Metal-Biomolecule Network Nanoparticles Revolutionize Drug Delivery Systems

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

In today’s edition:

• Science - University of Toronto Researchers Unveil Experimental Evidence of 'Negative Time' in Quantum Physics, and more.

• Technology and AI - MIT Develops Wireless Antennas for High-Resolution Biosensing with Light, and more.

• Engineering - Researchers Develop Breakthrough Sustainable Thermal Energy Storage Material, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Set for Record-Breaking Flyby of the Sun.

• Health & Medicine - Metal-Biomolecule Network Nanoparticles Revolutionize Drug Delivery Systems, DNA-Based NanoGripper Revolutionizes Virus Detection and Drug Delivery, Breakthrough mRNA Therapeutic Shows Promise in Treating Pre-Eclampsia, and more.

• Neuroscience - New Study Unveils Link Between Tau Proteins and Extracellular Vesicles in Alzheimer's Disease, and more.

• Environment - Fossil Carbon Stored in Human-Made Products Offers Opportunities and Risks, and more.

• Nature - Ferns as Key Facilitators of Ecosystem Recovery and Lessons for Space Exploration.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Key Genomic Events Shaped Homo Sapiens Evolution, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

University of Toronto Researchers Unveil Experimental Evidence of 'Negative Time' in Quantum Physics: Scientists at the University of Toronto have experimentally demonstrated the concept of "negative time," challenging conventional understanding of light and matter interactions. The findings reveal that photons interacting with atoms can exhibit durations less than zero when measured, a result previously dismissed as meaningless. This peculiar quantum behavior does not imply time travel or violate Einstein's theory of relativity but highlights the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. The study, while sparking global interest and controversy, underscores the need for deeper exploration of quantum phenomena.

Researchers Develop Scalable 3D Printing for Programmable, Recyclable Soft Plastics: Researchers have created a novel 3D printing technique to manufacture recyclable, customizable soft plastics with tunable stretchiness and flexibility. Using thermoplastic elastomers, a type of block copolymer, the team developed materials with nanostructures that can be precisely controlled to exhibit different mechanical properties in various directions. The study demonstrated how these soft architectures could be tailored for applications like soft robotics, medical devices, and wearable electronics. Thermal annealing, a key step in the process, enhances material properties, enables self-healing, and ensures reusability. The technique is cost-effective, scalable, and allows for the integration of functional additives, offering a transformative solution for industry applications.

Discovery of New Quasiparticle in Magnetic Materials Paves Way for Advanced Spintronics: Researchers have identified a new type of quasiparticle found in all magnetic materials, regardless of their strength or temperature. These quasiparticles exhibit dynamic, bubble-like behavior and can move at high speeds, challenging traditional static views of magnetism. The study highlights potential applications in spintronics, a field that uses electron spin rather than charge for data storage and processing. Spintronics could lead to highly efficient technologies, such as cell phone batteries lasting hundreds of hours on a single charge. The discovery represents a significant step toward creating faster, smarter, and more energy-efficient electronics.

MIT Physicists Uncover Quantum Geometry of Electrons in Solids for the First Time: For the first time, MIT physicists and collaborators have measured the quantum geometry, or shape, of electrons in solids using an adapted technique called angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). This groundbreaking work provides a new blueprint for studying the quantum properties of materials, which could enhance advancements in quantum computing and next-generation electronic devices. By analyzing the wave functions of materials like kagome metals, the team revealed novel insights into their complex, non-trivial geometries. The research was made possible by a unique collaboration between theorists and experimentalists, as well as experimental efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

MIT Develops Wireless Antennas for High-Resolution Biosensing with Light:
MIT researchers have created a groundbreaking wireless biosensing technique using organic electro-scattering antennas (OCEANs) that detect electrical signals in cells via light scattering. Composed of the polymer PEDOT:PSS, these nanoscale antennas respond to electrical activity by altering their refractive index, enabling optical microscopes to capture high-resolution electrical signals without wires or amplifiers. Capable of detecting signals as low as 2.5 millivolts, OCEANs allow precise monitoring of cellular communication for applications in understanding diseases like arrhythmia and Alzheimer’s. The scalable fabrication process grows millions of mushroom-shaped antennas on a chip, promising transformative potential in biology, diagnostics, and next-generation optical devices.

