Innovative Sprayable Gels Could Shield Buildings from Wildfires

Hello and welcome to Saturday’s STEAM newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Breakthrough in Synthetic Cell Development: A New Frontier in Biotechnology, and more.

• Technology and AI - The Role of Hardware in Enhancing Fairness in Artificial Neural Networks, Paying with Data: Groceries Sold at a Price of Privacy.

• Engineering - Innovative Sprayable Gels Could Shield Buildings from Wildfires, Brain-Inspired Navigation Technology: A Paradigm Shift in Robotics, Bioinspired Soft Grippers Revolutionize Robotics in Delicate Handling Tasks, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Exploring the Likelihood of Extraterrestrial Life: Insights from Earth's Astrobiology, NASA's DART Impact Permanently Alters Orbit and Shape of Asteroid Moon.

• Health & Medicine - Excessive Screen Time in 20s Linked to Heart Health Risks, Experts Warn, High-Risk HPV in Men Linked to Sexual Dysfunction, Study Finds, and more.

• Environment - Terrestrial Ecosystems Lose Resilience as Global Change Stressors Increase, Australia Launches National Inquiry into the Dangers of "Forever Chemicals", and more.

• Nature - Alarming Decline in Bird Species Observed in Kenya, Rare Orchid Thrives in Restored Prairie Lands.

• Industry - California AI Bill Sparks Debate in Silicon Valley, Gift Card Scams Generate Billions Annually, Exploiting Consumers' Trust, and more.

• World - Chinese Automakers Expand Rapidly in Latin America, Debate Intensifies Over Japan's Resumption of Whaling, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Breakthrough in Synthetic Cell Development: A New Frontier in Biotechnology: Scientists have achieved a major milestone in synthetic biology by creating synthetic cells capable of performing life-like functions, such as energy production and environmental sensing. These advancements could revolutionize biotechnology by providing new methods for drug delivery, environmental monitoring, and bioengineering. The synthetic cells are built using modular approaches, making them highly customizable and adaptable to various applications.

Development of Nontoxic Ceramic-Based Electronic Components for Safer Technology: Researchers have created a new class of nontoxic ceramic-based electronic components as an alternative to lead-based materials traditionally used in electronics. These components offer the same high performance but without the environmental and health risks associated with lead. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the electronics industry, making devices safer and more sustainable.

Successful Test of Quantum Internet Prototype Under New York City: A team from Qunnect Inc. has successfully operated a prototype quantum internet network beneath New York City for 15 continuous days. Using a 34-kilometer-long fiber circuit called the GothamQ loop, the network achieved nearly perfect uptime and fidelity for polarization-entangled photon pairs. This development marks a significant step toward the practical implementation of a quantum internet, capable of automated, long-term operations with minimal disruptions.

New Hot Carrier Transistor Breaks Performance Barriers for Post-Moore Era Devices: Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a groundbreaking hot-emitter transistor (HOET) using a novel mechanism called stimulated emission of heated carriers (SEHC). This transistor, featuring a graphene/germanium structure, achieves a sub-threshold swing below 1 mV/dec and a peak-to-valley current ratio over 100. The innovation surpasses traditional limits, offering significant potential for low-power, multifunctional devices in the post-Moore era.

New Varactor Enhances Quantum Dot Device Measurements at Millikelvin Temperatures: Researchers from University College London have developed a new varactor using quantum paraelectric materials, significantly improving radiofrequency measurements of quantum dot devices at extremely low temperatures (down to 6 millikelvin). The varactor, based on strontium titanate and potassium tantalate, enhances measurement precision and speed, which is crucial for scaling up quantum technologies, such as qubit-based systems.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

The Role of Hardware in Enhancing Fairness in Artificial Neural Networks: Researchers from the University of Notre Dame have explored how hardware design impacts the fairness of artificial neural networks, particularly in high-stakes areas like healthcare. Their study highlights that fairness is not only influenced by algorithms but also by the hardware on which AI models run. They found that advanced hardware designs, like computing-in-memory (CiM) architectures, can both exacerbate and mitigate biases in AI, suggesting a need for hardware-aware strategies in AI development.

