Hydrogel Can Preserve Medications for Weeks Outside of a Fridge

Hello and welcome to Wednesday’s STEAM newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Hydrogel Can Preserve Medications for Weeks Outside of a Fridge, and more.

• Technology and AI - Bug Brains Could Help Drone Swarms Find Their Way Home, Astronomy Methods Applied to Reflections in Eyes Could Help with Spotting Deepfakes, Chatbot Offers Individual Support with Programming Assignments, and more.

• Engineering - New Invention Makes Vibrations Disappear, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - NASA Transmits Hip-Hop Song to Deep Space for First Time, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Breakthrough Cobra Venom Antidote Discovered, and more.

• Environment - Sea Ice's Cooling Power is Waning Faster Than Its Area of Extent, and more.

• Nature - Sea Slugs Discovered Working Together to Hunt in Packs, and more.

• Industry - Puerto Rico Files $1 Billion Climate Lawsuit Against Oil Companies, Tokyo Airport Trials Driverless Cargo Vehicle, and more.

• World - Wildfires in South Africa are Set to Increase: How Legal Action Can Help Adaptation to Climate Change.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Hydrogel Can Preserve Medications for Weeks Outside of a Fridge: Researchers have developed a hydrogel that can preserve medications, such as protein-based drugs, for weeks without refrigeration. This innovation could be especially beneficial for regions without reliable cold storage. The hydrogel protects the medication's atomic bonds from heat and physical shocks, maintaining its stability and effectiveness. This breakthrough has significant implications for medical treatments, particularly in remote or resource-limited areas.

Smart Soil Can Water and Feed Itself: Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a smart soil that can capture water from the air and release nutrients in a controlled manner. This soil, infused with a hydrogel, leads to the growth of larger, healthier plants using less water and fertilizer. The technology aims to reduce the burden on farmers and is adaptable to various climates, offering a sustainable solution to water scarcity and efficient nutrient uptake in agriculture.

Study Identifies RNA Molecule That Regulates Cellular Aging: Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a noncoding RNA, SNORA13, that regulates cellular senescence, a process where cells stop dividing. This RNA impacts ribosome assembly and its inhibition could reduce senescence, potentially leading to treatments for aging-related diseases and certain cancers. The study suggests that targeting SNORA13 might help control aging and associated conditions, providing a new avenue for therapeutic interventions.

Microbial Structures in Antarctic Lake Could Reveal More About How Life Evolved: Researchers studying microbial communities in Lake Untersee, Antarctica, have found that these microorganisms form unique structures, which could provide insights into early Earth's life. The microbial structures, shaped like cones and pinnacles, consist of cyanobacteria and other microorganisms. By examining these formations, scientists hope to understand how environmental forces and species interactions influenced the evolution of life on Earth, especially during the Archean era.

Microbes Found to Destroy Certain 'Forever Chemicals' by Cleaving Stubborn Fluorine-to-Carbon Bonds: Researchers at UC Riverside have identified specific bacteria that can break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals." These bacteria, from the genus Acetobacterium, can cleave the strong fluorine-to-carbon bonds in unsaturated PFAS compounds. This discovery opens up possibilities for bioengineering more effective enzymes to tackle a broader range of PFAS, offering a cost-effective method for treating contaminated water sources.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Bug Brains Could Help Drone Swarms Find Their Way Home: Researchers at TU Delft have developed a method for drones to navigate autonomously by mimicking the "snapshot" memory technique of ants. This method allows tiny drones to store and reference minimal visual data, enabling them to find their way home without heavy computational resources. This innovation could be useful in environments where GPS isn't available, such as dense urban areas or remote locations.

Astronomy Methods Applied to Reflections in Eyes Could Help with Spotting Deepfakes: Researchers at the University of Hull have developed a method to detect deepfakes by analyzing reflections in human eyes, similar to how astronomers study galaxies. Real images show consistent reflections in both eyes, while deepfakes often lack this consistency. This technique leverages AI and astronomy tools like the Gini coefficient and CAS parameters to improve the accuracy of deepfake detection, though it is not foolproof.

