New “Acoustic Rainbow” Device Splits Sound Like a Prism Splits Light

Hello and welcome to our June 13th 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 - New “Acoustic Rainbow” Device Splits Sound Like a Prism Splits Light, and more.

• Chemistry - Engineered Electroenzyme Enables Breakthrough in Asymmetric Green Synthesis, and more.

• Biology -Structure of Key Tuberculosis Efflux Pump Reveals Path to Overcoming Drug Resistance, and more.

• Materials & Nanotechnology- DTU Develops Transparent Anti-Fouling Coating for Underwater Solar Drones.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - .New Biomaterial Reverses Signs of Heart Aging by Targeting Cellular Environment.

• Engineering & Technology - New Evaporative Cooling Membrane Could Slash Data Center Energy Use, and more.

• Robotics, AI, Hardware, Software, Gadgets - New Framework Trains AI to Understand Space From Others’ Perspectives, and more.

• Health & Medicine - New Muscle Repair Pathway Discovered: Local Cells Coordinate Healing After Injury, and more.

• Neuroscience - Researchers Detect Light Passing Through Entire Human Head, Opening Path to Deep Brain Imaging, and more.

• Environment & Earth Sciences - NASA’s EMIT Instrument Detects Sewage in Coastal Waters from Space, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Roman Cesspit Reveals Thrushes Were Popular Street Food, Not Elite Luxury, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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PHYSICS

New “Acoustic Rainbow” Device Splits Sound Like a Prism Splits Light:
Researchers have developed an "acoustic rainbow emitter" (ARE) that passively splits incoming white-noise sound into separate frequencies, each steered in a different direction—mimicking how a prism disperses light. Inspired by animal ears and using computational morphogenesis, the team designed the device through advanced modeling and 3D printing. Unlike traditional systems, the ARE works in open space across a broad frequency range without electricity or resonance mechanisms. They also created a “lambda splitter” that separates low and high frequencies directionally. Both devices demonstrate how passive structures can precisely shape sound. This work opens new possibilities for wave-based sensing and acoustic control technologies.

ANITA Detects Mysterious Signals That May Hint at New Physics: The ANITA experiment, a balloon-borne detector over Antarctica, has recorded unusual radio signals coming from below the ice at steep angles that current particle physics cannot explain. These signals do not match the behavior of known particles like neutrinos, which should be absorbed by the Earth if traveling such paths. Researchers eliminated known sources by comparing ANITA’s data with results from IceCube and the Pierre Auger Observatory. The anomalous signals may hint at previously unknown particles or interactions, possibly linked to dark matter. Stephanie Wissel of Penn State emphasized that the origin of the signals remains a mystery, but they are unlikely to be neutrinos. To better investigate these anomalies, Wissel’s team is building a new, more sensitive detector called PUEO. The goal is to capture more such signals and determine whether they represent a breakthrough in fundamental physics.

CHEMISTRY

Engineered Electroenzyme Enables Breakthrough in Asymmetric Green Synthesis:
A research team has developed a novel electroenzymatic system that combines ferrocene methanol-mediated oxidation with engineered thiamine diphosphate (ThDP)-dependent enzymes, enabling electricity-driven, non-natural asymmetric transformations. The study showcases efficient synthesis of (S)-profens—key drug intermediates—with up to 99% enantiomeric excess at low enzyme loadings. Using electron paramagnetic resonance and cyclic voltammetry, the researchers confirmed precise single-electron transfer through radical intermediates. The engineered enzyme mediates substrate recognition, racemization, and synchronized oxidation, marking a major advance in green, asymmetric electrochemical synthesis.

Scientists Develop Predictive Model to “Cook Up” Self-Organizing Polymer Materials: Researchers have created a predictive computational model that simulates how polymer materials self-organize during a process called frontal polymerization. This method, likened to a chemical "cooking recipe," enables the rapid transformation of monomers into patterned materials with tunable properties—without trial-and-error experimentation. By controlling reaction kinetics and thermal transport in a process called FROMP, the team can predict and manipulate the emergence of material patterns, such as alternating stiffness bands. The model allows manufacturers to design high-performance, bioinspired materials—like those found in dragonfly wings or zebra stripes—before synthesizing them in the lab. Future collaborations aim to integrate this model with atomistic simulations to expand the range of sustainable, programmable materials.

