Nanoplastics in the Body Found to Impair Antibiotic Effectiveness and Promote Resistance

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

In today’s edition:

• Science - Researchers Develop Method to Reprogram Plant Cells, Revealing Insights for Biofuel Production and more.

• Technology and AI - Ataraxis AI Unveils Machine Learning Model with 30% Higher Accuracy in Predicting Breast Cancer Progression, and more.

• Engineering - Researchers Develop Biodegradable Starch-Based Nanocomposites for Sustainable Electronics, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - New Evidence Suggests Possible Ocean Beneath Uranus' Moon Miranda, Redefining Its Potential Habitability, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Nanoplastics in the Body Found to Impair Antibiotic Effectiveness and Promote Resistance, and more.

• Neuroscience - MIT Researchers Develop Subcellular Wearable Devices for Neuronal Modulation and Potential MS Treatment, and more.

• Environment - Thwaites Glacier's Rapid Melting Spurs Debate on Geoengineering as a Climate Solution, and more.

• Nature - New Deep Learning Acoustic Detector Enhances Monitoring of Chimpanzee Populations in Tanzania’s Mahale Mountain, and more.

• Other Sciences & Arts - New Study Challenges the Infinite Monkey Theorem's Practicality in a Finite Universe, and more.

• Industry - Blue Origin Prepares for New Glenn Rocket's First Launch with Massive Booster Delivery to Cape Canaveral.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Researchers Develop Method to Reprogram Plant Cells, Revealing Insights for Biofuel Production: A team at Penn State has developed a novel technique to reprogram stripped-down plant cells, or protoplasts, into specific cell types. Using this method, researchers studied xylem tracheary elements (XTEs), specialized cells with banded cell walls that contribute to plant stability. The study revealed how interactions between cellulose and other polymers are essential for forming these patterns and explored how structural defects in mutant cells could impact biofuel extraction. This technique could streamline plant biology research, potentially speeding the study of various cell types and improving approaches for biofuel production.

Researchers Discover Key Protein in RNA Regulation, Paving Way for Advances in Crop Resilience and Disease Treatment: A research team at Texas A&M has identified the Serrate protein as a critical link in regulating RNA processes, with significant implications for both agriculture and human health. This protein plays a previously unknown role in coordinating RNA modification and microRNA production—processes essential for gene expression and cellular function. These findings could lead to innovations in crop resilience by enhancing plants' responses to environmental stresses, as well as new treatments for diseases linked to RNA misregulation, such as Alzheimer's and cancer. The team plans to further study these RNA mechanisms in crops and human cells to explore their potential applications.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Ataraxis AI Unveils Machine Learning Model with 30% Higher Accuracy in Predicting Breast Cancer Progression: A team from Ataraxis AI, in collaboration with multiple U.S. institutions, has developed a machine-learning model that reportedly predicts breast cancer progression more accurately than current clinical tests like Oncotype DX. Utilizing a large dataset from partnering hospitals, the AI model analyzes tumor progression images and patient data, achieving up to 30% higher accuracy than standard tests. By employing multiple model variations and averaging results, Ataraxis AI reduced prediction errors, providing a more reliable estimate of cancer aggressiveness. Tested on historical data from 3,500 patients, the model’s enhanced accuracy offers promising implications for tailored treatment planning. The startup aims to release the model as software for health care providers next year and to continue refining it to support more precise cancer assessment tools in clinical settings.

AI-Driven Analysis of Ecotourist Photos Enables Tracking of Adélie Penguin Colonies in Antarctica: Researchers from Stony Brook University and the U.S. Geological Survey have developed a method to use AI, specifically a Segment Anything Model (SAM), to analyze images of Adélie penguins taken by ecotourists in Antarctica. By integrating these images with satellite data and a digital elevation model, they were able to map penguin colonies and monitor their movements over time in response to environmental conditions. This approach provides new insights into penguin behavior and population dynamics, offering valuable data on climate change effects in the Antarctic.

ENGINEERING

Researchers Develop Biodegradable Starch-Based Nanocomposites for Sustainable Electronics: Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have created innovative nanocomposite films made from starch and MXene, offering a biodegradable and flexible alternative to petroleum-based materials for electronics. This breakthrough enables the production of eco-friendly, electrically conductive materials with tunable mechanical and electrical properties, suitable for applications in wearable technology, healthcare monitoring, and electronic skins. These starch-based films decompose within a month when buried in soil, drastically reducing e-waste. The team’s work provides a sustainable solution for flexible electronics, promoting a future where electronic devices contribute to an environmentally responsible, circular economy.

