New Polymer Design Reduces Scar Tissue in Implantable Devices, Boosting Longevity and Performance

Hello and welcome to our May 6th edition. The STEAM Digest is a curated newsletter that brings you the latest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Physicists Use Holographic Principle to Probe Quantum Gravity on Schrödinger Equation’s Centennial, and more.

• Materials - New Polymer Design Reduces Scar Tissue in Implantable Devices, Boosting Longevity and Performance, and more.

• Biotechnology - Researchers Turn Live Cicadas into Musical Instruments Using Electrical Muscle Stimulation.

• Engineering & Technology - Origami-Inspired Metamaterials Offer New Avenues for Smart, Load-Bearing Structures, and more.

• Robotics, AI, Hardware, Software, Gadgets - Researchers Model Manta Ray Formations to Optimize Underwater Vehicle Swarms, and more.

• Astronomy, Space, Astrobiology - Astronomers Observe Cooling of Young High-Mass Star G24 After Accretion Burst.

• Health & Medicine - Gut Fungus Found to Reverse Fatty Liver Disease in Mice, Offering New Hope for Microbiome-Based Therapies, and more.

• Pediatrics - Nicotine Pouch Use Rising Among U.S. Teens, Study Finds, as E-Cigarette Use Declines.

• Neuroscience - Five-Year-Olds Can Navigate Like Adults, Emory Study Finds.

• Environment & Earth Sciences - Tire Additives Found in Fruits and Vegetables Across Switzerland, Raising Food Chain Concerns, and more.

• Nature & Ecology- Researchers Uncover Chemical Causes Behind Glowing Fur in Australian Mammals, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Neanderthals Used Fine Motor Control to Shape Tools, Study Reveals, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

Physicists Use Holographic Principle to Probe Quantum Gravity on Schrödinger Equation’s Centennial: Marking 100 years since Erwin Schrödinger introduced his foundational equation for quantum mechanics, physicists at Utah State University are exploring the cutting edge of theoretical physics by testing the holographic principle, a concept central to uniting quantum mechanics with general relativity. In Physical Review Letters, the physicists outline how this principle may guide the long-sought theory of quantum gravity—a framework to reconcile the subatomic world with cosmic-scale gravity. While experimental tests remain out of reach, their precise mathematical models offer new insights into predicting the behavior of the universe at its most fundamental level.

Electron Spin Controls Proton Movement in Proteins, Revealing Quantum Side of Life: A new study has shown for the first time that proton transport in biological systems is directly influenced by electron spin, revealing that this fundamental life process involves quantum mechanics, not just chemistry. Researchers demonstrated that in chiral protein crystals like lysozyme, the spin of injected electrons dramatically affects proton mobility. This discovery, driven by the Chiral Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS) effect, suggests that energy and information transfer in living systems is more selective and potentially tunable than previously believed. The findings open new possibilities for bio-inspired technologies, quantum biology research, and advanced medical or energy applications.

Scientists Uncover How RAP1 Protein Prevents Chromosome Fusions by Blocking DNA Repair at Telomeres: In a major advancement in chromosome biology, researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research (London) and Linköping University (Sweden) have revealed how the protein RAP1 works alongside TRF2 to prevent mammalian chromosomes from fusing end-to-end. The study shows that RAP1 directly inhibits DNA-PK, a key repair enzyme, from recruiting LIG4, thereby stopping the DNA repair system from mistakenly sealing chromosome ends. This discovery explains how telomeres are protected from being misidentified as DNA damage and adds a critical layer to our understanding of genome stability—especially in aging or stressed cells where repair systems may malfunction.

MATERIALS

New Polymer Design Reduces Scar Tissue in Implantable Devices, Boosting Longevity and Performance: Researchers have developed new semiconducting polymers that significantly reduce the immune system’s response to implanted bioelectronics. The study details how modifying polymer chemistry—by incorporating selenophene into the backbone and immunomodulating side chains—led to up to a 68% reduction in scar tissue formation around implants in mice. This breakthrough could extend the lifespan and effectiveness of devices like pacemakers and drug delivery systems. The work builds on previous advances in hydrogel semiconductors and exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials science and immunology.

