New Thermoelectric System Converts Vehicle Exhaust Heat into Electricity

Hello and welcome to our April 25th 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 - Resurrected Plant Gene Yields Promising New Drug Discovery Platform, and more.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - Carnegie Mellon Researchers 3D Bioprint Functional Pancreatic Tissue Using Collagen-Based System.

• Astronomy, Space, Astrobiology - Distant Super-Earth Discovered, Challenging Traditional Views of Planetary Systems, and more.

• Engineering & Technology - New Thermoelectric System Converts Vehicle Exhaust Heat into Electricity, and more.

• Robotics, AI, Consumer, & Gadgets - AI-Driven Method from McGill Authenticates Honey Origins in Minutes, and more.

• Health & Medicine - New Study Links High Poultry Consumption to Increased Risk of Digestive Cancers and Early Death, and more.

• Neuroscience - Genes Behind Happiness and Mental Illness May Be Closely Linked, Study Finds, and more.

• Environment - Newly Planted Trees Linked to Healthier Birth Outcomes, Drexel Study Finds, and more.

• Nature - New Bacteria Linked to Spotted Fever Found in Rabbit Ticks in Maine, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Phonics Alone Isn’t Enough: Experts Call for Balanced Literacy to Improve U.S. Reading Scores.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

If you would like to share The STEAM Digest newsletter with others, please use the following link: https://thesteamdigest.beehiiv.com/subscribe

SCIENCE

Resurrected Plant Gene Yields Promising New Drug Discovery Platform: Researchershave revived an extinct gene in coyote tobacco, unlocking the production of a previously unknown cyclic peptide called nanamin. The study demonstrates how molecular gene resurrection can fast-track evolution to develop new drugs and agricultural applications. Nanamin, a small, easily bioengineered peptide, holds promise for cancer therapies, antibiotics, and crop protection. Its ease of modification and natural evolutionary origin make it a powerful platform for future drug discovery. Weng’s team is already partnering with Bayer Crop Science to use cyclic peptides for pest resistance in crops.

Quantum Sensors Offer Breakthrough for Next-Gen Particle Colliders: In a major step forward for particle physics, researchers have demonstrated that superconducting microwire single-photon detectors (SMSPDs) can precisely detect high-energy particles with superior time and spatial resolution. The study marks the first use of these quantum sensors for tracking charged particles like protons and pions, making them ideal for future high-intensity particle colliders. These "4D sensors" could help researchers sift through the complex sprays of particles produced during collisions to discover new physics beyond the Standard Model, including dark matter candidates. The work positions SMSPDs as essential tools for upcoming projects like the Future Circular Collider and muon colliders.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Carnegie Mellon Researchers 3D Bioprint Functional Pancreatic Tissue Using Collagen-Based System: In a groundbreaking study Carnegie Mellon University's Feinberg Lab has used its FRESH (Freeform Reversible Embedding of Suspended Hydrogels) 3D bioprinting technique to create the first fully biological microphysiologic system made entirely from collagen. Unlike traditional tissue models built from synthetic materials, this innovation allows researchers to build more accurate and functional tissue environments using native biological materials. The team successfully printed vascularized, pancreatic-like tissue capable of producing insulin in response to glucose, offering a promising path for future treatment of type 1 diabetes. The technology, commercialized by FluidForm Bio, has already shown success in animal models, with human clinical trials on the horizon.

ASTRONOMY, SPACE, ASTROBIOLOGY

Distant Super-Earth Discovered, Challenging Traditional Views of Planetary Systems: An international team has discovered a "super-Earth"—a planet larger than Earth but smaller than Neptune—orbiting its star farther out than Saturn's distance from the Sun. The discovery was made using the microlensing technique, which excels at detecting distant planets. The planet is part of the largest microlensing study to date, tripling previous planet counts and including much smaller planets than ever before. This work reveals that super-Earths are common even in the cold, outer regions of planetary systems, suggesting that many systems across the galaxy differ significantly from our own.