Researchers Develop Self-Cleaning Electrode for Efficient Metal Peroxide Synthesis in Wastewater Treatment: A research team at the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, in collaboration with Shanghai Jiaotong University, has developed an advanced self-cleaning electrode to synthesize alkaline-earth metal peroxides (MO₂) efficiently. Traditional MO₂ synthesis using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is hindered by H₂O₂ decomposition and adhesion issues on electrode surfaces. This study introduces an innovative Ni-doped oxygenated carbon electrode with Teflon coating (T-NiOC), featuring a micro-/nanostructure to reduce solid-liquid contact and enhance MO₂ detachment. This electrode achieves ~99% selectivity and stability for over 1,000 hours. The synthesized CaO₂ also outperformed H₂O₂ in degrading tetracycline in wastewater, marking a significant step in sustainable wastewater treatment and electrochemical synthesis.

Chinese Academy of Sciences Develops Acid- and Alkali-Resistant Nanofiltration Membranes for Lithium Recovery from Batteries: Researchers led by Prof. Wan Yinhua at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have introduced an innovative "zone-regulated interfacial polymerization" strategy to develop chemically stable nanofiltration (NF) membranes designed to recover lithium from spent lithium batteries. Conventional polyamide NF membranes are unsuitable due to degradation in acidic and alkaline conditions, prompting the team to turn to polyurea (PU) membranes for their enhanced chemical stability. By employing Cu²⁺ and SDS to control the diffusion of monomers, they achieved a thinner, uniform PU membrane layer with high separation selectivity and stability under extreme pH levels. This advancement represents a key step in sustainable lithium recycling, aligning with the rising demand for lithium in the energy sector and supporting global efforts in green technology development.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

New Evidence Suggests Possible Ocean Beneath Uranus' Moon Miranda, Redefining Its Potential Habitability: A recent study led by scientists from Johns Hopkins and the University of North Dakota suggests that Uranus' moon Miranda may harbor a subsurface ocean. By analyzing Voyager 2 images and modeling tidal interactions, researchers found that past gravitational forces from neighboring moons may have warmed Miranda enough to form a vast ocean beneath its icy crust. This potential ocean, if still partially liquid, places Miranda among the rare "ocean worlds" in our solar system, challenging previous assumptions about its frozen state. While further data is needed to confirm, this finding adds Miranda as a possible target for future missions exploring extraterrestrial habitability.

University of Illinois Researchers Demonstrate Feasibility of Multimode Propulsion for Lunar Missions: Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in collaboration with NASA, have demonstrated the feasibility of multimode propulsion—a system using both chemical and electric thrust modes with the same propellant—for lunar missions. By combining high-thrust and low-thrust options, this approach offers greater flexibility, reduced fuel consumption, and potential weight savings for CubeSat missions. The team developed an optimal control algorithm to automate propulsion mode selection, optimizing fuel use and transfer time. Multimode propulsion, an emerging technology, promises to expand mission capabilities and enhance adaptability for future space exploration.

NASA Research Highlights Critical Need for Robust Nutrition System for Mars Missions: NASA researchers emphasize the importance of developing a comprehensive nutrition system for future Mars missions, as astronauts will face extended periods in space without the possibility of resupply. Long-duration space travel introduces numerous health risks, including muscle loss, bone density reduction, weakened immune function, and neuro-ocular syndrome—all of which are influenced by nutrition. Unlike short missions, a Mars journey will require a highly efficient, varied, and sustainable food system. Currently, no such system exists, and the researchers caution that supplements alone cannot replicate the health benefits of whole foods. Establishing a space food system is vital for both physical and social well-being, helping to maintain crew morale and mission success.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Nanoplastics in the Body Found to Impair Antibiotic Effectiveness and Promote Resistance: An international research team led by MedUni Vienna has uncovered that nanoplastics present in the body can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics, specifically tetracycline, and potentially contribute to antibiotic resistance. Focusing on common plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and nylon 6,6, the study revealed that these nanoplastics can bind to the antibiotic, limiting its intended effects and redirecting it to unintended areas in the body. Nylon showed particularly strong binding, highlighting a risk for people frequently exposed to indoor sources of nanoplastics, such as textiles. This interaction can concentrate antibiotics on the nanoplastics' surfaces, potentially fostering antibiotic-resistant bacteria—a concern amid the rising threat of antibiotic resistance globally.

