Study Reveals Hydrodynamic Role of Eyelashes in Maintaining Clear Vision

Good morning and welcome to the January 6th edition of The STEAM Digest. This is a curated newsletter that brings you the latest news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Study Reveals Hydrodynamic Role of Eyelashes in Maintaining Clear Vision, Study Highlights Nutritional Challenges of Plant-Based Beverages Compared to Cow's Milk.

• Materials - Researchers Advance 2D Materials with Enhanced Magnetic Properties.

• Engineering & Technology - Revolutionizing Disaster Response: 3D Mapping Robots for Accurate Terrain Exploration, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - The Stellar Cycle of Life: How Carbon and Other Elements Recycle in Galaxies.

• Biotechnology - Programming Molecular Timers: A Breakthrough in Nanotechnology and Medicine.

• Health & Medicine - Resurgence Concerns: Flesh-Eating Screwworm Detected in Southern Mexico, Threatening U.S. Border.

• Neuroscience - Early Brain Structure Differences Linked to Substance Use in Adolescents.

• Environment - Unlocking the Ocean’s Carbon Vault: New Insights into Organic Carbon Preservation, and more.

• Nature - Plant Leaves Coated with RNA Molecules: A Key to Microbiome Regulation?

• Other Sciences & The Arts - The Paradox of Price in Sustainable Consumption: Barriers, Motivations, and Social Dynamics, and more.

Keep warm,

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Study Reveals Hydrodynamic Role of Eyelashes in Maintaining Clear Vision:
Researchers have uncovered the unique hydrodynamic properties of human eyelashes, showing that their curved, flexible, and hydrophobic structure efficiently expels liquid to maintain clear vision. The study demonstrates how the multi-scale asymmetric structures and elastic deformations of eyelashes enable rapid liquid transfer, even during activities like washing or sweating. The findings have inspired the design of eyelash-mimetic technologies, including waterproof imaging devices, ventilated structures, and protective false eyelashes.

Study Highlights Nutritional Challenges of Plant-Based Beverages Compared to Cow's Milk: Researchers have revealed that while plant-based beverages like oat, almond, soy, and rice drinks have a lower climate footprint than cow's milk, they often fall short nutritionally. The study found that extensive processing, particularly Ultra High Temperature (UHT) treatment, reduces protein quality and essential amino acids while introducing compounds like acrylamide and α-dicarbonyls. Plant-based drinks generally contain less protein and more sugar than cow's milk. Researchers recommend consuming less processed foods, diversifying nutrient sources, and encouraging manufacturers to explore less intensive processing methods.

MATERIALS

Researchers Advance 2D Materials with Enhanced Magnetic Properties: Florida State University researchers have developed a novel method to produce and enhance the magnetic properties of a 2D material known as FGT (a metallic magnet composed of iron, germanium, and tellurium). By utilizing liquid phase exfoliation, the team collected 1,000 times more material compared to traditional methods and chemically treated the nanosheets with TCNQ (7,7,8,8-Tetracyanoquinodimethane), resulting in a new material with five times greater coercivity. This breakthrough paves the way for more efficient permanent magnets with potential applications in spin filtering, data storage, and electromagnetic shielding. The findings could also guide further exploration of 2D materials for next-generation technologies.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Revolutionizing Disaster Response: 3D Mapping Robots for Accurate Terrain Exploration: Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing, and Ergonomics (FKIE) are developing groundbreaking technology to enhance disaster response through the 3D-InAus project. This initiative employs mobile robots equipped with LiDAR laser systems to create precise 3D maps of hazardous areas, such as chemical plant incidents or flood zones, enabling emergency responders to assess situations safely and efficiently without entering danger zones. The LiDAR system emits millions of laser pulses per second, measuring distances and generating a detailed 3D point cloud of the environment. Coupled with images from onboard cameras, the system produces a vivid and geometrically accurate virtual model. Responders can explore this digital environment using a joystick, gaining a comprehensive understanding of buildings, terrain, and objects. The technology also includes autonomous navigation within buildings using virtual GPS and allows for rapid initial mapping of large areas within an hour. Commissioned by the Bundeswehr, the system integrates additional sensors to detect toxic substances or radiation, providing critical data for decision-making during emergencies. Designed for versatility, the system can be adapted to various vehicles or drones, ensuring it can operate effectively in diverse scenarios.

