Innovative Fabric Helps Combat Urban Heat Island Effect

Every material, whether natural or man-made, has the ability to absorb heat from external sources (like the sun) and then re-emit or release this heat back to its surroundings. While this process is beneficial and essential, for example, for photosynthesis in plants, it becomes an issue in the built environment. The built environment, of which concrete is a main component, is essential to society but also a major contributor to the Urban Heat Island Effect. It absorbs large amounts of heat from the sun during the day, thereby increasing daytime urban temperatures by 1-7 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures by 2-5 degrees Fahrenheit higher than temperatures in outlying areas. This presents a public health issue due to increased respiratory difficulties, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. There are various solutions, from increasing vegetation in urban areas, to green roofs, to replacing traditional non-permeable pavements with cool, permeable pavements, to shading building surfaces, and deflecting radiation from the sun. Enter the University of Chicago. Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed their own solution to make the Urban Heat Island Effect more bearable in the form of an innovative fabric offering a passive cooling solution. Read on for more.

Hello and Welcome to Friday’s newsletter:

In today’s edition:

• Science - Using Temperature to Combat Antibiotic Resistance, Innovative Recycling for Rubber Materials through 'Smart' Chemistry.

• Technology and AI - Scientists Develop Edible Robots for Future Food and Medicine Delivery.

• Engineering - Innovative Fabric Helps Combat Urban Heat Island Effect, Advancing Additive Manufacturing in Aviation, Morpho Butterfly-Inspired, High-Efficiency Colored Solar Panels Developed for Building Integration.

• Health & Medicine - Hotter Temperatures Linked to Increased Migraines, Muscle Stimulation During Exercise Aids Stroke Recovery, US Health Care Spending to Outpace GDP Growth by 2032.

• Environment - Greener Electronics Developed to Combat High E-Waste Levels.

• Nature - Chimpanzees Acknowledge Reliance on Luck When Making Guesses, Tiny New Zealand Bird Sheds Light on Birdsong Evolution, The Science Behind Cicadas' Eerie and Loud Mating Calls.

• Industry News - Climate Change Drives Up Insurance Costs in Disaster-Prone Areas, Amazon Commits $230 Million to Support Generative AI Startups, Tech Company Revives Hazard-Warning System to Prevent Runway Incursions.

• World - Cutting-Edge Art Lab Unveiled Beneath Paris, Rising Seas Threaten Bangladesh with Rapid Coastal Submersion, China Adopts Smart Technology to Boost Elder Care Amid Workforce Shortages.

Until tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Using Temperature to Combat Antibiotic Resistance: Researchers from the University of Groningen have found that a slight increase in temperature can influence the mutation rate of E. coli bacteria, affecting their resistance to antibiotics. In laboratory studies, raising the temperature from 37°C to 40°C increased resistance mutations for some antibiotics while decreasing them for others. This discovery suggests that temperature management could become a novel strategy in combating antibiotic resistance, potentially involving fever control or temperature-optimized antibiotic treatments.

Innovative Recycling for Rubber Materials through 'Smart' Chemistry: Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a sustainable method for recycling rubbery materials by using "smart" chemistry. This involves incorporating heat-activated linkages in rubber mixed with woody reinforcements, enabling the material to be reformed and reused. This breakthrough allows for efficient recycling and manufacturing, reducing waste and promoting circular economy practices. The research, published in Polymer Chemistry, represents a significant advancement in material science with potential applications in various industries.

Physicists Use AI to Discover Exotic Particle Collisions: Physicists at CERN are leveraging machine learning to identify unusual particle collisions at the Large Hadron Collider, which may indicate new physics. By analyzing jet patterns and entire collision events, AI algorithms enhance the sensitivity and efficiency of detecting potential new particles. This method, using real collision data and simulations, has shown improved detection capabilities over traditional techniques, opening up new possibilities for discovering unknown particles and interactions.

