Marine Bacteria as Sustainable Fertilizer Alternative for Agriculture

Hello and welcome to Friday’s STEAM newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Microscopic Diving Board Defies Second Law of Thermodynamics, New Class of Organic Nanoparticles Shows Promise for Diverse Applications, Scientists Create Program to "Paint" Molecular Structures in Mondrian's Style, and more.

• Technology and AI - DeepMind Robot Demonstrates Context-Based Guided Tours, Study Reveals Limitations in Visual Abilities of Language Models, and more.

• Engineering - Using Sodium to Make More Sustainable Batteries, Researchers Move Closer to Green Hydrogen via Water Electrolysis, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - How Astronomers Determine the Size of the Solar System, Astronauts Could Drink Their Own Urine with Water Recycling Spacesuit, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Potential Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Immunotherapy Resistance Identified, AI Outperforms Clinical Tests in Predicting Alzheimer's Progression, Your Pupils Change Size as You Breathe, and more.

• Environment - Study Examines Urban Forests Across the United States, Marine Bacteria as Sustainable Fertilizer for Agriculture, and more.

• Nature - Ants Use Reverse Social Contagion to Maintain Colony Efficiency, Study of Colorful Crayfish Challenges Theories of Bright Coloration as Adaptive Phenotype, and more.

• Industry - AT&T Suffers New Massive Data Breach, and more.

• World - Russia is Building Ground-Based Kamikaze Robots from Old Hoverboards, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Microscopic Diving Board Defies Second Law of Thermodynamics: Researchers have created a microscopic diving board that appears to challenge the second law of thermodynamics. This device, by vibrating in a vacuum and drawing energy from a surrounding heat bath, creates an energy distribution that seemingly violates the principle that entropy in a closed system cannot decrease. This groundbreaking experiment could have significant implications for our understanding of thermodynamics and energy systems.

New Class of Organic Nanoparticles Shows Promise for Diverse Applications: Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new class of organic nanoparticles (oNPs) with tunable size and rigidity, achieved through hyperbranching and chemical cross-linking using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). These oNPs exhibit improved mechanical properties and chemical versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including drug delivery, electronics, and air purification. This innovative approach enables the creation of functional materials with enhanced properties and potential for further customization.

Scientists Create Program to "Paint" Molecular Structures in Mondrian's Style: Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have developed a computer program that visualizes the structure of molecules in the artistic style of Piet Mondrian. This innovative program translates the 3D structure of molecules into 2D Mondrianesque plots, providing a unique way to understand and demonstrate molecular symmetry. The method aids scientists in quickly assessing molecular properties while offering visually engaging representations that could inspire artistic integration of scientific concepts.

Turning Random Sequences into Clocks: Researchers have found that any random sequence of events can be converted into a clock by analyzing the statistical properties of these events. This involves identifying regular patterns in the randomness and using them to measure time intervals accurately. This discovery could revolutionize timekeeping in environments where traditional clocks are impractical, such as in certain quantum systems or biological processes.

Comprehensive Derivative Synthesis Method for New Antimicrobial Drugs: Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a new method for creating antimicrobial drugs to combat drug-resistant bacteria. They focused on the enzyme MraY, essential for bacterial survival. By synthesizing a large library of analogs from known MraY inhibitors, they identified eight potent analogs, with one showing high effectiveness in mouse models. This method could accelerate the development of antimicrobials and other drugs, offering a promising strategy against antimicrobial resistance.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

DeepMind Robot Demonstrates Context-Based Guided Tours: DeepMind has developed a robot that can give context-based guided tours of office buildings. Using AI capabilities from Gemini 1.5 Pro, the robot can interpret user requests and navigate an 850-square-meter office space. It processes multimodal instructions and demonstration tours to understand the office layout and infer user needs, like finding a whiteboard or checking for a specific beverage in the refrigerator. This demonstrates significant advancements in robotic AI and context-aware navigation.

