Smallest Hydrogel-Based Lithium-Ion Battery May Power Future Biomedical Implants

Hello and welcome to Monday’s STEAM newsletter! We bring you summaries of the latest news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science -Scientists Develop New Method to Create Superheavy Elements, Advancing the Search for an 'Island of Stability, and more.

• Technology and AI - Smallest Hydrogel-Based Lithium-Ion Battery May Power Future Biomedical Implants, and more.

• Engineering - Bird-Inspired Wing Flaps Improve Flight Stability and Stall Resistance in Aircraft, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - NASA Unveils Ambitious Plans for 'Chopper': A Hexacopter Drone for Mars Exploration, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Rethinking Standing Desks: Study Finds Prolonged Standing Doesn't Offset Health Risks of Sitting, Prenatal Cannabis Exposure Linked to Behavioral and Cognitive Challenges in Early Childhood, Study Finds, and more.

• Neuroscience - Study Finds Preventing Protein Buildup in Fruit Fly Brains Slows Cognitive Aging and Extends Lifespan, and more.

• Environment - AI Model Predicts Diarrheal Disease Outbreaks Linked to Climate-Driven Extreme Weather.

• Nature - New Research Highlights Social Changes with Aging Across Animal Species, from Red Deer to Fruit Flies, Revolutionary Insect Tracking System 'FLO' Enables High-Precision, Real-Time Study of Insects in Natural Habitats.

• Other Sciences & Arts - High School Students Make Groundbreaking Discovery in Proving Pythagorean Theorem with Trigonometry.

• Industry - MobiPrint: A Mobile 3D Printer that Maps and Prints Objects Directly into Rooms.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Scientists Develop New Method to Create Superheavy Elements, Advancing the Search for an 'Island of Stability: Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have pioneered a new technique for producing superheavy elements (SHEs) beyond the previously synthesized element oganesson (Z=118). Traditionally, scientists used "hot fusion" with 48-calcium to create these elements, but this method is reaching its limit. The team, led by J.M. Gates, tested a new reaction by accelerating 50-titanium onto a 244-plutonium target. This approach successfully produced isotopes of livermorium (Z=116), marking the first use of a heavier beam than calcium-48 for creating superheavy elements. This study could pave the way for further SHE discoveries, possibly uncovering an "island of stability" where these elements exhibit longer half-lives.

Researchers Develop Solvent-Free Polymer for Biodegradable 3D-Printed Medical Implants: A Duke University team has invented a new solvent-free, low-viscosity polymer for digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing, advancing the potential for degradable medical devices. Ph.D. candidate Maddiy Segal, working in Matthew Becker's lab, created this resin by fine-tuning polymer recipes, achieving parts that maintain structural integrity without shrinkage—a common issue with solvent-based materials. This breakthrough polymer offers improved strength and stability, with applications ranging from biodegradable implants to bone adhesives. Segal’s goal is to create implants that naturally degrade, reducing the need for follow-up surgeries and expanding possibilities for medical and soft robotics uses.

Scientists Engineer Stable Mirror-Image Peptides to Enhance Therapeutic Potential: Researchers at the University of Virginia, led by chemical engineering assistant professor Rachel Letteri and Ph.D. student Vincent Gray, have developed a novel approach to increase the longevity of peptides—chains of amino acids with significant medicinal potential. Their work focuses on mirror-image coiled coils, a structure that enables peptides to resist enzyme degradation and maintain stable, strong binding. Coiled coils, which play essential roles in many biological functions, are traditionally unstable. By designing mirror-image peptides that spiral in opposite directions, the team achieved greater peptide stability and binding strength. This breakthrough could lead to more durable and effective biomaterials for therapies and tissue regeneration, though further research is needed to fully harness these enhanced peptides.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Smallest Hydrogel-Based Lithium-Ion Battery May Power Future Biomedical Implants: Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed the smallest soft lithium-ion battery to date, utilizing three droplets of a silk-based hydrogel. At only 600 micrometers in length, this miniaturized battery shows potential for powering biomedical implants and wearable devices. The design features droplets with lithium manganese oxide and lithium titanate as electrodes, separated by lithium chloride, and can be activated with UV light. The battery’s innovative hydrogel construction allows it to mimic the aqueous nature of human tissue, and magnetic particles permit remote movement and control. Successful tests on mouse hearts demonstrated the battery’s ability to regulate heartbeat, showing 77% capacity retention after ten charge cycles. With high energy density and minimal invasiveness, these droplet batteries hold promise for future bio-compatible and biodegradable medical devices.

