, Study Finds:
A large meta-analysis has found that liquid sugars—especially from soda and fruit juice—are significantly linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while sugars consumed from solid foods may pose no risk or even a slight protective effect. Each daily 12-oz soda increased diabetes risk by 25%, and each 8-oz fruit juice by 5%. In contrast, 20 g/day of sucrose or total sugar from foods was linked to lower diabetes risk. The study suggests that sugar’s metabolic impact depends on its form, with drinks causing rapid glycemic spikes and liver stress, unlike sugar in fiber-rich or nutrient-dense foods. Researchers recommend stronger guidelines targeting liquid sugar consumption, rather than broadly condemning all added sugars.

COVID-19 Vaccines Still Offer Strong Protection Against Variants Despite Slight Dip in Mutation-Specific Antibodies: A study from the University of Arizona Health Sciences shows that prior COVID-19 vaccination significantly boosts overall antibody responses to delta and omicron variants, even though new mutation-specific antibodies are slightly reduced. The research confirms that vaccination does not hinder protective immunity and that antigenic imprinting effects are minimal. Vaccinated individuals produced more total antibodies than unvaccinated ones, despite generating fewer antibodies to mutated regions. The findings suggest future vaccines could be optimized to better target changing virus parts and inform smarter booster strategies.

NEUROSCIENCE

Ultrasound-Powered Implant Offers Personalized, Opioid-Free Chronic Pain Relief: Researchers at the University of Southern California have developed a flexible, battery-free, wireless implant that uses ultrasound power and machine learning to manage chronic pain. Unlike traditional stimulators, this implant minimizes surgical damage and adjusts stimulation levels based on real-time brain signal analysis. In rodent tests, the device accurately detected pain levels and delivered adaptive spinal stimulation, significantly reducing discomfort. The innovation may offer a safer, personalized alternative to opioid treatments and pave the way for future human trials.

PEDIATRICS

Early Maternal Warmth Boosts Teen Health by Shaping Social Safety Perceptions: A UCLA-led study using data from over 8,500 children in the UK Millennium Cohort Study found that maternal warmth at age 3—expressed through praise, affection, and positive tone—predicts better physical and mental health at age 17, via an increased sense of social safety at age 14. Teens who felt socially safe reported fewer health problems and psychological issues. In contrast, maternal harshness had no significant effect on long-term outcomes. Researchers emphasize that fostering warm, safe relationships can enhance youth resilience, and that positive perception of social support plays a key role in shaping long-term well-being.

ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Darkening Affects Over 20% of Global Waters, Shrinking Sunlit Zones Vital for Marine Life: A study by the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Marine Laboratory has revealed that 21% of the global ocean has darkened between 2003 and 2022, reducing the depth of photic zones—sunlit upper layers vital for 90% of marine life. The research used NASA satellite data and modeling to show that over 32 million sq km experienced photic zone losses greater than 50 meters, likely driven by climate-related algal shifts and coastal nutrient runoff. The findings raise concerns for marine ecosystems, carbon cycling, and global biodiversity, as light-dependent species are forced closer to the surface, potentially altering food webs and resource competition.

New Simulation Method Enhances Tracking of Harmful Airborne Nanoparticles:
Researchers have developed a faster and more accurate simulation method for predicting the movement of airborne nanoparticles, which are linked to severe health issues such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Using the ARCHER2 supercomputer, the team created a mathematical model that dramatically accelerates drag force calculations—up to 4,000 times faster than existing techniques. Unlike traditional simulations requiring large computational domains, their method zooms in on nanoparticles by modeling how air disturbances decay with distance. This could improve air pollution monitoring, toxic exposure analysis, and the design of drug delivery systems and sensors.

NATURE & ECOLOGY

Crabs with Headlamp-Like Faces Use Light-Focusing Anatomy for Low-Light Communication: Researchers from the National University of Singapore have discovered that Parasesarma eumolpe, a Southeast Asian mangrove crab, uses concave facial bands that focus reflected light—functioning like biological headlamps to enhance visual communication in dim environments. Using spectral analysis, 3D modeling, and behavioral experiments, the study revealed that the bands reflect peak brightness at angles optimal for crab-to-crab signaling. These light-enhancing structures work through geometric shape alone, not iridescence or nanostructures, and help convey sex and health via both brightness and color. This discovery sheds light on evolutionary adaptations for low-visibility habitats and may inspire future innovations in bioinspired optics and signaling systems.

Extreme Drought Shifts Grassland Stability from Dominance to Diversity-Based Mechanisms: A long-term study shows that extreme drought weakens the stabilizing role of dominant grass species in grassland ecosystems, shifting resilience to species asynchrony—the varying responses of different species over time. Using rain shelters to reduce precipitation by 66%, researchers found that under drought, grassland stability relied more on biodiversity and specific plant traits like high specific leaf area and dense tissue structure, which enhance drought resistance. These findings challenge traditional ecological models and may guide future grassland restoration and climate adaptation strategies.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

5,000-Year-Old Bread Unearthed in Turkey Inspires Modern Revival and Agricultural Reflection: Archaeologists in central Turkey have unearthed a remarkably preserved 5,000-year-old loaf of bread from the Early Bronze Age, buried beneath the threshold of a house at the ancient site of Kulluoba. Likely part of a ritual for abundance, the round, flat bread was charred and preserved, offering rare insight into ancient diets. Researchers found it was made with emmer wheat, lentils, and a plant-based yeast. Inspired by the find, local officials in Eskisehir partnered with a municipal bakery to recreate the bread using similar ingredients, including drought-resistant Kavilca wheat. The recreated "Kulluoba bread" quickly gained popularity. The discovery has also sparked renewed interest in ancient, climate-resilient crops amid ongoing drought concerns, highlighting how archaeological heritage can guide modern food and farming practices.

New Study Reveals Gobi Wall Was More Than a Fortress—It Was an Engine of Imperial Control: An international team of archaeologists has uncovered the origins and function of the 321-km Gobi Wall in Mongolia. Previously misunderstood, the wall is now linked to the Xi Xia dynasty (1038–1227 CE), and was more than a defensive structure—it served to mark boundaries, manage resources, and exert imperial control. Constructed with rammed earth and local materials, its strategic placement leveraged natural features and resource availability. The study reveals centuries of use, spanning from the 2nd century BCE to the 19th century CE, and highlights how medieval infrastructure shaped frontier governance in Inner Asia.

Newly Discovered Ancient Lineage Challenges Timeline of Human Spread into South America: Researchers have identified a previously unknown group of ancient hunter-gatherers who lived near present-day Bogotá, Colombia, about 6,000 years ago, close to the land bridge between North and South America. DNA analysis reveals they are not genetically related to known ancient Native Americans from either continent, suggesting an unexpected lineage. This group vanished by 2,000 years later, replaced by genetically distinct populations. It's unclear whether they were absorbed, displaced, or went extinct. The discovery reshapes our understanding of early human migration and highlights Colombia's strategic role as the gateway to South America during prehistoric population movements.