Researchers Develop Advanced Aerogel Composites for High-Temperature Insulation and Structural Strength: A research team has engineered advanced aerogel composites that combine exceptional thermal insulation with mechanical load-bearing strength—key for use in extreme environments. Traditional aerogels are lightweight but fragile and thermally unstable; the researchers addressed this by reinforcing carbon-fiber structures with expandable graphite and constructing a multi-scale bonding framework. Additionally, a novel technique for ceramic-based composites introduced dense silicon carbide coatings and nanowire networks, improving oxidation resistance and high-temperature durability. These materials remained lightweight and structurally sound even after intense heat exposure, and they can be manufactured in large sizes—paving the way for their use in aerospace and thermal protection systems.

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Researchers Turn Live Cicadas into Musical Instruments Using Electrical Muscle Stimulation: In a novel breakthrough blending biology and technology, scientists at the University of Tsukuba have developed an insect-computer hybrid speaker by using electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to control the chirps of live cicadas. The study demonstrated that cicadas of the species Graptopsaltria nigrofuscata can produce tunable sound frequencies—from A0 to C#3—when their tymbal muscles are stimulated with precise voltages. The manipulated chirps were even used to play musical phrases like Pachelbel's Canon. This innovation opens up new possibilities for energy-efficient communication systems using biobots in disaster zones or other hard-to-access environments.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Origami-Inspired Metamaterials Offer New Avenues for Smart, Load-Bearing Structures: Researchers have developed a new approach to modeling origami-inspired materials that predictably deform under force. By moving beyond traditional square and rectangle folds to include trapezoidal shapes, the team has introduced a more versatile method for programming material behavior—such as controlled "breathing" (expansion/contraction) and "shearing" (twisting). These origami-based metamaterials could revolutionize applications ranging from aerospace and architecture to biomedical devices, offering strong, lightweight structures that adapt dynamically to their environment.

Scientists Create Eco-Friendly Bio-Concrete from Human Urine: Researchers have developed a sustainable bio-concrete using human urine and bacteria through a biomineralization process. This method replaces energy-intensive cement production, drastically reducing emissions. In lab tests, the bacteria-induced calcium carbonate solidifies sand into strong, moldable blocks. Initial compressive strength reached 50 MPa using technical urea, with improvements needed for urine-based variants. As part of the "SimBioZe" project, the team plans to test a circular system at Stuttgart Airport that recycles urine into both building material and agricultural fertilizer, paving the way for real-world deployment of this low-impact construction innovation.

DLP 3D Printing Revolutionizes Flexible Electronics with Precision, Speed, and Sustainability: A recent review by researchers highlights how digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing is transforming the fabrication of flexible devices. With high resolution (down to 1 μm), fast processing, and material versatility, DLP enables the production of advanced soft sensors, actuators, and energy systems. Innovations include self-healing hydrogels, biodegradable elastomers, and programmable materials for medical wearables, robotics, and energy harvesting. By overcoming the limitations of traditional manufacturing, DLP is poised to become a core platform for next-generation, sustainable smart electronics.

ROBOTICS, AI, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, GADGETS

Researchers Model Manta Ray Formations to Optimize Underwater Vehicle Swarms: A new study models how group formations of manta rays affect swimming efficiency, offering insights for underwater vehicle design. The team examined three-ray formations—tandem, triangular, and inverse triangular—and found the tandem formation provides the greatest propulsive benefit, particularly for the middle ray. Their results suggest that small groups of three could serve as modular units for larger swarms. The research aims to inform biomimetic approaches to coordinated underwater operations using multiple autonomous vehicles.

Autonomous Robotic Organizations Promise Breakthrough in Ocean Operations and Beyond: Researchers are pioneering Autonomous Robotic Organizations (AROs)—networks of AI-controlled robots that dynamically coordinate across land, sea, air, and space to perform complex missions. Tested in Svalbard using an “observation pyramid” of drones, submarines, and NTNU’s first research satellite, these systems aim to transform ocean monitoring, infrastructure inspection, and defense by delivering low-cost, resilient, and flexible solutions. The ARO concept marks a shift from single-task robotic systems to a "system of systems" (SoS) approach, offering scalable operations with enhanced autonomy and mission agility. Researchers see applications extending well beyond marine environments, with the potential to revolutionize how we manage critical systems and respond to emerging challenges.

AI Tool "ulrb" Uncovers Earth's Rarest Microbes, Redefining Biodiversity Research: Researchers have developed ulrb, a novel machine learning tool that accurately identifies rare microbial species—a longstanding challenge in ecology. Described as a digital "detective," ulrb moves beyond guesswork to define microbial rarity using precise, adaptable algorithms. Tested on multiple microbiome datasets, it proved statistically robust and versatile enough to analyze non-microbial data, such as tree census records. Available open-source on CRAN and GitHub, ulrb is set to enhance biodiversity assessments, support climate change studies, and improve our understanding of ecosystem function.