Sustainable "Cool Paint" Developed Using Recycled Plastics: Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have created a sustainable "cool paint" using recycled plastics, such as acrylic, PVC pipes, and polystyrene foam, mixed with barium sulfate. This innovative paint reflects up to 97.7% of sunlight and can cool surfaces significantly below ambient temperatures, improving thermal regulation in buildings. The process reduces plastic waste by utilizing unsorted plastic materials, making it an effective and environmentally friendly solution.

Critical Role of Sleep in Memory Formation Uncovered by New Studies: Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified how sleep impacts memory formation. Two studies reveal that during sleep, specific neurons in the hippocampus replay activities from the day, strengthening memory. Sleep deprivation, however, disrupts this process, impairing memory retention. These findings underscore the importance of sleep for effective memory consolidation and the negative consequences of sleep loss.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Scientists Develop Edible Robots for Future Food and Medicine Delivery: Researchers at EPFL's RoboFood project are developing fully edible robots, combining robotics and food. These robots, made from materials like gelatin and rice cookies, could deliver nutrition and medicine, reduce electronic waste, and create new gastronomic experiences. Challenges include integrating edible components that function like traditional robotic parts and ensuring they are safe and effective. Recent innovations include edible sensors and batteries, bringing the vision of fully edible robots closer to reality.

Open-Source Chess-Playing Robot Enhances Human-Robot Interaction Research: Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed an open-source robotic system that can play chess with humans. This system includes a Franka Emika Panda robotic arm, a ZED2 stereo camera, and integrates OpenAI's ChatGPT for communication. It is designed to study human-robot interactions by evaluating robot behaviors in a controlled environment. The system's code and data are available on GitHub, facilitating further research and development in robotic interaction and physical assistance.

AI Enhances Antibiotic Treatment Speed for Sepsis: Researchers at Day Zero Diagnostics have developed an AI-powered system, Keynome gAST, to quickly and accurately diagnose sepsis by analyzing bacterial genomes from blood samples, bypassing the need for culture growth. This method allows for rapid identification of antimicrobial resistance, enabling more effective and timely antibiotic treatments. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve sepsis patient outcomes by reducing hospital stays and mortality rates.

AI-Powered Blood Test Revolutionizes Early Cancer Detection: Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have developed an AI-driven blood test called MRD-EDGE that significantly enhances the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). This technology enables the early identification of cancer recurrence with high sensitivity and accuracy, outperforming traditional methods. It promises improved monitoring and early intervention for various cancers, including lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, potentially transforming cancer care and patient outcomes.

ENGINEERING

Innovative Fabric Helps Combat Urban Heat Island Effect: Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new fabric designed to make urban heat islands more bearable. This advanced material reflects both direct sunlight and thermal radiation from buildings and pavement, keeping it significantly cooler than traditional fabrics. In tests, it maintained temperatures up to 8.9 degrees Celsius cooler than commercial fabrics. The fabric holds potential for applications in clothing, building materials, and food storage, offering a passive cooling solution that could reduce reliance on air conditioning.

Advancing Additive Manufacturing in Aviation: Researchers at University West, Sweden, are making strides in additive manufacturing (AM) to meet aviation industry goals. Karthikeyan Thalavai Pandian's doctoral research focuses on enhancing the electron beam powder bed fusion (PBF-EB) process for titanium alloys, improving fatigue properties, and developing new post-build heat treatments. These advancements aim to reduce material use, lower costs, and minimize environmental impact, moving towards a more sustainable and efficient production method for critical aircraft components.

Morpho Butterfly-Inspired, High-Efficiency Colored Solar Panels Developed for Building Integration: Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems have created high-efficiency colored solar panels using MorphoColor coating technology. Inspired by morpho butterflies, the panels can be incorporated into building facades without significant efficiency loss, maintaining about 95% of the power of uncoated panels. This innovation allows for aesthetically pleasing and functional solar integration, potentially expanding the use of photovoltaic systems in urban environments and beyond.

