Earth's Days to Grow at an Unprecedented Rate as Polar Ice Melts

Hello and welcome to Monday’s STEAM newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - New Concept Explains How Tiny Particles Navigate Water Layers, and more.

• Technology and AI - New Neural Network Makes Decisions Like Humans, and more.

• Engineering - Scientists Discover Way to 'Grow' Sub-Nanometer Sized Transistors, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Deep Pit on Moon May Be Entrance to Cave Suitable for Lunar Base, Color of Galaxies Reveals Their Distance, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Lab Develops Smallest Free-Floating Bubbles for Medical Imaging, and more.

• Environment - Earth's Days to Grow at an Unprecedented Rate as Polar Ice Melts, Land Protection Initiatives Significantly Reduce Amazon Deforestation, Lab-Grown Meat Nears Real Beef Taste with Environmental Benefits, and more.

• Nature - Face Detection Circuit Discovered in Primate Brains, Greenland's Centuries-Old Sharks and Longevity Research, and more.

• Industry - Alphabet in Talks to Acquire Wiz in $23 Billion Cybersecurity Deal, and more.

• World - Heavy Rains Kill at Least 35 in Eastern Afghanistan, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

New Concept Explains How Tiny Particles Navigate Water Layers: Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a concept called "densitaxis" to describe how microscopic swimmers like plankton navigate water layers of different densities. The study highlights how density gradients, influenced by temperature and salinity, affect the movement of these particles. This discovery has implications for understanding marine migrations and the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.

Nano-Confinement Key to Hydrogen Production: Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have found that nano-confinement significantly enhances hydrogen production efficiency. Using ultra-thin, porous titanium dioxide layers around electrocatalysts, the team discovered that water within nanopores smaller than 0.5 nanometers exhibits altered reactivity and proton transfer mechanisms. This reduces activation energy for water dissociation, leading to rapid proton transport and more frequent proton transfer events. These findings could improve hydrogen production technologies by optimizing catalyst porosity and surface chemistry.

Direct Simulation of Oxygen-Carbon Fusion Achieved: Researchers have successfully simulated the fusion of oxygen and carbon nuclei using advanced computational techniques. The study, published in Physical Review C, utilized supercomputing facilities to perform thousands of time-dependent simulations, revealing detailed behaviors of nuclear collisions. These findings enhance the understanding of fusion processes, potentially informing future research and applications in carbon-free energy sources. Discrepancies between simulations and experimental data suggest areas for further exploration, particularly with rare isotopes at advanced research facilities.

Superlubricity Achieved at Macroscale: Researchers at SUNY Polytechnic Institute have demonstrated that superlubricity, a near-frictionless state previously thought possible only at the nanoscale, can be achieved at the macroscale using carbon-coated metallic surfaces. This breakthrough, achieved through sustainably produced carbon coatings from biowaste, could significantly reduce friction in automotive, manufacturing, and electronic industries, leading to improved efficiency and cost savings.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

New Neural Network Makes Decisions Like Humans: Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a neural network, RTNet, that mimics human decision-making. Unlike traditional models, RTNet uses a Bayesian approach and evidence accumulation to vary its decisions, reflecting human-like confidence and the speed-accuracy trade-off. This advancement could improve AI reliability and reduce decision-making errors. The network was tested on the MNIST dataset and showed similar performance to humans in terms of accuracy, response time, and confidence.

Silicon Photonics Pave the Way for Quantum Information Applications: Researchers from C2N, Télécom Paris, and STMicroelectronics have made significant progress in quantum technology by developing silicon ring resonators. These devices generate frequency-entangled photon pairs, enabling large-scale quantum networks and quantum computing. Their work demonstrates the practical scalability and precise control of integrated photonics, facilitating the creation of complex quantum networks and ultra-secure communications.

PrivacyLens: A Camera That Protects Your Privacy: Engineers at the University of Michigan have developed PrivacyLens, a camera designed to prevent the collection of private information by transforming people in its footage into animated stick figures. Using both standard and heat-sensing cameras, it ensures privacy by removing identifiable features before data is sent to cloud servers. This technology aims to protect individuals' privacy in smart homes, health monitoring, and public spaces.

