Physicists Reveal the Geometric Forces Behind Roses' Iconic Blooming Shape

Hello and welcome to our May 3rd 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 Reveal the Geometric Forces Behind Roses' Iconic Blooming Shape, and more.

• Materials - Bio-Inspired Membrane Achieves Efficient Lithium Separation from Complex Brines, and more.

• Biotechnology - New Maize Bioengineering Method Could Democratize Crop Innovation, and more.

• Engineering & Technology - Researchers Develop Tool to Predict Underwater Landslides Threatening Offshore Wind Turbines, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Pressure-Sensing Protein Piezo1 Found to Regulate Gut Motility and Muscle Function, and more.

• Neuroscience - RNA Editing Enzyme ADAR1 Identified as Key Driver of Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease, and more.

• Environment & Earth Sciences - Stanford-Led Study Reveals Manageable Cause Behind Earthquake Swarms in Italy’s Campi Flegrei, and more.

• Nature & Ecology- Whale Urine Plays Key Role in Ocean Nutrient Cycling, New Study Finds, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Conversational Swarm Intelligence Boosts Brainstorming and Decision-Making in Large Groups, Study Finds, Biology, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

Physicists Reveal the Geometric Forces Behind Roses' Iconic Blooming Shape:
Physicists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have uncovered the mechanical forces that shape blooming roses, revealing a unique form of geometric stress known as the Mainardi-Codazzi-Peterson incompatibility. Unlike most flowers, which exhibit smooth, wavy patterns due to Gauss incompatibility, roses form sharp cusps and multiple curls as their petals grow. Through a combination of theoretical analysis, computer simulations, and physical models using bendable plastic disks, the team showed that the petals' desired curvature is constrained by geometric incompatibilities, causing them to adopt more complex, curled forms. This research may inform the design of shape-morphing materials and deepen understanding of natural growth processes.

Scientists Uncover How LINE-1 “Jumping Genes” Invade the Human Genome During Cell Division: A new study reveals how LINE-1, the only active "jumping gene" in humans, infiltrates the nucleus during cell division to copy itself into new locations in the genome. LINE-1 exploits moments when the nuclear envelope temporarily breaks down, forming molecular clusters—or condensates—with its encoded protein ORF1p. These condensates bind to DNA only when ORF1p accumulates in high enough concentrations, allowing LINE-1 to attach and insert itself into adenine-thymine-rich sequences. This mechanism sheds light on how LINE-1 contributes to genome evolution and disease, and may inform future therapies targeting harmful retrotransposon activity.

Physicists Enhance Quantum Memory with Tunable Fluxonium Qubit Architecture: Physicists have developed a new architecture that enhances quantum control of microwave resonators using a fluxonium qubit. The study demonstrates that by using magnetic fields to selectively couple or decouple the fluxonium qubit from the resonator—without the need for additional components—quantum information can be stored longer with reduced noise interference. Unlike commonly used transmon qubits, fluxonium includes an inductor that shields it from environmental noise, making it more stable. This innovation improves coherence times and reliability, offering a significant step forward in building robust and error-resistant quantum computers.

MATERIALS

Bio-Inspired Membrane Achieves Efficient Lithium Separation from Complex Brines: Researchers have developed a novel membrane that mimics biological ion channels to efficiently extract lithium from complex brines. The membrane, made from a sulfonic acid-functionalized covalent organic framework (r-TpPa-SO₃H), uses ultra-narrow, twisted channels to selectively remove competing ions like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, while retaining lithium. Unlike conventional methods, this “reverse-sieving” approach enriches lithium in a single step under electrodialysis, showing stability even in real salt-lake brines. The scalable design presents a sustainable and efficient method for lithium recovery from low-grade resources.

Customizable Glowing Nanoclays Offer Breakthrough in Imaging, Sensing, and Medicine: Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed fluorescent polyionic nanoclays—tiny, flat clay sheets that can be chemically customized with glowing molecules called fluorophores. These nanoclays are highly adaptable, with controllable optical properties, making them promising for medical imaging, disease detection, environmental monitoring, and more. The materials exhibit exceptional brightness—up to 7,000 units—making them among the brightest fluorescent materials ever reported. Beyond imaging, they could be tailored for solar energy capture, drug delivery, or cancer therapy by attaching specific biomolecules or metal-binding ligands. The innovation is currently patent pending.

