Liquid Defies Physics: Magnetized Mixture Forms Self-Healing Grecian Urn Shape

Hello and welcome to our April 4th edition. The STEAM Digest is a curated newsletter that brings you the latest news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Liquid Defies Physics: Magnetized Mixture Forms Self-Healing Grecian Urn Shape, Sweet Solution: Artificial Sweetener Saccharin Kills Drug-Resistant Superbugs, and more.

• Materials - Rutgers-Led Team Creates Exotic Quantum Material Once Thought Impossible, Defective Fillers Surprisingly Enhance Polymer Heat Transfer, and more.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - Sunflowers Can Reproduce Without Pollination: Breakthrough Promises Faster Crop Breeding.

• Engineering & Technology - New Computational Model Sheds Light on Lithium Plating in Fast-Charging Batteries, and more.

• Astronomy, Space, Astrobiology - Astronomers Discover Nearby Binary Star System Set to Become Blinding Supernova, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Antiviral Bean-Based Chewing Gum Shows Promise in Reducing Transmission of Herpes, Flu, and Bird Flu Viruses, and more.

• Neuroscience - Divorced and Never-Married Older Adults Show Lower Dementia Risk in Long-Term Study, and more.

• Environment - Inland Waters Are Losing Breath: Human Activities Disrupt Global Oxygen Cycle, and more.

• Nature - Young Plants Remain Vulnerable to Disease Due to Growth-Energy Trade-Off, Study Finds.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Genes at War: Study Reveals How Mouse Sperm Compete in a Genetic Arms Race, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

If you would like to share The STEAM Digest newsletter with others, please use the following link: https://thesteamdigest.beehiiv.com/subscribe

SCIENCE

Liquid Defies Physics: Magnetized Mixture Forms Self-Healing Grecian Urn Shape: A research team at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has discovered a "shape-recovering liquid" that defies traditional thermodynamic behavior. The study describes a mixture of oil, water, and magnetized nickel particles that, when shaken, repeatedly and reliably reforms into the elegant shape of a Grecian urn. Unlike typical emulsions, which mix when shaken, this mixture resists blending due to the strong magnetic interactions at the boundary between oil and water. These interactions increase interfacial tension and cause the liquids to separate into a consistent shape, challenging the conventional understanding of emulsification. Though practical applications remain unknown, the finding opens new possibilities in soft-matter physics.

Sweet Solution: Artificial Sweetener Saccharin Kills Drug-Resistant Superbugs: Researchers have discovered that saccharin, the artificial sweetener commonly found in diet foods and sugar-free drinks, can kill multidrug-resistant bacteria. The study reveals saccharin's ability to break down bacterial cell walls, disrupt DNA replication, prevent biofilm formation, and make bacteria more susceptible to existing antibiotics. The findings suggest that saccharin could serve as a powerful tool in combating antibiotic resistance—one of the greatest threats to global health. A saccharin-infused wound dressing also outperformed current silver-based treatments in tests, offering further hope for new antimicrobial therapies.

Scientists Uncover How E. coli Toxin Destroys Gut Cells, Paving the Way for Targeted Treatments: Researchers have revealed how a dangerous strain of Escherichia coli (EPEC) uses a toxin called EspC—described as "molecular scissors"—to cut open and destroy gut epithelial cells, causing severe diarrhea and sometimes death. The study provides the first 3D structural insight into the EspC toxin, which attacks the internal protein structure of gut cells. This breakthrough could aid in developing targeted treatments, especially as antibiotic resistance among E. coli strains is on the rise.

MATERIALS

Rutgers-Led Team Creates Exotic Quantum Material Once Thought Impossible: An international research has engineered a groundbreaking quantum material by fusing two lab-made compounds—dysprosium titanate (a “spin ice” with magnetic monopoles) and pyrochlore iridate (a semimetal hosting Weyl fermions)—into a novel atomic-scale structure. This unique “quantum sandwich,” built using a custom tool called Q-DiP, challenges existing limits in quantum material synthesis and could pave the way for next-gen quantum computing and ultra-sensitive sensors. The interface between these layers is expected to host stable and exotic quantum states crucial for advancing spintronics and quantum technologies. The study reveals how combining two theoretically extreme materials yields a functional and promising platform for studying the fundamental physics behind quantum information systems.