Develops Nanoparticle-Based Therapy Targeting Inflammation for Obesity Treatment: Researchers at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation have created a groundbreaking nanoparticle-based therapy aimed at treating obesity by targeting inflammation in fat tissue. The therapy uses simvastatin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (Sim-NPs) for localized delivery to adipose tissue, reducing obesity-related inflammation and promoting fat tissue browning. In tests with diet-induced obese mice, the treatment showed significant anti-inflammatory effects, improved immune cell modulation, and controlled white fat production, leading to weight loss. This targeted approach minimizes systemic side effects and holds promise as a more effective obesity treatment. Future research will focus on optimizing this nanoparticle delivery system and conducting further preclinical trials.

New Study Reveals Link Between Sympathetic Nervous System Activity and Insulin Resistance in Obesity: Researchers at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School have identified that increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) due to overnutrition plays a significant role in developing insulin resistance, a major precursor to type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders. By experimenting with a genetically modified mouse model, the study found that mice with suppressed SNS activity did not develop the typical insulin resistance seen in obesity, despite high-fat diets. This suggests that SNS overactivity, rather than impaired cellular insulin signaling, is a critical factor in insulin resistance. The findings highlight a potential new direction for treating obesity-related insulin resistance and metabolic diseases, though further research is needed to translate these findings to human treatment strategies.

NEUROSCIENCE

MIT Researchers Develop Subcellular Wearable Devices for Neuronal Modulation and Potential MS Treatment: MIT scientists have created ultra-small, battery-free wearable devices that can wrap around individual neuronal structures, such as axons and dendrites, allowing for precise modulation of neuronal activity. Made from a soft polymer called azobenzene, these devices can be wirelessly actuated with light to conform to complex cell shapes without causing damage. Potential applications include restoring neuronal function in diseases like multiple sclerosis by acting as synthetic myelin. The technology could eventually enable targeted stimulation of neurons, offering a new frontier for treating brain diseases at a subcellular level.

Researchers Identify Polyphosphate as Possible 'Mystery Density' in Alzheimer's-Linked Fibrils: A University of Michigan research team, led by Professor Ursula Jakob, has discovered that polyphosphate, a ubiquitous biological polymer, may be the "mystery density" found in fibrils associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Using computer models, the team demonstrated how polyphosphate could fit within amyloid fibrils, stabilizing them and potentially reducing toxicity. This insight could lead to new approaches in managing neurodegenerative diseases by maintaining polyphosphate levels in the brain. Though further research is needed, the findings mark an important step in understanding fibril composition and its role in disease progression.

Researchers Develop Highly Sensitive Tool to Detect Subtle Brain Signals, Offering Insights into Neurological Disorders: Stanford University researchers have developed ASAP5, a highly sensitive voltage indicator that allows scientists to visualize the full range of electrical signals in human brain cells in real time. This breakthrough could transform our understanding of neuronal communication and improve insights into conditions like autism and epilepsy. ASAP5 can detect even the faintest synaptic signals, enabling researchers to study how distant synapses amplify their signals for the neuron to interpret. This new capability could lead to enhanced diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases by offering a more detailed view of synaptic function and connectivity.

ENVIRONMENT

Thwaites Glacier's Rapid Melting Spurs Debate on Geoengineering as a Climate Solution: New research on the Thwaites Glacier, or "Doomsday Glacier," shows accelerating melt due to warm tidal currents, yet indicates some stability against collapse. This has renewed interest in glacial geoengineering as a way to slow ice melt and mitigate sea level rise. Proposed ideas, like installing underwater barriers to block warm water from reaching the glacier, face controversy. While geoengineering could buy time, experts warn it shouldn’t replace efforts to reduce carbon emissions, stressing it’s only a temporary measure to prevent catastrophic climate impacts.

Air Pollution in Lahore Hits Record High, Triggering Emergency Measures and Health Concerns: Air pollution in Lahore, Pakistan's second-largest city, reached an unprecedented Air Quality Index (AQI) of 1,067, far above the 'dangerous' threshold of 300. This severe smog, driven by vehicle emissions, agricultural burning, and seasonal cooling, poses major health risks, with PM2.5 levels at over 40 times the WHO’s recommended safe limit. Authorities have imposed restrictions in high-pollution zones, adjusted school hours, and implemented remote work policies to mitigate exposure. Lahore’s toxic air cuts residents' life expectancy by an average of 7.5 years, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive pollution control measures.

