Japanese Company Plans to Build a Space Elevator by 2050

Just because we can, does it mean we should? Japan’s Obayashi Corporation's plan to construct a space elevator by 2050, while ambitious, raises several profound questions. If such a structure is built, who would regulate it legally? How would international space treaties apply to its operation and potential conflicts? And is it justifiable to invest in such an ambitious project when pressing issues like climate change demand society’s concerted attention and resources? Today's edition is packed with this and more interesting STEAM news to end your Friday on a high note. So keep reading.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Astronomers Puzzled by Strange Intermittent Radio Signal from Space.

• Technology and AI - Why Autistic People Seek AI Companionship, Dutch Police Trial AI-Powered Robot Dog for Drug Lab Inspections, and AI-Powered Tool Tracks Diet Spoon by Spoon.

• Engineering - Innovative Energy Source Powers Subsea Robots Indefinitely, NASA's Small Engine Advances Sustainable Jet Technology, Eggshell Waste Found Effective for Recovering Rare Earth Elements & Energy-Storing Concrete: A Foundation for Solar-Powered Homes.

• Health - Xylitol Sweetener Linked to Increased Heart Attack and Stroke Risk.

• Environment - Marine Cyanobacteria Use Nanotubes to Communicate.

• Nature - New Deep-Sea Species Discovered in Pacific Ocean Expedition.

• Industry News: Japanese Company Plans to Build a Space Elevator by 2050.

Happy Friday!

~The Steam Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Astronomers Puzzled by Strange Intermittent Radio Signal from Space: Astronomers have discovered an unusual intermittent radio signal, dubbed ASKAP J1935+2148, originating from space. This signal, detected using the ASKAP radio telescope, has an unprecedented cycle of nearly an hour—the longest ever observed. The signal's varying states include bright pulses, weak pulses, and periods of silence. While the signal likely comes from a unique neutron star, other possibilities, such as a white dwarf, remain. This discovery challenges existing theories and highlights the need for further research.

Scientists Discover CO₂ and CO Ices on Distant Solar System Objects: Using the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers have identified carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) ices on 59 trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and Centaurs in the solar system's outer reaches. This discovery, led by scientists from the University of Central Florida, suggests these ices were abundant in the early protoplanetary disk. The findings provide new insights into the composition and evolutionary history of these distant objects.

New Material Records Mechanical Stress Using Luminescence: Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a novel material that records mechanical stress through luminescence, allowing for long-term stress history retrieval without a power supply. The material, Pr-doped Li₀.₁₂Na₀.₈₈NbO₃, emits an afterglow in response to mechanical stimuli, which can be captured using cameras or light sensors. This technology, detailed in Applied Physics Letters, is poised to revolutionize infrastructure monitoring by providing a simple, environmentally friendly solution for detecting and analyzing stress over time.

Physicists Decode Knitted Material Mechanics for Engineering Applications: Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a mathematical framework to understand the mechanics of knitted materials, which could revolutionize their use in engineering applications. By combining experiments and simulations, they quantified how stitch patterns affect fabric elasticity and programmability. This study paves the way for incorporating knitted textiles into advanced technologies like wearable electronics and soft robotics, highlighting the potential of knitting as an additive manufacturing technique.

Revolutionizing Forensic Science to Prevent Wrongful Convictions: Forensic science is undergoing a transformation to address its historical inaccuracies and improve the reliability of evidence used in criminal cases. Researchers are developing more robust methodologies, such as advanced DNA analysis and improved fingerprint identification, to reduce errors and wrongful convictions. This initiative aims to ensure justice by enhancing the precision and trustworthiness of forensic techniques.

Dispute Over the Meaning of "Equals" Poses Challenges for Mathematicians: A new debate among mathematicians centers on the fundamental meaning of the equal sign, which could have significant implications for the field. Traditionally, equality in mathematics is a clear-cut concept. However, emerging theories, particularly in higher category theory and infinity categories, suggest that equivalence may be a more appropriate concept than strict equality. This shift complicates basic algebraic operations and proofs, as equivalence encompasses a broader and more flexible framework than equality.

