Flying Squirrel-Inspired Drone Enhances Maneuverability with Foldable Wings

Hello and welcome to our April 30th edition. The STEAM Digest is a curated newsletter that brings you the latest news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Blood Droplet Drying Patterns Reveal Hidden Forces—With Forensic Implications, and more.

• Materials - New X-ray Technique Reveals Atomic-Level Insights into Copper Catalysts for CO₂ Conversion.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - Miniature Bio-Battery Powers Nerve Stimulation and Portable Medical Devices, and more.

• Astronomy, Space, Astrobiology - How Comet Strikes Could Shape the Climate and Habitability of Exoplanets, and more.

• Engineering & Technology - New Lab-Scale X-ray Technique Brings 3D Crystal Imaging to University Labs, and more.

• Robotics, AI, Hardware, Software, Gadgets - Flying Squirrel-Inspired Drone Enhances Maneuverability with Foldable Wings, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Home Washing of Healthcare Uniforms May Fuel Antibiotic Resistance, Study Warns, and more.

• Neuroscience - Live Human Brain Tissue Reveals How Toxic Amyloid Beta Damages Synapses in Alzheimer’s.

• Environment - Scientists Urge Caution Over Green Nitrate Fertilizer Claims.

• Nature - Study Finds Bats Categorize Sounds in the Midbrain, Challenging Assumptions About Auditory Processing,

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Handwriting Boosts Early Literacy Skills More Than Typing, Study Finds, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

Blood Droplet Drying Patterns Reveal Hidden Forces—With Forensic Implications:
A new study explores how blood droplets dry under varying conditions, revealing complex, asymmetric cracking patterns influenced by droplet size and surface tilt. Researchers found that gravity causes red blood cells to migrate downhill on inclined surfaces, producing stretched, uneven drying patterns. Larger droplets showed exaggerated asymmetries, with distinct cracking differences between the advancing (downhill) and receding (uphill) edges. A theoretical model explained how uneven mechanical stresses shape these patterns. The findings have important implications for forensic bloodstain analysis, suggesting that droplet volume and surface angle must be carefully considered to avoid misinterpretation of crime scene evidence.

First Observation of Non-Reciprocal Coulomb Drag in Chern Insulators Advances Quantum Material Research: Researchers have achieved the first experimental observation of non-reciprocal Coulomb drag in magnetic Chern insulators. By using V-doped (Bi,Sb)₂Te₃ Chern insulators optimized for the quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect, the team revealed asymmetric voltage responses between adjacent, non-contact conductors. This phenomenon—driven by Coulomb interactions and chiral edge states—unveils new physics in topological magnetic systems and supports applications in topological quantum computing, such as non-invasive qubit readout and Majorana-based interferometry. The findings also point to the potential for low-power, chiral electronics, making Chern insulators a promising platform for future quantum devices.

Molecular Coating Strategy Greatly Enhances Hydrogen Production in Electrolyzers: A new study by researchers shows a molecular engineering approach that boosts hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) in electrolyzers by up to 50 times. The researchers applied organic overlayers to platinum electrodes, which weakened hydrogen binding and accelerated HERs under alkaline conditions. The enhancement was linked to the molecular structure of the coatings, with more aromatic rings and greater hydrophilicity improving performance. Tests in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) electrolyzers confirmed the effectiveness of the strategy, offering a promising path to more efficient and scalable hydrogen production.

MATERIALS

New X-ray Technique Reveals Atomic-Level Insights into Copper Catalysts for CO₂ Conversion: Researchers have developed a powerful new X-ray technique—modulation excitation X-ray absorption spectroscopy (ME-XAS)—that allows scientists to observe individual copper atoms involved in catalytic CO₂ conversion in real time. By pulsing electric currents through an electrochemical reactor and synchronizing them with ultra-bright X-rays from SLAC’s Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, the team captured fleeting chemical changes with millisecond precision. This breakthrough enables detailed study of how copper catalysts function under realistic conditions, paving the way for more efficient, durable systems for converting CO₂ into fuels and chemicals. The method is also broadly applicable to other electrochemical technologies like batteries and fuel cells, offering critical insights for next-generation clean energy development.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Miniature Bio-Battery Powers Nerve Stimulation and Portable Medical Devices: A research team has developed a miniaturized, portable bio-battery powered by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 bacteria. Encased in 3D-printed alginate hydrogels and inspired by lithium-ion battery design, the 20 mm–diameter device enables self-charging, charge/discharge cycles, and precise bioelectrical stimulation for applications such as nerve targeting and blood pressure modulation. The bio-battery demonstrated excellent bacterial viability, over 99.5% coulombic efficiency, and environmental advantages by avoiding toxic or rare materials. This innovation represents a major advance in sustainable, implantable energy solutions for physiological monitoring and therapeutic applications.

