New Technique Keeps Protein-Based Drugs Stable Without Refrigeration

Hello and welcome to our January 16th 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 - Room-Temperature Method Revolutionizes Semiconductor Material Production, and more.

• Materials - Researchers Develop Biodegradable Adhesive Stronger Than Commercial Options, and more.

• Engineering & Technology - Breakthrough in Bionic Limbs Enables Complex Touch Sensations, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - New Evidence on Moon Formation and Early Water on Earth, and more.

• Health & Medicine - New Technique Keeps Protein-Based Drugs Stable Without Refrigeration, and more.

• Environment - Wind Speed Shapes Plant Hydraulics and Drought Resilience, and more.

• Nature - Climate Change Alters Plant Germination and Ecosystem Balance, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

Room-Temperature Method Revolutionizes Semiconductor Material Production:
Scientists at the University of Twente have developed a novel method to create highly ordered semiconductor materials at room temperature. This breakthrough focuses on metal halide perovskites, materials known for their efficiency in absorbing sunlight and applications in LEDs, solar cells, and semiconductors. Traditionally, producing these materials with a single orientation required high temperatures. Using a pulsed laser, the researchers achieved precise layer-by-layer growth without heat, significantly reducing defects and improving material efficiency. The resulting perovskite structure remains stable for over 300 days, offering potential for greener, cost-effective technologies in solar panels and advanced electronics. This innovation not only enhances current optoelectronic applications but also opens new avenues for materials science research.

Water Flow Found to Play Key Role in Blood Vessel Formation: A study by researchers at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research reveals that water flow, alongside actin polymerization, drives the migration of endothelial tip cells during blood vessel formation in zebrafish. This process is crucial for sprouting new vascular branches, supplying blood to developing tissues. The team discovered that aquaporins, proteins facilitating water movement in and out of cells, are essential for this migration. Zebrafish lacking aquaporins exhibited defective endothelial cell migration, a problem worsened when actin polymerization was inhibited. This dual mechanism ensures a backup for blood vessel formation, critical for proper tissue perfusion and preventing vascular defects. The findings enhance understanding of vascular development and could inform strategies to address diseases involving abnormal blood vessel growth, such as cancer.

Ferroelectric Domain Walls Pave the Way for Brain-Like Computing:
Researchers from Flinders University and UNSW Sydney have developed a groundbreaking method to control ferroelectric domain walls, tiny boundaries within insulating crystals, for brain-inspired computing. These nanoscale walls (1–10 nm) can regulate electron flow, acting as memristors—devices that store and process information at varying levels, mimicking the behavior of synapses in the human brain. By applying electric fields to "twist" the domain walls, the team demonstrated precise control over their electronic properties, enabling multi-level data storage without repetitive wall injection or erasure. This innovation promises faster, energy-efficient, and more reliable neuromorphic computing, potentially revolutionizing artificial intelligence and data processing. The findings highlight the potential of ferroelectric domain walls in advancing greener and smarter electronics.

MATERIALS

Researchers Develop Biodegradable Adhesive Stronger Than Commercial Options: Scientists at Colorado State University have developed a biodegradable and reusable adhesive from a re-engineered polymer called poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB). The adhesive outperforms conventional petroleum-based options in strength and versatility while addressing plastic waste concerns. P3HB, naturally produced by microbes, was chemically modified to achieve tunable adhesion for various surfaces like aluminum, glass, and wood. The adhesive is not only stronger but also biodegradable in diverse environments, including landfills and oceans, and can be recovered and reused. The team is working to commercialize this sustainable innovation, which has the potential to transform industries such as packaging, construction, and electronics by providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional adhesives.