Jacob Lurie's influential work has spearheaded this shift, proposing a new mathematical foundation that emphasizes equivalence. While this approach has the potential to advance mathematical understanding, it also introduces complexity and uncertainty, leading to resistance and confusion within the mathematical community. The ongoing debate reflects broader challenges in redefining foundational concepts in mathematics.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Dutch Police Trial AI-Powered Robot Dog for Drug Lab Inspections: The Dutch police are testing an AI-powered robot dog designed to safely inspect drug labs, an innovation that aims to enhance officer safety and operational efficiency. This robot, equipped with advanced sensors and AI capabilities, can navigate hazardous environments, providing real-time data and reducing the risk to human officers during dangerous drug lab inspections. The trial signifies a significant step towards integrating advanced robotics into law enforcement, offering a glimpse into the future of policing technology.

Why Autistic People Seek AI Companionship: Autistic individuals are increasingly turning to AI companions for social interaction and emotional support. These AI systems offer predictable and non-judgmental interactions, which can be particularly appealing to autistic people who may struggle with the unpredictability and sensory overload of human social interactions. AI companions can help them practice social skills, provide companionship without the complexities of human relationships, and offer a safe space for expressing emotions, thereby improving their overall mental well-being.

New Ransomware Evades Security Using Evolutionary GAN: Researchers at Texas A&M University and Ho Technical University have developed a new type of ransomware leveraging an Evolutionary Generative Adversarial Network (EGAN) to evade security measures. This sophisticated attack uses evolutionary strategies and GANs to create ransomware that appears benign to AI-powered antivirus systems. Their findings, presented at the IEEE 48th Conference on Local Computer Networks, demonstrate that EGAN can bypass most commercial antivirus solutions, underscoring the need for advanced cybersecurity measures.

AI-Powered Tool Tracks Diet Spoon by Spoon: A new AI-based tool has been developed to monitor dietary intake with unprecedented precision, tracking every spoonful consumed. This innovation aims to provide users with detailed insights into their eating habits, potentially transforming diet management and nutritional studies. The AI system uses advanced image recognition and data analysis to log the type and quantity of food intake, offering a more accurate and user-friendly alternative to traditional food diaries. This technology could lead to better health outcomes by enabling individuals to make more informed dietary choices.

ENGINEERING

Innovative Energy Source Powers Subsea Robots Indefinitely: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Seatrec Inc. have developed a new energy source for subsea robots, allowing them to operate indefinitely without battery replacements. Utilizing phase-change materials that generate power from temperature-induced volume changes, these robots can perform continuous ocean monitoring and data collection. This advancement addresses the critical energy limitations of underwater sensors and could revolutionize ocean exploration and marine research.

NASA's Small Engine Advances Sustainable Jet Technology: NASA is using a small-scale jet engine, the DGEN380 Aero-Propulsion Research Turbofan (DART), to test new aviation technologies aimed at making air travel more sustainable. Located at NASA's Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, DART allows researchers to experiment with new engine components cost-effectively. Its high bypass ratio makes it efficient and ideal for testing innovations like noise reduction and fuel efficiency improvements, which could be applied to commercial airliners by the 2030s.

Eggshell Waste Found Effective for Recovering Rare Earth Elements: Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that eggshell waste can be used to recover rare earth elements (REEs) from water, offering a sustainable method crucial for green energy technologies. The study revealed that calcium carbonate in eggshells absorbs REEs efficiently, forming stable minerals at higher temperatures. This eco-friendly approach addresses the environmental impact of traditional extraction methods and highlights the potential for waste valorization.

Energy-Storing Concrete: A Foundation for Solar-Powered Homes: Researchers have developed a novel concrete that doubles as an energy storage device, potentially forming the basis for solar-powered homes. By combining cement with fine charcoal, this concrete can act as a supercapacitor, storing and releasing energy efficiently. This technology could be used in building foundations, enabling homes to store a full day's worth of solar energy and even allowing roads to wirelessly charge electric vehicles. This innovation offers a sustainable and scalable alternative to traditional batteries.

