Harnessing Urocanic Acid: A Breakthrough in Safer, Natural Sunscreen Filters

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

In today’s edition:

• Science - Smart Glasses with Liquid Crystal Lenses May Aid Photosensitive Epilepsy Sufferers, and more.

• Technology and AI - Optoelectronic Memristors Mimic Human Vision for Efficient In-Sensor Computing.

• Engineering - Breakthrough in 3D Printing Eliminates Defects While Boosting Productivity, Bionic Speaking Valve Inspired by Carnivorous Plant Enhances Patient Safety.

• Astronomy & Space - Martian Meteorite ‘Black Beauty’ Reveals Evidence of Ancient Hot Water on Mars, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Wearable Organic X-Ray Sensors Offer Safer Cancer Radiotherapy, New Protein Toolkit to Repair Damaged DNA Offers Hope for Aging, Cancer, and Neurological Diseases, and more.

• Neuroscience - NREM Sleep Boosts Cognitive Performance Through Brain Synchronization, Study Finds, and more.

• Environment - Middle East and North Africa Facing Accelerated Warming, Study Finds.

• Nature - Chimpanzee Tool Use Shows Evidence of Cultural Evolution Across Generations.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Neanderthals’ Advanced Technology: 65,000-Year-Old Tar Distillation Site Unearthed in Gibraltar, and more

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Harnessing Urocanic Acid: A Breakthrough in Safer, Natural Sunscreen Filters: A collaborative research team from the University of Amsterdam and the University of Warwick has identified urocanic acid—a naturally occurring compound in the skin—as a promising candidate for next-generation sunscreen filters. Their findings (1,2) provide the first comprehensive understanding of the compound's light-absorbing and photophysical properties. Although urocanic acid naturally absorbs UV-A and UV-B radiation, it has a low SPF and can transform into an immunosuppressive variant upon UV exposure. By using advanced spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations, the team demonstrated how molecular modifications and solvent interactions can optimize its photoactive properties. The research uncovered stable derivatives of urocanic acid with reduced immunosuppressive effects, paving the way for safer, environmentally friendly sunscreens. These findings also hold potential for applications beyond sunscreens, including in photothermal materials.

Smart Glasses with Liquid Crystal Lenses May Aid Photosensitive Epilepsy Sufferers: Researchers from the University of Glasgow and University of Birmingham have developed a prototype pair of glasses featuring liquid crystal lenses designed to help individuals with photosensitive epilepsy. The study demonstrates that these lenses can block over 98% of light in the 660–720nm wavelength range, known to trigger seizures in many sufferers. The lenses are activated by a small, built-in heating mechanism powered by a discrete circuit embedded in the glasses’ frame, allowing the glasses to block harmful wavelengths in real time. Though the current prototype functions effectively at room temperatures up to 26°C, the researchers are working to improve its adaptability to hotter environments and its heating and cooling response times. This innovative collaboration between neuroscience, engineering, and mathematics offers hope for transforming the lives of photosensitive epilepsy patients.

New Detector Offers First Glimpse into Neutron Structure via DVCS:
For the first time, researchers have successfully measured the internal structure of neutrons in deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) reactions, a critical process for understanding nucleons—the building blocks of matter. Using the Central Neutron Detector, developed over a decade and installed at the U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, the team overcame challenges like proton contamination through machine learning tools. This breakthrough enables precise detection of neutrons and provides valuable insights into how quarks and gluons distribute and contribute to nucleon spin, advancing nuclear physics.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Optoelectronic Memristors Mimic Human Vision for Efficient In-Sensor Computing: Researchers at Tsinghua University have developed a cutting-edge optoelectronic device for in-sensor computing, integrating sensing, memory, and processing functions into a single unit. The device leverages a fully integrated array of optoelectronic memristors (OEMs) that utilize both light and electricity for hierarchical information processing, similar to the human visual system. The OEM array, featuring a layered structure (Pd/TiOx/ZnO/TiN), offers configurable multi-mode functionality, enabling diverse computer vision tasks. Initial tests demonstrated impressive results, including enhanced image recognition accuracy (from 85.7% to 96.1%), advanced object tracking (96.1% accuracy), and human motion recognition (91.2% accuracy). The system also consumed 20 times less energy compared to conventional GPUs. This innovative platform holds great potential for cost-effective and energy-efficient in-sensor computing applications. Future developments may focus on optimizing light absorption through transparent materials, further advancing its capabilities.