Soft Robotic Grippers Achieve New Levels of Dexterity: Researchers have developed advanced soft robotic grippers capable of human-like dexterity, as detailed in a study published in Science Robotics. These grippers utilize novel materials and designs to perform delicate tasks, such as handling fragile objects and manipulating small items with precision. This breakthrough has significant implications for various industries, including manufacturing and healthcare, by enhancing automation and precision in handling complex tasks.

Researchers Propose Robot Driver Alternative for Autonomous Vehicles: A team from the University of Tokyo explored using a robot driver instead of fully automating cars. The robot, named Musashi, was designed to mimic human driving with a musculoskeletal structure, cameras for eyes, and jointed limbs for precise control. Initial tests on a track showed promising results, though Musashi is not yet ready for public roads. This approach could offer a simpler and potentially more cost-effective solution for autonomous driving.

Advanced Reactors for CO₂ Capture Through Mineralization: Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have developed advanced reactor designs to enhance CO₂ capture and mineralization using fly ash, a by-product of coal combustion. These reactors, optimized through computational fluid dynamics, improve the interaction between CO₂ and fly ash particles, significantly boosting mineralization efficiency. This innovation presents a sustainable solution for managing industrial emissions and repurposing waste materials, aligning with global climate action goals.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Hotter Temperatures Linked to Increased Migraines: A study by the University of Cincinnati finds a significant link between rising temperatures and increased headaches among migraine sufferers. The research, using data from 660 patients and weather records, shows a 6% rise in headaches for every 10°F increase. The study also suggests that the migraine treatment drug Fremanezumab may mitigate this effect, offering potential relief for those affected by weather-induced migraines.

Muscle Stimulation During Exercise Aids Stroke Recovery: A recent study highlights that muscle stimulation, or zapping, during exercise can significantly aid in the recovery of stroke patients. This technique involves applying electrical impulses to the muscles, enhancing their function and improving physical rehabilitation outcomes. The approach aims to accelerate muscle strength recovery and overall mobility in stroke survivors, providing a promising supplementary method to traditional rehabilitation exercises.

US Health Care Spending to Outpace GDP Growth by 2032: A study published in Health Affairs projects that U.S. health care spending will grow faster than the GDP over the next decade, reaching 19.7% of GDP by 2032, up from 17.3% in 2022. Key factors include increased health care utilization and personal health care price inflation. The post-pandemic period shows divergent trends in spending and insurance enrollment, with private insurance expected to rise due to extended subsidies and Medicaid eligibility redeterminations.

How Microplastics Invade the Brain and Impact Health: A study by the University of New Mexico has revealed that microplastics ingested through water, food, and air can migrate from the gut to vital organs, including the brain. These particles disrupt metabolic pathways and immune functions, potentially leading to significant health issues. The research highlights the importance of understanding how chronic exposure to microplastics affects the body and underscores the need for strategies to mitigate their impact on human health.

Breakthrough in Lung Cancer Treatment with Nano-Immunotherapy: Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a novel nano-immunotherapy for lung cancer. This innovative approach combines nanoparticles loaded with anticancer drugs and antibodies targeting two proteins on cancer cells. This dual-targeting system enhances the immune response and improves drug delivery, showing promising results in reducing tumor size in lab and mouse models. The therapy could offer a new treatment for non-small cell lung cancer, especially for tumors resistant to conventional immunotherapy.

Malaria Drug Hydroxychloroquine Shows Promise in Treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Researchers have discovered that hydroxychloroquine, a drug traditionally used to treat malaria, may be effective in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that can cause irregular menstrual cycles, high levels of androgens, and ovarian cysts. The anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties of hydroxychloroquine could help manage these symptoms, potentially offering a new treatment avenue for PCOS. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety for this condition.

ENVIRONMENT

Greener Electronics Developed to Combat High E-Waste Levels: Researchers are developing eco-friendly electronics to address the unsustainable levels of e-waste, which hit 62 billion metric tons globally in 2022. A project led by Dr. Valerio Beni at the Swedish research institute RISE focuses on using wood-based materials for circuit boards. These boards, made from thin wood layers or cellulose fibers, aim to reduce carbon footprints and improve recyclability. This initiative is part of the HyPELignum project, which seeks to replace traditional high carbon-intensive materials with renewable ones.

