Injectable Oxygen Microbubbles: A Breakthrough in Emergency Oxygen Delivery

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

In today’s edition:

• Science - New Sustainable Method Simplifies Cobalt and Nickel Separation, Breakthrough in Thermal Imaging: Clear Views Through Hot Windows Achieved, and more.

• Technology and AI - Researchers Develop Self-Assembling Technique for Electronic Devices, and more.

• Engineering - Flexible Thermoelectric Film Harnesses Body Heat to Power Wearable Devices, Air-Powered Device Produces Sustainable Fertilizer, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Dark Comets: A New Class of Celestial Objects and Their Distinct Populations.

• Health & Medicine - Injectable Oxygen Microbubbles: A Breakthrough in Emergency Oxygen Delivery, and more.

• Neuroscience - Walking Away from Depression: Study Links Daily Steps to Mental Health Benefits.

• Environment - Permafrost Thawing: A Challenge for Climate Mitigation This Century, and more.

• Nature - Discovering Life in the Depths: A New Predator Species Found in the Atacama Trench, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Decades-Old Moving Sofa Problem Officially Solved.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

New Sustainable Method Simplifies Cobalt and Nickel Separation: A team led by Eric Schelter at the University of Pennsylvania has developed a novel, eco-friendly method for separating cobalt and nickel—key components of lithium-ion batteries. Traditional techniques like acid leaching are energy-intensive and generate hazardous waste. The new approach leverages molecular recognition, using inexpensive ammonia and carbonate anions to selectively precipitate cobalt, leaving nickel in solution. This method achieves high purities (99.4% cobalt, >99% nickel) while avoiding harmful solvents, reducing environmental and health risks. Techno-economic analysis shows a production cost of $1.05 per gram of purified cobalt, significantly lower than conventional processes. The innovation offers a cleaner, scalable path for battery recycling and sustainable metal recovery, addressing both ethical and environmental concerns in the cobalt supply chain.

Breakthrough in Thermal Imaging: Clear Views Through Hot Windows Achieved: Rice University scientists have developed a revolutionary coating that enables clear thermal imaging through hot windows, solving a decades-old challenge. The innovation utilizes nanoscale resonators made from silicon, designed to suppress thermal radiation from the window while transmitting thermal signals from objects behind it. The coating doubles imaging contrast and functions at temperatures up to 873 K (600°C), with applications in chemical processing, energy conservation, surveillance, and defense. Inspired by quantum mechanics, this asymmetric "metawindow" could transform fields like hyperspectral thermal imaging, energy harvesting, and advanced sensing technologies.

Self-Assembled Graphene Stacking Domains Revolutionize Quantum Technology: Researchers at NYU Tandon have discovered a groundbreaking phenomenon where three-layer graphene naturally self-organizes into ABA and ABC stacking domains during growth on silicon carbide (SiC). This eliminates the need for complex manual twisting and alignment, a key hurdle in scaling graphene-based quantum devices. Using advanced conductive atomic force microscopy (AFM), the team observed that these domains, influenced by strain and geometry, form stripe-like patterns ideal for quantum applications. This breakthrough paves the way for scalable quantum devices, leveraging graphene's unique quantum properties such as superconductivity and charge density waves, marking a significant leap toward next-generation electronics.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Researchers Develop Self-Assembling Technique for Electronic Devices:
Scientists at North Carolina State University have pioneered a novel self-assembling method to create electronic components, including diodes and transistors, bypassing traditional, costly chip manufacturing techniques. The "Directed Metal-Ligand (D-Met) Reaction" process uses liquid metal particles, ligands, and molds to form structured arrays of semiconductor metal oxides wrapped in graphene sheets.

This scalable and efficient technique boasts a high yield, reduced waste, and the ability to tune semiconductor properties, such as bandgaps and light responsiveness. The proof-of-concept work marks a significant step toward self-assembling more complex electronic devices, like three-dimensional chips, with enhanced functionality and reduced costs.

NitroFusion: Open-Source AI Model Brings Instant Image Creation to All: The Surrey Institute for People-Centred Artificial Intelligence (PAI) at the University of Surrey has unveiled NitroFusion, the first AI model enabling instant image creation as users type, using modest consumer-grade hardware. Developed by PAI’s SketchX Lab, NitroFusion democratizes access to AI-powered image generation, eliminating the need for vast computing resources or cloud dependencies. NitroFusion employs a dynamic adversarial framework, likened to a panel of art critics, to ensure high-quality images in real time. Users can balance speed and quality through flexible refinement steps. Key benefits include rapid artistic iteration, affordability, reduced energy consumption, and open-source availability, enabling global innovation and adaptation. This breakthrough empowers individual creators, small studios, and educational institutions to access professional-grade AI capabilities without subscription fees, advancing inclusivity and sustainability in creative AI.

