Electro-Agriculture: Growing Plants Without Sunlight Using CO2 Electrolysis

Hello and welcome to Wednesday’s STEAM newsletter! We bring you summaries of the latest news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - New Theory of "Rattling" Explains Self-Organization in Nonequilibrium Systems, and more.

• Technology and AI - Breakthrough in Photonic In-Memory Computing Brings Optical Computing Closer to Reality, Meta’s AI System Solves Long-Standing Mathematical Problems Using Lyapunov Functions, and more.

• Engineering - New Coatings Developed by UVA Team Boost Turbine Efficiency and Sustainability, Researchers Develop Zinc-Air Battery-Based Hydrogen Production System, and more..

• Astronomy & Space - Discovery of Triple Black Hole System Suggests a Gentle Formation Process.

• Health & Medicine -Gila Monster Venom Aids in Breakthrough Detection of Pancreatic Tumors, The Rise of HPV-Linked Oropharyngeal Cancer and the Importance of HPV Vaccination for Boys, and more.

• Neuroscience - Cannabis Use Linked to Cerebral Cortex Thinning in Adolescents, Study Find, New Study Identifies "SHAAKE" as Key Indicator of Undiagnosed Concussions, and more.

• Environment - Electro-Agriculture: Growing Plants Without Sunlight Using CO2 Electrolysis, and more.

• Nature - How Animals Respond to Death: From Grief to Pragmatic Reactions, and more.

• Other Sciences & Arts - Discovery of Ancient Swamp-Dwelling Mammal Sheds Light on Colorado's Late Cretaceous Ecosystem, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

New Theory of "Rattling" Explains Self-Organization in Nonequilibrium Systems: Researchers Dana Randall and Jacob Calvert have developed a theory to explain "rattling," a physics principle that accounts for self-organization in systems with chaotic dynamics, such as robot swarms and biological colonies. Their study clarifies how rattling is linked to the time systems spend in particular states and identifies which systems are governed by this principle. The findings have broad implications, from designing new materials and robotic swarms to understanding biological behaviors at microscopic scales, enhancing predictions of self-organization in nonequilibrium systems.

Scientists Achieve Cross-Chiral RNA Replication, Opening New Biochemical Frontiers: In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the Salk Institute have engineered a chemical system that enables left- and right-handed RNA enzymes to replicate each other, marking the first instance of cross-chiral exponential amplification. This discovery demonstrates a life-like chemical system capable of self-replication across chirality, a key step towards biochemical evolution. The technique could lead to innovative applications in medicine, such as creating left-handed RNA therapeutics that avoid degradation and off-target effects. The research opens up new possibilities for synthetic biology and bioengineering.

AI Trained to Design Dual-Target Medications Using Chemical Language Model: Researchers from the University of Bonn have developed a chemical language model, akin to ChatGPT, to design compounds that can bind to two target proteins simultaneously, potentially leading to more effective medications. This AI model, trained on over 70,000 molecular pairs, predicts compounds with dual-target activity, a desirable property in pharmaceutical research, especially in areas like cancer treatment. The AI’s ability to suggest novel chemical structures could help chemists discover new drug designs that would not typically be considered. The study highlights how AI can generate innovative ideas for drug development.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Breakthrough in Photonic In-Memory Computing Brings Optical Computing Closer to Reality: A team of international electrical engineers has pioneered a new method for photonic in-memory computing, overcoming key challenges in optical memory development. This breakthrough integrates non-reciprocal magneto-optics with ultra-high endurance, combining fast switching speeds, energy efficiency, and multibit storage. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, University of California—Santa Barbara, University of Cagliari, and the Institute of Science Tokyo demonstrated the potential of using magneto-optic materials like Cerium to control light propagation, enabling faster, more scalable optical computing. This innovation could significantly improve performance in AI and other computing applications.

Meta’s AI System Solves Long-Standing Mathematical Problems Using Lyapunov Functions: Meta’s AI researchers have developed a system capable of solving complex mathematical problems that have eluded mathematicians for over a century. These problems involve Lyapunov functions, which are used to analyze the stability of systems, such as the famous "three-body problem." Traditionally, finding these functions has been nearly impossible. However, Meta's AI reverses the process by generating functions first and then matching them to systems, achieving success rates of 10.1% to 12.7%, far surpassing traditional methods. The breakthrough demonstrates AI’s potential in aiding mathematical discovery, although it doesn’t yet offer a universal solution to the problem.

