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Shape-Changing Navigation Device Offers New Hope for the Visually Impaired
The STEAM Digest
December 10, 2024
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 - Breakthrough in Water Splitting: Quantum Crystals Boost Hydrogen Production Efficiency, and more.
Technology and AI - AI Framework DIMON Revolutionizes Engineering and Medical Modeling, and more.
Engineering - Shape-Changing Navigation Device Offers New Hope for the Visually Impaired, and more.
Health & Medicine - Fructose Linked to Tumor Growth Through Liver Conversion Mechanism, and more.
Neuroscience - Discovery of a New Pathway to Long-Term Memory Formation, Thirteen Blood Proteins Linked to Brain Aging Identified.
Environment - AI-Powered Study Warns of Accelerated Regional Warming Thresholds.
Nature - Virtual Worlds for Small Creatures: Scientists Use Gaming Technology to Study Animal Behavior.
Other Sciences & The Arts - Neolithic Middle Nile Valley Populations: Shared Culture, Diverse Origins, and more.
Until Tomorrow.
~The STEAM Digest
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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.
SCIENCE
Breakthrough in Water Splitting: Quantum Crystals Boost Hydrogen Production Efficiency: An international research team has revolutionized water splitting by using topological chiral crystals, which possess unique left- or right-handed atomic structures. Composed of rhodium and elements like silicon, tin, and bismuth, these "quantum machines" manipulate electron spin, accelerating the slow oxygen evolution reaction by 200 times compared to traditional catalysts. This discovery, led by the Max Planck Institute and the Weizmann Institute of Science, marks a major advance in renewable energy. While the current catalysts use rare elements, researchers are optimistic about developing sustainable alternatives. The breakthrough could significantly improve hydrogen production efficiency, reducing costs and advancing clean energy technologies.
Discovery of Semi-Dirac Fermions: Massless and Massive in Different Directions: Scientists from Penn State and Columbia University have made the first observation of semi-Dirac fermions, quasiparticles that are massless when moving in one direction but have mass in another. This groundbreaking discovery occurred unexpectedly during experiments on the semi-metal material ZrSiS using magneto-optical spectroscopy. Semi-Dirac fermions were first theorized in 2008–2009, but their unique mass-shifting properties had not been observed until now. The team used the world’s strongest sustained magnetic field at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and cooled the material to near absolute zero. By analyzing the optical responses under infrared light, the researchers detected these "wild quasiparticles." This discovery not only confirms a 16-year-old prediction but also holds potential for advancements in emerging technologies such as batteries and sensors. It demonstrates the fascinating quantum behavior of particles in solid materials, opening new doors for exploring fundamental physics and practical applications.
Cyanobacteria Use AM Radio-Like Signals to Regulate Genes: Cyanobacteria, ancient photosynthetic bacteria, regulate their genes using a mechanism similar to AM radio signal transmission. Researchers found that the bacteria integrate two oscillatory signals—cell division and circadian rhythms—by modulating the amplitude of pulses, akin to amplitude modulation in radio. The cell division cycle acts as a "carrier signal," while the circadian clock modulates the strength of these pulses, encoding distinct information about each process. Using single-cell time-lapse microscopy and mathematical modeling, the study tracked the protein RpoD4 and revealed how cyanobacteria coordinate these rhythms. This breakthrough offers insights into biological clocks and has potential applications in synthetic biology, including developing resilient crops and advancing sustainability.
TECHNOLOGY AND AI
AI Framework DIMON Revolutionizes Engineering and Medical Modeling: Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed DIMON (Diffeomorphic Mapping Operator Learning), an AI framework that dramatically accelerates the solution of partial differential equations (PDEs), a cornerstone of scientific and engineering modeling. Traditionally requiring supercomputers, DIMON enables personal computers to solve these complex problems thousands of times faster, with applications ranging from crash testing to cardiac diagnostics. DIMON predicts how physical systems behave across different geometries without recalculating from scratch, replacing traditional grid-based methods. In tests, the AI reduced the computation time for patient-specific heart "digital twins" from hours to 30 seconds, enhancing clinical workflows for diagnosing and treating cardiac arrhythmias. With its scalability and versatility, DIMON offers transformative potential for fields like fluid dynamics, structural engineering, and medical modeling, accelerating research and design processes. The framework is expected to benefit the broader scientific community as it is adapted for diverse applications.
