AI-Powered Wearable Camera System Detects Medication Errors in Real Time

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

In today’s edition:

• Science - Triazole Molecular Catalyst Shows Promise for Efficient CO2-to-Methane Conversion, A Strange Pattern in Physics Equations May Reveal Fundamental Insights About the Universe, and more.

• Technology and AI - System 0: A New Era of Human-AI Cognitive Interaction, and more.

• Engineering - Innovative Nanofiltration Technology Unlocks Untapped Lithium Sources, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Brine Flow on Airless Celestial Bodies May Explain Mysterious Surface Features, and more.

• Health & Medicine - AI-Powered Wearable Camera System Detects Medication Errors in Real Time, Vitamin D Deficiency in Childhood Linked to Increased Risk of Autoimmune Diseases, and more.

• Neuroscience - New Study Confirms Role of Theta Phase Precession in Human Memory Formation and Retrieval, Tibetan Herb Terminalia chebula Shows Promise in Treating Mild Cognitive Impairment, and more.

• Environment - Wildfire Sensors Could Prevent Disasters by Detecting Fires Before They Spread.

• Nature - How Hibernating Bats Adapt Their Red Blood Cells to Cold: Potential Insights for Human Medicine, Oriental Hornets Can Tolerate Extreme Alcohol Levels Without Any Ill Effects, and more.

• Other Sciences & Arts - New Largest Prime Number Discovered by an Amateur Using GPUs, Fossil Discovery of the Smallest Dinosaur Eggs Unveils New Species, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Triazole Molecular Catalyst Shows Promise for Efficient CO2-to-Methane Conversion: Researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and collaborators have introduced a new triazole molecular catalyst that efficiently converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into methane (CH4), offering a potential solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study demonstrates that the 3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole-based catalyst achieves a Faradaic efficiency of 52% and a turnover frequency of 23,060 h⁻¹. The research suggests that this organic catalyst could offer an alternative to metal-based catalysts, providing higher tunability for scalable CO2 reduction into valuable chemicals and fuels.

A Strange Pattern in Physics Equations May Reveal Fundamental Insights About the Universe: A mathematical pattern, similar to Zipf’s law in linguistics, has been found in the symbols and operations used in the laws of physics. Researchers from Oxford and Sorbonne University analyzed various physics equations and discovered that the frequency distribution of symbols in these equations follows the same predictable pattern, regardless of the equation set. This finding could either suggest something fundamental about how the universe operates or reflect human tendencies to simplify complex ideas. The discovery could also aid machine-learning models in identifying new laws of physics.

New Bacterial Toxins Show Promise for Fighting Drug-Resistant Infections: Researchers have discovered a new group of bacterial toxins that can kill harmful bacteria and fungi without harming other organisms. Found in over 100,000 microbial genomes, these toxins represent potential new treatments for infections, particularly as antibiotic resistance becomes a growing concern. The study reveals how bacteria use these toxins to compete with other microbes. The research, led by Hebrew University and other institutions, highlights the potential of these toxins as a foundation for novel antimicrobial strategies and future clinical applications.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

System 0: A New Era of Human-AI Cognitive Interaction: A recent study published in Nature Human Behaviour introduces the concept of "System 0," a new cognitive system arising from human-AI interaction. Unlike the intuitive System 1 and the analytical System 2, System 0 is an external thinking system powered by artificial intelligence, capable of processing vast amounts of data to support human decision-making. While it enhances cognitive abilities, it also raises concerns about over-reliance, loss of autonomy, and the transparency of AI systems. The study emphasizes the need for ethical guidelines, critical thinking, and public education to ensure responsible AI integration into human cognition.

Microsoft Unveils Autonomous AI Agents to Revolutionize Business Operations: Microsoft has introduced autonomous AI agents for its Copilot platform, designed to perform routine tasks independently, advancing beyond traditional ChatGPT-style chatbots. These agents, tailored for industries such as sales, finance, and supply chain, will be available for public preview in December 2024. Microsoft envisions these agents reshaping business practices by automating operations, with companies also able to create custom agents via the new Copilot Studio. Despite concerns about accuracy and risks, Microsoft emphasized adherence to strict security and responsible AI guidelines.

ENGINEERING

Innovative Nanofiltration Technology Unlocks Untapped Lithium Sources: Monash University engineers have developed a breakthrough technology—EDTA-aided loose nanofiltration (EALNF)—that allows for efficient lithium extraction from previously untappable brine sources with high magnesium content. The study demonstrates how the method could boost lithium recovery from difficult sources in China’s salt lakes, achieving 90% lithium recovery—nearly double that of traditional methods. The system simultaneously extracts lithium and magnesium, reducing environmental impact by conserving water and producing valuable by-products, positioning it as a critical solution to meet rising global lithium demand.

New Microalgae-Filled Double-Skin Façades Offer Sustainable Energy Solutions for Buildings: Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed an innovative double-skin building façade containing microalgae, using machine learning to optimize energy production and thermal efficiency. The façade, which houses a photobioreactor between two layers of glass, allows microalgae to absorb sunlight, providing shade and thermal insulation. The system increased microalgae biomass by 80%, which can be converted into biofuel, potentially making buildings self-sustaining and reducing their environmental impact. This technology is particularly promising for cold climates like Canada, where it can lower energy demands and heating costs.

