Inflight Alcohol and Cabin Pressure Pose Risks to Blood Oxygen and Heart Rate

Long flights can be daunting, from the lengthy airport check-ins to ensuring we have our boarding passes and IDs, to figuring out how we will pass the time during the flight. We could indulge in activities that we have often sidelined: watch that blockbuster movie we've missed or binge-watch a new series, delve into a gripping novel or listen to a fascinating audiobook, catch up on social media or emails, stretch our legs, chat with fellow passengers (or not if we are feeling antisocial), or simply gaze out of the window and daydream as the world passes beneath us. Then there’s the opportunity to enjoy a drink during the flight without having to worry about how it might affect our heart rate... until now.

In today’s edition, we explore in-flight alcohol consumption and cabin pressure, along with their risks to blood oxygen levels and heart rate. Additionally, we cover:

• Science - Experiment to Send Quantum Particle Back in Time.

• Technology and AI - AI and Thermal Imaging Accurately Detect Coronary Artery Disease.

• Engineering - Floating Solar Panels Could Satisfy Entire Electricity Needs of Some Nations.

• Health - Five-Minute Test Enhances Dementia Care in Primary Settings.

• Environment - Informal Water Contracts Offer Efficient Solution for Drought Management.

• Industry News: Half-Century-Old Hazardous Waste Dump in Florida Set for $62 Million Cleanup.

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Experiment to Send Quantum Particle Back in Time: Physicists are exploring quantum time travel by attempting to send a particle into the past. The experiment, which leverages the principles of quantum mechanics, aims to test the feasibility of time loops where events can influence the past. This groundbreaking research could provide new insights into the nature of time and causality within theoretical physics.

New Anti-Counterfeit Technique: Scientists have created a novel method for embedding two light-reactive images into a single material, providing an advanced tool for preventing counterfeiting and data theft​. Utilizing an azobenzene-containing liquid crystal polymer (ALCP), they created both structural and polarization patterns. This dual-mode film, which is rewritable, enhances security features for currency, passports, and IDs by allowing verification under different lighting conditions.

Strange Form of Water Could Clarify Uranus's Chaotic Magnetism: Researchers have discovered that superionic ice, a bizarre phase of water, might be key to understanding the unusual and chaotic magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune. Superionic ice forms under extreme pressures and temperatures, causing water to behave like both a solid and a liquid. In this state, oxygen ions form a solid lattice while hydrogen ions move freely, akin to the properties of a metal. This unique structure could explain the off-kilter, highly tilted magnetospheres of these planets, which differ significantly from other planetary magnetic fields. This breakthrough not only offers insights into planetary science but also contributes to the broader understanding of physical and chemical behaviors under extreme conditions.

Scientists Develop 'X-ray Vision' Technique to Visualize Crystal Interiors: Researchers at New York University have created a new imaging technique called "Crystal Clear" that enables scientists to see inside crystals at a granular level. By using transparent colloidal particles and confocal microscopy, they can generate detailed three-dimensional models of crystal structures, revealing internal defects and dynamics previously hidden. This advancement holds significant potential for improving our understanding of crystallization processes and developing advanced materials.

Key Nutrients Identified to Help Plants Cope with Heat Stress: Scientists at the Salk Institute have found that nitrogen and phosphorus are crucial for helping plants withstand high temperatures. These nutrients enhance root growth, which improves water and nutrient uptake during heat stress. However, this accelerated root growth can deplete the nutrients, affecting the plants' nutritional value. The research, published in Nature Communications, offers insights for developing climate-resilient crops.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

New Optical Approach to Revolutionize and Miniaturize Night Vision Technology: Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems have developed an innovative all-optical method for miniaturizing night vision technology. Using a lithium niobate metasurface, this new approach enables infrared light to be converted into visible light on a film thinner than cling wrap. This breakthrough could lead to lightweight night vision devices integrated into everyday eyewear, significantly enhancing applications in surveillance, navigation, and more.

New Tech Allows Stroke Patients to Rehab at Home with Gaming Controller: Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a new rehabilitation technology for stroke patients, using a smartphone and a low-cost gaming controller, the Novint Falcon. This system allows patients to perform rehab exercises at home while accurately tracking wrist movements. The innovation aims to provide affordable, accessible rehabilitation by leveraging smartphone sensors and machine learning to offer real-time feedback to therapists, potentially improving recovery outcomes.

