Dragonflies See Better in the Heat: Temperature Impacts Vision Sensitivity

Hello and welcome to Wednesday’s STEAM newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Manganese Nanoparticles Could Double Potable Water Availability, and more.

• Technology and AI - Quantum Neural Networks See Optical Illusions Like Humans, and more.

• Engineering - Butterfly-Inspired Optical Technology Revolutionizes Camera Capabilities, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Gigantic Asteroid Impact Shifted Axis of Solar System's Largest Moon, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Newly Discovered Antibody Protects Against All COVID-19 Variants, Newly Discovered Gene OSER1 May Influence Longevity in Humans, and more.

• Neuroscience - Music Reveals Brain Areas Affected by Aging, Study Finds.

• Environment - Levels of 'Forever Chemical' Trifluoroacetate Increasing in Groundwater, Study Finds, and more.

• Nature - Dragonflies See Better in the Heat: Temperature Impacts Vision Sensitivity, Fetching in Cats Found to Be More Common Than Previously Thought, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Manganese Nanoparticles Could Double Potable Water Availability: Researchers have developed ultrafiltration membranes enhanced with manganese ferrite nanoparticles that significantly improve water filtration efficiency. The modified membranes increase water flux by 2.6 times compared to traditional membranes, addressing key challenges like biofouling and reducing operational costs. This innovation holds promise for enhancing water treatment processes worldwide, potentially more than doubling the availability of clean drinking water and contributing to environmental sustainability.

Molecular 'Cage' Technique Offers New Approach to Target Cancer Cells: Researchers at the Spanish National Research Council have developed molecular "cages" made from pseudopeptides that selectively eliminate cancer cells in acidic environments, such as those around tumors. These cages target cancer cells by utilizing their unique acidic conditions without harming healthy tissues, potentially overcoming challenges in chemotherapy like side effects and chemoresistance. The study provides insights into the development of more effective, targeted cancer treatments.

Neutron Studies Reveal Unique Behaviors of Molten Uranium Salt: Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory have observed unique atomic behaviors in molten uranium trichloride (UCl₃) using neutron scattering techniques. The study revealed that, contrary to typical thermal expansion expectations, bond lengths in molten UCl₃ contract and oscillate between states. These findings enhance the understanding of actinide chemistry under extreme conditions, aiding in the development of safer and more efficient nuclear reactors.

New Technique for Exploring Oceanic Microbes Unveils Promising Compounds: Researchers have developed a new method called small molecule in situ resin capture (SMIRC) to discover natural products from oceanic microbes directly in their environment. This technique allows for the collection of unique chemical compounds, including potential new antibiotics and bioactive substances, without the need for culturing microbes in a lab. The approach has shown promise in uncovering compounds that could be used in cancer and heart disease treatments.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Quantum Neural Networks See Optical Illusions Like Humans: A new quantum neural network developed by Ivan Maksymov uses quantum tunneling to perceive optical illusions similarly to humans. This breakthrough may enhance AI's ability to mimic human cognitive processes, particularly in visual recognition tasks. The network demonstrates improved performance over traditional neural networks in interpreting ambiguous images, suggesting a potential future where AI could replicate more complex aspects of human perception.

Overtrust in AI During Life-or-Death Decisions Raises Concerns: A study from UC Merced reveals that people often overtrust AI in simulated life-or-death scenarios, with about two-thirds of participants changing their decisions based on unreliable AI advice. Despite being aware of the AI's limitations, participants were heavily influenced by robotic suggestions, particularly when the AI appeared more human-like. The study highlights the potential risks of overreliance on AI, especially in critical situations where the AI's guidance may be flawed or lack ethical considerations.

Terahertz Beamforming Chip Paves the Way for Future Ultrafast Internet: Researchers have developed a silicon chip capable of steering terahertz beams, enabling data transmission speeds far exceeding current 5G capabilities. Utilizing a unique microscopic honeycomb pattern, the chip directs focused beams over 360 degrees, enhancing data transfer speed and reliability for future 6G networks. This breakthrough could revolutionize wireless communication, supporting applications from instantaneous 4K movie downloads to real-time holographic communications.

New Machine Learning Tool Detects Accounting Fraud Across Supply Chains: Researchers have developed FraudGCN, a machine learning technique using graph convolutional networks (GCN) to detect accounting fraud not only within a single firm but across entire supply chains and industries. By analyzing multi-relational graphs of company connections, this tool predicts fraudulent activities more accurately than previous methods, achieving up to a 3.86% improvement over state-of-the-art techniques. The new approach could transform fraud detection by enhancing scalability and adaptability.

