Microplastics Linked to Heart Changes in Fruit Flies

Hello and welcome to Friday’s STEAM newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Purple Bacteria Engineered to Produce Bioplastics Efficiently, and more.

• Technology and AI - Robot Dog Trained to Combat Invasive Fire Ants, Protecting Connected, Self-Driving Vehicles from Hackers.

• Engineering -AI Sensor Inspired by Dung Beetle Navigation, New Theory Could Improve Wind Farm Design and Operation, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - New Materials Identified to Protect Astronauts from Cosmic Radiation on Mars, SpaceX Nears Historic First Private Spacewalk with Polaris Dawn Mission, and more.

• Health & Medicine - 3D Modeling Enhances Prostate Cancer Surgery Outcomes, Intestinal Parasite Protein May Enable Scar-Free Wound Healing, Severe Impact of Button Battery Injuries in Young Children Highlighted, and more.

• Environment - AI Links Heat Waves to Global Warming, Indian Desert School’s Unique Design Offers Respite from Heat, and more.

• Nature - Microplastics Linked to Heart Changes in Fruit Flies, and more.

• Industry - SpaceX Nears Historic First Private Spacewalk with Polaris Dawn Mission, and more.

• World - European Lander Could Return Ice Core from Europa for a Fraction of the Cost of NASA’s Europa Clipper, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

If you’d like to see more of this or if you want to share with others, please use the following link: https://thesteamdigest.beehiiv.com/subscribe

This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Purple Bacteria Engineered to Produce Bioplastics Efficiently: Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have successfully engineered purple bacteria to serve as bioplastic factories. By enhancing the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a biodegradable plastic, in certain purple bacteria species, researchers have opened new avenues for sustainable plastic production. The study highlights the bacteria's natural adaptability and potential as a scalable, eco-friendly solution to traditional plastics, offering a promising alternative for reducing environmental pollution.

Unconventional Interface Superconductor Offers Quantum Computing Advancements: Researchers have developed an innovative interface superconductor that could significantly enhance quantum computing. By combining a chiral material, trigonal tellurium, with a gold thin film, the team created a unique 2D superconductor with enhanced spin polarization. This superconductor shows promise for more stable and scalable quantum computing components, potentially reducing decoherence—a major challenge in the field.

New Mechanism for Energy Transfer in Air Enables Bidirectional Lasing: Researchers from UCLA and the Max Born Institute have discovered a mechanism that transfers energy from nitrogen to argon, enabling bidirectional cascaded lasing in atmospheric air. This process, which occurs without traditional optical cavities, could revolutionize remote sensing technologies. The study reveals how nitrogen-argon interactions produce laser-like emissions, opening new avenues for atmospheric detection and potentially leading to practical applications in remote sensing.

Cooper Pairs in Kagome Metals Confirm Wave-like Distribution, Validating Superconductor Theory: An international team of researchers has confirmed that Cooper pairs in Kagome metals display a wave-like distribution, a groundbreaking validation of a superconductivity theory. This discovery, led by the University of Würzburg, overturns previous assumptions and opens new possibilities for quantum technologies, such as superconducting diodes. The findings could lead to energy-efficient quantum devices, making this a significant milestone in superconducting research.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Robot Dog Trained to Combat Invasive Fire Ants: Researchers in China and Brazil have developed a robot dog equipped with AI to locate and control Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA), a destructive invasive species. The "CyberDog" robot outperformed human inspectors by detecting three times more ant nests. Despite challenges like limited battery life and high costs, this innovative approach could revolutionize pest control and raise public awareness about invasive species.

Protecting Connected, Self-Driving Vehicles from Hackers: Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a system to protect self-driving vehicles from hackers who could manipulate sensor data in Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) networks. By using Collaborative Anomaly Detection, the system cross-checks data for inconsistencies, detecting and countering attacks that could otherwise lead to collisions. This breakthrough is vital for the safety and security of autonomous vehicles as they become more interconnected.