Caltech Develops SETS Algorithm for Real-Time Robotic Decision-Making: Caltech researchers have developed the Spectral Expansion Tree Search (SETS) algorithm, a breakthrough in robotic planning and decision-making inspired by Google DeepMind's AlphaZero. Published in Science Robotics, SETS enables robots to simulate thousands of possible trajectories in a fraction of a second, making optimal movement decisions in real time. SETS combines Monte Carlo Tree Search with advanced control theory and linear algebra to efficiently navigate complex environments. By balancing exploration of new paths and exploitation of promising options, the algorithm avoids computational overload. It adapts to diverse robotic platforms without requiring custom programming, demonstrated through successful experiments with drones, ground vehicles, and tethered spacecraft. This innovation equips robots to handle dynamic, real-world challenges such as obstacle avoidance and task execution, marking a significant step toward adaptive, autonomous systems

ENGINEERING

Flexible Thermoelectric Film Harnesses Body Heat to Power Wearable Devices:
A QUT-led research team has developed a flexible, ultra-thin thermoelectric film capable of converting body heat into electricity, offering a sustainable energy solution for wearable devices and efficient cooling for electronic chips. Published in Science, the study highlights a breakthrough in overcoming flexibility, cost, and performance challenges in thermoelectric technology. The film, created using nanobinders and bismuth telluride sheets, boasts record-high performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Produced through a combination of solvothermal synthesis, screen-printing, and sintering, the technology could also incorporate alternative materials, such as silver selenide, for broader applications. This innovation has potential uses in wearable health monitors, personal thermal management systems, and chip cooling, paving the way for next-generation devices and energy-efficient electronics.

Air-Powered Device Produces Sustainable Fertilizer: Researchers at Stanford University and King Fahd University have developed a device that produces ammonia—a key fertilizer ingredient—directly from air using wind energy. The device operates at room temperature and standard pressure, eliminating the need for the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, which contributes significantly to global CO₂ emissions. This portable system uses catalytic materials to extract nitrogen from air and hydrogen from water vapor, enabling farmers to generate fertilizer onsite. It also has potential applications as a clean energy carrier for industries. The technology is expected to be market-ready in 2–3 years.

Engineers Develop Multi-Functional System for Desalination, Energy, and Cooling: Engineers at Hamad Bin Khalifa University have created a modular system that combines desalination, electricity generation, hydrogen production, and air conditioning, addressing key challenges in hot and dry regions. The system integrates bifacial solar panels, vapor compression, and electro-deionization to achieve its multifunctional capabilities. The solar panels generate up to 1.5 MW of electricity, powering modules that desalinate water, provide refrigeration via ice storage, and produce hydrogen gas using a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer. Operating on a daily cycle, the system produces 2.4 MWh of electricity, 52.8 m³ of fresh water, 6.3 MWh for cooling, and 177 kg of hydrogen. This innovative approach offers a sustainable solution for renewable energy, clean water, and efficient cooling, with potential applications in climate adaptation efforts.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Dark Comets: A New Class of Celestial Objects and Their Distinct Populations:
A recent study has doubled the known number of dark comets—celestial objects that appear asteroid-like but exhibit comet-like movement—bringing the total to 14. Researchers identified two distinct populations: outer dark comets, which are larger and have elliptical orbits in the outer solar system, and smaller inner dark comets, found in nearly circular orbits closer to the Sun. These discoveries not only shed light on their characteristics but also raise questions about their origins, compositions, and potential role in delivering life-essential materials to Earth.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Injectable Oxygen Microbubbles: A Breakthrough in Emergency Oxygen Delivery: After 15 years of research, Boston Children's cardiologist Dr. John Kheir and researcher Dr. Yifeng Peng have developed an injectable oxygen delivery method using rapidly dissolving microbubbles, potentially revolutionizing emergency treatment for severe hypoxemia and cardiac arrest. The innovation prevents catastrophic organ damage by delivering oxygen precisely and safely into the bloodstream. The microbubbles feature a pH-sensitive polymer shell that dissolves quickly into soluble molecules, avoiding blood flow obstruction and ensuring effective oxygenation. In pre-clinical testing, the method significantly improved survival during critical moments, offering a controlled and predictable solution for conditions where traditional oxygenation methods fail. This breakthrough, which could soon enter clinical trials, is not limited to oxygen delivery. Researchers envision broader applications for the technology, including the delivery of other gases in various medical emergencies.

