Revolutionary Graphene Coating Kills 99.99% of Bacteria on Medical Devices

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 - Revolutionary Graphene Coating Kills 99.99% of Bacteria on Medical Devices, Overcoming Challenges in Hot Carrier Solar Cells with Advanced Tunneling Techniques, and more.

• Technology and AI - Neural Motion Planning Helps Robots Navigate Unfamiliar Environments, and more.

• Engineering - Advancing Electrolyte Design for Decarbonized Steel Production, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - New Global Water and Hydroxyl Maps Show Complex Moon Surface, Ancient Ice Ages Linked to Earth's Passage Through Interstellar Clouds, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Artificial Spider Silk Bandages Boost Healing in Mice, Long-term Cognitive Impairments Linked to COVID-19 Hospitalization, and more.

• Neuroscience - Neurons in the Human Brain Recognize Zero as a Numerical Value, Psychedelic DOI Activates Neurons to Reduce Anxiety in Rodent Study, and more.

• Environment - Cooling Ocean Currents Temporarily Slow Melting of Greenland's Largest Floating Glacier, Virtual Reality Could Help Reduce Pedestrian and Cyclist Exposure to Harmful Vehicle Emissions, and more.

• Nature - Female Gibbons Perform Robotic Dances for Attention, Study Reveals, and more.

• Other Sciences & Arts - Earliest Evidence of Large-Scale Interregional Conflict Found in 13th Century BC Tollense Valley, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Revolutionary Graphene Coating Kills 99.99% of Bacteria on Medical Devices: Researchers at Chalmers University have developed a graphene-based antibacterial coating for medical devices that kills 99.99% of bacteria. Using a method called the "Halbach array," which aligns graphene flakes using magnetic fields, they solved the challenge of controlling graphene’s bactericidal properties in multiple directions. This innovation could significantly reduce healthcare-related infections and prevent antibiotic resistance. The graphene coating is applicable to catheters, implants, and surgical surfaces, showing potential for broader uses in batteries and sensors.

Overcoming Challenges in Hot Carrier Solar Cells with Advanced Tunneling Techniques: Recent research published in Journal of Photonics for Energy explores how tunneling at material interfaces in hot carrier solar cells affects efficiency. The study focuses on the use of satellite valleys in materials like indium-aluminum-arsenide (InAlAs) and indium-gallium-arsenide (InGaAs), showing that rough interfaces hinder electron transfer. However, improved alignment in AlGaAs/GaAs systems enhances tunneling coefficients, suggesting greater efficiency for hot carrier extraction. This breakthrough could help surpass the Shockley-Queisser efficiency limit in solar cells.

New Technique Measures Heating in Spintronic Devices for Optimized Performance: Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a technique to directly measure heating effects in spintronic devices (devices that use magnetism in conjunction with electric current), offering insights into how heating and electromagnetic interactions impact magnetic behavior. The study helps identify materials where magnetization can be controlled efficiently with minimal thermal effects, advancing faster and more energy-efficient spintronic technologies. The method could be applied broadly across various devices, allowing systematic comparisons of heating versus electric current effects.

Fluctuating Hydrodynamics Successfully Applied to Chaotic Quantum Systems: Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Max-Planck-Institut, and others have shown that fluctuating hydrodynamics (FHD), a classical physics model, can describe chaotic quantum systems. Using a cesium quantum gas microscope, they simulated particle diffusion and thermalization in a quantum many-body system, observing that even in complex systems, macroscopic behavior can be simplified using a diffusion constant. This study, published in Nature Physics, opens new avenues for understanding and predicting quantum dynamics.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Neural Motion Planning Helps Robots Navigate Unfamiliar Environments: Carnegie Mellon researchers developed Neural Motion Planning, an AI-driven method for improving robotic motion in unknown settings. Inspired by human learning, the model trains robots to navigate complex, unstructured environments, such as maneuvering around objects in households. By simulating millions of environments, the AI system learns reactive and fast planning, allowing robots to adapt to unfamiliar tasks without pre-programmed instructions. This development paves the way for more versatile and efficient robotic systems in dynamic real-world scenarios.

AI Model Outsmarts Google’s reCAPTCHAv2 with High Accuracy: Researchers at ETH Zurich modified the AI-based YOLO model to bypass Google's reCAPTCHAv2, which tests whether users are human. By training the model to recognize common CAPTCHA objects like cars and traffic lights, it could solve the puzzles consistently. The model didn't need to be perfect since reCAPTCHAv2 allows multiple attempts. It was also effective against advanced CAPTCHAs with features like mouse tracking. This breakthrough could drive future advancements in CAPTCHA design to counter AI systems.