Protein-Based Neural Networks Enable Cellular Decision-Making: Researchers from Westlake University and Caltech have engineered a protein-based system, termed "perceptein," to mimic neural network computations within living cells. This innovative circuit processes multiple signals and makes decisions, such as triggering cell survival or death. Unlike DNA or RNA-based systems, percepteins use synthetic protein pairs and engineered proteases to classify signals efficiently. The study demonstrated the circuit’s functionality by linking it to fluorescent proteins and a caspase-3 apoptosis pathway, enabling precise control of cellular outcomes. This breakthrough could pave the way for programmable therapies that respond to disease-specific signals and inspire biology-based artificial intelligence systems in the future.

ENGINEERING

Researchers Develop Breakthrough Sustainable Thermal Energy Storage Material: Scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking thermal energy storage (TES) material capable of storing energy with record-breaking efficiency. The study introduces a "trimodal" system that integrates three energy storage mechanisms, significantly advancing renewable energy storage solutions. The material, a mixture of boric and succinic acids, stores thermal energy at a rate of 600 MJ per m³—nearly double that of existing materials. Its ability to sustain over 1,000 heating and cooling cycles without degradation makes it a game-changer for Carnot batteries, which convert electrical energy into thermal energy for storage and back into electricity. Low-cost, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient, this TES material offers a scalable, sustainable alternative to lithium batteries, marking a major step toward reliable renewable energy and a decarbonized future.

Zinc-Sulfur Batteries: A Sustainable Alternative to Lithium-Ion Technology:
Researchers have made significant strides in developing zinc-sulfur batteries as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The study demonstrates how additives like propylene glycol methyl ether and zinc-iodide overcome challenges such as zinc-anode corrosion and dendrite growth, improving energy capacity by 20% and enhancing safety. Zinc-sulfur batteries are composed of abundant, inexpensive materials, offering higher energy density and reduced environmental impact compared to lithium-ion counterparts. This breakthrough could transform energy storage for renewable systems, portable electronics, and advanced applications like soft robotics and space exploration.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Set for Record-Breaking Flyby of the Sun: NASA's Parker Solar Probe, launched in 2018, is on course to make a historic flyby of the sun, venturing within a record-breaking 3.8 million miles of its surface. The probe, designed to withstand extreme temperatures up to 2,500°F (1,371°C), aims to reach speeds of 430,000 mph, making it the fastest spacecraft ever built. The mission seeks to uncover mysteries about the sun's corona, why it is hotter than the surface, and the forces driving the solar wind. With the sun currently in the active phase of its 11-year cycle, the probe's findings could offer critical insights into solar storms, which can impact Earth's communication and power systems.

New Study Challenges Dark Energy Theory with 'Timescape' Cosmic Expansion Model: Physicists proposed the "timescape" model, which challenges the existence of dark energy by suggesting the universe's expansion is uneven or "lumpy." Using improved analysis of supernovae light curves, the model accounts for variations in the universe's expansion as a result of time dilation caused by gravity, rather than accelerated expansion due to dark energy. The research argues that dark energy is a misinterpretation of variations in the kinetic energy of expansion in a non-uniform cosmos. The model also offers potential resolutions to anomalies such as the "Hubble tension" and discrepancies with the standard ΛCDM model. The team emphasizes the need for new data from missions like the Euclid satellite and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to validate the timescape model and further unravel the mysteries of cosmic expansion.

Mars' Explosive Spring: Thawing Ice Brings Dramatic Surface Changes: On Mars, spring in the northern hemisphere triggers dramatic environmental changes, from frost avalanches to gas geysers and powerful winds. Unlike Earth, Mars' ice sublimates directly into gas, creating explosive phenomena due to the planet's thin atmosphere. Researchers, using NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, have observed avalanches of carbon dioxide frost, dark fans of sand blasted by geysers, and giant spider-like scour marks left behind as ice disappears. The thawing ice cap at Mars' north pole reveals swirling troughs carved by powerful winds, while spring also mobilizes sand dunes frozen by winter frost. These dynamic processes offer insights into Mars' unique seasonal changes, showcasing the active nature of the planet's surface.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Metal-Biomolecule Network Nanoparticles Revolutionize Drug Delivery Systems:
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking drug delivery system known as a metal–biomolecule network (MBN). These nanoparticles, formed from non-toxic metal ions and biomolecules like DNA, eliminate the need for conventional drug carriers, which are often associated with toxicity and immune responses. The study demonstrates that MBN nanoparticles are chemically and metabolically stable and can be tailored for various biomedical applications, including anti-cancer and antiviral therapies, gene delivery, immunotherapy, and biosensing. The simplicity and biocompatibility of the MBN system could increase the success rate of drug development by avoiding toxic carrier materials and enabling precise activation, such as in acidic tumor environments. Future research will focus on expanding the system's potential applications and advancing disease treatment strategies.

