Researchers Mimic Nature's Toughness with New Polymer Patterning Technique

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

In today’s edition:

• Science - Researchers Mimic Nature's Toughness with New Polymer Patterning Technique.

• Technology and AI - AI Demonstrates "Learning by Thinking" in Parallels to Human Cognitive Processes, New ChatGPT Model Shows Major Improvements in Math and Reasoning Abilities, and more..

• Engineering - Knee Exoskeletons Reduce Fatigue and Improve Posture in Lifting Tasks, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Astronomers Discover Record-Breaking Black Hole Jets Spanning 23 Million Light-Years, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Environmental Metal Exposure Linked to Increased Risk of Coronary Artery Calcium Buildup, Thousands of Genetic Variants in RAD51C Gene Linked to Increased Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk and more.

• Neuroscience - Global Stroke Burden Rises by 70% Since 1990 Due to Aging Populations and Preventable Risk Factors, and more.

• Environment - AI Outperforms Traditional Methods in Predicting Droughts, Offering Enhanced Resource Management.

• Nature -Frog Glue: The Slimy Defense Mechanism with Potential for Medical Innovation, and more.

• Other Sciences & Arts - CRISPRkit: Making Gene-Editing Accessible to Students with a DIY Classroom Experiment, The Mystery of Jamestown's Knight's Tombstone: A Belgian Connection Uncovered, and more.

• Industry - US to Host Global AI Safety Summit Amid Rapid Technological Advancements, Google Invests $13 Million in FireSat to Enhance Wildfire Detection via Satellite Imaging, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Researchers Mimic Nature's Toughness with New Polymer Patterning Technique: A team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has developed a novel method to create strong, resilient materials by mimicking nature’s patterning processes, inspired by sea sponges. Led by Nancy Sottos, the researchers used frontal polymerization, a heat-triggered reaction, to form crystalline patterns within polymers. The resulting materials combine soft and stiff regions, enhancing durability. Published in Nature, the study highlights how interdisciplinary collaboration helped fine-tune this process, creating a new frontier in polymer manufacturing with potential applications in various fields.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

AI Demonstrates "Learning by Thinking" in Parallels to Human Cognitive Processes: A review published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences by Tania Lombrozo of Princeton University explores how artificial intelligence (AI) mirrors human cognitive processes through "learning by thinking." This capability, observed in large language models, allows AI to self-correct and arrive at new conclusions using methods like explanation, simulation, analogy, and reasoning—much like humans do. The research raises questions about the nature of AI cognition, offering insights into how both natural and artificial minds learn, and presenting new opportunities to study the similarities between human and AI intelligence.

New ChatGPT Model Shows Major Improvements in Math and Reasoning Abilities: OpenAI has introduced a new ChatGPT model, "o1," that significantly enhances its ability to solve complex math problems and reason logically. This new version outperforms its predecessor, achieving 83% on the International Mathematical Olympiad qualifying exam, compared to just 13% before. Niloofar Mireshghallah, a researcher at the University of Washington, explains that AI struggles with math and reasoning due to its reliance on predicting the next word, but this model introduces "chain-of-thought reasoning," allowing step-by-step problem-solving. Despite improvements, Mireshghallah advises caution, as AI models still require fact-checking to avoid errors.

Addressing Media Sensationalism and Fake News with Ethical Standards and AI Solutions: A study published in the International Journal of Information and Communication Technology calls for a shift towards rigorous news ethics to combat sensationalism, "clickbait," and misinformation in the media landscape. An Shi from Fujian Business University suggests that AI-driven algorithms, like the Fredholm integral equation, can help tackle these issues. As unethical media practices increasingly blur the lines between information and disinformation, their effects extend beyond public perception into politics and financial markets. The study offers policy recommendations for market regulators to mitigate the negative impact of misleading media practices.

ENGINEERING

Knee Exoskeletons Reduce Fatigue and Improve Posture in Lifting Tasks: Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed knee exoskeletons that help reduce fatigue and improve posture during lifting tasks. Built from drone motors and knee braces, the devices aid the quadriceps muscles, maintaining proper lifting form and reducing back injury risks. Participants using the exoskeletons during fatigue-induced tests lifted faster and with better posture, especially when compared to lifting without assistance. The technology, detailed in Science Robotics, offers a less intrusive alternative to back exoskeletons and holds promise for reducing workplace injuries.

