New Materials Could Make Moisture-Swing Carbon Capture Cheaper and Scalable

Hello and welcome to our April 7th 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 - Tree-Inspired, Biomimetic Material Dramatically Boosts Uranium Extraction from Seawater, and more.

• Materials - Sunlight-Activated Nanomats Offer Breakthrough in Water Purification and Clean Energy, and more.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - Gene Editing Pioneer David Liu Wins Breakthrough Prize for Transforming DNA Repair, and more.

• Engineering & Technology - New Materials Could Make Moisture-Swing Carbon Capture Cheaper and Scalable, and more.

• Robotics - Inspired by Tuna, Engineer Develops Robotic Fin to Revolutionize Underwater Drones, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Children May Need Over Three Months for Full Recovery After Concussion, Study Finds, and more.

• Neuroscience - Early Life Adversity Linked to Weakened Brain Connectivity and Lower Cognition in Adolescents.

• Nature - Bats Use Tails Like “Reverse Canes” to Navigate Backward in the Dark, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

Tree-Inspired, Biomimetic Material Dramatically Boosts Uranium Extraction from Seawater: Researchers have developed a biomimetic adsorbent inspired by the Chinese sweetgum tree (Liquidambar formosana) that significantly improves uranium extraction from seawater—a promising route for sustainable nuclear fuel. Traditional uranium-capturing materials often suffer from slow ion transport and pore blockage, limiting efficiency. To solve this, the team engineered a spherical adsorbent with hierarchical porous channels, mimicking the tree’s spiky fruit structure, enabling ions to reach the core in just 0.3 seconds. The new design increased uranium adsorption capacity by up to 213% and improved selectivity over competing seawater ions. Field tests confirmed 150% higher performance in real seawater, marking a major advance in oceanic uranium harvesting.

Researchers Uncover Microscopic Forces Behind Sudden Thickening in Suspensions: Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a groundbreaking method to measure microscopic frictional forces between particles in dense suspensions, shedding light on why materials like ketchup, paint, and solder paste suddenly thicken under pressure. Using an atomic force microscope and a custom-designed microscopic particle holder, the team successfully measured rolling and sliding friction between particles just 12 micrometers wide. They found that smooth particles slide easily, while rough or sticky particles engage like gears, rolling with less resistance. Sliding, which requires more force, is key to the dramatic thickening effect seen in non-Newtonian fluids. These insights can help optimize suspensions for industrial uses such as concrete flow, paint formulation, or precision electronics, where clogging and unpredictable behavior are major challenges.

New Microbial Phylum Discovered in Deep Soil May Hold Key to Natural Water Purification: Scientists have uncovered a new phylum of microbes, CSP1-3, thriving in the deep layers of Earth’s Critical Zone—a vast, yet underexplored region beneath the surface that plays a vital role in water purification and ecosystem health. Discovered in soil samples from Iowa and China, CSP1-3 microbes evolved from ancestors in hot springs and freshwater environments, eventually adapting to the carbon- and nutrient-poor deep soils. Remarkably, they are active and dominant, making up over 50% of microbial communities in some samples—an uncommon trait in such environments. These microbes scavenge residual pollutants, completing water purification as groundwater filters through soil, and may offer valuable genetic tools for solving environmental challenges. The next step is to culture them in the lab to better understand their unique metabolism and potential for bioremediation and environmental innovation.

MATERIALS

Sunlight-Activated Nanomats Offer Breakthrough in Water Purification and Clean Energy: A team of researchers has developed innovative fiber-like "nanomats" made from titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and copper that harness sunlight to purify water and generate clean energy. Created using soft chemistry gels and electrospinning, the mats absorb solar energy—including visible light, unlike traditional TiO₂ materials—and trigger powerful photocatalytic reactions to break down harmful pollutants in air and water. Lightweight and reusable, these floating mats are ideal for deployment in contaminated lakes and rivers, especially in developing regions. Their high efficiency, environmental safety, and scalability make them promising for future applications in solar fuel production, environmental remediation, and clean water access. Researchers are now working to optimize the material and scale it for industrial use.