Study Reveals Limitations in Visual Abilities of Language Models: A study by Auburn University and the University of Alberta highlights that large language models (VLMs) struggle with complex visual tasks. Researchers tested four VLMs (GPT-4o, Gemini-1.5 Pro, Claude-3 Sonnet, Claude-3.5 Sonnet) and found that these models have difficulties with counting and recognizing overlapping shapes, especially when unfamiliar examples are involved. The study suggests that while VLMs can identify familiar objects, their visual processing capabilities are still underdeveloped.

Neural Networks Made of Light Can Make Machine Learning More Sustainable: Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light developed an optical neural network method that promises to reduce the energy consumption and costs of machine learning. By using light, computations can be performed faster and more efficiently. This new method simplifies the required experimental setup and offers a sustainable alternative to traditional digital neural networks, potentially transforming the field of neuromorphic computing.

Reducing Harm to Multicultural Users of Voice Assistants: Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have identified six downstream harms caused by voice assistant errors, particularly affecting users with non-standard American accents. These harms include emotional and identity damage, relational conflicts, and even physical endangerment. The study emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive technologies and suggests strategies such as blame redirection and expanding the database of proper nouns to mitigate these harms.

How Privacy Notice Language Exploits User's Cognitive Biases: A study by the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy, with collaborators, reveals that privacy notices often exploit cognitive biases, leaving users uninformed about data practices. Interviews with European web users showed that many find privacy notices confusing and manipulative. The study suggests using clearer language and better design elements, such as consent nutrition labels, to improve transparency and user understanding.

ENGINEERING

Using Sodium to Make More Sustainable Batteries: Researchers at McGill University developed a method to replace most lithium in batteries with sodium, addressing lithium's finite availability. The main challenge was sodium's instability when exposed to air. Using the Canadian Light Source, the team tested 52 elements to stabilize sodium-ion batteries, aided by machine learning. Although sodium-ion batteries won't soon replace lithium-ion in electric vehicles, this research marks significant progress toward more sustainable energy storage solutions.

Researchers Move Closer to Green Hydrogen via Water Electrolysis: Researchers at Northwestern University have made significant strides in green hydrogen production by optimizing iridium-based catalysts for water electrolysis. Their study identified three key structures on the catalyst's surface that enhance stability and efficiency. This breakthrough, achieved through advanced electron and X-ray characterization techniques, promises to make green hydrogen production more feasible and cost-effective by improving catalyst performance and reducing the use of precious metals.

Health Risks in Switching Ships from Diesel to Ammonia Fuel: A study by MIT and collaborators warns that using ammonia as maritime fuel could worsen air quality and increase health risks. Ammonia combustion produces nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, and other harmful pollutants. Without stringent regulations, switching to ammonia could cause up to 600,000 additional premature deaths annually. However, with stronger emissions controls and advanced engine technology, the switch could result in fewer deaths and lower climate impact.

New Bioethanol Monitoring Method Could Boost Revenue by $1.6 Billion and Cut CO2 Emissions by 2 Million Tons: Researchers at The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability developed a new method to monitor microbial contamination in bioethanol production. By using advanced metagenomics techniques, they identified specific bacterial strains that affect fermentation efficiency. This could lead to a 5% increase in ethanol yield, translating to $1.6 billion in revenue and a reduction of 2 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually in Brazil. This breakthrough could significantly enhance the sustainability and profitability of bioethanol production.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

How Astronomers Determine the Size of the Solar System: Astronomers measure the size of the solar system by examining the sun's gravitational and magnetic influence. The most distant objects gravitationally bound to the sun are believed to be in the Oort Cloud, extending up to 200,000 AU (astronomical units). The heliopause, marking the boundary where the solar wind slows down and interstellar space begins, is another critical measure, crossed by Voyager 1 at 121 AU.

Astronauts Could Drink Their Own Urine with Water Recycling Spacesuit: Researchers are developing a water-recycling spacesuit that would allow astronauts to convert their urine into drinkable water. This suit integrates a filtration system that processes sweat and urine, providing a sustainable solution for long-duration space missions. Such technology could reduce the need for water resupply, making deep space exploration more feasible.