DNA-Based NanoGripper Revolutionizes Virus Detection and Drug Delivery:
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking nanorobotic "hand," called the NanoGripper, from a single piece of DNA. This tiny, programmable structure can grab the COVID-19 virus for highly sensitive detection and prevent it from infecting cells by wrapping around its spike proteins. The DNA NanoGripper's first application, a rapid 30-minute COVID-19 test, achieves the accuracy of hospital-grade qPCR tests but is faster and simpler. The NanoGripper has broader potential, including as a preventive nasal spray to block respiratory viruses or as a targeted drug delivery system for cancer treatments by identifying specific cell markers. This innovative approach demonstrates the power of DNA-based soft nanorobotics in diagnostics and therapeutics.

Breakthrough mRNA Therapeutic Shows Promise in Treating Pre-Eclampsia:
Researchers have developed an innovative mRNA therapeutic, delivered via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), to treat pre-eclampsia—a life-threatening pregnancy complication affecting 3–5% of pregnancies globally. The team tested 98 LNPs in pre-eclamptic pregnant mice, identifying one that achieved over 100-fold more mRNA delivery to the placenta than FDA-approved formulations. A single dose of the therapeutic reduced maternal blood pressure, improved fetal health, and increased placental blood circulation, effectively curing pre-eclampsia in mice until the end of pregnancy. The findings pave the way for further testing in larger animal models and potential clinical trials, with hopes of developing a human treatment. This breakthrough not only addresses a critical gap in women’s health but also demonstrates the potential of LNP-mRNA therapeutics in tackling other reproductive health challenges.

Synthetic Organizers Advance Stem Cell Programming for Tissue and Organ Regeneration: Researchers have engineered "synthetic organizers," specialized cells that guide stem cells to develop into complex tissues and organ-like structures. By delivering biochemical signals called morphogens, these organizers can direct stem cells to form structures such as a head-to-tail body segment or a heart-like organ with a beating chamber and blood vessels. This breakthrough enables precise control over stem cell differentiation using genetic programming and chemical switches. Potential applications include growing organs for transplantation, disease modeling, and treating complex conditions such as Parkinson’s and diabetes. The technology represents a major step forward in regenerative medicine.

Graphene-Based Device Enables Real-Time pH Modulation for Cell Behavior Studies: Researchers have developed a cutting-edge technology inspired by WWI aircraft synchronization to precisely manipulate pH levels in a cellular environment. The device employs graphene transistors and microelectrodes to modulate pH with a resolution of 0.1 pH units—significantly more accurate than conventional methods. This breakthrough allowed researchers to observe the impact of pH changes on bacteria and heart cells in real-time. Findings include reduced bacterial motility in basic conditions and doubled heart cell beat rates in acidic environments. The device's speed and efficiency promise advances in studying metabolic acidosis, tachycardia, and other physiological processes. Applications range from bioelectronics and tissue engineering to cancer therapies and regenerative medicine, offering scientists a powerful tool to explore cellular responses to pH changes with unprecedented precision.

NEUROSCIENCE

New Study Unveils Link Between Tau Proteins and Extracellular Vesicles in Alzheimer's Disease: Researchers have discovered that tau filaments, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are selectively packaged and tethered to extracellular vesicles (EVs) via specialized molecules. Using advanced techniques like cryo-electron tomography and mass spectrometry, the study, analyzed EVs from the brains of AD patients. The findings highlight the role of EVs in the propagation and clearance of tau filaments in the brain, offering deeper insights into their involvement in AD and potentially other neurodegenerative disorders. This research could pave the way for therapeutic strategies targeting EV-associated tau to slow disease progression and aid in biomarker development.

Sleep Disorders Linked to Brain Changes in Latino Adults, Study Finds: A study suggests that sleep disordered breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnea, is associated with increased hippocampal brain volume and changes in white matter, which may disrupt memory and cognitive function. Researchers analyzed data from 2,667 Latino adults with an average age of 68, finding that those with more severe sleep problems had larger hippocampal volumes and greater white matter hyperintensities, indicative of brain damage. While these findings highlight the complex relationship between sleep health and brain aging, longer studies starting earlier in life are needed to clarify these effects and their potential link to dementia. The research underscores the importance of early detection and treatment of sleep disorders, particularly in high-risk populations.

