Freshwater Oyster Adhesive Could Inspire Green Glues for Dental and Industrial Applications

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

In today’s edition:

• Science - Freshwater Oyster Adhesive Could Inspire Green Glues for Dental and Industrial Applications, and more.

• Technology and AI - Study Reveals ChatGPT Reflects Cultural Bias Toward English-Speaking and Protestant European Values, and more.

• Engineering - University of Michigan's Artificial Photosynthesis System Advances Sustainable Fuel Production.

• Astronomy & Space - MIT Study Proposes Primordial Black Holes as Potential Dark Matter Candidates, and more.

• Health & Medicine - New Mechanism Explains Rapid Aging of Certain Organs Due to DNA Damage, Study Finds Over 3,600 Chemicals from Food Packaging in Human Bodies, Raising Health Concerns, and more.

• Environment - Pollen Increases Cloud Ice and Precipitation, Study Finds, Study Reveals Central America as New Frontier for Coca Cultivation..

• Nature - Tiny Bubble, Big Impact: Semi-Aquatic Lizards Use Air Bubbles to Breathe Underwater and Avoid Predators, and more.

• Other Sciences & Arts - Meta-Analysis Finds Mobile Phone Distractions Harm Learning Outcomes in Young Adult, and more.

• Industry - EV Production Requires More Workers Than Expected, University of Michigan Study Finds, Electric Vehicles Outnumber Petrol Cars in Norway for the First Time.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

If you’d like to see more of this or if you want to share with others, please use the following link: https://thesteamdigest.beehiiv.com/subscribe

This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Freshwater Oyster Adhesive Could Inspire Green Glues for Dental and Industrial Applications: Researchers have uncovered a unique adhesive produced by Etheria elliptica oysters, which could lead to more environmentally friendly glues with applications in dental care, construction, and packaging. An international team, including Rebecca Metzler from Colgate University, used the Canadian Light Source (CLS) to study the glue's composition, revealing it is made of the mineral aragonite combined with special proteins. This discovery opens the door to creating biodegradable synthetic glues that mimic the oyster’s adhesive properties. The study also highlights the potential for conservation efforts, given the ecological significance of these oysters in freshwater habitats.

Researchers Develop Powerful Supramolecular Motor Powered by Chemical Fuel: Scientists at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), led by Brigitte and Christine Kriebisch and Job Boekhoven, have created a groundbreaking artificial motor at the supramolecular level, which is powered by a chemical fuel. This new development features a tiny ribbon made of special molecules that curl into rotating tubes when energy is applied, mimicking biological processes like those seen in primitive bacteria. The study, reveals that the rotation speed and direction of these peptide ribbons can be controlled, and they exert enough force to move micrometer-sized objects. While further research is needed, this innovation holds potential for future applications, such as nanorobots capable of detecting tumor cells or transporting drugs within the body.

Breakthrough in Quantum Sensing at Room Temperature Could Revolutionize Detection Technologies: A breakthrough by researchers from the University of Glasgow, Imperial College London, and UNSW Sydney demonstrates how quantum states of molecules can be controlled and detected at room temperature, potentially enabling a new generation of precise quantum sensors. These sensors could measure magnetic fields with high sensitivity, opening new applications in biology, materials science, and electronics. The study, shows how molecular spins can be manipulated and measured using visible light, offering new opportunities for room-temperature quantum sensing..

Chalmers University Research Uncovers Noise-Power Trade-offs in Nanoscale Heat Engines: A research team at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, led by Professor Janine Splettstösser and Ph.D. student Ludovico Tesser, has made significant strides in understanding the relationship between noise and power in nanoscale devices, crucial for advancing nanoelectronics. Their study, explores thermoelectric heat engines that convert waste heat into electrical power at the nanoscale. The researchers discovered a fundamental trade-off: higher noise levels must be tolerated to achieve greater power output. This insight into the balance between noise and efficiency could guide the design of future nanoscale thermoelectric devices, improving energy conversion processes in electronics.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Study Reveals ChatGPT Reflects Cultural Bias Toward English-Speaking and Protestant European Values: A study led by René F. Kizilcec and colleagues, finds that ChatGPT and other large language models express cultural values resembling those of people in English-speaking and Protestant European countries. The research, using ten questions from the World Values Survey, shows that ChatGPT tends to favor self-expression values like tolerance, environmental protection, and gender equality. The responses were not aligned with more traditional or secular cultures. The study also explored "cultural prompting" techniques to reduce bias, which successfully decreased bias in 71% of the cases with GPT-4o. The authors warn that without careful prompting, the cultural biases in language models like ChatGPT may skew communications, leading to expressions that may not be authentic to different cultural or personal values.