AI-Powered Solution Boosts Power Grid Reliability Amid Renewable Energy and EV Demand Shifts: Researchers at the University of Virginia have developed a multi-fidelity graph neural network (GNN) AI model to tackle the challenges of managing power grids as renewable energy sources and electric vehicle (EV) demands add complexity. This innovative approach leverages both high- and low-fidelity data, enabling faster and more reliable power flow analysis while using less computational power. The model adapts in real time to grid changes, such as power line failures, helping to solve the “optimal power flow” issue for more efficient distribution. Designed by Negin Alemazkoor and her team, this scalable model promises improved power grid flexibility, supporting a more stable, sustainable energy future.

Breakthrough in Electromagnetic Wave Absorption: KIMS Develops Ultra-Thin, Multi-Band Shielding Material: Researchers from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) have developed an ultra-thin composite film capable of absorbing over 99% of electromagnetic waves across multiple frequency bands, including 5G, 6G, WiFi, and radar for autonomous driving. This innovative material is less than 0.5 mm thick and maintains high absorbance with minimal reflectance, setting it apart from traditional shielding materials, which largely reflect waves and only absorb about 10%. Beyond its superior wave absorption capabilities, the material is flexible, durable through thousands of folds, and tailored for advanced electronic devices like rollable phones and autonomous vehicles. Patented domestically and internationally, this technology is already being integrated into real-world applications in communications and automotive industries.

ENGINEERING

Bird-Inspired Wing Flaps Improve Flight Stability and Stall Resistance in Aircraft: Engineers at Princeton University, inspired by bird feathers, have developed a flap system for aircraft wings that enhances stability and reduces the risk of stalling. By mimicking covert feathers, which birds deploy for complex maneuvers, the team created flexible, airflow-responsive flaps that improve lift by 45% and reduce drag by 30%. These flaps adjust automatically to airflow changes without external control, allowing for lightweight and cost-effective performance gains. Experiments in a wind tunnel and on a remote-controlled airplane showed that multi-row flap configurations significantly increased stability. This innovation could extend beyond aviation to vehicles and wind turbines by enhancing airflow control.

Researchers Unveils First Non-Electric Soft Touchpad for Extreme Environments:
Researchers at Tampere University have developed a groundbreaking soft touchpad that operates without electricity, making it suitable for environments where electronics falter, such as MRI machines and high-radiation areas. This innovative touchpad, made of soft silicone, uses pneumatic channels to precisely detect touch force, area, and location, even recognizing handwritten letters. Its non-electric design and adaptability to soft robotics and rehabilitation aids promise advances in medical and industrial settings, including safer, softer robotic prosthetics and wearable devices that enhance comfort and tactile sensing.

Eco-Friendly 3D-Printed Concrete: UVA Researchers Develop Graphene-Enhanced, Low-Carbon Cement Composite: A research team from the University of Virginia (UVA) has created a more sustainable, 3D-printable cement composite that incorporates graphene with limestone and calcined clay cement (LC2). This innovative material, which boosts strength and durability while cutting carbon emissions by about 31%, represents a step forward in eco-friendly construction. Led by Osman Ozbulut and supported by collaborators from the Virginia Transportation Research Council, the team demonstrated that adding graphene to LC2 cement improved the concrete’s flow and mechanical properties, making it highly suitable for 3D printing. A Life Cycle Assessment confirmed the environmental advantages of the new composite, positioning it as a greener alternative for 3D-printed construction.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

NASA Unveils Ambitious Plans for 'Chopper': A Hexacopter Drone for Mars Exploration: NASA is advancing plans to deploy an advanced hexacopter drone, known as "Chopper," for future Mars exploration missions. Following the success of the Ingenuity Mars helicopter, Chopper aims to transport 3 to 5 kilograms of scientific equipment across multiple kilometers daily on Mars, maneuvering independently in Mars's thin atmosphere. Theodore Tzanetos from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory describes Chopper as a six-bladed, 35-kilogram vehicle capable of speeds up to 1 kilometer per minute. Unlike traditional rovers, Chopper will not require a soft-landing system, as a jetpack-like mechanism will facilitate controlled atmospheric entry and landing. While currently a conceptual project without designated funding, the team hopes it will be considered for future Mars missions, potentially heralding an era of aerial exploration fleets on the Red Planet.