Chatbot Offers Individual Support with Programming Assignments: Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have developed Iris, a chatbot that assists informatics students with programming assignments. Integrated into the Artemis learning platform, Iris uses AI to provide personalized support by offering hints and leading questions rather than direct solutions. This method improves students' understanding and confidence, particularly in large lecture settings. Surveys indicate students value Iris as a complement to human tutors and feel comfortable using it for exam preparation.

How Controversial Supershoes Are Reshaping Competitive Running: Supershoes, equipped with carbon fiber plates and advanced foam, are transforming competitive running by enhancing performance. These shoes reduce energy loss and improve running economy, leading to faster times and numerous record-breaking performances. However, their use has sparked debates over fairness and whether they provide an unfair advantage, prompting discussions about regulations in the sport.

Trusted TV Doctors 'Deepfaked' to Promote Health Scams on Social Media: Recognizable TV doctors in the UK are being "deepfaked" to sell fraudulent health products on social media. Deepfake technology uses AI to create convincing but fake videos of these doctors endorsing products. This issue is exacerbated by the accessibility of AI tools for voice cloning and avatar generation. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are investigating these deceptive practices, aiming to improve detection and enforcement against such scams.

ENGINEERING

New Invention Makes Vibrations Disappear: Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a vibration damping system using electropermanent magnets. This system can suppress low-frequency vibrations in precision applications, such as large telescopes and high-performance microscopes. The system features a floating platform stabilized by magnetic forces, allowing for fine-tuning with high precision and minimal energy consumption. This technology promises significant improvements in various fields requiring high stability and precision.

Advanced Finite Element Method Enhances Earthquake Impact Assessment: Researchers from Kyoto University, Japan have introduced a velocity-based space-time finite element method (v-ST/FEM) for dynamic soil-structure interaction (SSI) analysis. This method improves the accuracy and reliability of predicting seismic responses in structures like dams and embankments. It effectively models energy flow and truncates unbounded soil domains to prevent spurious reflections, offering superior accuracy and stability in long-duration seismic simulations compared to traditional methods.

New Device Spearheads Cheaper Seafloor Test for Offshore Wind Farms: Engineers at RMIT University have developed an innovative, cost-effective device based on a modified speargun to test seabed soil for offshore wind farms. This method, more efficient than traditional lightweight probes and significantly cheaper than heavy-duty ones, could revolutionize site investigations. The device, tested successfully in the lab, is now ready for field trials and promises substantial time and cost savings while minimizing environmental impact.

Engineers Develop Technique to Pinpoint Nanoscale 'Hot Spots' in Electronics: Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a method to identify nanoscale "hot spots" in electronic devices using luminescent nanoparticles and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. This technique enables detailed temperature mapping, which can improve the longevity of electronic components by identifying areas prone to overheating. The new approach has potential applications in enhancing the reliability and performance of various electronic devices.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

NASA Transmits Hip-Hop Song to Deep Space for First Time: NASA has transmitted Missy Elliott's "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" to Venus, marking the first time a hip-hop song has been sent to deep space. The song, chosen for its inspirational message, traveled 158 million miles via NASA's Deep Space Network, using the DSS-13 antenna in California. This initiative aligns with NASA's aim to blend art and science, highlighting both the agency's and Elliott's boundary-pushing spirit.

Meteorites from Mars Help Scientists Understand the Red Planet's Interior: Researchers have been analyzing Martian meteorites to gain insights into the interior and geological history of Mars. These meteorites reveal information about the volcanic activity and the differentiation of the planet's mantle and core. The findings suggest that Mars has been volcanically active throughout its history, and studying these meteorites can provide clues about the planet's habitability and geological processes.

Scorching Storms on Distant Worlds Revealed in New Detail: Astronomers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have provided the most detailed weather report on two brown dwarfs, WISE 1049AB, which are located 6 light-years from Earth. The study revealed extreme atmospheric conditions, including swirling clouds of hot sand at temperatures of 950°C. By measuring light waves and constructing 3D weather maps, researchers identified the presence of gases like water, methane, and carbon monoxide, offering new insights into brown dwarfs and giant exoplanets.

