MIT Researchers Develop Scalable Method to Produce Cancer-Fighting Nanoparticles

Hello and welcome to our April 3, 2025 edition. The STEAM Digest is a curated newsletter that brings you the latest news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Researchers Use Microwaves to Control Low-Temperature Chemical Reactions, and more.

• Materials - 3D-Printed Skin Imitations Offer Promising Alternative to Animal Testing in Cosmetics, MIT Researchers Outline Roadmap to Advance 3D Architected Metamaterials, and more.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - Brazilian Firefly Gene Powers Bioluminescent Sensor for Monitoring Cell Health, and more.

• Engineering & Technology - MIT Researchers Develop Scalable Method to Produce Cancer-Fighting Nanoparticles, Researchers Achieve Breakthrough in 3D Printing Multi-Metal Structures, and more.

• Astronomy, Space, Astrobiology - Researchers Turn Moon Dust into Solar Cells for Future Lunar Energy, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Study Reveals Antibiotics Often Prescribed Without Considering Patient Risk, and more.

• Neuroscience - New Discovery Reveals How Female Hormones Trigger Immune Cells to Relieve Pain, and more.

• Environment - Air Pollution and Traffic Noise Together Raise Stroke Risk, Even at Low Levels.

• Nature - Smaller Prey, Less Conflict: Yellowstone Study Reveals New Predator Dynamics, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Quantum-Inspired AI Method Revolutionizes Big Data Analysis Without Quantum Computers, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

If you would like to share The STEAM Digest newsletter with others, please use the following link: https://thesteamdigest.beehiiv.com/subscribe

SCIENCE

Researchers Use Microwaves to Control Low-Temperature Chemical Reactions: Researchers at ETH Zürich have developed a new method to manipulate chemical reactions at near-absolute zero using microwave pulses. The study demonstrates that adjusting a molecule’s rotational state with microwaves can reduce its reactivity in ion-molecule reactions. Unlike traditional methods that rely on heating, this nonthermal approach enables precise control over cold chemical processes, similar to those in space environments. The technique could significantly advance research in astrochemistry and quantum-controlled chemistry, with future studies aimed at using microwaves to trigger or enhance reactions as well.

Researchers Develop Low-Temperature Method to Repair Defects in Next-Gen Semiconductor Material MoS₂: A collaborative team has developed a low-temperature technique to repair defects in molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂)—a key material for future low-power, high-density semiconductor chips. The study details how pentafluorobenzenethiol (PFBT) can be used at just 200°C to fill sulfur vacancies and restore the atomic ratio of Mo:S to an ideal 1:1.98, significantly improving electronic performance. This method aligns with existing silicon semiconductor back-end-of-line (BEOL) processes, which require temperatures below 350°C, making it highly compatible with current chip fabrication technologies. Repaired MoS₂-based transistors showed 2.5× faster charge mobility and 40% lower power consumption, offering a promising path for commercializing MoS₂ in next-generation, heat-free electronics.

MATERIALS

3D-Printed Skin Imitations Offer Promising Alternative to Animal Testing in Cosmetics: In response to EU restrictions on animal testing for cosmetics under Directive 2010/63/EU, researchers have developed 3D-printed skin imitations using hydrogels embedded with living cells. The study outlines how these hydrogels mimic human skin's three-layer structure and provide a non-toxic, stable environment for cell growth. The skin models are designed to survive 2–3 weeks in cell culture, allowing realistic testing of nanoparticle absorption and toxicity in products like sunscreens. Early results show that the hydrogels are mechanically robust and biocompatible, marking a major step toward replacing animal experiments in cosmetic testing with ethical, effective alternatives.