Google DeepMind Open-Sources AI Watermarking Tool to Curb Misinformation: Google DeepMind has been using its SynthID watermarking method to subtly mark AI-generated text from its Gemini chatbot, helping to distinguish it from human-written content. The watermarking technique, which uses a statistical signature created during text generation, aims to reduce the misuse of AI for spreading misinformation and cheating. Now, Google has made this tool available to other AI developers. While not foolproof, experts believe it could be a valuable tool in combating AI-generated misinformation. SynthID performs well in generating detectable watermarks without distorting the quality of AI responses, though it works best for longer text outputs.

New Tool "HarmonyCloak" Shields Music from AI Learning Without Compromising Sound Quality: Researchers from the University of Tennessee, Lehigh University, and Min H. Kao Department of Electrical Engineering have developed "HarmonyCloak," a tool designed to prevent generative AI models from learning and replicating musical works, without altering how the music sounds to human listeners. Using subtle perturbations, undetectable by the human ear but effective in confusing AI, the tool minimizes the AI's ability to learn from the music. In tests, AI-generated music degraded significantly when trained on protected songs, while human volunteers found the protected and original music equally pleasant. The solution offers a way to preserve artistic integrity in the age of AI.

ENGINEERING

New Coatings Developed by UVA Team Boost Turbine Efficiency and Sustainability: A research team led by the University of Virginia has developed advanced protective coatings that enable turbine engines to operate at higher temperatures, improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. These coatings, made from rare earth oxides, protect turbine blades from damage caused by high-temperature reactive gases, allowing engines to run at nearly 3,300°F—surpassing the limits of current materials like nickel-based superalloys. The UVA team, using machine learning and advanced testing methods, discovered that combining rare earth oxides into a single-layer coating enhances performance without the complexity of multi-layer systems, marking a significant step forward for turbine technology and environmental sustainability.

Researchers Develop Zinc-Air Battery-Based Hydrogen Production System: Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed a new hydrogen production system that addresses the challenges of current green hydrogen methods. Using a high-performance zinc-air battery and a non-precious metal catalyst (G-SHELL), the system efficiently splits water to produce hydrogen, overcoming the limitations of traditional renewable energy sources. The catalyst is effective for multiple reactions, including oxygen and hydrogen generation, and supports long-term stability. This innovative, fire-safe system could pave the way for more sustainable and stable hydrogen production, providing a breakthrough in clean energy technology.

New Research Links Fiber-Level Behavior of Parachute Textiles to Overall Performance: Researchers at the Beckman Institute have used micro-CT scans to study parachute textiles at the fiber level, linking small-scale behavior to overall parachute performance. Their findings reveal how fibers stretch and reorganize under stress, affecting airflow through parachute textiles. They also discovered that textiles are not isotropic, meaning they behave differently depending on the direction of applied force. This research provides valuable data for improving computational models, which could help identify promising materials for parachutes used in various settings, from scientific missions to recreational and relief efforts.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Discovery of Triple Black Hole System Suggests a Gentle Formation Process: Physicists from MIT and Caltech have discovered a rare "black hole triple" system in V404 Cygnus, featuring a central black hole, an inner star, and a distant second star orbiting the black hole every 70,000 years. This unexpected finding challenges the typical understanding of black hole formation through violent supernovae, as such explosions would have expelled the far-off star. The team’s simulations suggest that the black hole likely formed through a "direct collapse," a gentle process in which the star caved in on itself. This discovery provides new insights into black hole formation and evolution.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Gila Monster Venom Aids in Breakthrough Detection of Pancreatic Tumors: Researchers have developed a novel PET scan that accurately detects insulinomas, small pancreatic tumors, by leveraging a synthetic chemical derived from Gila monster saliva. Insulinomas, though benign, can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and are difficult to locate due to their small size. Previous methods often involved invasive surgeries, but this new PET scan, using a modified version of a Gila monster spit protein called Exendin, identified tumors with 95 percent accuracy. This breakthrough promises better diagnoses and surgical outcomes for patients.