Defective Fillers Surprisingly Enhance Polymer Heat Transfer: A research team led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that polymers incorporating defective graphite oxide fillers exhibited 160% better thermal conductivity than those using perfect graphite fillers. Despite graphite oxide being less conductive on its own, its rough, uneven surfaces enhanced vibrational coupling with polymer chains, facilitating more efficient heat flow across the material. This challenges the long-held belief that defects reduce performance and suggests a promising new approach to designing lightweight, flexible, heat-dissipating materials for advanced electronics and robotics.

New Nanomechanical Sensor Array Offers Real-Time Gas Detection from Kitchen to Industry: Researchers have developed a compact nanomechanical sensor array capable of detecting complex gas mixtures in real-time. Using four distinct polymers—each with unique chemical sensitivities—the array identifies gases by measuring polymer swelling via embedded piezoresistive silicon sensors. In tests, the system accurately distinguished gases like water vapor, ethanol, and spoilage indicators from fish using statistical analysis. This innovation offers fast, reliable, and portable gas detection, with potential applications in food safety, healthcare diagnostics, and industrial hazard monitoring.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Sunflowers Can Reproduce Without Pollination: Breakthrough Promises Faster Crop Breeding: A global research has discovered that sunflowers can produce viable haploid seeds through parthenogenesis—reproduction without pollination. The study reveals that certain sunflower lines can spontaneously form seeds without fertilization, offering a path to dramatically accelerate the creation of inbred lines from six years to just 10 months. Through a series of genetic, chemical, and environmental experiments, the researchers confirmed that haploid seeds could form without paternal DNA and be regenerated into fertile plants using tissue culture and chromosome doubling. The embryos developed without the endosperm—an unusual trait in flowering plants—relying instead on cotyledon nutrients. This finding lays the groundwork for a scalable doubled haploid system, with major implications for sunflower breeding and global crop improvement.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

New Computational Model Sheds Light on Lithium Plating in Fast-Charging Batteries: A breakthrough computational model reveals new insights into lithium plating—a major cause of failure in fast-charging lithium-ion batteries. The model explains how the interaction between ion transport and electrochemical reactions leads to the formation of metallic lithium on the anode, which can degrade battery performance or cause fires. The model establishes links between battery materials, charging conditions, and the onset of lithium plating. It includes a practical diagram offering researchers physics-based guidance to design safer batteries and optimize charging protocols without requiring additional simulations. Her work broadens the understanding of lithium plating beyond extreme conditions, paving the way for safer, longer-lasting battery technologies.

Robotic Hands Can Learn Complex Tasks Without Touch, Study Finds: A new study reveals that robotic or prosthetic hands can learn to manipulate objects—even without tactile sensors—if trained with the right sequence of experiences. The research shows that "curriculum learning" (the order in which tasks and rewards are introduced) is more critical than tactile feedback for mastering tasks like grasping and rotating a ball. Using simulations of a three-fingered robotic hand, the team demonstrated that with the right learning progression, the hand could perform complex manipulation even with limited or no haptic input. This finding challenges the long-held belief that touch is essential for dexterous control and suggests new possibilities for designing smarter, sensor-light robotic systems.

Breakthrough in Hydrogenation: Single-Atom Catalysts Boost Efficiency and Lower Costs: Researchers have advanced the efficiency of hydrogenation—a key chemical reaction used in producing fuels, food products, and pharmaceuticals—by studying single-atom catalysts (SACs). The study shows that palladium atoms on semiconductor supports perform better when the support material is good at accepting electrons. The team identified a consistent relationship between catalytic activity and the electronic properties of the support, offering a clear guide for designing more effective and stable catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to more economical and sustainable industrial hydrogenation processes.

ASTRONOMY, SPACE, ASTROBIOLOGY

Astronomers Discover Nearby Binary Star System Set to Become Blinding Supernova: Astronomers have discovered a rare, massive binary star system just 150 light-years from Earth that is destined to explode as a type 1a supernova. The system, composed of two closely orbiting white dwarfs with a combined mass of 1.56 times that of the Sun, is the most massive of its kind ever confirmed. Although the explosion is not expected for another 23 billion years, the event will eventually shine up to 10 times brighter than the moon in Earth's night sky. Type 1a supernovae are key tools in measuring cosmic distances, and this discovery confirms long-held theories that such explosions are often triggered by two white dwarfs in a close orbit. The stars in this system are slowly spiraling toward one another, and their future collision will result in a rare quadruple-detonation event, annihilating both stars in an immense explosion. Scientists believe this discovery brings them closer to solving the mystery behind the origin of type 1a supernovae.