ENGINEERING

AI Sensor Inspired by Dung Beetle Navigation: Engineers at the University of South Australia have developed an AI-based sensor modeled after the dung beetle's navigation system, which uses the Milky Way for orientation. This innovative sensor can accurately measure orientation in low light, despite motion blur, making it a potential backup for stabilizing satellites and aiding drones in night navigation. The research, which draws on the dung beetle's natural abilities, highlights the potential of biomimicry in advancing navigation technology.

New Theory Could Improve Wind Farm Design and Operation: MIT engineers have developed a new physics-based model to improve the design and operation of wind farms. This model provides a more accurate representation of airflow around wind turbine rotors, especially under extreme conditions, which was a limitation in previous models. The new theory could optimize turbine performance, layout, and real-time adjustments, potentially increasing energy output and efficiency in wind farms.

Engineers Develop Eco-Friendly Cooling Device with Record-Breaking Efficiency: Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have created an eco-friendly refrigeration device using a multi-material cascading elastocaloric system. This innovative device, made from shape memory alloys, achieves a temperature lift of 75 K, surpassing the previous world record. The breakthrough could revolutionize cooling technologies, providing a greener, more energy-efficient alternative to traditional methods, and has significant implications for reducing global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Bioengineers Create Environmentally Friendly Adhesive Polymer: Bioengineers at the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a new sustainable adhesive polymer derived from α-lipoic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid. The polymer's unique properties, stabilized by an electrophilic agent, make it suitable for a variety of applications, including medical and industrial use. Notably, the adhesives are environmentally friendly, self-healing, and recyclable, offering a significant improvement over traditional petroleum-based adhesives.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

New Materials Identified to Protect Astronauts from Cosmic Radiation on Mars: Researchers have identified effective materials, such as certain plastics, rubber, synthetic fibers, and Martian soil, that can shield astronauts from harmful cosmic radiation on Mars. The study, which used computer modeling and real Mars data, found these materials could significantly enhance astronaut safety, making long-term Mars missions more feasible. This research supports future human exploration and the potential establishment of human bases on Mars.

Industrial Lessons Enhance Satellite and Spacecraft Management in Orbit: Researchers suggest that space mission designers can learn valuable lessons from industries like logistics and warehouse management. These lessons can improve the coordination of satellite constellations, in-orbit repairs, and resource management. By applying ground-based logistics theories, such as spatial queuing and inventory management, to space operations, the space industry can enhance the efficiency and reliability of satellite and spacecraft missions, especially as these missions grow in complexity.

New Strategy for Large-Scale Water Production on the Moon: Scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a novel method to produce water on the Moon by heating lunar regolith (soil) with endogenous hydrogen. This process, tested using samples from the Chang'E-5 mission, could yield over 50 kilograms of water per ton of regolith, offering a significant resource for future lunar exploration. The water produced could support human consumption, plant irrigation, and energy production, paving the way for sustainable lunar habitats.

Exoplanets May Hold More Water Than Previously Thought, Study Reveals: A recent study suggests that exoplanets might contain significantly more water than earlier estimates, with much of it potentially trapped in their interiors rather than on the surface. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about water distribution and the potential habitability of water-abundant exoplanets. The findings indicate that many exoplanets, particularly larger ones, could have Earth-like conditions conducive to life.

Citizen Science Project Yields 20 New Astronomical Discoveries: A citizen science initiative, Kilonova Seekers, has led to 20 new astronomical discoveries, including five Type Ia Supernovae and a cataclysmic variable star. Over 2,000 volunteers from 105 countries participated, classifying data from the GOTO telescopes. This project highlights the significant contributions of citizen scientists in advancing our understanding of the universe, particularly in detecting transient cosmic events like kilonovae.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

3D Modeling Enhances Prostate Cancer Surgery Outcomes: Researchers at King's College London have demonstrated that using 3D models during robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgeries improves the precision of tumor removal while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Although these models reduce surgical complications, more research is needed to determine their impact on functional outcomes like urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The study also explores AI integration to expedite the creation of these 3D models, potentially revolutionizing personalized surgical approaches.