ENGINEERING

Breakthrough in 3D Printing Eliminates Defects While Boosting Productivity: A team of engineers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison has developed a novel approach to significantly reduce three common defects—pores, rough surfaces, and large spatters—in metal parts produced via laser powder bed fusion, a widely used additive manufacturing technique. Using an innovative ring-shaped laser beam provided by nLight, the team conducted high-speed synchrotron X-ray imaging at Argonne National Laboratory to uncover mechanisms that stabilize the laser powder bed fusion process. This stabilization allowed them to print thicker layers without compromising quality, increasing manufacturing speed and productivity. The breakthrough could lead to broader industrial adoption of additive manufacturing for critical applications in aerospace, medical, and energy industries, where reliability and durability are paramount. This advance addresses longstanding challenges in 3D printing, paving the way for creating high-quality, defect-free metal parts more efficiently.

Bionic Speaking Valve Inspired by Carnivorous Plant Enhances Patient Safety: Researchers from the University of Freiburg have developed a biomimetic speaking valve with an integrated pressure release mechanism and acoustic warning signal to enhance safety for tracheostomized patients. Inspired by the bladderwort plant (Utricularia vulgaris), the valve employs a flexible membrane that mimics the plant’s fast trap door, opening at critical pressure levels to release excess air and prevent dangerous overpressure. The valve also emits an audible signal to alert medical personnel of potential hazards, ensuring timely intervention. This innovation was developed in collaboration with the Freiburg Botanical Garden, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, and the Cluster of Excellence livMatS, combining bionics and clinical expertise to address a pressing patient safety issue. The design allows customization of opening pressure to meet individual patient needs, offering a novel solution for improving care.

AI-Driven Solar Forecasting Enhances Renewable Energy Integration in the UK: Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed an AI model that significantly improves solar energy forecasting, crucial for integrating solar power into the UK's energy grid. Leveraging very-short-term (VST) forecasting with ground-based fisheye images, the model accurately predicts solar irradiance, even in the UK's cloudy and variable climate. By adapting models trained in sunnier regions like California, the team reduced the required local data for accurate forecasts from four months to just two weeks. This innovation enhances the adaptability of solar forecasting across diverse climates, supporting the UK's goal to double its solar energy contribution over the next five years.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Martian Meteorite ‘Black Beauty’ Reveals Evidence of Ancient Hot Water on Mars: A Martian meteorite nicknamed "Black Beauty," which formed 4.45 billion years ago, contains crystals that suggest the presence of hot water during its formation. The rock, discovered in Morocco in 2011, is a composite of fragments, including some of the oldest known rocks from Mars. Researchers found layered zircon crystals containing iron, aluminium, and sodium, indicative of hydrothermal activity involving magma and hot water. This evidence suggests Mars may have had active water systems beneath its surface billions of years ago, possibly releasing water vapour into the atmosphere before the development of rivers and lakes. These findings provide new insights into Mars's early history and the role of water in shaping its environment.

Asteroid Ryugu Sample Highlights Challenges for Panspermia Studies and Contamination Control: A study on a space-returned sample from asteroid Ryugu, conducted by researchers at Imperial College London revealed rapid colonization by terrestrial microorganisms despite stringent contamination controls. Rods and filaments resembling terrestrial microbes were observed, suggesting microbial growth on the sample post-recovery. This contamination highlights the difficulties of maintaining extraterrestrial sample integrity, reinforcing the need for enhanced protocols in future missions. While contamination undermines evidence for panspermia in this case, the study reveals that extraterrestrial material can support Earth-origin microbes, underscoring the adaptability of terrestrial life and the potential for interplanetary survival. The findings raise concerns about contamination during space exploration and emphasize the resilience of Earth’s biota in exploiting available niches.

Earth Bacteria Found on Ryugu Asteroid Sample Highlights Contamination Risks:
Researchers analyzing a rock sample from asteroid Ryugu, brought back by Japan’s Hayabusa 2 mission, discovered microbial life. However, the bacteria were determined to be terrestrial contaminants, likely introduced during sample preparation. This finding underscores the challenges of avoiding contamination in extraterrestrial sample return missions. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for upcoming missions, such as NASA's Mars sample return, where detecting extraterrestrial life would require extreme care to rule out Earth-based contamination. Despite these findings, the study reinforces the resilience of microorganisms, suggesting they might survive in extraterrestrial environments by exploiting organic materials in meteorites.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Wearable Organic X-Ray Sensors Offer Safer Cancer Radiotherapy: An international research team led by the University of Wollongong has developed wearable organic X-ray sensors that could significantly improve cancer radiotherapy by enhancing safety and precision. The study demonstrates that these lightweight, biocompatible sensors can monitor radiation exposure in real-time without disrupting treatment protocols, reducing harm to healthy tissues. The sensors, made from organic semiconductors, detect X-rays with 99.8% beam transmission and maintain stability under clinical radiation conditions. They also showed a 2% precision in detecting microbeam X-rays, a cutting-edge radiotherapy modality. This breakthrough could lead to personalized radiation therapies with optimized delivery and minimal side effects, offering a safer and more effective approach for cancer patients.