Jupiter Storms Trap Ammonia Deep in Atmosphere, Study Finds: Planetary scientists have discovered that massive storms on Jupiter churn ammonia deep into the planet’s atmosphere, leaving long-lasting "fingerprints." Using data from the Juno probe, Hubble Space Telescope, and ALMA, the team tracked a 2016–2017 storm and found ammonia was dragged downward by downdrafts and lofted upward during updrafts. Simulations suggest this process formed slushy ammonia-water hail that fell back and evaporated, trapping ammonia gas in lower atmospheric layers long after the storm passed.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Antiviral Bean-Based Chewing Gum Shows Promise in Reducing Transmission of Herpes, Flu, and Bird Flu Viruses: Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a chewing gum made from lablab beans that significantly reduces viral loads of herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2). The study shows that the gum releases a natural antiviral protein called FRIL, which neutralizes viruses in the mouth—the primary site of transmission for many infections. The gum reduced viral presence by over 95% and met FDA safety standards. The team is also exploring the use of lablab bean powder in bird feed to help control avian flu outbreaks.

Study Links Common Food Compound to Formation of Toxic Gadolinium Nanoparticles After MRI Scans: Researchers have found that oxalic acid—a compound found in foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolate—can trigger the formation of toxic gadolinium nanoparticles in the body following MRI scans. The study reveals that oxalic acid can cause gadolinium, a metal used in MRI contrast agents, to break free from its binding molecules and form harmful particles that accumulate in organs. This process may explain why some individuals suffer serious conditions such as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, even after a single MRI exposure, while others remain unaffected. The team is now developing a patient registry to identify those most at risk based on factors like diet, medication, and underlying health conditions. The findings could lead to new safety guidelines for MRI procedures, including potential dietary recommendations.

Antibiotics in Newborns May Weaken Vaccine Response by Disrupting Gut Bacteria, Study Finds: A new Australian study reveals that antibiotic exposure in the first weeks of life can weaken infants’ immune responses to vaccines by disrupting their gut microbiota, particularly reducing levels of Bifidobacterium. Researchers followed 191 healthy infants and found that those directly treated with antibiotics shortly after birth produced significantly fewer antibodies in response to the PCV13 pneumococcal vaccine. The weakened response was traced to a reduction in Bifidobacterium, a beneficial gut bacterium. Animal experiments showed that probiotic supplements containing Bifidobacterium—such as Infloran—could restore immune responses. The findings suggest that restoring a healthy gut microbiome in antibiotic-exposed newborns could improve vaccine effectiveness and protection against infectious diseases.

NEUROSCIENCE

Divorced and Never-Married Older Adults Show Lower Dementia Risk in Long-Term Study: A groundbreaking 18-year study found that older adults who were divorced or never married had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia than those who were married. The study followed over 24,000 participants and revealed that divorced and never-married individuals had dementia rates of 12.8% and 12.4%, respectively, compared to 21.9% among married and widowed individuals. Even after adjusting for health, lifestyle, and genetic factors, the reduced risk remained significant for the divorced and never-married groups. The findings challenge long-held beliefs that marriage offers cognitive protection in old age and highlight the need to reevaluate assumptions about marital status and dementia risk.

Brain’s Hunger Signals, Not Just Food Intake, Drive Immune Changes During Fasting: A groundbreaking study reveals that the brain—specifically the hypothalamus—plays a central role in regulating immune responses during fasting. Researchers found that activating neurons responsible for hunger in mice triggered immune changes similar to those seen during actual fasting, including a rapid drop in inflammatory monocytes. This suggests that the brain’s perception of hunger, rather than the absence of nutrients alone, can reshape immune function. The findings challenge long-held beliefs about fasting and immunity, highlighting the brain's top-down control over immune adaptation. This discovery opens new avenues for treating inflammatory diseases, cancer-related wasting, obesity-linked inflammation, and potentially psychiatric conditions.

