Infrared Vision Achieved Through New Contact Lens Technology

Hello and welcome to our May 22nd edition. The STEAM Digest is a curated newsletter that brings you the latest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Physics - MIT Physicists Discover Magnetic Superconductor in Pencil-Lead Graphite, and more.

• Biology - “Selfish” Jumping Genes Behind DNA Complexity and Disease Risk, New Study Finds, and more.

• Chemistry - Switchable Infrared Fluorescent Dyes Offer Breakthrough in Bioimaging and Sensing, and more.

• Materials - Infrared Vision Achieved Through New Contact Lens Technology.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - Scientists Create Shapeshifting Proteins Using AI for Future Medical and Environmental Advances.

• Engineering & Technology - Breakthrough in Gallium Nitride Transistors Paves the Way for 6G and Future Tech Revolution, and more.

• Robotics, AI, Hardware, Software, Gadgets - Fruit Fly Larvae Inspire Self-Rolling Soft Robot for Tough Terrain and Rescue Missions, and more.

• Astronomy, Space, & Astrobiology - Physicists Propose Black Hole Winds as Potential Source of Mysterious Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays.

• Neuroscience - New Alzheimer's Drug Shows Promise by Protecting the Brain’s Barrier, Not Targeting Amyloid.

• Environment & Earth Sciences - PFAS "Forever Chemicals" Found in U.S. Beers, Especially Near Known Contaminated Water Sources, and more.

• Nature & Ecology - Cornell Study Reveals Hidden Genetic Chaos Behind Perfect Flower Growth Patterns, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Buried with Care: Medieval Infant Burial in Belgian Brothel Challenges Assumptions About Infanticide, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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PHYSICS

Physicists Discover Magnetic Superconductor in Pencil-Lead Graphite: MIT researchers have discovered a rare and exotic form of superconductivity in rhombohedral graphite—a structure made of four or five graphene layers stacked like a staircase. They reveal that this material not only conducts electricity with zero resistance at ultracold temperatures (300 millikelvins), but also exhibits intrinsic magnetism, defying a long-standing belief that superconductivity and magnetism are incompatible. When exposed to a magnetic field, the material switches between two superconducting states, behaving like a magnet. The team believes this "chiral superconductor" arises from all electrons aligning in the same momentum state (or “valley”), leading to superconducting pairs with net orbital spin. This breakthrough opens exciting possibilities for understanding quantum materials and developing topological superconductors for robust quantum computing.

MIT Team Takes Step Toward Testing Quantum Gravity with Laser-Cooled Device: MIT researchers have used lasers to cool a centimeter-scale torsional oscillator to just 10 millikelvins, a major advance in testing whether gravity is a quantum force. The team adapted laser cooling techniques from atomic physics to a classical tool used in gravity studies. They achieved quantum-level precision using a mirrored optical lever system that cancels laser jitter, allowing ultra-sensitive motion detection. The cooled device may eventually enable experiments where two oscillators interact solely through gravity—potentially revealing if gravity must follow quantum laws. The work lays the foundation for future lab-based tests of quantum gravity, a long-standing mystery in physics.

BIOLOGY

“Selfish” Jumping Genes Behind DNA Complexity and Disease Risk, New Study Finds: A groundbreaking study reveals that “introners”—a type of self-replicating transposable DNA element—are a major driver of genome complexity across life on Earth. These "selfish" elements insert noncoding sequences called introns into DNA, which must later be removed to form functional proteins. While introns allow for alternative splicing (a process linked to both biological complexity and genetic diseases), their origin has remained mysterious. By analyzing nearly 9,000 genomes, researchers found over 1,000 introner families, especially in algae, fungi, and marine invertebrates. Most strikingly, they discovered eight proven cases of horizontal gene transfer, where introners jumped between unrelated species, possibly via viruses. These findings illuminate a hidden force in genome evolution and have implications for understanding splicing-related diseases, including some cancers.

