New Molecular Switch Identified to Protect Cells from Death

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 - New Molecular Switch Identified to Protect Cells from Death, and more.

• Technology and AI - Next-Generation Infrared Optical Wireless Communication Systems: Precision, Speed, and Energy Efficiency, and more.

• Engineering - Rooftop Solar Panels May Increase Urban Daytime Temperatures, Study Finds, New EIX Process Cleans Hypersaline Brine and Recovers Valuable Resources, New Composite Material Offers High Damping and Rigidity for Vibration Control.

• Astronomy & Space - Black Hole Collision Creates Repeated X-ray Eruptions from Stellar Wreckage, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Early Bedtimes Linked to Healthier Gut Microbiota in Children, Study Finds, Dual Immunotherapy Shows Promise for NSCLC Patients with STK11 and KEAP1 Mutations, and more.

• Neuroscience - Insulin-Fused Proteins Target Hippocampal Neurons for Alzheimer's Drug Delivery, and more.

• Environment - Biodegradable Glitter Shows Promise in Reducing Microplastic Pollution in Soil, and more.

• Nature - Discovery of Second-Oldest Winged Seeds Offers Insight into Evolution of Seed Dispersal, Full Moon Linked to Spike in Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions, Study Shows.

• Other Sciences & Arts - Neolithic Site Discovery Reveals Advanced Stone-Age Technology in Denmark, and more.

• Industry - SpaceX Achieves World First by Catching Starship Booster in Historic Test Flight, Apple Develops AI Model to Generate 3D Depth Maps from 2D Images.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

New Molecular Switch Identified to Protect Cells from Death: Researchers at LMU University Hospital, led by Professor Alexander Bartelt, have discovered a molecular switch that can prevent ferroptosis, a type of cell death caused by oxidative stress. The team identified the enzyme DDI2, which restores protein recycling within the cell and protects it from death. This discovery could lead to novel therapies for targeting cancer cells or protecting healthy cells. The research offers promising new directions for manipulating cell death in various diseases.

Google Researchers Achieve Quantum Advantage by Reducing Noise in Sycamore Quantum Chip: A team of engineers and quantum specialists at Google Research has demonstrated that lowering noise levels enables their Sycamore quantum chip to outperform classical computers in running random circuit sampling (RCS). The study highlights how minimizing environmental noise, such as temperature fluctuations and magnetic fields, allowed their chip to reach a 99.7% error-free rate. This reduction in errors enabled the chip to achieve a "quantum advantage," marking a significant step toward developing a practical quantum computer that can outperform classical systems in complex tasks.

Plasma Waves May Explain the Sun's Mysterious Corona Heating: Researchers led by Sayak Bose at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) have made progress in solving the mystery of the sun's extremely hot corona. They found that reflected Alfvén plasma waves could drive heating in coronal holes, low-density areas with open magnetic fields. The team conducted lab experiments at UCLA's Large Plasma Device, showing how these waves reflect and cause turbulence, leading to heating. This is the first experimental evidence supporting Alfvén wave reflection as a mechanism for coronal heating.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Next-Generation Infrared Optical Wireless Communication Systems: Precision, Speed, and Energy Efficiency: A new system using Optical Wireless Communication (OWC) with infrared technology provides a solution to the increasing limitations of traditional RF systems like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The innovation utilizes "phased arrays within phased arrays" for superior precision and dual wavelengths for signal focus. To improve energy efficiency, an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm reduces power use by activating only necessary clusters, offering significant performance, energy savings, and potential applications in various sectors.

Algorithm Enhances QR Code Recognition on Irregular Surfaces: Researchers from the University of Barcelona and Universitat Oberta de Catalunya have developed an algorithm to improve QR code recognition on uneven surfaces like bottles or food trays. The system leverages QR codes' internal patterns and mathematical splines to adjust for surface deformations, ensuring more reliable readings. This innovation addresses challenges caused by poor image or print quality, irregular surfaces, and varying distances during scanning. The findings promise enhanced accuracy in real-world applications.