Scientists Develop Reconfigurable High-Speed Robots Using Snap-Together Hexagonal Modules: Researchers at the Max-Planck-Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) have developed hexagon-shaped robotic modules, called HEXELs, that can be snapped together like LEGO pieces to create high-speed, reconfigurable robots. These modules, powered by artificial muscles, can change shape and function based on how they're connected. The system, described in Science Robotics, allows for versatile robot designs that can be repurposed for different tasks, providing a sustainable and flexible alternative to single-use robots, especially in resource-limited environments.

Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure Devastated by War, Study Advocates Shift to Renewable Energy: A study led by Ukrainian scientist Iryna Doronina, now based at ETH Zurich and the Technical University of Munich, reveals that 95% of Ukraine's thermal power plants have been destroyed due to ongoing Russian attacks, with severe damage to the country’s energy grid. The research advocates a transition to a decentralized, renewable energy system as a means to rebuild Ukraine's infrastructure. Mapping Ukraine's energy landscape, the study estimates a potential capacity of 219 gigawatts from wind and solar power, vastly exceeding the country’s pre-war energy levels. The findings highlight the importance of distributed power systems to improve resilience and reduce corruption.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Astronomers Discover Record-Breaking Black Hole Jets Spanning 23 Million Light-Years: A team of astronomers, led by Martijn Oei from Caltech, has discovered the largest pair of black hole jets ever observed, stretching 23 million light-years across space. Nicknamed Porphyrion, this megastructure surpasses the size of previous jet systems, dwarfing even the Milky Way by 140 times. The discovery, reported in Nature, highlights the powerful influence these jets had in shaping early galaxies and suggests that black hole activity may have been widespread in the young universe. The team used data from Europe’s LOFAR radio telescope and the Keck Observatory to study Porphyrion, which originated from a distant galaxy when the universe was only 6.3 billion years old. The discovery opens new questions about the impact of black hole jets on the cosmic web and their role in spreading magnetism across the universe.

Astronomers Discover 307 New Supernova Remnants Using MUSE, Including Seven Rare Oxygen-Rich Ones: A team of astronomers, led by Timo Kravtsov from the European Southern Observatory (ESO), has detected 307 new supernova remnants (SNRs) using the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) on the Very Large Telescope. Among these, seven are rare oxygen-rich SNRs, which show strong visible light oxygen emission. These oxygen-rich SNRs are extremely rare, with only eight previously known in the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds. The new method could help expand knowledge of these remnants across other galaxies.

New Catalog of Distant Galaxies Offers Unprecedented Precision on Cosmic Distances: The Physics of the Accelerating Universe Survey (PAUS) has released a groundbreaking catalog, providing highly accurate distance measurements for 1.8 million galaxies. Led by the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC) and involving 14 institutions, this catalog covers 50 square degrees of the sky and offers new insights into dark energy and the structure of the universe. Using the PAUCam camera, researchers employed 40 filters to achieve unprecedented precision in redshift measurements.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Environmental Metal Exposure Linked to Increased Risk of Coronary Artery Calcium Buildup: A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reveals that exposure to metals from environmental pollution, such as cadmium, tungsten, and uranium, is linked to increased coronary artery calcium (CAC) buildup, a predictor of heart disease. The research tracked 6,418 individuals and found metal exposure impacts atherosclerosis progression at levels comparable to traditional risk factors like smoking and diabetes. The findings highlight the need for greater focus on metal exposure to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Thousands of Genetic Variants in RAD51C Gene Linked to Increased Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk: Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and collaborators have identified over 3,000 harmful genetic changes in the RAD51C gene, significantly increasing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Published in Cell (September 18), the study reveals that these variants can raise ovarian cancer risk by six-fold and aggressive breast cancer risk by four-fold. By analyzing large-scale health data and mapping essential regions of the RAD51C protein, the team provides critical insights for cancer risk prediction and potential treatment targets. This research is poised to improve genetic testing accuracy and personalize care for high-risk individuals.

