Sodium-Ion Batteries Poised to Rival Lithium-Ion with New Cathode Design for Sustainable Energy Storage

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 - Sodium-Ion Batteries Poised to Rival Lithium-Ion with New Cathode Design for Sustainable Energy Storage, and more.

• Technology and AI - SOAR System Revolutionizes Autonomous 3D Mapping Using Multi-Drone Technology, and more.

• Engineering - Affordable Technique for Wearable Health Sensor Production Unveiled by UH Mānoa Researchers, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Ceres: An Icy Dwarf Planet Once Home to a Muddy Ocean, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Multiple Surgeries Linked to Cognitive Decline in Older Adults, New Mouse Model Study Reveals Key to Nerve Repair, and more.

• Neuroscience - Strengthening Synaptic Connections Triggers Sleep, Study Finds, and more.

• Environment - Supercomputing Advances Improve Hurricane Forecasting Accuracy by 40%, Ancient Seafloor Discovered Deep Beneath Earth's Surface, and more.

• Nature - Northern Elephant Seals Face Lasting Genetic Effects from Near Extinction, and more.

• Other Sciences & Arts - Mathematical Model Predicts Improved Lung Cancer Treatment Outcomes with Novel Drug Combinations, and more.

• World - Nepal Embraces Electric Vehicles Amid Hydropower Boom, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Sodium-Ion Batteries Poised to Rival Lithium-Ion with New Cathode Design for Sustainable Energy Storage: Argonne National Laboratory researchers have improved sodium-ion battery performance with a novel cathode design, reducing cracking during cycling by optimizing heat treatment. This design enhances energy storage and extends battery life, making sodium-ion batteries a promising alternative to lithium-ion for urban electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. The team aims to further reduce costs by eliminating nickel from the cathode, paving the way for more sustainable, high-performance sodium-ion batteries in the future.

New Research Explores Quantum Squeezing for Improved Measurement Precision: A study by Dr. Le Bin Ho from Tohoku University, published in Physical Review Research, investigates the use of quantum squeezing to enhance measurement precision in complex quantum systems. The research focuses on how squeezing can be applied to measure multiple factors, such as position and momentum, simultaneously with greater accuracy. These findings could lead to breakthroughs in quantum sensing, imaging, and technologies like quantum radar, atomic clocks, and biosensors, with potential applications in biophysics and disease detection.

Heavy-Ion Collisions May Generate World's Strongest Electromagnetic Fields: A theoretical study led by RIKEN physicist Hidetoshi Taya suggests that heavy-ion collision experiments aimed at recreating quark-gluon plasma, a state of matter from the early universe, could also generate the strongest electromagnetic fields ever observed. These fields could offer insights into unexplored physics phenomena, which have so far been inaccessible. Though direct measurement of these fields is impossible, researchers plan to study how they influence the observable particles produced during collisions.

Optimizing CO₂ Conversion: The Role of Chemical Environment in Copper Electrodes: Researchers at the University of Twente discovered that adjusting the chemical environment around copper electrodes dramatically improves the conversion of CO₂ into formate, a valuable industrial chemical. By altering the pH near the electrode, they enhanced selectivity and efficiency in CO₂ reduction reactions, offering a new approach beyond just catalyst material. This breakthrough could make CO₂ conversion technologies more effective, aiding the transition toward a sustainable, circular economy.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

SOAR System Revolutionizes Autonomous 3D Mapping Using Multi-Drone Technology: Researchers from Sun Yat-Sen University and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed SOAR, a system allowing drones to autonomously and rapidly explore environments and create 3D reconstructions. Using a combination of LiDAR-equipped explorer UAVs and photographer UAVs, the system adapts to dynamic scenes and improves efficiency in capturing detailed images for 3D models. This breakthrough could have applications in urban planning, disaster assessment, historical preservation, and more. Future plans include further optimization for real-world deployments and enhanced reconstruction processes.

Novel Digital Data Storage System Developed Using Luminescent Microcapsules and Phase Change Materials: A team of scientists, including researchers from ICN2 and UAB, has developed a novel digital encoding and data storage system using microcapsules filled with fluorescent dyes and phase change materials. This innovative system enables 3D data encryption and 4D data storage, leveraging temperature changes to control light emission and encoding complex data. The technology holds promise for applications in cybersecurity, anti-counterfeiting, and high-density data storage, offering a low-cost and efficient solution for secure information storage.