Stanford Study Links Raw Milk to Potential Influenza Transmission Risk:
A new study from Stanford University reveals that influenza virus can remain infectious in refrigerated raw milk for up to five days. This raises concerns about avian influenza transmission, particularly as bird flu outbreaks in dairy cattle grow. Unlike pasteurized milk, raw milk is not treated to eliminate pathogens, posing risks for consumers, especially vulnerable populations. Researchers found that flu virus RNA persisted in raw milk for 57 days, and while pasteurization destroyed infectious influenza and reduced viral RNA by 90%, RNA traces remained detectable. This has implications for food safety and environmental surveillance, particularly since RNA-based testing is widely used to monitor pathogens. The findings come amid heightened concerns about zoonotic diseases and the potential for bird flu to mutate and spread through milk or dairy products, highlighting the need for improved pathogen monitoring systems.

Study Links Increased Melanoma Death Risk to Tumors Just Below 1mm in Thickness: Researchers at The University of Sydney have found that melanoma patients with thin primary tumors measuring 0.8–1.0 mm face a significantly higher risk of melanoma-related death compared to those with thinner tumors. The study analyzed 144,447 Australian cases from 1982 to 2014, with 20-year melanoma-specific survival rates dropping from 94.2% for tumors under 0.8 mm to 87.8% for tumors between 0.8–1.0 mm. This research reaffirms the importance of the 0.8-mm Breslow thickness threshold in assessing patient risk and supports its inclusion in cancer staging guidelines. The findings highlight the need for long-term monitoring of patients with thin melanomas, as melanoma-related mortality continues to rise even after two deca

NEUROSCIENCE

Walking Away from Depression: Study Links Daily Steps to Mental Health Benefits: A global review of 33 studies, involving over 96,000 adults, has found that increasing daily step counts is strongly linked to reduced odds of depression. The study shows that even modest increases in walking can have significant mental health benefits. Compared to those walking 5,000 steps daily, individuals taking just 1,000 additional steps reduced their odds of depression by 9%. Walking 7,000 steps per day was associated with a 31% lower risk, while 7,500 steps correlated with a 43% reduction. The benefits plateaued at around 10,000 steps, with little additional mental health improvement beyond this threshold. The findings suggest that setting step goals can be an inclusive and accessible strategy for preventing depression across all ages and genders, adding walking to the list of effective physical activities for mental well-being.

ENVIRONMENT

Permafrost Thawing: A Challenge for Climate Mitigation This Century:
Thawing permafrost, covering 15% of the Northern Hemisphere, poses a significant challenge for climate change mitigation. A study published in Earth's Future by researchers from China and Purdue University uses advanced modeling to predict the impacts of permafrost thaw under different warming scenarios. By 2100, 4–8% of newly thawed carbon could be released into the atmosphere, equivalent to 10–20 Gt of carbon—small compared to current human emissions but still a contributor to climate feedback. The study models two scenarios: a low-emissions pathway limiting warming to 2.0°C and a high-emissions trajectory. While permafrost thaw increases plant growth and nitrogen availability, this offset is minor relative to carbon losses. The findings highlight the long-term risks of continued warming, emphasizing the importance of reducing human emissions to zero to prevent further thawing and mitigate feedbacks beyond 2100.

35 Years of Global River Changes Mapped: Impacts on Water Supply, Flooding, and Hydropower: Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Cincinnati have, for the first time, mapped 35 years of global river changes, analyzing flow rates across 3 million stream reaches using satellite data and computer modeling. The study reveals that 44% of the largest downstream rivers experienced decreases in annual water flow, while 17% of smaller upstream rivers saw increases. Decreased downstream flow reduces freshwater availability for drinking, irrigation, and sediment transport, threatening deltas and countering sea level rise. In contrast, increased upstream flow raises the frequency of floods, which disrupt communities but benefit certain ecosystems. The changes, driven largely by climate change and human activities like water diversion and damming, also pose challenges to hydropower development due to increased sediment transport. This research provides crucial data for policymakers and resource-limited regions, enabling informed decisions about climate adaptation, water resource management, and infrastructure projects.