ASKAP Telescope Uncovers 15 Giant Radio Galaxies Spanning Millions of Light Years: Astronomers using the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) have discovered 15 new giant radio galaxies (GRGs), each stretching over 3 million light years across. These rare cosmic giants were detected thanks to ASKAP’s advanced capabilities in mapping faint radio emissions. GRGs are formed in low-density environments and emit vast jets and lobes of plasma. The newly found galaxies exhibit diverse structures, including Fanaroff-Riley Class I and II types, as well as hybrid forms. The largest, ASKAP J0107–2347, spans over 12 million light years and is classified as a "double-double" radio galaxy with both new and ancient lobes of emission.

Possible Dark Galaxy Detected on the Edge of the Milky Way: Astronomers may have found the first confirmed dark galaxy—a galaxy composed almost entirely of dark matter with no stars. The study focused on a gas clump named G185.0–11.5 within a high-velocity cloud near the Milky Way. Using data from the Arecibo Observatory and China’s FAST telescope, researchers observed that the clump, located about 900,000 light-years from Earth, has a rotational structure and contains 21 times more dark matter than regular matter. The absence of stars and the influence of dark matter on its rotation suggest it could be a long-sought dark galaxy. The team hopes further observations will confirm their findings.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

New Thermoelectric System Converts Vehicle Exhaust Heat into Electricity: A study published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces introduces a compact thermoelectric generator that captures waste heat from vehicle exhaust and converts it into electricity, potentially reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. The device uses bismuth-telluride semiconductors and a heatsink to amplify the temperature difference needed for power generation. The prototype produced 40 watts of power in tests and showed even greater efficiency under high-speed airflow conditions—up to 146 watts in simulations of helicopter exhaust. Unlike traditional systems, this design is lightweight and requires no additional cooling, making it suitable for integration into existing exhaust outlets of cars, helicopters, and drones.

Combining Muscle Signals Boosts Accuracy of Prosthetic Limb Control, Study Finds: Researchers have developed a new method that significantly improves the accuracy of gesture recognition for prosthetic limbs by combining two types of muscle signals: electromyography (EMG) and force myography (FMG). The study found that integrating both signal types led to over 97% accuracy in predicting hand movements like gripping or pinching, compared to 92% for FMG alone and 83% for EMG alone. The dual-sensor system, tested on volunteers using a wearable armband, could revolutionize control of prosthetics and also enhance robotics and virtual reality applications. The team is now developing a prototype prosthetic limb using the technology.

Sunlight-Powered Hydrogen: U of A Researcher Develops Cleaner, Cheaper Way to Split Water: University of Alberta is pioneering a new, cost-effective method to produce hydrogen fuel using sunlight and Earth-abundant materials. The technique uses carbon nitride derived from urea and titanium dioxide to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. This single-step photocatalytic process bypasses the inefficiencies of traditional solar-electric and electrolysis systems, offering greater efficiency and functionality even on cloudy days. The materials involved are inexpensive, durable, and environmentally friendly compared to silicon-based solar panels. Large-scale commercialization could be possible within 3–5 years.

ROBOTICS, AI, GADGETS

AI-Driven Method from McGill Authenticates Honey Origins in Minutes: Researchers have developed a groundbreaking AI-powered technique to verify the floral and geographic origins of honey, tackling a major issue in food fraud. The study replaces traditional, often unreliable pollen analysis with high-resolution mass spectrometry to create a chemical "fingerprint" of each honey sample. Machine learning algorithms then decode these fingerprints to identify the flower sources, even in processed honeys where conventional methods fail. This rapid, accurate method supports consumers seeking authentic products and protects ethical producers from fraudulent competition. The team aims to expand the approach to other commonly mislabelled foods.

TopoLM: New AI Language Model Mimics Brain's Spatial and Functional Neuron Clustering: Researchers have developed TopoLM, an innovative AI language model that mirrors not only the functional clustering of neurons in the brain, but also their spatial arrangement—a first in AI modeling. Inspired by how the brain processes vision, the team introduced a spatial "smoothness" rule to guide the model’s internal organization. The result: clusters in the model that align with real patterns of language processing in the human cortex. The study offers insights into both brain development and AI interpretability. TopoLM could pave the way for brain-inspired computing and advances in treating language disorders, as researchers now plan to test the model’s predictions against real human brain imaging data.

