Magnetically Reprogrammable Metamaterials Could Transform Robotics, Medicine, and Wearables

Hello and welcome to our May 7th edition. The STEAM Digest is a curated newsletter that brings you the latest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - New Benchmarking Method Enhances Precision of Quantum Gate Error Detection, and more.

• Materials - Okra and Fenugreek Extracts Remove Microplastics Better Than Synthetic Polymers, and more.

• Biotechnology - Bioengineers Develop Wireless Drug-Delivery "Band-Aid" for Internal Organs, and more.

• Engineering & Technology - Magnetically Reprogrammable Metamaterials Could Transform Robotics, Medicine, and Wearables, and more.

• Robotics, AI, Hardware, Software, Gadgets - New AI Tool “SALSA” Accurately Detects and Monitors Liver Tumors, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Klotho Protein Boost Extends Lifespan and Improves Aging in Mice, Study Finds, and more.

• Pediatrics - Childhood Parental Loss May Enhance Emotional Resilience and Creativity, Study Finds, and more.

• Neuroscience - AI and Brain Activity Reveal Why We Struggle to Recognize Faces from Other Races, and more.

• Environment & Earth Sciences - World’s Wealthiest 10% Responsible for Two-Thirds of Global Warming Since 1990.

• Nature & Ecology- Tomato Ripening Controlled by Same Aging Mechanism in Animals, Study Finds.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - People Choose to Empathize More with Groups Than Individuals, Study Finds, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

New Benchmarking Method Enhances Precision of Quantum Gate Error Detection: Researchers have developed a new quantum benchmarking protocol called deterministic benchmarking (DB), which significantly improves the identification of errors in quantum gate operations. Unlike conventional randomized benchmarking, DB uses a small set of simple, designed sequences to distinguish between coherent and incoherent errors more precisely and efficiently. This advancement is crucial for enhancing gate calibration and supports the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers. Demonstrated on superconducting qubits, the method could impact quantum chemistry, materials science, and future quantum computing platforms.

Velvet Worm Slime Unlocks Blueprint for Recyclable Bioplastics: Researchers have uncovered the molecular secret behind the velvet worm's slime—an ancient, reversible material that could inspire sustainable plastic alternatives. The slime rapidly solidifies into nylon-strength fibers to trap prey, yet it can later dissolve in water and be reused, a process powered by unique proteins conserved over nearly 400 million years. Using protein sequencing and AI-based tools like AlphaFold, the team identified these proteins as structurally similar to immune system receptors, suggesting they link larger proteins during fiber formation. This natural, recyclable process—relying on mechanical forces rather than heat or chemicals—could help design future eco-friendly materials with both strength and sustainability.

MATERIALS

Okra and Fenugreek Extracts Remove Microplastics Better Than Synthetic Polymers: Natural plant-based extracts from okra and fenugreek have proven highly effective at removing microplastics from various water sources—surpassing a widely used synthetic polymer, polyacrylamide. In lab tests, dried powders made from these plants’ polysaccharides removed up to 93% of microplastics in spiked water and 80–90% from actual ocean, freshwater, and groundwater samples. The extracts worked differently depending on the type of water, suggesting flexibility for diverse environmental conditions. Researchers propose these biodegradable, nontoxic materials as safer, more sustainable alternatives for water purification.

Chemists Discover Rare New Class of In-Plane Organometallic Compounds::
Researchers have discovered a new class of organometallic compounds—metal-centered planar [15]annulenes—marking a rare advance in the field since its post-1950s rise. The study introduces compounds built around a central osmium atom σ-bonded within a flat, 15-carbon annulene ring. Unlike traditional organometallics with metals π-coordinated above or below the ring, these new in-plane structures were created by assembling the annulene around the metal using a multi-step synthetic strategy. Their high stability and ability to be easily modified suggest future potential as versatile building blocks in materials science.

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Bioengineers Develop Wireless Drug-Delivery "Band-Aid" for Internal Organs: A team of biomedical engineers has created a wireless, battery-free patch that can be applied directly to internal organs to deliver therapeutic drugs. The thin, band-aid-like device uses nanofluidic channels and integrated electronics to perforate cell membranes with low-voltage electric fields, enabling targeted drug delivery while minimizing side effects. The patch, tested successfully on breast tumors and liver injuries in animal models, also provides real-time feedback for monitoring treatment progress. Notably, it helped identify a lung-specific metastasis enzyme, DUS2, in mice, showcasing its potential for both therapy and diagnostics.