Breakthrough in Carbon Nanotube Fiber Recycling Promises Sustainable Materials: Researchers at Rice University have demonstrated that carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers can be fully recycled without losing their structural or functional properties. This advancement positions CNT fibers as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like metals, polymers, and conventional carbon fibers, which are inefficient or impossible to recycle effectively. Using a scalable process, the team dissolved CNT fibers from multiple sources in chlorosulfonic acid and re-spun them into recycled fibers. The recycled fibers retained 100% of their mechanical strength, electrical and thermal conductivity, and alignment, a feat unmatched by existing engineered materials. The efficient recycling process, requiring no sorting and minimal energy, could transform industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics, enabling the production of fully recyclable composites and reducing environmental impact. This innovation extends the lifecycle of CNT fibers and reduces the need for raw materials, offering a significant step toward a circular economy.

Breakthrough in Polymer Science: 2D Mechanically Interlocked Material: A Northwestern University-led team has developed the first two-dimensional (2D) mechanically interlocked polymer, resembling nanoscale chainmail. This groundbreaking material, published in Science, combines exceptional flexibility and strength with a density of 100 trillion mechanical bonds per square centimeter. Using an innovative polymerization process, researchers arranged X-shaped monomers into crystalline structures, forming interlocked polymer sheets that are both scalable and versatile. A composite material combining 2.5% of the new polymer with Ultem—a strong Kevlar-like material—dramatically enhanced its strength and toughness, highlighting its potential for lightweight body armor and other high-performance applications.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Breakthrough in Bionic Limbs Enables Complex Touch Sensations: Researchers have developed a bionic limb system that uses brain implants to restore a sense of touch for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Published in Science, the study demonstrates how micro-stimulation patterns in the brain can encode complex sensations like edges, motion, and shapes. Participants controlled a bionic arm with their thoughts while receiving sensory feedback from the arm's sensors, allowing for more precise and realistic interactions with objects. This innovation is a significant step toward improving functionality and independence for individuals with paralysis, though further advancements in sensors and implant technology are needed.

3D Printing Approach Extends Lifespan of Soft Robots: Researchers have developed a novel 3D printing technique to upgrade and repair soft robots, promoting sustainability and reducing electronic waste in robotics. The method uses a specially formulated gel that supports multi-material components printed directly onto robot surfaces, seamlessly integrating new features. This process, demonstrated on a batoid-like soft robot, allowed researchers to add tactile sensors, whiskers, and actuated hooks, as well as repair damaged synthetic skin. The approach’s broad material compatibility makes it adaptable for upgrading not only robots but also other electronic devices like smartphones and appliances. The innovation highlights the potential to significantly extend the lifespan of robots and devices, addressing sustainability challenges in the field of robotics and beyond.

AI Exocortex: A New Frontier in Science and Daily Life: Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory are developing an AI "exocortex," a system designed to function as an external extension of the human brain. This advanced network of AI agents will automate scientific research, analyze data, propose experiments, and communicate findings in natural language, making complex tasks more efficient. Initially aimed at accelerating nanoscience research, the exocortex could also transform daily life by managing tasks like scheduling, trip planning, and personalized learning. While challenges remain in designing AI systems that collaborate effectively, the exocortex promises to revolutionize science and everyday experiences, potentially becoming accessible within five years.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

New Evidence on Moon Formation and Early Water on Earth: Researchers from the University of Göttingen and the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research have uncovered new insights into the formation of the moon and the origins of water on Earth. Using advanced laser fluorination techniques, the team analyzed oxygen isotopes in moon and Earth samples, finding an unusually high similarity in oxygen-17 isotopes. This supports the theory that the moon was formed primarily from Earth's mantle material after a collision with the protoplanet Theia, which likely contributed little to the moon’s composition. The findings challenge the idea that water arrived on Earth during a Late Veneer Event through meteoritic impacts. Instead, the data suggests that Earth's water likely came from enstatite chondrites, a type of meteorite isotopically similar to Earth and rich in water, during the planet's early formation.

