Engineers Develop Programmable, Shell-Inspired Materials for Impact Protection

Hello and welcome to our May 16th edition. The STEAM Digest is a curated newsletter that brings you the latest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Ancient Cyanobacteria Reveal Clues to Origins of Oxygenic Photosynthesis, and more.

• Materials - Engineers Develop Programmable, Shell-Inspired Materials for Impact Protection, and more.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - 3D-Printed Wearable Tracks Stress and Hydration Without Adhesives.

• Engineering & Technology - New Theoretical Model Could Revolutionize Passive Radiative Cooling.

• Robotics, AI, Hardware, Software, Gadgets - Octopus-Inspired Robot Uses Suction to Sense, Think, and Act, and more.

• Health & Medicine - New Study Maps Lung Function from Childhood to Old Age, Challenging Long-Held Assumptions, and more.

• Pediatrics - Ultrasound Language May Affect Parent-Child Bonding, Study Finds.

• Neuroscience - Protein Clues May Lead to Early Diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia, and more.

• Environment & Earth Sciences - Climate Change Fuels Toxic Mercury Production in Colorado Mountain Wetlands.

• Nature & Ecology - Orangutans Use Complex Vocal Recursion, Challenging Uniqueness of Human Language, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Seafloor Fossils Reveal New Insights into Homo erectus Life in Ancient Sundaland.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

Ancient Cyanobacteria Reveal Clues to Origins of Oxygenic Photosynthesis: An international team of scientists has decoded the structure of Photosystem I (PSI) in Anthocerotibacter panamensis, a rare cyanobacterium from one of Earth’s oldest lineages. The study sheds light on how early life harvested sunlight to produce oxygen, a process that reshaped the planet. Unlike modern cyanobacteria, A. panamensis lacks thylakoid membranes and performs photosynthesis using a simpler, single-membrane system. Despite its ancient roots, the PSI complex shows a surprisingly sophisticated structure, with three units forming a clover-shaped arrangement loaded with over 300 pigments. This near-pristine architecture suggests oxygenic photosynthesis had already evolved to a high degree of efficiency 3 billion years ago. Researchers say the origin of this process may lie even earlier, before cyanobacteria emerged.

New Study Sharpens Low-Energy Model of the Strong Nuclear Force: A study in Physical Review D advances a theoretical model linking hadrons to their quark structure using QCD Gaussian sum-rules. The updated framework incorporates higher-order effects, improving predictions for low-energy phenomena where traditional quantum chromodynamics (QCD) methods fail. It also allows exploration of complex particles like mesons with quark-gluon mixtures and potential glueball content. This work helps bridge gaps in understanding the strong nuclear force at low energies and aligns with experimental findings.

MATERIALS

Engineers Develop Programmable, Shell-Inspired Materials for Impact Protection: Engineers have developed a programmable, multilayered material inspired by seashells like nacre. The material mimics nature by allowing layers to work together to absorb and dissipate stress. Using microscale programming, each layer responds differently to impact, enabling adaptive behavior based on collision severity. This approach outperforms traditional single-layer designs and could improve products like wearable bandages and car bumpers. The team also discovered ways to store and decode mechanical information during testing. Though large-scale fabrication is still a challenge, the design offers a promising path toward advanced impact-resistant materials.

Breakthrough AR Lens Design Paves Way for Lightweight, Everyday AR Glasses: Researchers have developed a groundbreaking single-layer optical waveguide that could revolutionize augmented reality (AR) glasses. Traditionally, AR lenses required multiple stacked layers to manage red, green, and blue light, making them bulky and heavy. The new approach uses a single 500-µm-thick glass layer embedded with finely engineered silicon-nitride nanostructures—designed using a stochastic topology-optimization algorithm—to guide all colors of light efficiently. This innovation eliminates chromatic blur while enhancing image brightness and uniformity, and maintains a user-friendly 9-mm eyebox. The result is a thinner, lighter AR display system with lower production complexity and cost, bringing the dream of comfortable, everyday AR glasses significantly closer to reality.