ASTRONOMY, SPACE, ASTROBIOLOGY

Astronomers Observe Cooling of Young High-Mass Star G24 After Accretion Burst: Using NOEMA and ALMA, astronomers observed the high-mass young stellar object G24.33+0.14 (G24) during its post-accretion burst phase. G24, located 23,500 light-years away, experiences recurring accretion outbursts roughly every 8.5 years. Observations revealed a 20% drop in core-region emissions and a 30% increase in emissions from outer regions, indicating a heat wave radiating outward after the burst. Methanol emission data showed declining intensity and modest cooling in the core, with warming persisting further out. These findings provide insight into the dynamic thermal responses during massive star formation and confirm that accretion bursts cause significant, measurable changes in stellar environments.

James Webb Telescope Confirms Coldest Exoplanet Ever Detected Orbiting a White Dwarf: Astronomers have confirmed that WD 1856+534 b, a gas giant orbiting a white dwarf star 81 light-years from Earth, is the coldest exoplanet ever observed. With an atmospheric temperature of just 186 K (−87°C), this “super-Jupiter” was found using direct imaging techniques optimized by the low brightness of its host white dwarf. The study also confirms the planet’s mass is no more than six times that of Jupiter—much lower than previous estimates. These results offer the first direct evidence that massive planets can survive stellar death and migrate into close orbits around white dwarfs, possibly near habitable zones. Further atmospheric data from JWST's NIRSpec and new observations scheduled for 2025 may reveal whether other planets exist in this unusual system.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Gut Fungus Found to Reverse Fatty Liver Disease in Mice, Offering New Hope for Microbiome-Based Therapies: Researchers have discovered that Fusarium foetens, a symbiotic filamentous fungus in the gut, can reverse metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in mice by producing a metabolite that inhibits ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6), a key enzyme in lipid metabolism. The study demonstrates that colonization with F. foetens or administration of its metabolite FF-C1 significantly improves liver health and reduces harmful ceramide levels. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for gut fungi in metabolic regulation and suggest promising new microbiome-based treatment strategies for fatty liver disease.

Century-Long Study Uncovers Stark U.S. Life Expectancy Disparities by State:
A groundbreaking study reveals major state-by-state disparities in life expectancy trends across the U.S. from 1900 to 2000. Analyzing over 179 million deaths using a birth cohort approach, researchers found that while some states like New York and California saw life expectancy gains of over 20 years, others—especially in the South—saw minimal improvement, particularly among women. States like Mississippi and Alabama saw increases of less than three years. The findings point to the enduring influence of public policy, health care access, and socioeconomic conditions on long-term mortality, emphasizing the need for early and sustained public health investment to avoid generational inequities.

Researchers Identify Fibromodulin Protein as Key to Preventing Excessive Scarring: A study reveals that the protein fibromodulin (FMOD) plays a critical role in reducing excessive scar formation. FMOD forms a complex with interleukin-1β that promotes the death of myofibroblasts, cells responsible for scar tissue. Normally, these cells should die off after wound healing, but if they persist, they lead to chronic scarring. This discovery builds on two decades of research and supports clinical trials using FMOD-derived peptides, showing promising results in reducing scarring in human patients. The findings pave the way for new scar-reduction therapies, especially beneficial for surgery, injury, and burn recovery.

PEDIATRICS

Nicotine Pouch Use Rising Among U.S. Teens, Study Finds, as E-Cigarette Use Declines: A new study highlights a shift in adolescent nicotine habits: while exclusive e-cigarette use has declined, the use of nicotine pouches—and their dual use with e-cigarettes—has significantly increased among 10th- and 12th-grade students. Survey data from over 10,000 teens in 2023–2024 showed rising lifetime and recent use of pouches, especially among males, rural students, and those without college plans. Researchers attribute the trend to aggressive marketing, appealing flavors, and the discreet nature of pouch products, and call for stronger surveillance and youth prevention measures.

NEUROSCIENCE

Five-Year-Olds Can Navigate Like Adults, Emory Study Finds: A neuroscience study reveals that five-year-olds possess the brain system necessary for map-based navigation, previously thought to develop around age 12. Using fMRI scans and a child-friendly virtual environment called Tiny Town, researchers demonstrated that young children use the retrosplenial complex (RSC)—a brain region associated with spatial navigation—to mentally map environments and find their way around. The findings challenge conventional views on the development of spatial cognition and lay a foundation for future clinical research on brain development.