Researchers Develop SIFT Algorithm to Improve AI Accuracy and Reduce Uncertainty: A research team has developed a novel algorithm, SIFT (Selecting Informative data for Fine-Tuning), that significantly enhances the reliability of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT by reducing uncertainty in their responses. Published on arXiv, the SIFT algorithm enriches general AI models with specialized, relevant external data, selecting information based on its directional relevance in a multidimensional vector space. Unlike traditional nearest neighbor methods that often return redundant data, SIFT identifies complementary information to produce more accurate answers. The method boosts response quality, allows the use of smaller, more efficient models, and offers potential applications in fields like medicine. The approach has earned awards at top AI conferences, including NeurIPS and ICLR.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

New Study Links High Poultry Consumption to Increased Risk of Digestive Cancers and Early Death: A 20-year study by researchers at Italy's National Institute of Gastroenterology suggests that regularly eating high amounts of poultry may be associated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal cancers and early death. The study tracked 4,869 adults in Italy and found that those who consumed over 300 grams of poultry per week had a 27% higher risk of dying from digestive system cancers than those who ate 100 grams or less. While previous research has promoted poultry as a healthier alternative to red meat, the study's authors stress that further research is needed to determine if the link is due to the poultry itself, its preparation methods, or other lifestyle factors not fully accounted for, such as physical activity.

Decades-Old Blood Protein Revealed as Key Immune Suppressor in Cancer:
A surprising new study reveals that erythropoietin (EPO)—a protein long known for stimulating red blood cell production—also plays a critical role in suppressing the immune response to cancer. Researchers at Stanford discovered that high levels of EPO in liver tumors make them "cold" or resistant to immunotherapy by causing immune cells called macrophages to block cancer-fighting T cells. Blocking EPO or its receptor in mice turned cold tumors "hot," making them responsive to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. The combined treatment resulted in complete tumor regression in most mice. The discovery could lead to new cancer treatments targeting EPO signaling, potentially transforming outcomes for tumors typically resistant to current therapies.

Gut Health Linked to Leukemia Risk in Groundbreaking Study: A new study has uncovered a surprising link between gut health and blood cancer. Researchers found that as people age—or when gut integrity is compromised—bacterial byproducts like ADP-heptose can leak into the bloodstream and trigger the expansion of pre-leukemic cells, especially in individuals with clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). This condition affects 10–20% of adults over 70 and is a known risk factor for leukemia and other diseases. The study introduces a potential early detection tool (the TIFAsome Assay) and identifies a promising target (the ALPK1 receptor) for future therapies. Maintaining gut health could be a key strategy in preventing age-related diseases, including leukemia.

NEUROSCIENCE

Genes Behind Happiness and Mental Illness May Be Closely Linked, Study Finds: A new study reveals that many of the genes associated with subjective well-being (SWB)—a person's sense of happiness and life satisfaction—are also linked to psychiatric disorders like depression. The study found that up to 93% of genetic variants related to depression also influence SWB. The researchers used genetic data from both European and Korean populations and identified several key genes active in emotional centers of the brain. This discovery paves the way for more personalized mental health interventions and deeper insight into the shared biological roots of happiness and mental illness.

Study Reveals Self-Amplifying Glutamate Release Under Brain Energy Deficiency:
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which energy depletion in the brain—such as during a stroke—triggers abnormal, self-reinforcing glutamate release events. The study shows that these atypical, long-lasting glutamate signals significantly raise extracellular glutamate levels, potentially damaging neurons. Under stress, normal energy-dependent glutamate release halts, while these abnormal releases escalate. The findings highlight how disrupted neurotransmitter balance contributes to nerve cell injury and suggest that targeting NMDA glutamate receptors may help mitigate the damage. Further research is needed to identify the exact mechanisms and cell types involved.

EEG-Guided Anesthesia Reduces Drug Use and Delirium in Children, Study Finds:
A clinical trial in Japan involving over 170 children aged 1 to 6 has shown that using EEG brain wave monitoring during surgery allows anesthesiologists to significantly reduce anesthesia dosages without compromising patient unconsciousness. The study found that children receiving EEG-guided anesthesia recovered faster, with breathing tubes removed 3.3 minutes earlier and full emergence from anesthesia occurring 21.4 minutes sooner than those under standard protocols. Additionally, the rate of post-anesthesia delirium (PAED) dropped from 35% to 21%. The reduced use of sevoflurane—a potent greenhouse gas—also offers environmental benefits. Researchers advocate for incorporating EEG training into anesthesiology education to enhance pediatric care and reduce healthcare costs.

