Innovative Bandage Measures Glucose via Sweat Using Micro-laser Technology

Hello and welcome to Monday’s STEAM newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Why Some Clothes Get Smellier, Bacterial Glitter: Unlocking Sustainable Color Technologies, and more.

• Technology and AI - New Photon Shapes Pave the Way for Advanced Optical Technologies, Understanding Wave Propagation to Enhance 5G and 6G Networks, and more.

• Engineering -Bio-Insipired Design, High-Tech 'Whiskers' Enhance Robot Movement Safety, Engine Wear Linked to Dust Ingestion at Major Airports, and more.

• Mathematics - Physicists Determine Optimal Container Size for Pistachio Shells, Boosting Olympic Swimmer Speeds with Digital Twins, and more.

• Space - Ice World Found in Habitable Zone by Astronomers, NASA Mission to Uncover Mysteries of Solar Radio Emissions.

• Health & Medicine - Innovative Bandage Measures Glucose via Sweat Using Micro-laser Technology, Boys Born with Higher Natural Resistance to HIV, and more.

• Environment - Lithium-Ion Batteries: A New Source of PFAS Pollution, and more.

• Nature - Unraveling the Brain Size Mystery: Why Humans Have Larger Brains, Detailed Wiring Diagram of Fruit Fly Muscles Reveals Unexpected Complexity, and more.

• Industry - AI Boom Reshapes Wall Street as TSMC Joins Trillion-Dollar Club, Scanning UK Homes for Energy Leaks to Achieve Net-Zero, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

If you’d like to see more of this or if you want to share with others, please use the following link: https://thesteamdigest.beehiiv.com/subscribe

This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Why Some Clothes Get Smellier: Insights from Textile Scientist Researchers from the University of Alberta have uncovered why some fabrics, like polyester, retain more odor than others after exposure to sweat. Their study found that cellulosic fibers like cotton and viscose absorb and release fewer odor-causing compounds compared to polyester, nylon, and wool. This difference is due to the varying interactions of these fibers with the oily compounds in sweat. The findings suggest practical implications for choosing less smelly clothing materials and developing improved textile technologies.

Bacterial Glitter: Unlocking Sustainable Color Technologies: Researchers from the University of Jena and international collaborators have discovered the genetic basis behind the iridescent colors of certain bacteria, such as Marinobacter alginolytica, which reflect light through photonic crystals rather than pigments. By sequencing the DNA of colored and colorless bacteria, they identified genes responsible for these structures. This breakthrough can lead to sustainable, eco-friendly dyes and materials. Their findings also suggest that these colors play roles in bacteria's ecological interactions, potentially aiding in virus protection or food particle colonization.

Advancing Optical Tweezers with Bespoke Techniques: Physicists at the University of Exeter, led by Dr. David Phillips, have developed a novel technique to enhance optical tweezers (originally called single-beam gradient force trap). By tailoring the light to envelop the particle, they achieved stronger confinement compared to traditional methods. This bespoke approach, which involves complex wavefront shaping, allows for more effective manipulation of various particles. The research, conducted in collaboration with the University of Glasgow and Vienna University of Technology, promises significant advancements in optical trapping applications.

A New Approach to Realize Quantum Mechanical Squeezing: Researchers at ETH Zurich, led by Dr. Matteo Fadel, have introduced a method to achieve quantum squeezing (trading amplitude noise for phase noise) in nonlinear mechanical oscillators. Their technique, involving a superconducting qubit coupled to a mechanical resonator, creates non-Gaussian states with significant nonlinearity. This advancement is crucial for quantum metrology and continuous-variable quantum computing, offering new avenues for quantum sensing and fundamental physics research.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

New Photon Shapes Pave the Way for Advanced Optical Technologies: Researchers from the University of Twente have discovered new ways to control the shapes of photons using photonic crystals. By designing specific nanostructures, they can create photonic orbitals with diverse shapes and symmetries, enabling applications in efficient lighting, quantum computing, and sensitive photonic sensors. These advances offer greater control over light manipulation, potentially revolutionizing optical technology and quantum circuits.

Understanding Wave Propagation to Enhance 5G and 6G Networks: Researchers at the University of Granada's SWAT-UGR group have conducted studies to improve 5G and 6G networks by understanding electromagnetic wave propagation. Using unique sensor geometries like toroidal arrays, they analyzed the angle and time of arrival of signals and examined wave behavior in industrial environments. These insights could lead to faster, more stable connections, benefiting applications such as robotic surgery and virtual reality.