New Heterojunction Back Contact Solar Cell Achieves 27.09% Efficiency: A team of engineers from China's LONGi Central R&D Institute and Sun Yat-sen University has developed a highly efficient heterojunction back contact (HBC) solar cell, achieving a record efficiency of 27.09%. The design places the working structure on the rear of the cell, allowing more sunlight to be absorbed. The team overcame challenges related to charge carrier recombination using innovative techniques, including laser ablation. The solar cell's efficiency was independently verified, and the researchers aim to improve it to 27.7% with further refinements.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Brine Flow on Airless Celestial Bodies May Explain Mysterious Surface Features: A new study led by Southwest Research Institute's Dr. Michael J. Poston suggests that liquid brines, formed after meteoroid impacts, could explain flow features on airless bodies like asteroids Vesta and Ceres, and Jupiter's moon Europa. Simulating post-impact conditions, the team found that brines could remain liquid for at least an hour before refreezing, long enough to cause surface changes such as erosion and landslides. These findings provide insights into the potential presence of water in seemingly dry regions of the solar system.

Microquasars in Our Galaxy Found to Emit Extremely High-Energy Gamma Photons: Scientists at the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory have discovered that microquasars, jet-emitting objects within our galaxy, are capable of producing gamma photons with energies up to 200 teraelectronvolts (TeV), far exceeding previous expectations. Traditionally, high-energy gamma rays were thought to originate from distant quasars, but this new finding shows that jets from nearby microquasars, such as V4641 Sagittarii, can generate similar phenomena. This discovery revolutionizes our understanding of cosmic ray origins, suggesting that these intra-galactic objects significantly contribute to the highest energy cosmic radiation in the Milky Way.

Ancient Meteorite Impact May Have Boosted Early Life on Earth: A study led by geologist Nadja Drabon reveals new insights into Earth's early history, focusing on the impact of a massive meteorite, known as the "S2" impact, 3.26 billion years ago. The meteorite, 200 times larger than the one that killed the dinosaurs, triggered tsunamis, boiled ocean surfaces, and altered atmospheric conditions. Despite the devastation, bacteria flourished in the aftermath, as the impact stirred iron and phosphorus, promoting the growth of iron-metabolizing bacteria, offering evidence that such events might have boosted early life on Earth.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

AI-Powered Wearable Camera System Detects Medication Errors in Real Time: Researchers have developed a wearable camera system enhanced by artificial intelligence to detect medication errors during drug administration. In a recent study the system demonstrated 99.6% sensitivity and 98.8% specificity in identifying vial-swap mistakes in clinical settings. The AI recognizes vials and syringes based on visual cues like size, shape, and cap color, alerting clinicians before an error occurs. This technology could be a critical safety tool in high-pressure environments like operating rooms and intensive-care units, potentially reducing the 5-10% of drug administration errors that occur annually.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Childhood Linked to Increased Risk of Autoimmune Diseases: A study by McGill University researchers has discovered that vitamin D deficiency during childhood accelerates the aging of the thymus, a key immune organ, leading to a "leaky" immune system and increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes. The thymus, responsible for training immune cells to distinguish between healthy tissues and harmful invaders, becomes less effective when deprived of vitamin D. The research underscores the importance of ensuring adequate vitamin D intake, especially during "vitamin D winter" months when sunlight is insufficient to produce the vitamin.

New Study Reveals Alzheimer's Disease Progresses in Two Distinct Phases: New research using advanced brain mapping techniques suggests that Alzheimer's disease progresses in two distinct phases. The first, early phase occurs gradually and silently, affecting specific inhibitory neurons, while the second, late phase is marked by widespread brain damage, including memory loss and the rapid buildup of plaques and tangles. The study offers a new understanding of Alzheimer's progression, highlighting the importance of early detection. These findings could pave the way for targeted treatments during the earliest stages of the disease.

Growing Concerns for Older Adults Living Alone with Cognitive Impairment: A rising population of older adults in the U.S., estimated at 4.3 million, are living alone with cognitive impairment or dementia. Sociologist Elena Portacolone's research highlights the severe challenges they face, including trouble with daily tasks like managing finances or cooking. Despite these difficulties, only 21% receive aid through publicly funded programs, and many are left without family caregivers or community support. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for better identification and assistance for these individuals, who are at risk of neglect, isolation, and worsening health as their conditions progress.

NEUROSCIENCE

New Study Confirms Role of Theta Phase Precession in Human Memory Formation and Retrieval: Researchers from the University of California, Harvard Medical School, and other institutions have experimentally confirmed that theta phase precession, a shift in the timing of neuron firing relative to the brain’s theta rhythm, plays a critical role in memory formation and retrieval. In a study involving 22 participants, neural activity was recorded while subjects viewed and recalled movie clips, mimicking real-life memory encoding. The team found that dynamic phase precession occurred at event boundaries and was predictive of accurate memory recall, confirming its role in episodic memory processing.

