The Mind After Midnight: Sleepless Nights Linked to Increased Violence

Twenty-five years—that’s how much time we spend sleeping, assuming we get the average eight hours of sleep a night. We need sleep to function properly. A lack of sleep can lead to various negative consequences, including impaired cognitive function, reduced attention span, and an increased risk of accidents. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to serious health issues such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and weakened immune function. It also affects emotional well-being, contributing to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Overall, insufficient sleep undermines physical health, mental clarity, and emotional stability.

In today’s edition, we explore topics related to the lack of sleep and its effects on human function, bio-inspired technologies, and more.

• Science - High Rate of Drowsy Driving Among Teenagers Revealed.

• Technology and AI - AI and Robotics Revolutionize Aerogel Design for Wearable Tech.

• Engineering - Innovative Solar Technology Transforms Manure into Hydrogen Fuel.

• Health - Innovative Minimally Invasive Procedure for Brain Clots.

• Environment - Presence of Benzene in Natural Gas Raises Health Concerns for Indoor Leaks and Artistic Technique Makes Air Pollution Visible Across Three Countries (Intersection of Arts-Science-Technology).

• Industry News: NASA’s RASC-AL Competition for Universities, Education Initiatives, Women in STEM, and NASA's X-59 Supersonic Aircraft Achieves Key Milestone.

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Sleepless Nights Linked to Increased Violence: A University of Arizona study reveals a strong correlation between nocturnal wakefulness and increased risks of suicide and homicide. Analysis of 15 years of data shows that sleep disruption impairs rational thinking, leading to impulsive behaviors during the night, especially among young adults, those intoxicated, and individuals experiencing relationship conflicts.

High Rate of Drowsy Driving Among Teenagers Revealed: A new study by the National Sleep Foundation, presented at the SLEEP 2024 conference, found that 1.7 million U.S. teens have driven drowsy, with over 400,000 driving drowsy weekly. The study highlights work and school schedules as major contributors to sleep deprivation among teens. Despite recognizing drowsy driving's dangers, teens perceive it as less risky than other impaired driving forms. The findings urge improved education on drowsy driving in driver's education programs to enhance road safety.

Breakthrough in Snake Venom Research Using 3D Blood Vessel Models: Scientists from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, MIMETAS, and Naturalis Biodiversity Center have developed a 3D model of imitation blood vessels to study the effects of snake venom. This innovative approach provides detailed insights into how venom damages blood vessels, helping to improve treatment strategies and reduce reliance on animal testing.

Jellyfish Set to Dominate Arctic Waters by 2050: A study by the Alfred Wegener Institute predicts that jellyfish populations in the Arctic Ocean will significantly increase by 2050 due to climate change. Rising water temperatures and diminishing sea ice will expand jellyfish habitats, potentially disrupting marine ecosystems and impacting fish stocks critical for commercial fishing.

Female Giraffes Influenced Evolution of Long Necks for Better Nutrition: New research suggests that the evolution of long necks in giraffes was driven primarily by female giraffes seeking more nutritious leaves high up in trees, rather than solely by male combat or competition. This study challenges the long-standing belief that sexual selection was the main force behind giraffe neck evolution. By focusing on female giraffes' dietary needs, the research highlights how access to high-quality food sources likely played a crucial role in shaping the giraffes' distinctive long necks.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Innovative Sweat Monitoring Device Revolutionizes Health Tracking: Researchers from KIST and Northwestern University have developed a groundbreaking device that analyzes health biomarkers in sweat without requiring physical activity. This flexible, skin-attached device uses drug-induced sweat production, making it a painless and convenient alternative to blood tests, especially beneficial for individuals with limited mobility.

AI and Robotics Revolutionize Aerogel Design for Wearable Tech: Engineers at the University of Maryland have integrated AI and robotics to advance the design of sustainable aerogels used in wearable technology. The new method enhances the creation of these lightweight, porous materials, essential for thermal insulation and flexibility, by automating design processes and improving data quality. This innovation, published in Nature Communications, promises more efficient and accurate development of aerogels for various applications, including environmental and energy solutions.