Brain-Inspired Artificial Dendritic Neural Circuit: Researchers at Tsinghua University have developed a neuromorphic computational architecture that mimics the dendritic structures and synapses of neurons using multi-gate silicon nanowire transistors and ion-doped sol-gel films. This "dendristor" device demonstrates nonlinear dendritic integration and direction selectivity, significantly improving energy efficiency and dynamic signal processing. This innovation opens new possibilities for advanced neuromorphic systems in AI and computing.

Generative AI Revolutionizes Analysis of Complex Tabular Data: Researchers from MIT have developed GenSQL, a generative AI system designed to simplify the statistical analysis of complex tabular data. GenSQL allows users to perform tasks like anomaly detection, error correction, and data synthesis without deep technical knowledge. The tool integrates tabular datasets with generative probabilistic models, offering faster and more accurate results compared to traditional methods. This innovation could significantly enhance data analysis across various fields, particularly where handling sensitive or sparse data is crucial.

A New Physical System for Learning Nonlinear Tasks: Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an analog system, a contrastive local learning network, that can perform nonlinear tasks without a traditional computer processor. This system uses local rules to evolve its components independently, enabling it to learn tasks such as XOR and nonlinear regression. The design is scalable, low-power, and robust, potentially transforming machine learning by mimicking neural network functions in a physical medium.

ENGINEERING

Bio-Insipired Design, High-Tech 'Whiskers' Enhance Robot Movement Safety: Researchers at Flinders University have developed cost-effective, flexible, and responsive "whiskers" to improve the tactile abilities of robots. These artificial whiskers, inspired by animals, help robots navigate tight spaces and detect objects that cameras and lasers might miss. By optimizing the shape and material using mechanical beam theory, the whiskers enable robots to assess object properties, enhancing their safety and efficiency in various environments.

Engine Wear Linked to Dust Ingestion at Major Airports: Researchers from the University of Reading have found that aircraft at major airports in desert regions ingest significant amounts of dust, leading to increased engine wear. Using 17 years of atmospheric data, they discovered that planes at airports like Delhi and Dubai consume large quantities of dust while waiting to land. This dust ingestion results in glassy deposits on engine blades, causing overheating and accelerated wear. Adjusting flight patterns and schedules could reduce dust exposure and extend engine life.

New Material Enables On-Chip Energy Harvesting: Researchers from Germany, Italy, and the UK have developed a silicon-germanium-tin (GeSn) alloy that can convert waste heat from computer processors into electricity. This new thermoelectric material, compatible with existing CMOS chip production processes, promises significant improvements in energy efficiency for electronic devices. By recycling waste heat, this technology could reduce the need for external cooling and enhance the sustainability of IT infrastructures.

Breakthrough in Solar Cell Efficiency and Stability: Researchers have developed highly efficient and stable solar cells using a novel material combination. This breakthrough addresses key challenges in solar technology, significantly enhancing energy conversion efficiency and long-term stability. The new cells demonstrate a promising potential for commercial applications, paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective solar energy solutions.

Hexagonal Perovskite Oxides: Electrolytes for Next-Gen Fuel Cells: Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology have identified hexagonal perovskite-related oxides (Ba₅R₂Al₂SnO₁₃) with rare earth metals as high proton-conducting and thermally stable electrolytes. These materials offer significant proton conductivity and chemical stability at intermediate temperatures, making them ideal for next-generation protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs). This breakthrough paves the way for efficient and durable fuel cells that operate at lower temperatures without degradation.

MATHEMATICS

Physicists Determine Optimal Container Size for Pistachio Shells: Physicists have calculated the ideal container size for holding discarded pistachio shells, optimizing for minimal empty space and easy shell removal. By studying the geometry and packing efficiency of pistachio shells, they suggest using a cylindrical container with a diameter approximately three times the average pistachio shell length. This design can significantly reduce clutter and improve user experience when snacking on pistachios.

Boosting Olympic Swimmer Speeds with Digital Twins: Researchers are exploring the use of digital twins—virtual replicas of athletes—to enhance Olympic swimmers' performance. These digital models simulate physical attributes and movements, allowing for precise analysis and optimization of techniques. By tweaking and testing different variables in the digital environment, coaches can identify the most effective strategies for improving speed and efficiency, offering a cutting-edge approach to training that could lead to significant advancements in athletic performance.

