Low Gravity Weakens Human Heart Tissues, Johns Hopkins Study Shows

Hello and welcome to Monday’s STEAM newsletter! We bring you summaries of the latest news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Surprising Neutrino Findings Challenge the Standard Model, Hint at New Physics, New Insights into Protein Structure Changes Could Aid in Understanding Vital Metabolic Processes.

• Technology and AI - Google DeepMind Introduces ALOHA Unleashed and DemoStart for Advanced Robotic Manipulation, PolyU Researchers Pave the Way for Autonomous Drone Deliveries in the Low-Altitude Economy.

• Engineering - UMass Amherst Study Shows Homemade Play Putty Can Measure Bioelectric Signals, Nuclear-Powered Hydrogen Production Could Be Key to Net Zero, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Study Shows Key Gas Indicator of Life Can Be Created Without Living Organisms, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Low Gravity Weakens Human Heart Tissues, Johns Hopkins Study Shows, and more.

• Neuroscience - New Models from MIT and MGH Accurately Track Pain During Surgery, Aiming to Improve Anesthesia.

• Nature - Blue Light Pollution Alters Fish Behavior and Affects Offspring, Study Finds, Study of Migratory Cranes Reveals How They Adapt to Complex, Changing Environments, and more.

• Other Sciences & Arts - Frequent Short Homework Boosts Math and Science Performance, Study Shows, and more.

• Industry - Dronamics Revolutionizes Cargo Delivery with Cost-Effective, Autonomous Drones, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Surprising Neutrino Findings Challenge the Standard Model, Hint at New Physics: A recent study involving researchers from SMU and other institutions suggests that unexpected data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) may require updates to the Standard Model of particle physics. DESI's precise measurements on how neutrinos affect matter clustering in the universe showed more clumping than expected, contradicting long-held theories that neutrinos suppress clustering. This finding raises the possibility that new physics concepts might be needed to explain the universe’s evolution. Researchers are now exploring whether systematic errors or tweaks to the Standard Model could explain this anomaly, with future research providing a potential roadmap for breakthroughs.

New Insights into Protein Structure Changes Could Aid in Understanding Vital Metabolic Processes: Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the National Hellenic Research Center have, for the first time, observed the structural changes of the protein myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS), which plays a key role in the production of inositol (vitamin B8). Using cryo-electron microscopy, the team discovered that MIPS exists in three states—disordered, ordered, and an intermediate state—suggesting complex behavior during its activity. These findings may advance basic research and open up new therapeutic avenues related to metabolic processes.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Google DeepMind Introduces ALOHA Unleashed and DemoStart for Advanced Robotic Manipulation: Engineers at Google’s DeepMind have developed two AI-based robotic systems: ALOHA Unleashed and DemoStart. ALOHA Unleashed focuses on bi-arm manipulation, enabling two robotic hands to work together on complex tasks, such as tying shoes. The system builds on previous work from Stanford and uses AI to enhance coordination and dexterity between the hands. DemoStart improves the capabilities of robot hands with multiple fingers, joints, and sensors. Using reinforcement learning, it enables the hands to perform increasingly complex tasks like reorienting objects and tightening nuts.

PolyU Researchers Pave the Way for Autonomous Drone Deliveries in the Low-Altitude Economy: Researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), led by Dr. Hailong Huang, have developed cutting-edge drone technology for autonomous parcel delivery directly to customer balconies, transforming the last-mile delivery process. The system, based on advanced navigation algorithms using sensor data, enables drones to navigate urban environments safely and accurately, overcoming challenges like GNSS unreliability and weather disturbances. This innovation is a step forward in the low-altitude economy, which includes applications in logistics, agriculture, and emergency services, with vast potential for urban development.

ENGINEERING

UMass Amherst Study Shows Homemade Play Putty Can Measure Bioelectric Signals: Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have demonstrated that homemade play putty, known as "squishy circuits," can effectively capture bioelectric signals such as brain, heart, muscle, and eye activity. The putty, made from simple ingredients like flour, water, salt, and vegetable oil, offers low impedance similar to commercial gel electrodes, making it a low-cost, reusable alternative for measuring bioelectrical potentials. The study, published in Device, highlights the material's affordability, resilience, and potential for educational use in labs or at home.