Why Ancient Sloths Grew So Big—and Why They Vanished: A new study reveals that ancient sloths ranged from small tree dwellers to 8,000-pound giants like Megatherium. Researchers analyzed over 400 fossils and DNA from living and extinct sloths, finding that climate and habitat were key drivers of their size. Sloths shrank during warm, forested periods and grew larger in cooler, open environments for protection and efficiency. Giant sloths eventually went extinct around 15,000 years ago—likely due to human hunting—while only two small, tree-dwelling species remain today

CHEMISTRY

Switchable Infrared Fluorescent Dyes Offer Breakthrough in Bioimaging and Sensing: Researchers have developed redox-responsive fluorescent dyes based on nitrogen-rich pyrazinacenes that emit light in the near-infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) regions. The study introduces compact molecules that exhibit tunable fluorescence—shifting from visible light to NIR/SWIR through a simple redox process. By linking electron-donating triphenylamine groups to small pyrazinacenes, the team achieved high quantum yields: up to 58% in the visible range and 16.4% in the NIR. These dyes hold promise for deep-tissue bioimaging, solar cell efficiency, and disease detection in redox-variant environments like tumors. This work opens a path to more efficient, adaptable infrared dyes for advanced sensing and imaging applications.

New Two-Step Method Breaks Down Stubborn Biofilms and Prevents Regrowth for Months: Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a powerful two-step approach to dismantle bacterial biofilms and prevent their return—a major advancement against infections in medical settings and industrial contamination. The method combines chemical disinfectants (hydrogen peroxide and peroxyacetic acid) with self-locomotive antibacterial microbubblers (SLAM). SLAM particles, when activated by hydrogen peroxide, generate bursting microbubbles that physically disrupt the biofilm matrix. This is followed by a chemical rinse that kills remaining bacteria. Together, the process removed over 95% of the biofilm and prevented regrowth for over two months. The team is now adapting the method for real-world applications, including cleaning dental implants and manufacturing SLAM particles at scale.

MATERIALS

Infrared Vision Achieved Through New Contact Lens Technology: Researchers have developed contact lenses that grant infrared vision to both humans and mice—without requiring an external power source. The lenses use special nanoparticles that absorb near-infrared light (800–1600 nm) and convert it into visible wavelengths. This enables users to perceive both visible and infrared light simultaneously, with enhanced infrared sensitivity when eyes are closed. The technology has already shown success in behavioral and neurological tests on mice, and allowed human participants to detect infrared signals and even distinguish between different infrared wavelengths using color-coded light conversion. Future developments may improve spatial resolution and sensitivity, with potential applications in security, communication, rescue operations, and even color vision correction.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Scientists Create Shapeshifting Proteins Using AI for Future Medical and Environmental Advances: Researchers have developed a method to engineer proteins that move and change shape, mimicking how natural proteins function. These "shapeshifting" proteins are crucial for life processes like metabolism and cell signaling, and are targeted by nearly one-third of all FDA-approved drugs. Using AI tools like AlphaFold2 and computer simulations, the team designed a protein that switches shapes to bind and release calcium—similar to natural regulatory proteins. This breakthrough could lead to advanced medical treatments, pollution-fighting enzymes, and climate-resilient crops.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

MIT Engineers Develop Energy-Saving Membrane for Crude Oil Separation:
In a breakthrough that could drastically cut carbon emissions, MIT researchers have developed a novel membrane that separates components of crude oil by molecular size rather than by heat—a method that could reduce the energy used in oil fractionation by up to 90%. The study presents a thin, non-swelling polyimine membrane made using a technique called interfacial polymerization, commonly used in water desalination. The membrane demonstrated high selectivity and efficiency in separating industrially relevant hydrocarbon mixtures. Scalable and compatible with existing manufacturing processes, this innovation has the potential to replace traditional distillation columns and significantly lower the oil industry's environmental footprint.

Breakthrough in Gallium Nitride Transistors Paves the Way for 6G and Future Tech Revolution: A team led by the University of Bristol has made a major breakthrough in semiconductor technology that could dramatically accelerate the development of 6G networks and futuristic applications like self-driving cars, remote diagnostics, and immersive virtual experiences. The study reveals that superlattice castellated field-effect transistors (SLCFETs) made from gallium nitride (GaN) can achieve unprecedented speeds and reliability by exploiting a newly identified latch effect in GaN. This phenomenon boosts radio frequency performance in the W-band (75–110 GHz)—crucial for ultra-fast, high-volume data transmission. The researchers confirmed their findings using precise electrical measurements, microscopy, and 3D modeling. Their discovery unlocks new levels of speed, power, and stability in RF devices and opens the door to transformative global technologies enabled by next-gen wireless communication.