Sweaty Cattle May Enhance Food Security Amid Climate Change: Research from the University of Florida highlights that selecting cattle based on their sweating ability could enhance heat tolerance and improve food security. In hotter climates, cattle stop eating, affecting their growth and reproduction. By identifying genes responsible for sweating in breeds like Brangus, farmers can breed more heat-tolerant cattle, mitigating the $369 million annual loss in beef production due to heat stress. 

Toxic Gas Detected in Louisiana by Johns Hopkins Researchers: Johns Hopkins University researchers have detected alarmingly high levels of ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic gas, in Louisiana. Using a mobile lab, they found concentrations up to 40 parts per billion, far exceeding safe levels and EPA estimates. This discovery highlights significant cancer risks for nearby residents and underscores the need for improved air quality monitoring and regulatory enforcement to protect public health.

NATURE

Chimpanzees Acknowledge Reliance on Luck When Making Guesses: Research conducted at the University of St Andrews has revealed that chimpanzees understand when they are relying on luck during decision-making. Behavioral experiments at Edinburgh Zoo demonstrated that chimps, when uncertain, chose smaller guaranteed rewards over potentially larger uncertain ones. This behavior suggests that chimps, much like humans, recognize the role of luck in their choices. The findings offer insights into the cognitive processes of chimpanzees, challenging previous assumptions about animal decision-making.

Tiny New Zealand Bird Sheds Light on Birdsong Evolution: Researchers from the University of Auckland have revealed that the rifleman, New Zealand's smallest bird, might possess rudimentary vocal learning abilities. Traditionally, vocal learning was thought to be exclusive to parrots, songbirds, and hummingbirds. However, the study found vocal similarities among riflemen living near each other, suggesting they might learn sounds from their environment. This finding challenges the conventional classification of birds' vocal abilities and suggests vocal learning could be more widespread and ancient than previously believed.

Urban Areas Provide Unexpected Opportunities for Some Endangered Species: Two recent studies have found that urban environments can support endangered species typically considered intolerant of city life. Research in southern England and southern California revealed that species like the West European Hedgehog and certain native animals benefit from urbanization. Factors like improved habitat connectivity and year-round water availability in gardens help these species thrive. These findings emphasize the need to incorporate conservation efforts into urban planning to support biodiversity.

The Science Behind Cicadas' Eerie and Loud Mating Calls: Cicadas create their loud, distinctive mating calls using a white membrane on their midsection called a tymbal. The vibrations of this membrane, amplified by an echo chamber beneath it, produce sounds that can be heard over great distances. Males produce these sounds to attract females, with different species having unique calls. Recent observations have detailed the behavior of cicadas in the central United States, highlighting their impressive and sometimes overwhelming auditory presence during mating seasons.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Climate Change Drives Up Insurance Costs in Disaster-Prone Areas: As extreme weather events intensify due to climate change, securing affordable insurance in high-risk areas is becoming increasingly difficult. Rising sea levels and more powerful storms are pushing insurance premiums higher, with reinsurance companies hiking prices by nearly 40% in the past two years. This leaves homeowners in states like Louisiana, California, and Florida struggling to find coverage. Without effective policy solutions, the financial risks of climate change could extend beyond individual homeowners to the broader economy.

Amazon Commits $230 Million to Support Generative AI Startups: Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced a $230 million initiative to support startups focused on generative AI. The program will provide these startups with cloud computing credits, mentorship, and educational resources. This move aims to help early-stage companies manage the high computing costs associated with training AI models. The initiative comes amid increasing scrutiny of big tech companies by regulators in the US and Europe concerning their influence in the AI market.