ENGINEERING

Breakthrough in Lasers and 2D Materials for Sustainable Electronics: Researchers have developed a method using lasers and 2D materials to create the world's thinnest plastic. This innovation holds potential for revolutionizing electronics with sustainable, flexible, and lightweight components. By leveraging the unique properties of 2D materials, the new plastic could lead to advances in a range of applications, from flexible displays to lightweight, durable materials for various technologies.

Scientists Discover Way to 'Grow' Sub-Nanometer Sized Transistors: Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science have developed a method to grow 1D metallic materials less than 1 nm wide. Using Van der Waals epitaxial growth, they synthesized these materials on a large scale and applied them as gate electrodes in ultra-miniaturized 2D semiconductor transistors. This breakthrough addresses technical challenges in semiconductor fabrication, potentially leading to advanced, low-power, high-performance electronic devices.

Raindrop-Powered Generator Harvests Electricity from Bad Weather: Researchers have developed a generator that converts the kinetic energy of raindrops into electricity. This innovative device uses triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) to generate power when raindrops strike a surface, potentially providing a sustainable energy source during rainy weather. The technology could be applied in various settings, from urban areas to remote locations, enhancing renewable energy solutions.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Deep Pit on Moon May Be Entrance to Cave Suitable for Lunar Base: A newly discovered deep pit on the Moon might lead to an underground cave that could serve as a suitable site for a lunar base. This pit, observed in images from lunar missions, offers potential protection from harsh surface conditions like radiation and extreme temperatures. Such a cave could provide a stable environment for future lunar habitats, facilitating long-term human presence on the Moon.

Webb Investigates Eternal Sunrises and Sunsets on WASP-39 b: Using the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers observed the exoplanet WASP-39 b, revealing differences between its permanent morning and evening atmospheres. The planet, tidally locked to its star, has one side always facing the star and the other in darkness. The morning side is cloudier and cooler, while the evening side is hotter. This study offers detailed insights into atmospheric dynamics on exoplanets.

Color of Galaxies Reveals Their Distance: Researchers from Ludwig Maximilian University have developed a model showing that the color of a galaxy can accurately indicate its distance. By analyzing data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) and the KiDS-VIKING survey, they established a relationship between a galaxy's color and its redshift. This allows for precise distance measurements, providing insights into cosmic structures and the interplay between dark matter and dark energy.

Surprising Ring Sheds Light on Galaxy Formation: A new study of the distant galaxy PJ0116-24, observed through gravitational lensing, reveals it as a Hyper Luminous Infrared Galaxy (HyLIRG) with organized gas rotation. This contradicts the idea that such brightness results solely from galaxy mergers. Using data from ALMA and ESO's VLT, researchers found that internal processes can also lead to rapid star formation. These findings enhance our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.

New Low-Mass Galaxy Discovered: Astronomers have discovered a new low-mass galaxy named Corvus A in the constellation Corvus. Identified during the SEAMLESS project and confirmed using various telescopes, Corvus A is gas-rich, isolated, and has an irregular structure dominated by young blue stars. Located about 11.3 million light years away, it has a half-light radius of 834 light years and lacks ionized interstellar atomic hydrogen regions. Its isolation makes it an excellent candidate for further high-resolution observations.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Lab Develops Smallest Free-Floating Bubbles for Medical Imaging: Researchers at Rice University have created 50-nanometer gas vesicles, the smallest stable, free-floating structures for medical imaging. These ultra-small bubbles can cross biological barriers, reaching immune cells in lymph nodes, thus enhancing ultrasound imaging and drug delivery. This innovation could revolutionize medical treatments, including cancer and infectious disease therapies, by targeting previously inaccessible cells.

Silver Nanoparticle Sensor for Detecting Hearing Loss Genes: Researchers at the University of Sharjah in United Arab Emirates have developed a highly efficient biosensor using silver nanoparticles to detect gene mutations responsible for hearing loss. This label-free sensor uses Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) for rapid and precise diagnosis, potentially transforming medical diagnostics by enabling the quick detection of not only hearing loss-related genes but also other diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's.

Flexible and Durable Bioelectrodes: The Future of Health Care Wearables: Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed highly flexible and durable bioelectrodes using single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on stretchable nanosheets. These bioelectrodes are designed for continuous, comfortable monitoring of biosignals, offering superior stretchability and humidity permeability. This innovation promises to enhance the performance and user experience of health care wearables, facilitating accurate, long-term biosignal recording without causing discomfort.

