Physicists Create Spiral-Shifting “Optical Rotatum” Beam of Light

Hello and welcome to our April 12th 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 - Physicists Create Spiral-Shifting “Optical Rotatum” Beam of Light, and more.

• Materials - Japanese Researchers Develop Clear, Biodegradable Plastic Alternative That Degrades in Ocean Within a Year, and more.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - Freeze-Drying Breakthrough Enables Long-Term Storage and Delivery of Milk-Derived Drug Carriers, and more.

• Robotics - Microrobot Swarms Enable Breakthrough in 3D Vascular Imaging, and more.

• Engineering & Technology - Japan Unveils World's First 3D-Printed Train Station, Built in Just Seven Days, and more.

• Astronomy, Space, Astrobiology - High School Student Discovers 1.5 Million Space Objects Using AI at Caltech, Dormant Black Hole in Distant Galaxy Suddenly Awakens, Emitting Mysterious X-ray Bursts.

• Health & Medicine - Scientists Discover Neural Stem Cells Outside the Brain, Opening New Doors for Regenerative Medicine, and more.

• Neuroscience - Spinal Cord Neural Circuits Found to Differentiate Heat and Mechanical Pain in Mice, and more.

• Nature - Hidden in Plain Sight: Fluorescent Feathers Reveal Secrets of Long-eared Owls, Prescription Drug Pollution Alters Salmon Migration, Raising Concerns for Wildlife.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

Physicists Create Spiral-Shifting “Optical Rotatum” Beam of Light: Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a new type of structured light beam called an optical rotatum, which exhibits a changing torque as it travels through space. This groundbreaking optical vortex not only twists like a corkscrew but does so at varying rates across different parts of the beam—mimicking natural logarithmic spirals found in nautilus shells, sunflower seeds, and tree branches. The study demonstrates that the beam’s spatial torque evolves in a Fibonacci-like pattern, offering potential applications in precision particle manipulation, such as optical tweezers. Unlike previous high-intensity laser setups, this beam was created using low-intensity light and a single liquid crystal display, making the technology more accessible and industry-compatible.

Frustrated Geometry: How Nature’s Imperfect Building Blocks Could Inspire Stronger, Sustainable Materials: Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed mathematical models to explain how natural structures—like protective shells and bones—use geometric frustration, or mismatched building blocks, to form complex and useful materials. The team studied how imperfections, similar to trying to tile with pentagons, can lead to materials that are both strong and flexible. Their findings show that a balanced level of structural organization, not too ordered and not too random, leads to optimal material properties. This work could help design advanced, sustainable materials for medical devices and construction, and is set to continue at the NSF-funded COMPASS research center.

Researchers Uncover How Cells Fold DNA into X-Shaped Chromosomes During Mitosis: A new study reveals the molecular rules cells use to fold DNA into the iconic X-shaped chromosomes during mitosis, a key process for ensuring accurate genetic inheritance. The international research team found that loop-extruding molecular machines—cohesins and condensins—organize DNA into loops at high speed. Their interactions follow a set of simple but highly coordinated rules that determine how DNA is compacted and how sister chromatids are held together. These findings shed light on one of cell biology's long-standing mysteries and could offer new insights into genome stability, DNA repair, and cancer-related mutations.

MATERIALS

Japanese Researchers Develop Clear, Biodegradable Plastic Alternative That Degrades in Ocean Within a Year: A multidisciplinary team in Japan has created a biodegradable, transparent material—called tPB—that can hold boiling water and fully degrades in less than a year on the ocean floor. The study outlines how tPB is made from cellulose hydrogel treated with lithium bromide, resulting in a durable material suitable for use in cups, straws, and packaging. The material withstood hot liquids and resisted collapsing like traditional paper straws, while a plant-based resin coating prevented leakage entirely. Tests confirmed its marine biodegradability even in deep, cold waters, and it can be recycled, though transparency is slightly reduced after re-melting.

3D-Printed Color-Changing Materials Open New Frontiers in Smart Textiles and Robotics: A collaborative team has developed a groundbreaking method to 3D print cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs)—flexible, color-changing materials responsive to mechanical stress. The study used Coaxial Direct Ink Writing (DIW) to create multi-stable dome structures that shift color when strained, offering real-time visual feedback. These materials could revolutionize smart textiles, passive displays, stress sensors, and robotic components. The research team now aims to evolve this technology into sentient materials capable of adjusting stiffness and sensing pressure, potentially transforming design in materials science and robotics.