Astronomers Solve Mysteries of Missing Sulfur and Infrared Peak: A study led by Leiden University reveals that ammonium hydrosulfide salt forms under icy cosmic conditions, trapping sulfur on dust and pebbles in star-forming regions. This discovery explains the mysterious "missing" sulfur gas and matches an unexplained infrared spectral peak observed by the James Webb Space Telescope. The findings suggest that up to 20% of the missing sulfur exists in this form, offering new insights into chemical processes during star and planet formation. Inspired by ESA's Rosetta mission, researchers aim to further explore sulfur's role in space.

Early Stars May Have Created Abundant Water in the Universe: A new study suggests that the universe may have been rich in water much earlier than previously thought, thanks to the first stars, known as Population III stars. These massive, hydrogen-helium stars exploded as supernovae, enriching molecular clouds with water. Simulations indicate that by 100–200 million years after the Big Bang, these clouds contained 10–30 times more water than similar clouds in the Milky Way today. While cosmic processes may have destroyed much of this early water, the findings suggest that some of the water we see today could trace back to the universe’s first stars.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

New Technique Keeps Protein-Based Drugs Stable Without Refrigeration: Researchers at Penn State have developed a groundbreaking storage method that keeps protein-based drugs and vaccines stable without the need for refrigeration. By replacing traditional water-based solutions with a perfluorocarbon oil and using a surfactant "raincoat" to protect proteins, the new technique prevents protein degradation even at temperatures up to 212°F. This advancement could eliminate costly cold chain logistics, reduce barriers to drug distribution in resource-scarce areas, and improve access to life-saving therapies like insulin and vaccines. The research holds potential to revolutionize pharmaceutical storage and distribution globally.

Xenon Gas Shows Promise as a Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease: New research suggests that Xenon gas inhalation could be an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. In mouse models, Xenon gas reduced neuroinflammation, brain atrophy, and induced protective microglial responses associated with clearing amyloid plaques and improving cognition. Unlike many drugs, Xenon easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and has been used safely in humans for anesthesia and brain injury treatments. A Phase I clinical trial in healthy volunteers is set to begin in early 2025 to test its safety and dosage. Researchers also plan to explore Xenon's potential for treating other neurodegenerative diseases and are developing efficient delivery and recycling methods for the gas. If successful, this approach could revolutionize treatments for Alzheimer's and other neurological disorders

Breast Cancer Drug Shows Promise in Treating Blood Cancers: Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a potential treatment for blood cancers, including myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), using an RSK1 inhibitor already in clinical trials for breast cancer. In animal models, the inhibitor, PMD-026, reduced cancer progression by up to 96%, prevented fibrosis in the bone marrow, and halted the transformation of MPNs into aggressive secondary AML. The drug targets a key protein, RSK1, linked to cancer progression and offers a new approach to overcoming resistance to existing AML treatments. PMD-026 has shown promising early results in clinical trials for breast cancer, with minimal side effects, and may soon move into trials for blood cancer patients who lack effective treatments or are ineligible for stem cell transplants. These findings could pave the way for improved therapies for patients with chronic and aggressive blood cancers.

ENVIRONMENT

Climate Change's Contrasting Impacts on Coastal Forests: A study reveals that climate change is having contrasting effects on coastal forests in the U.S. While forests have expanded at various elevations over the past decade, low-lying coastal areas are experiencing slower growth and higher tree mortality due to rising sea levels and frequent storms. Surprisingly, storms also promote new growth by clearing older trees and allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor. Researchers stress the need to better understand the carbon storage role of dead wood, as it represents a significant yet understudied factor. This highlights the complex ways climate change is reshaping coastal ecosystems.

NASA Study Reveals Human-Driven Shifts in the Global Water Cycle:
NASA scientists have analyzed nearly 20 years of satellite data to reveal significant human-driven changes in the global water cycle, primarily due to activities like agriculture. The study highlights trends such as decreasing groundwater reserves, earlier snowmelts, and an increase in extreme water events like frequent "100-year floods." Using data from NASA's satellites, researchers found that human interventions, such as irrigation in drought-affected areas like North China, have complex impacts on variables like evapotranspiration and runoff. These changes challenge traditional water management practices that assume a stable water cycle. The study underscores the need for updated Earth system models and improved planning to manage water resources sustainably amid these unprecedented shifts.