Astronomers Detect Dozens of New Pulsating White Dwarfs: Astronomers using NASA's TESS satellite have discovered 32 new pulsating DA white dwarfs of the ZZ Ceti subclass. These white dwarfs exhibit non-radial gravity wave pulsations, causing variations in luminosity. The study, led by Alejandra D. Romero, highlights the significant role of TESS in identifying such stars, which are crucial for understanding stellar evolution and behavior.

A Walking Balloon Could One Day Explore Titan—or Earth's Sea Floor: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing the BALloon Locomotion for Extreme Terrain (BALLET) concept, a walking balloon designed for planetary exploration. BALLET uses a buoyant balloon with six feet on adjustable cables, allowing it to "walk" by lifting and repositioning its feet. This design is suitable for Titan's stable, thick atmosphere and could traverse challenging terrains. The concept also has potential applications in undersea mining on Earth, offering a non-destructive alternative to traditional methods.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Breakthrough Cobra Venom Antidote Discovered: Researchers have developed a new, cost-effective antidote for cobra venom using the blood thinner heparin. This discovery could significantly reduce injuries and fatalities from cobra bites, particularly in regions lacking access to medical treatment. The antidote works by flooding the wound with decoy molecules that bind and neutralize venom toxins. This advancement promises quicker, safer, and cheaper treatment options, potentially aiding in the global effort to reduce snakebite-related deaths and injuries.

Gut Protein May Protect Brain Cells in Parkinson's Disease: Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that the gut receptor protein GUCY2C might protect brain cells from Parkinson's disease (PD). The study showed that GUCY2C, known for its role in the gut, is also produced in the brain and may prevent neuron damage from toxins. This discovery could lead to new treatments that go beyond symptom management to potentially halt disease progression.

New Gene Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy Offers Hope: Researchers at University of Washington Medicine have developed a gene therapy to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder affecting muscle function. Using a series of adeno-associated viral vectors, they deliver protein packets to replace the defective gene, allowing muscles to produce dystrophin. This approach has shown success in mouse models, halting and even reversing disease progression. Human trials are expected to begin in two years, potentially offering a new therapeutic avenue for patients.

Researchers Develop Hydrogel Implant to Treat Endometriosis: Researchers at ETH Zurich and Empa have created a hydrogel implant designed to occlude fallopian tubes, which can serve as both a contraceptive and a preventive measure against endometriosis. The hydrogel implant swells upon contact with liquid, blocking sperm and menstrual blood. It can be easily removed with UV light or a special solution. This interdisciplinary project combines gynecology and material science to offer a promising non-surgical option for managing endometriosis.

More Black Americans Die from Effects of Air Pollution, Study Shows: A Stanford Medicine study reveals that Black Americans are disproportionately affected by air pollution, experiencing higher mortality rates compared to other racial groups. The study links societal disadvantages, such as poverty and limited access to healthcare, to increased susceptibility to air pollution. Despite overall improvements in air quality, racial disparities persist, emphasizing the need for targeted environmental policies to reduce these health inequities.

ENVIRONMENT

Sea Ice's Cooling Power is Waning Faster Than Its Area of Extent: A study by University of Michigan scientists reveals that the cooling effect of sea ice has decreased by about twice the rate of its area reduction since 1980. This decline, particularly pronounced in the Arctic, results from both disappearing ice cover and the formation of less reflective, thinner ice. These changes amplify global warming effects, highlighting the need for updated climate models to consider these new data.

Diatom Surprise Could Rewrite the Global Carbon Cycle: Researchers at the University of California San Diego have discovered that diatoms, which are single-celled marine plankton, can accumulate carbon not only through photosynthesis but also by directly consuming organic carbon. This new understanding could significantly alter estimates of carbon dioxide uptake by these organisms, impacting global carbon cycle models. The study, published in Science Advances, suggests that the role of diatoms in carbon sequestration is more complex than previously thought.

New Research Sheds Light on River Dynamics and Cutoff Regimes: Riccardo Maitan from the University of Padova in Italy has developed a novel approach to study river dynamics and cutoff regimes, focusing on hydrological behavior rather than traditional methods. Analyzing 15 years of USGS data and Google Earth images, he identified how peak discharge variability affects river morphology. The study reveals that neck cutoffs occur in rivers with limited discharge variability, while chute cutoffs happen in rivers with intense flooding. This research could inform river management and conservation efforts.