Fast-Acting Sugar Byproducts May Help Cells Defend Against Disease and Aging:
A new study reveals that reactive byproducts of sugar metabolism—methylglyoxal and lactoylglutathione—can trigger protective cellular responses by rapidly and reversibly reacting with the amino acid cysteine. The research challenges the long-held view of these byproducts as purely harmful and suggests they may function as cellular signals to activate defense mechanisms. This discovery could reshape our understanding of diseases like diabetes and age-related disorders, offering potential pathways for anti-aging strategies. The findings were enabled by an advanced metabolomics method developed at Aarhus, which may also aid in identifying new drug or biomarker interactions.

BIOLOGY

Structure of Key Tuberculosis Efflux Pump Reveals Path to Overcoming Drug Resistance: Researchers have solved the structure of MmpL4, a critical transporter in Mycobacterium tuberculosis that helps the pathogen scavenge iron and resist the antibiotic bedaquiline. Using cryo-electron microscopy and AI-based modeling, the team found that a unique coiled-coil domain is essential for both iron acquisition via mycobactin and drug efflux. They also discovered that bedaquiline and mycobactin share the same binding site on MmpL4 and that the pump is powered by proton translocation. The findings pave the way for designing inhibitors that block this transporter, potentially restoring bedaquiline’s effectiveness and crippling the bacterium’s iron uptake system. This dual-target strategy could revolutionize treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

First High-Resolution Structure of Sperm Flagellar Core Reveals Cause of Reduced Motility: In a landmark study, scientists have resolved the first high-resolution in situ structure of the central apparatus (CA) within the axoneme of mammalian sperm, a key component powering sperm motility. Using cryo-electron tomography and AI tools like AlphaFold2, the team mapped 466 protein subunits, including 39 distinct components—eight of them newly identified. The structure clarifies how the C1-C2 microtubules and associated proteins assemble and how defects in these elements can cause asthenozoospermia (reduced sperm motility). The findings offer critical insight into the molecular basis of male infertility and may guide future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

MATERIALS & NANOTECHNOLOGY

DTU Develops Transparent Anti-Fouling Coating for Underwater Solar Drones:
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have created a transparent, self-polishing coating that protects underwater drones’ solar cells from biofouling without blocking sunlight. Commissioned by the U.S. Navy, the coating uses nanotechnology—specifically, ultra-small copper(I) oxide and zinc oxide particles—to repel algae and barnacles while remaining optically clear. The coating slowly dissolves in seawater, exposing fresh active particles over time, and has proven effective for up to three months without manual cleaning. Inspired by a two-decade-old simulation model, the breakthrough may also benefit floating solar farms and ocean-based sensors, expanding sustainable energy and marine technology capabilities

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

New Biomaterial Reverses Signs of Heart Aging by Targeting Cellular Environment: Researchers have developed a lab-grown biomaterial that can reverse aging effects in heart cells by mimicking a youthful cellular environment. The study introduces DECIPHER—a hybrid scaffold combining natural heart tissue with a synthetic gel that allows precise control of tissue stiffness and biochemical signals. The team found that aged heart cells exposed to young ECM cues began behaving like young cells, while young cells placed in aged environments showed premature dysfunction. Results suggest that biochemical signals, more than stiffness, drive cellular aging in the heart. This breakthrough offers a potential path for therapies that rejuvenate heart tissue by restoring its extracellular matrix, rather than altering the cells directly. The approach may also apply to other age-related diseases affecting organs like the kidneys and skin.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

New Evaporative Cooling Membrane Could Slash Data Center Energy Use:
Engineers at UC San Diego have developed a fiber-based evaporative cooling membrane that passively removes heat from high-power electronics without fans or pumps. The study shows that the membrane’s porous structure enables efficient capillary-driven evaporation, achieving heat fluxes over 800 W/cm²—among the highest recorded for passive systems. This technology could dramatically reduce the energy and water demands of data centers, which currently use up to 40% of their energy for cooling. Unlike prior porous membranes, this design avoids clogging and boiling by using optimally sized interconnected pores. Originally intended for filtration, the material was repurposed and reinforced for thermal management. Researchers are now developing cold plate prototypes and launching a startup to commercialize the system.