Researchers Develop Fast, Precise Protein Editing Tool for Live Cells: A research team has introduced a breakthrough protein editing technique that allows rapid, precise, and minimally disruptive labeling of proteins inside live mammalian cells. The new method uses engineered molecular tools to splice modified amino acid segments—such as tags or chemical handles—directly into endogenous or exogenous proteins within just 10 minutes. This enables real-time tracking and functional studies without disrupting protein behavior, overcoming limitations of traditional bulky tags or slow antibody-based techniques. The platform works with both electroporation and lipid nanoparticle delivery and holds promise for research into signaling pathways, disease mechanisms, and drug discovery.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Magnetically Reprogrammable Metamaterials Could Transform Robotics, Medicine, and Wearables: Researchers have developed a new class of magnetically reprogrammable metamaterials whose mechanical behavior—such as stiffness and energy absorption—can be adjusted without altering their composition. By embedding flexible magnets into rotating rhomboid structures and controlling their distribution or applying external magnetic fields, scientists can dynamically change how the material behaves. This innovation could revolutionize fields like soft robotics, biomedical devices, and wearable technology by enabling adaptable materials that respond to external stimuli. Potential applications include smart shock absorbers, responsive shoe soles, or magnetic stents that expand to clear blocked blood vessels.

Ultrasound Technique Boosts Fuel Cell Recycling and Tackles 'Forever Chemicals': Researchers have developed a novel, scalable method using ultrasound and organic solvents to separate valuable platinum group metals and PFAS-based membranes from catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) in fuel cells. This breakthrough addresses the environmental challenges posed by PFAS ("forever chemicals") while supporting the circular economy in clean energy technology. The technique eliminates the need for harsh chemicals and enables rapid, room-temperature separation of materials. In collaboration with Johnson Matthey, the team has also advanced the method into a continuous delamination process using a blade sonotrode. This innovation enhances the sustainability and affordability of hydrogen-powered technologies and aligns with growing calls to reduce PFAS pollution in water supplies.

Researchers Develop High-Performance Tin-Based Perovskite Transistors for Next-Gen Displays: A collaborative team of researchers has developed a breakthrough in p-type transistor technology using tin-based perovskites. By employing thermal evaporation—a method compatible with existing OLED manufacturing—they produced high-quality cesium-tin-iodide thin films with added lead chloride for enhanced crystallinity. The resulting transistors achieve hole mobilities over 30 cm²/V·s and excellent current switching capabilities, rivaling commercial n-type devices. This advancement paves the way for flexible, ultra-thin, high-resolution electronics, including next-gen smartphones, TVs, and wearable devices, while reducing costs and improving scalability.

ROBOTICS, AI, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, GADGETS

New AI Tool “SALSA” Accurately Detects and Monitors Liver Tumors: Researchers have developed SALSA (System for Automatic Liver tumor Segmentation And detection), an advanced AI-based tool that automatically detects and outlines liver tumors using CT scans. Trained on data from nearly 5,000 tumors, SALSA outperformed both existing models and radiologist consensus, achieving over 99% accuracy at the patient level. The tool streamlines tumor volume analysis—an essential but time-consuming step in cancer diagnostics—making it faster, more consistent, and scalable. By offering precise measurements of tumor burden, SALSA shows strong potential for improving treatment planning, prognosis, and therapy response evaluation in liver cancer care.

How Robot Gender and Design Affect Customer Persuasion in Hospitality:
Researchers at Penn State found that service robots designed with male-associated features—such as colors or voices—are more persuasive to female customers who perceive themselves as having low personal power. In contrast, robots with “cute” design features like large eyes and rounded faces were equally persuasive regardless of gender or customer type, helping to neutralize gender-based responses. The study suggests that hospitality businesses, such as restaurants and hotels, can tailor robot design based on customer demographics to boost recommendation effectiveness or mitigate gender stereotypes depending on their goals.