Cerium Oxide Revolutionizes Thermal Switch Technology: A research team led by Professor Hiromichi Ohta from Hokkaido University has developed highly efficient thermal switches using cerium oxide (CeO2) thin films, marking a breakthrough in thermal management systems. These switches outperform traditional models with a thermal conductivity on/off ratio of 5.8 and a switching width of 10.3 W/m·K. The devices maintain exceptional durability, functioning reliably after 100 oxidation-reduction cycles. CeO2, an abundant and eco-friendly material, offers a sustainable alternative to scarce and costly resources used in conventional thermal switches. This innovation enhances the scalability and environmental sustainability of thermal management technologies, with potential applications in electronics cooling, renewable energy, and waste heat recovery.

Human-Inspired Robotic Gripper Revolutionizes Multi-Object Handling:
A research team has developed a robotic gripper capable of efficiently grasping, storing, and placing multiple objects, inspired by human multi-object handling strategies. Unlike traditional grippers, which typically handle one item at a time or require structured environments, this innovative gripper (MOGrip) mimics human "finger-to-palm" and "palm-to-finger" translation movements. Featuring motorized fingers and a conveyor palm with elastic hairs, the gripper can sequentially store and transfer items while reducing process time and robotic arm travel distance. Lab experiments demonstrated its potential for applications in logistics, home environments, and unstructured tasks like bin-picking. The design reduces process time by 34% and travel distance by 71% compared to single-object handling. This advancement showcases the potential of biomimicry in robotics to enhance efficiency across diverse tasks and environments.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

The Stellar Cycle of Life: How Carbon and Other Elements Recycle in Galaxies:
A recent study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters reveals the dynamic journey of carbon and other elements essential to life as they circulate within and beyond galaxies. Researchers from the U.S. and Canada, using the Hubble Space Telescope’s Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, confirmed that galaxies like the Milky Way are surrounded by a circumgalactic medium (CGM). This vast reservoir of gas acts as a galactic conveyor belt, expelling elements formed in dying stars and eventually pulling them back in to fuel new star and planet formation. This process, likened to a "giant train station," plays a critical role in galaxy evolution. The team found that carbon, previously observed in star-forming regions, also exists in significant quantities in the CGM, extending up to 400,000 light-years into intergalactic space. By tracing the cycling of these elements, the study sheds light on how galaxies sustain or eventually halt star formation, providing key insights into the lifecycle of galaxies and their stellar populations.

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Programming Molecular Timers: A Breakthrough in Nanotechnology and Medicine: Researchers have recreated and validated two distinct molecular mechanisms that control the activation and deactivation of nanomachines across various timescales. These mechanisms, known as induced-fit and conformational selection, were modeled using DNA to create a 5-nanometer "nanodoor." The study found that induced-fit switches, which use an energy-providing "handle," are a thousand times faster than conformational selection switches, which open spontaneously. This breakthrough enables precise programming of molecular activation rates, from seconds to hours, with significant implications for nanotechnology and nanomedicine. Applications include drug-delivery systems with programmable release rates, demonstrated through an antimalarial carrier that adjusts drug release speed based on the chosen mechanism. The research also sheds light on the evolutionary advantages of these mechanisms, explaining why certain proteins evolved for rapid responses (e.g., sensing light) while others suit prolonged processes (e.g., protease inhibition).

HEALTH & MEDICINE

AI Note-Taking Technology Revolutionizes Patient Care and Reduces Physician Burnout: AI-powered note-taking apps like Abridge and Microsoft’s DAX Copilot are transforming the way doctors document patient visits, offering relief from administrative burdens and improving patient care. The technology records and transcribes conversations, identifies relevant medical details, and integrates them into electronic medical records (EMRs), allowing physicians to focus on patients rather than screens. Adopted by health systems like Advocate Health Care, Northwestern Medicine, and UChicago Medicine, these tools have reduced after-hours documentation by up to 17%, combating physician burnout. Doctors report spending more time with patients, improved work-life balance, and better overall job satisfaction. Patients, too, appreciate the undivided attention of their doctors, with privacy and security rigorously maintained. The growing use of this technology signals a shift toward more human-centered healthcare.