MovieNet: Brain-Inspired AI Revolutionizes Video Understanding: Researchers at Scripps Research have unveiled MovieNet, a groundbreaking AI system that processes moving images like the human brain. Inspired by how neurons interpret visual stimuli in real-time, MovieNet represents a leap beyond traditional AI, which excels only with static images. MovieNet captures dynamic scenes, distinguishing subtle changes with remarkable accuracy—82.3% in tests involving tadpole swimming behaviors, outperforming both human experts and existing AI like GoogleNet. MovieNet’s efficiency, drawing on brain-like principles, enables it to use less data and energy than conventional models, making it environmentally sustainable. Potential applications range from early disease detection in medicine to more precise drug testing and advancements in fields like autonomous driving. The model’s bio-inspired design offers a promising future for creating powerful yet eco-friendly AI systems.
Google's Willow Chip Achieves Breakthrough in Quantum Computing: Google unveiled its new quantum computing chip, "Willow," which performs calculations in minutes that would take supercomputers 10 septillion years. This milestone, announced by Google Quantum AI founder Hartmut Neven, demonstrates significant progress toward practical quantum computing. Willow excels in error correction, a critical challenge in quantum computing, by reducing errors as more qubits are added—an achievement long considered essential for functional quantum computers. The breakthrough signals advancement toward applications like drug discovery, fusion energy, and climate solutions. While practical quantum computers are years away, Willow represents a pivotal step. Global investment in quantum research has reached $20 billion over five years, highlighting its critical role in future innovation.
ENGINEERING
Green Solvent Breakthrough for Scalable Perovskite Solar Cells: Researchers from Nanjing University and collaborators have developed a novel green solvent system to fabricate perovskite-based tandem solar cells, addressing environmental and scalability challenges associated with toxic conventional solvents. The solvent—comprising dimethyl sulfoxide, acetonitrile, and ethyl alcohol—effectively dissolves cesium and bromide salts in perovskites and prevents chemical degradation, making it suitable for both wide-gap and narrow-gap tandem solar cells. Using nitrogen-assisted blade coating, the team achieved power conversion efficiencies of 19.6% (1.78 eV) and 21.5% (1.68 eV) for blade-coated wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells, and 23.8% for 20.25 cm² tandem solar modules. This breakthrough opens the door for environmentally friendly, scalable production of perovskite solar technologies with promising industrial applications. Future research will focus on enhancing efficiency and reducing costs while scaling up production in ambient conditions.
Monash Engineers Develop Game-Changing Lithium-Sulfur Battery: Monash University researchers have created a fast-charging lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery that doubles the energy density of traditional lithium-ion batteries while being lighter, cheaper, and more sustainable. Overcoming prior challenges in charging speed, the innovation enables long-haul EVs to travel an extra 1,000 kilometers on a single charge and shows promise for aviation and drone applications. Using sulfur’s unique chemistry, the batteries deliver high performance without degrading under heavy use, offering energy densities up to 400 Wh/kg. With the global Li-S market set to grow, this breakthrough positions Australia as a leader in sustainable battery technology.
HEALTH & MEDICINE
Fructose Linked to Tumor Growth Through Liver Conversion Mechanism:
A study by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis reveals that dietary fructose promotes tumor growth in animal models of melanoma, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. However, tumors do not directly metabolize fructose. Instead, the liver converts fructose into lipids, such as lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), which cancer cells use to grow. Using metabolomics, the researchers found that high-fructose diets increased circulating lipids, critical for tumor cell membrane synthesis. While fructose did not directly fuel isolated cancer cells in lab conditions, liver cells processed fructose into nutrients that significantly accelerated tumor growth in animal models. The findings raise concerns about the surge in fructose consumption over recent decades due to the widespread use of high-fructose corn syrup in processed foods. Researchers are exploring dietary interventions and therapeutic strategies targeting liver metabolism to mitigate fructose's impact on cancer progression. Dr. Gary Patti emphasizes the potential for targeting healthy cell metabolism to develop innovative cancer treatments, with clinical trials under consideration. This research highlights the complexity of dietary sugars' role in cancer development and underscores the need for careful dietary choices.