New Algorithm Prevents Forgetting in Neural Networks, Achieving Continuous Learning: Caltech researchers developed the functionally invariant path (FIP) algorithm, which enables neural networks to learn new tasks without forgetting previously acquired knowledge. The study showed that the FIP algorithm could update neural networks without erasing prior learning, solving the issue of "catastrophic forgetting." In testing, the algorithm demonstrated the ability to maintain accuracy on older tasks while integrating new information, improving applications like self-driving cars and recommendation systems. The results suggest that the FIP algorithm can be applied across multiple domains, ensuring continuous learning without reprogramming, as shown in controlled studies.

AI Use in Scientific Research Yields Benefits but Highlights Gender and Minority Disparities: A Northwestern University study found that papers using AI in research see higher citation impacts across disciplines like physics, biology, and economics. However, the benefits of AI use do not extend equitably to women and minority researchers, raising concerns about widening disparities in science. The study highlights a gap between the growing use of AI and education in AI skills, urging efforts to increase AI training across disciplines to close these divides.

ENGINEERING

Rooftop Solar Panels May Increase Urban Daytime Temperatures, Study Finds: Researchers have found that widespread installation of rooftop photovoltaic solar panels (RPVSPs) can increase urban temperatures during the day by up to 1.5°C during peak summer periods. Using mesoscale simulations, the study showed that while RPVSPs contribute to renewable energy production, their lower reflectance and the heat generated during electricity conversion can amplify urban heating. Conversely, the panels can decrease nighttime temperatures by up to 0.6°C due to heat radiation. The researchers suggest integrated solutions like using reflective roofing materials, incorporating greenery, or employing water-based cooling systems to mitigate the heating effects while maintaining the benefits of solar energy.

New EIX Process Cleans Hypersaline Brine and Recovers Valuable Resources: Researchers from Lehigh University have developed a new method called evaporative ion exchange (EIX) to address the disposal challenges of hypersaline brine, a byproduct of industrial processes. The EIX process uses ion exchange resins to rapidly concentrate brine and recover valuable salts like lithium without the need for external heat. Testing showed that the process reduces brine volumes efficiently, avoids equipment fouling, and enables crystallization of salts at room temperature. This energy-efficient technique offers promising solutions for managing industrial wastewater and recovering valuable resources.

New Composite Material Offers High Damping and Rigidity for Vibration Control: Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a groundbreaking composite material that combines high stiffness with effective internal damping, solving a longstanding engineering challenge. Led by Ioanna Tsimouri, the team created a material consisting of rigid glass or silicon layers connected by ultra-thin rubber-like layers formed from a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mixture. The material effectively dampens vibrations and noise, as demonstrated by tests comparing it to pure glass, while maintaining stability and rigidity. This innovation has potential applications in fields ranging from aerospace to automotive parts, where advanced damping materials are in demand.

New Technique Could Cut AI Energy Consumption by 95%: Engineers at BitEnergy AI have developed a technique that could reduce the energy consumption of AI applications by 95%. Their method, called Linear-Complexity Multiplication, replaces the traditional, energy-intensive floating-point multiplication (FPM) with integer addition, significantly lowering computing power requirements without sacrificing performance. As AI usage grows, so does its energy demand—ChatGPT alone consumes about 564 MWh daily. The new approach requires specialized hardware, which has been designed and tested, but it's uncertain how it will be licensed or adopted, especially with current market leaders like Nvidia.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Black Hole Collision Creates Repeated X-ray Eruptions from Stellar Wreckage: Astronomers have observed a supermassive black hole using the debris of a destroyed star to pummel another star or smaller black hole, creating repeated X-ray bursts. Using data from multiple telescopes, including NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and Hubble, researchers identified that the wreckage formed a disk, which now collides with another object every 48 hours. This discovery links tidal disruption events and quasi-periodic eruptions, providing new insights into black hole interactions.

New JWST Data Challenges Timeline of Universe's Reionization Epoch: A recent study suggests the universe's reionization epoch, traditionally believed to have ended around 1 billion years after the Big Bang, may have concluded up to 350 million years earlier based on observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The new data indicates that early galaxies emitted enough extreme ultraviolet light to ionize the universe faster than previously thought, creating tension with established models. Researchers now seek to better understand recombination processes and improve models of this transformative cosmic period.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Early Bedtimes Linked to Healthier Gut Microbiota in Children, Study Finds: A study by researchers from the Department of Child Rehabilitation, China, found that children who go to bed early have more diverse gut microbiota compared to those with later bedtimes. The study revealed that beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila, associated with gut health and cognitive functions, were more abundant in early sleepers. The research, based on fecal sample genomic analysis from 88 children aged 2 to 14, also showed enhanced metabolic activity related to amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter regulation in early sleepers, which could influence brain development. The findings highlight the potential connection between sleep patterns, gut health, and cognition.