Wearable Brain Imaging Provides Detailed Insight into Children's Brain Development: Scientists from the University of Nottingham have developed a wearable brain scanner that offers precise imaging of young children's brain activity. Utilizing magnetoencephalography (MEG) and quantum technology, this system can measure brain function in children as young as two, even allowing for movement during scans. This advancement enhances understanding of developmental milestones and the emergence of neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, paving the way for significant progress in clinical research.

AI and Thermal Imaging Accurately Detect Coronary Artery Disease: Researchers have developed a method combining facial thermal imaging with AI to accurately predict coronary artery disease (CAD). This non-invasive approach was found to be more effective than traditional risk assessments and could streamline clinical workflows, providing real-time diagnostics. The study highlights the potential for this technology to enhance CAD screening and diagnosis, pending further validation with larger, diverse populations.

AI Enhances Coral Reef Conservation with Advanced Image Analysis: Researchers have leveraged AI and underwater imaging to significantly improve coral reef monitoring. This new technology enables non-invasive and precise segmentation of coral images, addressing traditional methods' inefficiencies. Developed by a team from Wuhan University, the AI system uses deep learning to create high-resolution maps of coral reefs, aiding in the rapid assessment of reef health and the formulation of effective conservation strategies.

ENGINEERING

Machine Learning Advances Defect Detection in 3D Printing: Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a machine learning model to detect defects in additive manufacturing. By generating thousands of synthetic defects for training, the deep learning algorithm can accurately identify unseen defects in real 3D-printed parts. This method significantly enhances quality control in additive manufacturing by using X-ray computed tomography to inspect internal features that are otherwise hidden.

Floating Solar Panels Could Satisfy Entire Electricity Needs of Some Nations: Research by Bangor and Lancaster Universities reveal that floating solar photovoltaic panels on lakes and reservoirs could meet the entire electricity demands of certain countries. This study, utilizing climate data from 68,000 global water bodies, suggests significant energy potential, particularly for nations like Papua New Guinea and Ethiopia. Floating solar panels offer additional benefits, such as land conservation and reduced water evaporation, though further research on environmental impacts is needed.

Carnegie Mellon Study Proposes Public Service Robots for Accessibility: Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have explored the design of accessible sidewalk robots through collaboration with people with disabilities. Their study highlights the potential of robots to clear snow, assist at crosswalks, and monitor sidewalks for traffic, aiming to enhance mobility for all users. The researchers advocate for industry standards to ensure robots meet accessibility needs and propose various public service applications beyond deliveries.

Propane Refrigeration Circuit for Industrial Heat Pumps: Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have developed a heat pump with a propane refrigeration circuit tailored for industrial applications. This innovation significantly reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions in industrial cleaning processes by integrating a modular thermal management system. The propane-based system offers a high energy efficiency and cost savings, marking a crucial step towards the decarbonization of industrial processes.

HEALTH

Airplane Noise Exposure Linked to Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: A study led by Boston University and Oregon State University suggests that exposure to airplane noise levels of 45 dB or higher is associated with higher body mass index (BMI) and an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases, including heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension. This research highlights the environmental impact of aircraft noise on health, urging for policies to mitigate these risks.

Five-Minute Test Enhances Dementia Care in Primary Settings: A new five-minute cognitive assessment, developed by Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System, significantly improves dementia diagnosis and care in primary care settings. The test, tailored to address cultural and language biases, leads to a threefold increase in diagnosis and treatment rates. This advancement is particularly impactful for underdiagnosed groups, such as Black and Hispanic patients, demonstrating the test's potential to transform dementia care practices.

Inflight Alcohol and Cabin Pressure Pose Risks to Blood Oxygen and Heart Rate: A study published in Thorax reveals that consuming alcohol during flights, combined with cabin pressure, significantly reduces blood oxygen levels and increases heart rate, even in healthy young adults. The reduced O2 levels might enhance alcohol absorption leading to quicker intoxication. The research suggests these effects could exacerbate symptoms in passengers with cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions, prompting calls to reconsider in-flight alcohol regulations. This highlights the need for awareness of the potential health risks associated with drinking alcohol at high altitudes.