New Study Uncovers Thick Methane-Ice Crust on Titan, Warming Interior and Impacting Atmosphere: Researchers at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa have found evidence of a methane-rich ice crust on Saturn’s moon Titan, which could be as thick as six miles. This study used computer modeling to explain the shallow, rapidly-eroding impact craters observed on Titan. Led by Lauren Schurmeier, the team suggests the crust, made of methane clathrate, insulates Titan’s interior, making it warmer and more geologically active than previously thought. This discovery may also explain Titan's methane-rich atmosphere and offers insights into carbon and methane cycles, potentially paralleling processes on Earth. With NASA’s Dragonfly mission set to explore Titan in 2034, scientists look forward to more in-depth observations of this mysterious moon.

New Study Explores Black Holes as Potential Source of Dark Energy in Expanding Universe: A study led by researchers at the University of Michigan and Arizona State University proposes that black holes could be a source of dark energy, potentially fueling the universe’s accelerated expansion. Using data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which analyzes tens of millions of distant galaxies, researchers found that as black holes formed and grew from the deaths of massive stars, dark energy density increased, supporting a link between black holes and dark energy. This hypothesis shifts dark energy from a theoretical concept to an experimental inquiry, with future DESI observations aiming to refine understanding of how black holes might be cosmologically coupled to the expanding universe.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Rethinking Standing Desks: Study Finds Prolonged Standing Doesn't Offset Health Risks of Sitting: A new study from Australia involving over 83,000 participants challenges the belief that standing desks alone can counteract the health risks of prolonged sitting. Researchers found that while sitting for over 10 hours a day is linked to heart disease and stroke, prolonged standing also posed risks, including circulatory issues like varicose veins. The study underscores that neither prolonged sitting nor standing is beneficial and highlights the importance of regular movement. Alternatives such as sit-stand desks, short walks, and stretching breaks are recommended for improving health outcomes, emphasizing that varied movement throughout the day is more beneficial than any single static posture.

Prenatal Cannabis Exposure Linked to Behavioral and Cognitive Challenges in Early Childhood, Study Finds: A new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital highlights the negative impact of prenatal cannabis exposure on early childhood behavior and cognitive abilities. Researchers observed that children exposed to cannabis before birth exhibited poorer impulse control, attention difficulties, planning challenges, and increased aggression—all essential skills for school and social interactions. Lead researcher Dr. Sarah Keim emphasized that, despite cannabis being a natural product, it poses risks during pregnancy, particularly given the higher potency of today’s strains. The findings align with longstanding guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which discourage cannabis use during pregnancy.

NEUROSCIENCE

Study Finds Preventing Protein Buildup in Fruit Fly Brains Slows Cognitive Aging and Extends Lifespan: Researchers have discovered that the buildup of a structural protein, F-actin, in fruit fly brains hampers autophagy—the cell’s natural recycling process—which in turn contributes to cognitive decline with age. By targeting specific genes to prevent F-actin accumulation, scientists extended the flies' lifespan by about 30% and improved their cognitive and overall health. Conducted at UCLA the study found that when F-actin buildup is reduced, autophagy remains active, preserving neuron health. While this effect is yet to be studied in humans, the findings open a promising avenue for enhancing "healthspan"—the period of life spent in good health.

Study Reveals Newborns’ Innate Ability to Recognize Complex Sound Patterns Linked to Language Development: New research reveals that newborns can inherently detect complex patterns in sound sequences, a skill essential for language learning. Led by psycholinguist Jutta Mueller from the University of Vienna, the study shows that newborns' brains respond to non-adjacent sound dependencies, much like those in human language. Using near-infrared spectroscopy, researchers observed that newborns and six-month-old infants could distinguish correct from incorrect sound patterns, with the brain's frontal cortex activating language-related networks. These findings suggest that from birth, babies’ brains are primed for language-like pattern recognition, highlighting the importance of early auditory experiences in supporting the development of language-processing networks. This research could inform early interventions, using music or sound patterns, to stimulate language development in infants.

