Harnessing the Wind: A New Approach to Renewable Energy with Flutter-Powered Piezoelectric Harvesters

Hello and welcome to our May 21st edition. The STEAM Digest is a curated newsletter that brings you the latest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Physics - Quantum Surprise: One of the World’s Thinnest Semiconductor Junctions Discovered in Topological Material.

• Biology - New Gene Discovery in Barley Unlocks Potential for Boosting Grain Yields.

• Materials - Scientists Discover Ultrafast Flickering Phase Between Metallic and Nonmetallic States in Liquids, and more.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - New Japanese Filter Design Captures Viruses Without Restricting Airflow.

• Engineering & Technology - Harnessing the Wind: A New Approach to Renewable Energy with Flutter-Powered Piezoelectric Harvesters, and more.

• Robotics, AI, Hardware, Software, Gadgets - SeaSplat: Reseachers Reveal True Colors of the Ocean with New Underwater 3D Imaging Tool.

• Astronomy, Space, & Astrobiology - New Study Reconstructs Jupiter’s Primordial Form and Magnetic Power, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Cold Sore Virus (HSV-1) Linked to Alzheimer’s Risk, Antiviral Treatment May Be Protective, and more.

• Neuroscience - Brain Connections Between Language and Vision Key to Object Knowledge, and more.

• Environment & Earth Sciences -Study Finds Low-Carbon Lifestyles Could Slash Global Household Emissions by 40%, and more.

• Nature & Ecology - Self-Pollinating Orchids May Be Evolutionary Dead Ends, Study Finds, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Best Friend or Partner? Study Finds Blending Roles Brings More Companionship, Less Support, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

If you would like to share The STEAM Digest newsletter with others, please use the following link: https://thesteamdigest.beehiiv.com/subscribe

PHYSICS

Quantum Surprise: One of the World’s Thinnest Semiconductor Junctions Discovered in Topological Material: Researchers at the University of Chicago and Penn State unexpectedly discovered that a quantum material called MnBi₆Te₁₀ naturally forms an ultra-thin semiconductor junction just 3.3 nanometers thick—one of the thinnest ever observed. While aiming to balance electron distribution for quantum applications, the team found uneven charge within each atomic layer, forming built-in electric fields like those in traditional p-n junctions used in electronics. The discovery, enabled by ultrafast laser spectroscopy, opens new possibilities for miniaturized electronics and spintronics. Though the uneven charge poses a challenge for some quantum uses, it offers new paths for innovation in nanoscale devices.

BIOLOGY

New Gene Discovery in Barley Unlocks Potential for Boosting Grain Yields:
Researchers have identified a key genetic signaling pathway that shapes the grain-producing structures in barley. The team discovered that a peptide called HvFCP1, secreted from the rachilla (a short axis supporting individual grains), interacts with the HvCLV1 receptor to regulate meristem activity—ultimately determining the number and arrangement of grains. Mutations in these genes lead to a wheat-like inflorescence with multiple grains per rachilla. The findings not only explain how grasses evolved diverse seed arrangements but also offer promising targets for genome editing to develop higher-yield barley varieties.

MATERIALS

Scientists Discover Ultrafast Flickering Phase Between Metallic and Nonmetallic States in Liquids: Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown phase in which a liquid rapidly and spontaneously oscillates between metallic and nonmetallic states—switching within just tens of femtoseconds. The study uses advanced molecular dynamics simulations to reveal this fleeting intermediate state during the transition of certain liquids from insulators to conductors. The work builds on earlier models involving alkali metals dissolved in liquid ammonia and challenges traditional views of metal behavior. Experimental validation is underway using ultrafast lasers, which could confirm a new fundamental process in physics and chemistry.

Shark Skeletons Reveal Nanoscale Secrets for Strong, Flexible Materials: Researchers have unveiled the nanoscale architecture of blacktip shark cartilage, offering insights into how sharks evolved ultra-resilient yet flexible skeletons. The study used advanced 3D imaging and mechanical testing to map two key spinal regions, showing how collagen fibers and bioapatite minerals form complex, spring-like structures. These microscopic arrangements allow sharks to swim powerfully without damaging their skeletons. The findings could inspire next-generation materials for biomedical and engineering applications, such as implants or impact-resistant equipment.