Targeted Radiation Therapy: A Precise Approach to Killing Cancer Cells: UC San Francisco (UCSF) scientists have developed a groundbreaking method to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues. This therapy combines a drug that flags cancer cells for destruction with a radioactive antibody that delivers a lethal dose of radiation exclusively to those cells. The approach eradicated bladder and lung tumors in mice without typical side effects like weight loss or lethargy. The innovation builds on earlier UCSF research targeting KRAS, a mutation linked to up to one-third of all cancers. By using the KRAS drug as a "molecular flag," the team created antibodies carrying radioactive payloads, achieving precise and efficient tumor elimination. Unlike traditional radiation therapy, this method calculates the minimal dose needed to destroy cancer, offering safer treatment options. Future efforts aim to adapt the therapy for different KRAS variants, bringing patient-specific, highly targeted radiation treatments closer to reality.
Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Accelerated Biological Aging: A study led by Dr. Barbara Cardoso of Monash University reveals a strong link between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and accelerated biological aging. Using the PhenoAge clock to measure biological age, researchers analyzed data from 16,055 U.S. participants aged 20–79. They found that for every 10% increase in UPF consumption, biological age advanced by 2.4 months relative to chronological age. Those with diets comprising 68–100% UPFs were biologically 0.86 years older than those with the lowest UPF consumption. The findings highlight the role of UPFs in health risks, such as inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and exposure to harmful chemicals from food processing and packaging. Mechanisms behind accelerated aging include reduced intake of essential nutrients and increased exposure to additives and packaging chemicals. The key findings include: higher UPF intake correlates with aging markers like telomere shortening, cognitive decline, and frailty; and replacing UPFs with whole, minimally processed foods could slow biological aging and reduce mortality and chronic disease risk. This study provides a compelling argument for reducing UPF intake to promote healthier aging and extend lifespans globally.
AI-Driven Precision Engineering Creates Artificial Virus-Like Particles for Gene Delivery: Scientists from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), in collaboration with IBM and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Hartree Center, have developed artificial virus-like particles (virions) capable of encapsulating genetic material for targeted delivery. The study demonstrates a novel approach using alternating assemblies of L- and D-amino acids to design customizable shells that can encapsulate nucleic acids of varying sizes. This breakthrough holds promise for applications in gene therapy, personalized medicine, and synthetic biology. The virions could revolutionize drug delivery by targeting therapeutic sites precisely, reducing side effects. Additionally, alternative synthetic virions have shown antimicrobial properties, hinting at their potential as a new class of antibiotic alternatives. AI models played a key role in predicting the assembly requirements and nucleic acid capacity of these virions, showcasing the power of predictive biological design.
NEUROSCIENCE
Discovery of a New Pathway to Long-Term Memory Formation: Researchers from the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience have uncovered a groundbreaking mechanism for memory formation, revealing that long-term memory can form independently of short-term memory. The study challenges traditional linear models of memory processing, which suggest that short-term memories must precede long-term memories. The team demonstrated this using optogenetic tools to disrupt short-term memory formation in mice. Despite the disruption, the mice retained long-term memories of fearful experiences, suggesting the existence of a parallel pathway to long-term memory formation. This discovery opens new possibilities for understanding and treating memory-related conditions, such as cognitive impairments associated with aging.
Thirteen Blood Proteins Linked to Brain Aging Identified: Researchers have identified 13 blood proteins associated with brain aging, marking potential milestones for interventions at ages 57, 70, and 78. The study analyzed brain imaging data from 10,949 adults (aged 45–82) and plasma protein concentrations from nearly 5,000 individuals via the UK Biobank. Key proteins, such as Brevican (BCAN) and GDF15, showed strong links to brain aging and were associated with dementia, stroke, and movement functions. The study highlights non-linear changes in protein concentrations as potential markers of brain health transitions, offering insights for early interventions to prevent neurodegenerative disorders. However, the research focused on older individuals of European descent, and future studies are needed to explore these findings across diverse populations and age groups.