NATURE

New Deep Learning Acoustic Detector Enhances Monitoring of Chimpanzee Populations in Tanzania’s Mahale Mountain: Ecologist Adrienne Chitayat has completed the first comprehensive survey of chimpanzee population density in Tanzania’s Mahale Mountains National Park and developed a deep learning-based acoustic detector to monitor unhabituated chimpanzees more efficiently. The detector uses passive acoustic monitoring to identify complex chimpanzee sounds, such as pant-hoots, allowing researchers to track chimpanzee locations and activity levels across the park. This innovative approach not only offers an alternative to labor-intensive nest counting but also provides crucial data to inform conservation strategies, especially as climate change affects the Greater Mahale Ecosystem.

KRILLGUARD Project Launches to Study Antarctic Krill's Genetic Resilience Amid Warming Oceans: The KRILLGUARD project, led by researchers from the Natural History Museum and the British Antarctic Survey, aims to understand how Antarctic krill populations are adapting to climate change. Rising temperatures are shrinking krill habitats, pushing these vital invertebrates towards the South Pole. The project will analyze krill genetics, using DNA probes to examine historical and recent samples, to assess genetic changes over the last century. Findings could reveal if distinct krill subpopulations exist and how human activity, such as commercial fishing, might be affecting their adaptability to warming seas. The results could inform international conservation strategies to protect krill diversity and resilience.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

New Study Challenges the Infinite Monkey Theorem's Practicality in a Finite Universe: A recent study led by mathematicians Stephen Woodcock and Jay Falletta from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) reevaluates the Infinite Monkey Theorem, which posits that a monkey typing randomly for an infinite amount of time could eventually produce the complete works of Shakespeare. Using a finite model—limited by the estimated lifespan of the universe and the global chimpanzee population—the study demonstrates that it is virtually impossible for random typing to recreate Shakespeare’s works within a realistic timeframe. While a single monkey could type short words like "bananas" by chance, producing Shakespeare's 884,647 words is implausible, even with 200,000 chimps typing for 10^100 years. This study underscores the limitations of the theorem when applied to real-world constraints, situating it among probability paradoxes that diverge from practical expectations. In an era of AI, the research invites reflection on the intersections of randomness, creativity, and the constraints of finite resources.

Archaeologists Uncover Tunic Possibly Belonging to Alexander the Great in Vergina Royal Tombs: A team led by Antonis Bartsiokas at Democritus University of Thrace has identified a purple and white tunic found in Greece’s Royal Tombs at Vergina as possibly belonging to Alexander the Great. The tunic, found in Tomb II, was analyzed using gas chromatography and spectroscopy, revealing elite dyeing practices and confirming its cotton material. The tomb also contained a frieze featuring a hunter resembling Alexander and nearby artifacts with Persian connections. Additionally, the team linked remains in Tomb I to Philip II (Alexander’s father), in Tomb II to Philip III (Alexander’s half-brother), and in Tomb II again to Alexander IV, his young son.

INDUSTRY

Blue Origin Prepares for New Glenn Rocket's First Launch with Massive Booster Delivery to Cape Canaveral: Blue Origin has delivered the first stage of its New Glenn rocket to Cape Canaveral for a planned November debut launch. The 320-foot rocket, powered by seven BE-4 engines, will aim for reusability with a downrange recovery, similar to SpaceX’s Falcon 9. This launch marks one of two certification flights required by the U.S. Space Force, with additional missions lined up for NASA and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.

NASA's CODEX Instrument Set to Study Solar Wind Origins from the ISS: NASA’s new Coronal Diagnostic Experiment (CODEX), launching to the ISS in November 2024, will provide unprecedented insights into the solar wind's origin and evolution. Mounted externally on the ISS, CODEX’s advanced solar coronagraph can measure not only the plasma density but also the temperature and speed of the solar wind, offering a fuller picture of solar activity. This comes at an opportune time, as the sun is in its solar maximum phase. In collaboration with international partners, CODEX will complement existing missions like the Parker Solar Probe, enhancing our understanding of space weather and its impact on Earth.