MIT Researchers Outline Roadmap to Advance 3D Architected Metamaterials: MIT engineers ighlight the challenges and future potential of 3D architected metamaterials—artificially structured materials with extraordinary mechanical and physical properties. While these materials have shown promise across fields like biomedicine, aerospace, and electronics, their full potential remains untapped due to limitations in scalable fabrication, dynamic characterization, and design complexity. The authors propose a path forward that integrates high-throughput testing, non-contact characterization, and AI-driven design, aiming to enable programmable materials with adaptable properties. Their vision emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation across length and time scales, setting the stage for next-generation materials that could redefine engineering and everyday technologies.

Researchers Develop Eco-Friendly SWIR LIDAR Using Non-Toxic Quantum Dots: A research team at ICFO has created a breakthrough in shortwave infrared (SWIR) photodetection by developing non-toxic silver telluride colloidal quantum dots for use in LIDAR systems. The study addresses key challenges—high dark current, limited dynamic range, and slow response—achieving significant improvements in all areas. The team built the first proof-of-concept SWIR LIDAR using environmentally friendly materials, successfully measuring distances over 10 meters with decimeter resolution. This advancement marks a major step toward affordable, high-performance, and sustainable SWIR technologies for consumer and automotive applications.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Brazilian Firefly Gene Powers Bioluminescent Sensor for Monitoring Cell Health: Researchers in Brazil have developed a bioluminescent biosensor using a gene from the firefly Amydetes vivianii that can detect pH changes in mammalian cells. The study highlights how this unique luciferase enzyme changes color—from bluish-green to yellow and red—based on acidity levels in cells, offering a non-toxic, light-based way to study cell stress, disease, or drug toxicity. The modified enzyme, optimized for use in mammalian cells, provides greater light intensity, temperature stability, and color range than previous luciferases. It allows real-time monitoring of cellular processes without external light sources, and its glow can even be captured with a smartphone. This innovation opens new possibilities in bioimaging, cancer research, and safety testing for drugs and cosmetics.

Wearable Dialysis Device Offers Hope for Kidney Failure Patients: Researchers have developed a compact, wearable peritoneal dialysis device that could transform kidney failure treatment. The device uses ion concentration polarization (ICP) technology to continuously purify dialysis fluid, allowing for portable, at-home dialysis. This innovation improves mobility, reduces reliance on large hospital machines, and may significantly enhance quality of life for patients. While still in early stages, the technology has shown promise in animal tests and could lead to more accessible and affordable kidney care in the future.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

MIT Researchers Develop Scalable Method to Produce Cancer-Fighting Nanoparticles: MIT researchers have created a faster, scalable manufacturing method for layer-by-layer nanoparticles used in targeted cancer therapy, particularly for ovarian cancer. The new technique uses a microfluidic mixing device to efficiently apply therapeutic layers—such as IL-12 cytokines—onto nanoparticles without the need for purification after each step. This streamlined, GMP-compliant process drastically reduces production time, making it feasible for clinical trials. The resulting nanoparticles activate immune responses near tumors and have shown promising results in mouse models, potentially paving the way for broader cancer treatments.

Researchers Achieve Breakthrough in 3D Printing Multi-Metal Structures: A team at Penn State has successfully 3D-printed a complex metal structure combining stainless steel and bronze using a technique called multi-material laser powder bed fusion. The study showcases a first-of-its-kind university-led method that fuses different metal powders layer by layer using a laser. The printed structure—a gyroid shape used in heat exchangers and implants—demonstrates the precision and complexity possible with this technique. By analyzing how print orientation affects quality and defects, the researchers aim to refine the method for future industrial-scale production using a wider range of metal alloys.

Researchers Develop Miniature, High-Sensitivity Method to Test Battery Safety: A team led by researchers from the University of Tokyo has developed a safer, more accessible method for testing lithium-ion battery safety. By designing a miniaturized battery intentionally prone to overheating, the team created a cost-effective way to study thermal runaway—the dangerous reaction that can lead to fires or explosions. The test battery is just 1/50th the size of standard models and allows for lab-scale experiments using fewer resources. The researchers also introduced a new metric called the thermal runaway factor (TRF) to help predict overheating risks. This approach enables rapid safety screening and could significantly advance the development of safer, next-generation batteries.