ENGINEERING

Affordable Technique for Wearable Health Sensor Production Unveiled by UH Mānoa Researchers: Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa developed a low-cost method for creating wearable health sensors using laser-induced graphene (LIG) and metal stencils. This innovative approach improves sensor precision and lowers manufacturing costs by reducing feature size to 45 micrometers, allowing for more complex designs. The technique enhances the production of high-performance sensors, opening possibilities for wider accessibility in health monitoring technologies. The study was published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics.

Turing Patterns Enable New Design Method for Soft Pneumatic Actuators: A study reveals a novel approach to designing fabric-based soft pneumatic actuators (FSPAs) using Turing patterns. These soft devices, crucial in soft robotics for their flexibility, deform under pressure and are used in applications ranging from wearable devices to robotic grippers. The research utilized Alan Turing's morphogenesis theory to automate the design process, enabling controlled movement without relying on specialized materials. The researchers employed a gradient-based optimization method to create surface textures that improve actuator performance. They explored heat bonding and embroidery techniques to embed the Turing patterns into the fabric, demonstrating a scalable, cost-effective method for producing advanced actuators.

Stanford-Led Study Shows How Water Systems Can Help Stabilize Renewable Energy Grids: A Stanford-led study published in Nature Water reveals how water systems like desalination and wastewater treatment plants could help balance power grids by adjusting energy use during peak times. The research offers a framework to assess how these systems can provide energy flexibility, similar to batteries, potentially shifting up to 30% of energy usage. This approach could lower costs and ease grid pressure, aiding the transition to renewable energy. Key insights include optimizing water operations and the importance of energy pricing.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Ceres: An Icy Dwarf Planet Once Home to a Muddy Ocean: New research from Purdue University and NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab suggests that Ceres, the largest object in the asteroid belt, has a crust composed mostly of ice, contradicting earlier beliefs of a drier surface. Computer simulations show Ceres may have once been an ocean world, with a frozen, dirty ice crust that resisted crater deformation over billions of years. This discovery raises Ceres' significance as a key point of comparison for icy moons like Europa and Enceladus.

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS to Risk Close Encounter with Sun: The Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet is expected to fly dangerously close to the sun on Friday, risking disintegration but offering the potential for a bright spectacle if it survives. Formed in the distant reaches of the solar system, the comet may be visible to the naked eye from the northern hemisphere starting October 13. While the comet’s survival is uncertain, astronomers remain hopeful due to its sizable core. Its future course depends on gravitational forces and interactions in the solar system.

SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 to Retrieve Stranded NASA Astronauts from ISS: SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Saturday, carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov to the ISS. The mission, Crew-9, will bring back two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stranded on the ISS due to issues with the Boeing-designed Starliner spacecraft. After delays caused by technical issues and Hurricane Helene, SpaceX’s Dragon capsule will dock with the ISS on Sunday.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Multiple Surgeries Linked to Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: A University of Sydney study, using UK Biobank data, found that multiple surgeries may contribute to small but cumulative declines in memory, reaction time, and cognitive flexibility in older patients. Brain MRIs showed smaller hippocampi and increased brain damage in those who underwent surgery. While the individual impact per surgery is modest, the findings emphasize the need for careful perioperative care to prioritize brain health, especially for vulnerable patients.

New Mouse Model Study Reveals Key to Nerve Repair: Researchers at Ohio State University and Imperial College London have identified a critical process for nerve cell repair, linked to the 3D structure of DNA. They discovered that DNA loops, facilitated by the protein cohesin, are essential for activating genes that promote nerve regeneration. Without cohesin, the loops don't form properly, impairing nerve repair. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offers new insights for developing treatments for nerve injuries.

Huntington Disease Protein Impairs DNA Repair, Study Finds: Researchers at McMaster University have found that the mutated huntingtin protein in Huntington disease patients fails to stimulate the production of Poly [ADP-ribose] (PAR), crucial for DNA repair. This results in lower PAR levels and reduced DNA repair in brain cells, leading to neurodegeneration. The study may explain the lower cancer rates in Huntington gene carriers and suggests potential crossover treatments using PARP inhibitors, typically used in cancer therapy.

