Nanowire Retinal Implant Partially Restores Vision in Blind Mice

Hello and welcome to our June 8th edition. The STEAM Digest is a curated newsletter that brings you the latest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Physics - Physicists Achieve Nonreciprocal Control of Light Speed Using Cavity Magnonics, and more.

• Chemistry - Light-Driven Polymer Modification Enables Safer, Flame-Resistant Materials, and more.

• Biology - Fermentation Boosts Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties of Legume Flours, and more.

• Materials - Wood Pulp Byproduct Powers Reusable, High-Strength Bio-Based Hot Glue.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - Nanowire Retinal Implant Partially Restores Vision in Blind Mice, and more.

• Engineering & Technology - New Tech Cuts Wood Stove Pollution by 95%, Promising Major Health and Climate Benefits, and more.

• Robotics, AI, Hardware, Software, Gadgets - Old Smartphones Reborn as Tiny Data Centers for Sustainable Computing, and more.

• Astronomy, Space, & Astrobiology - AI Reveals Milky Way’s Black Hole Is Spinning Near Light Speed.

• Health & Medicine - Brain Connectivity Changes Fully Explain Decline in Sociability with Age, Study Finds, and more.

• Neuroscience - Brain Connectivity Changes Fully Explain Decline in Sociability with Age, Study Finds, and more.

• Environment & Earth Sciences - Scientists Detect Toxic Industrial Pollutant MCCPs in Western Hemisphere Air for First Time, and more.

• Nature & Ecology - Discovery of Growth-Boosting Molecule in Plants Offers New Hope for Agriculture, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Myth Dispelled: Only Part of Dutch Treasure Fleet Silver Set Proven Authentic, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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PHYSICS

Physicists Achieve Nonreciprocal Control of Light Speed Using Cavity Magnonics:
Researchers have demonstrated a novel method to control the speed of light nonreciprocally—allowing light pulses to travel at different speeds depending on direction—using a cavity magnonics system. By coupling microwave photons with magnons in a hybrid resonator containing a magnetic yttrium iron garnet sphere, the team achieved phase-based control of light speed without compromising transmission efficiency. This marks a breakthrough beyond prior amplitude-only manipulation. The work paves the way for advances in quantum circuits, neuromorphic computing, and next-generation communication systems.

New Attoclock Technique Reveals Near-Zero Electron Tunneling Time in Strong Laser Fields: Physicists have developed a more precise "attoclock" method to measure electron tunneling time during strong-field ionization, addressing a long-standing quantum mechanics question. The study introduces a carrier-envelope phase (CEP)-resolved attoclock that improves accuracy by directly tracking the laser field peak—reducing distortions common in older methods using elliptically polarized light. Results show tunneling time is nearly zero, with electron deflection angles determined mainly by ionization potentials. The technique may soon enable real-time spectroscopy for ultrafast chemical processes, and possibly lead to future "zeptoclock" measurements of even smaller time scales.

CHEMISTRY

Light-Driven Polymer Modification Enables Safer, Flame-Resistant Materials:
A research team has developed a novel post-functionalization method that uses visible light to introduce phosphonate ester groups into polymers—offering a sustainable route to advanced functional materials. The approach uses organophotoredox-catalyzed radical–polar crossover (RPC) chemistry to form carbocations on polymer chains, which react with trialkyl phosphites to yield fire-resistant, temperature-responsive polymers. This breakthrough overcomes limitations of conventional radical methods and opens new possibilities for safer materials in applications such as flame-retardants and lithium-ion battery components.

Cambridge Chemists Develop One-Step Method to Add Carbon Atoms, Advancing Drug Design: Researchers at the University of Cambridge have created a one-step method for adding single carbon atoms to alkenes—a breakthrough that simplifies a traditionally complex process used in drug discovery and chemical design. The method uses a custom-designed allyl sulfone reagent to extend molecular chains by one carbon atom at a time, enabling rapid modification of medicines like cyclosporine A. The approach allows precise control over molecular structure, unlocking new possibilities in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials science. This innovation could significantly accelerate the development of targeted, next-generation compounds.

BIOLOGY

Fermentation Boosts Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties of Legume Flours: Researchers at the University of Illinois have optimized fermentation conditions for five pulse flours—red lentil, green split pea, black bean, black-eyed pea, and pinto bean—using the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v. The study found that fermentation significantly enhanced antioxidant activity (by up to 83%), antidiabetic enzyme inhibition (up to 70%), and soluble protein content, particularly in red lentils and green split peas. The method also increased phenols and bioactive peptides. These findings support the development of plant-based, functional foods to prevent chronic diseases and promote sustainable diets.