ROBOTICS, AI, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, GADGETS

Fruit Fly Larvae Inspire Self-Rolling Soft Robot for Tough Terrain and Rescue Missions: Inspired by the escape behavior of Drosophila (fruit fly) larvae, researchers have developed a pneumatic soft robot that mimics the larvae’s active rolling motion—offering a new model for autonomous, adaptive machines. The study reveals how larvae use sequential muscle contractions to curl into a C-shape and roll along their body axis without relying on gravity. Based on this, scientists engineered a silicone-based robot with four air-powered internal chambers that bend and roll the robot forward—even when some actuators are damaged. The innovation demonstrates how biologically inspired motion can lead to resilient, maneuverable robots ideal for search-and-rescue, healthcare, and exploration in challenging environments.

AI Shows Emotional Intelligence Superior to Humans in New Study:
A groundbreaking study has found that generative AIs—including ChatGPT—can outperform humans on emotional intelligence (EI) assessments. The study tested six large language models (LLMs) using five standardized EI tests involving emotionally charged scenarios. The AIs scored 82% accuracy, compared to 56% for humans, suggesting they not only understand emotions but also demonstrate emotionally intelligent behavior. ChatGPT-4 also successfully created new EI test scenarios, which proved just as effective as those developed by experts over years. The results point to potential applications for AI in education, coaching, and conflict resolution, as long as use is guided by human oversight.

AI and Google Street View Reveal Hidden Building Data to Aid Sustainable Urban Planning: Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed an AI-driven method that uses Google Street View images to estimate building characteristics—such as age and interior floor area—that are not visible from the outside. The study achieved 70% accuracy for age prediction and 80% for floor area, providing valuable insights into building stock, material use, and embodied greenhouse gas emissions. This low-cost, scalable tool can support urban planning, carbon footprint analysis, and infrastructure development, offering a practical alternative to expensive data collection methods. The work highlights the untapped potential of combining public imagery and AI to better understand and manage cities.

ASTRONOMY, SPACE, & ASTROLOBIOLOGY

Physicists Propose Black Hole Winds as Potential Source of Mysterious Ultra-High-Energy Cosmic Rays: A new study offers a compelling hypothesis for one of physics’ long-standing mysteries: the origin of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays—subatomic particles that reach Earth with energies billions of times higher than those produced in particle accelerators. The study suggests these particles may be accelerated by massive winds expelled from active supermassive black holes, which eject matter at speeds approaching half the speed of light. Using detailed simulations, the researchers found these winds provide conditions that align well with the acceleration and composition of observed high-energy particles. While the evidence remains preliminary, the model explains particle traits that other theories can't account for and may be testable through future neutrino observatories.

NEUROSCIENCE

New Alzheimer's Drug Shows Promise by Protecting the Brain’s Barrier, Not Targeting Amyloid: In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Case Western Reserve University and partner institutions have identified a new drug candidate, SW033291, that prevents neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) by protecting the blood-brain barrier (BBB) rather than targeting neurons or amyloid plaques. The drug works by inhibiting the enzyme 15-PGDH, which is highly active in AD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and aging. Treated mouse models showed preserved memory, brain function, and barrier integrity—even when treated a full day after a TBI. This innovative approach may lead to safer and more effective therapies for AD and other brain disorders.

ENVIRONMENT & EARTH SCIENCES

PFAS "Forever Chemicals" Found in U.S. Beers, Especially Near Known Contaminated Water Sources: A new study has detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—commonly known as forever chemicals—in 95% of 23 beers tested across the U.S. The research reveals that beers brewed in regions with documented PFAS-contaminated water, such as North Carolina’s Cape Fear River Basin, showed the highest levels and diversity of these persistent pollutants. Despite existing brewery filtration systems, PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS still made it into the final product. The study highlights the urgent need for upgraded water treatment infrastructure in both municipal systems and breweries, especially as stricter PFAS regulations are rolled out.

Caltech Study Reveals High Levels of Ammonium Nitrate in L.A. Smog, Urges Continued Cuts to Fossil Fuel Emissions:
A new study from Caltech reveals that ammonium nitrate, a major component of smog, is far more prevalent in the Los Angeles area than previously estimated—especially on the most polluted days. Using advanced instruments from the ASCENT air quality monitoring network, researchers overcame past measurement challenges to capture real-time data on this elusive aerosol. The findings highlight that despite decades of progress, NOx emissions from fossil fuels continue to drive the formation of ammonium nitrate, aided by complex nighttime chemical reactions involving ozone. The study underscores the need for ongoing reductions in car, truck, and industrial emissions, as well as the importance of electrifying vehicles and appliances to combat air pollution more effectively.