New Protein Toolkit to Repair Damaged DNA Offers Hope for Aging, Cancer, and Neurological Diseases: Scientists from the Universities of Sheffield and Oxford have discovered a groundbreaking mechanism for repairing damaged DNA linked to aging, cancer, and neurological diseases like Motor Neuron Disease (MND). The research highlights the role of the protein TEX264, which, along with other enzymes, identifies and digests toxic proteins that stick to DNA and cause damage. Accumulated DNA damage can accelerate cellular aging and increase vulnerability to diseases. This newly identified repair toolkit could not only slow aging but also improve treatments for conditions like cancer. TEX264’s role in DNA repair has potential implications for chemotherapy, as it may enhance the targeted killing of cancer cells. The discovery advances the understanding of genome repair and offers promising avenues for cancer therapies and treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Ongoing research aims to further explore its therapeutic potential.

New Insights into Molecular Mechanisms Driving Melanoma Growth and Metastasis: Researchers at LMU Munich have identified a critical interaction between the ion channel TPC2 and the enzyme Rab7a that promotes tumor development and metastasis in melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The study highlights how Rab7a amplifies TPC2 activity, regulating endolysosomal protein degradation and influencing pathways critical for melanoma cell proliferation and survival. Loss of TPC2 or inhibition of Rab7a was shown to significantly reduce tumor growth and metastasis in both cellular and mouse models. This discovery points to a potential therapeutic target, as disrupting the Rab7a-TPC2 interaction could inhibit melanoma progression. Additionally, mutations in TPC2 linked to fair skin and increased melanoma risk further underscore its role in cancer susceptibility.

NEUROSCIENCE

NREM Sleep Boosts Cognitive Performance Through Brain Synchronization, Study Finds: A groundbreaking study by researchers from Rice University, Houston Methodist, and Weill Cornell Medical College has revealed how nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep enhances cognitive and behavioral performance. Published in Science, the research highlights how NREM sleep fosters neuronal synchronization, improving information processing and task performance. Using macaques, the team recorded neural activity in key brain areas before and after a 30-minute NREM sleep period. They found improved visual task accuracy linked to increased delta wave activity and synchronized neuron firing during sleep, followed by desynchronized activity post-sleep. Quiet wakefulness, in contrast, did not yield the same performance boost. The study also replicated these neural effects using low-frequency electrical stimulation, suggesting potential for therapies to mimic sleep’s benefits in individuals unable to sleep or in unique scenarios like space exploration. This discovery could pave the way for innovative treatments for sleep disorders and cognitive enhancement techniques.

Study Unveils Rapid Brain Connectivity Surge at Birth: A study reveals a dramatic increase in brain functional connectivity at birth, marking a pivotal stage in early neural development. Researchers from NYU School of Medicine analyzed brain-imaging data from 140 fetuses and infants, mapping changes in resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) across brain regions from 25 to 55 weeks post-conception. Findings show that while some brain areas exhibit minimal connectivity changes, others—such as the subcortical, sensorimotor, and superior frontal networks—undergo significant reorganization. Notably, the subcortical network showed increased communication efficiency, emphasizing its role as a central hub for brain activity. This research provides critical insights into how brain networks emerge and adapt during the birth transition and highlights the potential impact of environmental factors such as prematurity or prenatal adversity on neural development. The study lays a foundation for understanding the mechanisms that prepare the brain for life outside the womb.

Gene Therapy Breakthrough Targets SHANK3-Related Autism: A study from Tel Aviv University has identified new mechanisms in SHANK3-related autism, revealing how mutations in the SHANK3 gene disrupt both neurons and oligodendrocytes—brain cells responsible for producing myelin, a critical insulating layer for nerve fibers. The research shows that defective myelin impairs brain communication and contributes to autism symptoms. Using a mouse model and human stem cells, researchers successfully applied a gene therapy to restore normal SHANK3 protein function, improving myelin production and cellular communication. This innovation could pave the way for new treatments targeting SHANK3-related autism and highlights the broader role of myelin in neurodevelopmental disorders.