Nanofiber "Clean-Up Crew" Offers Hope for Treating Alzheimer’s and ALS: Scientists have developed a novel nanotherapy that could significantly slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and ALS. These illnesses are driven by the accumulation of misfolded proteins that form toxic clumps around neurons. The new treatment uses peptide amphiphiles—molecules that self-assemble into nanofibers—to trap these misfolded proteins before they aggregate. When coated with the natural sugar trehalose, the nanofibers become less stable, increasing their ability to interact with and neutralize harmful proteins. Lab tests showed that this approach dramatically improved the survival of human neurons exposed to disease-causing proteins. The therapy, which naturally breaks down into safe byproducts, could be used in combination with other treatments for a more comprehensive approach.

New One-Step Quantum Dot Deposition Method Advances Multi-Wavelength Infrared Photodetectors: Researchers have have developed a one-step method to deposit quantum-dot films on textured surfaces for near-infrared photodetectors. These detectors are used in biomedical and defense applications and must detect multiple wavelengths on a single chip. Traditional methods struggle with non-flat surfaces and require post-processing that can damage the films. LLNL's approach uses electrophoretic deposition to guide quantum dots with an electric field, enabling precise and uniform coating. By using short conductive ligands, the team eliminated the need for post-processing. The resulting films are dense, crack-free, and highly functional. This advancement enables scalable production of multi-wavelength infrared sensors.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

3D-Printed Wearable Tracks Stress and Hydration Without Adhesives: Researchers have developed a 3D-printed, adhesive-free wearable that continuously monitors gases emitted by the skin, offering real-time insights into hydration, metabolism, and stress. The device avoids common issues with adhesive wearables—such as loss of adhesion from skin shedding—by using a reusable cuff design worn on the forearm. It tracks water vapor and skin-emitted gases and transmits data securely via Bluetooth to smartphones or computers. The wearable enables continuous, multi-day monitoring without recharging and without requiring visible sweat, making it useful for athletes, chronic disease management, and mental health tracking. The team aims to expand its capabilities to detect more biomarkers and offer personalized health insights.

evoCAST: A New Gene Editor That Could Transform Gene Therapy:
Researchers have developed evoCAST, a powerful new gene-editing tool capable of inserting entire genes into specific locations in the human genome with high efficiency. evoCAST solves a key challenge in gene therapy—how to accurately and safely add large DNA segments without causing unwanted mutations. Unlike CRISPR or viral methods, evoCAST uses engineered CRISPR-associated transposases (CASTs), which can insert genes without breaking DNA strands. The system was optimized using PACE, a rapid evolution method that boosted editing efficiency up to 40% of cells. This could pave the way for treating diseases like cystic fibrosis with a single therapy, regardless of mutation type. The next hurdle is delivery—getting evoCAST into the right cells remains a major focus for future research.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

New Theoretical Model Could Revolutionize Passive Radiative Cooling: A new study proposes a groundbreaking model that could boost the effectiveness of passive radiative cooling—a method of releasing heat without electricity. Researchers developed a theoretical system that combines a thermoradiative diode (TRD) with a heat engine to internally generate a positive photon chemical potential, enhancing infrared heat emission. Their calculations show this setup could achieve up to 485 W/m² of cooling power, surpassing the blackbody radiation limit at room temperature. By integrating a TRD with devices like thermoelectric generators, the system can operate without external power, provided it’s carefully designed. This could pave the way for more energy-efficient cooling solutions in buildings, electronics, and other applications. Though still theoretical, the model sets the stage for future experimental development in sustainable cooling technology.

ROBOTICS, AI, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, GADGETS

Octopus-Inspired Robot Uses Suction to Sense, Think, and Act: Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed an octopus-inspired soft robot that can sense its environment and make movement decisions using suction-based "intelligence." The study shows how a single suction system—powered by air or water flow—enables the robot to grip objects, detect surfaces, and gauge pulling forces without a central computer. Mimicking the octopus's decentralized nervous system, the robot uses fluidic circuits to achieve both low-level motor control and high-level perception. This low-cost, electronics-free design could revolutionize soft robotics, with potential applications in agriculture, medicine, manufacturing, and wearable tech. The team plans to further miniaturize and enhance the system with smart materials and AI for broader real-world use.

