Mystery of the Shrinking Human Brain

It’s the end of another workday, and what’s more important, it’s the middle of the week!

In today’s edition:

• Chemistry - Identifying chemicals behind teen body odor.

• Biology - Mystery of the shrinking human brain.

• Material Science - Scientists Develop Method for Zero-Emission Cement:

• Health - The Health Effects of Cold-Water Swimming: Benefits and Risks.

• Environment - New Techniques Enhance Drought Tolerance Detection in Ancient Crops.

• Industry News: Researchers Push for Climate Change Representation in Hollywood Films:

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

CHEMISTRY

Identifying Chemicals Behind Teen Body Odor: A group of researchers from Germany lead by Diana Owsienko have pinpointed the chemicals responsible for the strong body odor in teenagers. These include two specific steroids and a higher concentration of carboxylic acids, which result from bacterial breakdown of sweat and sebum. The study helps explain why body odor changes during puberty, contributing both pleasant and unpleasant scents.

MIT Develops Breakthrough Sensor for Detecting Toxic Gases: MIT researchers have created a new sensor combining metal-organic frameworks and polymers to detect toxic gases like nitrogen dioxide continuously and sensitively. This innovative material, capable of being made into a thin coating, promises low-cost, long-term monitoring, which is crucial for both industrial and domestic environments. The sensor's development marks a significant advancement in gas detection technology, potentially improving air quality and safety standards.

New Diamond-Making Technique Eliminates Need for Extreme Pressure: A group of scientists led by Yan Gong have developed a method to create diamonds at atmospheric pressure using a liquid mixture of gallium, iron, nickel, and silicon with carbon-rich methane and hydrogen gases. This process bypasses the need for high-pressure conditions typically required in traditional diamond synthesis, offering a simpler and potentially more accessible way to produce diamonds for industrial and scientific applications.

New Solar Technology Converts Greenhouse Gases into Valuable Fuel: Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have developed a photocatalyst, Rh/InGaN1-xOx, which uses solar energy to efficiently convert greenhouse gases, such as methane and CO2, into valuable fuels like syngas. This innovative method represents a significant advance in sustainable chemical production, leveraging the power of solar energy to address both greenhouse gas emissions and energy needs.

Beer Yeast Aids in Recycling E-Waste Metals: Researchers at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Austria have discovered that yeast used in brewing beer can help recycle valuable metals from electronic waste. The process involves using the yeast to extract metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from discarded electronics, providing a sustainable method to address the growing problem of e-waste while reducing the environmental impact of mining new materials.

BIOLOGY

Mystery of the Shrinking Human Brain: Over the last 3,000 years, human brains have been shrinking, and scientists are unsure why. This phenomenon contrasts with the general trend of increasing brain size throughout human evolution. Theories suggest that societal changes, improved efficiency, or dietary shifts might explain this shrinkage, but conclusive evidence remains elusive.

Climate Change Alters Ocean Colors: Climate change is causing significant shifts in the color of Earth's oceans, with many regions turning greener due to changes in phytoplankton populations. These color changes, detected via satellite data, indicate alterations in the marine ecosystem and are driven by factors such as temperature increases and nutrient distribution changes. These shifts may impact the marine food web and the ocean's ability to store carbon.

Understanding Zebrafish Stripes: Researchers from Israel and the United States have identified the mechanisms behind zebrafish's ability to change the color of their stripes. The process involves structural changes in light-reflecting crystals within their scales, controlled by motor proteins and cyclic AMP. This discovery sheds light on color change in other species and may inspire new technologies.

Dogs' Extraordinary Ability to Detect Odors Confirmed: A new study by a team of researchers from Finland reveals that scent detection dogs can discern odor molecules at concentrations far lower than previously known, surpassing even advanced analytical instruments. This finding has significant implications for search and rescue operations and medical detection, emphasizing the exceptional sensitivity of dogs' olfactory systems.

Biodiversity Thrives in Unexpected Urban Areas of Los Angeles: A UCLA study uncovers surprising pockets of biodiversity within Los Angeles, featuring urban-adapted species like coyotes and mountain lions, alongside rarer species such as wrentits. The research highlights the city's efforts to boost native biodiversity and suggests ways residents can support local wildlife.

MATERIAL SCIENCE

Scientists Develop Method for Zero-Emission Cement: Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a method to produce zero-emission cement by recycling old cement using electric-powered furnaces, similar to steel recycling. This innovation bypasses the CO₂-intensive process of heating limestone, potentially enabling large-scale production of low-emission cement, crucial for meeting climate goals.

Reusable Sponge for Oil Spill Cleanup in Cold Waters: Researchers from Canada and United States have created a reusable sponge-like material called CNF-SP aerogel to clean up marine oil spills, even in cold northern waters. This sponge, combining biodegradable cellulose and spiropyran, can switch between oil-absorbent and oil-repellent states with light exposure, making it effective and reusable for environmental protection.

HEALTH

Best Sunscreens Not Sold in the U.S. Due to FDA Regulations: The U.S. lags behind other countries in offering the best sunscreens because the FDA classifies sunscreens as over-the-counter drugs, necessitating rigorous approval processes that include animal testing. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and France use advanced chemical filters providing better protection against UVA rays. Efforts to expedite approvals in the U.S. have been slow, despite legislative attempts to modernize testing requirements to non-animal methods​.