American Academy of Pediatrics Promotes Reading Aloud for Child Development: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents to read aloud with their young children from birth to strengthen relationships and support brain development. In an updated policy statement, the AAP emphasizes the benefits of shared reading, which fosters social, emotional, cognitive, and literacy skills essential for school readiness. Pediatricians are urged to provide guidance and culturally diverse books at well-child visits. The AAP also advocates limiting screen time, emphasizing print books over digital alternatives.

NEUROSCIENCE

Strengthening Synaptic Connections Triggers Sleep, Study Finds: Researchers at the University of Tsukuba identified that enhancing synaptic strength between neurons in the brain, particularly in the frontal cortex, induces deeper sleep in mice. They developed a molecular tool, SYNCit-K, and a mathematical model (EIN) to study the connection between synaptic strength and brain activity. The findings, published in Science, reveal that synaptic enhancement is essential for sleep regulation, offering potential therapeutic avenues to improve sleep quality by targeting synaptic connections.

Serotonin Anticipates and Scales with Reward Value, Study Finds: Dartmouth study reveals that serotonin, often associated with mood regulation, increases in anticipation of a reward and scales with the value of that reward, much like dopamine. Using a new biosensor, researchers were able to measure serotonin in real-time in mice receiving varied rewards. The findings challenge previous views of serotonin’s role and could lead to more targeted treatments for psychiatric conditions like depression and addiction, where serotonin's effects are currently not well understood.

Neil Lumsden Donates Brain to Research Amidst Growing Concerns About Concussions: Ontario's Sports Minister and former CFL player Neil Lumsden has announced he will donate his brain to the Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada for research on brain injuries. This follows NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre’s recent revelation of his Parkinson’s diagnosis, possibly linked to repeated concussions. The contrast between Lumsden’s apparent resilience and Favre’s neurological struggles underscores the complexity of concussion outcomes and the need for further research into neurodegeneration, genetic predispositions, and cognitive reserve.

ENVIRONMENT

Supercomputing Advances Improve Hurricane Forecasting Accuracy by 40%: University of Houston researchers have enhanced hurricane prediction accuracy by adjusting atmospheric friction models. Using the Bridges-2 supercomputer, they improved forecasts of storm intensity and rainfall by up to 40%, offering better predictions for hurricane-induced flooding. The study, published in Journal of Hydrometeorology, shows this model adjustment can save lives and mitigate damage by informing better evacuation and emergency planning. Their findings have major implications for disaster preparedness, particularly in storm-prone areas like Houston.

Ancient Seafloor Discovered Deep Beneath Earth's Surface: University of Maryland scientists have uncovered evidence of an ancient seafloor deep within Earth’s mantle, dating back 250 million years. This discovery challenges existing theories about Earth's interior and sheds light on the structure of the Pacific Large Low Shear Velocity Province (LLSVP). The research, led by postdoctoral researcher Jingchuan Wang, used seismic imaging to map this ancient subducted slab, revealing slower material movement through Earth's mantle than previously thought, potentially reshaping our understanding of deep Earth processes.

Microplastics May Enter the Brain Through the Nose, Study Suggests: Researchers from Freie Universität Berlin and the University of São Paulo have found microplastics in the olfactory bulbs of human brains, suggesting that plastic particles may enter the brain through the nose. This finding raises concerns about the health risks posed by microplastics and nanoplastics, which are increasingly found in the human body. While studies have shown microplastics in various organs, nanoplastics, known to harm cells, remain harder to detect, leaving questions about their long-term impact on human health.

Norway Launches Northern Lights Project to Store CO2 Under the North Sea: Norway has inaugurated the Northern Lights project, which aims to capture and store CO₂ emissions from European factories by injecting them into geological reservoirs beneath the North Sea. The facility will start in 2025, storing 1.5 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, with plans to scale up. While this is seen as a crucial step for mitigating climate change, some critics, including Greenpeace Norway, argue the project is a form of "greenwashing" by the oil industry. Norway’s government defends it as essential for reducing industrial emissions.

