Harvard Researchers Turn Fruit Flies into Micro-Robots Using Light and Visual Cues

Hello and welcome to our April 13th 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 - Hidden Symmetry in Living Cells Reveals Universal Laws of Collective Motion, and more.

• Materials - New Nanofiber Felt Combines Extreme Heat Insulation with Superior Electromagnetic Wave Absorption, and more.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - Rutgers Scientists Map How Key Proteins Travel in Polycystic Kidney Disease, Opening Doors to New Therapies, and more.

• Engineering & Technology - Breakthrough in Interactive 3D Holograms: Researchers Create Touchable Mid-Air Graphics, and more.

• Robotics - World’s First Liquid-Bodied Magnetic Robot Targets Deadly Biofilm Infections.

• Health & Medicine - New Error-Corrected Genome Sequencing Method Dramatically Improves Blood Test Cancer Detection, and more.

• Neuroscience - Brain Connectivity Shifts Linked to Autism and Schizophrenia in Genetic Disorder, UCLA Study Finds, and more.

• Nature - Harvard Researchers Turn Fruit Flies into Micro-Robots Using Light and Visual Cues, 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

SCIENCE

Hidden Symmetry in Living Cells Reveals Universal Laws of Collective Motion: A groundbreaking study has uncovered universal conformal invariance in the collective motion of living cells, revealing that vastly different organisms—from bacteria to human cancer cells—exhibit identical statistical flow patterns. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and collaborators studied four cell systems and found that each formed vortex-like structures governed by the same mathematical framework known as conformal field theory (CFT). Remarkably, these patterns fall into the percolation universality class, a concept typically seen in fluid dynamics and quantum physics. This discovery bridges biology with theoretical physics and could advance research in cancer, wound healing, tissue growth, and synthetic biology by showing that universal physical laws govern how cells self-organize, even in systems far from equilibrium.

Korean Researchers Achieve Century-Old Physics Feat by Trapping Mechanical Waves in a Single Particle: A groundbreaking study has achieved the first-ever complete confinement of mechanical waves within a single resonator, solving a century-old physics mystery known as bound states in the continuum (BIC). Using a system of quartz cylinders, researchers fine-tuned contact points to trap wave energy in a single particle with no energy loss, defying the long-held belief that BICs couldn’t exist in compact systems. When extended to a chain of cylinders, the energy formed a non-dispersive flat band—a "bound band in the continuum" (BBIC). The discovery has major implications for energy-efficient devices, ultra-sensitive sensors, and next-generation communication technologies.

Scientists Discover Room-Temperature Altermagnet in KV₂Se₂O for Next-Gen Spintronics: Researchers have identified a new material, KV₂Se₂O, that exhibits altermagnetism—a recently discovered form of magnetism that breaks time-reversal symmetry without producing net magnetization—at room temperature. Unlike traditional magnets, this material shows d-wave spin splitting and a unique spin-polarized band structure, making it especially promising for spintronic applications. The study confirms KV₂Se₂O’s properties through various experiments and suggests its potential for enabling high-efficiency spin currents and future quantum technologies.

Clarkson University Researchers Develop Safe, Scalable Method to Destroy PFAS on Spent Water Filters: A research team at Clarkson University has developed an environmentally friendly method to eliminate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from spent anion exchange resins (AERs), commonly used in water treatment. The study details a non-incineration approach using piezoelectric ball milling with boron nitride powders, which breaks down PFAS into harmless fluoride ions. The technique avoids toxic byproducts and works at ambient conditions, offering a sustainable and scalable alternative to conventional PFAS disposal methods like incineration or landfilling.

MATERIALS

New Nanofiber Felt Combines Extreme Heat Insulation with Superior Electromagnetic Wave Absorption: A research team has developed a flexible ZrO₂/ZrB₂/Carbon nanofiber felt that offers ultralow thermal conductivity (0.016 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ at 1,100 °C) and exceptional electromagnetic wave absorption. The novel composite achieves up to -54 dB reflection loss and a 3.1 GHz bandwidth, making it ideal for stealth applications and harsh environments. Its multi-component structure enhances impedance matching, interfacial polarization, and thermal resistance, providing a promising solution for next-generation multifunctional materials. These features position the nanofiber felt as a promising candidate for use in stealth technology, aerospace, and harsh industrial environments.