ENVIRONMENT

Fossil Carbon Stored in Human-Made Products Offers Opportunities and Risks: A study in Cell Reports Sustainability estimates that 400 million tons of fossil carbon are added annually to long-lasting human-made products like plastics, buildings, and infrastructure. While these products can act as a carbon sink, improper disposal—such as incineration or litter—poses environmental risks. Between 1995 and 2019, 8.4 billion tons of fossil carbon entered the "technosphere," with construction contributing 34%. Researchers stress improving recycling, extending product lifetimes, and better waste management to reduce hazards. Future research will explore biogenic carbon in durable materials as an alternative sequestration strategy.

Rising Temperatures Undermine Baltic Sea Recovery Efforts: A study by GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel reveals that despite reductions in nutrient inputs, the Baltic Sea continues to suffer from oxygen depletion due to rising water temperatures. The research highlights how warmer waters exacerbate bacterial activity, increasing oxygen consumption and preventing the mixing of oxygen into deeper layers. Efforts to reduce nutrient inputs by 18–22% have seen limited success as internal nutrient cycling, driven by oxygen minima, releases phosphorus and ammonium from seabed sediments. This creates a feedback loop worsening eutrophication and algal blooms. The study recommends stronger measures to cut nutrient inputs and mitigate warming impacts to protect the ecosystem.

NATURE

Ferns as Key Facilitators of Ecosystem Recovery and Lessons for Space Exploration: A study highlights ferns as facilitators of ecological recovery following environmental disasters, challenging traditional competition-based frameworks in favor of a facilitative approach. By stabilizing soil, enhancing its properties, and mediating competition, ferns play a crucial role in ecosystem restoration after upheavals like wildfires or asteroid impacts. As one of Earth’s oldest plant lineages, ferns provide insights into life’s resilience through mass extinction events, such as the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction. This makes them valuable not only for understanding ecological recovery on Earth but also for astrobiology and exobiology, offering clues about life’s evolution in extreme conditions. Ferns' adaptability may also benefit future space missions, guiding crop cultivation and environmental management in harsh extraterrestrial conditions. Their unparalleled ability to thrive and heal ecosystems underscores their importance in addressing Earthly and interplanetary challenges.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Key Genomic Events Shaped Homo Sapiens Evolution: Researchers from the University of Padova have identified significant genomic milestones in Homo sapiens evolution. The study highlights three key events: a population bottleneck 900,000 years ago associated with chromosomal rearrangements, the divergence of modern humans from Neanderthals and Denisovans 650,000 years ago, and interbreeding with Neanderthals 350,000 years ago. These events shaped modern human traits, including brain development and skull morphology, while revealing that many genetic hallmarks of Homo sapiens existed before lineage splits. The findings offer new insights into the shared genetic history of modern and archaic humans.

Sea Snakes Regain Genetic Basis for Advanced Color Vision: Researchers have identified nine species of sea snakes in the Hydrophis genus that have regained the genetic traits required for advanced color vision. This finding challenges the notion that complex evolutionary traits, once lost, cannot be reacquired. The study suggests that these snakes, which inhabit bright marine environments, re-elaborated visual opsins to adapt to their spectrally complex surroundings. Descended from lizard-like ancestors with full color vision, early snakes lost much of their color sensitivity due to dim-light living. This opsin expansion highlights how dynamic ecological circumstances can reverse evolutionary losses. Further behavioral studies are needed to confirm whether this genetic change enhances color sensitivity and to understand the mechanisms behind regaining complex traits in evolution.

Environmental Heterogeneity Drives Pathogen Evolution Toward Higher Virulence: A study explores how environmental heterogeneity and movement networks affect pathogen evolution. Using an evo-eco-epidemiological metapopulation model, researchers found that pathogens evolve to be more virulent in ecosystems with heterogeneous local conditions. Even modest variations (10%) in factors such as host movement rates, birth rates, or immunity-loss rates can drive a 20–40% increase in virulence compared to homogeneous populations. This occurs because "resource-rich" populations with high host density favor aggressive pathogens, which disproportionately shape the metapopulation's gene pool, outcompeting milder strains favored in resource-scarce environments. The findings underscore the importance of considering environmental variability in understanding pathogen evolution, with implications for public health strategies and managing zoonotic and vector-borne diseases.