Study Finds Generative AI Boosts Jobs and Productivity, While Other AI May Displace Labor: A large-scale study analyzing over 5 million U.S. patents (2007–2023) reveals that generative AI tends to augment jobs and increase firm productivity, while other AI types—such as those focused on perception and motor control—are more likely to displace workers. The study shows that AI tools used for language, creativity, and decision-making support white-collar job growth and innovation. In contrast, AI replacing manual tasks reduces labor costs but doesn’t significantly boost productivity. The impact of AI also depends on labor market flexibility—firms gain more from augmentation when hiring is easy and from displacement when layoffs are less restricted. The findings highlight the importance of reskilling and policy reform to prepare workers for an AI-driven economy.

Zippy: World’s Smallest and Fastest Self-Contained Bipedal Robot Unveiled: Researchers have developed "Zippy," the world’s smallest self-contained bipedal robot, standing just under 1.5 inches tall. Despite its tiny size, Zippy can walk, turn, skip, and climb small steps using only an onboard battery, actuator, and control system. Built for navigating tight, human-inaccessible spaces, the robot could aid in search and rescue, industrial inspection, or scientific exploration. Zippy walks using momentum and a mechanical hip stop rather than complex servo systems, reaching speeds of 10 leg lengths per second—the fastest of any power-autonomous bipedal robot. The team plans to equip Zippy with sensors for autonomous navigation and swarm coordination.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

New Study Maps Lung Function from Childhood to Old Age, Challenging Long-Held Assumptions: A landmark study has revealed, for the first time, how lung function evolves across the human lifespan. The research analyzed spirometry data from over 30,000 individuals aged 4 to 82 and found that lung capacity peaks in early adulthood—around age 20 for women and 23 for men—then begins to decline immediately, contradicting previous models that suggested a stable plateau until age 40. The study also showed that persistent asthma lowers peak lung function and levels throughout life, while smoking accelerates decline starting at age 35. These findings emphasize the need for early lung health monitoring and public health interventions. Early detection using spirometry could help prevent chronic respiratory conditions in later life.

High-Quality Carbs and Fiber in Midlife Linked to Healthy Aging in Women: A study by researchers at Tufts University and Harvard found that midlife intake of high-quality carbohydrates and dietary fiber is strongly linked to healthy aging in women. Analyzing data from over 47,000 participants in the long-running Nurses’ Health Study, the team found that women who consumed more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fiber in midlife had a 6–37% greater chance of aging healthfully—defined as avoiding major diseases, maintaining cognitive and physical function, and reporting good mental health. In contrast, diets high in refined carbs and starchy vegetables were associated with a 13% lower likelihood of healthy aging. The findings suggest that carb quality, not just quantity, plays a key role in long-term health outcomes.

Urban Pollution and Lack of Green Spaces Linked to Higher Asthma Risk in Europe: A major EU study shows that the combination of air pollution, dense urban development, and limited green spaces significantly increases asthma risk in both children and adults. Analyzing data from nearly 350,000 people across 14 cohorts in seven European countries, researchers found that 11.6% of asthma cases could be attributed to these combined environmental exposures. Unlike previous studies that focused on single factors, this research highlights how multiple urban stressors interact to affect health. The findings can inform city planning and public health policy by identifying high-risk areas and promoting greener, healthier urban design. Researchers are now analyzing participants’ blood samples to understand how environmental exposures influence metabolic processes and asthma development.

PEDIATRICS

Ultrasound Language May Affect Parent-Child Bonding, Study Finds: A study shows that casual comments from health care providers during prenatal ultrasounds can shape how parents view their unborn child, potentially impacting the child's later development. Researchers found that negative descriptors—often repeated from providers—were linked to more emotional and behavioral issues in toddlers. In one experiment, parents who heard a fetus blamed for a scan issue were far more likely to describe the baby negatively. The findings suggest that prenatal communication influences parent-child relationships and highlight the need for more thoughtful language during care.

NEUROSCIENCE

Protein Clues May Lead to Early Diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia: Researchers have identified protein changes in spinal fluid that may help detect frontotemporal dementia (FTD) earlier in life. The study analyzed over 4,000 proteins from 116 patients with inherited FTD and compared them to healthy relatives. The findings suggest disruptions in RNA regulation and brain connectivity, revealing the first potential biomarkers for FTD during midlife—when symptoms often resemble depression or Parkinson’s. These insights could lead to earlier diagnosis, improved access to clinical trials, and future precision treatments.