Light-Controlled Self-Assembly Enables Switchable Helical Structures in Molecular Materials: Researchers have discovered a method to precisely control the self-assembly of photoresponsive molecules by manipulating residual aggregates and light exposure. The study focused on a chiral azobenzene compound that forms left- or right-handed helical aggregates depending on light intensity and the presence of residual structures. By adjusting UV and visible light, the team induced reversible switching between helical forms with distinct electron spin polarizations, demonstrating how light-driven secondary nucleation can fine-tune the properties of molecular assemblies. This breakthrough offers promising applications in optical and electronic material design.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Freeze-Drying Breakthrough Enables Long-Term Storage and Delivery of Milk-Derived Drug Carriers: Researchers have developed a novel freeze-drying method that allows milk-derived exosomes—tiny biological containers used for drug delivery—to remain stable at room temperature for up to a year. Previously, freezing exosomes damaged them and limited storage to just a few days. The team found that adding the amino acid tryptophan during freeze-drying preserved exosome structure and function, creating a powder form suitable for capsules and shelf-stable shipping. This innovation eliminates the need for cold storage, opening the door to broader pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and cosmetic uses through the team’s startup, Tiny Cargo Co.

OSU Researchers Develop Nanoparticle System to Deliver Anti-Inflammatory Drugs to the Brain: In a major breakthrough, Oregon State University scientists have developed engineered nanoparticles capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to deliver anti-inflammatory drugs directly to the hypothalamus, targeting microglia cells involved in brain inflammation. The study demonstrated successful delivery of an IRAK4 inhibitor in a mouse model of cancer cachexia, leading to a 94% increase in food intake and preservation of muscle mass. This dual-targeting nanoplatform opens the door to potential treatments for a range of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and other inflammation-linked conditions.

Microswimmers Move Faster in Groups: New Insights Could Boost Targeted Drug Delivery Tech: Researchers have discovered how microscopic swimmers like sperm and bacteria gain speed by traveling in groups. The study used theoretical models and simulations to show that when these "microswimmers" move together in confined liquid crystal environments, they create flow fields that reduce resistance and enhance propulsion—especially for "pusher"-type swimmers. The research offers valuable insights for designing artificial microswimmers—tiny robots that could one day deliver drugs with pinpoint accuracy in the body. These findings could revolutionize biomedical applications like IVF, parasite treatment, and cancer therapy.

ROBOTICS

Microrobot Swarms Enable Breakthrough in 3D Vascular Imaging: Researchers have developed a revolutionary imaging technique using magnetic microrobot swarms to actively explore and reconstruct vascular networks in 3D. Unlike traditional angiography, which relies on passive contrast agents carried by blood flow and struggles with upstream or blocked regions, this new method uses magnetic particles guided by external fields. The system includes an image processing unit to track the swarm's 3D position and reconstruct vessel structures, even in areas with clots or abnormal flow. This approach shows promise for accurately detecting vascular conditions such as stenoses, thrombi, and fistulae, potentially transforming diagnostics and treatment planning.

Dog-Inspired Robot Walks Without Motors, Thanks to Smart Mechanics and Data: Scientists have developed a quadruped robot that can run like a dog without using motors, showcasing a major advance in energy-efficient robotics. The robot’s design is inspired by the passive mechanics of biological systems, like a fish swimming purely from water currents. Using machine learning, the team analyzed real dog movement to optimize the placement of springs, cables, and tendons in the robot. The result is a machine that can walk and adapt to varying speeds on a treadmill powered solely by its mechanical structure. Optional motors are included to help navigate obstacles but are used sparingly. This innovation paves the way for more sustainable and adaptive robots with minimal energy consumption.