New Research Finds Strategic IT Complexity Can Protect Healthcare Systems from Cyberattacks: A study led by Hüseyin Tanriverdi from the University of Texas, alongside co-authors Juhee Kwon of City University of Hong Kong and Ghiyoung Im of the University of Louisville, examines how healthcare systems' complexity contributes to cybersecurity vulnerabilities and offers solutions for improvement. Analyzing data from 445 multihospital groups, the researchers found that while unstructured complexity increases the risk of breaches, a more structured form of complexity—like centralized data governance platforms—can reduce breaches by up to 47%. Their findings suggest that healthcare providers should embrace IT complexity when it helps organize and secure data flows, transforming chaotic systems into manageable ones.

DECAF Framework Enhances Human-Robot Collaboration for Complex Assembly Tasks: Researchers Giulio Giacomuzzo, Matteo Terreran, and their team from the University of Padova and Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories (MERL) have developed a new framework called DECAF (Discrete-Event based Collaborative Human-Robot Assembly Framework) to improve human-robot collaboration in complex assembly tasks. Presented in a paper on the arXiv server, DECAF uses a combination of a discrete-event Markov decision process (DE-MDP), hierarchical task models (HTM), and Bayesian inference to optimize the robot's actions based on real-time human behavior. In both simulated and real-world experiments, including an IKEA chair assembly, DECAF demonstrated enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in human-robot collaboration. Future work will focus on incorporating additional factors like human safety and ergonomics.

ENGINEERING

University of Michigan's Artificial Photosynthesis System Advances Sustainable Fuel Production: Researchers at the University of Michigan, led by Professor Zetian Mi and Bingxing Zhang, have developed an artificial photosynthesis system that efficiently converts CO2 into ethylene, a key hydrocarbon used in plastics. This system uses a combination of gallium nitride nanowires and a silicon base to achieve a field-leading efficiency, yield, and longevity in producing ethylene, surpassing other systems by five to six times. The device operates under sunlight, using copper clusters as a catalyst, and has demonstrated a runtime of up to 116 hours without degradation. The research aims to extend this technology to produce liquid fuels, offering a sustainable alternative for transportation and other applications.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

MIT Study Proposes Primordial Black Holes as Potential Dark Matter Candidates: A new study led by MIT physicists David Kaiser, Tung Tran, Sarah Geller, and Benjamin Lehmann proposes that if dark matter consists of microscopic primordial black holes, these objects should pass through our solar system approximately once every decade. Such encounters could cause detectable wobbles in Mars' orbit, potentially supporting the theory that these black holes, formed shortly after the Big Bang, make up dark matter. The team used simulations to estimate the effects of these black holes on planetary orbits, focusing on Mars, where any wobble could be detected with current technology. Further analysis of space data will be needed to differentiate these black holes from ordinary space debris.

New Insights into Early Black Holes from Hubble Observations: An international team led by Stockholm University researchers has used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to identify more black holes in the early universe than previously known. This discovery sheds light on how supermassive black holes, found in galaxies less than a billion years after the Big Bang, may have formed. The study suggests these black holes could originate from the collapse of massive stars or other mechanisms, providing critical insights into the evolution of galaxies and improving models of cosmic history. The James Webb Space Telescope will continue exploring these phenomena to refine our understanding of black hole formation.

Discovery of the 'Neptunian Ridge' Provides New Insights into Exoplanet Formation and Migration: An international team of astronomers, including Vincent Bourrier from the University of Geneva and Amadeo Castro-González from the Centro de Astrobiología, has identified the "Neptunian Ridge," a newly discovered feature in the distribution of exoplanets. This ridge marks a transition zone between the "Neptunian Desert," where hot Neptunes are rare due to intense stellar radiation, and the "Neptunian Savanna," where they are more common. The study suggests that some Neptune-sized planets survive the harsh environments near their stars through high-eccentricity migration, offering key insights into planet formation and evolution. Further observations using the ESPRESSO spectrograph aim to deepen our understanding of these processes.