NATURE

Northern Elephant Seals Face Lasting Genetic Effects from Near Extinction: Northern elephant seals, once reduced to fewer than 25 individuals due to hunting, have rebounded to around 225,000. However, new research shows their near-extinction caused a severe loss of genetic diversity, increasing the risk of inbreeding and reducing their ability to adapt to environmental changes. Despite this, no current health issues tied to inbreeding have been detected. This contrasts with the southern elephant seal population, which did not experience such a bottleneck.

Hybridization Threatens Endangered Langur Species in Bangladesh: Researchers have confirmed hybridization between two endangered primate species in Bangladesh, Phayre's langurs and capped langurs. Genetic analysis revealed that hybrids were present in mixed groups, increasing the risk of genetic erosion for both species. Human-induced habitat fragmentation and deforestation contribute to this threat. Conservation efforts, including forest protection and dispersal corridors, are urgently needed to prevent the extinction of these species. Ongoing research aims to further understand hybridization and its long-term effects on langur populations.

UC Santa Barbara Researchers Develop Tools to Predict Shark Presence Near Beaches: UC Santa Barbara scientists are developing forecasting tools to predict when and where great white sharks appear near beaches, aiming to enhance safety and conservation efforts. Using drones and ocean data from Padaro Beach, they discovered that shark presence correlates with water temperature, time of day, and season, particularly for juvenile sharks attracted to warmer waters. The project has led to a real-time text alert system for beachgoers, sharing shark sightings and conditions to help inform safer beach decisions.

Minnesota Resident Dies of Rabies Following Bat Exposure: A Minnesota resident over the age of 65 has died of rabies after exposure to a bat in July, marking a rare occurrence as fewer than 10 people in the U.S. die from rabies annually. The CDC confirmed the diagnosis on September 20. Officials emphasize the importance of avoiding contact with bats and getting pets vaccinated. Rabies is almost always fatal if untreated, but timely treatment is highly effective if administered before symptoms appear.

OTHER SCIENCES & ARTS

Mathematical Model Predicts Improved Lung Cancer Treatment Outcomes with Novel Drug Combinations: Researchers at Houston Methodist have developed an advanced mathematical model that predicts significant improvements in progression-free survival for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients using a novel combination of therapies. The model focuses on the anti-miR-155 molecule, which neutralizes miR-155, a key contributor to drug resistance. By simulating its effects alongside chemotherapy and immunotherapy, the model provides a pathway to more effective treatment strategies. This approach may streamline the transition from preclinical testing to human trials.

Harnessing Collective Intelligence with Large Language Models: A New Era of Problem Solving: A new study, co-authored by researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and others, explores how Large Language Models (LLMs) can reshape collective intelligence by synthesizing diverse insights to enhance group decision-making and problem-solving. Published in Nature Human Behavior, the study emphasizes the potential of LLMs to improve collaboration across backgrounds but also warns of risks like amplifying common opinions and misinformation. The authors advocate for guidelines to ensure responsible use, promoting diversity and accuracy in decision-making.

WORLD

Nepal Embraces Electric Vehicles Amid Hydropower Boom: Nepal is experiencing a surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, driven by cheap electricity from hydropower projects. Over 40,000 EVs are now on the roads, and the government aims for 90% of all private vehicle purchases to be electric by 2030. Hydropower has transformed Nepal's energy grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports. However, concerns remain about the environmental impact of dam construction and the proper disposal of EV batteries.

Amazon River Levels Drop by Up to 90% Due to Severe Drought in Colombia: The Amazon River in Colombia has experienced a drastic reduction in water levels—by as much as 90% over the past three months—due to a severe drought driven by climate change. Indigenous communities reliant on the river for sustenance and transportation are among the hardest hit. The widespread drought has exacerbated wildfire activity across South America, impacting countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Ecuador. This is considered the worst drought in the region in decades, affecting vital resources like water and energy supplies.

Marburg Virus Outbreak Kills Six in Rwanda: Six people, mostly healthcare workers, have died in Rwanda following an outbreak of the Marburg virus, a highly infectious hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola. Twenty others are being treated as health authorities work to trace and test contacts. Marburg, spread by fruit bats and transmitted through body fluids, has a fatality rate ranging from 24% to 88% in previous outbreaks. While there are no vaccines or treatments currently available, potential therapies and candidate vaccines are under evaluation.