Dragonflies Reveal Patterns of Mercury Pollution in Ecosystems

Hello and welcome to Tuesday’s STEAM newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - New Tool Predicts Bitterness in Foods Without Knowing Their Chemical Structures, and more.

• Technology and AI - Large Language Models Exhibit Human-Like Reasoning Errors, Hong Kong Tests Its Own ChatGPT-Style AI Tool, and more.

• Engineering - New Synthetic Fuels for Clean Heavy-Duty Transport, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Europe's RAMSES Mission Targets Asteroid Apophis, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Researchers Enable Thought-Controlled Speech in Patient, High Stress Leads to Increased Alcohol Use Among Farmers, AI Tool Efficiently Handles Patient Queries in EHR, and more.

• Environment - Dragonflies Reveal Patterns of Mercury Pollution in Ecosystems, and more.

• Nature - Advanced Tech Enhances Analysis of Inaudible Animal Calls, and more.

• Industry - Record Year for Global Solar Market, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

New Tool Predicts Bitterness in Foods Without Knowing Their Chemical Structures: Scientists from Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Ohio State University have developed BitterMasS, a new tool that uses mass spectrometry to predict bitterness in foods. Unlike traditional methods, BitterMasS does not require prior knowledge of a compound's chemical structure. This innovation could revolutionize food science, pharmaceuticals, and more by improving taste perception research, food processing, and safety monitoring.

Quantum Microscopy Study Makes Electrons Visible in Slow Motion: Researchers at the University of Stuttgart have developed a quantum microscopy technique that captures electron movement in materials at the atomic level in slow motion. This method combines a scanning tunneling microscope with ultrafast spectroscopy, allowing unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. This breakthrough can help in the targeted development of new materials by observing how electrons respond to changes at the atomic level, potentially impacting the design of future sensors and electronic components.

High-Speed Electron Camera Reveals New 'Light-Twisting' Behavior: Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory discovered a new behavior in ultrathin tungsten ditelluride using a high-speed electron camera. When exposed to terahertz radiation, this material can circularly polarize light, a property useful for optoelectronic devices. This discovery could lead to the development of advanced, compact devices for applications like medical imaging by stacking layers of two-dimensional materials with different optical responses.

Low-Cost Cellphone-Based Raman Spectrometer Identifies Biological Molecules: Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a low-cost, handheld Raman spectrometer that uses a cellphone to identify unknown biological molecules within minutes. This device combines a cellphone camera, laser, and diffraction grating to quickly and non-invasively detect harmful chemicals and pathogens, even in remote areas. It offers a faster and cheaper alternative to traditional laboratory-based spectrometers, making rapid material identification accessible in the field.

Producing Hydrogen and Fertilizer Simultaneously: A research team from the University Alliance Ruhr in Germany has developed a method to produce hydrogen and fertilizer at the same time. Using a new catalyst, they can convert ammonia into hydrogen and nitrite, a precursor to fertilizer. This combined process could make hydrogen transport and fertilizer production more efficient, as ammonia is easier to transport than hydrogen. The team's findings suggest potential for industrial applications, though further development is needed.

Scientists Develop New AI Method to Create Material 'Fingerprints': Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have developed an AI-based method using X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) to create material "fingerprints." These fingerprints, created by a neural network using an autoencoder algorithm, allow researchers to analyze the evolution and dynamics of materials under stress and relaxation. This technique is expected to be crucial with the upgraded Advanced Photon Source, which will produce significantly brighter X-ray beams, necessitating AI for data analysis.

Intensive Farming Could Increase Pandemic Risk, Researchers Warn: A study led by the University of Exeter suggests that intensive farming might raise the risk of new pandemics. The research indicates that industrial farming practices can lead to increased contact between humans and animals, environmental degradation, and the spread of pathogens. The study highlights the need to consider social, economic, and political factors, alongside biological ones, in assessing the risks associated with intensive farming.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Large Language Models Exhibit Human-Like Reasoning Errors: Researchers have found that large language models (LLMs), like humans, make similar reasoning mistakes. The study tested LLMs and humans on tasks such as natural language inference, logical syllogisms, and the Wason selection task. Both groups were prone to labeling invalid arguments as valid when they appeared semantically believable. These findings suggest that LLMs, trained on human data, inherit human-like reasoning biases and may require formal training to enhance their logical reasoning capabilities.

