Cutting-Edge 3D Bioprinting Offers New Hope for Brain Tumor Treatment

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 - Unveiling the Mechanism of Protein Sorting in Epithelial Cells: A Breakthrough in Cell Biology, and more.

• Technology and AI - ChatGPT's Rise Leads to Decline in Public Knowledge Sharing on Stack Overflow, Study Finds, and more.

• Engineering - Washington State University Scientists Pioneer Sustainable Jet Fuel from Agricultural Waste, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Hubble Discovers Unusual Nova Eruptions Near Supermassive Black Hole Jet in M87 Galaxy, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Cutting-Edge 3D Bioprinting Offers New Hope for Brain Tumor Treatment, and more.

• Neuroscience - UC San Diego Study Uncovers Brain Mechanism Behind Drug-Induced Cognitive Impairments, and more.

• Environment - Future U.S. Winters Will Be Wetter Due to Global Warming, Study Predicts, and more.

• Nature - Timing Key to Regeneration: Study on Killifish Reveals New Insights, and more.

• Other Sciences & Arts - Ancient Reef Builders Defied Mass Extinction, Offering Insights for Modern Conservation, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

If you’d like to see more of this or if you want to share with others, please use the following link: https://thesteamdigest.beehiiv.com/subscribe

This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Unveiling the Mechanism of Protein Sorting in Epithelial Cells: A Breakthrough in Cell Biology: Christian de Caestecker, a Ph.D. student in Ian Macara’s lab, has uncovered a mechanism that solves a longstanding mystery in epithelial cell biology. His research reveals how epithelial cells sort and deliver proteins to the apical (top) surface, a process crucial for cell function and often disrupted in diseases like cancer. While protein sorting to the lateral surfaces is understood, de Caestecker discovered that the Golgi apparatus sorts apical proteins based on the physical size of their cytoplasmic domains. His experiments, including manipulating protein tail lengths, demonstrated that larger tails cause sorting errors, misdirecting proteins to the sides instead of the top. This breakthrough highlights the Golgi's role as a size filter in protein trafficking, providing new insights into cellular mechanisms that could advance the understanding of cancer biology.

Revolutionary Method for Recycling Metals from E-Waste Reduces Environmental Impact: A research team led by Rice University's James Tour has developed a cutting-edge method for recycling valuable metals from electronic waste using flash Joule heating (FJH). This innovative technique significantly reduces the environmental damage typically associated with traditional recycling methods, such as hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy. The new method efficiently recovers metals like gallium, indium, and tantalum without the use of harmful chemicals or excessive energy. Achieving a metal purity of over 95%, the process offers a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to addressing critical metal shortages while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. The team's work holds promise for expanding metal recovery from various waste streams.

Breakthrough Study on CO2's Role in Enhancing Stability of Direct Air Capture Sorbents: Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and Georgia Institute of Technology have uncovered critical insights into the stability of amine-functionalized porous materials used in direct air capture (DAC) carbon-capture technologies. The study reveals the complex dual role CO2 plays in the oxidative degradation of poly(ethylenimine) sorbents. CO2 both accelerates oxidation reactions while reducing polymer mobility, which in turn slows degradation. This research reconciles conflicting literature and suggests new strategies—such as the addition of functional groups and oxide supports—to improve the efficiency and longevity of DAC materials, paving the way for more durable and cost-effective carbon-capture technologies.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

ChatGPT's Rise Leads to Decline in Public Knowledge Sharing on Stack Overflow, Study Finds: A study has revealed a 25% decline in user activity on Stack Overflow, a popular programming Q&A site, within six months of ChatGPT's release. Researchers attribute this to users turning to private AI interactions instead of contributing publicly, reducing the availability of shared knowledge. The study, led by Maria del Rio-Chanona of the Complexity Science Hub, warns that this shift may impact the quality of future AI models, which rely on open data for training. The findings also suggest that this trend could deepen the competitive advantage of early AI developers, while programming languages like Python and JavaScript saw the most significant drops in user activity.

AI Model SPOT Accurately Predicts Substrate-Transporter Pairs in Cells: Bioinformaticians at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf have developed an artificial intelligence model, SPOT, that can predict which substrates a transport protein can move into or out of cells with over 92% accuracy. Using a deep learning approach trained on more than 8,500 known transporter-substrate pairs, SPOT translates protein sequences and substrate molecules into numerical vectors to identify likely matches. This breakthrough will speed up experimental validation of transporter-substrate pairs, aiding applications in biotechnology, drug delivery, and metabolic engineering.