PAWS Robot Mimics Animal Agility with Minimal Energy Use and Actuation:
Researchers have introduced a new quadruped robot named PAWS (Passive Automata With Synergies) that replicates the fluid, energy-efficient movements of animals using significantly fewer actuators than conventional robots. PAWS draws on the concept of motor synergies—coordinated muscle group activations seen in animals—to perform agile movements with minimal energy consumption. By incorporating compliant mechanical couplings and tendon-driven systems inspired by real dog motion data, PAWS can exhibit complex gaits like walking, galloping, and jumping using just four actuators. Impressively, it can even run passively on a treadmill without motor input. The study highlights the potential of biologically inspired, low-power robotic systems for robust, adaptable locomotion across diverse environments.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Japan Unveils World's First 3D-Printed Train Station, Built in Just Seven Days:
In a pioneering effort, Serendix Corporation and West Japan Railway Company (JR West) have completed what they call the world’s first 3D-printed train station in Hatsushima, located in Japan's rural Wakayama region. The compact, curved-roof structure was 3D-printed using a special mortar and robotic-arm technology, with assembly taking just two hours after the final train departed—well ahead of the morning’s first arrival. Compared to conventional construction methods, which can take over a month, this approach drastically reduced build time. The 2.6-meter-tall station features a local touch with a mikan orange-inspired design and will open after interior work and ticket gates are installed.

Real-Time Object Removal in 3D Scenes: Breakthrough in Diminished Reality Technology: Researchers have developed a groundbreaking system called InpaintFusion that enables real-time removal of objects from live 3D camera feeds. Unlike previous methods, this new diminished reality (DR) approach works seamlessly while the camera is moving, using a combination of 2D inpainting, depth data optimization, fast patch matching, and multithreading. This innovation allows users to edit real-time 3D environments as easily as using Photoshop, with potential applications in autonomous vehicle training, film production, and medical education. The team’s next steps include developing user-friendly toolkits and streamlining the creation of 3D models from limited image data.

Cornell Study Finds Supersonic Speed Limit for Strong Metal Bonds in Manufacturing: New research reveals that in high-speed industrial processes like cold spray coating and additive manufacturing, metal particles form the strongest bonds not at the highest speeds, but at a specific optimal supersonic velocity. The study showed that aluminum particles impacting at 1,060 meters per second achieved peak bonding strength. Surprisingly, further increases in speed—up to 1,337 m/s—reduced adhesion due to a phenomenon called intensified elastic recovery, where excess energy causes particles to rebound rather than bond. These insights could significantly improve manufacturing processes by preventing bond failure and optimizing performance. The findings are believed to apply broadly across various metals and alloys.

ASTRONOMY, SPACE, ASTROBIOLOGY

High School Student Discovers 1.5 Million Space Objects Using AI at Caltech: Matthew Paz, a high school student working with researchers at Caltech and NASA’s NEOWISE mission, has identified 1.5 million previously unknown variable objects in space using an AI algorithm he developed. His work stemmed from a summer research project where he built a machine-learning model to analyze massive infrared datasets from the now-retired NEOWISE space telescope. The AI flagged and classified cosmic phenomena such as quasars, exploding stars, and eclipsing binaries, showcasing a new way to harness astronomical big data. Paz, now a paid Caltech employee, plans to release a full catalog of the discoveries in 2025, with potential applications in astronomy, finance, and environmental monitoring.

Dormant Black Hole in Distant Galaxy Suddenly Awakens, Emitting Mysterious X-ray Bursts: Astronomers have observed a supermassive black hole in the galaxy SDSS1335+0728, dubbed "Ansky", suddenly spring to life after decades of dormancy. Located 300 million light-years away in Virgo, Ansky began emitting powerful and regular X-ray flares in 2024, marking the first instance of quasiperiodic eruptions (QPEs) in a black hole undergoing reactivation. These flares, captured by X-ray telescopes such as XMM-Newton and NASA’s NICER, are 10 times brighter and longer than typical QPEs and recur every 4.5 days, challenging current models of black hole behavior. The study offers a rare chance to observe a black hole’s evolution in real time, with implications for both X-ray astronomy and future gravitational wave detections.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Scientists Discover Neural Stem Cells Outside the Brain, Opening New Doors for Regenerative Medicine: In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine have discovered a previously unknown type of neural stem cell—peripheral neural stem cells (pNSCs)—outside the central nervous system (CNS). Found in mouse tissues such as the lung and tail, these pNSCs share key molecular, morphological, and functional traits with brain-derived neural stem cells, including the ability to self-renew and differentiate into neurons. The discovery refutes the long-held belief that neural stem cells exist only in the brain and spinal cord and presents a new, more accessible source for potential therapies targeting neurodegenerative diseases. If similar cells exist in humans, pNSCs could revolutionize treatments for conditions like Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injuries by providing a practical alternative to harvesting stem cells from the brain.

