Microplastics Found in All Tested Semen Samples, Linked to Reduced Sperm Motility

Hello and welcome to Saturday’s newsletter edition. Today's edition is packed with more interesting STEAM news, from new research that suggests there’s no lake beneath Mars’ ice caps, to a revolutionary device for tongue-controlled computer navigation, microplastics found in semen samples, and more. So keep reading.

In today’s edition:

• Science - New Research Suggests No Lake Beneath Mars Ice Cap.

• Technology and AI - Robotic Device Restores Digestive Function in Compromised Organs, Tiny Crop-Health Sensors Could Help Cut Grocery Costs.

• Engineering - Students Use 3D Printer to Design Quieter Leaf Blower Attachment, MIT Researchers Develop First Chip-Based 3D Printer.

• Health - Intense Exercise Can Decrease Subsequent Activity and Body Temperature.

• Environment - Efficient and Eco-Friendly De-icer Developed Using Machine Learning.

• Nature - Rare 7-Foot Fish Washes Ashore in Oregon, Captivates Global Audience.

• Industry News: US Increases Oversight of Major AI Companies.

Happy Saturday!

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

New Findings on Earth's and Space's Shared Turbulence: Researchers have discovered that turbulence in Earth's thermosphere and troposphere follows the same physical laws despite their different compositions and dynamics. This breakthrough, achieved by analyzing satellite data, reveals a unified principle governing atmospheric and space weather, potentially improving forecasting and understanding of space dynamics.

Evolutionary Origins of Male Risk-Taking Behaviors: A study conducted by researchers from The University of Western Australia and Edith Cowan University suggests that male risk-taking behaviors have an evolutionary basis. The research, published in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences, observed that men are more likely to engage in risky activities, such as crossing busy intersections and not wearing helmets while biking. These behaviors were more pronounced in younger men and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The findings support theories that such risk-taking behaviors could be linked to reproductive competition and social status enhancement.

New Research Suggests No Lake Beneath Mars Ice Cap: Cornell University researchers have found that bright radar reflections, previously interpreted as liquid water beneath Mars' south polar ice cap, could be explained by variations in ice layers. Their study indicates that these reflections are likely due to constructive interference between radar waves, rather than the presence of a subglacial lake. This finding challenges earlier assumptions and suggests simpler mechanisms involving known materials.

New Method Enhances Lithium Extraction from Seawater and Groundwater: Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed an optimized method for extracting lithium from dilute sources such as seawater and groundwater. Using olivine iron phosphate particles, the new technique selectively isolates lithium over sodium, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. This advancement could significantly increase lithium supply for batteries, crucial for the growing electric vehicle market.

Gravity Without Mass: A New Perspective on Dark Matter: Dr. Richard Lieu from the University of Alabama in Huntsville has proposed a groundbreaking theory suggesting gravity can exist without mass, potentially eliminating the need for dark matter. His study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, explains that gravitational effects in galaxies and clusters could be caused by topological defects formed during the early universe's phase transitions. This novel approach challenges the century-old dark matter hypothesis.

Enhanced Understanding of Cascadia Subduction Zone's Earthquake Risks: A new study using advanced geophysical instruments has provided a comprehensive survey of the Cascadia Subduction Zone, revealing its complex structure. This 600-mile zone, off the coasts of the Pacific Northwest, poses significant earthquake and tsunami hazards. The research identifies segmented fault zones and varied geological features, improving earthquake risk assessments and potential hazard mitigation strategies.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

MouthPad: A Revolutionary Device for Tongue-Controlled Computer Navigation: The MouthPad is a new device developed by MIT graduate Tomás Vega and his company Augmental. This innovative tool allows users to control a computer cursor using tongue movements. Designed like a retainer, the MouthPad uses sensors to translate tongue actions into cursor movements, providing an accessible alternative for individuals with physical disabilities. Future plans include expanding its capabilities to control robotic arms and wheelchairs, pending FDA approval.

Robotic Device Restores Digestive Function in Compromised Organs: Vanderbilt University researchers have developed a soft robotic device that replicates the wavelike muscular movements of the digestive tract. Activated wirelessly via magnets, this innovation aims to aid patients with digestive issues, such as blockages or requiring stents, by restoring natural peristaltic motion. This breakthrough holds promise for improving the quality of life for patients with compromised digestive organs.