New Cobaltosilicate Zeolite Catalyst Outperforms Platinum in Propane Dehydrogenation: A research team has developed a high-performance cobaltosilicate zeolite catalyst (CoS-1) that offers a promising, Earth-abundant alternative to precious-metal catalysts like platinum in propane dehydrogenation. Synthesized hydrothermally and refined through triple acid washing, CoS-1 contains only stable tetrahedral cobalt sites. It delivers a propylene productivity of 9.7 kgC₃= kg_cat⁻¹ h⁻¹—exceeding that of industrial PtSn/Al₂O₃ catalysts. Computational simulations revealed that the zeolite framework lowers dehydrogenation barriers due to entropic effects. CoS-1 also demonstrates excellent long-term stability with reduced coke formation, thanks to the rapid desorption of propylene within the zeolite channels.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

New Japanese Filter Design Captures Viruses Without Restricting Airflow: Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed an advanced face mask filter that traps virus-sized particles while maintaining comfortable airflow. The study introduces a filter made from porphyrin-based nanosheets layered onto nanofiber-modified fabric. The nanosheets contain pores small enough to block viruses (~100 nanometers) but large enough to allow air molecules to pass freely. Tested using N95 standards, the filter achieved a 96% efficiency—surpassing N95 requirements—with minimal airflow resistance. This breakthrough could lead to next-generation masks that combine high protection with improved breathability.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Harnessing the Wind: A New Approach to Renewable Energy with Flutter-Powered Piezoelectric Harvesters: Researchers have developed a compact, low-maintenance device that generates electricity from wind using fluttering polymer sheets combined with piezoelectric materials. These flexible structures, attached behind a cylinder, convert wind-induced vibrations into electrical energy. The system achieves significant power output—up to 1000 times greater than earlier similar devices—by optimizing material properties and circuit resistance. In practical tests, the device powered up to 20 LEDs continuously. With no moving parts and easy integration into various environments, this flutter-based technology shows strong promise for powering small, remote systems like environmental sensors or wireless nodes.

MIT Researchers Boost Carbon Capture Efficiency Using Nanofiltration: MIT engineers have developed a nanofiltration-based system that significantly improves the efficiency and stability of electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture processes. Traditional systems suffer from a trade-off between efficient CO₂ absorption and effective release. By adding a nanofiltration step that separates carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻) from hydroxide ions (OH⁻), each stage can operate at peak efficiency—boosting CO₂ recovery by six times and cutting capture costs by at least 20%. The system remains stable under varying conditions and could be retrofitted into current carbon capture setups, potentially enabling scalable and cost-effective decarbonization solutions.

Water-Based Flow Battery Promises Safer, Cheaper Solar Storage for Homes: Engineers at Monash University have developed a high-speed, water-based flow battery designed for home use, offering a safer and cheaper alternative to lithium-ion systems. Flow batteries store energy in liquid, but have historically been too slow for rooftop solar capture. This new design features a membrane that improves ion selectivity, allowing faster charging without sacrificing stability. It outperformed industry-standard membranes in over 600 cycles with minimal capacity loss. The battery is non-toxic, non-flammable, and made from abundant materials. Prototypes are now being 3D printed and tested, with commercial availability possible within a few years.

ROBOTICS, AI, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, GADGETS

SeaSplat: Reseachers Reveal True Colors of the Ocean with New Underwater 3D Imaging Tool: Researchers have developed SeaSplat, a groundbreaking imaging tool that removes the optical distortions of ocean water—such as backscatter and attenuation—to reveal the true colors of underwater scenes. By combining a novel color-correcting algorithm with 3D Gaussian splatting (3DGS), SeaSplat generates vivid, true-color 3D reconstructions of underwater environments. This enables scientists to virtually "swim" through marine scenes with unprecedented clarity. The tool was successfully tested on images from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Red Sea, and other regions, and may significantly aid in monitoring coral reef health and biodiversity. While SeaSplat currently requires desktop-level computing, it offers immense promise for marine research and conservation.

