New Fusion Reactor Design Promises 100x More Power at Half the Cost

Hello and welcome to our April 26th 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 - New Fusion Reactor Design Promises 100x More Power at Half the Cost, and more.

• Materials - New Surface Treatment Restores Corrosion Resistance in Stainless Steel Without Heat.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - Bioengineered Teeth: A New Frontier in Dental Restoration, and more.

• Astronomy, Space, Astrobiology - New Study Proposes Gamma-Ray Burst Jets as Cosmic Forges for Heavy Elements, and more.

• Engineering & Technology - New Wearable Sensor Tracks Sweat Loss During Mental and Physical Activity, and more

• Robotics, AI, Hardware, Software, Gadgets - Researchers Unveil Hidden Mechanism Behind ECRAM, Paving the Way for Faster AI, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Short-Term Ciprofloxacin Use Drives Lasting Antibiotic Resistance in Human Gut Bacteria, and more.

• Pediatrics - Preterm Birth Before 34 Weeks Linked to Lasting Cognitive Deficits, Study Finds, and more.

• Neuroscience - Experience Shapes Flexible Cognitive Maps Through Synaptic Adjustments in the Hippocampus, and more.

• Environment - Climate Change Threatens Arctic Fjords' Role as Vital Carbon Sinks.

• Nature - Study Finds Mixed Reproducibility in Insect Behavioral Experiments, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Adaptability, Not Fixed Strategies, Drives Social Learning Success in Humans, Study Finds, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

New Fusion Reactor Design Promises 100x More Power at Half the Cost:
Researchers have developed a new fusion reactor design that could revolutionize the field. Their work focuses on improving the field-reversed configuration (FRC) method of magnetic confinement, allowing the plasma to generate its own magnetic field instead of relying on costly external magnets. Their new system, dubbed "Norm," is claimed to produce 100 times more power than traditional designs like tokamaks while operating at half the cost. The design also supports the safer and cleaner use of hydrogen boron fuel, offering a simpler, more efficient path toward practical fusion energy.

New Theory Sheds Light on Low-Energy Excitations in Quantum Quasicrystals:
Researchers have developed the first first-principles elastic theory to describe low-energy excitations in bosonic quantum quasicrystals. The theory extends conventional elasticity frameworks by incorporating both phase and density fluctuations, yielding analytical predictions without heavy numerical reliance. Their findings reveal different hybridization and anisotropic properties across quasicrystal structures, offering new tools for exploring exotic phases like supersolids and guiding future studies of quantum self-assembly and topological matter.

Rare 4f-Orbital Bonding in Cerium Compound Triggers Unique Chemical Reaction: A new study reveals that a cerium-based compound exhibited rare 4f-orbital covalency, enabling a unique ring-opening isomerization from cyclopropene to allene. Researchers synthesized a series of metal–cyclopropenyl complexes and found that only the cerium (Ce⁴⁺) complex underwent this transformation, observed via single-crystal X-ray diffraction and supported by theoretical calculations. This discovery provides new insights into the chemical reactivity of lanthanides, highlighting the potential of 4f orbitals in bond formation and advancing strategies for separating rare-earth elements.

Researchers Map Non-B DNA Structures in Great Apes Using Complete Genomes:
A Penn State-led team has comprehensively predicted the locations of non-B DNA structures—alternative DNA conformations—in newly completed telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genomes of humans and great apes. These non-B structures, enriched in previously unsequenced repetitive regions, are linked to crucial cellular processes and genome evolution, and may play roles in genetic disorders. The findings open new avenues for studying genome structure beyond simple DNA sequences, offering insights into mutation rates, chromosomal rearrangements, and evolutionary biology.

MATERIALS

New Surface Treatment Restores Corrosion Resistance in Stainless Steel Without Heat: Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have demonstrated that "ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification" can restore the corrosion resistance of sensitized stainless steel without the need for traditional high-heat treatments. The study used atom probe tomography to reveal that this method redistributes chromium at the nanoscale, eliminating areas of depletion that cause corrosion. This breakthrough could lead to faster, cheaper maintenance of stainless steel structures across industries like manufacturing, energy, and transportation.

New Mesoporous Catalyst Enhances Cost-Efficiency for Hydrogen Production:
A new study introduces a novel mesoporous Co₃O₄ catalyst doped with atomically dispersed iridium (Ir) for the acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water electrolysis. This structure maximizes Ir efficiency and stability, significantly reducing Ir and Co leaching while maintaining high catalytic performance over 100 hours. The design enhances active Co sites and structural integrity, paving the way for more scalable and cost-effective hydrogen production technologies.

