Researcher Develops Novel Desalination Technique, Converts Over 90% of Salt Water to Fresh Water

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

In today’s edition:

• Science - New Tough and Biodegradable Plastics Offer Hope for Sustainable Society, and more.

• Technology and AI - Study Reveals How AI Language Models Might Dampen Human Creativity Over Time, and more.

• Engineering - Researcher Develops Novel Desalination Technique, Converts Over 90% of Salt Water to Fresh Water, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Measuring Cosmic Temperatures in Neutron Star Collisions Reveals Origin of Heavy Elements, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Electric Fans Ineffective in Cooling Older Adults During Heat Waves: University of Ottawa Study, Engineering Artificial Kidneys: Mechanistic Insights Open New Avenues in Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment, and more.

• Neuroscience - Twin Study Illuminates Key Role of CD8+ T Cells in Multiple Sclerosis Progression, and more.

• Environment - Pacific Ocean Currents Intensify, Impacting Global Climate Patterns, and more.

• Nature - How Fruit Flies Maintain Stable Vision Amid Rapid Light Changes.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

New Tough and Biodegradable Plastics Offer Hope for Sustainable Society: Researchers from Osaka University have developed advanced biodegradable plastics by integrating movable crosslinks, or ring-like cyclodextrins, into polymer chains, significantly enhancing both durability and degradability. This innovative design overcomes the usual tradeoff between toughness and ease of degradation in polymers. By dispersing local stress, the cyclodextrin crosslinks increase the material’s strength while also facilitating enzyme access for degradation. The team showed that these plastics could be degraded 20 times more efficiently than traditional polymers using Novozym 435, an enzyme that targets the plastic’s ester bonds. This breakthrough enables the polymers to break down into reusable molecules, paving the way for sustainable, waste-reducing materials.

Ames Lab Team Explores Role of Surface Oxides to Boost Quantum Circuit Performance: A research team led by Lin Zhou at Ames National Laboratory has advanced the understanding of surface oxides’ role in quantum computing, particularly in reducing decoherence, a major challenge that limits quantum information processing. Surface oxides on superconducting materials, such as niobium (Nb) and tantalum (Ta), contribute significantly to decoherence, impeding the performance of quantum circuits. Through collaboration with Rigetti Computing, Fermi National Lab, and Illinois Institute of Technology, the researchers used advanced electron microscopy to connect atomic-level defects with performance loss, uncovering that Ta-based films exhibited better superconducting qualities than Nb. Their work supports a bottom-up approach in the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center's efforts to optimize quantum circuit materials.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Study Reveals How AI Language Models Might Dampen Human Creativity Over Time: Researchers at the University of Toronto have uncovered potential drawbacks to using large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT for creative tasks, finding that they may reduce humans' creative thinking over time. In controlled experiments, participants performed divergent and convergent thinking tasks, first with AI-generated suggestions and then independently. During the initial “exposure phase,” AI assistance enhanced participants’ performance. However, when working alone, participants who hadn’t used the AI produced more varied and innovative responses than those who had. The study also revealed a lasting “idea homogenization” effect, where reliance on AI suggestions led to less diverse ideas even after AI assistance stopped. These findings underscore the need for caution in designing AI-based creativity tools and highlight the importance of preserving diverse thinking in AI-human collaborations. Future research will examine AI's impact in more natural, real-world settings.

Generative AI Boom Predicted to Produce Millions of Tons of E-Waste by 2030, Study Finds: A study led by urban environmentalists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Reichman University projects significant e-waste generation from the hardware supporting generative AI applications like ChatGPT. As demand for these resource-intensive systems grows, the associated specialized GPUs, circuit boards, and batteries in data centers face eventual obsolescence. Researchers estimated that AI infrastructure could generate between 1.2 to 5 million metric tons of e-waste by 2030, with yearly waste potentially reaching 2.5 million metric tons. They advocate for a circular economy in the AI industry, emphasizing recycling to mitigate this anticipated surge in electronic waste.