Contact Sports Linked to Parkinsonism in CTE Patients: A study by Boston University researchers found a significant link between playing contact sports, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and parkinsonism. Analyzing 481 deceased athletes, the study revealed that most individuals with CTE developed parkinsonism, driven by CTE-related brain cell death rather than Lewy body pathology. Longer duration of contact sport play increased the severity of CTE in brain regions controlling movement, highlighting the need for preventive measures in contact sports.

Study Sheds Light on Cancer Drug Resistance Evolution: Researchers at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic have discovered that ecological interactions between drug-resistant and sensitive cancer cells help the resistant cells survive despite their lower fitness. These interactions reduce the costs of resistance, explaining the persistence of preexisting drug-resistant cells in tumors. The findings, published in PRX Life, suggest new treatment strategies targeting these interactions to combat resistance.

ENVIRONMENT

Earth's Days to Grow at an Unprecedented Rate as Polar Ice Melts: Melting polar ice due to climate change is expected to significantly alter Earth's rotation, leading to longer days. As ice from Greenland and Antarctica melts, the redistribution of water mass toward the equator slows the planet's rotation. This effect, coupled with rising sea levels, has profound implications for global timekeeping and geophysical processes. Scientists are closely monitoring these changes to better understand their long-term impacts.

Land Protection Initiatives Significantly Reduce Amazon Deforestation: A new analysis by researchers from multiple institutions found that land protection initiatives in the Brazilian Legal Amazon (BLA) reduced deforestation by up to 83% between 2000 and 2010. The study highlights the effectiveness of Indigenous Territories, strict protected areas, and sustainable use protected areas in curbing deforestation. However, it also reveals socio-economic trade-offs, as Indigenous communities experience lower incomes. The findings emphasize the need for balanced policies that protect the environment while supporting local communities.

Lab-Grown Meat Nears Real Beef Taste with Environmental Benefits: Advancements in lab-grown meat technology are bringing its taste and texture closer to real beef. This innovation significantly reduces the environmental impact compared to traditional livestock farming. Lab-grown meat requires less land and water and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions. It also helps address issues like deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution associated with conventional meat production. By improving production efficiency and scalability, lab-grown meat could become a sustainable alternative to conventional meat, supporting global environmental goals.

Discovery of Key Climate Model Component: Researchers from UC Irvine and the University of Michigan have identified that climate models overestimate ice reflectivity (albedo), crucial for predicting global warming. Previous models didn't account for microphysical properties of ice, like the effects of algae and dust. By integrating accurate albedo data, new models show the Greenland Ice Sheet melting six gigatons more annually. This finding emphasizes the importance of precise albedo measurements for accurate climate predictions.

Vital Ocean Current at Risk of Catastrophic Collapse: A study warns that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a crucial ocean current system, might collapse within decades, potentially as early as 2025. The collapse could severely disrupt weather patterns, leading to harsher winters in Europe and North America, increased storm activity, and significant impacts on marine ecosystems. Researchers stress the importance of immediate action to mitigate climate change and prevent this catastrophic event.

Climate Change’s Impact on Earth’s Rotation: New Findings: Researchers from ETH Zurich reveal that climate change is affecting Earth's rotation. Melting ice in Greenland and Antarctica shifts mass to the equator, slowing Earth's rotation and lengthening days. This effect surpasses the moon's influence on rotational speed. The mass shifts also alter Earth's axis of rotation, observed as polar motion. These minor changes are significant for space navigation. The study used advanced AI to model these effects.

AI and Satellite Data Enhance Typhoon Prediction Accuracy: A research team led by Professor Jungho Im from UNIST has developed a Hybrid-Convolutional Neural Networks (Hybrid-CNN) model that uses real-time satellite data and deep learning to predict typhoon intensity with greater precision. This model combines geostationary satellite data and numerical model outputs to forecast tropical cyclone intensity 24, 48, and 72 hours in advance, reducing uncertainty and improving disaster preparedness.

NATURE

Face Detection Circuit Discovered in Primate Brains: Researchers have identified a specialized circuit in the brains of primates responsible for face detection. This discovery, based on studies involving rhesus macaques, shows that certain neurons are finely tuned to recognize faces, highlighting the complexity and specialization of the primate visual system. This finding has significant implications for understanding both human and primate brain function, particularly in how we process social information.