ENVIRONMENT

Middle East and North Africa Facing Accelerated Warming, Study Finds:
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are experiencing climate change at rates up to 3.5 times faster than the global average, with the region nearing 2°C of warming compared to pre-industrial levels. By 2100, parts of the Arabian Peninsula could see temperature increases of up to 9°C (16.2°F) under high-emission scenarios, potentially rendering areas uninhabitable without adaptation. Researchers used high-resolution climate models to show uneven warming across the region, with the central Arabian Peninsula warming as quickly as the Arctic. Dry desert conditions exacerbate heating, unlike humid regions where evaporation cools the environment. Coastal areas, such as Oman, are warming more slowly due to oceanic cooling effects. Meeting low-emission targets could reduce warming rates by 38%, but adaptation strategies—like urban greening and innovative architecture—will be critical to sustain life in increasingly extreme climates. The findings underscore the urgent need for global and regional actions to address climate change.

NATURE

Chimpanzee Tool Use Shows Evidence of Cultural Evolution Across Generations:
Chimpanzee groups with more complex tool-using behaviors are genetically linked, providing evidence of cumulative culture in non-human primates. Female chimpanzees migrating to new groups bring cultural knowledge, allowing communities to improve and innovate techniques over generations. A study analyzing data from 240 chimpanzees across Africa found advanced tool users were 3 to 5 times more likely to share DNA than those with simpler tools. Tools like termite fishing sticks and drilling brushes illustrate cultural transmission, with complex tool sets relying on social exchanges across groups. Though slower than human innovation due to cognitive and social differences, chimpanzee culture shows remarkable parallels to human cultural evolution.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Neanderthals’ Advanced Technology: 65,000-Year-Old Tar Distillation Site Unearthed in Gibraltar: Researchers have uncovered a Neanderthal-built tar distillation structure in Vanguard Cave, Gibraltar, dating back 65,000 years. The study reveals a sophisticated fire-management system used by Neanderthals to extract tar from rockrose plants. Tar was a critical adhesive for hafting stone tools to wooden handles, predating modern human use by over 100,000 years. The hearth structure, featuring a central fire pit with trenches, was analyzed using geochemical, palynological, and micromorphological methods. Evidence included compounds from resinous plants, plant wax biomarkers, and charcoal remnants indicative of controlled low-temperature combustion. Deliberately placed carbonate rocks likely maintained a low-oxygen environment essential for tar production. Experimental archaeology confirmed the feasibility of the structure, with researchers successfully producing tar using materials available to Neanderthals. This discovery highlights Neanderthals’ advanced cognitive and technological capabilities, reshaping perceptions of their cultural complexity.

Challenging the Modular Theory: Overlapping Gene Enhancers and Their Role in Evolution: A study by researchers from the University of Bonn and LMU Munich has revealed that gene enhancers—DNA sequences that regulate gene activity—are not always isolated as previously thought. Focusing on the yellow gene in fruit flies (Drosophila), which controls pigmentation, the team found overlapping enhancer regions influencing different body parts, such as wings and abdomen, simultaneously. This discovery challenges the long-held modular view of enhancers and suggests a more complex genomic architecture. These findings have significant implications for understanding evolution, as enhancers can mutate and influence gene activity in specific tissues without disrupting essential protein functions. This provides a flexible mechanism for evolutionary changes in traits, such as morphology, while maintaining organismal viability.

Re-Creating Dinosaur Sounds: Parasaurolophus’ Crest Offers Clues to Ancient Acoustics: Hongjun Lin from New York University is bringing dinosaurs back to life acoustically by exploring the sounds of the Parasaurolophus, a duck-billed dinosaur known for its distinctive crest. Presented at the 187th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America, Lin's research uses a physical model, nicknamed the "Linophone," to mimic the acoustic characteristics of the dinosaur's crest. Lin’s initial findings suggest that the crest functioned as a resonance chamber, akin to vocal structures in modern birds. The physical model, built from tubes and equipped with a small speaker and microphone, provides valuable insights into how sounds might have been produced. Future efforts aim to refine the model using fossil scans and eventually allow for broader experimentation, including a plug-in to incorporate dinosaur sounds into music. This research not only deepens understanding of dinosaur communication but also bridges science with creative possibilities, reimagining the sounds of a lost world.