People of Color Disproportionately Affected by Medicaid Dis-enrollments: A study by Oregon Health & Science University reveals that Black and Hispanic individuals are twice as likely to be dropped from Medicaid compared to white individuals, primarily due to procedural issues rather than eligibility. These findings highlight systemic inefficiencies and call for improved enrollment processes to mitigate health disparities. The research underscores the need for policy changes to ensure equitable access to healthcare.

ENVIRONMENT

Informal Water Contracts Offer Efficient Solution for Drought Management: A study from UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health suggests that informal water contracts could provide a faster and more cost-effective method to manage water resources during droughts. These contracts allow temporary water transfers without the lengthy regulatory process, enabling urban areas to access water more quickly and affordably. This approach, tested in the Upper Colorado River Basin, demonstrated significant economic benefits and could be applied to other regions facing water scarcity.

Scientists Urge Protection of Amazon’s Critical Water: Scientists are advocating for the conservation of the Amazon's "unseen" water cycle, emphasizing the Andes-Amazon-Atlantic pathway's importance. This hydroclimate system, linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Andes Mountains through the Amazon, is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and mitigating climate change. The researchers call for better data collection, international collaboration, and zero-deforestation policies to protect this essential water cycle from the impacts of human activity and climate change.

INDUSTRY NEWS

ACC Suspends Battery Plant Construction in Germany and Italy: Automotive Cells Company (ACC) has paused the construction of two battery manufacturing plants in Germany and Italy. This decision follows a shift towards the less expensive lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, driven by market demand for cost-effective electric vehicles. ACC, a joint venture of TotalEnergies, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, is reassessing its strategy to incorporate these affordable battery solutions in response to changing market conditions.

Poll: High Costs and Limited Charging Infrastructure Deter Americans from EV Adoption: Despite President Biden's push for electric vehicles (EVs), many Americans remain hesitant to make the switch. A poll reveals that high prices and inadequate charging infrastructure are major barriers. Only about 40% of U.S. adults are somewhat likely to consider an EV for their next car, while 46% are unlikely. The concerns highlight significant challenges in advancing the administration's EV adoption goals.

China's Chang'e-6 Probe Unfurls Flag on Moon's Far Side and Collects Lunar Samples: China's Chang'e-6 spacecraft has successfully unfurled the national flag on the far side of the moon and lifted off with lunar rock and soil samples. This mission marks a significant achievement in China's space program, aiming to bring back samples to Earth by June 25. The Chang'e-6's landing site, the South Pole-Aitken Basin, holds scientific interest due to its ancient and massive impact structure.

AMD Introduces New AI Chips to Compete with Nvidia: AMD has unveiled its latest AI chips aimed at challenging Nvidia's dominance in the market. Announced at Computex 2024, these new processors are designed for use in data centers and advanced laptops. The Instinct MI325X, part of AMD's annual update cycle, promises to deliver competitive performance. AMD's partnerships with major tech companies like Microsoft, HP, and Lenovo highlight its strategic push into AI technology, with these new chips set to enhance AI capabilities across various platforms.

Intel Launches New AI Chips at Computex Amidst Competitive AI Processor Market: Intel has unveiled its latest AI chips at Computex 2024, including the Xeon 6 processors for servers and next-gen Lunar Lake chips for AI-enhanced PCs. CEO Pat Gelsinger emphasized these chips' superior performance, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness compared to competitors like Nvidia, AMD, and Qualcomm. Intel's advancements aim to lead the AI revolution, supporting various applications from data centers to consumer devices.

Half-Century-Old Hazardous Waste Dump in Florida Set for $62 Million Cleanup: A $62 million federally supported cleanup effort will soon begin at the Petroleum Products Corporation Superfund site in Pembroke Park, Florida. The site, operational from 1957 to 1971, left behind significant soil and groundwater contamination. The cleanup, led by the EPA and Florida's Department of Environmental Protection, aims to prevent further toxin spread using advanced remediation techniques. This project highlights ongoing efforts to address long-standing environmental hazards.