AI Model Uses Mathematical Psychology to Decode Human Emotions: Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, have developed a model utilizing mathematical psychology to help computers understand human emotions. This model can predict feelings such as happiness, boredom, and irritation, aiming to improve human-computer interactions by making AI systems more empathetic. Published in the Proceedings of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, this advancement holds potential for enhancing user experience across various AI applications.

AI Decodes Dog Barks: New Insights into Canine Communication: Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an AI tool capable of decoding dog vocalizations. This AI can distinguish between playful and aggressive barks and even identify a dog's age, sex, and breed. The tool leverages models initially trained on human speech, showcasing a novel application of speech processing technology in understanding animal communication. This breakthrough, presented at a major linguistic conference, holds potential for enhancing human-pet interactions and animal welfare.

ETH Zurich Develops Autonomous Wheeled-Legged Robot: ETH Zurich's Robotic Systems Lab has unveiled a hybrid wheeled-legged robot capable of autonomous navigation using advanced AI and reinforcement learning techniques. This robot seamlessly transitions between driving and walking modes, adapting to various terrains with high efficiency. The innovative design, which simplifies traditional navigation systems, enhances the robot's ability to navigate complex environments, promising applications in areas such as autonomous delivery across diverse terrains.

ENGINEERING

Venus Flytrap-Inspired Mechanosensor Enhances Robotic Sensitivity: Researchers at Soochow University have developed an advanced mechanosensor inspired by the Venus flytrap's ultrasensitive trigger hairs. This biomimetic device, integrating a rigid rod and flexible base with a piezoresistor, detects minute forces, displacements, and vibrations with high precision. The new sensor's exceptional sensitivity and quick response time could significantly improve robotic systems and environmental monitoring technologies.

Powering Deep-Space & Medical Devices: Enhanced Plutonium-238 Production Boosts Efficiency and Reduces Costs: Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Nuclear Power Institute of China have developed a high-resolution neutronics model that improves the production efficiency of Plutonium-238 (Pu-238) by nearly 20%. This breakthrough, using advanced methods like filter burnup and single-energy burnup, not only increases yield but also reduces production costs and environmental impact. Pu-238 is crucial for powering deep-space missions and medical devices.

Innovative Solar Technology Transforms Manure into Hydrogen Fuel: Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a groundbreaking solar-powered system that converts manure into hydrogen fuel. This eco-friendly technology significantly reduces energy consumption and achieves near net-zero emissions, presenting a sustainable alternative for hydrogen production.

Ancient Terracotta Techniques Cool Modern Indian Buildings: In modern India, architects are reviving ancient terracotta cooling techniques to create eco-friendly and efficient building designs. These methods, rooted in centuries-old practices from regions like Egypt and the Middle East, utilize the natural cooling properties of terracotta to reduce indoor temperatures without relying on electricity. By integrating these traditional methods with contemporary design and technology, architects are providing sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by modern climate conditions.

Revolutionizing Precision: Advances in Magnetorheological Polishing Technology: New techniques in magnetorheological polishing are offering significant improvements in the precision of machining processes, crucial for industries like aerospace and electronics​. Researchers from Changchun University of Technology and Jilin University have reviewed the latest advancements in magnetorheological (MR) polishing, crucial for ultra-precision machining in high-stakes industries. The study explores various MR polishing methods, highlighting the curvature-adaptive technique's efficiency and quality.

HEALTH

Eat Plant, Beat Cancer: Plant-Based Diet Significantly Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk: A study by UC San Francisco found that men with localized prostate cancer can lower their risk of disease progression by 47% by adopting a plant-based diet. The research involving over 2,000 participants highlighted that increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil while reducing animal products significantly enhances health outcomes and may prevent cancer advancement.