Smaller Gold Nanoparticles Offer Greater Stability and Performance in Medical Treatments: Researchers at Western University, using the Canadian Light Source, have found that smaller gold nanoparticles—specifically those around 5 nanometers in size—bond more strongly with the amino acid L-cysteine than larger ones. L-cysteine plays a crucial role in preventing nanoparticle clumping, which is essential for ensuring effectiveness and safety in medical applications like imaging, drug delivery, and cancer therapy. The study confirms that these smaller particles maintain their size and stability better in biological environments, offering improved performance for targeted treatments. The findings help guide the design of more efficient nanomedicine by optimizing nanoparticle size.

BIOTECHNOLOGY

New Maize Bioengineering Method Could Democratize Crop Innovation: Researchers have developed a simplified and more accessible method for genetically modifying maize. Traditionally, maize bioengineering required immature embryos and advanced greenhouse facilities—barriers for many academic labs. The new approach uses leaf whorls from young seedlings instead, significantly reducing the time, complexity, and resources needed. The method works well even with difficult genotypes like B73 and performs effectively using a publicly available helper plasmid. This innovation could help broaden participation in maize research and accelerate development of improved crop varieties.

Uganda Turns Banana Waste Into Sustainable Textiles, Hair Extensions, and Sanitary Pads: Ugandan researchers at Busitema University are turning banana plant waste into sustainable products like textiles, hair extensions, and sanitary pads through the Banatex-EA project. Led by textile engineering lecturer Edwin Kamalha, the initiative aims to reduce agricultural waste and create new income streams for farmers by converting the banana pseudo-stems—typically left to decompose—into usable fibers. Despite challenges like stiff raw fibers, legislative restrictions on biotechnology, and limited international classification, the team has made progress in softening banana fibers for textile use. Their partnership with textile firm TEXFAD and ongoing market studies in Kenya suggest promising growth. Uganda’s indigenous Kayinja banana variety has shown the best fiber yield and quality. Industry leaders view banana fiber as a potential game-changer for eco-friendly manufacturing in East Africa and beyond.

Toward an Ethical Bioeconomy: Scientists and Indigenous Leaders Unite for Fair Benefit Sharing in Biotechnology: In a landmark study, researchers at UC Berkeley and partners across the Americas have called for a new ethical model in biotechnology that honors and compensates Indigenous knowledge. The team explores how to close the loop between lab-based discoveries and Indigenous stewardship of biodiversity—particularly in projects like the synthetic production of QS21, a vaccine adjuvant derived from the Chilean soapbark tree. Their paper proposes actionable benefit-sharing frameworks including revenue sharing, co-authorship, conservation investment, and equitable access to medicines. Highlighted examples like Variant Bio and past agreements in Samoa showcase viable paths for ethical innovation that promote health equity, climate resilience, and cultural revitalization.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Researchers Develop Tool to Predict Underwater Landslides Threatening Offshore Wind Turbines: Scientists have created an advanced simulation tool that accurately predicts underwater landslides caused by offshore wind turbines. By integrating soil mechanics and shear strength reduction methods, the tool identifies vulnerable seabed zones and evaluates how monopile foundations and storm activity affect long-term seabed stability. Tested on real-world locations like Silver Pit, the model can simulate multiple landslides and assess changes over a wind farm’s operational life. The tool aims to support developers in optimizing turbine placement, enhancing design resilience, and maintaining the long-term safety and productivity of offshore wind energy projects.

New Catalytic Tech Enables Semiconductor Industry to Recycle Toxic Wastewater Efficiently: Researchers have developed a catalytic water treatment technology to help semiconductor manufacturers recycle toxic wastewater more effectively. The system targets two particularly harmful and persistent chemicals—hydrogen peroxide and triazole—commonly used in chip manufacturing. Rather than filtering, the technology uses oxidation agents to break down pollutants within a plug-and-play unit compatible with existing infrastructure. Successfully patented for hydrogen peroxide and pending for triazole, the innovation has attracted interest from major chipmakers aiming to meet sustainability goals by recycling up to 90% of their water usage and reducing environmental impact.