Paying with Data: Groceries Sold at a Price of Privacy: An increasing number of stores are offering discounts on groceries in exchange for customers' personal data. By analyzing shopping patterns and preferences, companies can optimize inventory and marketing strategies, but this raises significant privacy concerns. While some consumers appreciate the savings, others worry about the long-term implications of trading personal information for discounts, as the collected data can be used for targeted advertising or sold to third parties.

ENGINEERING

Innovative Sprayable Gels Could Shield Buildings from Wildfires: Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new sprayable gel that can protect buildings from wildfires. Unlike current water-enhancing gels that dry out quickly, this gel forms a heat-resistant aerogel when exposed to fire, providing long-lasting insulation. The gel is environmentally safe, easily applied, and could be a crucial tool in safeguarding homes and critical infrastructure during wildfire seasons.

Brain-Inspired Navigation Technology: A Paradigm Shift in Robotics: A new approach in robotics, known as brain-inspired navigation technology, integrates neuroscience principles into robotic systems, enabling robots to navigate complex and unknown terrains with remarkable accuracy. By mimicking animal spatial cognition, these systems create cognitive maps, enhancing adaptability and efficiency in dynamic environments. The technology holds significant potential for applications in autonomous vehicles, drones, and more, despite challenges in integrating biological principles into mechanical systems.

Bioinspired Soft Grippers Revolutionize Robotics in Delicate Handling Tasks: Researchers at SUTD, led by Dr. Pablo Valdivia y Alvarado, have developed a versatile vacuum-actuated soft gripper inspired by human anatomy. The gripper, which won the IEEE RoboSoft Manipulation Competition, features durable, elastic fingers and a palm, allowing it to handle delicate items like food. This innovation, with its adaptability and modular design, highlights the potential of bioinspired robotics in various industries, including food handling and urban farming.

Biomass-Derived Resin Paves the Way for Recyclable Wind Turbine Blades: Researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have developed a biomass-derived resin, called PECAN, that enables the production of recyclable wind turbine blades. This new resin allows for the complete chemical recycling of blades, enabling their components to be reused multiple times. The resin matches or outperforms current industry standards and offers a sustainable alternative to traditional materials, supporting a circular economy in renewable energy technology.

KIER Develops SKIER-5: A Breakthrough Metal-Organic Anode for Li-Ion Batteries in Cold Environments: The Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has introduced SKIER-5, a redox-active metal-organic hybrid electrode for lithium-ion batteries, capable of stable operation at temperatures as low as -20°C. This material outperforms traditional graphite anodes, offering a discharge capacity five times higher in subzero conditions and enhanced stability over 1,600 charge-discharge cycles. SKIER-5's superior performance could revolutionize battery applications in electric vehicles, drones, and ultra-small electronics in cold environments.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Exploring the Likelihood of Extraterrestrial Life: Insights from Earth's Astrobiology: An astrobiologist examines the probability of life existing on other planets by drawing parallels with Earth's own extreme environments. The study considers the adaptability and resilience of life forms on Earth as a model for understanding potential alien ecosystems. The findings suggest that if similar conditions exist elsewhere in the universe, life could be more common than previously thought, expanding the search for extraterrestrial life.

NASA's DART Impact Permanently Alters Orbit and Shape of Asteroid Moon: A new study reveals that NASA's DART mission, which deliberately collided with the asteroid moon Dimorphos, significantly altered its shape and orbit. The impact transformed Dimorphos from an oblate to a prolate shape, disrupted its orbital stability, and may cause it to tumble unpredictably. These findings provide critical insights into the dynamics of asteroid bodies and enhance our understanding of planetary defense strategies.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Excessive Screen Time in 20s Linked to Heart Health Risks, Experts Warn: Health experts warn that young adults in their 20s who spend significant time in front of screens may be at an increased risk for heart problems later in life. Excessive screen use is associated with sedentary behavior, poor diet, and other lifestyle factors that contribute to cardiovascular issues. The experts emphasize the importance of reducing screen time and adopting healthier habits early to mitigate these long-term health risks.