Protein Nup98 Found to Safeguard DNA Repairs, Offering New Hope for Cancer Therapy: Researchers have discovered that the nuclear transport protein Nup98 plays a critical role in DNA repair, particularly in densely packed heterochromatin regions prone to genetic errors. The study shows Nup98 forms droplet-like condensates that shield damaged DNA, prevent premature repair by proteins like Rad51, and relocate the damage to safer nuclear zones for accurate repair. This mechanism reduces cancer-related genetic instability. The findings could lead to new therapies targeting Nup98's functions, especially in cancers like acute myeloid leukemia where Nup98 mutations are implicated.

Scientists Discover 230 New Giant Ocean Viruses with Potential to Forecast Harmful Algal Blooms: Researchers have uncovered 230 previously unknown giant viruses in global ocean datasets using a new bioinformatics tool called BEREN. The study reveals that these viruses—key players in the death of phytoplankton—possess genes linked to photosynthesis and carbon metabolism, allowing them to manipulate their hosts’ biology. The findings expand understanding of marine virus diversity and offer potential for predicting harmful algal blooms and developing novel biotechnologies. The BEREN tool is now publicly available for environmental viral monitoring and research.

MATERIALS

Wood Pulp Byproduct Powers Reusable, High-Strength Bio-Based Hot Glue: Researchers have developed a high-performance, bio-based hot-melt adhesive derived from xylan—a sugar byproduct of the wood pulp industry. The study shows that the new adhesive surpasses commercial hot-melt glues and epoxies in strength, achieving lap-shear values up to 30 MPa and maintaining adhesion even at –25°C. The glue can be reused over ten times without strength loss and works via mechanical interlocking and hydrogen bonding. This innovation marks a major step toward sustainable, non-toxic adhesives for industrial use.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Nanowire Retinal Implant Partially Restores Vision in Blind Mice: Researchers have developed a retinal prosthesis made from tellurium nanowires that partially restored vision in blind mice. The study describes how the flexible, power-free mesh converts light into electrical signals that stimulate the optic nerve. Implanted mice showed restored pupil reflexes, brain signal activity, and behavioral responses to light and patterns—unseen in control groups. The prosthesis also detects near-infrared light, hinting at potential for enhanced color contrast and night vision in future human applications.

Sugar-Based Hydrogel Could Revolutionize Safe, Long-Term Neural Implants:
Researchers at Texas A&M have developed a biocompatible, electrically conductive hydrogel using D-sorbitol—a safe sugar substitute—as an alternative to toxic additives in traditional implants. Published in Science Advances, the study shows the hydrogel’s superior electrical performance and tissue compatibility, outperforming platinum in neural stimulation. Tested successfully in rats, the soft, stretchable material integrates well with nerves and muscles, reducing inflammation and rejection risks. This innovation could pave the way for long-lasting implants to treat neurological disorders, restore movement, and enhance biosensors and prosthetics. Human trials are the next step toward real-world medical applications.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

New Tech Cuts Wood Stove Pollution by 95%, Promising Major Health and Climate Benefits: Oregon State University researchers have developed advanced monitoring and combustion technologies that reduce particulate matter emissions from wood-burning stoves by up to 95%. The study reveals that most pollution occurs during lighting and refueling. By injecting precise air jets into the fire, the team's prototype stoves drastically lower harmful PM2.5 emissions, a major contributor to heart and lung disease. With 10 million wood stoves in U.S. homes, including 6.5 million outdated models, the innovation could significantly improve public health and air quality.

Front Brake Lights Could Prevent Up to 17% of Intersection Collisions, Study Finds: A new study shows that adding front brake lights to vehicles could prevent 7.5% to 17% of intersection collisions and reduce impact severity in up to 25% of cases. Researchers from TU Graz and BIRVp reconstructed 200 real accidents and ran simulations assuming vehicles had green front brake lights. These lights significantly shortened driver reaction times by signaling braking intentions earlier. While visibility limitations reduce their effectiveness in some cases, researchers recommend also placing brake indicators on vehicle sides for broader coverage. Retrofits are inexpensive, potentially boosting road safety.

One-Pot 3D Printing Breakthrough Enables Simultaneous Creation and Removal of Supports: Researchers have developed a novel "one-pot" 3D-printing resin that can simultaneously form solid structures and dissolvable supports depending on the type of light used. This dual-function resin simplifies vat photopolymerization by eliminating the need for a second resin and manual support removal. Under UV light, epoxy monomers cure into permanent parts, while visible light solidifies acrylate monomers into anhydride-based supports, which can be dissolved in a mild sodium hydroxide solution. Demonstrations included intricate objects like interlocking rings and a ball-in-cage, showcasing the method’s potential in complex manufacturing applications such as tissue scaffolds and mechanical joints.