How Stress Impacts Cognitive Reserve: A study from Karolinska Institutet highlights that while higher cognitive reserve—built through mentally stimulating activities—enhances cognition in memory clinic patients, physiological stress significantly undermines these benefits. This finding underscores the potential value of stress management strategies, such as mindfulness and meditation, in Alzheimer's prevention and cognitive health.

Natural Cannabis Molecules Rival Morphine in Pain Relief: A study by the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that terpenes from Cannabis sativa are as effective as morphine in treating chronic pain, with fewer side effects. When combined with morphine, these natural compounds enhance pain relief without increasing addiction risks, presenting a promising alternative for pain management.

Timing Blood Pressure Medication Can Lower Heart Attack Risk: A recent study indicates that taking blood pressure medication at specific times aligned with one's circadian rhythm can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks. Researchers suggest that medication timing, particularly taking it before bed, could enhance effectiveness and provide better heart protection, especially for individuals whose blood pressure does not decrease naturally at night.

Innovative Minimally Invasive Procedure for Brain Clots: Researchers at Stony Brook Medicine have developed a minimally invasive technique called middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) to treat chronic subdural hematoma, avoiding the need for traditional skull drilling. This procedure uses an injectable fluid to block leaking blood vessels, effectively reducing the hematoma and associated risks. Clinical trials have shown MMAE to be a safer and more effective alternative to surgery, with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.

ENVIRONMENT

Artistic Technique Makes Air Pollution Visible Across Three Countries: Researchers and artists collaborated on the "Air of the Anthropocene" project to visualize air pollution using digital light painting and low-cost sensors. This method highlighted pollution variations in Ethiopia, India, and the UK, revealing significant differences in particulate matter (PM2.5) levels. The images facilitated community discussions on pollution's impact, demonstrating the value of art in environmental science communication.

Global Water Scarcity to Affect 66% of Population by 2100: A study from Utrecht University predicts that by 2100, 66% of the global population will experience water scarcity due to climate change and socioeconomic factors. This crisis will be especially severe in the Global South, where rapid population growth and deteriorating water quality will exacerbate shortages, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive water management strategies that address both quantity and pollution.

Presence of Benzene in Natural Gas Raises Health Concerns for Indoor Leaks: A recent study by PSE Healthy Energy and Stanford University has confirmed that benzene, a carcinogenic substance, is present in 97% of natural gas samples across North America. The research, published in Environmental Research Letters, highlights the potential for undetectable indoor leaks that could expose residents to hazardous air pollutants. The study calls for better transparency in natural gas composition and stricter leak detection standards to protect public health.

INDUSTRY NEWS

NASA's X-59 Supersonic Aircraft Achieves Key Milestone: NASA's X-59, designed to reduce sonic booms to quieter "thumps," has successfully completed its Flight Readiness Review, a crucial step towards flight testing. This milestone marks significant progress in NASA's Quesst mission to enable quieter supersonic travel over land, potentially revolutionizing commercial aviation.

NASA’s RASC-AL Competition: NASA has selected 14 university teams to compete in the 2024 RASC-AL competition, focusing on innovative aerospace system concepts for Moon and Mars missions.

STEM Education Initiatives: There is a growing emphasis on joy-based learning and teacher pay improvements to tackle the STEM teacher shortage, with new salary increases and creative strategies being implemented across the U.S.

Women in STEM: Efforts to close the gender gap in STEM are intensifying, with programs encouraging female participation and mentorship, aiming to address the systemic barriers women face in the industry.

Space Data in 3D: NASA is offering new 3D experiences on Instagram, allowing users to explore space data interactively, which aims to engage and educate the public about space missions

Ed Dwight: From Aspiring Astronaut to Space Pioneer at 90: Ed Dwight, America's first Black astronaut candidate, finally made it to space at the age of 90 aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket. After being selected by President John F. Kennedy in the 1960s but never making it to space due to various circumstances, Dwight experienced a life-changing 10-minute suborbital flight. This historic journey not only fulfilled his decades-long dream but also made him the oldest person to reach space, surpassing William Shatner's record​.