Dual Immunotherapy Shows Promise for NSCLC Patients with STK11 and KEAP1 Mutations: Researchers from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have found that patients with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring mutations in the STK11 and/or KEAP1 tumor suppressor genes respond better to a combination of the immunotherapy tremelimumab, durvalumab, and chemotherapy. The study demonstrated that adding tremelimumab, a CTLA-4 inhibitor, improved overall response rates and survival outcomes in these patients, who are typically resistant to standard treatments. This research suggests STK11 and KEAP1 mutations could serve as biomarkers to identify patients most likely to benefit from dual immune checkpoint inhibition, a promising new approach in lung cancer therapy.

Somatic Mutations During Brain Development Linked to Schizophrenia Risk: A collaborative study between the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Harvard Medical School has identified somatic mutations—genetic changes that occur after conception—that may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. The study found that individuals with schizophrenia had more single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) in brain DNA than those without the condition. These mutations, particularly in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, may disrupt crucial brain development processes. The findings highlight the role of non-inherited genetic factors, such as environmental influences, and could pave the way for new therapeutic targets.

Gut Bacteria Metabolite May Lead to Non-Invasive Test and Treatment for Endometriosis: A recent study suggests that low levels of a gut bacteria-produced metabolite, 4-hydroxyindole, could serve as a non-invasive indicator of endometriosis, a condition that affects nearly 200 million people globally. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that women with endometriosis had reduced levels of this compound in their stool. Supplementing 4-hydroxyindole in mice with induced endometriosis reduced lesion severity and pain, offering hope for a future treatment. While promising, further human studies are required to confirm its effectiveness as both a diagnostic tool and a therapeutic option.

NEUROSCIENCE

Insulin-Fused Proteins Target Hippocampal Neurons for Alzheimer's Drug Delivery: Researchers at Kobe Gakuin University have genetically engineered insulin-fused proteins to target hippocampal neurons, potentially improving treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The technique uses insulin's natural tendency to accumulate in the hippocampus, allowing therapeutic proteins to pass the blood-brain barrier and be absorbed by hippocampal neurons. This novel drug delivery method could enhance the effectiveness of current Alzheimer's treatments with minimal invasiveness.

Brain Endurance Training Boosts Cognitive and Physical Performance in Older Adults: A study from the Universities of Birmingham and Extremadura found that Brain Endurance Training (BET), a method combining cognitive tasks with physical exercise, enhances both cognitive and physical abilities in older adults. Over eight weeks, participants who engaged in BET showed a 7.8% improvement in cognitive function and a 29.9% boost in physical performance, surpassing those in the exercise-only group. BET could help counter mental fatigue, potentially reducing risks such as falls in older populations.

ENVIRONMENT

Biodegradable Glitter Shows Promise in Reducing Microplastic Pollution in Soil: Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a biodegradable glitter made from cellulose that offers a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic glitter, which is harmful to the environment. A study revealed that while both conventional and cellulose glitter did not affect the survival of springtails—small soil-dwelling invertebrates—the reproduction of springtails was reduced by 61% when exposed to high levels of conventional glitter. In contrast, the cellulose glitter showed no negative effects on reproduction, making it a safer option for reducing microplastic pollution. The findings highlight the need for more eco-friendly alternatives to conventional glitter in everyday products.

Deep Learning Boosts Long-Range Weather Forecast Accuracy for Extreme Events: Researchers have developed a deep learning approach to improve long-range weather forecasts, particularly for extreme events like the June 2021 U.S. Pacific Northwest heat wave. Traditional methods, limited to about 10 days, struggle to predict such events far in advance. By using deep learning models—GraphCast from Google DeepMind and Pangu-Weather from Huawei Cloud—scientists found that they could reduce forecast errors by 94% and improve predictions up to 23 days ahead. This method optimizes initial conditions, offering a more accurate, cost-effective way to forecast extreme weather.