AI Predicts Methane Gas Incidents in Coal Mines, Reducing Disaster Risk: A recent study has demonstrated that artificial intelligence (AI) can forecast methane gas-related incidents in coal mines up to 30 minutes in advance, providing a crucial tool to prevent disasters. Researchers compared 10 machine learning algorithms and found that Linear Regression, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine were among the most effective in predicting gas anomalies. The study aims to improve safety in China's high-risk coal mines, where methane gas is responsible for nearly 60% of mining accidents. The findings could also have applications in industries like aerospace and agriculture.

Peking University Researchers Develop Dual-IMC Scheme to Overcome AI Data-Processing Bottlenecks: Researchers led by Professor Sun Zhong at Peking University have developed a dual in-memory computing (dual-IMC) scheme to address the von Neumann bottleneck, a key challenge in data processing for AI models. This innovative scheme accelerates machine learning and improves energy efficiency by performing matrix-vector multiplication (MVM) operations entirely in memory. The dual-IMC scheme eliminates off-chip data movement, reducing power consumption and improving computing performance. Tested on resistive random-access memory (RRAM) devices, it offers lower production costs and faster, more efficient AI computations compared to conventional single-IMC methods.

ENGINEERING

Washington State University Scientists Pioneer Sustainable Jet Fuel from Agricultural Waste: Researchers at Washington State University have successfully tested a new method to produce sustainable jet fuel from lignin, a byproduct of agricultural waste such as corn stover. The team's work details a continuous process called "simultaneous depolymerization and hydrodeoxygenation" (SDHDO). This process breaks down lignin and removes oxygen to create jet fuel that could potentially replace fossil fuel-derived compounds, reducing aviation's environmental impact. This breakthrough is a step toward making renewable, plant-based aviation fuel commercially viable, supporting global carbon neutrality goals.

CityUHK Researchers Develop High-Mobility p-Type Inorganic Semiconductors with Tunable Bandgaps: Researchers at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) have achieved a breakthrough in enhancing the mobility of positively charged carriers, or "holes," in inorganic semiconductors by developing a new compound called tellurium-selenium-oxygen (TeSeO). Led by Professor Johnny Ho, the team used an innovative inorganic blending strategy to create TeSeO with tunable bandgaps ranging from 0.7 to 2.2 eV, covering ultraviolet, visible, and short-wave infrared regions. This new material has demonstrated high adaptability, stability, and durability in thin-film transistors and photodetectors, surpassing conventional p-type semiconductors. The research opens new avenues for high-performance and cost-effective semiconductor devices, including transistors and solar cells.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Hubble Discovers Unusual Nova Eruptions Near Supermassive Black Hole Jet in M87 Galaxy: Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have made a surprising discovery: stars near the jet of a supermassive black hole in the M87 galaxy are erupting as novae more frequently than stars elsewhere in the galaxy. The study reveals that the turbulent jet may be influencing nearby double-star systems, potentially by accelerating hydrogen transfer onto white dwarfs, triggering nova eruptions. The findings, based on Hubble's high-resolution imaging, challenge current understandings of how black hole jets interact with their surroundings, raising new questions about the dynamics of star systems near such extreme environments.

Solar Orbiter Reveals Onset of Turbulence in Solar Wind Near the Sun: Recent observations from the European Space Agency’s Solar Orbiter have provided the first evidence of turbulence in the solar wind emerging close to the Sun’s surface, within its atmosphere known as the corona. Using the Metis coronagraph instrument, the spacecraft captured high-resolution images showing that small disturbances in the corona expand outward, creating turbulent solar wind. This discovery helps scientists understand how solar wind is heated and moves through space, impacting planetary magnetic fields and space weather prediction. The data was recorded from just 43.4 million km from the Sun, offering unprecedented insight into the chaotic behavior of solar wind at its origin.

