Magnetic Microrobot Swarms Achieve Ant-Like Teamwork for Medical and Industrial Applications

Hello and welcome to Saturday’s STEAM newsletter! We bring you summaries of the latest news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Innovative Sunscreen Offers UV Protection and Radiative Cooling, and more.

• Technology and AI - Revolutionary Wireless Charging Technology Enables 3D Power Transfer, and more.

• Engineering - Magnetic Microrobot Swarms Achieve Ant-Like Teamwork for Medical and Industrial Applications, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Unveiling the Outer Solar System: Molecular Composition of TNOs and Centaurs, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Study Finds Older Adults Today Are Healthier Than Previous Generations, and more.

• Neuroscience - Infants Use Nonlinguistic Signals to Learn, Study Reveals, and more.

• Environment - Cloud Impact Clarifies Link Between Warming and Extreme Rainfall, and more.

• Nature - Artificial Light Disrupts Coral Reef Nightlife, Study Finds, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Public Health Measures Proven Effective in Reducing Airborne Virus Transmission.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Innovative Sunscreen Offers UV Protection and Radiative Cooling: Researchers have developed a new sunscreen formula that not only protects against harmful UV radiation but also cools the skin using radiative cooling technology. This innovative sunblock, described in Nano Letters, reflects both UV light and solar heat, keeping skin up to 11 °F (6 °C) cooler than bare skin and 6 °F (3 °C) cooler than existing sunscreens. The formula relies on titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles of optimized size, combined with six other ingredients, to achieve its dual function. The sunscreen has an SPF of 50, is water-resistant, and remains effective after 12 hours of simulated sunlight exposure. It is safe for human and animal skin and costs $0.92 for 10 grams, comparable to current commercial products. This advancement offers significant commercial potential as a solution to rising summer temperatures.

Revolutionizing Ammonia Production: A Green Alternative to the Haber-Bosch Process: Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a sustainable plasma-electrochemical reactor that produces ammonia from air and water without a carbon footprint. Unlike the Haber-Bosch process, which consumes 2% of global energy and relies on fossil fuels, this system operates at room temperature using renewable electricity. The reactor mimics nature's nitrogen cycle, using plasma to generate nitrogen oxide fragments from humidified air, which are then converted into ammonia via a copper-palladium catalyst. The innovative approach sustains an industrially competitive ammonia production rate for over 1,000 hours. The scalable design could enable decentralized ammonia production, offering underdeveloped regions a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. The team is pursuing commercialization to bring this transformative technology to global markets.

Understanding How Enamel Changes with Age to Protect Teeth: Researchers from the University of Washington and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory examined how enamel changes as teeth age using advanced atom probe tomography. Comparing enamel from a 22-year-old and a 56-year-old, they found higher fluoride levels in older teeth, particularly in shell regions of enamel structures. This study suggests fluoride from toothpaste and drinking water integrates into enamel over time, offering insights into its protective role. The interdisciplinary research also aims to understand changes in enamel’s protein composition with age, highlighting how mineral content impacts enamel brittleness. The findings reinforce the importance of fluoride use to combat tooth decay as teeth age.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Revolutionary Wireless Charging Technology Enables 3D Power Transfer: A research team has developed an electric resonance-based wireless power transfer (ERWPT) system, enabling devices to charge anywhere within a three-dimensional (3D) space. This breakthrough overcomes the limitations of traditional magnetic resonance wireless power transfer (MRWPT), achieving consistent efficiency without requiring precise device positioning. The ERWPT system uses an innovative transceiver design with an open bifilar coil, optimizing electric resonance to deliver up to 50 watts with a 46% power transfer efficiency over 2 meters. Unlike previous methods, the system maintains efficiency for multiple devices simultaneously and regardless of their arrangement in the space. This advancement could revolutionize wireless charging for electronic devices, logistics robots, and smart factory systems, providing a practical, mid-range solution for efficient energy transmission in dynamic environments.