ENGINEERING

Butterfly-Inspired Optical Technology Revolutionizes Camera Capabilities: Researchers at Penn State have developed a metasurface that attaches to conventional cameras, allowing them to capture both spectral and polarization data simultaneously, much like a butterfly's vision. This innovation turns standard cameras into hyperspectro-polarimetric devices, capturing rich visual information in real-time. Potential applications range from assessing food freshness to medical diagnostics, making this technology versatile and accessible for various fields

Energy-Efficient Radiant Cooling Device Offers an Alternative to Air Conditioning: Engineers at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a radiant cooling device that uses mid-infrared radiation, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional air conditioning. This device, which cools by direct radiation instead of air circulation, uses about 50.4% less energy and avoids problems like condensation. It also doubles as a radiant heater, making it a versatile solution for energy-efficient climate control.

Traditional Infrastructure Design Worsens Flooding During Extreme Weather: Researchers from the University of Michigan found that traditional stormwater infrastructure, often designed with localized solutions, can worsen flooding in severe weather by failing to consider the interconnectedness of different water flows. The study calls for a holistic, system-wide approach to designing stormwater systems that considers urban landscape connectivity and diverse factors controlling water flow to mitigate flood risks effectively.

Thermochromic Material Enhances Indoor Temperature Control Efficiency: Researchers at Rice University have developed a new thermochromic material that adjusts transparency based on temperature, improving indoor cooling efficiency without energy consumption. The material outperforms existing options in durability and cost, with potential applications in smart windows for buildings. This innovation aims to reduce energy use and carbon footprints significantly by making buildings more energy-efficient.

Ultra-Stable Oxide Cathodes Enhance Battery Performance: Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed ultra-stable layered oxide cathodes for lithium-ion batteries with improved performance at high voltages. The new cathodes, designed with concentration and structural gradients, enhance energy density, reduce reliance on cobalt, and minimize environmental impact. These innovations address limitations of existing cathodes, such as rapid capacity loss and safety risks, offering promising advancements for future battery technologies.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Gigantic Asteroid Impact Shifted Axis of Solar System's Largest Moon: A study by Kobe University reveals that an asteroid impact on Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon, about 4 billion years ago was massive enough to shift its rotational axis. The impact, caused by an asteroid 20 times larger than the one that ended the dinosaur era on Earth, created a crater up to 1,600 kilometers in diameter. This event likely affected the moon's early evolution and has implications for understanding other celestial bodies.

Phaethon: The Asteroid That Acts Like a Comet: Phaethon, a unique "rock comet," exhibits comet-like activity by emitting gases without shedding much dust, puzzling scientists. New research suggests this behavior is due to sulfurous gases released from iron sulfide minerals in its subsurface, which accumulate and slowly emit during its close approaches to the sun. These findings could impact future missions and enhance understanding of asteroid-comet dynamics.

New Cataclysmic Variable System Discovered: Astronomers have discovered a new cataclysmic variable system, designated SRGe J194401.8+284452, located 1,350 light years away. This binary star system features a white dwarf accreting material from a companion star and exhibits unusual brightness variations. The study suggests it is an intermediate polar with one of the shortest orbital periods among similar systems, providing insights into the dynamics of such celestial bodies.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Newly Discovered Antibody Protects Against All COVID-19 Variants: Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have identified an antibody, SC27, that neutralizes all known COVID-19 variants and other SARS-like coronaviruses. This discovery opens up the potential for new treatments and vaccines offering broad protection against evolving coronavirus strains. The study highlights the effectiveness of hybrid immunity from infection and vaccination, showing greater protection than either alone.

Newly Discovered Gene OSER1 May Influence Longevity in Humans: Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have identified a gene called OSER1, which appears to play a significant role in longevity across multiple species, including humans. The study suggests that OSER1 is regulated by the transcription factor FOXO, known for its influence on aging. Understanding how OSER1 functions could pave the way for new treatments targeting age-related diseases like cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders.

Muscle Fatigue Linked to Neck Pain and Spine Movement Changes, Study Finds: Researchers at Texas A&M University have demonstrated that muscle fatigue from sustained neck exertion alters the curvature of the cervical spine, increasing the risk of neck pain. Using high-precision imaging and electromyography, the study provides direct evidence that muscle fatigue leads to biomechanical changes, which could help inform ergonomic practices and product designs to reduce neck pain risks.