AI and Remote Sensing Advance Crop Yield Prediction: A study led by Purdue University demonstrates the use of AI, particularly recurrent neural networks, to predict maize yield using remote sensing technologies and genetic data. By integrating hyperspectral and LiDAR data, alongside weather and genetic markers, researchers created a deep-learning model that helps plant breeders and farmers anticipate crop performance. This AI-driven approach reduces labor while enhancing crop management, helping breeders identify resilient traits and providing farmers with better decision-making tools.

AI Helps Discover Over 300 New Geoglyphs in Peru's Nazca Desert: A team from Yamagata University and IBM's Watson Research Center developed an AI model to detect faint geoglyphs in Peru's Nazca Desert, identifying 303 new geoglyphs. These ancient images, created by the Nasca culture (200 BCE - 700 CE), were previously difficult to spot due to their size and clarity. The AI model analyzed aerial images and successfully located these geoglyphs, primarily depicting humans and animals, and even abstract shapes like a killer whale.

ENGINEERING

Advancing Electrolyte Design for Decarbonized Steel Production: Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory are developing innovative electrolytes for electrochemical processes, aiming to revolutionize steel production through the Center for Steel Electrification by Electrosynthesis (C-STEEL). Their approach involves altering anion chemistry in the electrolyte rather than altering solvents , which could enhance energy efficiency and stability under extreme conditions. The team is applying machine learning to identify optimal anion-cation pairings. This method has the potential to replace traditional steelmaking techniques, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Their findings could also be applied to other decarbonized industries and develop more efficient batteries for electric vehicles.

New Metal Deposition Technique Enables Flexible Soft Electronics: Researchers from Seoul National University and DGIST have developed a selective metal film deposition method for fabricating soft electronics. The technique uses polymer patterns to block metal vapor condensation, eliminating the need for rigid masks. This method allows for flexible, stretchable metal patterns on complex surfaces, enabling applications like wireless power transfer and stretchable LEDs. The technique, published in Nature Communications, could revolutionize next-gen devices, including OLED displays with under-display cameras and face recognition sensors.

Overcoming Barriers to High-Percentage Biodiesel Blends in Diesel Fuel: Researchers at NREL have identified challenges and solutions for blending higher percentages of biomass-based diesel fuels into petroleum and renewable diesel. Their study explores blends of 20% to 80% biodiesel, which can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Challenges such as cloud point issues and high boiling points in cold weather can be mitigated through fuel reformulation or additives. This research provides a roadmap for increasing biodiesel usage in heavy-duty transportation, aiming to reduce emissions without requiring engine modifications.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

New Global Water and Hydroxyl Maps Show Complex Moon Surface: A new study using data from the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) has revealed multiple water sources in the sunlit regions of the Moon, expanding the potential for water availability beyond the poles. Researchers found that water-rich rocks, exposed by cratering, hold water and hydroxyl over millions of years. This suggests water is more widespread and stable in the Moon's subsurface. The findings also shed light on the dynamic interaction between solar wind and the lunar surface, contributing to complex geology.

Ancient Ice Ages Linked to Earth's Passage Through Interstellar Clouds: Researchers from Boston University have discovered that Earth and the solar system passed through two dense interstellar clouds, around 7 million and 2 million years ago. These clouds compressed the heliosphere, allowing more interstellar material, like hydrogen, to enter Earth’s atmosphere. This increased hydrogen would have created global noctilucent clouds, potentially blocking 7% of sunlight and contributing to global cooling and ice ages. The findings offer new insight into the impact of interstellar medium on Earth's climate.

Standard Solar Flare Model Challenged by New Observations: A study using data from the McMath-Pierce telescope found a 0.75-second delay between infrared emissions from paired solar flare footpoints, significantly longer than predicted by the standard flare model. The model, which attributes energy transport to accelerated electrons from the corona to the chromosphere, could not explain this lag. Simulations failed to account for the delay, suggesting alternative mechanisms, such as magnetosonic waves or conductive transport, may be involved in solar flare energy transport.