Nuclear-Powered Hydrogen Production Could Be Key to Net Zero: Researchers from the National Nuclear Laboratory have shown that using nuclear energy to power hydrogen production could be economically viable and help achieve the UK's net zero emissions target by 2050. The study developed a model that compares the costs and efficiencies of different hydrogen production methods when coupled with nuclear reactors. High temperature steam electrolysis was identified as a cost-effective option, with potential costs ranging from £1.24 to £2.14 per kg of hydrogen, making nuclear energy a competitive option for hydrogen production.

Breakthrough Low-Cost Cathode Could Revolutionize Lithium-Ion Batteries and EV Market: A multi-institutional research team led by Georgia Tech’s Hailong Chen has developed a new, low-cost cathode material, iron chloride (FeCl3), which could significantly improve lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The cathode, made from affordable and sustainable materials, costs just 1-2% of traditional cathode materials yet stores the same amount of energy, making it a game-changer for electric vehicles (EVs) and large-scale energy storage. By replacing expensive elements like nickel and cobalt with iron and chlorine, the FeCl3-based cathode could reduce battery costs by 30-40%, potentially making EVs more affordable than traditional cars. Additionally, the new cathode is part of an all-solid-state LIB design, offering increased safety, efficiency, and energy storage capabilities. The work may lead to commercial viability within five years.

AI-Driven Technology Enhances Water Quality Monitoring in Electrochemical Treatment: With over 2.2 billion people lacking access to safe drinking water, decentralized water production technologies, such as capacitive deionization, are gaining traction. However, existing sensors in electrochemical water treatment struggle to accurately track individual ions, relying instead on general electrical conductivity. A research team led by Dr. Son Moon at Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), in collaboration with Professor Baek Sang-Soo's team at Yeongnam University, has developed a data-driven AI model using the random forest technique to predict ion concentrations in water with an accuracy of R2=~0.9. This model tracks individual ions like Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Cl- and requires updates every 20-80 seconds for optimal accuracy.

RMIT University Develops Origami-Inspired Flat-Pack Tubes for Strong, Deployable Structures: Engineers at RMIT University have designed an innovative tubular system inspired by curved-crease origami, enabling flat-pack tubes to transform into strong, self-locking structures. The system, inspired by bamboo’s natural reinforcement, can support significant weight and is ideal for large-scale applications like disaster recovery, robotics, and space exploration. The tubes are easy to transport, assemble, and lock in place without external mechanisms. Future research aims to enhance tube shapes, materials, and manufacturing methods for broader use.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Study Shows Key Gas Indicator of Life Can Be Created Without Living Organisms: Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered that dimethyl sulfide, an organic sulfur compound often seen as a biosignature of life, can be created in the lab without any living organisms. This finding, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, challenges the use of certain gases as indicators of extraterrestrial life. The team, led by Nate Reed and Ellie Browne, recreated planetary atmospheres using light and gases, producing dimethyl sulfide, a molecule previously linked to life. Their work suggests that organic sulfur compounds might not always signify life but could indicate hospitable conditions for life.

New Millisecond Pulsar Discovered in Globular Cluster Terzan 6: Using the Green Bank Telescope (GBT), astronomers have discovered a new millisecond pulsar (MSP) in the globular cluster Terzan 6, located 21,800 light-years away. This pulsar, named PSR J1751–3116A, has a spin period of 5.33 milliseconds and is the first pulsar detected in Terzan 6. Its discovery is significant due to Terzan 6's high stellar encounter rate, suggesting the presence of many more pulsars. Future observations with more sensitive radio telescopes, such as GBT and MeerKAT, could lead to additional pulsar discoveries within this cluster.