ASTRONOMY, SPACE, & ASTROLOBIOLOGY

New Study Reconstructs Jupiter’s Primordial Form and Magnetic Power: A new study reveals that Jupiter was about twice its current size and had a magnetic field 50 times stronger roughly 3.8 million years after the solar system's first solids formed. Using the orbits of Jupiter’s inner moons Amalthea and Thebe, researchers Konstantin Batygin (Caltech) and Fred C. Adams (University of Michigan) traced the gas giant’s early evolution without relying on traditional planet formation models. Their findings provide key insight into how Jupiter shaped the early solar system, marking a pivotal transition point when the solar nebula dissipated and planetary architecture solidified.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Cold Sore Virus (HSV-1) Linked to Alzheimer’s Risk, Antiviral Treatment May Be Protective: A large U.S. study suggests that symptomatic infection with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)—the virus responsible for cold sores—may significantly increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that those diagnosed with HSV-1 were 80% more likely to have Alzheimer's compared to matched controls. However, among those with HSV-1, use of antiviral medications was linked to a 17% reduced risk of the disease. The study, which analyzed over 344,000 case–control pairs from health data spanning 2006–2021, also found similar links with other herpes viruses like HSV-2 and varicella zoster virus. Though observational, the findings support growing evidence that HSV-1 may play a role in Alzheimer's and highlight the potential public health value of antiviral therapy in reducing dementia risk.

Gut Microbes May Ease Chemotherapy Side Effects, UCSF Studies Show: UC San Francisco researchers have discovered that certain gut bacteria can protect cancer patients from chemotherapy side effects by neutralizing toxic drugs and producing beneficial compounds. In colorectal cancer patients treated with fluoropyrimidines, the remaining gut microbes transformed the drugs into harmless byproducts, reducing symptoms like nausea and vomiting. A separate study found that some E. coli strains thrive during treatment and produce vitamin K2, alleviating nerve pain caused by chemotherapy. These findings suggest that monitoring or boosting protective gut bacteria could help personalize cancer care and improve patient outcomes.

Genetic Gaps in Breast Cancer Research May Worsen Outcomes for African and South Asian Women: A study by Queen Mary University of London reveals that women of African and South Asian genetic ancestry are diagnosed with breast cancer earlier and die younger than women of European ancestry. Using data from over 7,000 patients, researchers found significant genetic differences that could affect diagnosis and treatment—yet these populations remain underrepresented in cancer research. Current screening guidelines, which begin at age 50, may be too late for many women from these backgrounds. The findings highlight the urgent need for more inclusive research and screening practices to ensure that precision medicine benefits all populations equally.

NEUROSCIENCE

Brain Connections Between Language and Vision Key to Object Knowledge: A new study reveals that our knowledge of familiar object features—like a banana’s yellow color—depends on strong neural connections between language-processing regions and visual areas in the brain. Using fMRI and diffusion imaging, the team studied stroke patients and found that those with weaker connections between the dorsal anterior temporal lobe (language area) and the ventral occipitotemporal cortex (visual area) struggled more with identifying typical object colors. The findings suggest that language is not just for communication but plays a vital role in how we store and retrieve sensory-based knowledge.

New Imaging Method Tracks Brain Activity in Freely Moving Animals for Over 99 Days: Scientists developed CaliAli, a groundbreaking analytical tool that enables researchers to track the same neurons in freely moving animals for over 99 days—an unprecedented feat in neuroscience. The technique enhances long-term calcium imaging by correcting for tissue shifts and imaging inconsistencies across sessions. CaliAli systematically aligns and reconstructs continuous neural activity videos while filtering out noise and redundancies. This innovation allows for precise, long-term studies of brain function, making it a powerful tool for investigating memory, learning, and the progression of neurological disorders.

ENVIRONMENT & EARTH SCIENCES

Study Finds Low-Carbon Lifestyles Could Slash Global Household Emissions by 40%: A new study shows that encouraging low-carbon habits—especially in North America and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa—could cut global household CO₂ emissions by up to 40%. Researchers identified 21 impactful actions, with top reductions from using fewer commercial services (10.9%), adopting a healthy vegan diet (8.3%), improving energy efficiency in buildings (6.0%), and shifting to public transit (3.6%). Targeting high-emitting households (top 23.7%) in 116 countries, the study highlights that mobility and service-related consumption changes alone could deliver over 22% of reductions. Researchers call for policies that focus on equity and support sustainable behavior changes, especially among affluent emitters.

Dishwashers Identified as Hidden Source of Microplastic Pollution, UQ Study Reveals: A study has found that washing plastic containers in dishwashers releases significant amounts of micro- and nanoplastics into wastewater. Each dishwasher cycle with common plastic items can emit around 920,000 particles—equating to 33 million per household annually worldwide. Though the total plastic mass released is small (about 6 mg per person per year), the study highlights the widespread and cumulative environmental impact. Lead researcher Dr. Elvis Okoffo suggests innovations such as in-built particle filters in dishwashers and more durable plastics, emphasizing the importance of proactive design to reduce pollution at the source.