No Evidence Yet for Alien Superstructures Like Dyson Spheres: While astronomers have searched for Dyson spheres, massive structures that could harness a star's energy, none have been definitively identified. Seven unusual objects found by Project Hephaistos resemble M-type stars but with strange spectra. However, these objects could also be hot Dust-Obscured Galaxies (hotDOGs), which emit primarily in infrared due to being cloaked in dust. Current research suggests that the candidates are likely natural phenomena rather than evidence of alien superstructures.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Artificial Spider Silk Bandages Boost Healing in Mice: Researchers have developed artificial spider silk using proteins produced by genetically engineered microbes. The silk proteins were modified with peptides to prevent clumping, increasing yield. The team used 3D printing techniques to create silk fibers, which were then woven into wound dressings. In mouse studies, these bandages promoted healing in osteoarthritis and diabetic wounds more effectively than traditional treatments. The biocompatible, biodegradable silk bandages show promise for future medical applications.

Long-term Cognitive Impairments Linked to COVID-19 Hospitalization: A study published in Nature Medicine shows that patients hospitalized for COVID-19 experience cognitive deficits lasting 12-18 months post-infection. These impairments are associated with brain volume reduction and elevated brain injury proteins in the blood. The cognitive decline observed is comparable to 20 years of aging. The findings highlight COVID-19's lasting impact on brain health, even in those without immediate neurological complications, and emphasize the need for ongoing research into post-COVID recovery.

New Criteria for Pediatric Sepsis Diagnosis Marks a Major Advancement: Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus developed updated diagnostic criteria for pediatric sepsis, replacing the 20-year-old standard. The new Phoenix criteria focus on numeric scores of organ dysfunction rather than just inflammatory response, improving diagnostic accuracy. The criteria were validated with data from hospitals worldwide, and tools were developed to apply them consistently in electronic health records. Future steps aim to provide clinicians with bedside tools to improve patient outcomes.

New Tool Quantifies Tumor Cell Plasticity, Aiding Cancer Research: Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and the New York Genome Center have developed "Phylogenetic Analysis of Trait Heritability" (PATH), a tool that quantifies tumor cell plasticity. PATH helps to track how tumor cells change state, a key factor in treatment resistance and metastasis. The tool, tested on glioblastoma, pancreatic tumors, and leukemia, reveals how tumor cells shift between different cell states, offering insights for new cancer treatments targeting the least plastic, more stable cell types.

NEUROSCIENCE

Neurons in the Human Brain Recognize Zero as a Numerical Value: Researchers from the University Hospital Bonn, the University of Bonn, and the University of Tübingen have discovered that individual neurons in the medial temporal lobe of the human brain recognize zero as a numerical value, not just as "nothing." In an experiment involving neurosurgical patients, specific neurons responded to both the Arabic numeral zero and an empty set. This finding highlights how the brain integrates zero with other numbers on the number line.

Psychedelic DOI Activates Neurons to Reduce Anxiety in Rodent Study: A study from Cornell University reveals that the psychedelic drug DOI (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine) reduces anxiety in mice and rats by activating fast-spiking interneurons in the brain's ventral hippocampus. These neurons suppress the activity of neighboring neurons, suggesting a pathway for reducing anxiety without inducing hallucinations. The findings could pave the way for new anxiety treatments based on psychedelic mechanisms but without the hallucinogenic effects.

Mild Soccer Headers Cause Brief Slowdown in Brain Activity, Study Shows: A University of British Columbia study found that even mild soccer headers can momentarily slow brain activity. Controlled headers by eight participants resulted in increased delta brain waves—typically associated with sleep—indicating temporary disruptions in information processing. Stronger and oblique impacts caused greater effects, but most brain activity returned to normal quickly. The research highlights the need for personalized safety protocols and further investigation into the cumulative effects of repeated head impacts in sports.

Emotion Enhances Memory for Contextual Details, Study Shows: Researchers at the Beckman Institute found that emotion improves memory for contextual details, contrary to the belief that emotion impairs this ability. Using behavioral, attentional, and brain imaging data, they observed that emotional situations enhanced brain region communication linked to both emotion and recollection. The findings have implications for treating PTSD, where memory decontextualization is common, and for improving memory retention, particularly in aging populations.

ENVIRONMENT

Cooling Ocean Currents Temporarily Slow Melting of Greenland's Largest Floating Glacier: A study published in Science reveals that from 2018 to 2021, water temperatures beneath Greenland’s 79° N Glacier decreased, reducing its melting rate. This unexpected cooling, despite long-term regional ocean warming, was traced to atmospheric circulation changes that cooled Atlantic water before it reached the glacier. The findings highlight the significant influence of atmospheric and oceanic dynamics on glacier melting, with implications for predicting future sea-level rise.