New Protein Discovery May Offer Surgery-Free Solution for Cataracts: Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and their collaborators have identified a protein, RNF114, that can reverse cataracts, offering a potential non-surgical treatment for this common cause of vision loss. The study involved the 13-lined ground squirrel and rats. RNF114 promotes the breakdown of misfolded proteins in the eye's lens, clearing cataracts after cold-induced formation. This discovery may lead to new treatments that restore lens clarity without surgery, especially for populations with limited access to cataract surgery.

NEUROSCIENCE

Global Stroke Burden Rises by 70% Since 1990 Due to Aging Populations and Preventable Risk Factors: A study published in The Lancet Neurology reveals a 70% increase in global stroke cases from 1990 to 2021, with 11.9 million new cases and 7.3 million stroke-related deaths in 2021. The rise is driven by aging populations, population growth, and preventable environmental and behavioral risk factors such as high BMI, air pollution, and high blood pressure. Low- and middle-income countries are particularly affected, highlighting the urgent need for improved stroke prevention strategies globally.

New Method to Cultivate Brain Organoids with Distinct Cortical Patterning Offers Insights into Brain Development and Disorders: A team led by Jürgen Knoblich at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (IMBA) has developed a novel method to cultivate brain organoids with distinct cortical regions, mimicking human brain front-to-back patterning. This breakthrough, published in Nature Methods, allows scientists to better study human brain development and disorders. Using FGF8 signaling to pattern organoids, the method offers insights into neurodevelopmental disorders like achondroplasia and autism. This new model also sheds light on how specific signals contribute to cortex development, providing an experimental platform to study brain function and disorders.

Researchers Uncover Perceptual Bistability in Recognizing Occluded Digital Numerals: A study led by Dr. Junxiang Luo from the National Institute for Physiological Sciences reveals a perceptual phenomenon where occluded digital numerals can be interpreted as multiple numbers, providing insights into how we recognize numerical characters. The research used visual adaptation tasks to show that numeral recognition occurs at a mid-level visual processing stage, involving complex shapes and symbolic forms. This finding opens avenues for future studies into brain activity and perceptual recognition mechanisms using physiological methods.

ENVIRONMENT

AI Outperforms Traditional Methods in Predicting Droughts, Offering Enhanced Resource Management: A study published in Scientific Reports highlights the superiority of AI models over conventional drought indices in predicting drought conditions. Led by Dr. Mohamed Abdallah from the University of Sharjah, the research shows that AI models demonstrate high accuracy in forecasting droughts and provide stronger correlations with multiple drought indicators. These AI-based indices offer more reliable and timely predictions, which are crucial for improving drought management, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change. The study paves the way for better water resource management and disaster preparedness, with implications for agriculture and food security worldwide.

Plastic Pollution in Waterways to Nearly Double by 2060, Warns OECD: A 2023 OECD report warns that plastic waste in waterways could almost double by 2060, driven by rising plastic production and poor waste management, particularly in Asia. Currently, 140 million tons of plastic have accumulated in rivers, lakes, and oceans, with 22% forming a "plastic soup" in the seas. Major contributors include discarded packaging, bottles, and construction materials. The report highlights that just 1,000 rivers are responsible for 80% of oceanic plastic pollution. Without decisive action, plastic accumulation could reach 493 million tons by 2060, heavily impacting aquatic ecosystems globally.

NATURE

Frog Glue: The Slimy Defense Mechanism with Potential for Medical Innovation: While many frogs produce toxic skin secretions for defense, some, like the tomato frog, secrete a sticky slime that quickly turns into a powerful glue. This unique survival strategy helps these frogs escape predators by coating them in adhesive. Recent research reveals that frog glue is made from base ingredients found in most animals, but only amphibians have evolved the ability to transform these into a functional adhesive. The fast-acting, flexible properties of frog glue hold potential for developing medical adhesives, offering a new, natural solution for surgical sealants.