ENVIRONMENT & EARTH SCIENCES

Tire Additives Found in Fruits and Vegetables Across Switzerland, Raising Food Chain Concerns: A joint study by EPFL and the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) has found that chemical additives from tire wear—such as 6-PPD and its derivative 6-PPD-quinone—are present in 31% of commonly consumed fruits and vegetables in Switzerland. These substances, released as tires wear down on roads, enter the environment through air and water and can make their way into the human diet. The contamination was found regardless of whether the produce was organic or conventional. While rodent studies suggest these compounds can cause fertility issues and neurological effects, the implications for human health remain unknown. Ongoing research aims to better understand the risks and explore regulatory responses to reduce environmental and dietary exposure.

Researchers Develops Low-Cost Mobile Sensor for Rapid Arsenic Detection in Water: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur have developed an affordable, mobile sensor capable of detecting arsenic in water at levels as low as 0.90 parts per billion (ppb) in just 3.2 seconds. Published in Nanotechnology, the study presents a portable, easy-to-use device designed for real-time arsenic monitoring, particularly in low-income or remote regions lacking access to lab-based testing. The sensor integrates with a circuit board and Arduino module for on-site use, aiming to help prevent thousands of annual deaths linked to chronic arsenic exposure and improve access to safe drinking water.

NATURE & ECOLOGY

Researchers Uncover Chemical Causes Behind Glowing Fur in Australian Mammals: In a groundbreaking study, James Cook University researchers have identified key molecules responsible for the ultraviolet-induced glow observed in many Australian mammals. Analyzing fur from species such as bandicoots, quolls, possums, and tree-kangaroos, the team used high-performance liquid chromatography to detect luminophores. They found that tryptophan metabolites and porphyrin derivatives are responsible for the vivid pink photoluminescence seen under UV light. Additionally, they discovered the dye compound indigo contributes to the coppery brushtail possum's purple hue under white light, offering new insights into unexplained fur coloration in other species.

Colorful Monkeyflowers Reveal Evolutionary Shift From Hummingbird to Bee Pollination: A new study reveals how rare yellow forms of two red-flowered monkeyflower species (Mimulus cardinalis and M. verbenaceus) have evolved to attract bumblebees rather than their usual hummingbird pollinators. Using modern genomics and biochemical tools, the team found that bumblebees prefer yellow flowers—linked to increased carotenoid pigments and stronger floral scent—but struggle to pollinate them effectively due to mismatched floral shape. The research uncovers both convergent and divergent genetic changes underlying this pollinator shift and highlights the early stages of evolutionary adaptation that could inform crop engineering for improved pollination.

Friendship’s Costs and Benefits: Gorilla Study Reveals Complex Links Between Social Bonds and Health: A 20-year study of 164 wild mountain gorillas has revealed that the effects of friendship vary by sex and social context, challenging the idea that more social ties always lead to better health. The research found that female gorillas in small groups were healthier but had fewer offspring, while those in larger groups had more offspring but more illness. Males with strong social bonds were also more prone to illness, though less likely to be injured in fights. The findings suggest that the "best" social strategy is context-dependent and may help explain why varied social traits persist in humans and other mammals. Long-term observation cases, like that of Titus and Cantsbee, further illustrate how individual social behaviors affect leadership, survival, and reproductive success.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Neanderthals Used Fine Motor Control to Shape Tools, Study Reveals:
A new study demonstrates that Neanderthal toolmakers deliberately manipulated hammer strike angles to control flake size, shape, and fracture trajectory during Levallois core reduction. Using standardized glass cores and precise mechanical strikes at varying angles, the experiment showed that lower strike angles produced larger, thicker flakes with deeper fracture paths—contradicting previous models that credited flake formation solely to core geometry and material stiffness. The findings suggest Neanderthals exercised greater cognitive and physical control than previously recognized, incorporating spatial planning, real-time motor adjustments, and decision-making under risk into their toolmaking.

Facebook Data Used to Map Global Migration Patterns in 2022: Researchers have developed an algorithm that uses Facebook user data—such as IP addresses and self-reported locations—to estimate global human migration patterns. By tracking changes in user location across time, the team analyzed movements between 181 countries in 2022, estimating 39.1 million international migrations. The algorithm was calibrated to account for population shifts and travel habits, and validated against high-quality data from countries like New Zealand, showing a strong correlation (0.98). This method offers a scalable, near real-time alternative to traditional migration tracking, with potential applications for crisis monitoring and humanitarian aid.