MIT Researchers Outline Roadmap to Advance 3D Architected Metamaterials:
In a recent Nature Materials Perspective, MIT researchers highlight the transformative potential of 3D architected metamaterials—engineered structures with properties not found in natural materials. These materials offer extraordinary mechanical and functional capabilities, but widespread application has been hindered by challenges in design, fabrication, scalability, and dynamic performance. The authors propose a roadmap to overcome these hurdles through AI-driven optimization, high-throughput experiments, and advanced characterization techniques. With innovation across nano to macro scales and better understanding of behavior under real-world conditions, these materials could revolutionize industries from biomedicine and aerospace to energy and electronics.

Palladium Nanoparticles Observed in Real-Time as They Grow, Dissolve, and Re-Grow in Liquid: Using advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM), researchers have visualized the full lifecycle of palladium nanoparticles in liquid—from nucleation to growth to dissolution—repeating this cycle multiple times. This unprecedented observation reveals that palladium nanoparticles can oscillate between solid and dissolved states, blurring the line between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. These findings could impact catalyst design for net-zero applications such as CO₂ reduction and ammonia synthesis, and improve strategies for recycling critical metals. The team also discovered that the TEM electron beam itself initiates redox reactions in the solvent, creating dynamic conditions that mimic oscillating chemical systems seen in nature. These insights may unlock new understandings of complex chemical behaviors, including those linked to biological patterns and the origins of life.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Gene Editing Pioneer David Liu Wins Breakthrough Prize for Transforming DNA Repair: David Liu, a molecular biologist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, has been awarded the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for developing two revolutionary gene editing technologies: base editing and prime editing. These techniques offer far more precision than CRISPR-Cas9, which cuts DNA and risks introducing new errors. Instead, Liu’s tools correct genetic "misspellings" directly—base editing modifies single DNA letters, while prime editing can replace entire segments, similar to a word processor's "find and replace." Already in use in 14 clinical trials, base editing has shown promise in treating diseases like AATD, and prime editing is being tested for more complex conditions like cystic fibrosis. Liu’s work has opened the door to treating a broader range of genetic diseases, potentially transforming both medicine and agriculture. Notably, he plans to donate most of his $3 million prize to charity and continues to freely share his lab’s innovations through public platforms, reinforcing his belief that science should serve society.

ORNL Scientists Create First Fluorescent RNA Biosensor for Real-Time Plant Monitoring: Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed the first biosensor capable of detecting RNA in live plants in real time using a fluorescent signal. The biosensor uses a split ribozyme system that activates upon binding to specific RNA sequences, enabling scientists to track gene expression and stress responses without destroying plant tissue. Demonstrated in tobacco and Arabidopsis, the tool offers a powerful new way to monitor plant health, pathogen detection, and genetic modifications, accelerating the development of hardier food and bioenergy crops.

DNA Aptamers Deliver Dual Blow to Leukemia by Targeting Cancer Stem Cells: Researchers have developed DNA aptamers that both target and destroy leukemia stem cells—the root of cancer relapse—and deliver a powerful chemotherapy drug, daunorubicin, directly into them. These engineered single-stranded DNA molecules not only bind to specific markers found on leukemia stem cells, but also enter the cells to release their drug payload, greatly enhancing treatment precision and reducing toxicity. In both lab cultures and mice, the aptamer-drug combo proved dramatically more effective than standard treatments—achieving full efficacy with doses 500 times smaller in vitro and 10 times smaller in vivo, without harming healthy cells. The team now plans to adapt this one-two punch approach for other cancers by targeting unique cell-surface marker combinations.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

New Materials Could Make Moisture-Swing Carbon Capture Cheaper and Scalable: Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a range of affordable, sustainable materials that could transform direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide using a method called "moisture-swing." This approach captures CO₂ at low humidity and releases it at high humidity—cutting energy costs compared to traditional heating methods. The team demonstrated that materials like activated carbon, graphite, and metal oxides (especially aluminum and iron) can rival costly ion exchange resins by optimizing pore sizes and chemical properties. This breakthrough could lower the barriers to scaling carbon capture, especially in hard-to-decarbonize sectors like aviation and agriculture. The study emphasizes a shift toward eco-friendly and abundant materials, potentially enabling widespread adoption of DAC systems globally.