Solving the Mystery of Animal Brain Size: Scientists have discovered that the growth of animal brains is regulated by a balance between the benefits of cognitive abilities and the high energy costs of maintaining larger brains. The study suggests that metabolic constraints play a crucial role in determining brain size, providing insights into the evolutionary pressures shaping brain development across different species.

Greenland's Centuries-Old Sharks and Longevity Research: Greenland sharks, known for their exceptional longevity, living up to 400 years, might hold clues to extending human lifespan. Researchers are studying these ancient creatures to understand the genetic and molecular factors contributing to their longevity and resistance to age-related diseases. Insights gained could lead to breakthroughs in age-related healthcare and enhancing human lifespan.

Wildlife Tracking Technology Adheres to Fur for Polar Bear Studies: York University researchers have developed "Burr on Fur" tags for tracking polar bears. These tags adhere to fur and offer a minimally invasive alternative to collars and ear tags, enabling the study of subadult and adult male bears that are otherwise difficult to track. The SeaTrkr Tag proved most effective, staying attached for an average of 58 days. This innovation enhances the ability to monitor bear behavior and manage human-bear interactions.

Idiotfruit and Tree Kangaroos: Unique Rainforests of Queensland's Wet Tropics: Queensland’s Wet Tropics (Australia), remnants of the ancient Gondwana rainforest, host unique species like the idiotfruit tree and tree kangaroos. This biodiversity hotspot faces threats from land clearing, invasive species, and climate change. The symbiotic relationships among species, such as cassowaries and cassowary plums, highlight the ecosystem's complexity and the potential cascading extinctions if critical species are lost. Effective management is crucial to preserving this World Heritage site's ecological and cultural value.

INDUSTRY

Alphabet in Talks to Acquire Wiz in $23 Billion Cybersecurity Deal: Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc., is in discussions to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz Inc. for approximately $23 billion. If finalized, this would be Alphabet's largest acquisition to date. Wiz, a rapidly growing firm valued at $12 billion in a recent funding round, specializes in cloud security. This move could help Google enhance its competitive edge in the cloud services market, especially against rivals like Microsoft and Amazon.

Elon Musk Requests Additional Time for Robotaxi Design Changes: Elon Musk has announced a request for extra time to implement design changes for Tesla's robotaxi project. This delay aims to ensure the vehicle meets Tesla's high standards and includes necessary improvements. The extension is part of Tesla's ongoing efforts to enhance its autonomous driving technology and deliver an advanced product to the market.

Optimizing Fast-Charging Locations for Electric Trucks in Europe: A study by Fraunhofer ISI and Amazon finds that 1,000 strategically placed fast-charging stations with Megawatt Charging System (MCS) outlets could support 91% of Europe's long-haul truck traffic by 2030. The research utilized traffic flow data and Amazon's CHALET tool to identify optimal locations along major highways. This network, requiring significant grid capacity, could facilitate the widespread adoption of battery-electric trucks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting EU regulations on alternative fuel infrastructure.

OpenAI Whistleblowers Reported to SEC Over Company Disclosures:

Whistleblowers have reported OpenAI to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), alleging the company made misleading statements about the capabilities and risks of its AI models. The complaint claims OpenAI's disclosures failed to adequately address safety issues and the potential for misuse, raising concerns about transparency and ethical practices in AI development. This move highlights ongoing debates over accountability and regulation in the rapidly advancing AI industry.

WORLD

Heavy Rains Kill at Least 35 in Eastern Afghanistan: Heavy rains in eastern Afghanistan caused flash floods, killing at least 35 people and injuring 230 in Jalalabad and Nangarhar province. The floods damaged 400 houses, disrupted electricity, and devastated a camp at the Torkham border crossing. Local authorities are providing aid, and the incident highlights Afghanistan's vulnerability to climate change impacts.

Greece Faces Water Shortages After Warmest Winter Ever: Greece is experiencing significant water shortages following its warmest winter and earliest heatwave on record. Reservoir levels in the Attica region, which includes Athens, have dropped by nearly a quarter compared to last year. The intense heat, exacerbated by climate change, has led to a rise in wildfires and increased water demand, particularly on islands heavily affected by tourism. Authorities are urging conservation efforts and considering tapping additional water sources to address the crisis.