Fruit Fly Study Reveals Whole-Body Effects of Alzheimer’s Disease: A new study by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital reveals that Alzheimer’s disease affects not only the brain but also other organs throughout the body. Using genetically modified fruit flies, scientists created an Alzheimer's Disease Fly Cell Atlas, mapping gene activity in 219 cell types. When Alzheimer's-related proteins Aβ42 or Tau were expressed only in neurons, they still caused changes in non-brain tissues. Aβ42 mainly impacted sensory neurons, while Tau disrupted fat metabolism, digestion, and reproduction—mimicking accelerated aging. The study highlights disrupted brain-body communication and provides a new tool for understanding systemic effects of Alzheimer’s, potentially aiding the discovery of biomarkers and therapies.

ENVIRONMENT & EARTH SCIENCES

Climate Change Fuels Toxic Mercury Production in Colorado Mountain Wetlands: A new study reveals that melting glaciers and permafrost in the mountains near Boulder, Colorado, are releasing sulfate into waterways—fueling the production of toxic methylmercury in subalpine wetlands. Researchers found that moderate levels of sulfate runoff stimulate microbes in peat-rich wetlands to convert mercury into methylmercury, a potent neurotoxin. This process is most active below the treeline, where richer vegetation supports microbial activity. The study provides the first baseline data on methylmercury levels in Boulder's watershed and identifies specific sulfate thresholds that increase its production. With climate change accelerating sulfate runoff, the findings raise concerns about long-term health risks for ecosystems, wildlife, and local communities.

NATURE & ECOLOGY

Orangutans Use Complex Vocal Recursion, Challenging Uniqueness of Human Language: A study has found that wild Sumatran orangutans use vocal patterns with recursive structures—previously thought unique to humans. Researchers discovered that orangutan alarm calls follow a three-layered rhythmic nesting pattern, similar to linguistic recursion in human language. These structured calls change based on threat level, indicating the use of meaningful, adaptive communication. This challenges the belief that recursion is a uniquely human trait and suggests that the roots of complex language may have emerged in a shared ancestor millions of years ago. The findings offer new insight into the evolutionary origins of human communication.

New Poison Dart Frog Species Discovered Deep in Brazilian Amazon: Researchers have discovered a new species of poison dart frog in a remote part of the Brazilian Amazon. The study details the discovery of Ranitomeya aetherea, named for its striking sky-blue stripes and copper-colored legs. The tiny frog, just 15 mm long, was found in the Juruá River basin after a multi-day expedition involving flights, river travel, and hiking. DNA analysis confirmed it as a new member of the Ranitomeya genus—the first addition in a decade. The frog has a unique mating call and a preference for palm-rich areas, where it shelters under leaves and among bananeira brava plants. The species appears to inhabit only a small, specific region, highlighting both its uniqueness and vulnerability.

Sargassum Crisis in the Caribbean Sparks Innovation and Opportunity: A growing influx of sargassum seaweed—driven by climate change and ocean warming—is choking Caribbean coastlines, threatening tourism, fisheries, and public health. In 2024 alone, 20 million tons of the seaweed have washed ashore, releasing toxic fumes and disrupting local economies. Despite its damaging effects, entrepreneurs across the region are finding innovative uses for sargassum, including biofuel, plant tonics, paper, and even early-warning systems to protect fishers. However, scaling these efforts faces funding and administrative barriers. Experts argue that small island nations must claim a fair share of the seaweed’s value, using licensing and climate finance to fuel local development. With supportive policies, sargassum could shift from a crisis to a climate resilience resource.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Seafloor Fossils Reveal New Insights into Homo erectus Life in Ancient Sundaland: Archaeologists have uncovered fossil remains of Homo erectus and 36 other vertebrate species from the seabed between the Indonesian islands of Java and Madura, offering a rare glimpse into life 140,000 years ago. The findings show that Homo erectus lived not just on Java, but also spread across Sundaland—a vast lowland exposed during glacial periods when sea levels were much lower. The remains, including skull fragments and butchered animal bones, suggest these early humans actively hunted and may have interacted with other hominin groups, possibly even exchanging genetic traits. The ancient ecosystem resembled the African savannah, teeming with elephants, rhinos, hippos, and Komodo dragons. These discoveries challenge the view of Homo erectus as isolated and highlight Sundaland's rich prehistoric biodiversity. The fossil collection is now housed at the Geological Museum in Bandung, Indonesia.