AI Transcription Tool Whisper Faces Criticism Over "Hallucinated" Text Errors in Sensitive Contexts: OpenAI’s transcription tool Whisper, lauded for its near-human-level accuracy, has shown a critical flaw: "hallucinations," or fabricated text errors. According to a study published in AP News and based on interviews with developers and academics, Whisper often inserts non-existent statements, including inappropriate or dangerous language, in transcriptions. These errors pose significant risks in high-stakes fields like healthcare, where Whisper is increasingly used to document patient consultations. Despite warnings from OpenAI, over 30,000 clinicians are utilizing Whisper-based tools, leading to concerns about accuracy and patient privacy. Experts advocate for stricter AI regulation and robust validation practices to address potential risks in critical applications.

ENGINEERING

Researcher Develops Novel Desalination Technique, Converts Over 90% of Salt Water to Fresh Water: Tayia Oddonetto, a doctoral student at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), has pioneered a new desalination method, salt-free electrodialysis metathesis, capable of converting over 90% of brine (highly saline water) into fresh water. Unlike traditional reverse osmosis, which leaves a concentrated brine waste, Oddonetto’s technique uses ion exchange membranes and electrical currents to separate salts, increasing water recovery and extracting valuable minerals, like lithium, for reuse. Her research, which won first place in the NSF Engineering Research Centers Perfect Pitch Competition, promises environmental and economic benefits, as well as cost savings for public utilities. Upcoming collaborations aim to refine the technology for large-scale application.

Rice University Develops Energy-Efficient Reactor for Direct Air Carbon Capture: Researchers at Rice University have created a novel electrochemical reactor designed to improve the efficiency and scalability of direct air carbon capture (DAC). Unlike conventional DAC methods that require high temperatures to regenerate carbon dioxide (CO₂), the Rice reactor leverages electrical energy at room temperature, minimizing energy use and eliminating the need for toxic chemicals. The modular, three-chamber reactor design uses a porous electrolyte layer to optimize ion movement and efficiently split carbonate and bicarbonate solutions, resulting in high-purity CO₂ capture and the production of reusable alkaline absorbent. This breakthrough could help industries adopt greener carbon capture methods, providing a path toward scalable, net-zero emissions solutions.

Researchers Extend Lifespan of Zinc-Ion Batteries for Scalable Renewable Energy Storage: A team at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has developed a breakthrough protective layer for zinc anodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries, significantly enhancing their durability to withstand hundreds of thousands of charge cycles. The innovation, led by Prof. Roland A. Fischer, uses TpBD-2F, a porous organic polymer that creates a stable, ultra-thin film on the zinc anode, preventing the formation of zinc dendrites and unwanted chemical reactions. This development positions zinc-ion batteries as a more cost-effective and safer alternative to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage, such as for wind and solar power, due to zinc's affordability and environmental advantages. Researchers have created a prototype button cell, and future engineering efforts aim to scale the technology for industrial applications.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Measuring Cosmic Temperatures in Neutron Star Collisions Reveals Origin of Heavy Elements: For the first time, astrophysicists have measured the microscopic properties of matter in a neutron star collision, observing temperatures billions of degrees hot in the radioactive glow of a new black hole. This research, led by the Niels Bohr Institute's Cosmic DAWN Center, details the birth of a "kilonova"—an explosion brighter than millions of suns—producing heavy elements like strontium and yttrium. By combining global telescope data, researchers could study the explosion’s progression, which mirrors the early universe's cooling after the Big Bang. This discovery provides new insights into the origins of elements heavier than iron, capturing atomic formation as matter expanded near the speed of light in the fireball's afterglow.

New Simulations Reveal How Turbulence Shapes Star-Forming Clouds in the Milky Way: A recent study led by Arizona State University reveals how turbulence in giant molecular clouds drives star formation. Using tracer particles to simulate eight cloud scenarios, researchers discovered that turbulence, driven by gravity and galactic forces, creates shocks that shape dense pockets in the cloud, where stars are likely to form. These shocks slow in dense areas and accelerate in less dense regions, helping define the dense lumps where new stars emerge. The simulation allows scientists to track density changes over time, advancing our understanding of how and where stars like our sun form. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope further explores these molecular clouds, shedding light on their chemistry and history, complementing the simulation insights.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Electric Fans Ineffective in Cooling Older Adults During Heat Waves: University of Ottawa Study: A study conducted by the University of Ottawa’s Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit reveals that using electric fans does not lower core body temperatures in older adults during heat waves. In the study, 18 elderly volunteers (ages 65-72) were placed in a climate-controlled chamber at 36°C with 45% humidity, with fan speeds set to off, slow, and fast. Researchers found no reduction in core temperature across all fan settings. Interestingly, while the fast fan setting made participants feel cooler, it created a false sense of safety by masking potentially dangerous core temperature increases, a concern as heat waves continue to impact vulnerable populations.