Optimized Bladeless Wind Turbines Could Boost Urban Renewable Energy: Researchers have identified the optimal design for bladeless wind turbines (BWTs), offering a major step forward for small-scale, urban wind power. Unlike traditional turbines, BWTs use vortex-induced vibrations to sway and generate electricity without blades. Through extensive computer simulations, the team found that an 80cm-tall, 65cm-wide mast could safely generate up to 460 watts—over four times more than current prototypes—while maintaining structural integrity. Designs producing more power were found to be unstable. The study demonstrates how BWTs can be scaled for higher output and used in urban areas, where traditional turbines face limitations. Researchers aim to further improve performance using advanced materials and encourage industry to fast-track development.

Floating Solar Could Boost Northeast U.S. Energy—but Trade-offs Must Guide Deployment: A new study finds floating solar panels could meet up to 25% of the Northeastern U.S.'s solar energy needs by 2050 if fully deployed, but careful planning is needed to balance biodiversity, recreation, and climate resilience. Researchers developed a framework to assess both energy potential and socio-environmental trade-offs, identifying that even precautionary deployment could increase solar output by 194% over current levels. In New York alone, floating solar could supply 55% of needed energy by 2030. However, small-scale studies show potential drawbacks like increased greenhouse gas emissions in some waterbodies. The study emphasizes integrating social and ecological considerations into siting decisions to enhance both energy outcomes and public support.

ROBOTICS, AI, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, GADGETS

New Framework Trains AI to Understand Space From Others’ Perspectives:
Researchers have developed a conceptual framework and synthetic dataset to train vision-language models (VLMs) in spatial reasoning—specifically visual perspective taking (VPT). The study uses NVIDIA’s Omniverse Replicator to simulate 3D scenes and generate tens of thousands of annotated image-matrix pairs. These data teach AI to assess how objects appear from different viewpoints, a key step toward socially intelligent, human-aware robots. The dataset could help VLMs learn to reason about what others can see or reach in a shared space, laying groundwork for real-world deployment of embodied AI systems in collaborative settings.

Researchers Unveil QiMeng, First AI-Based Chip Design System":
A team of researchers has developed QiMeng, the first AI-based system for processor chip design. Their system uses a large language model (LLM) to convert user-defined performance requirements into chip architecture plans and supporting software. QiMeng comprises three components: a domain-specific chip model, an AI design agent, and a suite of design tools. Although current outputs are limited to older chip capabilities (similar to Intel’s 486 or Arm’s Cortex A53), the researchers see this as a foundational step toward faster, cheaper, and more flexible chip development. The effort comes amid China’s push for self-reliance in advanced semiconductor technologies.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

New Muscle Repair Pathway Discovered: Local Cells Coordinate Healing After Injury: Researchers have discovered a new cellular communication mechanism essential for muscle regeneration after injury. The study reveals that fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), local muscle-resident cells, act as coordinators by signaling immune cells—especially macrophages—to initiate tissue repair. Surprisingly, FAPs produce complement C3 directly in muscle, contrary to the previous belief that it came only from the liver. This local signaling is critical for managing inflammation and supporting healing. The findings could lead to treatments targeting FAPs to counteract muscle loss in aging or disease. The team aims to explore how this mechanism contributes to chronic inflammation-related muscle degradation in conditions like diabetes and cancer.

Education Gap Drives Surge in U.S. Deaths from Heart Disease and Diabetes: A new study finds that in 2023, over 525,000 excess deaths occurred among U.S. adults—90% of them among people without a bachelor's degree—mainly due to cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Researchers found that those with less education experienced a 26% rise in mortality since 2010, compared to 8% among college graduates. The findings highlight how educational attainment shapes exposure to poor nutrition, chronic disease, and drug overdoses—particularly among men without college degrees. Local environments, job types, and social conditions were key contributors. The study calls for addressing the root social causes of health disparities and expanding access to preventive care, healthy food, and stable employment.

NEUROSCIENCE

Researchers Detect Light Passing Through Entire Human Head, Opening Path to Deep Brain Imaging: In a breakthrough study, scientists have demonstrated that light can travel entirely through an adult human head, challenging long-held assumptions in brain imaging. Using powerful lasers, sensitive detectors, and precise simulations, the team successfully detected photons passing from one side of the head to the other. This could significantly extend the reach of fNIRS, a low-cost, portable optical method previously limited to shallow brain regions. The discovery may lead to the development of new, noninvasive tools capable of imaging deeper brain structures without relying on MRI. Although currently impractical for routine use, the findings could inspire next-generation brain monitoring systems. Simulations showed that light paths are guided by less-scattering tissues like cerebrospinal fluid. The research could benefit stroke, tumor, or brain injury diagnosis in low-resource settings.