Researchers Develop Eco-Friendly Method to Recycle Wind Turbine Blades into Stronger Plastics: Researchers have developed a green, cost-effective method to recycle wind turbine blades, transforming them into high-strength plastic composites. The team used a low-toxicity zinc acetate solution and superheated water to break down glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) from wind turbine blades. The recovered fibers and resins were then blended with plastics like nylon, making the material over three times stronger and eight times stiffer. This process avoids harsh chemicals, reuses the catalyst, and could significantly reduce waste from aging wind turbines, offering a scalable solution for sustainable material reuse.

ASTRONOMY, SPACE, ASTROBIOLOGY

Researchers Turn Moon Dust into Solar Cells for Future Lunar Energy: A team led at the University of Potsdam has developed solar cells made from simulated moon dust, offering a lightweight, cost-effective energy solution for future lunar missions. The study demonstrates that moonglass—formed by melting lunar regolith—paired with perovskite crystals can create durable, radiation-resistant solar cells. These cells could reduce launch mass by 99.4% and produce 100 times more energy per gram than traditional space panels. Though challenges like lunar gravity and extreme temperatures remain, the team hopes to test the cells on the moon to support future off-Earth settlements.

Asteroid 2024 YR4 Has 3.8% Chance of Striking the Moon, Says New Webb Telescope Data: Asteroid 2024 YR4, once feared to strike Earth, now has a 3.8% chance of hitting the Moon on December 22, 2032, according to new data from the James Webb Space Telescope. Though no longer a threat to Earth, the asteroid—measuring 53 to 67 meters wide—could offer scientists a unique opportunity to study a lunar impact. Experts say such an event would be valuable for planetary defense research and could be visible from Earth with telescopes or even binoculars. Further observations are planned to refine the asteroid's path.

Perseverance Rover Captures Rare Martian Dust Devil Encounter in Jezero Crater: NASA’s Perseverance rover captured a striking scene on January 25, 2025, showing a large Martian dust devil consuming a smaller one on the rim of Jezero Crater. The video, taken from about 0.6 miles away, highlights a 210-foot-wide mini-tornado overtaking a 16-foot-wide companion—while two other dust devils swirl in the background. These phenomena, formed by rising columns of warm, rotating air, are key to understanding Martian weather patterns and dust movement. Dust devils are short-lived but crucial contributors to the Red Planet’s dusty atmosphere, and Perseverance continues to monitor them to aid atmospheric research.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Study Reveals Antibiotics Often Prescribed Without Considering Patient Risk:
A major study by University of Manchester researchers found that antibiotics are frequently prescribed for common infections without considering patients’ risk of complications. Analyzing 15.7 million UK health records, the study revealed that younger, healthier patients often receive antibiotics unnecessarily, while older or at-risk individuals may miss out on needed treatment. This mismatch could worsen antimicrobial resistance and patient outcomes. Researchers call for more personalized, risk-based prescribing and are testing a new Knowledge Support System to guide clinicians in making better-informed decisions.

DNA Aptamers Deliver Targeted Dual Attack on Leukemia Stem Cells: Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed DNA aptamers that target and kill leukemia stem cells, which are responsible for cancer relapse. These aptamers not only deliver the chemotherapy drug daunorubicin directly to cancer cells but also show inherent toxicity to the cells themselves. In lab and animal tests, the treatment was effective at much lower doses than standard chemotherapy, reducing side effects while improving cancer cell elimination. The study opens the door for adapting this approach to other cancers by targeting unique cell surface markers.

NEUROSCIENCE

New Discovery Reveals How Female Hormones Trigger Immune Cells to Relieve Pain: A study has uncovered a new mechanism for pain relief that could revolutionize chronic pain treatment. The research found that female hormones—estrogen and progesterone—can prompt T-regulatory immune cells (T-regs) near the spinal cord to release natural opioids (enkephalin), which stop pain signals before they reach the brain. This pain relief pathway, observed in mice, appears to be specific to females and may explain why some pain treatments are more effective in women and why postmenopausal women suffer more from chronic pain. The findings open the door to personalized pain therapies and potential future treatments that engineer T-regs to produce pain-relieving compounds in both sexes.