Hubble Measures the Distance to a Supernova: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has measured the distance to the Type Ia supernova SN 2022zut in the galaxy NGC 3810, located about 50 million light-years from Earth. Type Ia supernovae are crucial for distance measurements due to their consistent peak brightness. Hubble's unique ability to observe in both ultraviolet and infrared light helps astronomers account for intergalactic dust interference, providing accurate distance calculations. This method enhances our understanding of cosmic distances and the universe's expansion.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Potential Biomarkers for Lung Cancer Immunotherapy Resistance Identified: Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have identified two ribosomal RNA genes that could serve as biomarkers to predict resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. This discovery could help personalize treatment plans, reducing unnecessary exposure to potential side effects of ICI therapy. The study employed a spatially informed approach, isolating biomarkers specifically from tumor cells rather than mixed cellular samples.

AI Outperforms Clinical Tests in Predicting Alzheimer's Progression: Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed an AI tool that predicts Alzheimer's disease progression with higher accuracy than clinical tests. Using cognitive tests and MRI scans, the AI distinguished between stable mild cognitive impairment and progression to Alzheimer's with 82% accuracy. This tool, validated on data from memory clinics in the UK and Singapore, could reduce the need for invasive tests, improve early intervention, and streamline patient care pathways.

Your Pupils Change Size as You Breathe: A recent study revealed that human pupils change size in sync with the breathing cycle. The researchers found that pupils constrict during inhalation and dilate during exhalation, likely due to the autonomic nervous system's regulation of both breathing and pupil size. This discovery adds to our understanding of the intricate connections between different physiological processes in the body.

Long-Standing Puzzle Solved: Scientists Discover a New Hormone That Can Double Bone Mass: Researchers at UCSF and UC Davis discovered a hormone, CCN3, that maintains bone strength in breastfeeding women despite calcium loss. This hormone, now referred to as Maternal Brain Hormone (MBH), was shown to increase bone density and strength in mice. The discovery could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis and aid in bone healing across various demographics. The study underscores the importance of including female subjects in biomedical research.

New Tool Combines Evolution and AI to Predict Prostate Cancer Recurrence: Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, have developed a tool combining evolutionary biology and AI to predict prostate cancer recurrence over a decade ahead. By analyzing genetic and morphological diversity within tumors, the AI can identify patients at high risk of recurrence, improving treatment personalization. This approach could significantly enhance prognosis and treatment strategies for prostate cancer patients.

ENVIRONMENT

Study Examines Urban Forests Across the United States: A Dartmouth-led study analyzed urban forests in six U.S. cities, revealing that trees in parks and natural areas are more drought-tolerant and biodiverse compared to those in residential yards. Residential trees, often non-native and less drought-tolerant, might not survive future climate conditions. The study suggests planting more diverse, native, and climate-adaptable trees to enhance urban forest sustainability and resilience against climate change.

Marine Bacteria as Sustainable Fertilizer Alternative for Agriculture: Researchers at MIT and Brown University have discovered that the marine bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum can significantly enhance crop growth by fixing nitrogen from the air. This method presents an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fertilizers, which are resource-intensive and environmentally harmful. The bacteria thrive in both freshwater and saline conditions, making them versatile for different agricultural settings. This discovery could revolutionize sustainable farming practices by reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and mitigating their associated environmental impacts.

Complex Impact of Large Wildfires on Ozone Layer Dynamics Unveiled: A study by scientists from China, Germany, and the U.S. has revealed that large wildfires, such as the 2019/20 Australian bushfires, significantly affect the ozone layer. Wildfire smoke forms "smoke-charged vortices" that transport aerosols into the stratosphere, leading to both ozone depletion and increases at different altitudes. This new understanding of wildfire impacts highlights the delicate balance of our atmosphere and underscores the need for continued research as climate change intensifies.

New Method to Tackle Textile Waste Problem: Scientists developed a process that can break down mixed textile waste into reusable components in just 15 minutes using microwaves and chemicals. This method can separate blends of cotton, polyester, nylon, and spandex into their base molecules, making recycling more feasible. The approach could drastically increase the textile recycling rate, offering a solution to the massive textile waste problem.