Resurgence Concerns: Flesh-Eating Screwworm Detected in Southern Mexico, Threatening U.S. Border: The New World Screwworm (NWS), a flesh-eating parasite eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, has been detected in a cow near Mexico's border with Guatemala, prompting concerns about its potential return to the U.S. This parasite, whose larvae feed exclusively on living tissue, can infect livestock, pets, wildlife, and humans, causing severe tissue damage or even death. Signs of NWS infection include behavioral changes, loss of appetite, and the presence of fly larvae in wounds. The parasite spreads when NWS flies lay eggs in open wounds, with larvae hatching and burrowing into living tissue. U.S. and Texas officials are urging vigilance, particularly among those near the southern Texas border, and recommend covering wounds and using insect repellents when outdoors. The discovery highlights the parasite's ongoing spread in parts of Latin America, including Cuba, Haiti, and South America, raising the risk of re-establishment in the U.S.

Revolutionizing Liver Transplantation: Advances in Testing and Insights from Crucian Carp Research: A significant breakthrough in liver transplantation is on the horizon with the development of a liver perfusion machine, which preserves donated livers outside the body while testing their viability. This innovation could reduce the 36% of donated livers currently discarded, potentially increasing viable liver transplants by 20–30% by 2025. Complementing this progress, researchers are studying the crucian carp, a fish capable of surviving months without oxygen and avoiding damage when oxygen returns. This resilience, attributed to robust antioxidant defenses and unique mitochondrial function, may inspire new ways to enhance liver resilience during transplantation. Collaborative efforts between the 3DR Research Group, clinicians, and international experts aim to integrate these biological insights to save more lives

NEUROSCIENCE

Early Brain Structure Differences Linked to Substance Use in Adolescents: A study published in JAMA Network Open identified neuroanatomical differences in children that may predispose them to substance use initiation before age 15. Researchers analyzed brain imaging data and substance use reports from nearly 10,000 participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. Results revealed that structural brain variability, such as larger overall brain volumes and thinner prefrontal cortices, was present before substance use began. These findings suggest that brain structure differences are inherent risk factors rather than consequences of substance use. The study underscores the importance of understanding neural predispositions to improve approaches to addiction prevention and treatment.

ENVIRONMENT

Unlocking the Ocean’s Carbon Vault: New Insights into Organic Carbon Preservation: A groundbreaking study in Nature Geoscience has identified two critical mechanisms—sorption and molecular transformation—that significantly influence the preservation of organic carbon in marine sediments. These processes protect organic matter from degradation, allowing it to sink deeper into the seabed, where it can eventually transform into oil or gas. The findings suggest that carbon preservation efficiency is nearly three times higher than previously estimated. By integrating advanced numerical models, Monte Carlo simulations, and artificial intelligence, the research offers more accurate predictions of organic carbon storage. This work not only advances understanding of Earth's carbon cycles and climate systems but also opens pathways for potential climate change mitigation strategies, such as ocean fertilization, to enhance carbon sequestration.

Unveiling the Gaps: Challenges in Modeling Atmospheric Gravity Waves: A study by researchers at the Research Organization of Information and Systems (ROIS) reveals significant limitations in current atmospheric models when it comes to accurately simulating gravity waves—airborne ripples akin to those seen in water. Using observations from super-pressure balloons and the PANSY radar at Antarctica’s Syowa Station, the team detected near-inertial gravity waves in the lower stratosphere that the high-resolution ERA5 atmospheric model underrepresented in amplitude and failed to fully capture. These findings underscore the complexities of small-scale atmospheric processes and the need for better simulations to enhance weather and climate predictions. The research emphasizes the critical role of direct observations and ongoing efforts to refine models and theories to address these challenges.

Fuel Aridity Identified as Key Driver of Wildfire Severity in Canada: A team of Canadian forest management specialists has identified fuel aridity—the dryness of vegetation—as the primary factor influencing wildfire burn severity in Canada over the past 40 years. The study used a multinomial logistic regression model built from four decades of spatiotemporal wildfire data to analyze trends in wildfire frequency and severity. The findings reveal that summer wildfires are particularly severe, with conditions worsening over the last two decades due to a warming climate. This research highlights how regional variations in drivers, such as fuel aridity and climate, result in differing wildfire outcomes across Canada. The study also underscores the broader global trend of increasing wildfire intensity, contributing to higher carbon emissions and environmental damage.

NATURE

Plant Leaves Coated with RNA Molecules: A Key to Microbiome Regulation?
Biologists have discovered that the surfaces of plant leaves are coated with diverse and stable RNA molecules, as reported in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on January 3, 2025. This RNA likely influences microbial communities on leaves by regulating gene expression through cross-kingdom RNA interference (RNAi). The study, led by postdoctoral fellows Lucía Borniego and Meenu Singla-Rastogi under senior author Roger Innes, demonstrates that plant-secreted RNA can form stable condensates with polysaccharides like pectin, potentially shaping which microbes thrive on leaf surfaces. This groundbreaking finding highlights a mechanism by which plants may control their microbiomes, with implications for plant health and broader ecological interactions. The research also raises intriguing possibilities for how plant RNA—such as that on salad leaves—might impact human gut microbiomes.