Lightning-Fast Laser Neurons Set to Transform AI and Advanced Computing: Researchers have developed a groundbreaking laser-based artificial neuron capable of processing signals at 10 GBaud—a billion times faster than biological neurons. Unlike conventional spiking neurons, this "graded" neuron emulates the continuous signal processing of biological neurons, enabling unparalleled speed and precision for AI applications. This new neuron uses a quantum-dot laser system optimized for efficiency and speed, avoiding the delays seen in earlier photonic spiking neurons. It excels in tasks like arrhythmia detection, processing 100 million heartbeats per second with 98.4% accuracy, and image classification. The neuron’s nonlinear dynamics and memory capabilities make it ideal for reservoir computing, advancing applications such as speech recognition and weather prediction. Researchers aim to cascade multiple laser neurons into networks, promising revolutionary breakthroughs in AI, edge computing, and energy-efficient systems.

Brain-Like Memristors Could Revolutionize Data Storage and Computing: Researchers have developed a groundbreaking transistor-based memristor that mimics the memory capabilities of the human brain. By introducing a molecule called dibenzo tetrathiafulvalene (DBTTF) into the transistor's insulating layer, the device retained past charging states, functioning as a memristor. Unlike traditional transistors, which lack memory, these memristors adjust their current based on previous voltages, resembling the way synapses adapt in the brain. This discovery could lead to more efficient data storage, reducing energy consumption and physical space requirements in massive data centers. The team is now investigating other transistors for similar memristor behavior, aiming to advance this transformative technology for future computing applications.

ENGINEERING

Magnetic Microrobot Swarms Achieve Ant-Like Teamwork for Medical and Industrial Applications: South Korean researchers have developed swarms of magnetic microrobots capable of collaborating like ants to perform complex tasks, such as climbing obstacles, transporting heavy objects, and guiding organisms. Published in Device, the study demonstrates the potential of these swarms in challenging environments, including minimally invasive medical treatments like clearing clogged arteries and transporting drugs. Each cube-shaped microrobot, just 600 micrometers tall, responds to a rotating magnetic field to self-assemble into configurations tailored for specific tasks. These swarms have shown remarkable adaptability, including moving cargo 350 times their individual weight and navigating fluid environments. Although promising, the technology requires further development in autonomy to navigate confined spaces, such as real arteries, without external control. Future research will enhance real-time feedback and trajectory control for broader applications in medicine and industry.

Revolutionary Single-Crystal Batteries Could Outlast Electric Vehicles: Researchers have developed a new lithium-ion battery using single-crystal electrodes, capable of lasting over 20,000 charge cycles—equivalent to driving 8 million kilometers—before hitting 80% capacity. This is a significant improvement over conventional batteries, which degrade after just 2,400 cycles. The single-crystal design resists micro-cracking caused by repeated charging, maintaining structural integrity far longer than traditional materials. Unlike conventional electrodes made of tiny, snowball-like particles prone to damage, the single-crystal electrode behaves like an unbreakable ice cube, enduring mechanical stress with minimal wear. This advancement could extend battery lifespans to outlast EVs themselves, enabling their reuse in "second-life" applications like renewable energy storage. Already in production, these batteries are expected to ramp up in use, supporting long-term sustainability goals in transportation and energy sectors.

Breakthrough Brings Cost-Effective Magnesium Batteries Closer to Reality: Researchers have developed a groundbreaking electrolyte for magnesium-based batteries, enabling a highly efficient magnesium anode. Magnesium is abundant, cost-effective, and sustainable compared to lithium, making it a promising alternative for next-generation energy storage. While earlier magnesium batteries produced low voltage, the new electrolyte allows for operation at up to 3 volts, with further improvements expected through better cathode designs. Unlike previous efforts, this electrolyte is non-corrosive, non-flammable, and cost-effective, making it suitable for large-scale commercial use. This innovation marks a significant step toward commercializing magnesium batteries, potentially revolutionizing sustainable energy storage by offering an alternative to lithium-ion technology.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Unveiling the Outer Solar System: Molecular Composition of TNOs and Centaurs: Researchers have provided unprecedented insights into the outer solar system by analyzing trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and centaurs using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). TNOs, icy planetesimals beyond Neptune, were categorized into three compositional groups—Bowl, Double-dip, and Cliff—based on molecular signatures like water ice, carbon dioxide, methanol, and organics. The study revealed that TNO composition reflects the early solar system’s ice retention zones, offering clues about planetary formation and migration. Complementary research on centaurs, TNOs that migrated near giant planets, showed surface transformations due to warmer environments, with some centaurs retaining links to their parent TNOs. These findings refine understanding of the solar system’s evolution and pave the way for future exploration of outer solar system bodies, enhancing knowledge about their origins and compositional diversity.