High-Risk HPV in Men Linked to Sexual Dysfunction, Study Finds: A new study highlights that men infected with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) may struggle with sexual dysfunction, including reduced erectile function and overall sexual satisfaction. The findings underscore the importance of addressing HPV-related health issues in men, which are often overlooked. Researchers advocate for greater awareness and preventive measures, including vaccination, to mitigate these risks and improve sexual health outcomes.

Genetic Variants in piRNA Pathway Linked to Male Infertility: Researchers from the University of Münster have discovered that disruptions in the piRNA pathway, crucial for suppressing transposons in germ cells, are a significant yet underestimated cause of male infertility. Analyzing DNA from over 2,000 infertile men, the study identified 39 men with variations in piRNA genes, leading to genomic instability and defective sperm production. These findings offer new diagnostic avenues but highlight the need for further research to develop targeted treatments.

Study Shows DailyColors Supplement May Promote Healthy Aging: A study by King's College London and Stavanger University Hospital explored the effects of DailyColors, a supplement mimicking the Mediterranean diet, on aging-related blood markers. The results indicated that DailyColors may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and positively impact DNA methylation linked to aging. While promising, these findings suggest the need for further research to confirm the supplement's potential benefits in promoting healthy aging.

Strength Training Activates Cellular Waste Disposal Mechanism, Study Finds: A study led by the University of Bonn reveals that strength training activates the protein BAG3, which is crucial for the elimination of damaged cellular components. This process, essential for maintaining muscle and nerve health, has implications for treating conditions like muscle weakness and heart failure. The findings could also benefit astronauts and immobilized patients by mitigating muscle atrophy in low-activity environments.

ENVIRONMENT

Terrestrial Ecosystems Lose Resilience as Global Change Stressors Increase: A study led by the Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Seville (IRNAS-CSIC) reveals that terrestrial ecosystems become increasingly sensitive to global change as the number of environmental stressors rises. Analyzing over 1,000 global change experiments, the research shows that prolonged exposure to multiple stressors, such as increased CO2 and warming, significantly reduces ecosystems' ability to resist environmental impacts and maintain essential services like primary productivity.

Reduced Air Pollutants Lead to Increased Nitrogen Deposition in U.S. Ecosystems: Research by Princeton and Colorado State University reveals that reductions in sulfur dioxide and NOx emissions over the past 20 years have inadvertently increased nitrogen deposits in U.S. ecosystems, particularly near agricultural areas. The decreased atmospheric pollutants allow more ammonia, largely from farming, to settle back on land and water, impacting ecosystems by promoting harmful algal blooms and altering plant growth. The study suggests that future efforts should include ammonia mitigation to protect sensitive environments.

Australia Implements New Measures to Combat Poor Water Quality Affecting Great Barrier Reef: Australia is intensifying efforts to address the declining water quality that threatens the Great Barrier Reef. New initiatives focus on reducing agricultural runoff, which introduces harmful pollutants into the reef's ecosystem. These measures aim to improve water quality and protect the reef from further damage, crucial for preserving this World Heritage site amidst ongoing environmental challenges.

Australia Launches National Inquiry into the Dangers of "Forever Chemicals": The Australian parliament has initiated a national inquiry into the risks posed by per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals," following alarming reports of their presence in Sydney's water supply. These persistent chemicals, found in everyday products, are linked to cancer and environmental harm. The inquiry aims to address the widespread contamination and explore alternatives to these hazardous substances.

South Africa Faces Water Shortages as Smaller Local Dams Dry Up: South Africa is experiencing increasing water scarcity as smaller local dams dry up, impacting communities reliant on them for agriculture and daily needs. This issue is exacerbated by climate change, mismanagement, and overuse. The country faces significant challenges in ensuring sustainable water access, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure is limited. Urgent measures are needed to address the growing water crisis and secure long-term water resources for affected populations.