Physicists Map Interactions of Quarks and Gluons to Understand Proton Structure: The HadStruc Collaboration, based at the Jefferson Lab, has developed a three-dimensional mathematical model to understand the interactions of quarks and gluons within protons. Using lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD), the team conducted extensive supercomputer simulations to explore how the proton's spin and energy-momentum distribution arise from these fundamental particles. This new approach offers a more comprehensive view than previous one-dimensional models and will inform future experiments at the Electron-Ion Collider and other high-energy facilities.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

New Mechanism Explains Rapid Aging of Certain Organs Due to DNA Damage: A study led by Thanos Halazonetis and Deborah Stroka from the University of Geneva, in collaboration with researchers from Inselspital and the University of Bern, has uncovered why certain organs, like the liver, age more rapidly than others. The study found that damage accumulates in non-coding DNA regions of slowly proliferating tissues, such as the liver and kidneys, more than in rapidly regenerating tissues like the skin or intestine. This damage prevents cell division, leading to accelerated aging. The research suggests that repairing this cryptic DNA damage before replication could potentially slow the aging process.

Study Finds Over 3,600 Chemicals from Food Packaging in Human Bodies, Raising Health Concerns: A recent study led by Birgit Geueke from the Food Packaging Forum Foundation reveals that over 3,600 chemicals used in food packaging or preparation have been detected in human bodies, with around 100 classified as "high concern" for human health. While some chemicals, such as PFAS "forever chemicals" and bisphenol A, are well-known and targeted by regulatory bans, little is known about others like oligomers. The study calls for more research to understand how these chemicals migrate from packaging into food and their potential health impacts. Geueke suggests reducing contact with packaging, especially avoiding heating food in its original packaging, to minimize exposure. The European Union is moving toward banning PFAS and bisphenol A in food packaging by the end of the year.

ENVIRONMENT

Pollen Increases Cloud Ice and Precipitation, Study Finds: A study shows that increased pollen concentrations in spring promote ice formation in clouds, enhancing precipitation at temperatures between -15°C and -25°C. Pollen acts as an ice-nucleating particle (INP), affecting regional and seasonal cloud dynamics. Climate change may intensify this effect by lengthening pollen seasons and raising concentrations. The research emphasizes the need to understand pollen's role in climate evolution to improve future climate predictions, involving institutions like Leipzig University and the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry.

Study Reveals Central America as New Frontier for Coca Cultivation: A study led by Paulo J. Murillo-Sandoval from Universidad del Tolima, and co-authored by Kendra McSweeney of The Ohio State University, finds that nearly half of northern Central America is highly suitable for coca cultivation, the plant used to produce cocaine. The study reveals that 47% of Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize have favorable climate and soil for coca growing. The findings suggest that under current drug policies, coca cultivation could expand in Central America due to its proximity to northern markets and less stringent chemical regulations. The authors call for new approaches to drug policy to prevent the spread of coca farming, highlighting the risks of repeating failed strategies from South America.

NATURE

Tiny Bubble, Big Impact: Semi-Aquatic Lizards Use Air Bubbles to Breathe Underwater and Avoid Predators: Researchers at Binghamton University have discovered that water anoles, a species of semi-aquatic lizard found in southern Costa Rica, use a special bubble formed over their nostrils to breathe underwater, allowing them to evade predators for longer periods. This unique adaptation was observed by Lindsey Swierk, a research professor at Binghamton University, who demonstrated that the bubble significantly extends the lizard's time underwater. Her study confirmed that these bubbles play a functional role in respiration, enabling the lizards to stay submerged about 32% longer than those unable to produce bubbles. This discovery could pave the way for further research into bioinspired materials and animal behavior adaptations.

Seabirds Use Sensitive Beaks to Find Food, New Study Reveals: Researchers have discovered that seabirds like penguins and albatrosses have highly sensitive regions in their beaks, which may help them locate food by detecting vibrations, a trait previously unknown in these species. This ability could stem from a common ancestor and may play a key role in conservation efforts for endangered seabirds. The study, led by the University of Cambridge, opens new avenues for understanding seabird behavior and protecting them from threats like fishing and climate change.