Climate Change Drives Accelerating Rockfall Erosion in Mont-Blanc Massif:
A study reveals that rockfall erosion in the Mont-Blanc massif has accelerated significantly since the Little Ice Age due to climate-driven permafrost degradation and freeze-thaw cycles. Researchers combined cosmogenic nuclide analysis, terrestrial laser scanning, and citizen-reported observations to measure erosion rates, identifying a doubling from 2.2 mm/year during the Little Ice Age to over 4.1 mm/year between 2006 and 2011. The findings show that freeze-thaw cycles, intensified by warming, are destabilizing rockwalls, leading to increased rockfall frequency. This trend is predicted to continue, posing risks to local communities, infrastructure, and mountain activities. Researchers warn that the region may have reached a critical threshold, with future rockfall events becoming increasingly frequent and impactful.

Global Model Proposes Sustainable Path to Feed the Planet: A study published in Nature Sustainability demonstrates that adopting the EAT-Lancet diet globally could ensure healthier nutrition while significantly reducing land and water use. The EAT-Lancet diet emphasizes plant-based foods and limits animal products, aiming to improve health and reduce environmental impacts. The researchers combined agro-hydrological modeling with trade optimization and found that global cropland use could be reduced by 37–40% and irrigation water use by 78%. Implementing this diet would require increasing global food trade from 25% to 36% of production and could result in a 4.5% rise in food costs, balanced by substantial environmental and nutritional benefits. The study highlights the need for targeted policies, financial support, and local cooperation to enable smart crop redistribution and sustainable trade management, making universal adoption of the EAT-Lancet diet a feasible goal.

NATURE

Wind Speed Shapes Plant Hydraulics and Drought Resilience: A study by researchers at the South China Botanical Garden (CAS) reveals the global influence of wind speed on plant hydraulics. By analyzing data from 1,922 woody species across 469 locations worldwide, the study shows that plants in windier environments develop smaller xylem conduits, reduced hydraulic conductivity, and lower leaf-to-sapwood area ratios. These traits enhance drought tolerance by minimizing water loss. The findings suggest that increasing wind speeds due to climate change may partially offset the effects of other global factors like CO2 fertilization and warming by promoting drought-resilient traits in plants. Incorporating wind-related hydraulic dynamics into vegetation models could improve predictions of ecosystem responses to changing climates. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects require further investigation.

Climate Change Alters Plant Germination and Ecosystem Balance: A study by Holden Forests & Gardens, published in Ecology, reveals that warming temperatures are reshaping the timing of plant germination, significantly impacting ecosystem composition. Researchers found that some plant species germinate earlier under warmer conditions (+3°C), altering the order in which species establish and thrive. This shift in "assembly order" allows more adaptable species, like curly dock and wrinkleleaf goldenrod, to dominate, while others, such as spotted St. John's wort, fare better in current conditions. These findings highlight the varying phenological sensitivities among species and the long-term implications for plant community composition and ecosystem function. The research underscores the importance of considering germination timing when managing or restoring ecosystems in a warming climate.

Hummingbirds Use Torpor to Adapt to Migration Challenges: Research highlights how hummingbirds use torpor—a short-term hibernation-like state—to manage energy during migration. Studying Rufous and Calliope hummingbirds in New Mexico, researchers found that torpor is triggered when evening body fat falls below 500 milligrams, ensuring birds maintain at least 180 milligrams of fat reserves to fuel their next day. As climate change and land-use alterations make nectar sources along migratory routes less predictable, torpor helps hummingbirds conserve energy. However, torpor increases vulnerability to predation, so it is only used when essential. The study provides a predictive model for torpor use, aiding efforts to monitor hummingbird ecological health, understand their energy limits, and guide conservation strategies as environmental changes intensify.