ENVIRONMENT
AI-Powered Study Warns of Accelerated Regional Warming Thresholds: A new study warns that critical regional warming thresholds will likely be reached sooner than previously thought. Using AI-based transfer learning, researchers Elizabeth Barnes (Colorado State University), Noah Diffenbaugh (Stanford University), and Sonia Seneviratne (ETH-Zurich) combined data from 10 climate models to deliver refined predictions. Findings include: 34 regions are likely to surpass 1.5°C of warming by 2040, 31 of these regions are expected to hit 2°C by 2040, and 26 regions could exceed 3°C by 2060. Regions such as South Asia, the Mediterranean, Central Europe, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable, facing risks to ecosystems and communities. The study highlights the need for precise regional climate predictions, as warming impacts often vary significantly across smaller spatial scales. By integrating AI with climate modeling, this research provides policymakers with actionable insights, emphasizing the urgency of addressing localized climate challenges alongside global mitigation efforts.
NATURE
Virtual Worlds for Small Creatures: Scientists Use Gaming Technology to Study Animal Behavior: Researchers at Flinders University have pioneered the use of virtual and augmented reality technologies to study animal behavior in unprecedented detail. By developing advanced gaming software, scientists created controlled virtual environments for invertebrates, such as hoverflies and crabs, to observe their reactions and navigation abilities. The software adapts to animal movements in real time using machine learning and computer vision algorithms. The findings could inform innovations in aviation, robotics, and agriculture, showcasing the practical application of these technologies. This open-source platform, designed to simplify experiments, is already attracting interest from global research groups. The study highlights how cutting-edge entertainment technologies are reshaping scientific exploration of animal behavior.
OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS
Neolithic Middle Nile Valley Populations: Shared Culture, Diverse Origins: Researchers from Liverpool John Moores University, UK, and the Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland, analyzed Neolithic populations in the Middle Nile Valley, uncovering biological variations despite a shared material culture. The study examined dental morphology from five Neolithic cemeteries (5600–3800 BC), revealing distinct differences between the northern Gebel Ramlah and southern sites like El Ghaba, Kadero, and Al Khiday. The findings suggest Gebel Ramlah’s population was biologically isolated, possibly reflecting limited genetic exchange with southern groups. Conversely, El Ghaba's unexpectedly unique traits—despite its long-term occupation and cultural similarities to neighbors—point to potential reproductive isolation or migration dynamics. These variations challenge the assumption of a single migration source while underscoring a shared material culture that could indicate trade, communication, or a deep-rooted common heritage.
AI Deep Learning Tools Forecast Money Market Interest Rates with Precision: Researchers from Ateneo de Manila University have developed AI deep learning models to predict money market interest rates, providing critical insights for business and government decision-makers. Their study tested two models: Multi-layer Perceptrons (MLP) and Vanilla Generative Adversarial Networks (VGAN). Both models accurately forecasted the Philippine Benchmark Valuation (BVAL) rates, demonstrating resilience in tracking trends even during economic disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. MLP proved effective for simpler analyses with fewer variables, while VGAN excelled in handling complex scenarios with larger datasets, incorporating factors like inflation, exchange rates, and credit default swaps. The research underscores the potential of these AI tools to improve financial risk management, optimize government borrowing strategies, and adapt to market shifts. The study paves the way for advanced AI applications in economic forecasting, providing businesses and policymakers with a strategic edge in navigating a data-driven world.
Rediscovering Dur-Sharrukin: New Findings on Sargon II’s Lost Capital: A recent geophysical survey has revealed that the Neo-Assyrian capital Dur-Sharrukin, built by Sargon II around 700 BC in present-day Iraq, was more developed than previously thought. Archaeologists had long believed the site, abandoned after Sargon’s death, was an unfinished construction zone. However, high-resolution magnetometer data have uncovered hidden structures, including a massive 127-room villa, water infrastructure, and possible palace gardens, suggesting the city thrived briefly as a functional settlement. The survey, conducted by researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-University and several French institutions, covered 7% of the city’s area using handheld magnetometers, yielding insights without excavation. These findings challenge earlier assumptions and highlight Dur-Sharrukin's historical significance beyond its palace ruins.