Hong Kong Tests Its Own ChatGPT-Style AI Tool: Hong Kong's government is trialing a ChatGPT-like tool for civil servants, developed by local universities. This AI, named "document editing co-pilot application," aims to enhance efficiency in drafting, translating, and summarizing documents. The move follows OpenAI's steps to block access in regions like Hong Kong. The local AI's future includes potential capabilities in graphics and video design, aligning with broader ambitions for AI advancement amid global AI competition.

Metamaterials Offer Potential for Enhanced Data Storage: Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and collaborating institutions have developed a new class of metamaterials for data storage. By utilizing cylindrical domains in magnetic multilayer structures, these materials can store entire bit sequences rather than individual bits. This advancement enables higher data density and more efficient storage solutions. The technology could also impact magnetoelectronics and neural network implementations, offering significant improvements in data handling and processing.

Intuitive Teleoperation System for Real-Time Robotic Manipulation: Researchers at UC San Diego have developed Bunny-VisionPro, a new system for intuitive, real-time teleoperation of robotic manipulators. This system allows human operators to control dual robot arms and multi-fingered hands, enhancing the collection of demonstration data for imitation learning. Bunny-VisionPro integrates visual and haptic feedback, ensuring safe and precise control with minimal delay. This innovation promises to simplify teleoperation tasks and improve robotic system training.

ENGINEERING

New Synthetic Fuels for Clean Heavy-Duty Transport: Researchers from RWTH, the Max Planck Institute, and ETH Zurich have developed HyFiT, a new class of synthetic fuels aimed at heavy-duty transportation. These fuels utilize biomass or CO2, comply with global standards, and are compatible with current vehicle infrastructure. HyFiT fuels produce fewer pollutants and can achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. This development could significantly reduce emissions from transportation, complementing electrification efforts.

Pathway to Stronger Alloys for Extreme Environments: Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new method to create stronger alloys suited for extreme environments like space and the Arctic. Using multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs), they combined several elements in equal proportions to enhance strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. Their process involves advanced techniques to link alloy phases to their mechanical properties, allowing rapid development of new materials.

Recycled Micro-Sized Silicon Anodes from Photovoltaic Waste Enhance Lithium-Ion Battery Performance: Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed micro-sized silicon anodes from recycled photovoltaic waste, significantly improving lithium-ion battery performance. These anodes, combined with a specially designed ether-based electrolyte, maintain high electrochemical stability and energy density. This innovation offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for enhancing battery technology, particularly for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

Brewery Waste Transformed into Eco-Friendly Microbeads: Researchers have developed a method to convert brewery waste, specifically brewer's spent grain (BSG), into sustainable exfoliating microbeads for personal care products. This innovation utilizes the cellulose-rich byproduct of beer production, processed through a combination of acid hydrolysis and sodium hydroxide treatment. The resulting microbeads offer an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic microbeads, demonstrating comparable strength and effectiveness. This development highlights the potential for industrial byproducts to contribute to a plastic-free future.

Drones with Wrap-and-Grip Wings for Versatile Landing: Researchers at EPFL in Switzerland have developed a drone capable of landing on vertical surfaces like poles and tree limbs using a new wrap-and-grip wing design. Inspired by bats, the PercHug drone glides towards targets, crashes gently into them, and uses its foldable wings to latch on securely. This innovation expands drone capabilities for applications like surveillance, environmental monitoring, and delivery in complex terrains.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Europe's RAMSES Mission Targets Asteroid Apophis: The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched the RAMSES mission to study the asteroid Apophis, which will pass exceptionally close to Earth on April 13, 2029. This mission will observe Apophis before, during, and after its flyby to understand how Earth's gravity affects the asteroid. ESA's mission will include high-resolution imaging and the use of CubeSats to gather detailed data, enhancing planetary defense strategies and our understanding of asteroid dynamics. This effort is part of a larger international collaboration, complementing NASA's OSIRIS-APEX mission.