Researchers Develop High-Speed Magnetic Micropillar Arrays for Soft Robotics and Fluid Control: Researchers at Hanyang University and the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) have developed a novel micropillar array capable of rapid, collective magnetic oscillations. The study introduces hard magnetic microparticles embedded in a silicone elastomer, enabling programmable actuation modes such as bending, twisting, and torsion under moderate magnetic fields. These micropillars, only 400 μm tall, achieve high deformation and exceptional speed, reaching up to 81.8 mm/s, and maintain performance at frequencies up to 15 Hz. Applications include fluid mixing, cargo transport, and even soft robotic locomotion, all powered by a commercial magnetic stirrer. This innovation paves the way for next-gen soft robotics, microfluidics, and dynamic surfaces in biomedical and industrial fields.

Breakthrough Makes Graphene Membranes Scalable for Efficient Carbon Capture: Researchers have developed a scalable, cost-effective method for producing porous graphene membranes capable of efficiently capturing CO₂ from industrial emissions. The study overcomes long-standing challenges in graphene membrane production by using low-cost copper foils, ozone-based etching for uniform pore creation, and a crack-free transfer technique to build large membranes (up to 50 cm²) with near-perfect integrity. These membranes showed high CO₂ selectivity and permeance, offering a low-energy, pressure-driven alternative to traditional carbon capture methods. The innovation could also benefit hydrogen purification and oxygen production, moving graphene membranes closer to commercial deployment.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Rutgers Scientists Map How Key Proteins Travel in Polycystic Kidney Disease, Opening Doors to New Therapies: Rutgers University researchers have identified how polycystic proteins—linked to polycystic kidney disease (PKD)—are packaged and transported via extracellular vesicles (EVs), microscopic cellular messengers. The study used proximity labeling and fluorescent imaging in C. elegans worms to track polycystin-2, a protein crucial to PKD progression. The research reveals previously unknown protein partners of polycystins inside EVs and clarifies how these cargos are selected and moved throughout the body. The findings offer new insights into the molecular mechanisms behind PKD and could lead to targeted therapeutic strategies to slow or halt the disease.

Researchers Solve Protein Misfolding Problem to Boost Split Intein Efficiency:
A team from the University of Münster has uncovered why split inteins—key tools in protein splicing—often perform inefficiently in laboratory settings. The study identified protein misfolding and aggregate formation as the main culprits behind low reaction productivity. By using bioinformatics to pinpoint specific problematic amino acids, the team introduced single mutations that significantly reduced misfolding and enhanced intein efficiency. This breakthrough opens new possibilities for synthesizing chimeric proteins, advancing applications in biotechnology, basic research, and biomedicine.

Researchers Develop Portable Nanotech Dialysis Device to Revolutionize Kidney Disease Treatment: A team Seoul National University has developed a compact, wearable peritoneal dialysis device that could serve as a portable artificial kidney, offering hope to millions with end-stage renal disease. The device uses ion concentration polarization (ICP) to purify and recirculate dialysis fluid—removing both charged and neutral waste molecules like urea—without the need for bulky hospital machines. Through a 3D micro-mesh structure, the system achieves a processing rate of 1 mL/min, demonstrated in successful rat trials. The innovation promises greater mobility, quality of life, and healthcare accessibility, especially in low-resource settings, and marks a milestone in integrating nanotechnology with artificial organ development.

Bacteria-Enhanced Graphene Nanoparticles Offer Triple-Action Cancer Treatment: Researchers have developed a novel graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite enhanced with bacterial components and the chemotherapy drug camptothecin (CPT) to target and destroy tumors through a three-pronged mechanism. The study shows that Cutibacterium acnes (CA) extracts improve GO's dispersibility and trigger immune activation. Combined with localized chemotherapy and photothermal therapy, the treatment eradicated colorectal tumors in mice with high precision and minimal side effects. The nanoparticles, created through a simple, scalable sonication process, also activated key immune cells, offering a cost-effective and multifunctional cancer therapy platform.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Breakthrough in Interactive 3D Holograms: Researchers Create Touchable Mid-Air Graphics: For the first time, researchers have developed interactive volumetric displays—true 3D graphics that float in mid-air and can be directly manipulated by hand, without VR headsets. These hologram-like visuals are produced using a soft, oscillating diffuser that projects up to 2,880 images per second, creating the illusion of solid 3D objects. The innovation lies in replacing rigid components with elastic materials, enabling safe, touch-based interaction with the visuals—such as grabbing or rotating virtual objects. Potential applications include education, museums, and collaborative work environments, offering an intuitive, headset-free way to engage with digital content.