Researchers Identify Brain’s Error-Detection Hub for Motor Learning: A team from the University of Osaka has discovered that the parvocellular red nucleus (RNp) in the midbrain plays a critical role in motor learning by sending "error signals" to the cerebellum during reaching movements. The study clarifies how the brain detects and corrects motion errors—vital for tasks like reaching or grasping. Experiments in macaque monkeys showed that electrical stimulation of RNp (but not neighboring regions) induced gradual movement adjustments, confirming RNp's role in learning. This breakthrough advances understanding of motor control and opens new paths for rehabilitation strategies targeting specific brain areas in stroke and injury recovery.

NATURE & ECOLOGY

Self-Pollinating Orchids May Be Evolutionary Dead Ends, Kobe University Study Finds: Researchers have identified the only known wild plants that reproduce solely through self-pollination—orchids on Japan’s Northern Ryukyu Islands. The study reveals these orchids never open their flowers and exhibit extreme genetic uniformity, confirming a complete lack of outcrossing. Genetic analysis shows they evolved from insect-pollinated species already low in diversity, with ineffective fruit fly pollinators contributing to minimal gene mixing. Though efficient at reproducing, these orchids may face eventual extinction, supporting Charles Darwin's long-standing suspicion that perpetual self-fertilization is an evolutionary dead end.

Butterflies Reveal Lasting Impact of Lead Pollution in Urban Greenspaces:
Two new studies reveal that butterflies in Twin Cities greenspaces are absorbing significant levels of lead from contaminated soil and air, despite lead bans dating back to the 1970s. The research shows a clear link between higher lead levels and smaller wing sizes, indicating stress across species. Species with broader ranges and evolutionary exposure to toxic plants are more resilient, while those with limited ranges and no such history are more vulnerable. The findings highlight how butterflies can serve as indicators of environmental and human health risks, and point to the need for targeted pollution mitigation and conservation efforts.

Why Testing Animal Intelligence in "Irrelevant" Ways Still Matters: Researchers argue that studying animals on tasks outside their natural behavior—like bees recognizing faces or goldfish driving—offers valuable insights. These “ecologically irrelevant” tests help reveal the limits of animal intelligence, inspire bioengineered tech, and allow fair species comparisons. Such tasks also simulate how animals adapt to environmental changes, like cockatoos learning to open trash bins. Even when tests seem irrelevant, rewards like food make them meaningful, blurring the line between relevant and irrelevant.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Best Friend or Partner? Study Finds Blending Roles Brings More Companionship, Less Support: A Colorado State University-led study found that only 14.4% of U.S. adults in romantic relationships label their partner as a best friend. While doing so is linked to greater emotional closeness and daily companionship, it also correlates with lower perceived social support from outside friendships. The study surveyed 940 partnered adults and suggests that while combining romantic and best-friend roles can enhance intimacy, keeping a separate best friend may provide a broader support network. The findings encourage balancing deep partner connection with independent friendships to promote overall well-being.

Researchers Discover Unique Facial Tattoos on 800-Year-Old Andean Mummy: An international team has identified never-before-seen tattoos on the face and wrist of an 800-year-old female Andean mummy using advanced infrared imaging techniques. The tattoos—three straight lines running from ear to mouth on both cheeks and an S-shaped mark on one wrist—were made using mineral pigments derived from magnetite and pyroxenes, not charcoal. The mummy, dated to between 1215 and 1382 CE, was originally found in the Andes and is housed in the University of Turin’s Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography. The purpose of the tattoos remains unknown, but their prominent placement suggests cultural significance.

Reanalysis of Ancient Sperm Whale Fossil Sheds Light on Early Evolution and Feeding Habits: A new study revisits Idiorophus patagonicus, an extinct sperm whale species from Argentina’s Early Miocene Gaiman Formation, offering fresh insights after over a century of scientific dormancy. The 5–6 meter-long subadult specimen—first described in 1893—was reanalyzed by researchers, revealing that I. patagonicus likely hunted large fish and seabirds, unlike today’s suction-feeding sperm whales that primarily consume cephalopods. Phylogenetic analysis suggests it may be one of the earliest or ancestral physeterids. However, the study is limited by the availability of only a single specimen and ongoing funding cuts in Argentina, which hinder future fieldwork.