New Blood Test Accurately Detects Type 1 Diabetes Autoimmunity in Children:
Australian scientists have developed a groundbreaking blood test, called BASTA (β cell antigen-specific T cell assay), that can accurately detect early signs of type 1 diabetes using just a small blood sample—ideal for pediatric patients. The study demonstrates that BASTA identifies autoimmune responses by measuring interleukin-2 production from CD4+ T cells targeting insulin-producing β cells. The test outperforms existing methods in both sensitivity and specificity, enabling earlier diagnosis and potential intervention in children at risk. Researchers hope it will become a valuable tool in clinical settings and future trials aimed at preventing or slowing disease progression.

ASTRONOMY, SPACE, ASTROBIOLOGY

How Comet Strikes Could Shape the Climate and Habitability of Exoplanets: Comets have played a dual role in Earth's history—delivering water and organic molecules essential for life, while also posing threats through catastrophic impacts. A new study by UK scientists extends this concept to tidally locked Earth-like exoplanets, particularly those orbiting M dwarf stars, like the TRAPPIST-1 system. Using a coupled cometary impact and climate model, researchers simulated a 2.5 km-wide icy comet striking TRAPPIST-1e. They found that such impacts could significantly alter the planet's climate and atmospheric water content, with effects lingering for over 15 years in the mid-atmosphere. These changes might even be detectable with current or future telescopes like JWST or the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory. The findings suggest that cometary collisions may play a major role in both the habitability and atmospheric evolution of exoplanets.

Researchers Recreate Ancient Metabolism, Shedding Light on Origins of Life:
Scientists have successfully recreated one of Earth’s earliest metabolic processes in the lab, offering insight into how the first cells may have survived billions of years ago. By simulating hydrothermal vent conditions with high levels of dissolved iron—common in Earth’s ancient oceans—the team demonstrated that the microbe Methanocaldococcus jannaschii could thrive without added nutrients, using hydrogen gas generated from iron-sulfur geochemical reactions. The experiment supports the idea that methanogenesis via the acetyl-CoA pathway is the oldest known energy metabolism. The findings also fuel speculation about possible life beyond Earth, such as on Saturn’s moon Enceladus, where similar conditions might exist.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

New Lab-Scale X-ray Technique Brings 3D Crystal Imaging to University Labs:
For the first time, researchers can perform 3D X-ray diffraction (3DXRD) imaging of microstructures in metals, ceramics, and rocks in a standard laboratory—without needing access to rare and oversubscribed particle accelerators. Developed by University of Michigan engineers in collaboration with PROTO Manufacturing, the new lab-scale 3DXRD device uses a liquid-metal-jet anode to produce powerful X-rays capable of imaging crystal structures in 3D with high precision. Validated against synchrotron-based 3DXRD and LabDCT methods, it showed 96% accuracy, especially excelling with larger crystals. This breakthrough allows faster, more flexible materials research, opening doors to routine crystal strain studies, rapid prototyping, and longer-term experiments like cyclic stress testing, while offering valuable hands-on learning opportunities for students. Though not a full replacement for synchrotrons, lab-3DXRD is a game-changing tool for academia and industry alike.

Researchers Double Efficiency of All-Organic Solar Cells in Breakthrough for Eco-Friendly Energy: In a major advancement for sustainable solar technology have developed all-organic solar cells with a record-breaking power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.7%, more than double the previous benchmark of around 4%. Unlike conventional silicon or perovskite solar cells that contain hazardous substances, these fully carbon-based devices can be safely incinerated like plastics, reducing environmental impact and disposal costs. The breakthrough was achieved through two innovations: a low-temperature, acid-free PEDOT:PSS transparent electrode and a lamination method for carbon nanotube electrodes that prevents damage during layer stacking. These flexible, lightweight solar cells are especially promising for applications in wearable tech, agriculture, and locations unsuitable for traditional panels. Researchers aim to further boost efficiency by enhancing organic electrode conductivity.