University of Oregon Chemists Advance Greener Steelmaking with Porous Iron Oxides: Chemists at the University of Oregon have refined an electrochemical process for producing iron, offering a cleaner alternative to carbon-intensive blast furnaces used in steelmaking. Their latest research identifies that iron oxide porosity—not size or composition—is key to producing pure iron efficiently and cost-effectively. Using saltwater and naturally sourced iron oxide, the process also yields valuable chlorine as a byproduct. The team’s findings could accelerate the development of scalable, low-emission steel production—an essential shift for one of the world’s largest industrial contributors to carbon emissions.

Cornell Researchers Develop Washable Smart Shirt for Seamless Exercise Tracking: A team at Cornell University has created SeamFit, a practical smart T-shirt that automatically tracks posture and exercise routines using conductive threads sewn into the shirt’s seams. Unlike bulky wearables or tight-fitting sensor gear, SeamFit looks and feels like regular clothing and is machine washable. The embedded threads detect motion through changes in capacitance, transmitting data to a machine-learning model via a small removable circuit board. In tests, SeamFit identified 14 exercises with over 93% accuracy and counted reps with near-perfect precision. Designed for athletes, fitness users, and physical therapy patients, this innovation could pave the way for mass-produced smart clothing with minimal design changes.

ROBOTICS

World’s First Liquid-Bodied Magnetic Robot Targets Deadly Biofilm Infections: An international team has developed the first liquid-bodied, magnetic-controlled microrobot capable of combating drug-resistant biofilm infections on medical implants. The breakthrough robot features adaptive viscoelasticity—allowing it to switch between elastic and liquid states—and a triple-action antibiofilm mechanism that physically disrupts biofilms, releases antibacterial agents, and removes debris to prevent reinfection. The robot demonstrated significant success in laboratory and animal tests, including reducing biofilm on complex 3D mesh implants by 84% and bacterial load on biliary stents by 87%. Infected mice treated with the robot showed full recovery within 12 days. The team now aims to advance to large animal trials and eventual human clinical applications, offering a promising new weapon in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

HEALTH & MEDICINE

New Error-Corrected Genome Sequencing Method Dramatically Improves Blood Test Cancer Detection: Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and the New York Genome Center have developed a highly sensitive, error-corrected method for detecting cancer through blood samples, marking a major advance in liquid biopsy technology. The study used a new low-cost sequencing platform from Ultima Genomics, enabling ultra-deep whole-genome sequencing and detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) at concentrations as low as parts per million. By applying a novel error-correction method that leverages the natural redundancy of double-stranded DNA, the team significantly reduced false positives, making tumor detection possible even without access to tumor tissue. The method accurately tracked cancer progression or remission in patients with bladder cancer and melanoma and may pave the way for routine, noninvasive cancer monitoring and early detection using blood tests alone.

Study Uncovers Key Sex-Based Differences in Carotid Artery Plaques Linked to Stroke Risk: A new study reveals that while both men and women experience stroke from carotid artery narrowing, the cellular and molecular features of their artery plaques differ significantly. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of plaque tissue from surgical patients, researchers found that men typically have more lipid-rich plaques and blood vessel-forming endothelial cells, while women more often exhibit plaque erosion and immune-regulating macrophages—likely influenced by hormonal differences. These subcellular variations, though not evident in major cell types, suggest that biological sex plays a critical role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The findings underscore the importance of sex-specific approaches in cardiovascular risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment development.

