Microscale Robot Folds into 3D Shapes and Crawls

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

In today’s edition:

• Science - Discovery of a New 2D Matter Phase Challenges Statistical Mechanics.

• Technology and AI - New Algorithm Brings Robots Closer to Acting on Intuition, Students Using ChatGPT for Study Perform Worse on Tests, DeepFake-o-Meter' Brings Deepfake Detection to the Public, and more.

• Engineering - Microscale Robot Folds into 3D Shapes and Crawls, Innovative Ultra-Thin Soft Robots for Narrow Space Exploration and Maintenance, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Century-Old "Tired Light" Theory Challenges the Big Bang,

• Health & Medicine - Boosting Brain Protein Levels Could Slow Alzheimer's Decline, Antibiotics' Role in Increasing Inflammatory Bowel Disease Risk Uncovered, and more.

• Neuroscience - Mapping Brain Processes from Sensation to Action, Attention Networks Crucial for Brain Organization and Cognitive Development in Childhood, and more.

• Environment - Fault Strength Linked to Earthquake Magnitude in New Seismic Study, Machine Learning Models Predict Street Flooding in Seconds, and more.

• Nature - Medicinal Plants Eaten by Gorillas Provide Drug Discovery Clues, Spiny Mice Offer New Insights into Social Neuroscience, and more.

• Other Sciences & Arts - Discovery of Isolated Neanderthal Lineage Sheds Light on Extinction, and more.

• Industry - US Researchers Win $1 Million Prize for Advances in Face Recognition, Japan to Test Self-Driving Bullet Trains by 2028, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Discovery of a New 2D Matter Phase Challenges Statistical Mechanics: Physicists at the University of Cambridge have discovered a new phase of matter called the Bose glass in a two-dimensional setting, defying traditional statistical mechanics. This phase shows non-ergodic properties, meaning it retains detailed memory of its initial state, unlike most materials. The research offers new insights for quantum computing, as localized systems like the Bose glass may help maintain quantum information longer by preventing decoherence.

Human 'Molecular Map' Enhances Understanding of Disease Mechanisms: Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar have developed a comprehensive molecular map of the human body, using data from blood, urine, and saliva samples from diverse populations. This map, available via an online tool called Connecting Omics (COmics), integrates genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and other molecular data to reveal associations between genetic traits and diseases. It offers new insights for biomedical research, particularly in understanding diseases like diabetes and developing targeted therapies.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

New Algorithm Brings Robots Closer to Acting on Intuition: Researchers from the University of Hertfordshire have developed an algorithm that enables robots to set their own goals based on their environment, mimicking human and animal decision-making processes. The algorithm, which ties into chaos theory and "intrinsic motivation," allows robots to learn and act independently without specific instructions. This breakthrough could lead to robots capable of natural interactions and autonomous decision-making in complex, unreachable environments.

Students Using ChatGPT for Study Perform Worse on Tests: A study by the University of Pennsylvania found that high school students using ChatGPT as a study aid did worse on math tests compared to those who didn't use the AI tool. While students with ChatGPT solved more practice problems correctly, they scored 17% lower on tests. Even a tutor-like version of ChatGPT didn't improve test outcomes. The findings suggest that overreliance on AI tools may hinder genuine learning.

DeepFake-o-Meter' Brings Deepfake Detection to the Public: The "DeepFake-o-Meter," developed by the University at Buffalo's Media Forensics Lab, is a free, open-source tool that democratizes deepfake detection. It combines several state-of-the-art algorithms, allowing users to analyze media for signs of AI-generated content. This platform aims to bridge the gap between the public and researchers, providing transparency and diversity in detection methods. The tool enhances public awareness and supports researchers in refining their algorithms to detect more sophisticated deepfakes.

VR System Blends Physical and Virtual Worlds to Highlight Climate Change: Cornell Tech researchers have developed a Communal eXtended-Reality (CXR) system that merges virtual and real-world environments to raise awareness about climate change. Deployed on New York City's Roosevelt Island shuttle bus, the system uses VR to create an immersive experience of climate impacts like flooding, aiming to bridge the gap between awareness and action. The project demonstrated the potential of such technologies in fostering community engagement and discussions on urgent issues.