Using Mathematics for Fair Division: Mathematics offers robust methods to ensure fair division of goods and resources, helping to avoid disputes and ensure equity. Techniques such as the "cake-cutting" algorithm and the "envy-free" method can be applied to various scenarios, from dividing an inheritance to allocating resources in business. These approaches use mathematical principles to balance differing valuations among parties, making sure everyone feels they have received a fair share.

Is the Universe a Game?: A provocative idea explored in New Scientist suggests that the universe might be akin to a simulation or a game. This concept hinges on principles from physics, computer science, and philosophy, examining the nature of reality and the possibility of a higher-level programmer. The discussion touches on how mathematical structures and physical laws could be interpreted as elements of a cosmic code, inviting readers to ponder the fundamental nature of existence.

SPACE

Ice World Found in Habitable Zone by Astronomers: Astronomers have discovered an icy exoplanet within the habitable zone of its star, potentially capable of supporting life. Located around a distant star, this ice world lies at a distance where conditions might allow for liquid water, a crucial ingredient for life as we know it. The study emphasizes the importance of further exploration to understand the planet's atmosphere and potential for habitability.

NASA Mission to Uncover Mysteries of Solar Radio Emissions: NASA is launching a mission to study the Sun's radio emissions to better understand solar weather phenomena that impact Earth. The mission involves advanced technology to capture high-resolution images and data of the Sun's radio waves. This information will help scientists predict solar storms and their effects on communication and navigation systems on Earth, enhancing our ability to protect critical infrastructure from solar disruptions.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Innovative Bandage Measures Glucose via Sweat Using Micro-laser Technology: Researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, have developed a cutting-edge bandage that uses micro-laser technology to measure glucose levels in sweat. This non-invasive method provides a painless alternative to traditional finger-prick tests for diabetic patients. The device embeds micro-lasers in liquid crystal droplets within a soft hydrogel film, offering accurate readings in minutes and the ability to detect multiple biomarkers, including lactate and urea. This innovation promises a more comfortable and comprehensive health monitoring solution.

Boys Born with Higher Natural Resistance to HIV: A study by the University of Oxford reveals that male infants exposed to HIV in utero have a 50% lower transmission rate compared to females and are more likely to achieve HIV remission. The research, conducted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, attributes this resistance to lower levels of activated CD4 T cells in male fetuses, which hampers the virus's ability to establish a reservoir. These findings could inform future HIV cure strategies.

Blood Test for Protein Levels: A New Snapshot of Health: Researchers from Northwestern University have developed a blood test that measures protein levels to assess overall health. This test, which evaluates cardiorespiratory fitness through circulating proteins, offers a comprehensive health snapshot. The study identified key proteins linked to fitness and validated the findings with over 20,000 individuals, showing a correlation with reduced mortality risk. This advancement could transform health monitoring by providing an easy, non-invasive way to gauge fitness and predict health outcomes.

AI Identifies Drug-Resistant Typhoid-Like Infections Rapidly: Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed an AI tool capable of identifying drug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium from microscopy images in a few hours. This innovation could revolutionize the diagnosis of antimicrobial-resistant infections, reducing the current multi-day process to mere hours. The AI distinguishes resistant bacteria by detecting subtle features invisible to the human eye, streamlining the identification process and potentially mitigating the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

Unveiling Long COVID: Persistent Immune Activity and SARS-CoV-2 RNA: A study by UCSF and CellSight Technologies reveals that patients with long COVID exhibit unusual immune cell activity across multiple organs and persistent SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the gut up to two years post-infection. Utilizing PET scans and radioactive tracers, researchers detected abnormal T cell activity in regions correlating with long COVID symptoms like brain fog. This highlights the virus's prolonged presence and its biological impact, emphasizing the need for ongoing research into long COVID treatment and prevention.

ENVIRONMENT

Lithium-Ion Batteries: A New Source of PFAS Pollution: A study by Texas Tech University has identified lithium-ion batteries as an emerging source of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) pollution. Researchers found that bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonimides (bis-FASIs) used in these batteries exhibit high environmental persistence and toxicity. Sampling near manufacturing sites showed significant bis-FASI levels in air and water, indicating potential long-range environmental impacts. The findings underscore the need for sustainable battery manufacturing and disposal practices to mitigate PFAS pollution.