Massive Glacial Lake Outburst in Greenland Unleashes 3,000 Billion Liters of Water: For the first time, researchers from the University of Copenhagen observed a massive Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in East Greenland, where Catalina Lake released 3,000 billion liters of meltwater into the Scoresby Sound fjord over three weeks. This flood ranks among the top three largest recorded, with the lake’s water level dropping 154 meters as it carved a 25-kilometer tunnel beneath the Edward Bailey Glacier. Triggered by rising global temperatures, GLOFs are increasingly frequent, posing significant risks globally, especially in densely populated regions like the Himalayas. While this event occurred in a sparsely populated area, 15 million people worldwide live under the threat of glacial floods. The energy released by the outburst was comparable to the world's largest nuclear power plant running for 22 days. Researchers highlight the potential to harness such immense energy for sustainable power, though Greenland's infrastructure challenges make utilization difficult. As Greenland’s ice sheet retreats, larger outbursts are expected, underscoring the need for continued study and preparedness.

NATURE

Discovering Life in the Depths: A New Predator Species Found in the Atacama Trench: Scientists have identified a new species of large predatory amphipod, Dulcibella camanchaca, in the depths of the Atacama Trench. At nearly 4 cm in length, this fast-swimming crustacean thrives at depths of nearly 8,000 meters, using specialized appendages to capture prey. Its discovery highlights the trench as an endemic hotspot of biodiversity, with unique species adapted to extreme conditions. The Dulcibella camanchaca was collected during the 2023 IDOOS Expedition, led by the Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Detailed genetic and morphological analysis confirmed the species as a new genus, further emphasizing the trench's ecological significance. Researchers stress the importance of continued deep-ocean exploration to better understand and protect these fragile ecosystems against emerging threats like pollution and climate change.

Blue-Throated Macaws Show Unique Motor Imitation, Advancing Conservation Insights: Blue-throated macaws, critically endangered parrots native to Bolivia, have demonstrated involuntary imitation of intransitive (goal-less) actions—a behavior previously observed only in humans. A study by researchers at the Max Planck Institute and Loro Parque Fundación showed that macaws struggled to suppress automatic mimicry, suggesting the presence of a mirror-neuron system similar to humans. This discovery highlights the macaws’ advanced motor imitation abilities, complementing their vocal mimicry. Researchers believe such behaviors may enhance social bonding and facilitate cultural transmission in their dynamic groups, contributing to adaptation and cohesion. For conservation, these findings could aid reintroduction efforts, enabling macaws to learn survival behaviors from wild conspecifics, accelerating their reintegration into natural habitats. With less than 350 mature individuals in the wild, the study underscores the importance of ongoing conservation projects like those at Loro Parque Fundación.

74-Year-Old Albatross Prepares to Hatch Another Egg: Wisdom, a 74-year-old Laysan Albatross, is defying the odds as she prepares to hatch another egg at Midway Atoll, Hawaii. Identified and tagged in 1956, Wisdom has laid over 50 eggs in her lifetime, becoming a symbol of longevity and resilience in the wild. Despite the absence of her long-time mate, Wisdom has formed a new bond and is now incubating an egg with her new partner. Laysan Albatrosses, known for their monogamy, typically forage vast distances, up to 930 miles, to sustain their young. Wildlife experts are optimistic about the egg hatching and view Wisdom’s story as a testament to the enduring mysteries of nature. Her remarkable lifespan makes her the oldest known wild bird, showcasing the extraordinary potential of seabirds, which often surpass the lifespans of many other avian species.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Decades-Old Moving Sofa Problem Officially Solved: The moving sofa problem, a mathematical puzzle proposed in 1966, has been solved by Jineon Baek of Yonsei University. The problem involves finding the largest two-dimensional sofa shape that can navigate a 90-degree hallway turn. Baek's 100-page proof confirms that the optimal shape is Gerver’s sofa, discovered in 1992, consisting of 18 curved sections. Baek's approach introduced a novel mathematical quantity, Q, to simplify the problem, converting it from a non-convex to a solvable convex scenario. His proof verifies that no larger sofa is possible, resolving the 58-year-old question. Mathematicians, including Joseph Gerver, celebrated the breakthrough, though the proof awaits verification by peers. Baek's dedication over seven years highlights a significant achievement in mathematical problem-solving.