ROBOTICS, AI, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, GADGETS

Old Smartphones Reborn as Tiny Data Centers for Sustainable Computing:
Researchers have developed a method to repurpose old smartphones into low-cost, sustainable micro data centers. The project demonstrates how phones, stripped of batteries and powered externally, can be clustered to process and store data efficiently for under €8 per device. Tested in real-world scenarios, including marine life monitoring, the prototypes showcase eco-friendly alternatives to electronic waste. The approach provides a new use for aging tech, supporting data-driven applications in urban and remote environments while promoting circular digital sustainability.

MIT and NVIDIA Unveil Algorithm That Lets Robots Solve Packing Problems in Seconds:MIT and NVIDIA researchers have developed cuTAMP, a GPU-accelerated algorithm that enables robots to plan complex manipulation tasks—like tightly packing items—up to hundreds of times faster than traditional methods. The approach allows a robot to evaluate thousands of action sequences simultaneously, avoiding collisions and optimizing efficiency. Tested on real robots and Tetris-like simulations, cuTAMP reliably found solutions in under 30 seconds without needing training data. The algorithm could be adapted for tasks beyond packing, including tool use and potentially even voice-command-driven planning.

ASTRONOMY, SPACE, & ASTROLOBIOLOGY

AI Reveals Milky Way’s Black Hole Is Spinning Near Light Speed: Astronomers have used a Bayesian neural network trained on millions of synthetic black hole datasets to analyze Event Horizon Telescope data. The study concludes that Sagittarius A*, the Milky Way's central black hole, is spinning at nearly maximum speed with its axis pointing toward Earth. The analysis also indicates that emissions come primarily from hot electrons in the accretion disk rather than jets and that the magnetic field structure may defy standard theory. The approach also uncovered that M87* spins fast but counter to its accreting gas—possibly due to a past galactic merger.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Over-the-Counter Antioxidant Shows Promise in Preventing Heart Failure in Type 2 Diabetes: A new study presented at the British Cardiovascular Society conference suggests that mitoquinone, a low-cost antioxidant supplement, may reverse early signs of heart failure in people with Type 2 diabetes. Over four months, participants taking mitoquinone showed a 15% improvement in cardiac energy use and reduced heart muscle stiffness, compared to those on standard treatment alone. The study involved 70 patients without existing heart disease and reported no major side effects. Researchers now plan a larger trial, aiming to establish mitoquinone as a preventative therapy for diabetes-related heart failure.

Crohn’s-Linked Gene Mutation Found to Worsen Iron Deficiency in IBD Patients:
Researchers have identified how a genetic mutation in the PTPN2 gene—found in up to 20% of IBD patients—impairs iron absorption, worsening anemia in individuals with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The study shows that PTPN2 loss-of-function mutations reduce levels of iron-absorbing proteins in the intestinal lining, explaining why some patients remain anemic despite oral supplementation. The findings suggest prioritizing intravenous iron therapy for affected patients and underscore the need for personalized treatments addressing both inflammation and nutrient absorption in IBD care.

Toothbrush-Shaped Ultrasound Device Offers Painless Alternative to Gum Disease Checks: Researchers have developed a miniaturized, toothbrush-shaped ultrasound transducer that could replace traditional metal probes for gum disease screening. The device, designed to access even hard-to-reach molars, produces high-resolution images of teeth and gums using high-frequency sound waves. In animal tests, it provided gum measurements statistically similar to those of conventional manual probing, offering a less invasive, more comfortable, and accurate method for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring of periodontal disease.

NEUROSCIENCE

Brain Connectivity Changes Fully Explain Decline in Sociability with Age, Study Finds: A study has found that age-related changes in brain connectivity fully account for declining sociability in older adults. The research used resting-state fMRI data from 196 adults and identified two brain networks—one that strengthens and one that weakens with age—both linked to reduced social engagement. These changes impair emotional regulation and communication, supporting the idea that sociability decline is neurobiologically driven. The findings underscore the importance of psychoeducation to help aging individuals adapt socially and maintain well-being.

7T fMRI Reveals Weakened Brain Connectivity Underlying Aphantasia: Using ultra-high-resolution 7-Tesla fMRI, researchers have identified reduced functional connectivity between brain networks as a potential neural basis for aphantasia—the inability to form mental visual images. The study compared 10 aphantasic individuals with 10 controls during visual imagery tasks and found similar activation in visual and memory-related brain regions, but weaker communication between them in those with aphantasia. The findings suggest that the vividness of mental imagery relies on integration between fronto-parietal and visual networks, offering new insight into how the brain processes internal visual experiences.