Tech Company Revives Hazard-Warning System to Prevent Runway Incursions: Honeywell International is reviving its cockpit warning system, "Surf-A," aimed at preventing runway incursions. This technology alerts pilots directly of potential hazards, bypassing the need for air traffic controllers to relay warnings. Demonstrated successfully in a test flight, the system could significantly reduce close calls, such as the one at JFK in 2023. Honeywell plans to have the system certified within 18 months, addressing the increasing rate of serious incursions at U.S. airports.

Miami's Flooding Offers a Preview of Climate Change Impacts: Recent heavy rains in Miami-Dade and Broward counties led to severe flooding, highlighting the city's vulnerability to climate change. Despite significant investments in flood prevention, rapid urban development and rising sea levels exacerbate the problem. The city's elevation of just three feet above sea level, combined with subsidence and the effects of the Florida Current, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive climate resilience strategies.

California's Push Towards an Electric Vehicle Future: California is advancing towards an ambitious goal where 35% of vehicles sold by 2026 must have zero tailpipe emissions, with all light-duty vehicles being zero-emissions by 2035. This initiative is driven by state regulations established to combat air pollution and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Researchers at UC Davis are tackling challenges related to EV adoption, such as grid capacity and infrastructure upgrades, to ensure the state meets its clean-vehicle targets.

WORLD NEWS

Cutting-Edge Art Lab Unveiled Beneath Paris: Beneath the Louvre in Paris, the Center for Research and Restoration of Museums of France (C2RMF) operates a state-of-the-art art lab. Spanning three floors and featuring advanced equipment like the AGLAE particle accelerator, this lab employs 150 specialists to analyze and restore artworks. Techniques such as X-rays and 3D scanning reveal detailed compositions and origins of pieces like the "Vishnu of Western Mebon" sculpture. The lab's findings aid restorations at prominent institutions including the Louvre and Versailles.

Rising Seas Threaten Bangladesh with Rapid Coastal Submersion: Bangladesh faces one of the fastest rates of sea level rise globally, driven by climate change. Rising seas, exacerbated by melting ice caps and increased ocean temperatures, are displacing coastal communities and threatening millions. The low-lying nation's sea levels are rising up to 60% faster than the global average, potentially forcing over a million people to relocate by 2050. The increasing frequency and intensity of cyclones and heatwaves further complicate the situation, highlighting the urgent need for global climate action.

China Adopts Smart Technology to Boost Elder Care Amid Workforce Shortages: China's elder care sector is embracing smart gadgets to compensate for a shortage of caregivers due to its aging population. Innovations like internet-connected sleep monitors, robotic arms, and calorie-counting plates were highlighted at a recent Shanghai fair. These technologies aim to enhance care quality while reducing the reliance on human labor, marking a significant shift from traditional family-based care practices.

Wildfires Rage in Nepal Due to Climate and Human Factors: Nepal is experiencing a surge in wildfires, driven by climate change and mismanaged forests. While climate models predict more frequent droughts, forest mismanagement and changing human-forest relationships are significant contributors. The rural population's migration and reduced reliance on forests have increased fire risks. Researchers advocate for better fire prediction systems, such as smartphone alerts, to mitigate these fires. Enhanced government involvement and community forest management are essential to prevent future disasters.

Wild Poliovirus Re-Emerges in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Threatening Eradication Progress: The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) faces a setback as wild poliovirus resurges in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Despite previous successes in clearing the virus from major areas like Karachi, recent wastewater samples show the virus's return, spreading to around 40 districts in Pakistan and reappearing in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The resurgence is attributed to increased human movement, including the repatriation of Afghan refugees. Experts are cautiously optimistic but acknowledge that eradicating the virus may take until mid-2025.

Deadly Dzud in Mongolia Results in Massive Livestock Losses: Mongolia has experienced a devastating dzud, a weather phenomenon characterized by harsh winter conditions and drought, leading to the death of over 7 million livestock. This extreme weather has severely impacted the livelihoods of herders, who rely on their animals for sustenance and income. The dzud has resulted in significant economic and food security challenges, prompting calls for increased support and sustainable solutions to help affected communities recover and build resilience against future climatic events.