Australia’s Housing Crisis Exposes a Hidden Construction Productivity Collapse:
Australia’s worsening housing crisis is being fueled by a long-overlooked collapse in construction productivity, with residential output per hour worked falling by over 50% in three decades. Despite more construction workers, the sector produces significantly less, costing the economy an estimated AU$56 billion in 2022 alone. While political debates focus on tax reforms and zoning, the core issue remains unaddressed. Emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, 3D printing, and off-site modular construction—pioneered by Australian companies like FBR Limited and Sync/Hickory—offer potential solutions. However, their transformative impact is limited by slow industry adoption and outdated educational programs. For Australia to reverse its productivity decline and meet housing demands, it must invest in both construction technology (ConTech) and education that fosters entrepreneurial and adaptable workers. Without urgent reform, the nation risks further housing unaffordability and economic loss.

ROBOTICS, AI, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, GADGETS

Flying Squirrel-Inspired Drone Enhances Maneuverability with Foldable Wings:
Researchers have developed an innovative drone inspired by flying squirrels. Featuring foldable silicone wings, this drone can rapidly decelerate and execute sharp maneuvers, making it more agile than conventional quadcopters. The design mimics flying squirrels' ability to increase drag just before landing. Using neural networks and a Thrust-Wing Coordination Control (TWCC) strategy, the drone intelligently decides when to deploy its wings, enabling efficient obstacle avoidance and trajectory control. Powered by a lightweight algorithm that runs on low-performance microcontrollers, the drone operates autonomously without external computing. Future developments aim to replicate the gliding and landing abilities of real flying squirrels for broader real-world applications.

Deepfakes Can Now Fake Heartbeats—But Their Facial Blood Flow Still Gives Them Away: In a major development in the deepfake arms race, researchers have discovered that state-of-the-art deepfakes can now mimic realistic human heartbeats, making them much harder to detect using conventional techniques. Until recently, deepfake detectors often relied on remote photoplethysmography (rPPP)—analyzing subtle changes in facial color caused by blood flow—to spot the absence of a pulse. But Eisert’s team found that deepfakes can inadvertently inherit pulse-like signals from real source videos, fooling even sophisticated detectors. While this marks a concerning leap in realism, the study offers hope: current deepfakes still fail to reproduce physiologically accurate variations in local blood flow across the face. This limitation could guide the development of the next generation of more effective detection tools.

MIT Lincoln Lab Develops Benchmark Chip to Cool High-Power 3D Microelectronics: As chip stacking becomes essential for building powerful and compact microelectronics, heat management remains a critical barrier. MIT Lincoln Laboratory has developed a specialized benchmarking chip that mimics the extreme heat output of high-performance processors, allowing researchers to test cooling technologies for 3D heterogeneous integration (3DHI) systems. The chip not only generates localized hot spots but also includes built-in temperature sensors—diodes that detect temperature by changes in electrical behavior. This allows developers, like those at HRL Laboratories, to measure how effectively novel cooling solutions work within tightly packed chip stacks. The innovation is crucial for defense applications and advanced computing systems, where cooling the equivalent of nearly 200 laptop CPUs in a single package is the new challenge. The work supports DARPA’s goal of advancing compact, high-performance electronics for radar, AI, and sensor systems in demanding environments.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Home Washing of Healthcare Uniforms May Fuel Antibiotic Resistance, Study Warns: A study reveals that many home washing machines fail to effectively disinfect healthcare worker uniforms, potentially contributing to the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections in hospitals. Testing six washing machine models, researchers found that half failed to decontaminate uniforms on rapid cycles, and a third were insufficient even on standard cycles. Additionally, biofilm samples from the machines contained antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes. The study also suggests bacteria can develop resistance to household detergents, compounding the issue. The authors recommend updating laundering guidelines for healthcare workers or switching to industrial laundering systems to reduce the risk of infection and resistance transmission.

Breakthrough in Replacing Brain’s Immune Cells Offers Hope for Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment: A global research team has revealed that it is possible to replace defective microglia—the brain’s immune cells—by guiding certain white blood cells (monocytes) to cross the blood-brain barrier. While these new cells mimic many microglial functions, they remain molecularly distinct, highlighting the importance of using embryonic or stem cell-derived microglia for full functional replacement. This discovery offers a promising new direction for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's through personalized and potentially therapeutic cell replacement strategies. Parallel research by U.S. scientists confirmed the therapeutic effect in mouse models, reinforcing the clinical potential of this approach.