ENVIRONMENT & EARTH SCIENCES

Scientists Detect Toxic Industrial Pollutant MCCPs in Western Hemisphere Air for First Time: Researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder have made the first airborne detection of medium chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs)—toxic industrial pollutants—in the Western Hemisphere. The discovery occurred during an atmospheric field study in Oklahoma, likely linked to biosolid fertilizers applied to nearby fields. MCCPs, used in metalworking fluids and PVC production, are unregulated but chemically similar to already restricted short chain paraffins and PFAS. The findings highlight a need for further research and regulatory attention, especially as MCCPs may be increasing due to shifts in chemical use following SCCP bans.

Atmospheric Rivers Over Antarctica Projected to Double by 2100, Intensifying Climate Risks: A new study predicts that climate change will double the frequency of atmospheric rivers over Antarctica by 2100 under high-emission scenarios. These moisture-laden plumes, which transport heat and precipitation, are expected to increase associated precipitation by 2.5 times. While they could bring more snowfall that temporarily stabilizes the ice sheet, warming conditions may also drive rainfall and surface melting, threatening ice shelf stability and accelerating sea-level rise. The findings underscore the growing influence of extreme weather on Antarctic ice dynamics and the urgent need to factor atmospheric rivers into sea-level rise projections.

Hurricane-Induced Ocean Mixing Triggers Life—and Low Oxygen Risks: Researchers studying ocean oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) off Mexico made rare post-hurricane measurements after Hurricane Bud passed in 2018, uncovering dramatic ecological changes. The study shows that the storm’s intense mixing brought nutrient-rich deep water to the surface, triggering massive phytoplankton blooms visible from space. These blooms fueled a surge in ocean life but also pulled low-oxygen waters upward, posing risks to marine species. The findings reveal that hurricanes act as biological catalysts while reshaping ocean chemistry, offering new insight into climate impacts and marine ecosystem dynamics.

NATURE & ECOLOGY

Discovery of Growth-Boosting Molecule in Plants Offers New Hope for Agriculture: A team led by biologists at the University of California San Diego has discovered that the immune-boosting molecule itaconate, long known in animals, is also produced by plants and plays a major role in stimulating growth. Using chemical imaging and mass spectrometry, the researchers confirmed itaconate’s presence in maize and Arabidopsis, where it contributes to primary metabolism and stress response. Watering corn plants with itaconate significantly boosted seedling height. The findings suggest natural itaconate could offer sustainable, bio-inspired strategies to enhance crop yields and deepen understanding of shared biological pathways between plants and animals.

Fish Slaughter Study Quantifies Pain, Recommends Welfare Reforms Using Innovative Metric: A new study applies the Welfare Footprint Framework (WFF) to quantify pain in rainbow trout during air asphyxia, a common slaughter method. Findings reveal fish experience an average of 10 minutes of intense pain—up to 22 minutes depending on conditions—translating to roughly 24 minutes of pain per kilogram. The study identifies electrical stunning as a highly cost-effective alternative, potentially preventing up to 1,200 minutes of pain per U.S. dollar invested. The WFF enables transparent welfare comparisons and could inform new regulatory standards, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms in fish slaughter and handling practices.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Myth Dispelled: Only Part of Dutch Treasure Fleet Silver Set Proven Authentic: A study has revealed that only the ewer—part of a famed silver set attributed to the 1628 capture of the Spanish treasure fleet by Dutch Admiral Piet Heyn—is verifiably made from Mexican silver consistent with treasure fleet origins. Using lead isotope ratio analysis, researchers found that the accompanying basin, although long thought to share the same provenance, was made from mixed silver and likely added later to honor Heyn's victory. The basin’s association with the treasure fleet appears to be a 19th-century nationalist embellishment rather than a historical fact.

236-Million-Year-Old Butterfly-Like Scales Found in Fossilized Dung Fill Key Evolutionary Gap: Paleontologists in Argentina have discovered 236-million-year-old lepidopteran scales—likely from a moth or butterfly—in fossilized dung from a Triassic communal latrine in Talampaya National Park. The find predates previous physical evidence of Lepidoptera by 35 million years and may represent a new species, Ampatiri eloisae. The species likely belonged to the Glossata subgroup and fed on sugary secretions from conifers and cycads, as flowering plants had not yet evolved. The discovery helps close a significant gap in the fossil record of early moth and butterfly evolution.