New Study Reveals How Lithospheric Dripping is Shaping the Konya Basin in Türkiye: Researchers from the University of Toronto have uncovered that the Konya Basin in Türkiye is being reshaped by a phenomenon called lithospheric dripping. This process involves dense rock fragments detaching from Earth's crust and sinking into the mantle, causing surface subsidence and plateau uplift. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights that this multi-stage dripping is responsible for the basin's sinking within the rising Central Anatolian Plateau. The findings suggest that similar processes may occur on other planets like Mars and Venus, which lack Earth-like tectonic plates.

OTHER SCIENCES & ARTS

CRISPRkit: Making Gene-Editing Accessible to Students with a DIY Classroom Experiment: Stanford researchers, led by Stanley Qi, Matthew Lau, and Marvin Collins, have developed CRISPRkit, a low-cost, DIY tool that allows high school students to conduct CRISPR experiments in the classroom. The kit, which costs around $2 per student, enables hands-on learning of gene editing using a simple smartphone camera and an online platform for data analysis. The project, highlighted in Nature Communications, aims to make cutting-edge biotechnology accessible to students from all backgrounds, fostering future interest in bioengineering and science.

The Mystery of Jamestown's Knight's Tombstone: A Belgian Connection Uncovered: In a groundbreaking study led by Prof. Markus M. Key and Rebecca K. Rossi, researchers examined the black "marble" knight's tombstone found in Jamestown, Virginia, to uncover its origins. Contrary to initial expectations, the stone, dating from 1627, was not sourced locally but imported from Belgium. This surprising find reveals the extent of colonial trade networks and the desire of affluent colonists like Sir George Yeardley to emulate English customs, even in death. By analyzing microfossils in the tombstone's black limestone, the researchers determined that it likely originated from Belgium, a popular source of such material for centuries. The findings shed new light on both Jamestown's history and the cultural aspirations of its wealthier settlers.

Fossilized Rainforest Discovered in the Falkland Islands: Evidence of a Lush Past: Dr. Zoë Thomas, from the University of Southampton, and an international team of scientists have uncovered evidence that the Falkland Islands were once home to a lush rainforest 15-30 million years ago. Fossilized tree remains and pollen found at a building site in Port Stanley suggest the islands, now treeless and windswept, once supported a cool, wet woodland similar to modern-day Tierra del Fuego. The study, published in Antarctic Science, highlights the dramatic climate shifts that transformed the region from rainforest to peatlands.

INDUSTRY

US to Host Global AI Safety Summit Amid Rapid Technological Advancements: US officials, including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, announced the first International Network of AI Safety Institutes summit, set for November 20-21 in San Francisco. The event aims to promote global collaboration on AI regulation, with initial participants including Australia, Canada, the EU, and others. The summit responds to growing concerns about AI misuse following the surge of interest in generative AI technologies like ChatGPT. The initiative seeks to establish international standards to ensure responsible AI development and usage.

Google Invests $13 Million in FireSat to Enhance Wildfire Detection via Satellite Imaging: In response to California’s escalating wildfire crisis, Google has pledged $13 million to improve satellite imaging for wildfire detection. Launching in 2025, FireSat, a constellation of 50 satellites, will detect fires as small as 16 by 16 feet, vastly improving current systems that can only detect blazes larger than an acre. Utilizing machine learning and AI, FireSat will deliver updated imagery to firefighters every 20 minutes, aiding early response efforts. The initiative, led by Earth Fire Alliance, aims to enhance wildfire management and build a global fire dataset for future climate research.

Australian Police Infiltrate Criminal Messaging App "Ghost," Leading to Dozens of Arrests: Australian police announced the successful infiltration of Ghost, an encrypted communications app developed for criminal activities, leading to 38 arrests across Australia and international arrests in Canada, Sweden, Ireland, and Italy. The app's alleged administrator, Jay Je Yoon Jung, 32, appeared in court on charges related to supporting criminal organizations and benefiting from crime. Authorities claim Ghost was used by criminals for drug trafficking and ordering killings. Police prevented 50 potential violent crimes by monitoring encrypted communications after decrypting the app with assistance from French cyber experts.