Quantized Redshift and Challenges to Standard Cosmology: A new study challenges the standard cosmological view of redshift, suggesting that some extragalactic objects exhibit quantized redshift—periodic redshift patterns not linked to cosmic expansion. While standard cosmology interprets redshift as a measure of distance (due to the universe's expansion), alternative models propose intrinsic redshift, independent of distance, linked to properties like mass. Observations, such as physical associations between galaxies and quasars with different redshifts, raise questions about current models. The study highlights the need for further exploration of these anomalies to refine our understanding of the universe's structure and evolution.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Low Gravity Weakens Human Heart Tissues, Johns Hopkins Study Shows: A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists found that human bioengineered heart tissues weakened significantly after spending 30 days aboard the International Space Station. Compared to Earth-bound samples, the space-exposed tissues exhibited a 50% reduction in contraction strength, irregular heartbeats, and cellular damage, including disordered protein bundles and mitochondrial changes. These findings offer insight into the effects of low gravity on heart function, highlighting potential risks for astronauts on long space missions. The research may also serve as a model for studying heart aging and therapies on Earth.

Breakthrough KRAS Protein Degrader Offers New Hope for Cancer Treatment: Researchers from the University of Dundee's Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation (CeTPD) and Boehringer Ingelheim have developed a novel small-molecule drug, ACBI3, which targets and degrades multiple KRAS gene mutations responsible for cancer. Unlike current treatments that address only the G12C KRAS mutation, ACBI3 can eliminate 13 of the 17 most common KRAS mutations, offering a broader treatment option for cancer patients. ACBI3, based on PROTAC technology, showed more effective tumor regression in mouse models compared to traditional inhibitors. Boehringer Ingelheim plans to make ACBI3 freely available for scientific research through their open science portal.

NEUROSCIENCE

New Models from MIT and MGH Accurately Track Pain During Surgery, Aiming to Improve Anesthesia: A study by MIT and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) has developed statistical models to objectively measure nociception (unconscious pain) during surgery. Using multi-sensor data collected from 101 surgeries, the models track physiological signals, such as heart rate and skin conductance, to predict pain responses in real-time. The models performed better than current industry standards, such as ECG-based systems, and could help anesthesiologists optimize drug doses to reduce post-operative pain and side effects. The next steps include refining the models for real-time use and potential integration into automated drug dosing systems.

Scientists Discover Genetic Mechanisms Behind Neuron Retraction, Offering Hope for Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases: Researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) have uncovered the genetic programs that guide motor neurons to retract their axons from the spinal cord during brain development. This process, vital for proper brain function, determines which neurons extend into the spinal cord and which remain in the brain. The discovery could lead to new strategies for combating neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). By manipulating key genes, researchers were able to control neuron retraction, paving the way for potential reprogramming to repair neural damage.

NATURE

Blue Light Pollution Alters Fish Behavior and Affects Offspring, Study Finds: A study led by researchers in China shows that artificial light at night, particularly blue light, significantly alters the behavior of zebrafish and impacts their offspring. Female zebrafish exposed to different wavelengths of light displayed anxiety-like behaviors, such as reduced swimming and wall-hugging, with blue light causing the most rapid changes. Even after exposure ended, their offspring showed decreased activity, despite not being exposed to light pollution. The research highlights the need to minimize blue light near animal habitats to mitigate the effects of artificial light pollution on wildlife.

Study of Migratory Cranes Reveals How They Adapt to Complex, Changing Environments: A global study led by scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and Yale University has uncovered how four species of cranes—common, white-naped, black-necked, and demoiselle cranes—fine-tune their migrations to navigate unpredictable and complex environments. Using GPS tracking and a novel statistical framework, the researchers observed how cranes migrate over thousands of kilometers, balancing competing needs such as food availability and safe roosting habitats. The study offers insights into how wildlife adapts to environmental changes and can help guide conservation efforts in the face of climate change.

Biologists Create Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Giant Pandas, Offering Hope for Conservation: A team of Chinese biologists has successfully reprogrammed giant panda skin cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), potentially paving the way for creating reproductive cells like sperm and eggs. Published in Science Advances, the study involved introducing a specific microRNA cluster to panda fibroblasts to generate iPSCs. This breakthrough could aid conservation efforts by ensuring the propagation of endangered species, as iPSCs can be used to develop a variety of cells. The researchers are now refining the process to make it more efficient and ensure the iPSCs can develop into the necessary cell types.