Engineering Artificial Kidneys: Mechanistic Insights Open New Avenues in Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment: Alex Hughes, Assistant Professor at Penn Engineering and Penn Medicine, explores kidney development and artificial kidney tissue formation, aiming to alleviate the burdens of chronic kidney disease (CKD). His research found that kidney tubules, densely packed structures responsible for blood filtration, develop in response to mechanical stress waves. This stress acts as a signal for nephron formation, guiding tissue growth without a "blueprint." Additionally, in a Cell Systems study, Hughes' team developed a method to create organoids by optimizing the balance of kidney stem cells, which they termed the "goldilocks" ratio. These findings suggest new directions for engineering functional kidney tissues, which could one day serve as alternatives to dialysis and transplants in CKD treatment.

New Insights into BRCA1’s Role in Fertility: UO Biologists Discover Mechanism Impacting Egg and Sperm Development: University of Oregon researchers have identified how mutations in the BRCA1 gene, commonly linked to breast cancer, also impair fertility. The scientists showed that BRCA1 plays a critical role in quality control during meiosis, the cell division process creating eggs and sperm. Using the model organism C. elegans, they found that mutated BRCA1 genes allow harmful microdeletions in DNA, preventing correct egg and sperm formation and potentially leading to infertility. This discovery offers potential for developing targeted fertility treatments for BRCA1 mutation carriers, an area with broad implications for both male and female reproductive health.

Precision Eye Movements Fine-Tune Sharp Vision by Aligning with Retinal Cone Density: A study by researchers at the University Hospital Bonn and the University of Bonn reveals how subtle eye movements called "drift" are finely synchronized with cone photoreceptor density in the fovea to optimize sharp vision. Using advanced imaging and micro-psychophysics, the study demonstrated that while cone density alone does not fully predict visual acuity, the brain uses drift movements to continually bring visual details into regions of higher cone density, enhancing clarity. This alignment, measured in 16 healthy participants, could inform better treatments for vision disorders and improve technologies like retinal implants.

NEUROSCIENCE

Twin Study Illuminates Key Role of CD8+ T Cells in Multiple Sclerosis Progression: A groundbreaking study from the University Hospital at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich reveals how cytotoxic CD8+ T cells drive inflammation in multiple sclerosis (MS). By examining genetically identical twins, where one had MS and the other was healthy or had subclinical neuroinflammation, researchers traced how CD8+ T cells contribute to disease progression. Using single-cell transcriptomics and T cell receptor sequencing on 12 twin pairs, they found MS-associated CD8+ T cells with heightened proinflammatory activity, cytotoxic signaling, and a migratory potential to the central nervous system. These findings provide critical insight into CD8+ T cells' role, suggesting new therapeutic targets to potentially mitigate MS progression.

New Stroke Treatment on the Horizon: UConn Researchers Develop miRNA-Based Therapy to Limit Brain Damage: In pursuit of an effective stroke therapy, researchers at the University of Connecticut have developed a promising treatment targeting the inflammatory response that exacerbates brain damage during a stroke. Current treatments—clot-busting drugs and thrombectomy—reach only a small percentage of stroke patients, highlighting the need for novel interventions. UConn researchers, led by Dr. Rajkumar Verma, identified a key molecule, miRNA-141-3p, which escalates inflammation in the brain during a stroke. Their newly developed inhibitor, anti-miR-141-3p, effectively reduces stroke-induced inflammation in mouse models, restoring motor function and enhancing neuroprotective factors. The team is working toward clinical trials, with hopes that this treatment will close the therapeutic gap in stroke care.