Ancient Martian Landscapes: Mapping Fossilized Dunes and Ripples Reveals Mars’s Climate History: A team led by Planetary Science Institute’s Matthew Chojnacki has mapped and analyzed ancient Martian landforms, known as paleo-bedforms, to gain insights into Mars's ancient climate. These landforms, shaped by wind and water billions of years ago, have since solidified into rock. The researchers used NASA’s HiRISE instrument on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to study various types of paleo-bedforms, including fossilized dunes and megaripples, found across the Martian surface. The research shows that some dunes are similar to those currently forming on Mars, while others, shaped by ancient water, are rare. Their findings highlight Mars's diverse geological and climatic history and offer clues to its past environments.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Cutting-Edge 3D Bioprinting Offers New Hope for Brain Tumor Treatment: Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a 3D bioprinting technique to create artificial blood vessels, enabling personalized drug testing for glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer. By using bioprinted "organs-on-a-chip" made from microfluidic hydrogels instead of silicon, they aim to study tumor resistance and regeneration, paving the way for tailored therapies. This breakthrough could replace animal testing and improve drug efficacy in treating this resilient cancer.

Endovascular Therapy Advances Improve Stroke Care for Large Vessel Occlusion Patients: A review published in The Lancet by researchers from Boston University highlights the transformative role of endovascular therapy (ET) in treating stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO), a leading cause of disability and death. Since 2015, randomized trials have demonstrated ET's benefits over medical management, with evidence extending the treatment window to 24 hours post-symptom onset. The review examines evolving patient selection criteria, including those with low NIH Stroke Scale scores or medium vessel occlusions, and discusses optimal management of patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease. The advancements in ET devices and techniques have revolutionized stroke care, expanding treatment options for a broader range of patients.

New Imaging Workflow Reveals Bone Architecture Across Multiple Scales: A study led by Toni Tang from the University of Virginia introduces a novel workflow for combining advanced imaging techniques to analyze bone structures at multiple scales, from millimeters down to nanometers. The research focused on trabecular bone, known for its porous architecture that contributes to shock absorption and structural resilience. Tang’s team used techniques like ion beam-scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microscopy, creating the first 3D rendering of bone across all relevant dimensions. This workflow has potential applications in detecting early signs of bone diseases like osteoarthritis and could enhance the prediction of fracture risks, such as in osteoporotic patients.

Hepcidin Identified as Potential Key to Psoriasis Development, Offering Hope for New Treatments: A new study published in Nature Communications has identified the hormone hepcidin as a potential trigger for psoriasis, marking a breakthrough in understanding the disease. The research, led by Dr. Charareh Pourzand of the University of Bath, found that hepcidin, which regulates iron levels in the body, can cause an iron overload in the skin, leading to the hyperproliferation of skin cells and inflammation, both key features of psoriasis. This discovery may lead to novel treatments that target hepcidin, offering hope for those suffering from severe forms of the disease, including pustular psoriasis.

NEUROSCIENCE

UC San Diego Study Uncovers Brain Mechanism Behind Drug-Induced Cognitive Impairments: Neurobiologists at the University of California San Diego have identified a mechanism that explains how sustained use of methamphetamine and PCP leads to memory loss and cognitive decline. The study led by Marta Pratelli and Nicholas Spitzer shows that both drugs trigger neurotransmitter switching in neurons, specifically changing from excitatory glutamate to inhibitory GABA in the frontal cortex. This switch impairs memory function. The researchers were able to reverse these effects using molecular tools and the antipsychotic drug clozapine, suggesting potential treatments for cognitive impairments from drug abuse.

Innate Face Recognition Mechanism Discovered in Newborn Chicks, Study Finds: A recent study by the University of Trento’s Center for Mind and Brain Sciences (CIMEC) has identified an innate neural mechanism for face recognition in one-week-old chicks. The research found that neurons in the chicks' caudolateral nidopallium, a brain region similar to the human prefrontal cortex, respond to simple face-like stimuli, such as dots arranged like eyes and a beak. This suggests that face recognition is not entirely learned but is hardwired in the brain, facilitating rapid learning of specific faces important for social life.

UCLA Study Reveals How the Brain Encodes Time and Experience Through Neuronal Firing Patterns: A groundbreaking study led by UCLA Health, published in Nature, has uncovered how the human brain encodes and processes the flow of time and experiences. By recording individual neuron activity in 17 epilepsy patients, researchers found that hippocampal and entorhinal neurons fire in patterns that reflect the sequence of a person's experiences. These neurons not only retain these patterns after the experience but can also replay them during rest, helping the brain prepare for future stimuli. This discovery provides insight into memory formation and could have implications for cognitive enhancements and AI research.