France Advances Military Robotics for 2040 Deployment: France is progressing toward deploying battle-ready ground robots by 2040, with initial combat-capable systems expected within three years. During the recent CoHoMa (Collaboration-Man-Machine) challenge west of Paris, robots equipped with legs, wheels, and treads demonstrated their potential in tasks like surveillance and mine clearing, while facing real-world terrain and tactical challenges. Though inspired in part by the rapid growth of drone warfare in Ukraine, French military leaders emphasized that ground robots are still less developed and must be able to assist—rather than hinder—soldiers in combat. Early applications will likely focus on logistics, such as robotic mules and drone-guided convoys, before transitioning to frontline use.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Klotho Protein Boost Extends Lifespan and Improves Aging in Mice, Study Finds:
An international study has found that increasing levels of the Klotho protein—specifically its secreted form (s-KL)—in mice extends lifespan by 15–20% and improves muscle, bone, and brain health in aging. Using gene therapy vectors to induce s-KL production, researchers observed enhanced muscle strength, better-preserved bone structure, and boosted neurogenesis and immune activity in the hippocampus. These findings highlight Klotho’s potential as a therapeutic target for promoting healthy aging and longevity in humans. Further work is needed to develop safe and effective delivery methods for clinical use.

Probiotic “Cocktail” May Slow Dementia by Targeting Gut Health, New Research Suggests: Researchers have developed a multi-strain probiotic “cocktail” that shows promise in reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by improving gut health. In studies using mice, the probiotic mixture enhanced memory, reduced brain inflammation, and protected the blood-brain barrier. A companion study also linked gut viruses, particularly bacteriophages, to cognitive decline in aging adults. Together, the findings highlight the role of the gut-brain connection in neurodegeneration and support early dietary interventions as a potential preventive strategy. Clinical trials are being considered to bring the probiotic cocktail to market.

Diabetes Drug Target PPARγ Shows Promise in Treating Prostate Cancer:
An international research team has discovered that PPARγ—a protein already targeted by type 2 diabetes drugs like pioglitazone—may also play a role in regulating prostate cancer cell growth. The study found that activating PPARγ with diabetes medications altered tumor cell metabolism and inhibited their proliferation. Additionally, preliminary data showed that prostate cancer patients with diabetes who were taking PPARγ-targeting drugs experienced no relapse during the observation period. These findings suggest that existing diabetes treatments could be repurposed as a potential therapy for prostate cancer, warranting further investigation into PPARγ's role in tumor progression.

PEDIATRICS

Childhood Parental Loss May Enhance Emotional Resilience and Creativity, Study Finds: A new study reveals that losing a parent in childhood can lead to biological and emotional adaptations that foster resilience, social bonding, and creativity. Analyzing saliva samples and psychological data from 371 adults, the team found that orphans showed enhanced oxytocin activity, supporting deeper emotional connections, and prolonged dopamine signaling, which may encourage exploration and life engagement. Despite the trauma, these changes suggest the potential for personal growth and post-traumatic resilience, offering insight into how individuals—and societies—can transform deep pain into strength.

Parental Device Use Linked to Small but Significant Impacts on Young Children’s Development: A systematic review and meta-analysis reveals that parental technology use in a child’s presence (PTU)—such as checking phones during play or meals—is statistically associated with small but consistent negative outcomes in children under 5. The study, which included data from over 14,900 children across 21 studies, found PTU is linked to lower cognitive performance, weaker parent-child attachment, less prosocial behavior, and higher internalizing/externalizing behaviors. PTU was also associated with increased screen time for children. These findings suggest that even low-level, everyday "technoference" can subtly impact early childhood development.

Genes Play Key Role in When Babies Take First Steps, Study Finds: In a groundbreaking study analyzing data from over 70,000 infants, researchers have found that genetics accounts for about 25% of the variation in when babies begin to walk. The team identified 11 genetic markers linked to the timing of first steps, marking the first large-scale genetic analysis of this developmental milestone. Their findings reveal that the genes involved in walking onset also overlap with those related to brain development, ADHD risk, and even educational attainment. While environmental factors remain important, the study emphasizes that early or late walking is often a natural part of a child’s genetic makeup, helping reassure parents and paving the way for new research into motor development and related disorders.

NEUROSCIENCE

AI and Brain Activity Reveal Why We Struggle to Recognize Faces from Other Races: Researchers have used artificial intelligence and EEG brain data to uncover why people more accurately recognize faces of their own race—a phenomenon known as the Other-Race Effect (ORE). By using generative adversarial networks (GANs) and brain imaging, the team showed that people mentally reconstruct same-race faces with more detail, while faces from other races appear more average, younger, and less distinct. EEG data confirmed that the brain processes other-race faces more generally and less accurately, starting within 600 milliseconds of viewing. These findings (1,2) suggest that perceptual biases are deeply rooted in neural activity and could inform improved facial recognition technology, more reliable eyewitness testimony, and even diagnostics for mental health conditions.