Discovery of “Guardian Peptides” Reveals Brain’s Role in Immune Balance, Offering New Hope for Neuroinflammatory Diseases: Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have uncovered how the brain communicates with the immune system to maintain immune balance, which could lead to breakthroughs in treating neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s. This study, conducted in mice identified "guardian peptides"—protein fragments produced by the central nervous system to manage immune activity. These peptides engage T cells at the brain’s borders, reducing abnormal immune responses and promoting a healthy immune “privilege” within the brain. When tested in MS-affected mice, supplementing depleted peptides improved motor function and slowed disease progression. The study suggests potential diagnostic applications and therapies for neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, as these peptides may signal early disease stages.

ENVIRONMENT

Pacific Ocean Currents Intensify, Impacting Global Climate Patterns: A new study reveals a marked acceleration in the upper-ocean currents of the equatorial Pacific over the last 30 years, driven by intensified atmospheric winds. These stronger, shallower currents could influence global climate patterns, notably impacting the El Niño and La Niña events that drive regional climate variability. Led by Franz Philip Tuchen at the University of Miami’s CIMAS in collaboration with NOAA’s AOML, the study integrates 30 years of oceanic and atmospheric data from satellites and buoys. The findings indicate a 20% increase in westward currents in the central equatorial Pacific, with even higher poleward current increases, offering new insights for refining climate models and improving ENSO-related weather forecasts.

Microplastics in the Human Body: A Growing Health Concern: Microplastics, present in the air, water, and food chain, have now been detected in various parts of the human body, including the lungs, blood, and brain. Research is linking these particles to health risks such as heart disease, cancer, and fertility issues, although direct causation remains unproven. UCSF researcher Tracey Woodruff and others have found that microplastics can harm respiratory and reproductive health, and even pass from mother to fetus. With plastic production set to triple by 2060, the UN is moving towards a treaty to combat plastic pollution. Meanwhile, experts recommend reducing exposure by avoiding plastic containers, ventilating homes, and choosing natural clothing materials.

Half a Century Later, DDT Still Contaminates Southern California Marine Life: A study from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography finds that DDT, dumped off Southern California over 50 years ago, continues to contaminate ocean sediments and fish, especially near known dumpsites. By analyzing 20 years of data, researchers discovered that DDT levels in fish closely align with sediment contamination, particularly for bottom-dwelling species like halibut. Encouragingly, DDT levels in most fish have decreased, staying within safe limits, though some areas still pose risks. The study uses this data to improve location-specific fish consumption advisories and has led to the creation of SaferSeafood, a website where anglers can check DDT contamination predictions. Ongoing studies will further investigate contamination at deep-water dumpsites.

NATURE

How Fruit Flies Maintain Stable Vision Amid Rapid Light Changes: A new study led by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz uncovers how fruit flies maintain stable vision in rapidly shifting light conditions, revealing insights that could inform artificial vision systems. Through experimental work and computational modeling, researchers identified specific neuronal circuits, including the Dm12 cells, that help stabilize visual contrast by pooling luminance data over localized areas. This “gain control” mechanism corrects contrast variations that occur when light intensity changes quickly, such as when moving from sunlight to shade. The findings suggest that a similar visual stability mechanism may exist in mammals, including humans, due to shared neuronal substrates, offering a potential model for improving camera-based navigation systems like those in self-driving cars.

Bats Use Acoustic Maps for Long-Distance Navigation with Echolocation: A new study has revealed that echolocating bats, specifically Kuhl's pipistrelle, use an acoustic cognitive map to navigate over distances of up to three kilometers using echolocation alone. Conducted by an international research team led by Aya Goldshtein at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, the study tracked bats using reverse GPS to observe how they navigate back to their roosts after being displaced within their home range. Results showed that even in complete darkness, 95% of the bats successfully returned, using environmental acoustic landmarks to orient themselves. The study found that bats follow a meandering flight path to gather information before switching to a directed flight, indicating they recognize their location. Vision was also found to improve their navigation, suggesting bats combine echolocation and visual cues when possible. This discovery provides new insights into the bats' ability to use both acoustic and visual information to form a mental map of their surroundings.