Engineers Map Weld Weaknesses to Boost Nuclear Fusion Reactor Safety:
In a major step toward commercial nuclear fusion, researchers from the University of Surrey have developed a novel method to reveal hidden stress in welded components used in future fusion reactors. Using plasma-focused ion beam and digital image correlation (PFIB-DIC), the team examined P91 steel—an ultra-strong metal candidate for fusion environments—and found that residual stresses in welds significantly affect material strength at high temperatures. At 550°C, similar to fusion reactor conditions, the metal's strength dropped by over 30%. This breakthrough provides critical insights for designing safer, longer-lasting reactor parts and will help improve simulation models and predictive tools supporting global fusion projects like STEP and DEMO.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Pressure-Sensing Protein Piezo1 Found to Regulate Gut Motility and Muscle Function: Researchers have identified the protein Piezo1 as a key internal sensor in intestinal smooth muscle cells, responsible for regulating gut motility. The study, conducted in mice revealed that removing Piezo1 caused significant disruptions to digestive function, including weight loss, delayed food transit, and thinning of muscle layers. Surprisingly, Piezo1 was found not only on the cell surface but also inside cells, where it contributes to calcium signaling crucial for muscle contraction. Even when primary calcium channels were blocked, Piezo1 provided an alternate pathway for maintaining contraction. These findings suggest Piezo1 is an essential regulator of gut health and may offer new insights into gastrointestinal disorders such as NEC and short bowel syndrome.

Immediate Skin-to-Skin Contact After Very Preterm Birth Boosts Breastfeeding but Not Cognitive Outcomes by Age 3: A Norwegian randomized clinical trial led by Trondheim University Hospital found that two hours of immediate skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between mothers and very preterm infants (born at 28–32 weeks) did not improve cognitive, motor, or language development by age 2 to 3. Using the Bayley Scales, no significant neurodevelopmental differences emerged between the SSC and standard care groups. However, SSC significantly improved breastfeeding outcomes—84% of infants in the SSC group were breastfed at hospital discharge versus 67% in the standard care group, and a higher proportion were still breastfeeding at 12 months. Despite no neurodevelopmental gains, the researchers advocate SSC for its safety, bonding benefits, and positive impact on breastfeeding.

NEUROSCIENCE

RNA Editing Enzyme ADAR1 Identified as Key Driver of Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease: Researchers have discovered that RNA editing—specifically by the enzyme ADAR1—plays a critical role in driving neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Using stem-cell-derived neuron and astrocyte co-cultures from PD patients, the team showed that α-synuclein oligomers activate immune pathways in astrocytes, including Toll-like receptor and interferon responses. This induces abnormal A-to-I RNA editing by ADAR1, skewed toward pro-inflammatory genes, a finding also confirmed in postmortem PD brain tissues. The results highlight ADAR1 as a potential therapeutic target and underscore RNA editing as a novel regulatory mechanism and treatment pathway for neurodegeneration.

Rockefeller Researchers Reveal How Feedback Loops Shape Visual Perception in the Brain: A new study challenges the classical view of visual processing as a rigid, feedforward hierarchy. The research reveals that even early neurons in the brain's visual cortex are dynamically influenced by top-down feedback from higher-order areas. This feedback—shaped by memory and past experiences—allows neurons to adapt in real-time to complex visual tasks, such as object recognition. Using macaque monkeys trained in visual identification, the team found that neurons traditionally thought to process only simple features like lines could respond flexibly to different objects depending on context. The work highlights how adaptive processing and reciprocal feedback support perception and learning. These insights may inform future research into neurological disorders like autism, where feedback mechanisms may be impaired.

New Imaging Technique Illuminates Brain–Body Communication Hub for Emotion and Health: Researchers have developed a novel live-imaging technique called D-PSCAN (Double-Prism-based brainStem imaging under Cerebellar Architecture and Neural circuits) that enables high-resolution visualization of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS)—a critical brainstem structure involved in brain-body communication—without damaging the cerebellum. By implanting a specialized double microprism system, scientists successfully recorded NTS activity in living mice during vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and in response to cholecystokinin, a hormone released after feeding. The new method offers a minimally invasive approach to study the NTS’s role in emotion regulation, appetite, metabolism, and psychiatric conditions, providing a powerful tool for both basic research and the development of VNS-based therapies for disorders such as depression and epilepsy.

ENVIRONMENT & EARTH SCIENCES

Stanford-Led Study Reveals Manageable Cause Behind Earthquake Swarms in Italy’s Campi Flegrei: A new study led by Stanford scientists reveals that recurring earthquakes and land uplift in Italy’s Campi Flegrei caldera are driven not by rising magma, as long assumed, but by pressure from trapped groundwater and steam beneath the surface. Using 40 years of seismic data, rainfall records, and rock physics experiments, the team found that water slowly recharging the geothermal reservoir builds up pressure beneath a sealing caprock, eventually triggering fractures and tremors. Their model suggests that managing surface runoff and groundwater levels—rather than only monitoring seismic activity—could help prevent future disasters in this densely populated volcanic area.