Tibetan Herb Terminalia chebula Shows Promise in Treating Mild Cognitive Impairment: A comprehensive review by researchers from the University of Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests that Terminalia chebula (T. chebula), a medicinal herb used in Tibetan medicine, may offer potential as a treatment for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties, T. chebula could mitigate MCI symptoms by shielding neurons from oxidative stress and enhancing cerebral blood flow. However, further studies are needed to explore its chemical components and establish quality standards for treatment. This research highlights T. chebula’s promise in improving cognitive health and quality of life.

Unsupervised Learning in Humans: The Balance Between Self-Reinforcement and External Feedback: Research by neuroscientist Franziska Bröker explores how humans and machines learn without supervision, revealing that unsupervised learning can either aid or hinder progress based on task complexity and initial understanding. Unlike machines, humans tend to reinforce their own incorrect predictions without feedback, leading to learning traps. The study suggests that unsupervised learning works best when aligned with the task, but for complex skills, feedback is essential to avoid reinforcing mistakes. This research highlights the need for balanced feedback systems in education and expertise acquisition, combining self-reinforcement with timely supervision.

ENVIRONMENT

Wildfire Sensors Could Prevent Disasters by Detecting Fires Before They Spread: The US Department of Homeland Security is testing advanced chemical sensors that can detect the first signs of a fire, potentially preventing devastating wildfires. These sensors, developed by companies like N5 Sensors, can monitor air for smoke and chemical signatures, sending real-time alerts to fire crews. Already deployed in several US and Canadian towns, the sensors have successfully identified fires before they were reported, providing critical early warnings. While they show promise for protecting towns near wildfire-prone areas, challenges remain for large, remote fires.

NATURE

How Hibernating Bats Adapt Their Red Blood Cells to Cold: Potential Insights for Human Medicine: Researchers studying the red blood cells of hibernating bats, like the common noctule, have discovered that these cells become thicker and more rigid at low temperatures, allowing blood to flow efficiently even in extreme cold. This adaptation might enhance oxygen exchange in the body, potentially offering clues for medical treatments or even future space travel. By understanding how bat red blood cells morph in cold environments, scientists aim to explore ways to replicate this process for human benefit, such as in surgeries or long-distance space missions.

Oriental Hornets Can Tolerate Extreme Alcohol Levels Without Any Ill Effects: Researchers have discovered that the oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) can consume alcohol levels up to 80 percent without showing any behavioral or lifespan changes, a tolerance far surpassing other animals. Typically feeding on fermenting fruits like grapes, which naturally contain ethanol, these hornets can process large quantities of alcohol thanks to multiple copies of a gene that produces NADP+, an enzyme aiding alcohol breakdown. This remarkable ability may give the hornets an advantage in feeding on nutrient-rich, highly fermented foods.

Competitive Pollen Removal in Plants: A Catapult-Like Mechanism Boosts Reproductive Success: A study has revealed that some plants, like Hypenea macrantha, employ explosive pollen placement to compete with rival plants for pollination space on hummingbirds. This mechanism not only deposits pollen onto pollinators but also dislodges previously placed pollen from competitors, increasing the plant's chances of reproductive success. Researchers labeled pollen with quantum dots to track the efficiency of this process, providing empirical evidence that plants may evolve strategies akin to sperm competition in animals to ensure their pollen reaches the next flower.

OTHER SCIENCES & ARTS

New Largest Prime Number Discovered by an Amateur Using GPUs: A new largest prime number, M136279841, has been discovered by an amateur mathematician, Luke Durant, through the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS). This prime number, 41,024,320 digits long, surpasses the previous record by 16 million digits. Durant used a powerful network of thousands of GPUs spread across 24 data centers in 17 countries to find the 52nd known Mersenne prime. Though such large primes have no immediate practical use, they may hold value for future applications in mathematics and computing.

Fossil Discovery of the Smallest Dinosaur Eggs Unveils New Species: In 2021, paleontologists unearthed six exceptionally well-preserved dinosaur eggs near Ganzhou, China, which have now been confirmed as the smallest ever discovered. The smallest egg measures just 29mm, nearly half the size of the previous record holder. The eggs led researchers to establish a new genus and species, Minioolithus ganzhouensis. Using advanced electron microscopy, the team gained insights into the eggs' structure and evolutionary significance, shedding light on theropod reproduction in the Late Cretaceous.

Evidence of Wing-Assisted Movement Found in Tiny Dinosaur Tracks from 120 Million Years Ago: Scientists have discovered tracks in South Korea showing that the sparrow-sized dinosaur Dromaeosauriformipes rarus may have used its wings for assisted movement, like gliding or flapping. This represents the oldest known track evidence of wing-aided locomotion in dinosaurs that weren’t direct ancestors of birds. The findings suggest that aerodynamic abilities may have evolved multiple times in different dinosaur lineages, supporting the idea that many feathered dinosaurs used their wings to aid in running, jumping, or maneuvering, even before full flight capabilities evolved.