Quasicrystals Discovered in 3D-Printed Aluminum Could Revolutionize Alloy Design: While examining a new aluminum alloy under an electron microscope, NIST researcher Andrew Iams discovered quasicrystals—rare atomic structures with non-repeating patterns. These formations, found in a high-strength aluminum-zirconium alloy created through 3D metal printing, were shown to enhance the metal’s strength by disrupting the regularity of crystal patterns, making it harder for atoms to slip and the material to break. This breakthrough not only deepens understanding of 3D-printed metals but could lead to purposefully engineered alloys for critical components like aircraft parts.

AI-Powered Portable Sensors Set to Revolutionize Air Quality Monitoring: A new study, has shown that portable, low-cost air pollution sensors enhanced with AI can significantly improve air quality monitoring. Unlike traditional stationary monitoring systems, these compact devices—developed with Technocomm Consulting Ltd—can deliver precise, real-time pollution readings in any location. Field-tested over 12 weeks in Norfolk, the AI-enhanced sensors reduced measurement inaccuracies by up to 46%, proving their reliability. The device, EnviroSense AI, has since been commercialized, with future plans to deploy it worldwide, including in Spain and Malaysia. Researchers aim for wide adoption—potentially mounting sensors on public vehicles to provide postcode-level air quality insights and inform public health policy.

ROBOTICS

Inspired by Tuna, Engineer Develops Robotic Fin to Revolutionize Underwater Drones: A mechanical engineering professor at the University of Maryland, is developing a bio-inspired robotic fin for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), modeled after the tailfin of a tuna. Aiming to enhance underwater drone speed and agility, her design mimics how fish dynamically adjust fin stiffness to move efficiently through water. Traditional UUVs rely on noisy, bulky propellers, while the tuna-inspired fin offers quieter, more streamlined propulsion. The project, rooted in her fluid mechanics expertise and recently published research, may bridge the tech gap between aerial and underwater drones, opening doors to advanced ocean exploration, environmental monitoring, and stealthy military applications.

Terminator-Inspired Liquid Robot Breakthrough Blends Flexibility and Strength: A South Korean research team has developed a next-generation soft robot made of liquid, coated in dense hydrophobic particles to provide both deformability and structural integrity. Inspired by living cells and the T-1000 robot from Terminator 2, this "particle-armored" droplet robot can squeeze through narrow spaces, recover its shape after impacts, merge with other droplets, and capture foreign substances. The robot moves freely on both water and land and can be precisely guided using ultrasound. Potential applications range from targeted drug delivery and therapeutic procedures inside the body to disaster relief, chemical cleanup, and mechanical maintenance in confined or rugged environments. Researchers are now working on ways to control the robot’s shape using sound waves or electric fields, with future plans for industrial use.

World’s Smallest Flying Robot Mimics Bumblebee Flight with Magnetic Control:
Engineers at UC Berkeley have developed the world’s smallest wireless flying robot, inspired by the flight mechanics of bumblebees. Weighing just 21 milligrams and under 1 cm in diameter, the robot can hover, change direction, and hit precise targets—mimicking bee-like pollination behavior. Powered and guided by an external magnetic field, it bypasses the need for onboard batteries or control electronics. Though currently limited to passive flight, future iterations aim to incorporate real-time control and sensor feedback. The innovation could lead to applications in artificial pollination, pipe inspections, and even medical procedures. Researchers are also exploring insect-inspired swarming robots and cockroach-like crawlers for complex collaborative tasks.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Children May Need Over Three Months for Full Recovery After Concussion, Study Finds: A University of Montreal-led study has found that children recovering from concussion may require more than three months to fully regain optimal functioning across physical, cognitive, socioemotional, and resilience domains. The study followed 967 children, comparing those with concussions to peers with orthopedic injuries. While most children recovered within 3–6 months, only 41.5% met wellness criteria by 4 weeks, rising to 52.2% by 12 weeks. Recovery was slower in girls, who showed lower functioning at three and six months compared to boys. The findings suggest that recovery is multidimensional and takes time, helping to explain why some children, especially females, may still feel unwell even when standard symptom assessments suggest they’re fine.