Neuromorphic Platform Boosts Computing Efficiency: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a neuromorphic computing platform that mimics the human brain, significantly enhancing energy efficiency and data processing. The new system uses a molecular film to create 16,500 conductance states, enabling faster and more efficient AI calculations. This breakthrough has potential applications in making AI tools accessible on personal devices and represents a major advancement in AI hardware development.

ENGINEERING

Microscale Robot Folds into 3D Shapes and Crawls: Researchers at Cornell University have developed a tiny robot, less than 1 millimeter in size, that starts as a 2D hexagonal sheet and folds into preprogrammed 3D shapes when activated by electricity. Inspired by kirigami, the robot uses ultra-thin silicon dioxide panels and hinges to transform and move. This technology could lead to advanced applications in micromachines and biomedical devices.

Innovative Ultra-Thin Soft Robots for Narrow Space Exploration and Maintenance: Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed ultra-thin soft robots, known as Thin Soft Robots (TS-Robots), designed to navigate narrow spaces for industrial inspections and maintenance. With a thickness of just 1.7mm and multimodal locomotion capabilities, these robots can crawl, climb, swim, and adapt to various terrains. The technology, published in Nature Communications, could revolutionize the inspection and maintenance of complex environments like aero engines and power plants.

Bio-Inspired Wick Enhances Electronic Chip Cooling Efficiency: Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed a bionic wick inspired by the structure of natural leaves to improve cooling in electronic chips. The wick, made from alumina ceramic, features finger-like pores that enhance heat and mass transfer by mimicking leaf stomata, optimizing the flow of liquid and gaseous fluids. This innovation could improve cooling systems in high-power-density applications such as microelectronics, aviation, and aerospace.

Innovative Solar-Powered Device for Seawater Desalination: Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a solar-powered device that efficiently converts seawater into fresh water using a nature-inspired evaporation process. This new technology, which minimizes energy use and maintenance, absorbs 93% of solar energy and can produce 20 liters of fresh water per square meter daily. Designed for use in remote areas, the device promises a sustainable solution to global water scarcity, advancing several UN Sustainable Development Goals.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Century-Old "Tired Light" Theory Challenges the Big Bang: A new study by Kansas State University engineer Lior Shamir supports the "tired light" theory, which suggests that redshift observed in distant galaxies results from photons losing energy over time, not from an expanding universe. This challenges the Big Bang theory, particularly in light of data from the James Webb Space Telescope that reveals mature galaxies in the early universe, contradicting expectations. The findings imply alternative explanations for cosmic phenomena traditionally attributed to the Big Bang.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Boosting Brain Protein Levels Could Slow Alzheimer's Decline: A study by the University of Cincinnati suggests that increasing levels of the brain protein Aβ42, rather than reducing amyloid plaques, may slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. Researchers found that new monoclonal antibody treatments inadvertently raise Aβ42 levels, which correlates with improved cognition. This finding challenges the prevailing focus on amyloid reduction and suggests a shift toward therapies that directly increase Aβ42 levels could be more beneficial.

Antibiotics' Role in Increasing Inflammatory Bowel Disease Risk Uncovered: A study by Bar-Ilan University, published in Science Advances, reveals that antibiotics damage the protective mucus layer in the intestines, increasing the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The research shows that antibiotics disrupt mucus production, allowing bacteria to penetrate the gut lining, which can trigger inflammation and ulcer development. These findings highlight the need for cautious antibiotic use and open new avenues for treatments to mitigate these effects.

Placebos Found Effective in Reducing Chronic Pain for Certain Patients: A study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center shows that placebos can alleviate chronic pain in patients, even when they are aware they are taking a placebo. Researchers identified a genetic marker that may predict which patients are more likely to respond positively to placebo treatments. This finding could offer new, non-pharmacological strategies for managing chronic pain and reducing dependence on medications.

New, Rare Subtype of Small Cell Lung Cancer Discovered: Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have identified a new subtype of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) that affects younger, non-smoking individuals. This subtype, "atypical small cell lung carcinoma," shows unique genomic changes, such as chromothripsis, which distinguishes it from typical SCLC. Findings suggest that standard treatments are less effective for this subtype, highlighting the need for tailored therapies targeting its specific genetic features.