Prenatal Opioid Exposure Linked to Smaller Brain Volumes in Newborns: A study led by Children’s National Hospital found that newborns exposed to opioids in utero had significantly smaller brain volumes in multiple regions, including the cortex, cerebellum, brainstem, and amygdala, compared to unexposed infants. These structural differences varied by type of opioid and may serve as early markers of neurodevelopmental impairment. Researchers are continuing to study how these changes affect cognitive and behavioral outcomes in early childhood.

Biodegradable Starch-Based Plastics Linked to Health Risks in Animal Study: A study reveals that starch-based biodegradable plastics, often promoted as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics, may pose health risks when ingested. Mice fed food containing starch-based microplastics showed liver and ovarian damage, altered glucose and lipid metabolism, and gut microbiome imbalances, particularly at higher doses. The findings challenge assumptions about the safety of biodegradable plastics and suggest that prolonged exposure—even at low doses—may disrupt circadian rhythms and metabolic functions. Further research is needed to assess how these materials affect human health.

NEUROSCIENCE

Spinal Cord Neural Circuits Found to Differentiate Heat and Mechanical Pain in Mice: A new study reveals that distinct neural ensembles in the spinal cord allow mice to differentiate between heat-related and mechanical pain. The study used genetic capturing, activity manipulation, and single-cell RNA sequencing to identify these specialized neuron groups. The team also found that Gal+ inhibitory neurons, which release the neuropeptide galanin, play a key role in modulating pain signals. In cases of nerve injury, these neurons are less active, contributing to hypersensitivity—a finding that could inform new treatments for chronic pain. The study highlights the spinal cord’s active role in pain discrimination, challenging the brain-centric view of pain processing.

Study Reveals How the Cerebellum Controls Precise Tongue Movements in Marmosets: A new study reveals that Purkinje cells (P-cells) in the cerebellum play a key role in controlling precise tongue movements by signaling when to stop the tongue’s motion as it nears a target. The research used marmosets—primates with highly dexterous tongues—as a model. The team found that suppressing P-cell activity in the cerebellar vermis disrupted tongue control, causing overshooting during protrusion and slowing during retraction. This suggests that P-cells contribute to stopping forces during finely targeted movements, such as licking from small tubes, but not during less precise actions like grooming. The findings could inform future treatments for cerebellum-related disorders affecting speech and swallowing by deepening our understanding of motor control in the cerebellum.

Finger Tapping to a Beat Enhances Speech Understanding in Noisy Settings:
A new study reveals that tapping to a rhythm before listening can significantly improve speech comprehension in noisy environments. Participants who either tapped their fingers or listened to a beat before hearing speech embedded in noise were better at identifying words than those without rhythmic priming. The study found that tapping at the natural lexical rate (the pace at which words typically occur in speech) boosted speech processing efficiency, whether the rhythm was self-generated or externally provided. These findings highlight the motor system's role in synchronizing with speech rhythms and suggest new possibilities for enhancing language learning and auditory rehabilitation.

NATURE

Hidden in Plain Sight: Fluorescent Feathers Reveal Secrets of Long-eared Owls:
New research from Drexel University has uncovered fluorescent pigments in the feathers of Long-eared Owls that are invisible to the human eye without ultraviolet light. The study used fluorometry to measure pigment levels in owls migrating through Michigan. Surprisingly, female owls had higher concentrations of these pigments, challenging the assumption that colorful traits are primarily male features for mating displays. Instead, pigment variation appears linked to a combination of age, sex, and size. The research highlights how much remains hidden in bird biology and opens new questions about the evolutionary role of fluorescence in wildlife.

Prescription Drug Pollution Alters Salmon Migration, Raising Concerns for Wildlife: A new field study conducted in Sweden reveals that pharmaceutical pollutants, specifically the sedative clobazam, can significantly alter the behavior of juvenile Atlantic salmon in the wild. The study found that salmon exposed to trace amounts of clobazam migrated more quickly and successfully to the Baltic Sea, navigating hydropower dams more efficiently. However, lab tests showed the drug also altered shoaling behavior and risk-taking, suggesting shifts in social dynamics and predator responses. While improved migration might seem beneficial, such drug-induced changes can have unpredictable ecological consequences. The study highlights the urgent need for better wastewater treatment, green chemistry innovations, and stronger pharmaceutical regulations to prevent long-term environmental disruption.