HEALTH

Xylitol Sweetener Linked to Increased Heart Attack and Stroke Risk: A recent study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, OH has found that xylitol, a widely used sugar substitute, is linked to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers observed that individuals with higher blood levels of xylitol were more likely to experience clotting, leading to these severe cardiovascular events. The findings are particularly significant for people who consume xylitol as part of a diet intended for weight loss or diabetes management, as these groups are already at an elevated risk for heart-related issues. The study emphasizes the need for further research and caution in the consumption of xylitol-containing products.

Orexin Neurons Monitor Rapid Blood Glucose Changes: Researchers at ETH Zürich have discovered that orexin neurons in mice can detect rapid changes in blood glucose levels, rather than just absolute levels. These neurons, which play a key role in regulating arousal and consciousness, respond dynamically to fluctuations in glucose, influencing energy-related behaviors. This finding offers new insights into the brain's role in metabolic control and could have implications for managing dietary habits and understanding related neurobiological processes.

Should Blood Pressure Guidelines Be Different for Women and Men? Recent research suggests that blood pressure guidelines should indeed be different for women and men. A study led by Susan Cheng, MD, at the Smidt Heart Institute found that women have a lower "normal" blood pressure range compared to men. For women, a systolic blood pressure of 110 mmHg or lower is considered normal, while for men, the threshold is 120 mmHg. This difference is crucial because it indicates that women may be at risk for cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, heart failure, and stroke at lower blood pressure levels than men.

Current guidelines do not differentiate between sexes, potentially overlooking specific risks for women. The study suggests reassessing these guidelines to better reflect the biological and physiological differences between men and women, ultimately improving cardiovascular health outcomes for both sexes.

Forever Chemicals Linked to Heart Disease Risk in Postmenopausal Women: A new study by the University of Illinois highlights the connection between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and increased cardiovascular disease risks in postmenopausal women. Researchers found that PFAS, particularly PFOS and PFOA, interact with pro-inflammatory pathways, contributing to heart conditions. The study analyzed data from 70 women, revealing that different PFAS types affect inflammation and metabolites uniquely. This research underscores the need for regulatory actions to mitigate PFAS exposure.

Bird Flu Causes Eye Infections in Dairy Workers Due to New Transmission Route: Recent cases of avian influenza (H5N1) among dairy farm workers in the U.S. have been linked to contact with infected cows. This unexpected transmission route has led to eye infections rather than severe respiratory symptoms. The discovery raises concerns about the virus's ability to mutate and adapt to new hosts, potentially increasing transmission risks. Health officials recommend enhanced protective measures and monitoring to prevent further spread and mutation of the virus in the dairy industry.

High Salt Intake Linked to Eczema Flare-Ups: A recent study suggests that high salt intake might exacerbate eczema, an inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and rashy skin. Researchers from the Technical University of Munich found that elevated levels of sodium chloride in the skin could trigger immune cells that promote allergic responses, potentially leading to or worsening eczema symptoms. This discovery adds to the growing body of evidence linking diet to immune system function and inflammatory diseases.

ENVIRONMENT

Earth's Atmosphere Trapping Double the Heat Since 1993: Recent studies reveal that Earth's atmosphere is now trapping twice as much heat as it did in 1993. The researchers attribute this increase to reductions in sea ice and cloud cover, which decrease the planet's albedo, and to rising greenhouse gas emissions. This energy imbalance, primarily absorbed by the oceans, intensifies global warming, contributing to accelerated ice melt and ocean acidification. These findings underscore the urgent need for climate action to mitigate future impacts.

Marine Cyanobacteria Use Nanotubes to Communicate: A recent study by researchers at the University of Córdoba reveals that marine cyanobacteria communicate through membrane nanotubes, challenging the notion that these organisms operate in isolation. These nanotubes allow cyanobacteria to transfer materials between cells, creating a network-like interaction. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the ecological roles of cyanobacteria, which are crucial for oxygen production and sustaining life on Earth.