Crucial Talks on Global Plastic Treaty Focus on Financing and Regulations: Experts are meeting in Bangkok to discuss critical aspects of a global plastic treaty ahead of final negotiations in November. Key issues include whether the treaty will set production caps, enforce unified rules on recyclability, and implement bans on certain plastics. Financing remains a contentious topic, with some countries pushing for financial support to implement the treaty. The outcomes of these discussions could significantly impact global efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

NATURE

Alarming Decline in Bird Species Observed in Kenya: Researchers have documented a worrying decline in bird species across Kenya, linked to habitat loss, climate change, and human activities. The study highlights that nearly 30% of bird species in the region are facing population decreases, with some at risk of extinction. Conservationists are calling for urgent action to protect these species and their habitats to prevent further loss of biodiversity.

Rare Orchid Thrives in Restored Prairie Lands: A rare orchid species, previously thought to be at risk, has been found to survive and even thrive in restored prairie tracts. Conservation efforts focusing on the restoration of natural habitats have allowed these orchids to recover and spread in areas where they had nearly disappeared. This discovery underscores the importance of habitat restoration in preserving endangered plant species.

INDUSTRY

California AI Bill Sparks Debate in Silicon Valley: A proposed California bill, aimed at regulating AI development, has sharply divided opinions in Silicon Valley. Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to ensure AI safety and innovation, while critics, including prominent figures like Nancy Pelosi and AI experts, fear it could stifle technological progress and harm smaller tech companies. The bill seeks to establish safety standards for large AI models, but its potential impact on innovation remains a contentious issue.

Gift Card Scams Generate Billions Annually, Exploiting Consumers' Trust: A recent report highlights the alarming rise in gift card scams, which are now generating billions of dollars in losses annually. Scammers exploit consumers by impersonating trusted contacts or organizations, convincing them to purchase gift cards and share the codes. Despite efforts to combat these scams, their prevalence is increasing, with major retailers and consumers facing significant financial impacts. The report underscores the need for greater awareness and preventive measures.

Early Closure of Coal Plants Could Prove Profitable for Investors: A new analysis suggests that the early closure of coal plants might be financially advantageous for investors. By retiring coal facilities ahead of schedule, companies could reduce long-term liabilities, avoid future regulatory costs, and capitalize on emerging carbon markets. This strategy not only aligns with global decarbonization goals but also presents a potentially lucrative opportunity for investors in a transitioning energy landscape.

WORLD

Chinese Automakers Expand Rapidly in Latin America: Chinese car manufacturers are making significant inroads into the Latin American market, leveraging competitive pricing and favorable trade conditions. With a focus on electric vehicles and affordable models, these companies are rapidly gaining market share in countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Chile. This expansion challenges traditional Western and Japanese automakers, potentially reshaping the region's automotive landscape as Chinese brands become more established.

Debate Intensifies Over Japan's Resumption of Whaling: The detention of anti-whaling activist Paul Watson in Greenland highlights ongoing controversies surrounding Japan's whaling practices, which resumed in 2019 after leaving the IWC moratorium. Japan justifies whaling as part of its cultural heritage and argues that certain species are abundant, but scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. Critics point to alternative non-invasive research methods and stress the broader ecological benefits of whale conservation.

Energy-Hungry Singapore Explores Forest Solar Farms in Indonesia: Singapore is planning to invest in solar farms in Indonesia's forests to meet its growing energy needs. The project, part of a broader strategy to diversify energy sources, aims to generate renewable energy while minimizing environmental impact. This initiative underscores Singapore's push towards sustainability, but it also raises concerns about potential ecological consequences and the displacement of local communities in the targeted areas.

New Zealand’s Decision to Opt Out of Infant Formula Standard Raises Health Concerns: New Zealand has decided not to adopt a joint infant formula standard with Australia, which aimed to regulate labeling and marketing claims. This move is seen as a setback for child health, as it may allow for unsubstantiated nutritional claims on infant formula products. The decision could hinder parents' ability to make informed choices and contradicts efforts to promote breastfeeding, which has well-documented health benefits.