Discovery of Ultra-Hot Neptune-Sized Exoplanet: Astronomers have discovered an ultra-hot Neptune-sized exoplanet, designated LTT 9779 b, located 260 light-years from Earth. This exoplanet has an extremely high surface temperature of around 1,700 degrees Celsius, which causes its metallic atmosphere to glow. It orbits its host star every 19 hours, making it one of the hottest and most rapidly orbiting Neptune-sized exoplanets known. The discovery provides insights into atmospheric composition and planet formation in extreme conditions.

New Insights into Titan's Seas from Cassini Data: A new study led by Cornell University researchers, using bistatic radar data from the Cassini mission, has revealed details about Titan's seas. The analysis shows variations in the composition and roughness of the hydrocarbon seas' surfaces, dependent on location. These findings enhance our understanding of Titan's seas, with implications for future studies and missions.

Discovery of Neutron Stars Orbiting Sun-Like Stars: Astronomers, using data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission, have discovered what appears to be 21 neutron stars in orbit around sun-like stars. These neutron stars, detected through their gravitational effects on companion stars, are in wide orbits, making them difficult to detect. This finding provides new insights into stellar evolution and binary star systems, as such pairings are extremely rare and not fully understood.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Researchers Enable Thought-Controlled Speech in Patient: Researchers from Tel Aviv University and Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center have developed a breakthrough method allowing a patient to "speak" using only thought. By implanting depth electrodes in the brain, they translated the electrical signals corresponding to imagined syllables into vocalized sounds via a computer. This technology could enable individuals who are completely paralyzed to communicate verbally in the future.

High Stress Leads to Increased Alcohol Use Among Farmers: A University of Georgia study found that one in three U.S. farmers consumes multiple alcoholic drinks weekly, often using alcohol to cope with stress. Factors like long hours, financial burdens, and dangerous working conditions contribute to high stress levels. The study highlights unique barriers to mental health care in farming communities, including stigma and lack of trust in providers. Farmers with strong community support were less likely to drink excessively.

AI Tool Efficiently Handles Patient Queries in EHR: A study by NYU Grossman School of Medicine shows that an AI tool can draft responses to patient queries in electronic health records (EHR) with accuracy and empathy comparable to human responses. The AI tool, using GPT-4, helps reduce the burden on physicians by handling routine communications, thus potentially mitigating burnout. It generates responses that are statistically similar in accuracy, relevance, and completeness to human replies, and even surpasses them in perceived empathy and tone.

New Insights into Energy Metabolism Could Improve Blood Transfusions: Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have identified genetic and biological factors that influence the energy status of stored red blood cells. This study, involving 13,000 donors, found that younger donors and those of Hispanic descent had higher ATP levels, enhancing the quality of blood transfusions. These findings open avenues for personalized medicine in transfusion science, potentially leading to better storage protocols and improved patient outcomes.

Factors Influencing Bowel Cancer Screening Participation: A study from the University of Warwick has found that age, sex, and BMI significantly impact participation in bowel cancer screening programs. The research indicates that younger individuals, men, and those with a higher BMI are less likely to partake in screening. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve screening rates among these groups, ensuring early detection and better outcomes for bowel cancer patients.

ENVIRONMENT

Dragonflies Reveal Patterns of Mercury Pollution in Ecosystems: A study by the US Geological Survey found that mercury pollution varies across ecosystems. In dry areas, mercury is mainly deposited through precipitation, while in wetter, forested regions, it adheres to leaves and enters the soil. Researchers used dragonfly larvae to measure mercury levels across 150 national parks, providing valuable data on mercury's environmental impact. This method offers a cost-effective, accessible way to monitor mercury, aiding in resource management and public awareness.

Foreign Investments Fuel Tropical Deforestation, Study Finds: Research from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT indicates that foreign direct investments (FDI) in tropical countries significantly contribute to deforestation. The study, which analyzed 40 countries, found that FDI and urbanization are primary drivers of tree cover loss. These investments, particularly in agriculture, have shifted food consumption patterns towards products like palm oil and soy, exacerbating deforestation. The findings highlight the need for policies addressing the broader impacts of FDI on tropical forests and promoting sustainable investment practices.