New Insights into Motor Learning: Dorsal Premotor Cortex Regulates Memory Retention and Forgetting in Athletes: Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have identified a "meta-learning" role in the dorsal premotor cortex, revealing its ability to manage memory retention and forgetting in motor skills. Traditionally associated with movement planning, this brain region was found, via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies, to control motor memory processes based on task demands. The study showed that disrupting this region impaired memory retention without affecting basic motor learning, highlighting the dorsal premotor cortex's unique role in managing how motor skills are reinforced or discarded over time. This insight could inspire new training techniques and technologies to boost motor skill acquisition in sports and rehabilitation.

ENVIRONMENT

AI Model Predicts Diarrheal Disease Outbreaks Linked to Climate-Driven Extreme Weather: A new AI-based early warning system developed by an international research team, led by the University of Maryland, offers a way to predict diarrheal disease outbreaks triggered by extreme weather events, giving public health systems weeks or even months to prepare. The study utilized climate and environmental data from Nepal, Vietnam, and Taiwan to train predictive AI models that can anticipate area-specific disease burdens. This proactive approach aims to enhance resilience in vulnerable regions, especially those lacking reliable water and sanitation infrastructure. The study represents a critical advance in using AI for public health planning amidst increasing climate-related health threats.

NATURE

New Research Highlights Social Changes with Aging Across Animal Species, from Red Deer to Fruit Flies: A special issue of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B presents 16 studies on how aging impacts social behavior across various animal species, showing parallels with human social aging. Research led by scientists at the University of Leeds found that older red deer, particularly females, become less social to reduce parasite infection risks, while house sparrows also narrow their social networks as peers die, reducing the need for social connections. This decline in social interactions with age—known as “social aging”—is observed across species, suggesting it may benefit health by lowering infection risks. The studies, encompassing animals from insects to mammals, highlight social aging as a broad biological phenomenon, advancing our understanding of aging societies and offering potential insights for human aging.

Revolutionary Insect Tracking System 'FLO' Enables High-Precision, Real-Time Study of Insects in Natural Habitats: A new tracking technology called Fast Lock-On (FLO), developed by the University of Freiburg, enables researchers to track insects like bees in real-world environments with high precision. This breakthrough system bridges the gap between large-scale tracking and high-resolution imaging, providing detailed, real-time flight data. FLO’s low-latency feedback and ability to eliminate motion blur allow it to capture fast insect movements accurately. By mounting the FLO system on drones, researchers can track insects over extended distances, offering valuable insights into insect behavior and environmental responses. Though retroreflective markers are required for tracking, these are lightweight and minimally invasive. Beyond ecological research, FLO could have applications in robotics and navigation systems.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

High School Students Make Groundbreaking Discovery in Proving Pythagorean Theorem with Trigonometry: In a remarkable achievement, high school students Calcea Johnson and Ne'Kiya Jackson discovered a novel trigonometric proof for the Pythagorean Theorem, which had long been thought impossible due to circular reasoning. Published in American Mathematical Monthly, their study details ten proofs, nine of which are entirely new. After presenting their findings at an American Mathematical Society conference, the students garnered acclaim and were honored with the keys to New Orleans and praise from Michelle Obama. Their work challenges conventional trigonometry teaching methods, suggesting that distinct versions of trigonometry can unlock new insights. Johnson, now studying environmental engineering, and Jackson, pursuing a pharmacy degree, hope to inspire young women, especially women of color, to pursue STEM fields.

INDUSTRY

MobiPrint: A Mobile 3D Printer that Maps and Prints Objects Directly into Rooms: University of Washington researchers have developed MobiPrint, a mobile 3D printer that autonomously measures spaces and prints objects directly onto floors, offering new possibilities for home customization and accessibility. Presented at the ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology (UIST 2024), MobiPrint is built on a modified robotic vacuum and equipped with LiDAR to map rooms. Through a user interface, individuals can design and place objects in a mapped space, allowing for easy creation of custom features like tactile markers for visually impaired users or ramps for accessibility. Current prints use PLA bioplastic, with plans to develop removal and recycling capabilities. Future adaptations may extend MobiPrint’s utility to outdoor spaces, new materials, and various surfaces like walls and tabletops.