Unearthing the Evolutionary Secrets of Australia's Elusive Marsupial Moles:
Marsupial moles, known as "itjaritjari" to the Indigenous Aṉangu people, are some of Australia's most enigmatic mammals. Living underground in the deserts, these animals "swim" through sand, adapting remarkably with nearly blind vestigial eyes, backward-facing pouches, and the ability to survive in low-oxygen environments. Researchers have mapped the marsupial mole's genome, uncovering key evolutionary traits such as a "broken" gene responsible for testicular descent and an extra hemoglobin gene for oxygen transport. Their work also clarified the mole's family tree, linking it to bandicoots and bilbies. The research suggests the species began declining due to climatic changes around 70,000 years ago, well before human settlement. Highlighting the mole's declining genetic diversity, the study calls for renewed conservation efforts to ensure the survival of this unique species.

Chinese Scientist Names 16 Spider Species After Jay Chou Songs: Mi Xiaoqi, a professor at Tongren University in China, has named 16 newly discovered spider species after songs by famed "Mandopop" artist Jay Chou. Mi's paper has gained viral attention, with a related Weibo hashtag amassing over 26 million views. Among the creatively named arachnids are the "Starry Mood spider," "Rainbow spider," and "Excuse spider," each honoring beloved tracks from Chou’s discography. A longtime fan, Mi hopes this naming approach bridges scientific research and public interest, inspiring greater awareness of ecology and conservation. The spiders, found in China's Yunnan province, now immortalize the work of Chou, a household name in Mandarin-language music who has sold over 30 million records worldwide.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

The Paradox of Price in Sustainable Consumption: Barriers, Motivations, and Social Dynamics: This article examines how economic resources and price influence sustainable consumption across social classes. Price acts as a barrier for lower-income groups, preventing them from adopting eco-friendly practices like buying organic food or electric vehicles. For the middle class, sustainable consumption satisfies the dual need to fit in and stand out. Meanwhile, affluent individuals often justify indulgent and environmentally harmful consumption—such as private jet travel—through the "price entitlement effect," viewing high costs as a symbol of success and legitimacy. The piece highlights the need to reframe price as a reflection of sustainability commitment and emphasizes the role of companies and policymakers in promoting collective values and ethical consumption. By addressing these dynamics, sustainable consumption can become more inclusive and environmentally effective.

Echoes of the Past: The Acoustic and Cultural Legacy of Kurukop's Petroglyphs: The rock art site of Kurukop in South Africa's Northern Cape offers a fascinating interplay of visual and acoustic heritage. Home to 112 petroglyphs created over thousands of years by San hunter-gatherers and Khoe herders, the site features a unique echo phenomenon. Acoustic measurements reveal that 60% of these engravings were located within the echo zone, suggesting sound played a vital role in the site's significance. Echoes likely enhanced performances involving clapping, singing, and dancing, tying the art to cultural practices. Mythology supports this connection, as a regional |Xam San story personifies Echo as the daughter of Mountain and Wind, highlighting the spiritual and performative aspects of sound. Kurukop stands as an enduring archive of collective memory, where reflected sound and storytelling preserve ancestral and cultural knowledge.

A Landmark Discovery: New Zealand's Most Complete Cretaceous Ichthyosaur Skeleton: A newly analyzed ichthyosaur skeleton, discovered in 2010 in New Zealand's Clarence Valley, offers groundbreaking insights into these dolphin-like marine reptiles. Dating back about 98 million years, this specimen is among the youngest and most complete ichthyosaur fossils from New Zealand, significantly enhancing the understanding of their diversity in the region. The fossil, encased in hard rock, was meticulously prepared and studied using CT scanning and 3D imaging, revealing distinctive features such as a rare pelvis, hind fin, and unique skull and scapula structures. Identified as part of the Platypterygiidae family, the ichthyosaur appears to have evolutionary ties with Australian and European species but not with South American ichthyosaurs, suggesting regional diversity in Gondwanan ichthyosaurs before their extinction. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history and distribution of ichthyosaurs in the southern hemisphere, contrasting with other marine reptiles like mosasaurs, which exhibited broader links across Gondwana.