NEUROSCIENCE

Mapping Brain Processes from Sensation to Action: Neuroscientists at the Sainsbury Wellcome Center have mapped how the brain converts sensory input into motor actions across various regions. Using advanced technology, the study shows that decision-making involves brain-wide coordination, particularly through learning. Findings could help improve AI neural network designs by mimicking these distributed decision-making processes in the brain.

Attention Networks Crucial for Brain Organization and Cognitive Development in Childhood: A study from Yale University and collaborators reveals that the ventral attention network (VAN) plays a significant role in the reorganization of the brain and cognitive development during childhood and adolescence. The research, published in Nature Neuroscience, shows that changes in VAN connectivity are linked to cortical maturation and cognitive abilities, suggesting that attention-focused networks are key to understanding brain development.

Role of Specialized Nerve Cells in Memory Formation Uncovered: Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn have clarified the function of highly specialized nerve cells, known as concept neurons, in memory formation. These neurons, located in the medial temporal lobe, respond selectively to specific objects or individuals. Their activity, along with location-selective neurons in the parahippocampal cortex, predicts successful memory encoding, suggesting that these cells are fundamental to forming and retrieving autobiographical memories.

Wearable Brain Imaging Device Offers New Insights into Infant Brain Function: Researchers from University College London have developed a wearable brain imaging device that uses light waves to study brain activity in infants in real-world settings. The device reveals how babies as young as five months respond to social stimuli, showing unexpected activity in the prefrontal cortex. This new technology allows for comprehensive mapping of brain function, offering insights into typical and atypical neurodevelopment, which may help understand neurodiverse conditions like autism and ADHD.

Understanding and Addressing Procrastination in Children: Researchers from Brock University, led by Professor Caitlin Mahy, are exploring how procrastination develops in children and its differences from adult procrastination. The study calls for revised definitions and interventions tailored to children's cognitive abilities. The research highlights various stages of procrastination-like behaviors from preschool to adolescence, emphasizing the need for more studies on children's procrastination and its progression over time to improve early interventions.

ENVIRONMENT

Fault Strength Linked to Earthquake Magnitude in New Seismic Study: Researchers from Kyushu University and the University of Tokyo conducted a detailed study on seismic activity, finding that stronger faults are associated with a higher likelihood of large earthquakes. By analyzing data from over 1,000 seismic stations near the Western Tottori Earthquake site, they linked fault strength to the "b-value," a measure influencing earthquake frequency and size, suggesting that stronger faults are more likely to produce major quakes.

Machine Learning Models Predict Street Flooding in Seconds: Researchers from Jefferson Lab, Old Dominion University, and the University of Virginia developed machine learning models to predict street flooding in Norfolk, Virginia, within seconds. Using deep learning methods, the models can quickly forecast flood-prone areas with high accuracy, providing a faster alternative to traditional physics-based simulations. This advancement aims to improve urban planning and emergency response in flood-vulnerable regions.

New Tool Maps Fossil Fuel Emissions from Space: Researchers from the University of Minnesota have developed a satellite-based tool to measure ethane emissions from space, enhancing the understanding of global fossil fuel emissions. Using a machine learning algorithm, the tool identifies high ethane concentrations over key oil and gas regions, like the Permian Basin, which accounts for a significant share of global emissions. This innovation aims to improve future emissions tracking and air quality management.

Path to Prosperity Through Equitable Sharing of Earth's Resources: A new report from the Earth Commission, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, outlines a strategy to ensure both planetary health and human prosperity by transforming economic systems, adopting sustainable technologies, and fairly sharing Earth's critical resources. The study emphasizes the role of businesses, cities, and communities in mitigating environmental impact and promoting equitable access to resources, such as freshwater and nutrients, while maintaining a "safe and just space" for all.