Ground Surface Conditions Affect Natural Gas Leak Spread: A study led by Southern Methodist University found that ground surface conditions, such as water, snow, and asphalt, can cause natural gas leaks to spread farther and faster than in dry soil. These conditions can make gas migrate up to four times farther and 3.5 times faster, posing greater safety and environmental risks. This research highlights the need for first responders and gas companies to consider soil surface structures when assessing pipeline leaks.

Agriculture's Impact on Air Quality in Lombardy: Researchers from the CMCC Foundation have found that agricultural activities significantly impact air quality in Lombardy, Italy. The studies, part of the INHALE project, revealed that agriculture is the main source of ammonia emissions, which contribute to the formation of secondary particulate matter. This finding emphasizes the need for policies that address both agricultural and industrial sources of pollution to improve air quality in the region.

NATURE

Advanced Tech Enhances Analysis of Inaudible Animal Calls: Researchers have developed a new method to analyze barely audible animal calls, such as those from whales and cassowaries. This technology utilizes the Superlet transform algorithm to produce more accurate spectrogram than traditional methods, revealing previously hidden details. The advancement could improve understanding of animal behavior, population distribution, and conservation efforts.

Frogs Quickly Develop Tolerance to Pesticides: A recent study by the University of Pittsburgh found that some frog populations have developed rapid tolerance to commonly used pesticides. This adaptation, occurring within 2-3 generations, allows them to survive in environments heavily impacted by agricultural chemicals. However, this rapid evolution also raises concerns about the long-term impacts on frog populations and ecosystems.

Clonal Raider Ants Defy Asexual Reproduction's Genetic Pitfalls: Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered that clonal raider ants maintain genetic diversity despite asexual reproduction through a unique inheritance mechanism. Typically, asexual reproduction leads to a loss of genetic diversity, but these ants ensure offspring inherit two distinct genome versions. This process, involving specific chromosomal crossovers, prevents genetic deterioration, allowing the species to thrive. This finding reveals new insights into asexual reproduction and genetic diversity.

Online Sales of Painted Wooly Bats Threaten Species: A study by UC Davis and CUNY-Queens College reveals that the online trade of painted wooly bats (Kerivoula picta) as decor items poses a significant threat to their population. These bats, listed as near-threatened, are being sold on platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon, primarily sourced from Asia. The trade involves misleading claims about ethical sourcing. The researchers call for legal protections and increased awareness to prevent further decline of this species.

Land Use Impacts Spread of Invasive Tansy in Minnesota: A study by the University of Minnesota reveals that land use significantly affects the spread of the invasive plant common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) in the state. The plant thrives in disturbed areas such as mines and roadways but struggles in established grasslands and cropland. Genetic analysis indicates potential adaptation in northwest populations, which could accelerate future spread. These findings highlight the importance of targeted management to control the invasive species.

INDUSTRY

Record Year for Global Solar Market: The solar power industry experienced a record year in 2023, with significant growth in global photovoltaic (PV) installations and shipments. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), global PV installations reached up to 446 GW, with projections of up to 15 TW by 2050. China led the market with 60% of new installations. The U.S. also saw rapid growth, representing over half of new electricity generation capacity. This expansion highlights the increasing role of solar energy in the global energy landscape.

Serbia Greenlights Controversial Lithium Mining Project: Serbia's government has approved the resumption of Rio Tinto's lithium mining project near Loznica after a court overturned a previous cancellation. The project, which could produce enough lithium for 1.1 million electric vehicles annually, promises thousands of jobs and significant economic benefits. However, it faces strong opposition due to environmental and public health concerns, with protests and criticism from activists who argue the project threatens local ecosystems and communities.

Kaspersky to Close U.S. Operations Following Commerce Department Ban: Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky announced it will shut down its U.S. operations starting July 20, 2024, following a ban by the Commerce Department citing national security risks due to the company's Russian connections. This decision impacts fewer than 50 U.S.-based employees. Kaspersky, operational in the U.S. for nearly 20 years, denies the security threat allegations, claiming the decision was based on geopolitical concerns rather than verified risks.