Global Study Reveals Microplastics Are Embedded Throughout the Ocean—and Disrupting Its Carbon Cycle: In a groundbreaking study, scientists have mapped the vertical distribution of microplastics across the global ocean for the first time, revealing their deep infiltration from surface waters to depths of 2,000 meters. Synthesizing data from 1,885 sampling stations collected over a decade, researchers found that smaller microplastics penetrate deeper, while larger ones concentrate near the surface, especially in gyres. Alarmingly, microplastics now make up as much as 5% of carbon particles in deep waters, suggesting they may be altering marine biogeochemical processes. With over 56 types of polymers identified, the findings underscore the urgent need for improved sampling and global collaboration to understand microplastics’ long-term impact on ocean health and climate regulation.

New Global Model Predicts How Coastal Farmers Will Respond to Sea-Level Rise:
Researchers at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam have developed DYNAMO-M, the first global agent-based model to simulate how 13 million coastal farming households may respond to sea-level rise through 2080. Grounded in decision-making theory, the model projects whether farmers will stay, adapt with salt-tolerant crops and elevated homes, or migrate inland. It identifies future migration hotspots in flood-prone regions like Florida, China, and the Philippines, and reveals that small subsidies and insurance schemes can greatly reduce migration pressures. DYNAMO-M offers powerful insights for policymakers seeking to protect vulnerable agricultural communities from the impacts of rising seas.

NATURE & ECOLOGY

Whale Urine Plays Key Role in Ocean Nutrient Cycling, New Study Finds:
A recent study has revealed that baleen whale urine significantly contributes to ocean nutrient cycling, especially in nutrient-poor tropical regions. Whales like humpbacks and grays transport vast quantities of nitrogen—up to 4,000 tons annually—via urine during their long migrations from nutrient-rich polar feeding grounds to tropical breeding areas. This "great whale conveyor belt" enhances phytoplankton growth, potentially drawing down over 18,000 tons of atmospheric carbon each year. Alongside previous findings about whale feces, seafloor disturbance, and carcasses, the study highlights whales' overlooked role as ecosystem engineers. However, due to historic whaling, this ecological service has been drastically reduced, reinforcing the urgent need for whale conservation.

Scientists Identify Genetic Signature Behind Dogs' Herding Instincts: Researchers have uncovered genetic variants that distinguish herding dogs from other breeds. By sequencing the genomes of 12 herding breeds and 91 non-herding breeds, the team identified genes linked to behavioral traits like intelligence, spatial awareness, and controlled chasing. Notably, they found variations in the EPHB1 gene—associated with spatial memory—among herding dogs, particularly border collies. The findings not only shed light on the genetic basis of herding behavior but also offer broader insights into how gene variants influence behavior in animals and potentially humans.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Conversational Swarm Intelligence Boosts Brainstorming and Decision-Making in Large Groups, Study Finds: A new study from Carnegie Mellon University and Unanimous AI demonstrates that conversational swarm intelligence (CSI)—a next-gen collaboration tool combining swarm intelligence and generative AI—enhances brainstorming and prioritization compared to traditional chat. Using a CSI platform called Thinkscape, researchers found that users felt more heard, more productive, and more invested in the group's outcomes. The study builds on earlier research showing CSI can raise a group's collective intelligence to the 97th percentile. The results suggest CSI could revolutionize how large organizations solve problems and make real-time decisions.

Biology-Inspired Political Framework Could Lead to More Resilient, Democratic Systems, Columbia Study Finds: A groundbreaking study proposes a new model of political decision-making inspired by how the human body maintains health and balance. The research uses simulations of physiological systems to design decentralized, networked governance structures that integrate efficiency, democracy, and adaptability. Lead author Alan Cohen emphasizes that, like the body’s interconnected systems, small, well-structured decision-making groups within larger populations can yield more stable and inclusive outcomes. The model offers a novel direction for rethinking governance in today’s polarized and inefficient political climate.

Happiness Is Personal: Study Reveals No One-Size-Fits-All Formula for Well-Being: A new study challenges the idea of a universal path to happiness. Analyzing long-term survey data from over 40,000 people across five countries, researchers found that happiness varies significantly by individual. For some, it stems from external factors like health, income, and relationships (“bottom-up” model), while others draw happiness from internal traits or mindsets (“top-down” model). A third group reflects a combination of both, and a fourth shows no clear pattern. These findings suggest that strategies to boost well-being—whether through social policies or personal development—must be personalized rather than one-size-fits-all.