OTHER SCIENCES & ARTS

Frequent Short Homework Boosts Math and Science Performance, Study Shows:
Researchers at Maynooth University in Ireland have discovered that the frequency of homework assignments is more important than their duration in boosting student performance in mathematics and science. The study, which analyzed data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS 2019), focused on 4,118 Irish secondary school students. It found that daily homework assignments significantly improve math achievement, while science benefits from assignments three to four times a week. Short-duration tasks, lasting up to 15 minutes, were shown to be just as effective as longer ones, promoting learning without overwhelming students. The study also revealed that homework benefits students equally, regardless of socioeconomic background, suggesting that regular, concise homework assignments can optimize student engagement and academic success.

Can Horseback Riding Change Your Skeleton? New Research Sheds Light on Ancient Equestrians: A new study from archaeologists at the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that while horseback riding can subtly alter human skeletons, such changes are not definitive evidence that someone rode horses. The research challenges the long-standing Kurgan hypothesis, which argues that humans first began riding horses as early as 3500 B.C. in the Black Sea region. The study reveals that skeletal changes, such as those in the hip joint, can result from various activities, making it difficult to tie such alterations exclusively to horseback riding. Researchers caution that skeletal evidence alone isn't enough to confirm the timeline of horse domestication.

Researchers Reconstruct Oldest Human Genomes in Southern Africa, Revealing Genetic Continuity: Researchers have reconstructed the oldest human genomes ever found in South Africa, offering new insights into the region’s population history. The genomes, from a man and woman who lived around 10,000 years ago near George, South Africa, were part of 13 sequences from the Oakhurst rock shelter dating between 1,300 and 10,000 years ago. Unlike other regions of the world that saw significant genetic changes over millennia, these genomes show continuity, with strong genetic ties to modern San and Khoekhoe groups. This discovery contrasts with findings from Europe, where large-scale genetic shifts occurred over the past 10,000 years. Significant changes in southern Africa's genetic landscape did not occur until about 1,200 years ago, when newcomers introduced pastoralism and agriculture.

Ancient South African Rock Art May Depict Fossilized Prehistoric Animal: A recent study suggests that a tusked animal depicted in South African rock art by the San people may represent an extinct species, possibly inspired by fossils. The artwork, created between 1821 and 1835, shows a creature resembling a dicynodont, an ancient tusked animal whose fossils are found in the Karoo Basin. This depiction predates the scientific discovery of dicynodonts by at least 10 years. The findings suggest that the San people may have incorporated fossils into their art and mythology, highlighting the role of Indigenous knowledge in paleontology.

INDUSTRY

Dronamics Revolutionizes Cargo Delivery with Cost-Effective, Autonomous Drones: Dronamics, a Bulgarian start-up founded by Svilen and Konstantin Rangelov, is transforming cargo delivery by using autonomous drones to reach remote regions at lower costs. Their drone, the Black Swan, can carry 350 kg of cargo over 2,500 kilometers, offering same-day delivery to less accessible areas. Dronamics' drones can operate at 50% of traditional air freight costs and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 60%. The company aims to expand across Europe and emerging markets, while ensuring safety through satellite tracking with CERTIFLIGHT technology, developed to prevent drone interference and ensure secure deliveries.

Sweden's Northvolt to Cut 25% of Workforce Amid Financial Struggles and Demand Slump: Swedish electric car battery manufacturer Northvolt announced plans to reduce its workforce by 25%, cutting 1,600 jobs as it faces financial difficulties and a decline in demand for electric vehicles. The layoffs will primarily affect Northvolt’s main plant in Skelleftea, as well as offices in Vasteras and Stockholm. Production delays and a weakened automotive market have impacted the company, leading to the suspension of a planned plant expansion and a focus on ramping up smaller-scale production. Northvolt, seen as a key player in Europe’s battery industry, has struggled with financial instability, including losing a major contract with BMW.

Off-Grid Solar Power: A Cost-Effective Solution for Sub-Saharan Africa's Electricity Crisis: Sub-Saharan Africa, home to 80% of the world's population without electricity, is unlikely to meet the UN's goal of universal energy access by 2030. Current grid systems are both inaccessible and unreliable for much of the population, particularly in rural areas. Research shows that off-grid solar power could be a viable and cost-effective alternative to traditional electricity grids, especially for low to medium electricity demand. In countries like Nigeria and Mozambique, off-grid solar could connect millions to electricity more reliably and at lower costs, particularly when factoring in carbon pricing and the cost of grid unreliability.