Snowflake Motion Holds Key to Improving Rainfall Predictions A new study has revealed that understanding the movement of falling ice crystals can enhance the accuracy of rainfall forecasts. Researchers, led by Jennifer Stout, used 3D-printed snowflakes to simulate their descent in atmospheric-like conditions, discovering distinct motion types that influence how snow crystals melt into rain. By improving meteorologists' understanding of how ice crystals move and reflect radar signals, the findings could lead to more precise rainfall predictions and offer insights into cloud reflectivity and climate modeling.

NATURE

Discovery of Second-Oldest Winged Seeds Offers Insight into Evolution of Seed Dispersal: A team of geologists, life scientists, and biologists from China has uncovered one of the earliest examples of winged seeds in the Jianchuan mine, Anhui Province. These seeds, dating back 365 million years, were found without the protective cupule seen in earlier seeds. Instead, they possessed three wing-like structures, which enhanced their wind dispersal abilities. The team named the plant Alasemenia. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary development of wind dispersal mechanisms in plants, particularly during the Late Devonian period, and suggests these seeds had an advanced ability to travel long distances.

Full Moon Linked to Spike in Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions, Study Shows: A study by Texas A&M University reveals a 45.8% increase in wildlife-vehicle collisions on full-moon nights compared to new-moon nights. The research analyzed 10 years of collision data, showing that rural areas in Texas experienced higher increases, while urban areas were less affected due to factors like light pollution and lower wildlife density. The findings highlight the need for increased driver caution and potential safety measures, such as improved lighting or wildlife warning systems, especially in rural regions.

Decline in Seed Dispersal Threatens One-Third of European Plant Species: A collaborative study by ecologists from the University of Coimbra, Aarhus University, and the University of Bristol has found that around one-third of plant species in Europe are at risk due to declining seed disperser populations. By analyzing interactions between 592 plant species and 398 animal dispersers, the researchers concluded that reductions in birds, mammals, and other dispersers threaten plant survival and ecosystem balance. Further research is needed to understand ecosystem changes and the impact on rare species.

OTHER SCIENCES & ARTS

Neolithic Site Discovery Reveals Advanced Stone-Age Technology in Denmark: Excavations at a 5,000-year-old Neolithic site on the Danish island of Falster have uncovered an advanced stone-paved root cellar, a possible technological leap for food preservation in early agricultural societies. Led by the University of Barcelona and Aarhus University, researchers found evidence of Funnel Beaker Culture homes, loam floors, and a mysterious fence predating the houses. The discovery provides insight into early resource management and Neolithic life.

Fossil Discovery Reveals Head of Giant Prehistoric Bug: Scientists have reconstructed the head of Arthropleura, a massive prehistoric arthropod that could grow up to 9 feet long. Fossils of well-preserved juveniles helped reveal its head, which resembled a centipede’s, with two eyes, short antennae, and a small mouth adapted for grinding leaves. This creature, one of the largest arthropods ever, lived around 300 million years ago. The findings provide new insights into its anatomy, using CT scans to study fossils while preserving delicate details.

INDUSTRY

SpaceX Achieves World First by Catching Starship Booster in Historic Test Flight: In a groundbreaking feat, SpaceX successfully "caught" the first-stage booster of its Starship megarocket after a test flight, marking a significant step toward rapid rocket reusability. The Super Heavy booster launched and then made a controlled descent back to the Texas launch pad, where mechanical "chopstick" arms from the launch tower safely grabbed the booster. This achievement, a first in aerospace history, is part of SpaceX's ongoing quest to develop fully reusable rockets. The Super Heavy booster, standing 233 feet tall, is a key component of Starship, which SpaceX hopes will one day carry humans to Mars and is also set to serve as NASA’s lander vehicle for lunar missions under the Artemis program.

Apple Develops AI Model to Generate 3D Depth Maps from 2D Images: Apple engineers have created an AI-based model called Depth Pro that generates detailed depth maps from 2D images without relying on additional camera data. The model, described in a paper on the arXiv preprint server, can create 3D effects sharper than those produced by standard smartphone techniques. Depth Pro runs efficiently, producing depth maps in just 0.3 seconds on a standard GPU, and could revolutionize real-time applications such as robotics and autonomous vehicles by enabling 3D mapping with a single-lens camera.