Purple Diamonds Power Room-Temperature Maser for Deep Space Signals: UNSW engineers have developed a groundbreaking maser amplifier that enhances weak microwave signals, such as those from deep space, at room temperature. Using lab-grown diamonds with nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers, the system amplifies signals up to 1,000 times, eliminating the need for expensive cryogenic cooling. The device mimics spin systems within the diamond to amplify signals with minimal noise. This innovation could transform space exploration by improving signal detection from distant sources like pulsars and spacecraft, and holds potential for defense applications, including radar systems. The team is working to enhance NV density and refine system components, with a commercial version anticipated in 2–3 years. This advancement offers a compact, cost-effective alternative to traditional amplifiers, promising significant strides in science and technology.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Study Finds Older Adults Today Are Healthier Than Previous Generations: A study reveals significant improvements in the physical and mental functioning of older adults in England compared to previous generations. The research, based on data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, highlights gains in cognitive, locomotor, psychological, and sensory capacities. For instance, a 68-year-old born in 1950 exhibited similar functioning to a 62-year-old born a decade earlier, with even larger improvements observed over longer timespans. Factors such as advancements in education, nutrition, sanitation, and medical care—including joint replacements and chronic disease treatments—likely contributed to these trends. However, researchers caution that these gains may not persist due to rising obesity rates and disparities among socio-economic groups. Aging expert Jay Olshansky praised the study, noting it demonstrates the modifiability of intrinsic capacity, offering hope for healthier aging in the future.

Gut Molecule Linked to Health Benefits of Calorie Restriction: A Chinese-American research team has identified lithocholic acid (LCA), a gut-derived bile acid, as a potential driver of health benefits associated with calorie restriction in animals. Their findings suggest that LCA activates the protein AMPK, which is linked to reduced muscle atrophy in mice. While LCA was once considered toxic, recent studies highlight its benefits at low doses. The team’s work revealed that LCA is a key metabolite activated during calorie restriction, though it did not extend lifespan in mice. The activation of AMPK depends on sirtuin enzyme signaling, suggesting a complex interplay. Future research will explore LCA’s potential benefits for humans and investigate other metabolites involved in calorie restriction-related health promotion.

NEUROSCIENCE

Infants Use Nonlinguistic Signals to Learn, Study Reveals: A new study has found that infants as young as six months old can interpret nonlinguistic signals as communicative tools to aid learning. The study demonstrated that babies elevated novel tone sequences to communicative status if these were presented with synchronized movement, regardless of whether they were produced by humans. Using videos featuring non-human agents, the researchers found that cross-modal temporal synchrony—aligned sound and motion—enabled infants to use the tones for a subsequent learning task. Disrupted synchrony prevented this effect. This discovery highlights that infants possess an innate ability to assign communicative meaning to nonlinguistic signals early in life, independent of language acquisition. The findings could inform new approaches to studying language development and designing interventions for children with developmental delays.

Detailed Brain Map Reveals Complex Primate Vision Processing: Researchers used ultrahigh-field 7T fMRI imaging to create a detailed map of how the foveola—a retinal structure crucial for sharp vision and attention—is represented in the primate brain. Their study on macaque monkeys uncovered eight foveolar representation sites per hemisphere, forming concentric rings around a newly identified brain region dubbed the "foveolar core." This central area processes high-acuity vision, color, and motion, highlighting the complex cortical specialization that supports primates’ visual focus and attention. Consistency between fMRI and optical imaging data confirms the reliability of the findings. The study provides new insights into the visual system’s intricacies and could lead to advances in understanding and treating visual impairments. Future research may build on these findings to further explore the foveolar loci and their role in visual processing.

Study Finds Chatbots Exhibit Cognitive Impairment in Dementia Screening Tests: A study reveals that leading large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Claude show signs of mild cognitive impairment when assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a test for detecting early dementia. ChatGPT 4o scored highest (26/30), while others, including Claude 3.5 and Gemini models, underperformed in visuospatial tasks and executive functions such as the trail-making and clock-drawing tests. All models struggled with visual abstraction and complex empathy tasks, areas critical in clinical settings. These findings highlight fundamental weaknesses in LLMs, challenging the assumption that they could soon replace human physicians, especially neurologists. Instead, the researchers humorously suggest that LLMs might become "virtual patients" requiring "treatment" for cognitive impairments.