ENVIRONMENT

Future U.S. Winters Will Be Wetter Due to Global Warming, Study Predicts: A study led by Akintomide Akinsanola from the University of Illinois Chicago predicts that most regions of the U.S. will experience wetter winters by the end of the 21st century due to global warming. Using 19 Earth system models, researchers project a 2%–5% increase in winter precipitation per degree of warming, with the Northeast and Northwest seeing the most significant rises. "Very wet" winters—historically rare—will occur more frequently, potentially every four years. The Southern Great Plains is an exception, with highly uncertain projections. The shift from snow to rain will exacerbate flooding risks, stressing existing infrastructure and increasing the need for upgrades to drainage systems and buildings.

Climate Change Drives Methane Explosions Creating Siberian Permafrost Craters: A new study reveals that Siberian permafrost craters, first seen in 2014, are caused by climate-induced pressure changes leading to explosive methane release. Warming temperatures destabilize underground methane hydrates, causing water to flow into saltwater layers (cryopegs) via osmosis, increasing pressure. This creates cracks that release methane gas, resulting in explosive craters. This phenomenon, unique to the Yamal Peninsula, highlights the role of climate change in releasing greenhouse gases from permafrost regions.

Bacterial Role in Polymetallic Nodule Formation Unveiled in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone: A study has revealed a significant link between bacteria and the formation of polymetallic nodules, rich in minerals like nickel and cobalt, on the ocean floor in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ). Researchers found that biogenic magnetite, produced by magnetotactic bacteria, coincides with high densities of nodules. These microorganisms likely thrive in the carbon-rich, low-oxygen environments created by the nodules, helping to foster their growth. This discovery sheds light on nodule formation processes and has implications for deep-sea mining in this resource-rich region.

NATURE

Timing Key to Regeneration: Study on Killifish Reveals New Insights: A study by the Stowers Institute for Medical Research uncovers the importance of timing in tissue regeneration. Researchers found that how long cells remain active after injury is crucial for African killifish to regenerate their tail fins. By altering gene functions, they discovered that skin cells guide tissue regrowth by modifying the extracellular matrix. This finding opens potential pathways for developing regenerative therapies in humans by mimicking these cellular responses.

Brassica Species Show Diverse Adaptation Strategies to Salinity Stress: A study reveals that populations of the Brassica fruticulosa plant, closely related to important crops like cabbage and broccoli, use varied strategies to adapt to high salinity. Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that even neighboring populations of this species employ different genetic and physiological mechanisms to cope with environmental stress. This discovery highlights "evolutionary flexibility" and offers insights for engineering crops to better withstand climate change and improve food security.

A Century of Bee Monitoring Uncovers Critical Traits Linked to Species Decline: A comprehensive study led by Kelsey Graham of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has revealed significant declines in bee diversity and population over the last century. Conducted at the University of Michigan's E.S. George Reserve, the research analyzed bee populations from 1921 to 2018 using both historical data and modern neural network analyses. The study found a 30% decline in abundance for 64% of common bee species, with oligolectic ground-nesting and kleptoparasitic bees being the most vulnerable. In contrast, polylectic cavity-nesting bees, which collect pollen from a variety of plants, are more resilient. The findings highlight the need for focused conservation efforts to preserve bee diversity in the face of climate change and environmental stressors.

OTHER SCIENCES & ARTS

Ancient Reef Builders Defied Mass Extinction, Offering Insights for Modern Conservation: Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that stromatoporoids, ancient reef-building organisms, survived the Late Devonian mass extinction and continued to thrive in the Carboniferous period, challenging previous assumptions of their extinction. Fossils from the Akiyoshi Limestone in Japan reveal that these organisms adapted to unique ocean environments. Their resilience offers valuable lessons for understanding how modern reefs might adapt to current climate challenges.

Ancient Sweet Potato Cultivation in Aotearoa New Zealand Revealed: A study by the University of Otago found evidence of sweet potato (kūmara) cultivation as early as AD 1290–1385 at Triangle Flat, Golden Bay. This is the earliest pre-1400 evidence of kūmara cultivation in Te Waipounamu and highlights the early adaptation of tropical crops by Polynesian settlers in marginal climates. The discovery challenges prior beliefs that kūmara was not significant in early colonization, offering insights into Polynesian horticulture and implications for modern food security.