Meta's AI Breakthrough in Translating Low-Resource Languages: Meta has developed an advanced AI model, NLLB-200, capable of translating 200 languages, focusing significantly on low-resource languages. This model utilizes a cross-language approach to enhance translation accuracy by leveraging data from high-resource languages. By increasing the volume of training data and utilizing language identification systems, NLLB-200 achieves 44% better performance than previous models, facilitating broader access to digital content for speakers of underrepresented languages.

Tiny Crop-Health Sensors Could Help Cut Grocery Costs: An international team, including researchers from RMIT University, has developed tiny, drone-compatible sensors that monitor crop health via infrared imaging. This technology, which uses vanadium dioxide films to switch between edge detection and detailed imaging, allows precise identification of irrigation, fertilization, and pest control needs. By optimizing crop management, these sensors could lead to higher yields and reduced grocery prices.

ENGINEERING

Students Use 3D Printer to Design Quieter Leaf Blower Attachment: Engineering students at Johns Hopkins University have created a 3D-printed attachment for leaf blowers that reduces noise levels. The innovative design, developed in collaboration with Stanley Black & Decker, features a cylindrical nozzle with helical channels to dampen the high-pitched sounds typical of leaf blowers. This prototype has shown promising results and is set to enter manufacturing, with plans to hit the market by 2026.

New Method Identifies Optimal Offshore Wind Turbine Sites: Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have developed a method to determine the suitability of offshore wind turbine sites. By analyzing historical wind and wave data from 1920 to 2010, the method assesses the long-term mechanical fatigue that turbines might endure. This technique aids in evaluating potential locations, considering factors like mechanical stress and extreme weather, ultimately aiming to optimize site selection and turbine longevity.

MIT Researchers Develop First Chip-Based 3D Printer: MIT and University of Texas at Austin researchers have unveiled the first chip-based 3D printer, featuring a photonic chip that emits reconfigurable light beams to cure resin into solid shapes. This innovative device, which fits in the palm of a hand, offers rapid and portable 3D printing capabilities, promising applications in fields ranging from medical device manufacturing to on-site engineering prototyping.

Scientists Propose On-Site Hydrogen Production from Natural Gas: Researchers at Skoltech have developed a method to produce hydrogen directly from natural gas fields with 45% efficiency. By injecting steam and a catalyst into the well and igniting the gas with oxygen, they convert natural gas into a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The hydrogen is then extracted while the carbon dioxide remains underground, mitigating environmental impact. This innovative approach could accelerate the transition to green hydrogen energy.

HEALTH

Regular Melatonin Intake Linked to Reduced Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A study by researchers from Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic indicates that regular consumption of melatonin can lower the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The analysis of 200,000 patients' records revealed that those taking melatonin supplements had a lower incidence of AMD and experienced slower disease progression. This adds to growing evidence supporting melatonin's protective effects on eye health.

Breakthrough in Regenerating Damaged Heart Cells in Mice: Researchers at Stanford University have successfully regenerated damaged heart cells in mice by manipulating the proteins that control cell division. By targeting the Hippo signaling pathway, they managed to reactivate cardiomyocytes, promoting cell regeneration and repairing heart tissue. This innovative approach holds promise for developing new treatments for heart disease in humans.

How Oxygen Depletion Impairs Memory Formation in the Brain: Researchers from NYU Grossman School of Medicine have discovered that oxygen depletion disrupts memory formation by affecting brain cell energy production. Their study, focusing on mice, found that low oxygen levels cause a failure in cellular processes required for encoding new memories, potentially explaining cognitive deficits in conditions like sleep apnea and stroke.

Microplastics Found in All Tested Semen Samples, Linked to Reduced Sperm Motility: Researchers have identified microplastics in every semen sample collected from 36 healthy men in Jinan, China, with polystyrene being the most common type. The presence of polyvinyl chloride fragments was associated with lower sperm motility, potentially contributing to global fertility rate declines. This study highlights the pervasive nature of microplastics and their possible impact on human reproductive health.

New Targets for Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Identified: Researchers from the University of Barcelona have identified new therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes. Their study highlights the role of growth differentiation factor (GDF15) and TGF-β in controlling hepatic gluconeogenesis, a key process in glucose production by the liver. These findings suggest that combination therapies targeting multiple factors involved in glucose synthesis could be more effective. This research offers potential new avenues for developing treatments to improve glycemic control in diabetic patients.