Power-Hungry AI Surge Prompts New Tech Innovations: The surge in power consumption by AI systems is driving tech companies to innovate more energy-efficient solutions. Researchers are developing advanced hardware and optimizing software to manage the increasing energy demands of AI. These efforts aim to reduce the environmental impact and operational costs associated with AI technologies, ensuring sustainable growth in the industry.

Flower Farm Could Supply Nickel for Electric Vehicle Batteries: A flower farm in Indonesia, cultivating plants that absorb nickel from the soil, could provide an eco-friendly source of this critical metal for electric vehicle batteries. The process, known as phytomining, involves harvesting plants and extracting nickel from their biomass. This method presents a sustainable alternative to traditional mining, potentially reducing environmental impact and offering a new avenue for battery material production.

Efficient Water Quality Management Could Halve Future Water Scarcity: A study by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis reveals that effective water quality management could reduce future global water scarcity by half. Researchers developed a modeling approach combining nutrient management and cost-saving procedures, focusing on areas like the Pearl River Basin in China. Implementing measures such as reducing chemical fertilizers and treating wastewater can significantly alleviate water scarcity, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.

Study Highlights Impact of TCFD Disclosures on Corporate Financial Performance: A Kyushu University study analyzed data from 2,100 Japanese companies from 2017-2021, examining the effects of climate-related actions and disclosures on capital costs. Findings indicate that higher carbon emissions result in increased borrowing costs, while adherence to Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) guidelines and transparent climate data sharing lower capital costs. The study emphasizes the importance of transparency for investors, particularly in energy sectors. Though TCFD guidelines reduced the cost of equity, they had less impact on debt due to Japan's low interest rates during the study period.

NATURE

Unraveling the Brain Size Mystery: Why Humans Have Larger Brains: A recent study sheds light on why human brains are significantly larger than those of other animals. Researchers found that unique genetic and cellular processes in human development contribute to the expansion of the neocortex, the brain region responsible for higher-order functions like reasoning and language. Understanding these mechanisms could provide insights into human evolution and brain disorders.

Detailed Wiring Diagram of Fruit Fly Muscles Reveals Unexpected Complexity: Scientists have mapped the detailed wiring of fruit fly muscles, discovering a surprising level of complexity. The study, published in Nature, used advanced imaging techniques to create a comprehensive diagram of the fly's neuromuscular system. This intricate map reveals the precise connections between neurons and muscles, shedding light on how motor functions are controlled. The findings could enhance our understanding of muscle coordination and inform research into human neuromuscular diseases.

New Research Challenges Existing Theories on Why Fireflies Glow: Recent research challenges current theories on the bioluminescence of fireflies. Previously thought to be solely for mating, new findings suggest additional functions, including predation and defense mechanisms. The study highlights the complexity of bioluminescence, suggesting evolutionary benefits beyond reproduction. These insights could shift our understanding of firefly behavior and the evolutionary advantages of their glowing abilities.

INDUSTRY

AI Boom Reshapes Wall Street as TSMC Joins Trillion-Dollar Club: Taiwanese chip giant TSMC has joined the elite trillion-dollar market cap club, highlighting the impact of the generative AI revolution on Wall Street. Alongside giants like Alphabet, Apple, and Nvidia, TSMC's growth underscores the soaring demand for semiconductors, driven by AI advancements. Nvidia, known for its GPUs essential for AI, has seen remarkable stock performance, reflecting the broader semiconductor industry's boom, supported by significant government subsidies and robust market projections.

Scanning UK Homes for Energy Leaks to Achieve Net-Zero: A new initiative in the UK aims to scan millions of homes for energy leaks using thermal imaging technology. This large-scale effort is part of the country's strategy to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The scans will identify areas of heat loss, enabling homeowners to make targeted improvements, such as better insulation and window upgrades. This project is expected to significantly reduce energy consumption and contribute to the national goal of carbon neutrality.

Boeing Inspections Ordered Over Oxygen Mask Issue: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated inspections for over 2,600 Boeing 737 planes due to concerns about passenger oxygen masks potentially failing during emergencies. This directive follows reports of oxygen generators shifting out of position, attributed to a new adhesive used since August 2019. Boeing has since reverted to its original adhesive. The inspections aim to ensure that oxygen generators are correctly positioned and secure, requiring corrective actions within 120 to 150 days.