Study Resolves Testosterone's Confusing Role in Prostate Cancer Progression: Researchers at Duke University discovered that prostate cancer cells respond differently to varying testosterone levels. Low levels of testosterone stimulate cancer growth, while high levels cause the cancer cells to differentiate and slow down. This understanding clarifies why both testosterone suppression and high-dose therapy can be effective against prostate cancer, potentially guiding future treatments.

New Approach Brings Cell Therapy Closer to Treating Various Disorders: Researchers at Cornell University and MIT have developed a new "microcarrier-microbioreactor" system to enhance the production of mesenchymal stromal cells for therapeutic purposes. This approach improves the consistency and quality of cells, potentially aiding treatments for conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome. The technique allows for better control over cell growth environments, significantly increasing therapeutic protein production compared to traditional methods.

Magnetic Nanotech Offers New Hope for Safe Organ Rewarming: Scientists have developed a method using magnetic nanoparticles to safely and rapidly rewarm frozen tissues for transplants. The approach, which involves applying alternating and static magnetic fields, prevents tissue damage by controlling heat distribution. This innovation could enable long-term organ cryopreservation, potentially increasing the availability of viable organs for transplants and saving more lives.

NEUROSCIENCE

Music Reveals Brain Areas Affected by Aging, Study Finds: A study by Aarhus University shows that older adults use different brain regions when recalling familiar music compared to younger people. While older brains exhibit more activity in sensory areas, memory-related regions are less engaged, indicating compensation for reduced memory function. This research could help identify biomarkers for dementia risk, enhancing early screening and understanding of memory processes in aging.

ENVIRONMENT

Levels of 'Forever Chemical' Trifluoroacetate Increasing in Groundwater, Study Finds: A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters reports that levels of trifluoroacetate, a persistent "forever chemical," have been increasing in Denmark's groundwater over the past 60 years. Trifluoroacetate, a byproduct of fluorinated chemicals, has been found in concentrations exceeding European safety limits. Forever chemicals can accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms, leading to long-term exposure risks. These chemicals have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, liver damage, immune system disorders, and developmental issues. Their stability and widespread use in industrial applications make them difficult to remove from the environment, posing a significant challenge for public health and environmental safety.

Soil Pollution Now a Greater Threat Than Climate Change to Underground Biodiversity: A study published in iScience reveals that soil pollution, primarily from pesticides and heavy metals, is the leading cause of declines in underground biodiversity, surpassing climate change and farming intensification. The findings highlight the need for more research into soil pollution's effects, as current understanding is limited, and its impacts may be more widespread than previously known.

Organic Fertilizers Boost Soil Carbon Storage, Study Shows: A study by Kansas State University researchers, using advanced imaging techniques, reveals that soil treated with organic fertilizers like manure or compost stores more carbon than soil treated with chemical fertilizers or left unfertilized. The research also shows that organic treatments enhance microbial activity and involve specific minerals in carbon storage, contributing to healthier soils and more sustainable agriculture practices.

NATURE

Dragonflies See Better in the Heat: Temperature Impacts Vision Sensitivity: A study by the University of Adelaide and Lund University shows that temperature changes significantly impact dragonfly vision. As temperatures rise, neurons in dragonflies' brains increase their sensitivity to small moving targets by up to nine-fold, enhancing their ability to hunt prey. This discovery helps understand how dragonflies adapt to environmental conditions and has potential applications in developing artificial vision systems for drones.

Fetching in Cats Found to Be More Common Than Previously Thought: A recent study reveals that 41% of cats engage in fetching behavior, challenging the notion that this activity is mostly a dog trait. The study, based on surveys from cat owners, shows that fetching is especially common among active, playful cats and certain breeds like Burmese and Siamese. This behavior, linked more to play than hunting, suggests that domestication may have preserved such playful actions in both cats and dogs.

Dozens of Viruses Detected in Chinese Fur Farm Animals, Some Pose Spillover Risk: A study has identified 125 viruses, including 36 new ones, in animals at Chinese fur farms. Some of these viruses, such as a bat-related coronavirus, have a high potential to jump to humans. Researchers warn that fur farms could act as breeding grounds for new pandemics, emphasizing the need for increased surveillance and regulation of such facilities.

Human Intervention Boosts Survival of At-Risk Butterflies: A study led by Washington State University found that at-risk butterfly populations are more likely to survive when their habitats are actively managed by humans. By analyzing 31 species across the U.S., researchers observed that habitat management strategies, such as planting native flora and reducing pesticides, helped stabilize butterfly populations amid threats like climate change and habitat loss. This approach could potentially mitigate some negative effects of environmental changes on these species.