Intestinal Parasite Protein May Enable Scar-Free Wound Healing: Researchers at Rutgers University have identified a protein produced by a parasitic worm that could revolutionize wound healing by promoting skin regeneration without scarring. The protein, TGM, accelerates wound closure and enhances tissue regeneration in mice, potentially offering a new approach to treating human wounds. The study highlights the therapeutic potential of parasitic proteins in promoting regenerative healing over fibrosis, though further research is needed to explore its application in humans.

Severe Impact of Button Battery Injuries in Young Children Highlighted: A study led by the University of Sydney reveals the severe risks of button battery ingestion in young children, especially those under two. The research emphasizes that serious injuries can occur within two hours of ingestion, often leading to life-threatening conditions. Despite safety regulations, the study calls for global industry changes to reduce these dangers and stresses the need for better parental awareness and rapid medical response.

Mild Concussions May Have Long-Lasting Brain Effects: A study by Cambridge University researchers suggests that even mild concussions can lead to long-term brain impacts, including higher risks of memory problems and dementia. The study, involving MRI scans from participants in the UK’s Prevent Dementia study, found that those with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) showed signs of small vessel disease and were more prone to cognitive issues later in life. The findings emphasize the need for further research into the long-term effects of mild TBIs.

Chlamydia May Persist in the Intestine, Organoid Experiments Suggest: Researchers at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg used human intestinal organoids to study Chlamydia trachomatis, revealing that the bacteria can persist in the intestines by infecting cells from the blood side, especially when the intestinal lining is compromised. This persistence could explain recurring infections and increasing antibiotic resistance. Further studies are needed to confirm if this occurs in humans.

AI Platform Significantly Improves Lung Cancer Diagnosis: Researchers from the University of Cologne have developed an AI-powered digital pathology platform that enhances the accuracy and speed of lung cancer diagnosis. By analyzing digitized tissue sections, the platform can identify tumors and provide additional insights that are crucial for personalized therapy. This advancement is expected to improve diagnostic quality and patient outcomes. The platform's effectiveness will be further validated in a study across multiple countries.

ENVIRONMENT

AI Links Heat Waves to Global Warming: Researchers at Stanford and Colorado State University have developed an AI-based method to quickly and accurately analyze the impact of global warming on individual extreme weather events, such as heat waves. Their approach, which uses machine learning to simulate weather conditions under different levels of global warming, proved effective in predicting the severity of heat waves, like the 2023 Texas heat wave. This method offers a low-cost and efficient way to study the effects of climate change and could influence future climate adaptation strategies.

Indian Desert School’s Unique Design Offers Respite from Heat: In Rajasthan's Thar Desert, the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls' School utilizes traditional and modern architectural techniques to maintain cooler temperatures inside, despite external highs above 50°C. The school, made of yellow sandstone and equipped with solar panels, features thick walls, lime plaster, and ventilation-promoting designs. These elements create an eco-friendly, comfortable environment for students, providing relief from the intense desert heat and improving their educational experience.

Dual Epicenters Identified in New Year's Day Noto Earthquake: Researchers have discovered that the powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan's Noto Peninsula on New Year's Day 2024 originated from two separate epicenters on the fault line. This rare "dual-initiation" mechanism intensified the seismic rupture, leading to severe ground shaking and extensive damage. The study highlights the importance of fault barriers in earthquake generation, offering new insights for future seismic risk assessments.

Rising Temperatures to Increase Carbon Emissions from Forest Soils: A study led by the University of Michigan shows that as global temperatures rise, carbon emissions from forest soils will likely increase. The long-term experiment, conducted in northern Minnesota, demonstrated that warming enhances soil respiration, a process that releases carbon dioxide. This finding suggests that forests may lose more carbon than expected, potentially exacerbating climate change impacts.

Indigenous Leadership in Carbon Management and Climate Solutions:
Indigenous communities are increasingly recognized for their crucial role in managing carbon and combating climate change. By integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern practices, these communities effectively steward vast carbon-rich landscapes. The article highlights successful Indigenous-led carbon projects that not only reduce emissions but also support cultural preservation and economic development. Such initiatives underscore the importance of Indigenous leadership in global climate strategies.