NATURE

Sea Slugs Discovered Working Together to Hunt in Packs: Researchers have discovered that a simple species of sea slug exhibits complex social behavior by hunting in packs. These sea slugs team up to swarm and overpower their venomous anemone prey, showcasing a level of cooperation previously thought to be limited to larger, more complex animals. This finding challenges existing notions of social behavior in simpler organisms and could lead to a deeper understanding of marine life interactions.

Scientists Identify Brain Circuits Tied to the Behavior of Schooling Fish: UC San Diego researchers have uncovered brain circuits in glassfish responsible for their schooling behavior. Using a combination of machine learning and optical microscopy, they discovered that these fish rely on vision to coordinate their movements. As the fish mature, their ability to follow coordinated group movements improves. The study highlights the developmental aspect of social behaviors in animals, providing insights into how individual brain activities produce collective behaviors.

Baleen Plates Provide New Insight on Life History of Blue and Fin Whales: Researchers analyzed historical baleen plates from Southern Hemisphere blue and fin whales, revealing key differences in their migratory and feeding behaviors over the past 80 years. The study shows that blue whales might stay in the Southern Ocean year-round, while fin whales exhibit regular annual migrations to sub-Antarctic waters. This research helps scientists understand past whale behaviors and informs conservation efforts by providing context for current population dynamics.

Biodiversity Loss Impacts Societies and Economies: How Can Europe Confront the Spread of Invasive Species?: Biodiversity loss due to invasive species is a major threat to Europe’s ecosystems, with over 1,500 invasive species established. Projections suggest a 64% increase in non-native species by 2050. Researchers have developed four scenarios for future invasions and a comprehensive management strategy focusing on political action, research, public awareness, and biosecurity. Key recommendations include creating a dedicated European agency, standardizing data protocols, and improving cross-sector communication.

INDUSTRY

Puerto Rico Files $1 Billion Climate Lawsuit Against Oil Companies: Puerto Rico has filed a $1 billion lawsuit against major oil companies, accusing them of contributing to climate change and the resulting damage from extreme weather events like hurricanes. The lawsuit claims that these companies were aware of the harmful effects of their products on the climate but failed to take action. This legal move is part of a growing trend of holding fossil fuel companies accountable for their role in climate change.

Tokyo Airport Trials Driverless Cargo Vehicle: Tokyo's Haneda Airport is trialing a driverless vehicle to address labor shortages and manage increasing tourist numbers. Developed by All Nippon Airways and Toyota Industries, the vehicle can tow up to 13 tons of cargo and operates autonomously over distances of around two kilometers. This initiative, part of a government-backed effort, aims for full operational status by next year, enhancing efficiency in one of the world's busiest airports.

Spain's Aragon: Europe's New Cloud Storage Oasis: Major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta are investing billions in cloud storage facilities in Aragon, Spain, due to its renewable energy resources and strategic location. This investment aims to meet the rising data demands driven by AI. However, environmentalists are concerned about the significant electricity and water consumption required by these data centers. The regional government is promoting this growth by simplifying regulations and providing legal security for these projects.

SpaceX Seeks Rapid Return to Flight After Falcon 9 Rocket Anomaly: Following an anomaly with a Falcon 9 rocket, SpaceX is working towards a swift return to flight operations. The issue involved unexpected changes in the rocket's performance during a mission, prompting an investigation to identify and resolve the problem. SpaceX aims to implement fixes quickly to resume its launch schedule, ensuring reliability and safety for future missions.

WORLD

Wildfires in South Africa are Set to Increase: How Legal Action Can Help Adaptation to Climate Change: As climate change exacerbates heat and drought, wildfires in South Africa are expected to rise. Legal measures can compel landowners to adopt preventive practices, such as maintaining fire breaks and firefighting equipment. Since 1997, 22 wildfire lawsuits have been decided, emphasizing the evolving liability rules linked to climate conditions. By reinforcing preventive behaviors and addressing legal gaps, these lawsuits can help mitigate wildfire risks and improve adaptation strategies.