Rising CO2 Levels May Slow Forest Growth, New Study Suggests: A recent study has found that forests might grow more slowly than previously expected despite higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. The assumption that increased CO2 would uniformly boost plant growth has been challenged by new research showing that while plant biomass may increase, soil carbon storage does not follow suit. Instead, the nutrients required for plant growth lead to enhanced microbial activity in the soil, which in turn releases more CO2 back into the atmosphere. This dynamic complicates the role of forests as carbon sinks and suggests that their capacity to mitigate climate change could be overestimated​

Tropical Forests Adapt to Nutrient-Poor Soils, Enhancing Carbon Storage: A study published in New Phytologist reveals that tropical forests can adjust their nutrient acquisition strategies to thrive even in nutrient-poor soils. The researchers found that trees in these forests employ flexible methods to obtain phosphorus, crucial for growth. These strategies help maintain forest productivity and carbon storage, even under nutrient constraints. The findings support the potential of tropical reforestation and conservation as long-term climate solutions.

NATURE

New Deep-Sea Species Discovered in Pacific Ocean Expedition: Researchers from the University of Gothenburg have discovered several unknown deep-sea species, including transparent sea cucumbers, glass sponges, and pink sea pigs, during a 45-day expedition in the Clarion Clipperton Zone - a zone between Mexico and Hawaii. This area, one of Earth's least explored regions, revealed a high species richness despite low nutrient availability. The study aims to understand biodiversity and the potential impacts of deep-sea mining for rare metals. This discovery highlights the need for protection and further research in these unique ecosystems.

Tiger Shark Regurgitates Echidna, Astonishing Researchers: During an ocean research trip, scientists from James Cook University were shocked when a tiger shark they were tagging vomited a whole echidna. The unusual event occurred off the northeast coast of Australia. The echidna, a land-dwelling spiny mammal, was likely ingested while swimming between islands. Despite the bizarre meal, the shark was unharmed and was released back into the ocean with an acoustic tracker to study its movements.

Origami-Like Neck Mechanism in Protist Lacrymaria Olor: Researchers have discovered that the protist Lacrymaria olor uses an origami-like structure to extend its neck up to 30 times its body length. This unique mechanism involves curved pleats formed by microtubules, allowing rapid and reversible extension. The findings could inspire new designs in robotics and microsurgery tools, demonstrating nature's influence on innovative engineering solutions.

Endangered Giant Pangolin Rediscovered in Senegal After 24 Years: For the first time in nearly 24 years, a giant pangolin has been spotted in Senegal's Niokolo-Koba National Park. This sighting revives hope for the survival of this endangered species in West Africa, where it faces significant threats from poaching and habitat destruction. The rediscovery was made possible through the efforts of Panthera, a wildlife monitoring organization, which confirmed the presence of the pangolin via camera traps. The last recorded sighting in the area was in 1999, leading many to fear that the species had become extinct locally. This finding underscores the importance of continued conservation efforts to protect these elusive creatures.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Boeing's Starliner Successfully Docks with Space Station Despite Thruster Issues: Boeing's Starliner spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on June 6, 2024, after overcoming multiple thruster malfunctions and helium leaks. The capsule, carrying two NASA astronauts, experienced significant propulsion issues shortly after launch but managed to dock after engineers and astronauts addressed the problems. This mission marks a critical milestone for Boeing's Starliner program, intended to provide regular crew transport to the ISS.

Japanese Company Plans to Build a Space Elevator by 2050: A Japanese construction firm, Obayashi Corporation, has announced an ambitious plan to build a space elevator by 2050. The project aims to create a 96,000-kilometer-long cable made from carbon nanotubes, extending from Earth to space. This elevator will transport passengers and cargo to a space station 36,000 kilometers above Earth, reducing the need for costly and environmentally damaging rocket launches.

The elevator car, powered by magnetic linear motors, would travel at 200 kilometers per hour, taking about a week to reach the station. This futuristic vision, inspired by the Tokyo Sky Tree's construction, promises to revolutionize space travel by offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to current methods.

While the technology and material requirements are still being developed, Obayashi Corporation is optimistic about overcoming these challenges, marking a significant step towards making space more accessible.