NEUROSCIENCE

Live Human Brain Tissue Reveals How Toxic Amyloid Beta Damages Synapses in Alzheimer’s: In a groundbreaking study scientists used living human brain tissue to show how a toxic form of amyloid beta protein disrupts and damages synapses—critical connections between brain cells—implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike its normal counterpart, the toxic protein prevented the brain tissue from repairing damage. The researchers also found that even small shifts in amyloid beta levels impaired cell function, suggesting a delicate balance is vital for brain health. Using tissue from the temporal lobe, they observed increased release of another Alzheimer’s-related protein, tau, potentially explaining the region’s early vulnerability. This innovative model could accelerate drug testing by revealing the disease’s earliest cellular changes in human tissue.

OFC and Hippocampus Form Cognitive Maps in Parallel, Study Finds:
A study reveals that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and hippocampus (HC) form cognitive maps and schemas in parallel, rather than sequentially. Using neural recordings and pathway inactivation in rats, the team found that disabling the HC's ventral subiculum after learning did not impair schema-related activity in the OFC. Surprisingly, inactivating the HC during schema transfer actually accelerated schema formation in the OFC. These findings challenge prior models suggesting a hierarchical OFC-HC relationship and suggest that each region contributes distinct but complementary features to internal representations, offering new insights into how the brain generalizes knowledge for decision-making.

ENVIRONMENT

Scientists Urge Caution Over Green Nitrate Fertilizer Claims: A review led by researchers from Monash University's School of Chemistry warns that despite growing claims, no current study has successfully produced sustainably-made green nitrate fertilizers ready for market use. After analyzing 50 published works, the team found issues such as contamination and misidentified atmospheric nitrates in final products. The challenge lies in the high energy needed to break nitrogen molecules, with existing low-energy, non-plasma methods falling short. Researchers emphasize the need for disruptive innovation, stronger contamination controls, and realistic benchmarks to avoid false positives and ineffective strategies. While green nitrate holds major potential for decentralized, solar-powered fertilizer production, Monash scientists stress the technology is not yet commercially viable.

NATURE

Study Finds Bats Categorize Sounds in the Midbrain, Challenging Assumptions About Auditory Processing: A study by researchers reveals that big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) categorize vocalizations in their midbrain rather than solely in the neocortex, as previously believed. Using two-photon calcium imaging on awake bats, the team found that neurons in the inferior colliculus responded selectively to different types of vocalizations—social vs. navigation calls—and exhibited switch-like behavior when sounds transitioned between categories. These neurons were organized into spatial clusters unrelated to traditional frequency mapping (tonotopy), suggesting that categorical sound processing begins much earlier in the auditory pathway than previously thought. The findings could transform our understanding of how animals perceive and respond to meaningful sounds in their environment.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Handwriting Boosts Early Literacy Skills More Than Typing, Study Finds: A study by researchers has found that young children learn letters and word structures more effectively through handwriting than by typing. In an experiment involving 50 five- to six-year-olds learning unfamiliar letters and pseudowords, those who practiced by hand outperformed those who used keyboards in recognizing, writing, and pronouncing the new characters. The study highlights the importance of the graphomotor function—the hand movements involved in writing—in reinforcing literacy. Furthermore, children who practiced freehand writing (without tracing guides) performed best, suggesting that both motor activity and visual variability enhance learning. The researchers recommend prioritizing manual writing in early education and using digital tools only as a supplement.

Study Reveals Higher Fertility Rate Needed to Sustain Human Populations Long-Term: A new study challenges the long-held assumption that 2.1 children per woman is sufficient to sustain a population. Using mathematical models, the researchers found that due to demographic randomness—such as varying fertility, mortality, and the chance that some adults have no offspring—a fertility rate of at least 2.7 children per woman is needed to reliably prevent long-term population extinction, especially in small populations. The study also notes that a higher ratio of female births reduces extinction risk, potentially explaining why more females are often born during times of crisis. The findings call for a reassessment of fertility targets in both human demographics and endangered species conservation strategies.

Egyptian Sky-Goddess Nut May Depict the Milky Way, New Study Suggests: A new study explores the connection between ancient Egyptian depictions of the sky-goddess Nut and the Milky Way. After analyzing 125 images of Nut on 5,000-year-old coffins, Dr. Graur identified a rare visual motif—an undulating black curve across Nut's body—that closely resembles the Great Rift, a dark band of dust in the Milky Way. While earlier research suggested Nut might embody the Milky Way, the study now argues that she symbolizes the sky itself, with the Milky Way acting as one of several celestial features adorning her. This interdisciplinary work bridges astronomy and Egyptology, shedding light on how ancient Egyptians may have visualized the galaxy in their religious and mythological beliefs.