Repeated mRNA Vaccinations Boost Mucosal Immunity, Offering Enhanced Protection Against COVID-19: Researchers from the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research and Ghent University have found that repeated mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations lead to increased mucosal antibodies in areas like the nose, which are crucial for blocking viral entry. Their study shows that systemic antibodies produced after vaccinations migrate to the respiratory mucosa, enhancing mucosal immunity. This discovery highlights the long-term protection offered by mRNA vaccines, especially at the virus's entry points, and suggests that booster shots improve both systemic and mucosal defenses, offering hope for sustained protection against new COVID-19 variants.

The Rise of HPV-Linked Oropharyngeal Cancer and the Importance of HPV Vaccination for Boys: Oropharyngeal cancer, primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), has increased dramatically in the West, surpassing cervical cancer in prevalence. The main risk factor for this throat cancer is oral sex, particularly for those with six or more lifetime oral sex partners. While HPV vaccination has been effective in preventing cervical cancer and may also prevent mouth infections, only high vaccine coverage in girls (over 85%) offers herd immunity to boys. Consequently, several countries have extended HPV vaccination to include boys, though vaccine hesitancy remains a significant barrier to achieving universal protection.

Balance on One Leg: A Key Indicator of Aging, Mayo Clinic Study Reveals: New research from the Mayo Clinic suggests that the ability to stand on one leg, particularly the nondominant leg, is a more accurate indicator of aging than changes in strength or gait. The study of 40 participants over 50 showed that balance declines more rapidly with age compared to grip and knee strength. Poor balance increases the risk of falls, which are the leading cause of injuries among older adults. Researchers emphasize that balance can be trained with simple exercises, such as standing on one leg for 30 seconds daily, helping to maintain independence and prevent falls as people age.

NEUROSCIENCE

Cannabis Use Linked to Cerebral Cortex Thinning in Adolescents, Study Finds: A study led by Graciela Pineyro and Tomas Paus from CHU Sainte-Justine and Université de Montréal reveals that cannabis use in adolescents may lead to thinning of the cerebral cortex. The research shows that THC, the active compound in cannabis, causes shrinkage of the dendritic arborescence, impairing communication between neurons. Using both MRI scans and a mouse model, the researchers linked THC to changes in gene expression, contributing to the observed cortical thinning. This study emphasizes the need for better understanding of cannabis's impact on brain maturation, especially as use rises among youth.

New Study Identifies "SHAAKE" as Key Indicator of Undiagnosed Concussions: A study led by Chris Nowinski from the Concussion Legacy Foundation has identified a new concussion sign called "Spontaneous Headshake After a Kinematic Event" (SHAAKE). This movement, often seen when individuals shake their head rapidly after an impact, was linked to concussions 72% of the time, with a stronger correlation (92%) in football players. The study, published in Diagnostics, suggests that SHAAKE should be added to lists of potential concussion signs to improve diagnosis and prevent further injury. Recognizing SHAAKE could help prevent catastrophic outcomes like those seen in the case of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Simple Neural Circuit Governs Chewing Motions and Appetite Control, Study Finds: Researchers from Rockefeller University have identified a three-neuron circuit that regulates jaw movements and food intake, as described in a study published in Nature. The circuit, centered around BDNF neurons in the hypothalamus, connects hunger signals to motor control of chewing. Inhibiting these neurons triggered chewing motions in mice even without food, while activating them suppressed both eating and jaw movements. This discovery suggests that eating behavior may be more reflexive than previously thought, providing insights into how hunger, appetite control, and motor functions are interconnected. The findings may have implications for understanding compulsive behaviors and obesity.

New Pathways Discovered in the Brain's Striatum Control Dopamine and Influence Movement: MIT researchers have identified two new pathways in the brain's striatum that regulate dopamine levels and modulate movement. These pathways, which arise from striosomes, control dopamine release, with one pathway stimulating dopamine to initiate movement and the other inhibiting it to suppress movement. The discovery suggests that these pathways are involved in decision-making influenced by emotions, such as anxiety-driven choices. The findings may lead to new insights into disorders like Parkinson’s disease, which affects dopamine-regulated regions in the brain.