Cerebral Cortex Structure Causally Linked to Mental Health and Cognitive Performance: A large-scale study using data from the ENIGMA consortium has revealed causal links between brain structure and mental health. Researchers found that total cortical surface area (TSA) positively influences cognitive abilities, while mean cortical thickness (MCT) is linked to reduced risk of schizophrenia. Using Mendelian randomization, the study controlled for confounding factors across 70 brain morphology traits and 199 behavioral, psychiatric, and metabolic phenotypes. Bidirectional effects were also observed—e.g., smoking initiation and MCT influence each other. Region-specific findings showed that surface area and thickness in the transverse temporal region are associated with cognition and schizophrenia risk. The results suggest cortical structure plays an active role in shaping mental traits and disorders. These findings may guide future diagnostics and interventions for conditions like schizophrenia and cognitive decline.

ENVIRONMENT & EARTH SCIENCES

NASA’s EMIT Instrument Detects Sewage in Coastal Waters from Space: Originally designed to map Earth’s minerals, NASA’s EMIT instrument has now proven capable of identifying water pollution from space. Mounted on the ISS, EMIT detected spectral signatures of phycocyanin—a pigment from potentially harmful cyanobacteria—in a wastewater plume off Southern California’s coast, consistent with ground-based measurements. This reveals new potential for tracking sewage and microbial contamination in coastal waters, especially in hard-to-sample areas. The study highlights how EMIT’s hyperspectral imaging, initially meant for land use, can now support water quality monitoring and public health efforts.

Forest Fires May Boost Ocean Productivity—But Climate Trade-offs Remain:
A new study reveals that climate-driven forest fires could significantly increase iron-rich particle emissions, fertilizing oceans and enhancing phytoplankton growth—especially in iron-limited regions like the North Atlantic. Using advanced climate models, researchers project that iron deposition could rise up to 1.8 times current estimates, increasing summer marine productivity by as much as 40% by century's end. This boosts oceanic CO₂ absorption, but may be offset by declining levels of other nutrients due to climate change. The findings highlight fires’ underappreciated role in Earth’s carbon cycle and call for a multidisciplinary approach to refine climate predictions and policy responses.

Study Finds Ocean Acidification Has Breached Planetary Boundary Across Much of the Globe: A multidisciplinary research team has found that ocean acidification has already breached a planetary boundary, with 40% of surface and 60% of subsurface ocean waters showing calcium carbonate reductions beyond safe thresholds. The study used data from ice cores, chemical measurements, and ecological models to assess long-term CO₂ impacts on marine environments. The boundary—defined as a 20% decline in pre-Industrial Revolution calcium carbonate levels—was crossed in some regions over five years ago, threatening marine biodiversity and coral reef stability. While not a tipping point, the researchers stress that reversing the trend is only possible if greenhouse gas emissions are rapidly curtailed.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Roman Cesspit Reveals Thrushes Were Popular Street Food, Not Elite Luxury:
A study of bird bones from a Roman cesspit in Pollentia, Mallorca, shows that thrushes were commonly consumed as street food by ordinary Romans. Contrary to elite Roman texts portraying thrushes as banquet delicacies, analysis of cesspit E-107 linked to a food shop revealed 165 thrush bones—more than any other bird species. The remains suggest on-site preparation, with butchery patterns indicating the birds were flattened and quickly fried. No signs of carnivore damage or burning were found, supporting human culinary use. Biometric comparison confirmed the bones matched modern song thrushes. The research indicates that migratory thrushes were caught seasonally and served to a broad urban clientele. This challenges the long-held view that thrush consumption was limited to the Roman upper class.

Xiaohe Burials Reinterpreted as Water-Themed Afterlife Rituals: A new study suggests that the Xiaohe culture’s boat-shaped coffins and upright poles may symbolize paddles and mooring posts, reflecting a water-based vision of the afterlife. This challenges earlier interpretations of the poles as sexual symbols. The Xiaohe, who lived in oasis zones of the Tarim Basin, relied on cattle and seasonal water, themes echoed in their burial practices. Caspari proposes their funerary rituals envisioned a mirrored afterlife, similar to beliefs in other ancient cultures. The site includes over 160 excavated graves, but limited publication hinders full analysis. Xiaohe’s unique preservation and rituals remain poorly understood. Further access and research are needed to clarify their cultural significance.