Immune Protein Boosts Effectiveness of TIL Therapy in Cancer Treatment, Moffitt Study Finds: Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered that activating B cells with the immune protein CD40L significantly enhances the effectiveness of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy. This FDA-approved treatment for melanoma involves growing immune cells from a patient’s tumor and reinfusing them to fight cancer. The study shows that adding CD40L in the lab improves the growth rate, quality, and potency of TILs—doubling success rates in difficult cases and accelerating production by up to one week. The improved T cells also exhibit more “stem-like” traits, which may lead to longer-lasting anti-tumor effects. A clinical trial is underway to test this method in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

NEUROSCIENCE

Brain Connectivity Shifts Linked to Autism and Schizophrenia in Genetic Disorder, UCLA Study Finds: A new study from UCLA Health reveals that changes in brain connectivity before and after puberty may explain why individuals with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome are at higher risk for autism and schizophrenia. Using functional brain imaging in both humans and genetically modified mice, researchers observed a shift from hyper-connectivity in childhood to under-connectivity post-puberty, especially in brain regions linked to social behavior. The team found this was due to synaptic pruning, with a sharp loss of dendritic spines post-puberty. Inhibiting the protein GSK3-beta temporarily reversed these effects in mice, pointing to a potential therapeutic target for neurodevelopmental symptoms linked to the condition.

Neurons Use Smart Mechano-sensing to Switch Migration Strategies in Confined Brain Spaces: A new study reveals that neurons can adapt their migration strategy based on their physical environment, using a mechano-sensing protein called PIEZO1 to detect mechanical stress and switch modes of movement. Researchers found that cerebellar granule neurons pull themselves forward in open, 2D environments using front-localized actomyosin, but switch to rear-pushing mechanics when navigating tight 3D spaces. PIEZO1 triggers calcium signaling that relocates the motor proteins to the back of the cell, helping neurons squeeze through confined areas. This adaptive behavior has broader implications for understanding brain development, injury recovery, and diseases like cancer, where cells similarly migrate through complex tissues.

Study Reveals How a Single Gene Mutation Disrupts Both Immunity and Brain Development: A new study has uncovered how a single mutation in the BCL11B gene can simultaneously impair immune function and brain development. Researchers found that the BCL11BN441K mutation disrupts T cell production while also causing abnormal cortical development in mice. Unlike complete loss of the gene, this mutation causes the defective BCL11B protein to interfere with its sibling protein, BCL11A, disrupting its normal function—a dominant-negative mechanism. This dual disruption could explain complex disease symptoms and may also be at play in conditions like cancer, offering a potential target for future therapies aimed at blocking harmful protein interactions.

NATURE

Harvard Researchers Turn Fruit Flies into Micro-Robots Using Light and Visual Cues: Bioengineers at Harvard University's Rowland Institute have discovered two novel, non-invasive methods to control the movements of fruit flies, effectively transforming them into biological micro-robots. The study demonstrates that fruit flies can be guided by visual stimuli—like a spinning pinwheel—to turn left or right depending on the direction of the spin. Additionally, the team controlled fly behavior using light sensors on the flies’ antennae and odor-processing brain regions, simulating responses to smells. These methods achieved 94% control accuracy, enabling flies to navigate mazes or trace words, potentially paving the way for applications in pollination, search and rescue, or surveillance—without attaching external hardware to the insects.

How Red Flour Beetles Wriggle Into Food Supplies—and What It Could Mean for Robotics and Agriculture: Researchers at the University of St Andrews have uncovered the mechanics behind the movement of red flour beetle larvae (Tribolium castaneum), pests responsible for spoiling up to 20% of stored flour and grain in the developing world each year. The study revealed that larvae use a wave-like locomotion on fibrous surfaces and deploy specialized structures called pygopods to grip and tunnel into food sources under difficult conditions. Disrupting neural communication between the front and rear of the larvae hampers this ability, offering a potential pathway to target infestations without harming crops. The findings may also inspire bio-inspired robotics designed for navigating complex terrain.

Researchers Breakthrough Makes Graphene Membranes Scalable for Efficient Carbon Capture: Researchers have developed a scalable, cost-effective method for producing porous graphene membranes capable of efficiently capturing CO₂ from industrial emissions. The study overcomes long-standing challenges in graphene membrane production by using low-cost copper foils, ozone-based etching for uniform pore creation, and a crack-free transfer technique to build large membranes (up to 50 cm²) with near-perfect integrity. These membranes showed high CO₂ selectivity and permeance, offering a low-energy, pressure-driven alternative to traditional carbon capture methods. The innovation could also benefit hydrogen purification and oxygen production, moving graphene membranes closer to commercial deployment.