Researchers Develop Ultra-Efficient Ti4O7 Thin Films for Solar-to-Heat Conversion: A team of researchers has developed highly efficient Ti4O7 thin films for photothermal energy conversion. Using RF-magnetron plasma sputtering, they achieved precise deposition of pure Ti4O7, overcoming limitations of traditional powder synthesis. These coatings show exceptional sunlight-to-heat conversion efficiency and have wide-ranging applications, from smart heating windows to passive desalination and high-performance electrodes for water decontamination and hydrogen production.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Bioengineered Teeth: A New Frontier in Dental Restoration: Current methods for replacing lost adult teeth—such as dentures and titanium implants—fail to fully replicate the function and sensory feedback of natural teeth. Pamela Yelick, a professor at Tufts University, is working toward a groundbreaking solution: growing living replacement teeth. Yelick's team successfully grew human-like teeth in pigs by combining human dental mesenchymal cells with pig dental epithelial cells. Using bioengineered tooth buds implanted into pig jaws, they observed development similar to natural teeth over three months. Although the teeth did not erupt during the study period, they followed normal growth stages. Future research aims to grow teeth directly in human jaws without relying on pig cells, potentially revolutionizing dental care within the next decade.

Scientists Develop Potent New Drugs Targeting Monkeypox Virus’s Weak Spot: A team led by ShanghaiTech University has uncovered the mechanism of the monkeypox virus's core protease (CorePro)—an essential "scissors" tool the virus uses to assemble itself. By mapping CorePro's structure with X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM, researchers designed six new drugs that block this process far more effectively than previous treatments like aloxistatin. These new compounds, 10–20 times more potent, offer promising solutions for fighting monkeypox and related viruses such as smallpox, marking a major advance in global health preparedness.

ASTRONOMY, SPACE, ASTROBIOLOGY

New Study Proposes Gamma-Ray Burst Jets as Cosmic Forges for Heavy Elements: A Los Alamos National Laboratory-led team has proposed a groundbreaking mechanism for heavy element formation. Their model suggests that high-energy photons from gamma-ray burst jets—emerging from collapsing stars—can dissolve stellar material into neutrons, fueling the rapid neutron-capture process (r-process) needed to create elements like uranium and plutonium. This framework, involving all four fundamental forces, could also explain kilonova events and extraterrestrial heavy elements found on Earth. Future simulations are planned to further test this multiphysics theory.

Methanol Discovery on Distant Icy Worlds Offers New Clues About Solar System Origins: A UCF-led team, using the James Webb Space Telescope, discovered varying methanol signatures on Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs), revealing new insights into the chemical history of the outer solar system. The study identified two groups of TNOs: one with subsurface methanol protected from cosmic radiation, and another with weaker methanol signatures. These findings suggest that not all TNOs formed under the same conditions, helping scientists understand early solar system chemistry and the building blocks of organic molecules critical to life.

Webb Telescope Uncovers Evidence of Hidden Supermassive Black Hole in M83:
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope's MIRI instrument have found evidence of a long-sought supermassive black hole at the center of the spiral galaxy Messier 83 (M83). Highly ionized neon gas near the nucleus suggests the presence of an active galactic nucleus (AGN), overcoming previous challenges posed by thick dust. While alternative explanations are being considered, follow-up observations are planned to confirm the black hole’s presence, highlighting Webb’s transformative impact on galaxy research.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

New Wearable Sensor Tracks Sweat Loss During Mental and Physical Activity:
Researchers have developed "SkinG," a new wearable sensor that accurately monitors sweat loss by measuring skin conductance, even during heavy physical activity. The study shows that SkinG’s microfluidic design prevents sweat buildup, allowing continuous tracking of hydration levels. Tests revealed that skin conductance at the wrist, forearm, and upper arm reflects physical exertion, while finger measurements indicate mental stress. This innovation could significantly expand the capabilities of future fitness trackers and wearable health devices.

Stronger State Coordination Could Slash Clean Energy Costs in the Western U.S., Study Finds: A study led by the University of California San Diego finds that deeper coordination among 11 Western U.S. states could save up to $3.25 billion annually in energy system costs and accelerate the clean energy transition. Using a detailed model of the fragmented Western power grid, researchers showed that greater cooperation—even among states with differing climate policies—would optimize clean energy investments and infrastructure. For California and its neighbors, regional planning and grid integration could make achieving climate goals cheaper and faster, though political hurdles remain a major challenge.