ENVIRONMENT

Newly Planted Trees Linked to Healthier Birth Outcomes, Drexel Study Finds: A new study shows that newly planted trees near a mother’s home can positively impact newborn health. Analyzing birth data from Portland, Oregon, alongside tree-planting records, researchers found that each tree planted within 100 meters in the decade before birth was associated with a 2.3-gram increase in birth weight. Living near 10 or more trees correlated with an average 50-gram increase, reducing the risk of small-for-gestational-age and preterm births. This research highlights the public health benefits of urban tree planting, even in areas already rich in greenspace.

Making Climate Change Hit Home: Study Finds Binary Data Boosts Concern and Action: A new study reveals that how climate data is presented significantly affects public concern and engagement. Researchers found that binary indicators—such as whether a lake freezes or not each winter—are far more effective than gradual temperature graphs in conveying the real impact of climate change. Participants shown binary data perceived a 12% greater impact from climate change than those who saw continuous temperature increases. Lead researchers Rachit Dubey and Grace Liu emphasize that showing concrete local changes, like lost traditions (e.g., ice skating or outdoor sports), breaks through climate apathy and helps people emotionally connect to the issue. The study supports a shift in climate communication toward more visceral, easily understood visuals to counter the "boiling frog" effect of normalization.

Earthquakes May Mask Nuclear Test Signals, New Study Finds: A new review published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America challenges previous assumptions that natural earthquakes cannot obscure the seismic signals of underground nuclear tests. Researchers found that the detection rate of a small 1.7-ton explosion drops from 97% to just 37% when its seismic signal overlaps with an earthquake occurring within 100 seconds and 250 kilometers. This potential “masking” effect raises concerns for global nuclear monitoring, particularly in seismically active regions like North Korea. The study introduces a new method of injecting scaled-down explosion data into real earthquake signals to test detection capabilities, offering a framework for improving seismic monitoring in complex environments.

NATURE

New Bacteria Linked to Spotted Fever Found in Rabbit Ticks in Maine: Researchers have discovered a new strain of Rickettsia bacteria, named Rickettsia sp. ME2023, in rabbit ticks collected from a residential backyard in Maine. The finding reveals a previously unknown pathogen related to those that cause spotted fever rickettsioses (SFR), including the potentially deadly Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Although rabbit ticks rarely bite humans, the study raises concerns about possible zoonotic transmission through other tick species that feed on both rabbits and humans. With 6.1% of tested rabbit ticks in Maine carrying the new strain, researchers are now investigating its role in the mysterious SFR cases in New England.

“Bone Collector” Caterpillar Found in Hawaii Wears Its Prey as Camouflage:
A newly discovered carnivorous caterpillar species, dubbed the "bone collector," has been found on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. This rare insect spins silk cases decorated with the remains of its prey—such as ant heads and fly wings—possibly to camouflage itself while feeding on insects trapped in spiderwebs. Detailed in Science, the discovery is notable not only for the caterpillar’s bizarre behavior but also its ancient lineage, dating back over 6 million years. Only 62 specimens have been found in over two decades, highlighting its rarity and the urgency for conservation. Researchers emphasize the need to protect Hawaii’s unique and vulnerable ecosystems.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Phonics Alone Isn’t Enough: Experts Call for Balanced Literacy to Improve U.S. Reading Scores: Despite the widespread adoption of phonics-focused reading programs under the “science of reading” banner, two-thirds of U.S. fourth graders still read below grade level. While phonics can boost literacy for some, particularly students with dyslexia, scholars warn that rigid, one-size-fits-all instruction may not serve diverse learners—such as those with ADHD or autism—who may struggle with rote decoding strategies. The article advocates for balanced literacy, an approach blending phonics with engaging literature, rhyming strategies, and student-led reading. It also recommends flexible, evidence-based teaching that adapts to each child’s needs and includes family support, meaningful reading materials, and high-impact tutoring.