ENVIRONMENT

Electro-Agriculture: Growing Plants Without Sunlight Using CO2 Electrolysis: A recent study published in Joule explores the potential of "electro-agriculture," a method to grow plants without photosynthesis by using CO2 electrolysis. This process could enable crops to grow in areas unsuitable for traditional agriculture, such as urban centers, deserts, and space environments. Researchers have improved the efficiency of acetate production, a key nutrient for plants, achieving a 90% selectivity rate through a tandem electrolysis process. Despite its efficiency, challenges remain, such as the high energy demands and sourcing CO2. While practical applications may be years away, this technology holds promise for niche uses and space exploration.

MIT Study Shows Salt Marshes Can Reduce Coastal Flooding and Cut Costs: A study led by MIT researchers has demonstrated that protecting and enhancing salt marshes in front of seawalls can significantly reduce coastal flooding and lower the cost of building seawalls. The research shows that even small areas of salt marsh can attenuate waves, allowing for shorter, less expensive seawalls while providing similar storm protection. The study, based on computer models and real-world data from Salem, Massachusetts, highlights the economic and environmental benefits of integrating marshes into coastal defense strategies.

Future Atmospheric Rivers Could Lead to Catastrophic Ocean Level Rise on U.S. West Coast: A team of climate specialists has found that future atmospheric rivers (ARs) could cause significant ocean level rises along the U.S. West Coast, similar to hurricane storm surges. Their study predicts that ARs, fueled by climate change, will bring more rain, higher winds, and a potential increase in sea levels by up to 200% compared to past events. The research highlights varying impacts across California, with Southern regions like Los Angeles expected to experience the most severe ocean level rise, posing significant threats to coastal communities.

NATURE

How Animals Respond to Death: From Grief to Pragmatic Reactions: Non-human animals exhibit a wide range of behaviors in response to death, from emotional displays to practical actions. While some species, like primates, elephants, and birds, show behaviors that resemble grieving, such as carrying or guarding the bodies of deceased companions, others, like ants and termites, adopt more pragmatic strategies, such as removing or burying corpses for hygiene. Emerging research in evolutionary thanatology, the study of death in animals, suggests that some species may experience emotions akin to grief, while others may react out of instinct or curiosity. The complexity of these responses highlights both the emotional and functional dimensions of how animals process mortality.

Study of Chick Vocalizations Reveals Insights into Animal Emotions and Welfare: Research led by Kenneth Sufka at the University of Mississippi, in collaboration with UK researchers, has found that vocalizations of baby chicks can reveal their emotional states. The study used acoustic analysis to detect stress in chicks, distinguishing between calm calls when chicks are near a mirror and distressed calls when isolated. This noninvasive method has implications for improving welfare in the poultry industry by providing a more precise way to monitor stress. Additionally, the findings could enhance the testing of anxiety and depression treatments in animals, offering a more humane and accurate approach to drug development.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Discovery of Ancient Swamp-Dwelling Mammal Sheds Light on Colorado's Late Cretaceous Ecosystem: Paleontologists, led by Jaelyn Eberle from the University of Colorado Boulder, have unearthed a new mammal species, Heleocola piceanus, near Rangely, Colorado. The fossil, dating back 70-75 million years, reveals a relatively large mammal, the size of a muskrat, which lived in Colorado’s marshy swamps during the Late Cretaceous period. The discovery highlights the mammal’s coexistence with much larger dinosaurs and its potential plant-based diet. This find underscores the significant role ancient mammals played in the region's prehistoric ecosystems.

New Model Suggests Wheel May Have Originated in Eastern European Copper Mines: A collaborative study by engineers and a historian offers a new theory on the development of the wheel. Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Georgia Tech, and Columbia University suggest that the wheel's origin may trace back to copper mines in the Carpathian Mountains around 6,000 years ago. Their model proposes that miners, seeking to move heavy ore more efficiently, began with basic rollers (tree trunks), gradually adding grooves and larger ends to create fixed axles. The final step in the wheel’s evolution likely involved attaching independently moving wheels. The team suggests this development process could have taken approximately 500 years.