New Breakthrough in Fiber-to-Fiber Textile Recycling Promises Greener Fashion Future: University of Nebraska–Lincoln researcher has developed the first chemical recycling technology capable of fiber-to-fiber textile recycling. The queous system removes dyes without damaging fibers, separates natural and synthetic blends, and produces high-quality, reusable fibers. The scalable, economically viable method could dramatically reduce demand for new textile materials and environmental costs. Yang’s innovation marks a major step toward sustainable fashion by enabling true garment-to-garment recycling.

ROBOTICS, AI, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, GADGETS

Researchers Unveil Hidden Mechanism Behind ECRAM, Paving the Way for Faster AI: A research team has uncovered the operating mechanisms of Electrochemical Random-Access Memory (ECRAM), a promising technology for in-memory computing. By developing a multi-terminal ECRAM device and analyzing electron behavior at ultra-low to room temperatures, the researchers found that oxygen vacancies create shallow donor states that enhance electron transport. This discovery could significantly boost AI processing speeds and energy efficiency, advancing technologies like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

New Ferroelectric Device Revolutionizes In-Memory Computing for Edge Applications: Researchers developed an in-memory ferroelectric differentiator that performs calculations directly within memory, bypassing traditional CPU-based processing and the von Neumann bottleneck. Using ferroelectric capacitors' dynamic polarization, the device efficiently detects changes between inputs and stores information simultaneously. Demonstrating a 40x40 capacitor array, the device achieves energy efficiency five to six orders of magnitude greater than current CPUs and GPUs, promising major advances for edge applications like video processing, biomedical devices, and real-time data analysis.

MIT Researchers Simplify Deep-Learning Optimization With Napkin-Sized Diagram Method: In a Transactions of Machine Learning Research paper, MIT researchers introduced a diagram-based framework that uses category theory to simplify and optimize deep-learning algorithms. Their method visually maps complex system interactions—such as memory usage, energy consumption, and GPU parallelization—allowing optimization strategies like FlashAttention to be derived quickly, often on "a napkin." This breakthrough could automate deep-learning model improvements and enhance the co-design of software and hardware for more efficient AI systems, potentially transforming how researchers approach algorithm optimization.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Short-Term Ciprofloxacin Use Drives Lasting Antibiotic Resistance in Human Gut Bacteria: A Stanford University study shows that even brief use of ciprofloxacin can cause persistent antibiotic resistance in human gut bacteria. In a 20-week study of 60 healthy adults, researchers found that mutations—especially in the gyrA gene linked to fluoroquinolone resistance—arose independently across diverse bacterial species and persisted for over 10 weeks. Resistance emerged without fitness costs, allowing resistant strains to remain dominant. These findings highlight that even short antibiotic courses can create long-lasting reservoirs of resistance, underscoring the need for more targeted antibiotic use.

Scientists Identify Stem Cell Culprit Behind Age-Related Belly Fat Gain: New research from City of Hope reveals that a newly discovered type of stem cell—committed preadipocytes, age-specific (CP-As)—drives the expansion of belly fat in middle age. By studying mice and human tissue, researchers found that aging activates adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs), which, through the LIFR signaling pathway, produce large amounts of new fat cells. This discovery offers a promising target for future therapies to combat age-related obesity and improve metabolic health and longevity.

Just Three Minutes of Daily Incidental Activity Can Lower Heart Risk in Older Adults: A new study finds that just three minutes of moderate incidental activity per day—such as household chores or grocery shopping—can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and death in older adults. Researchers from the U.K. and Australia analyzed data from over 24,000 non-exercisers in the UK Biobank, showing that even brief daily movement helps lower heart attack and stroke risk. The study emphasizes that small, everyday activities can have major health benefits, especially when done consistently and with moderate intensity.

PEDIATRICS

Preterm Birth Before 34 Weeks Linked to Lasting Cognitive Deficits, Study Finds:
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that children born before 34 weeks of gestation show persistent cognitive deficits at ages 9 to 10, independent of socioeconomic status, genetics, or other known risk factors. The study assessed nearly 6,000 children and found lower scores in vocabulary, working memory, episodic memory, and recall tasks among moderately preterm children. In contrast, children born after 34 weeks performed similarly to full-term peers. The findings highlight the need for early screening and ongoing support for children born preterm to improve long-term academic and cognitive outcomes.