Intense Exercise Can Decrease Subsequent Activity and Body Temperature: A study by the University of Tsukuba found that a single session of intense exercise can reduce subsequent physical activity and body temperature in mice, potentially leading to weight gain. This effect is linked to disruptions in the circadian rhythm of the stress hormone corticosterone, which affects energy balance and metabolism. These findings suggest that the timing and intensity of exercise should be carefully managed to optimize weight loss and health benefits.

ENVIRONMENT

Harnessing Nanotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture: Researchers from UC Riverside and Carnegie Mellon propose applying advanced nanotechnology, used in medicine, to agriculture to meet global food demands. They highlight the inefficiency of current agrochemical delivery systems and suggest using targeted delivery methods to reduce environmental impact and improve plant resilience. These techniques, including AI-driven "digital twins," could revolutionize agricultural practices, ensuring sustainable food production.

California Wildfire Pollution Linked to 52,000 Deaths Over a Decade: A study from UCLA reveals that particulate matter (PM2.5) from California wildfires caused over 52,000 deaths between 2008 and 2018. The research highlights the significant health impacts of wildfire pollution, with associated healthcare costs estimated at $432 billion. As climate change intensifies aridification, the importance of wildfire management is increasingly critical for protecting vulnerable populations.

Efficient and Eco-Friendly De-icer Developed Using Machine Learning: Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have created an effective and environmentally friendly de-icer by utilizing machine learning to analyze 21 salts and 16 organic solvents. The optimal mixture, combining propylene glycol and aqueous sodium formate, offers superior ice penetration and reduced environmental impact compared to current de-icers. This advancement, detailed in Scientific Reports, promises enhanced deicing efficiency and decreased ecological harm.

NATURE

Rare 7-Foot Fish Washes Ashore in Oregon, Captivates Global Audience: A rare hoodwinker sunfish, measuring 7.3 feet, washed ashore on a beach in Gearhart, Oregon, drawing significant attention. Typically found in the southern hemisphere, this is a notable sighting. The discovery was confirmed by Marianne Nyegaard, a researcher who identified the species in 2017. This event challenges the belief that these fish are exclusive to southern waters.

Predicting Handedness in Baby Baboons: A Key to Understanding Language Evolution: A new study reveals that the brain anatomy of newborn baboons can predict which hand they will use to communicate after weaning. Researchers from CNRS found that 70% of baboons exhibited left-side asymmetry in the planum temporale, a brain region linked to language in humans. This asymmetry correlated with a right-hand preference for gestural communication, suggesting a shared evolutionary trait between humans and primates that dates back 25 million years.

INDUSTRY NEWS

US Increases Oversight of Major AI Companies: The US government is intensifying its scrutiny of major AI firms like Microsoft, OpenAI, and Nvidia due to concerns about their dominance in the rapidly evolving AI sector. The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have agreed to divide investigative responsibilities, with the DOJ focusing on Nvidia and the FTC on Microsoft and OpenAI. This move parallels previous antitrust investigations into major tech companies and aims to ensure a competitive AI market.

Ivory Coast Embraces Solar Energy in Clean Energy Initiative: Ivory Coast has launched its first solar power plant in Boundiali, aiming to enhance electricity supply to over 430,000 households. With ambitious plans to generate nearly half of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, the country seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. The plant, funded by a mix of local and international sources, highlights a significant step towards sustainable energy in West Africa.

Loans and Maintenance Could Boost Home Solar Adoption in South Africa: South Africa's solar energy adoption is slow, with solar photovoltaic systems contributing less than 5% to the energy mix. Financial barriers, including high initial costs and lack of loans, hinder wider adoption. Additional challenges include lack of knowledge, institutional resistance, technical issues, and social barriers like theft. Addressing these issues through loans, maintenance support, and education could significantly increase solar adoption and reduce reliance on coal power.

High Costs Keep Low-Income New Yorkers Dependent on Cell Plans for Internet: A Cornell study reveals that many low-income households in New York rely on expensive cellular plans for internet access due to the high cost of home broadband. Despite an increase in broadband connections, 810,000 households still depend solely on mobile data, limiting their digital participation. Financial constraints and lack of affordable options contribute to digital inequity, affecting both urban and rural areas, with significant disparities among ethnic groups.