Intermittent Fasting Shows Potential for Gut Health and Weight Management: A recent study by researchers at Arizona State University highlights that intermittent fasting not only aids in weight management but also benefits gut health, especially as individuals age. Researchers from Midwestern University found that intermittent fasting helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress while improving glucose control. The study used mice to demonstrate that fasting could prevent age-related changes in the small intestine, suggesting a potential for similar benefits in humans. However, the researchers caution that more studies are needed to fully understand its long-term effects and applicability to humans.

ENVIRONMENT

Abandoned Farmlands Could Help Fight Climate Change: Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have mapped 30 million acres of abandoned U.S. cropland using machine learning. These lands, identified since the 1980s, could be repurposed for bioenergy crops, which help sequester carbon and produce renewable energy. The findings, published in Environmental Research Letters, offer a detailed view of where these lands are, aiding sustainable land use planning.

New Techniques Enhance Drought Tolerance Detection in Ancient Crops: A team of researchers from Australia, Italy, Spain, and China have developed advanced sensing methods to identify drought-resistant traits in ancient crop varieties, aiding modern breeding programs. These techniques, including hyperspectral and thermal imaging, offer a non-invasive way to evaluate crops' water-use efficiency and resilience to drought. This approach could lead to the development of new, sustainable crop varieties better suited to changing climates.

Urban Office Buildings Release Pollutants Comparable to Traffic Emissions: A Purdue University study reveals that urban office buildings emit significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the outdoor environment, comparable to traffic emissions. Researchers measured VOCs from a high-performance office building, highlighting that buildings are substantial contributors to urban air pollution. The study suggests enhancing HVAC systems with better air cleaning technologies to mitigate these emissions.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Ancient Mammoth Bones Discovered in Austrian Wine Cellar: An Austrian winemaker renovating his wine cellar in Gobelsburg made a remarkable discovery: mammoth bones estimated to be 30,000 to 40,000 years old. Initially mistaking the bones for wood, he recalled stories from his grandfather about finding mammoth teeth in the 1960s. The find, now considered an "archaeological sensation," has led to further excavation and study by the Austrian Archaeological Institute, with plans to transfer the bones to the Vienna Museum of Natural History for restoration and research.

US States Commit to Modernizing Power Grid: Twenty-one U.S. states have joined the Federal-State Modern Grid Deployment initiative to upgrade the aging power grid. This collaborative effort aims to enhance grid reliability, accommodate renewable energy, and handle extreme weather. Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the initiative focuses on integrating modern technologies to improve efficiency and resilience.

Record Heatwave Strikes Delhi with Temperatures Reaching 122°F: India has issued a heatwave alert as temperatures in Delhi soar to a record-breaking 122°F (50°C). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of severe heatwave conditions across several northern states, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, predicting that these extreme temperatures will persist for the next few days. The heatwave has significantly increased health risks, especially for vulnerable populations, and authorities have advised taking precautionary measures to stay safe.

South Korea Launches Its Own NASA Equivalent, Bolstering Space Ambitions: South Korea has initiated the creation of a national space agency akin to NASA, marking a significant step in its ambitious space program. The new agency will oversee the nation's space endeavors, which include launching the Nuri rocket carrying satellites into orbit and planning a lunar landing by 2032. This move positions South Korea as a competitive player in the global space industry, aiming to enhance national security and economic opportunities through space exploration.

Next SpaceX Starship Test Flight Planned for Early June: SpaceX is preparing for the fourth test flight of its Starship rocket, potentially launching as soon as June 5, pending regulatory approval. This flight aims to achieve a successful orbital mission with a "soft splashdown" of both the Starship and its Super Heavy booster into the ocean.

Boeing Delays Starliner Launch Due to Technical Issues: Boeing has postponed the first crewed launch of its Starliner spacecraft to June 1, 2024, following multiple technical issues. The initial launch attempt on May 6 was called off due to a faulty valve in the rocket's upper stage, leading to a series of delays as engineers worked to resolve additional issues, including a helium leak. The Crew Flight Test mission aims to send NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station, marking a significant step in Boeing's partnership with NASA to provide commercial crew transport services alongside SpaceX.

Researchers Push for Climate Change Representation in Hollywood Films: Researchers are advocating for Hollywood to better reflect the climate change crisis in its films. They argue that movies have a powerful role in shaping public perception and can be instrumental in raising awareness about environmental issues. The current lack of significant representation of climate change in mainstream cinema limits the public's understanding of the urgency and impact of the crisis. By integrating climate change themes into popular films, Hollywood can help educate and inspire action among global audiences.

Dengue Fever Surges Due to Climate Change: Climate change is exacerbating the spread of dengue fever, with rising global temperatures creating more favorable conditions for the Aedes mosquitoes that transmit the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a significant increase in dengue cases worldwide, with nearly 80% of cases reported in the Americas, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific. The disease, which affects nearly half of the world's population, is also appearing in previously unaffected regions like Europe due to environmental changes. Efforts are ongoing to develop better diagnostics and vaccines to combat the growing threat.