Mental Health Diagnoses Among Publicly Insured Children Rose Sharply Before Pandemic, Study Finds: A new study reveals that mental health and neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses among publicly insured U.S. children rose from 10.7% to 16.5% between 2010 and 2019. Analyzing data from nearly 30 million children across 22 states, researchers found significant increases across all demographics, with the largest jumps in ADHD, anxiety, autism, trauma-related disorders, and depression. The findings highlight a growing need for greater investment in underfunded mental health systems to support children's well-being and future success.

NEUROSCIENCE

Experience Shapes Flexible Cognitive Maps Through Synaptic Adjustments in the Hippocampus: Researchers have discovered that experience influences the creation of cognitive maps in the brain by adjusting synaptic input to hippocampal place cells (PCs). The study recorded CA1 PC activity in mice during a spatial learning task and found that, in novel environments, PCs became predominantly goal-referenced rather than space-referenced. This flexible reorganization, driven by experience-dependent synaptic plasticity, suggests that the brain dynamically reshapes cognitive maps to optimize navigation and goal achievement.

Yale Study Maps Brain Network Changes from Early to Chronic Psychosis: Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have mapped how brain networks evolve from early to chronic psychosis. Using machine learning on brain imaging data, they found that disruptions in the frontoparietal network—a region tied to cognitive control—play a key role in both stages of psychosis. The study suggests that tracking brain network changes could help clinicians predict symptom progression and develop more targeted interventions to prevent worsening of the disorder.

ENVIRONMENT

Climate Change Threatens Arctic Fjords' Role as Vital Carbon Sinks: A new study led by Jochen Knies from the iC3 Polar Research Hub warns that climate change is reducing Arctic fjords’ ability to sequester carbon. As melting ice alters ecosystems like Kongsfjorden in Svalbard, shifts in phytoplankton communities and ocean stratification may lead to less efficient carbon capture, despite initial boosts in productivity. The loss of predictable nutrient flows from glaciers further endangers these critical environments, highlighting broader climate risks for the planet’s future

NATURE

Study Finds Mixed Reproducibility in Insect Behavioral Experiments: A new multi-laboratory study led by researchers from the Universities of Münster, Bielefeld, and Jena reveals that behavioral experiments with insects show partial reproducibility. Testing three species across three labs, researchers found that 17% to 42% of results were not reproducible, depending on the methods used, though at least half of the findings were successfully replicated. Despite insects’ large sample sizes offering some robustness, the study highlights that reproducibility challenges affect insect research too—though less severely than in other fields. The team suggests systematic variations could improve reproducibility in future animal studies.

Study Finds Some Shark Bites May Be Acts of Self-Defense, Not Aggression:
A new study published in Frontiers in Conservation Science suggests that some shark bites on humans are driven by self-defense rather than aggression or predation. Researchers, analyzing data from French Polynesia and the Global Shark Attack Files, found that around 3–5% of bites could stem from sharks reacting to perceived human threats, such as spearfishing or grabbing attempts. These defensive bites are often non-lethal and mirror defensive behaviors seen in land animals. Experts advise minimizing physical interaction with sharks to avoid provoking survival instincts.

Chimpanzees and Bonobos Console Each Other Equally, Challenging Old Assumptions: A new study from Durham University, published in Evolution and Human Behavior, finds that bonobos and chimpanzees console distressed peers at similar rates, challenging the belief that bonobos are more empathic. Observing 90 apes across two sanctuaries, researchers discovered that younger individuals were more likely to offer comfort, suggesting empathy emerges early in development. The study highlights that individual and group differences, rather than species-wide traits, shape empathic behavior in apes, offering fresh insights into the evolution of human social behavior.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Adaptability, Not Fixed Strategies, Drives Social Learning Success in Humans, Study Finds: In a new study used a Minecraft-based foraging task to investigate how humans integrate individual and social learning in realistic environments. They found that adaptability—flexibly switching between asocial and social learning strategies—was the strongest predictor of success. Through a novel computational model tracking visual attention and movement, the study shows humans actively balance learning strategies, offering insights into decision-making, information spread, and fostering innovation in group settings.

Study Finds Partisan Divide in How Science is Cited in U.S. Policymaking: A new study by researchers at Northwestern University finds that while scientific citations in U.S. policymaking have steadily increased over the past 25 years, Democrats cite science nearly twice as often as Republicans. Analysis of congressional reports, hearings, and think tank documents revealed significant partisan differences in the amount, content, and type of science cited, with only 5–6% of citations shared across parties. The findings highlight growing polarization around scientific trust and its implications for policymaking and public discourse.