Arctic Clouds Hold the Key to Faster Warming Than Climate Models Predict, Study Finds: A new study suggests that mixed-phase clouds—which contain both ice and supercooled liquid water—are a major factor behind the rapid warming of the Arctic, currently occurring 3–4 times faster than the global average. Researchers analyzed 30 climate models and found that most overestimate the amount of ice in Arctic winter clouds, underestimating their heat-trapping ability. These cloud biases help explain why current models fail to account for the Arctic’s present warming pace. The study also found that while models underestimate today’s warming, they may overestimate future warming due to a misunderstood process known as cloud emissivity feedback, which weakens once clouds are fully saturated with liquid. The findings highlight the urgent need to improve cloud modeling to enhance forecasts of both Arctic and global climate change.

NATURE & ECOLOGY

Cornell Study Reveals Hidden Genetic Chaos Behind Perfect Flower Growth Patterns: A new study reveals that despite the precise and consistent formation of plant structures like flowers, gene activity inside individual cells is surprisingly chaotic. Researchers studied Arabidopsis thaliana and found that auxin-responsive genes, including DR5, activate randomly from cell to cell—even when exposed to the same hormone signal. This randomness, or "genetic noise," is managed through a process called spatial averaging, where groups of cells collectively smooth out individual variability to create reliable developmental outcomes. The findings challenge assumptions about biological precision and have broad implications for plant engineering, synthetic biology, and disease research.

Puff Adders Prove Powerful Allies in Natural Rodent Control, Study Finds:
New research highlights the puff adder (Bitis arietans) as a highly effective and sustainable predator for controlling rodent outbreaks that threaten African agriculture. The study shows that puff adders can boost their food intake by over 12 times during rodent population surges—far surpassing traditional mammalian predators. Capable of consuming up to 10 rodents in a single session and quickly returning to hunt again, these snakes offer farmers a no-cost, eco-friendly alternative to chemical pest control. Professor Graham Alexander, who led the study, advocates for puff adder conservation as a crucial part of integrated pest management strategies, noting their high population density and adaptability make them a formidable natural solution to crop loss.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Buried with Care: Medieval Infant Burial in Belgian Brothel Challenges Assumptions About Infanticide: Excavations in 1998 at a 14th-century brothel site in Aalst, Belgium uncovered the rare burial of a 3-month-old male infant beneath the floor—an unusual practice in late medieval Europe. A new study used ancient DNA and stable isotope analysis to investigate the cause of death and social context of the burial. The child showed signs of good nourishment and no bacterial disease, suggesting he likely died from a viral infection, not infanticide. The careful burial near a hearth may reflect beliefs about warmth and spiritual closeness, offering a more compassionate narrative about motherhood in brothel settings. The case highlights how personal grief and maternal bonds persisted even in stigmatized environments and challenges assumptions linking prostitution with child neglect or infanticide.

Stunning Deep-Sea Imaging Reveals USS F-1 Submarine Wreck More Than a Century After Its Sinking: During a recent deep-sea training mission off the coast of San Diego, researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) captured unprecedented images of the USS F-1, a WWI-era U.S. Navy submarine lost in a 1917 accident that killed 19 crew members. Using HOV Alvin and AUV Sentry, the team conducted high-resolution sonar mapping and detailed visual surveys at over 400 meters depth. The data enabled creation of photogrammetric 3D models of the wreck, revealing its preserved state and the marine life inhabiting it. The mission, supported by the National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, and Naval History and Heritage Command, served both historical and training purposes, culminating in an onboard remembrance ceremony. The dive marked a significant moment in naval archaeology and deep-sea exploration, blending advanced technology with profound historical reverence.

New Study Finds High-Skilled Migration Boosts Development in Home Countries: Contrary to the long-standing "brain drain" theory, a new study by researchers at the University of California San Diego reveals that high-skilled emigration from developing countries can enhance economic development, education, and innovation back home. The study shows that migration opportunities—particularly to the U.S.—inspire educational investment and foster transnational networks that promote trade, investment, and knowledge exchange. For example, expanded U.S. nursing visas led to a surge in nursing school enrollment in the Philippines. The research warns that tightening U.S. immigration policies may hinder global and domestic progress, as access to U.S. labor markets supports prosperity on both sides of the border.