Different Environments Shape Unique Navigation Tactics in Fruit Flies: A study reveals that fruit flies adapt their navigation strategies based on their habitats. Urban fruit flies use their vision to stabilize backgrounds, while desert flies focus on specific objects like cactus fruit. Researchers discovered these differences using a virtual reality setup that tracked flies' movements. This finding challenges the belief that all fruit flies navigate similarly, opening new possibilities for studying visual perception in diverse environments and aiding in the development of technologies like autonomous vehicles.

New Study Highlights Strategic Benefits in Male-Female Primate Bonds: A study led by primatologists Liesbeth Sterck of Utrecht University and Julia Ostner of the University of Göttingen reveals that male-female primate bonds are often formed strategically, rather than purely out of affection. The research suggests that these bonds develop when both parties gain mutual benefits, such as protection, reproductive opportunities, and offspring care. The study emphasizes the critical role females play in these relationships, which can change over time based on evolving needs. While emotional connections like affection initiate these bonds, their foundation often lies in evolutionary advantages. The researchers call for further studies on great apes, New World primates, and even non-primate species to explore these dynamics more broadly.

OTHER SCIENCES & ARTS

Meta-Analysis Finds Mobile Phone Distractions Harm Learning Outcomes in Young Adults: A new meta-analysis by researchers from the University at Albany, including Quan Chen, Zheng Yan, Mariola Moeyart, and Robert Bangert-Drowns, reveals that mobile phone distractions significantly impair young adults' ability to recall lecture and reading material. The study reviewed 27 randomized controlled experiments, showing a medium-sized negative effect on learning recall, particularly for lectures. The analysis highlights the need for further research on diverse populations and various learning tasks to understand the broader impact of mobile distractions on education.

Human Arrival Linked to Extinction of Cyprus' Dwarf Hippos and Elephants: Research led by Professor Corey Bradshaw reveals that Paleolithic hunter-gatherers caused the extinction of Cyprus' dwarf hippos and elephants within 1,000 years of arriving 14,000 years ago. The study used mathematical models combining paleontological and archaeological data, showing that early human hunting practices led to the rapid decline of these species, challenging previous beliefs that small human populations couldn't cause such extinctions quickly.

Study Reveals Public Underestimation of the Wealth of the Richest Americans: A study led by Barnabas Szaszi, finds that people often underestimate the wealth of the world's richest individuals. The researchers conducted four studies, including surveys with U.S. residents, to explore public perceptions of income distribution. Participants underestimated the income thresholds of the top 1% of earners while being more accurate about lower-income percentiles. Additional studies with fictional societies revealed a consistent underestimation of incomes in the top 20%. The authors attribute this to "scope insensitivity," where people mentally categorize extreme wealth in less specific terms, leading to misperceptions about the true extent of inequality.

INDUSTRY

EV Production Requires More Workers Than Expected, University of Michigan Study Finds: A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan, led by Anna Stefanopoulou and co-authored by Omar Ahmed and Andrew Weng, reveals that U.S. auto plants producing battery electric vehicles (EVs) require significantly more workers than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) plants. Contrary to earlier predictions of job losses, assembly jobs in EV plants have increased, with some plants needing up to 10 times more workers during their initial ramp-up stages. Factors contributing to the higher workforce include new manufacturing technologies, increased vehicle complexity, and vertical integration practices. The study examined three plants transitioning from ICE to EV production, highlighting the extended time required—up to 15 years—to achieve labor efficiency comparable to traditional plants.

Electric Vehicles Outnumber Petrol Cars in Norway for the First Time: For the first time, electric vehicles (EVs) in Norway have surpassed petrol cars, with 754,303 all-electric cars compared to 753,905 petrol vehicles, according to the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV). Diesel cars still outnumber both but are rapidly declining. This milestone makes Norway the first country where EVs outnumber petrol cars, moving closer to its goal of a fully zero-emission car fleet by 2025, ahead of the European Union's 2035 target. EVs now represent 94.3% of new car registrations in Norway, aided by government incentives such as tax rebates, free parking, and toll exemptions. While EV adoption in Norway surges, contrasting trends in Europe show a preference for hybrid models, with doubts about the EU's ability to ban fuel and diesel cars by 2035.