NATURE

Microplastics Linked to Heart Changes in Fruit Flies: A study from Iowa State University reveals that micro- and nanoplastics ingested by fruit flies cause significant changes in heart size and function. The research showed sex-specific effects, with female flies experiencing reduced heart rates and increased heart size, while males exhibited greater variability in heart function. The findings highlight the potential cardiovascular risks posed by microplastic pollution in terrestrial organisms, emphasizing the need for further investigation.

Colorful Traits in Primates Help Reduce Intergroup Tensions: A recent study from the University of Zurich reveals that vibrant colors and elaborate ornaments in primates serve as signals to ease tensions between different social groups. These sexually selected traits, often used for mate attraction, also play a crucial role in reducing intergroup aggression by allowing quick assessments of potential rivals, especially in species with overlapping home ranges. This research highlights the broader social functions of primate ornamentation.

Field Experiments Reveal How Biological Clocks Operate in Nature: Researchers from the UK and Japan have conducted innovative field experiments to understand how plant circadian rhythms function in natural, fluctuating environments. By studying Arabidopsis halleri in rural Japan, they found that the genetic pathways regulating plant responses to light and temperature in the lab also apply in the wild. This research could lead to better predictions of how crops will adapt to future climate conditions.

Aoudad and Bighorn Sheep Share Respiratory Pathogens, Threatening Native Species: A study has found that Aoudad (Barbary sheep), an invasive species, and native Bighorn sheep in the southwestern U.S. share respiratory pathogens. These pathogens, which cause severe pneumonia, could endanger the already vulnerable Bighorn sheep populations. The findings highlight the need for better management strategies to protect native wildlife from diseases carried by invasive species.

INDUSTRY

SpaceX Nears Historic First Private Spacewalk with Polaris Dawn Mission: SpaceX is set to launch its first private spacewalk as part of the Polaris Dawn mission, led by billionaire Jared Isaacman. The mission, scheduled for next week, will involve four crew members, including two SpaceX employees. The five-day expedition aims to reach 1,400 kilometers in altitude and conduct various experiments, including a live-streamed spacewalk in newly developed space suits. This marks a significant milestone in commercial space exploration.

ESA's Cluster Mission to Conclude with Controlled Reentry Over the South Pacific: The European Space Agency (ESA) will end its 24-year-old Cluster mission with a targeted reentry of its first satellite, Salsa, over the South Pacific on September 8, 2024. This marks the first controlled reentry of its kind for the mission, which has been crucial in studying Earth's magnetosphere and space weather. The remaining three satellites will follow suit, making way for safer disposal practices in space exploration.

Rocket Engine Explosion During Test at UK Spaceport: A rocket engine exploded during a test at SaxaVord Spaceport in northern Scotland, marking a setback for the UK’s burgeoning space industry. The incident occurred during a "hot fire" test conducted by the German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), which aims to launch the UK's first vertical rocket into orbit later this year. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the launch pad was secured. Investigations are underway to understand the cause and ensure future safety.

WORLD

European Lander Could Return Ice Core from Europa for a Fraction of the Cost of NASA’s Europa Clipper: A proposed European lander mission, using advanced technologies like solar electric propulsion and in-situ resource utilization, could return an ice core from Europa at a cost significantly lower than NASA’s Europa Clipper mission. This approach could reduce the mission cost by a factor of ten, making such exploration more financially feasible. However, this concept has not yet advanced beyond initial research stages.

Portugal's Wildfire Threatens UNESCO Heritage Site Amid EU's Extreme Heat: A large wildfire in Portugal has threatened the Serra da Estrela, a UNESCO Global Geopark, as Europe faces intense heatwaves. The fire, driven by high temperatures and strong winds, has consumed vast areas of forest, prompting evacuations and extensive firefighting efforts. This event underscores the growing risk of wildfires in the context of climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions.

Germany to Invest €50 Billion in Industrial Decarbonization with Carbon Contracts for Difference: Germany plans to allocate €50 billion over the next decade to decarbonize its industrial sector through Carbon Contracts for Difference (CCfDs). These contracts will subsidize the difference between carbon market prices and the cost of low-carbon technologies, encouraging industries to adopt greener practices. This initiative is a critical step in Germany's strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, targeting sectors like steel, cement, and chemicals.