Factors Affecting Runoff and Sediment Yield in Karst Watersheds Identified: Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have identified key factors influencing runoff and sediment yield in karst watersheds in southwest China. Using data from 40 watersheds, they found that climate, lithology, soil, topography, and landscape explain most runoff and sediment variation. The study emphasizes that climatic factors heavily influence runoff, while landscape factors significantly impact sediment yield, aiding in ecological management and soil erosion control in karst regions.

NATURE

Medicinal Plants Eaten by Gorillas Provide Drug Discovery Clues: A recent study found that four plants eaten by western lowland gorillas in Gabon, also used in traditional medicine, exhibit antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Researchers identified that the bark of these plants, including the fromager tree and African teak, showed activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. This discovery suggests these plants could be promising candidates for developing new drugs to combat resistant infections.

Spiny Mice Offer New Insights into Social Neuroscience: Researchers at Emory University have identified brain circuitry in spiny mice that influences their preference for living in large social groups, providing a novel model for studying complex social behaviors in mammals. The study shows neural signaling from the anterior cingulate cortex to the lateral septum drives group-size preference. This breakthrough could help understand the social brain's evolution and related behaviors in mammals, including humans.

Precariously Balanced Rocks Define Earthquake Limits in New York and Vermont: Researchers studying precariously balanced rocks (PBRs) in New York and Vermont have identified these formations as indicators of the maximum historical earthquake shaking intensity in the region. The findings suggest that these rocks can constrain seismic hazard assessments, limiting the likelihood of earthquakes exceeding magnitudes 6.5 to 7.0 in certain areas. T

OTHER SCIENCES & ARTS

Discovery of Isolated Neanderthal Lineage Sheds Light on Extinction: Archaeologists have uncovered a unique Neanderthal lineage in France's Rhône Valley, suggesting this group remained isolated for over 50,000 years. Genetic analysis of a Neanderthal named "Thorin" shows divergence from other known Neanderthal populations around 100,000 years ago, with no genetic exchange for millennia. This isolation might have contributed to the Neanderthals' extinction due to limited genetic diversity and adaptability. The study provides new insights into the complexity of late Neanderthal populations.

Clovis People Used Great Lakes Camps Annually 13,000 Years Ago: Researchers from the University of Michigan have confirmed that Clovis people, early inhabitants of North America, used a campsite in southwest Michigan annually for at least three to five consecutive years around 13,000 years ago. The site, called the Belson Clovis Site, shows evidence of diverse diets and tools made from materials traded across long distances. This discovery reveals new insights into the mobility and social connections of these early settlers.

INDUSTRY

Japan to Test Self-Driving Bullet Trains by 2028: Japan plans to test self-driving bullet trains (Shinkansen) starting in 2028, with a goal of achieving full automation by the mid-2030s. East Japan Railway (JR East) will begin trials with semi-automated trains, progressing towards fully driverless operations. The initiative aims to streamline operations and address labor shortages amid Japan's aging population. These tests will take place on the Joetsu Shinkansen line, where trains currently reach speeds of up to 170 mph.

US Researchers Win $1 Million Prize for Advances in Face Recognition: Four researchers from the United States, Margaret Livingstone, Nancy Kanwisher, Doris Tsao, and Winrich Freiwald, have been awarded the Champalimaud Foundation's Vision Award 2024. Their groundbreaking work in visual neuroscience has advanced understanding of how the human brain processes faces, shapes, and colors, leading to new approaches in treating visual disorders and cognitive decline, including dementia.

Amazon's AI Predicts NFL Blitzes in Real-Time: Amazon has introduced "Tackle Probability," an AI tool for NFL broadcasts on Prime Video, designed to predict defensive blitzes in real-time. Trained on data from NFL games between 2018 and 2022, the AI can analyze player movements within milliseconds, providing new insights for commentators and coaches. This technology is part of Amazon's broader AI partnership with the NFL, aimed at enhancing live broadcasts and strategic gameplay analysis.

3D Printing Revolutionizes Manufacturing in Europe: Europe is advancing its manufacturing capabilities with innovative 3D printing technologies that allow for the production of complex, multi-material components with minimal waste. Led by EU-funded research teams like MULTI-FUN, these developments enable the creation of smart parts embedded with sensors for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and space. The technology promises to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and redefine design approaches across the continent.