ENVIRONMENT

Cloud Impact Clarifies Link Between Warming and Extreme Rainfall: A study resolves a puzzling discrepancy in extreme rainfall patterns under warming climates. While theory predicts that warmer air increases rainfall intensity, observations in tropical and mid-latitude regions showed declining extreme rainfall rates above 23°C–25°C. The research identified clouds as the cause: clouds cool the surface by blocking sunlight, distorting the correlation between temperature and rainfall. Using satellite radiation data, researchers removed this cooling effect, revealing that extreme rainfall increases with warming as expected. The study highlights significant rainfall intensification in tropical regions like India, Northern Australia, and the Amazon. As global temperatures rise, more extreme rainfall and longer dry spells are anticipated, underscoring the urgent need for flood risk mitigation and climate adaptation strategies.

Volcanism Ruled Out as Cause of Dinosaur Extinction, Study Confirms: A study concludes that the Chicxulub meteorite impact, not volcanic activity on the Indian peninsula, caused the mass extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Using fossil molecules in ancient peats, researchers reconstructed air temperatures and found that volcanic eruptions 30,000 years before the meteorite impact temporarily cooled the planet by 5°C due to sulfur emissions. However, temperatures stabilized 20,000 years before the impact, aided by volcanic CO2 emissions, indicating that the effects of volcanism had dissipated long before the extinction event. By contrast, the meteorite caused a cascade of catastrophic effects, including wildfires, tsunamis, and an "impact winter," devastating ecosystems. This new "temperature timeline" solidifies the asteroid impact as the definitive cause of the dinosaurs' demise. Researchers aim to apply similar methods to study other pivotal moments in Earth’s history.

Arctic Fossils Reveal Insights into Past and Future Warming: Researchers studying Arctic permafrost from the Last Interglacial (115,000–130,000 years ago) found that northern Siberia experienced summers up to 10°C warmer than today, with expanded forests and vegetation. Warming was driven by ice-albedo feedbacks, highlighting parallels to modern climate changes like melting permafrost and ice retreat. The study underscores the importance of understanding past climate events to predict future impacts.

NATURE

Artificial Light Disrupts Coral Reef Nightlife, Study Finds: A groundbreaking study reveals that artificial light pollution disrupts coral reef ecosystems by altering nighttime fish behavior and exposing them to increased predation risks. Using innovative infrared night-vision cameras, researchers from the University of Bristol and international collaborators found that artificially lit reefs attract predatory fish and keep diurnal species awake, disrupting natural cycles. The findings suggest that extended artificial light exposure, even for 25 nights, significantly alters reef communities, but short-term exposure has minimal effects. Encouragingly, limiting light intensity and duration could mitigate these impacts, helping coral reefs maintain their resilience.

Flies as Pollinators Face Rising Threats from Global Warming: New research from Penn State highlights that flies, critical pollinators second only to bees, are at greater risk from rising global temperatures. In a study of tropical and subtropical pollinators, flies were found to have a lower heat tolerance ("critical thermal maximum") than bees, making them more vulnerable to climate change. Flies play an essential role in ecosystems and agriculture, including pollinating cocoa trees for chocolate. However, insects in cooler, high-altitude regions, where flies are often primary pollinators, are particularly at risk, potentially leading to ecosystem collapse. This international study, conducted during the COVID-19 lockdowns, underscores the urgent need to address climate change's impact on pollinators vital for biodiversity and food production.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Public Health Measures Proven Effective in Reducing Airborne Virus Transmission: A study by the University of Surrey highlights the effectiveness of public health measures in reducing airborne viral transmission. High-quality face masks, such as N95/FFP2, were found to reduce transmission risk ninefold, while doubling indoor ventilation reduced the risk by nearly 30%. Led by Dr. Richard Sear, the research combined modeling with data from the UK’s NHS COVID-19 app, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental and behavioral factors in mitigating respiratory disease spread. The findings underscore the value of masks, improved ventilation, and physical distancing for managing future pandemics and seasonal illnesses like flu and RSV. The study encourages leaders and individuals to apply these lessons to enhance public health strategies and prepare for potential respiratory disease outbreaks.