New Sound-Based Therapy Offers Safe, Fast Relief from Motion Sickness Symptoms: Researchers at Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine have discovered that a specific sound frequency—referred to as a “unique sound” or “sound spice”—can effectively reduce motion sickness symptoms like nausea and dizziness. The study found that just one minute of sound stimulation at 100 Hz, targeting the inner ear’s balance system, alleviated discomfort in participants exposed to motion via driving simulators or swings. The sound stimulates the vestibular system and enhances sympathetic nerve activity, which is often disrupted in motion sickness. The treatment is safe, operating below standard noise exposure limits, and shows promise as a simple, non-invasive solution for preventing motion sickness during travel.

ENVIRONMENT

Inland Waters Are Losing Breath: Human Activities Disrupt Global Oxygen Cycle: A new study by researchers at Utrecht University reveals that human activities over the last century have significantly altered the oxygen cycle in inland waters such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The study introduces the first global model of oxygen production and consumption in these ecosystems, showing that while oxygen turnover has increased, these waters are now consuming more oxygen than they produce—turning them into net sinks of atmospheric oxygen. Key drivers include agricultural nutrient runoff, wastewater, dam construction, and climate warming. Contrary to previous beliefs, the study finds that direct human impacts account for the majority of the change, with rising temperatures contributing only 10–20%. The findings highlight the urgent need to consider inland waters in global climate and oxygen models, as they now remove nearly 1 billion tonnes of oxygen from the atmosphere annually—about half of what oceans emit.

Underwater Avalanches Drive Microplastics Into the Deep Sea, Study Reveals: New research provides the first real-world evidence that fast-moving underwater avalanches—known as turbidity currents—are a key driver in transporting microplastics to the deep ocean. The study observed these powerful flows in the Whittard Canyon, over 300 km offshore. The currents were found to carry not only sediment but also significant amounts of microplastic fibers—mainly from textiles—down to depths exceeding 3,200 meters. The study underscores the urgent need for policy interventions to reduce plastic pollution at its source and improve wastewater treatment systems. The researchers are now focusing on the ecological impacts of microplastics on deep-sea organisms and ecosystems.

NATURE

Young Plants Remain Vulnerable to Disease Due to Growth-Energy Trade-Off, Study Finds: A study by University of Maryland biologists explains why young plants are more vulnerable to disease. Researchers found that juvenile Silene latifolia plants that developed strong disease resistance suffered reduced growth and reproduction later in life. This energy trade-off—spending limited resources on defense rather than development—helps explain why stronger early-life immunity doesn't evolve, despite the risks of early infection. The study highlights how evolutionary costs shape disease resistance and may inform approaches in agriculture and ecology.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Genes at War: Study Reveals How Mouse Sperm Compete in a Genetic Arms Race: A study by University of Michigan researchers sheds light on the evolutionary arms race between X- and Y-bearing sperm in mice, which determines the sex of offspring. Although natural selection favors a near 50-50 sex ratio, the underlying genetic conflict has long been elusive due to the difficulty of studying sperm development in the lab. The team overcame this by transferring key gene families—X-linked Slxl1/Slx and Y-linked Sly—into yeast to observe their interactions. They found these genes compete for Spindlin proteins, which influence gene expression and sperm fitness. The findings suggest that this genetic rivalry helps maintain the crucial sex ratio balance and that similar arms races occur repeatedly across different species.

Unmasking the TerraUSD Collapse: Study Reveals Coordinated Attack Behind $3.5 Billion Crypto Crash: A groundbreaking study from Queen Mary University of London uncovers how a coordinated attack led to the dramatic collapse of the TerraUSD stablecoin and its partner currency, LUNA, in May 2022. The research used advanced temporal multilayer graph analysis to identify suspicious trading patterns on the Ethereum blockchain. Their findings suggest that a small group of traders manipulated the market, destabilizing TerraUSD and triggering a loss of $3.5 billion in value. The study not only sheds light on this major crypto crash but also introduces a powerful new analytical tool that could help regulators and investors detect and prevent future financial manipulations across complex systems.

Why Capable People Doubt Themselves: Study Links Underconfidence to Anxiety and Depression: A study by the University of Copenhagen and University College London reveals that people with anxiety or depression often underestimate their abilities due to distorted metacognition. In a task-based computer game, participants with these symptoms ignored confident moments and focused on uncertain ones when evaluating overall performance. This persistent underconfidence can lead to avoidance of new tasks despite adequate skills. However, the study found that explicit positive feedback helps correct this skewed self-perception—highlighting the value of external reinforcement in overcoming self-doubt.