UB Study Links Brain’s Insula to Struggles with Speech in Noisy Environments and Potential Dementia Risk: A new study by researchers has identified the insula—a region in the brain responsible for integrating sensory, emotional, and cognitive information—as playing a key role in why some individuals struggle to understand speech in noisy environments. Using resting-state MRI scans, the researchers found that people with speech-in-noise difficulties showed stronger connectivity between the left insula and auditory regions, even when not actively listening. These findings suggest a permanent neural adaptation and offer a potential explanation for the observed link between hearing loss and increased dementia risk. Interestingly, the study also found that experience in noisy environments may improve speech-in-noise performance, pointing to the potential for auditory training as a strategy to preserve cognitive function with age.

ENVIRONMENT & EARTH SCIENCES

World’s Wealthiest 10% Responsible for Two-Thirds of Global Warming Since 1990: A new study reveals that the wealthiest 10% of the global population have caused nearly two-thirds of global warming since 1990, driving increases in climate extremes like heatwaves and droughts. The top 1% alone contributed up to 26 times more than the global average to severe heat events and 17 times more to droughts in sensitive regions like the Amazon. Using a modeling framework that links economic data with climate simulations, researchers found that both consumption and financial investments by the wealthy significantly amplify climate impacts, particularly in vulnerable tropical regions. The study argues for climate policies that target high-income emitters, including through investment regulations, to promote fairness and effective mitigation.

Hydropower’s Hidden Costs: New Studies Reveal Alarming Impact on River Biodiversity: Two major studies (1,2) reveal that hydropower significantly disrupts river biodiversity through habitat fragmentation, altered water flow, sediment retention, and temperature changes. These disruptions harm aquatic and semi-aquatic species, especially migratory fish and large freshwater megafauna like turtles, otters, and crocodilians. Small hydropower plants, though less productive, also contribute significantly to ecological degradation. Researchers urge a reassessment of hydropower’s “green” status and propose the STREAM framework—a set of strategies including systematic planning, long-term monitoring, and adaptive management—to mitigate these impacts and balance energy goals with biodiversity protection.

NATURE & ECOLOGY

Tomato Ripening Controlled by Same Aging Mechanism in Animals, Study Finds:
A new study by researchers reveals that autophagy—a cellular recycling process linked to aging in humans and animals—also plays a key role in delaying tomato ripening. By genetically suppressing autophagy in mature tomatoes, the team observed premature ethylene production and early ripening. Ethylene is the hormone responsible for ripening in many fruits, including bananas, apples, and tomatoes. These findings could lead to new strategies for controlling ripening, potentially reducing global food waste and enhancing food security.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

People Choose to Empathize More with Groups Than Individuals, Study Finds:
A study reveals that people are more likely to choose to empathize with groups rather than individuals, even though both types of empathy are perceived as equally difficult and emotionally taxing. In an experiment involving 296 participants using the Empathy Selection Task, participants opted to empathize with groups 53% of the time, compared to just 34% for individuals. Researchers suggest that group images may offer more contextual cues and may feel more worthwhile or effective to empathize with. This finding sheds light on how empathy functions in situations like natural disasters or conflicts and suggests that the context and perceived impact of empathy may influence how—and whom—we choose to care about.

AI Can Help Teachers Grade Faster—But Not Without Human Guidance, Study Finds: A study finds that large language models (LLMs) like Mixtral can speed up grading of complex student tasks aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, but they rely on shortcuts like keyword spotting instead of evaluating deep understanding. When LLMs were asked to both create rubrics and grade middle school science responses, their accuracy was only 33.5%, rising to just over 50% when provided with human-created rubrics. Researchers conclude that while AI has potential to ease teacher workloads, especially for time-consuming assessments, human input remains essential to ensure fairness and educational value.

Ancient Elites Used Psychedelics to Reinforce Power, Study Finds at Peru's Chavín Site: Archaeologists have uncovered the earliest direct evidence of psychoactive plant use in the Peruvian Andes at the ceremonial site of Chavín de Huántar, revealing how elites used hallucinogens to reinforce social hierarchy 2,000 years before the Inca. The study analyzed snuff tubes made from carved bones, finding nicotine and vilca (DMT-related) residues. These substances were consumed in private chambers, suggesting that altered states were ritually controlled and used to legitimize elite authority. The findings illuminate how mystical experiences and ideology helped transition ancient Andean societies from egalitarian to hierarchical structures.