Sotatercept Shows Major Breakthrough in Treating Advanced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: The newly approved drug sotatercept has demonstrated remarkable success in treating advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare and life-threatening condition that causes narrowing of pulmonary arteries and right-sided heart strain. In the ZENITH study, patients receiving sotatercept in addition to standard therapy had a 75% reduced risk of disease progression, hospitalization, or death compared to those on a placebo. Sotatercept works by blocking activin, a protein that drives abnormal blood vessel remodeling in PAH, marking the first time that core vascular mechanisms have been directly targeted. The trial’s success led to its early termination due to clear patient benefit, establishing sotatercept as a highly effective new treatment option for a broader range of PAH patients.

Researchers Link CXCL12 Gene to Key Heart Artery Formation, Paving Way for Future Heart Regeneration: A study led by Stanford scientists has identified the CXCL12 gene as a key regulator in the development of the posterior descending artery, a crucial coronary artery that supplies oxygen to the back of the heart. Using data from the Million Veteran Program, researchers discovered that the artery’s directional dominance—whether it originates from the right, left, or both sides of the heart—is genetically determined early in fetal development. The gene’s associated protein has previously been shown to stimulate artery growth in mice, suggesting strong potential for future therapies that regrow arteries in damaged human hearts. This research marks a major step toward medical revascularization, a possible non-invasive alternative to current treatments like bypass surgery or stent placement.

NEUROSCIENCE

Early Life Adversity Linked to Weakened Brain Connectivity and Lower Cognition in Adolescents: Researchers at Mass General Brigham have found that difficult early life experiences—such as economic hardship, interpersonal adversity, or prenatal risks—are associated with weakened white matter connectivity in the brains of adolescents, which in turn correlates with reduced cognitive performance in areas like language and math. Analyzing brain scans and cognitive data from over 9,000 children in the ABCD study, scientists observed that adversity affected white matter across the entire brain, not just isolated regions. Importantly, social resiliency factors like positive parenting and neighborhood cohesion appeared to offer protective effects, reinforcing the value of nurturing environments during childhood. While the study is observational, it underscores the critical role of early-life conditions in shaping brain development.

Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Transformed Into Functional Neurons, Opening New Paths for Neurodegenerative Therapies: Researchers have successfully transformed human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) into electrically active, neuron-like cells without genetic modification. These cells, capable of producing GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, show promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s disease and epilepsy, which are marked by the loss of inhibitory neurons and brain hyperexcitability. This breakthrough opens new avenues in personalized cell therapy, not just for neuroprotection but potentially for replacing lost neurons. The next step is to test these cells in animal models to confirm whether they can fully integrate into neural circuits and restore lost brain functions. The findings also highlight the advantage of dental pulp stem cells as a stable, tumor-resistant source for future therapies.

NATURE

Bats Use Tails Like “Reverse Canes” to Navigate Backward in the Dark: Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered that the greater mouse-tailed bat (Rhinopoma microphyllum) uses its unusually long, free tail as a tactile sensor to navigate while climbing backward in dark caves—a rare behavior among animals. When the tail was numbed, bats moved more slowly and less efficiently, confirming its role in obstacle detection. The bats also showed the ability to differentiate surface textures with their tails, demonstrating a high level of tactile sensitivity. This discovery not only reveals a unique evolutionary adaptation but could also inspire bio-inspired robotic navigation systems for use in confined or low-visibility environments.

Fungal Circadian Clock Found to Boost Fusarium Pathogenicity in Crops: Researchers have discovered that the circadian clock in the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum enhances its ability to infect plants. The study shows that the clock helps the fungus adapt to host defenses, particularly zinc starvation, and regulates the production of fusaric acid, a toxin that increases virulence. Using clock-deficient mutants, scientists confirmed that fungal infectivity varies by time of day and depends on functional clock genes like FoFRQ. This breakthrough offers a new perspective on host-pathogen interactions and could inform future crop protection strategies.

Bonobos Use Word-Like Call Combinations, Revealing Ancient Roots of Human Language: A groundbreaking study by researchers from the University of Zurich and Harvard University reveals that bonobos combine vocalizations in complex, meaningful ways, demonstrating a form of compositional communication once thought unique to humans. Studying wild bonobos in the Congo, scientists created a "bonobo dictionary" and found that call combinations often convey meanings derived from their individual parts—mirroring both simple and complex structures in human language, such as "blond dancer" and "bad dancer." These findings suggest that the building blocks of language existed in our common ancestors with bonobos at least 7 million years ago, challenging long-held beliefs about the uniqueness of human speech.