NATURE

Ants Use Reverse Social Contagion to Maintain Colony Efficiency: Researchers observed that ants use reverse social contagion to prevent entire colonies from engaging in the same activity simultaneously, which helps maintain colony efficiency. This behavior is particularly evident in food gathering, where seeing others collecting food prompts some ants to conserve energy for other tasks. This study highlights differences between human and ant societies, where ants prioritize collective well-being over individual gain, reinforcing the concept of the ant colony as a "superorganism."

Study of Colorful Crayfish Challenges Theories of Bright Coloration as Adaptive Phenotype: Researchers Zackary Graham and Dylan Padilla Perez found that the bright coloration in some crayfish species, despite living in muddy environments, does not serve a clear adaptive purpose like attracting mates or deterring predators. Their study indicates that such coloration evolved due to random mutations and was maintained because it required no additional resources. This challenges the theory that bright coloration must always have an adaptive function.

Why Animals Living on Islands Are at Greater Risk of Extinction: Island animals face higher extinction risks due to their limited habitats, smaller populations, and reduced genetic diversity. Human activities, such as habitat destruction, introduced species, and climate change, further exacerbate these vulnerabilities. The unique ecosystems of islands make their inhabitants particularly susceptible to rapid environmental changes, resulting in higher extinction rates compared to mainland species.

Shedding Light on Colorado's Fireflies: Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder are studying Colorado's little-known fireflies, which live in wetland areas and are active for only a few weeks in June and July. Using 360-degree cameras, they analyze the fireflies' unique flash patterns to understand their behavior and distribution. This research is crucial as firefly populations are threatened by habitat loss and light pollution. The team encourages public participation in observing and protecting these insects.

INDUSTRY

AT&T Suffers New Massive Data Breach: AT&T reported a major data breach where hackers stole call and message records of around 90 million customers over six months in 2022. The breach did not include call content or personal information like names or Social Security numbers. The hackers accessed the data through a third-party cloud platform. This is the second significant breach for AT&T this year, and an investigation is ongoing with the FBI and Department of Justice involved.

NYC Beaches: Birds vs. Drones: On New York City beaches, shorebirds are aggressively attacking drones deployed to patrol for sharks and struggling swimmers. These drones, introduced in May, have faced multiple swarming incidents primarily by American oystercatchers protecting their nests. The city's Parks Department is adjusting drone flight plans to minimize disturbances to the birds. Despite these conflicts, the drone program, supported by Mayor Eric Adams, aims to enhance beach safety amidst a shortage of lifeguards.

Saudi Arabia to Host First Esports Olympics in 2025: Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural Esports Olympics in 2025, as announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This event is part of a 12-year partnership between the IOC and Saudi Arabia's National Olympic Committee. The initiative aims to integrate esports into the Olympic framework, promoting gender equality and engaging younger audiences. Riyadh will also host the Esports World Cup, featuring 2,500 gamers competing for $60 million in prize money.

WORLD

Russia is Building Ground-Based Kamikaze Robots from Old Hoverboards: Russia is reportedly converting old hoverboards into ground-based kamikaze robots for military purposes. These improvised robots are equipped with explosives and are intended for use in combat scenarios, showcasing a cost-effective approach to developing autonomous weapons. This development raises concerns about the proliferation of low-cost, easily accessible technologies being repurposed for warfare.

TotalEnergies Uganda Oil Project Faces Conservationist Backlash: TotalEnergies' $10-billion Tilenga project, involving over 400 oil wells in Uganda's Murchison Falls Nature Park, is already causing severe environmental damage, according to the Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO). The project, conducted with Chinese oil company CNOOC, is displacing wildlife and people, increasing human-wildlife conflicts, and threatening biodiversity. Conservationists demand halting the project, advocating for renewable energy investments instead.

Unusual Rainfall Brings Winter Flowers to Chile's Atacama Desert: Unusual winter rainfall in Chile's Atacama Desert has led to the rare blooming of the "pata de guanaco" flower. Typically occurring in the spring, this desert bloom has emerged in winter due to nearly half an inch of rain in April and intense low cloud cover. This phenomenon has covered parts of the driest desert on Earth with vibrant purple and white flowers, a sight not seen since 2015.