Virtual Reality Could Help Reduce Pedestrian and Cyclist Exposure to Harmful Vehicle Emissions: A study led by the University of Birmingham, reveals that physics-informed virtual reality (VR) could help mitigate the health risks posed by non-exhaust vehicle emissions from brakes, tires, and roads. Using computational fluid dynamics models, researchers simulated the release and spread of these invisible particles, providing guidance to the public and policymakers through immersive VR experiences. Testing in Birmingham city center showed that pollution exposure was highest near braking zones, such as bus stops and pedestrian crossings, prompting calls for urban redesign to improve air quality.

Wetland Inundation Drives Surge in Atmospheric Methane from 2020-2022: A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that the record rise in atmospheric methane emissions from 2020-2022 was primarily due to increased wetland flooding, especially in equatorial Asia and Africa, along with a decrease in atmospheric hydroxide (OH). Wetlands release methane as microbes break down organic matter without oxygen. The surge, linked to La Niña conditions, underscores the need for better understanding of wetland emissions to mitigate climate impacts.

NATURE

Female Gibbons Perform Robotic Dances for Attention, Study Reveals: Researchers from Institut Jean Nicod, Heinrich Heine University, and the University of Oslo found that female gibbons engage in robotic, rhythmic dances, a behavior observed in four gibbon species. The dances, performed silently with the gibbons' backs to observers, were consistent across individuals, though they varied in duration and complexity. The gibbons occasionally looked over their shoulders to ensure they were being watched. The study found no connection to mating rituals, suggesting the dances might be linked to social interaction or anticipation of events, like feeding, though the exact reason remains unclear.

Fruit Bats Produce Diverse but Weaker Antibody Responses Compared to Mice: A study published in PLOS Biology finds that fruit bats generate a more diverse but weaker antibody response than mice. Researchers exposed bats and mice to specific antigens, revealing that while bats produce a wider range of antibodies, their overall immune response is less robust. Surprisingly, fruit-only diets in bats led to stronger antibody responses compared to those with protein supplements. These findings offer insight into bat immunity and could inform strategies to prevent viral spillover to humans.

Paramotoring Proves Key in Fragile Ecosystem Conservation Efforts, Study Shows: A groundbreaking study highlights the potential of paramotoring for ecological research and conservation in delicate environments. Led by scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Huarango Nature, and paramotorists from Forest Air, the research demonstrates how paramotoring offers a faster, eco-friendly alternative to traditional off-road vehicles. The study, conducted in Peru's coastal fog deserts, revealed that paramotoring reduces CO2 emissions by two-thirds and minimizes environmental damage while enabling access to remote ecosystems. This approach proved crucial for studying endangered plant species and protecting fragile habitats.

OTHER SCIENCES & ARTS

Earliest Evidence of Large-Scale Interregional Conflict Found in 13th Century BC Tollense Valley: Archaeologists studying bronze and flint arrowheads from the Tollense Valley in northeast Germany discovered the earliest evidence of large-scale interregional conflict in Europe, dating to 1250 BC. The analysis suggests that most fighters were local, but some arrowhead types indicate the involvement of southern warriors, potentially from modern Bavaria and Moravia. This reveals a period of increasing organized violence, pointing to the possibility of tribal coalitions, warlords, or early armies being involved.

Resilience of Moche Culture Highlighted by Textile Analysis at Huacas de Moche: A study of textiles from Huacas de Moche, published in Antiquity, reveals that the Moche culture persisted longer than previously thought, even after Wari influence. While Moche production techniques dominated, some designs showed external cultural impacts, particularly from the Wari Empire. Radiocarbon dating suggests Moche identity continued into the 10th century AD. The findings challenge the notion that the Moche were abruptly erased by external forces, instead highlighting their adaptability and cultural resilience.

Prioritizing Student Well-Being in Higher Education: A Call for Transformative Pedagogy: Holly C. White and colleagues argue that student well-being should be prioritized in pedagogy alongside traditional metrics like GPA and retention. Well-being includes factors such as belonging, agency, and purpose. The authors highlight evidence-backed practices, like mentorship and experiential learning, that promote well-being. They describe six initiatives, including courses at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Stanford, as models. More research on program implementation is needed, and universities should adopt transformative teaching practices to enhance student well-being.