ENVIRONMENT

Air Pollution and Traffic Noise Together Raise Stroke Risk, Even at Low Levels:
A large study has found that air pollution and traffic noise combined pose a greater risk for stroke than either factor alone. Analyzing data from nearly 137,000 adults across Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, researchers found that even low levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and noise—below EU and WHO thresholds—were linked to a significant increase in stroke risk. Specifically, every 5 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 raised stroke risk by 9%, while an 11 dB rise in traffic noise increased it by 6%. The combined effects appear even stronger in noisier areas. These findings suggest current air quality and noise standards may be inadequate and call for stricter regulations to protect public health. Researchers now plan to examine how moving between areas with different pollution levels affects cardiovascular outcomes.

NATURE

Smaller Prey, Less Conflict: Yellowstone Study Reveals New Predator Dynamics:
A new University of Minnesota study challenges traditional views on predator competition in Yellowstone National Park. Researchers found that as large prey like elk became less available, cougars began targeting smaller animals, such as deer, to avoid conflict with dominant predators like wolves and bears. This shift reduced food theft and helped cougars maintain a stable kill rate. The findings suggest that prey size, not just scarcity, plays a key role in predator interactions and ecosystem stability, emphasizing the importance of preserving prey diversity for healthy carnivore coexistence.

Bonobos Use Word-Like Call Combinations, Revealing Deep Evolutionary Roots of Language: A new study by researchers shows that bonobos combine vocalizations in meaningful ways, demonstrating a key feature of human language known as compositionality. By building a "bonobo dictionary" and analyzing wild bonobo calls in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the team found that some call combinations reflect complex meanings, similar to how humans construct phrases like “bad dancer.” These findings suggest that the ability to create complex vocal expressions predates human language, possibly emerging at least 7 million years ago, and that bonobo communication is more language-like than previously believed. This challenges the long-standing view of human language as a uniquely complex system.

Shy Mice, Not Bold Ones, Lead the Way in Problem-Solving, Study Finds:
A new study reveals that shy wild house mice are more likely to solve problems than their bold counterparts—not because they’re smarter, but because they persistently revisit challenges. Testing over 100 mice in both lab and semi-natural environments, researchers found that persistence, rather than boldness, plays a key role in innovation. The study also shows that context matters: while 60% of mice solved problems in quiet lab settings, only 21% succeeded in the more complex, social conditions of naturalistic enclosures. This highlights the importance of studying animal behavior in realistic environments to truly understand how innovation works in nature.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Quantum-Inspired AI Method Revolutionizes Big Data Analysis Without Quantum Computers: A Cornell-led research team has developed a new data analysis method inspired by quantum mechanics that simplifies and improves the handling of large, noisy data sets. The technique—called quantum cognition machine learning—offers a more accurate and robust approach to intrinsic dimension estimation, a key step in understanding complex data. Unlike traditional methods, it remains effective even with noisy or complicated data and doesn’t require quantum computers, running efficiently on standard machines. This innovation could enhance data analysis in fields like health care and epigenetics, where conventional tools often fall short.

Ancient Bacteria Used Oxygen Long Before It Filled Earth’s Atmosphere, Study Finds: A new study reveals that some bacteria evolved the ability to use oxygen nearly 900 million years before it became abundant in Earth’s atmosphere. Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology combined genomic, fossil, and geochemical data to build a timeline of bacterial evolution. Their results suggest that aerobic metabolism emerged well before the Great Oxygenation Event 2.3 billion years ago, likely influencing the development of oxygenic photosynthesis and shaping microbial diversity. This research offers new insights into the deep evolutionary history of life on Earth.