Smart Liquids of the Future: Tiny Spheres Unlock Customizable Material Properties

Hello and welcome to Thursday’s newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - New High-Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cell, and more.

• Technology and AI - AI Shows Promise for Early Cancer Detection, and more.

• Engineering - Smart Liquids of the Future: Tiny Spheres Unlock, and more.

• Mathematics - The Cycloid: A 500-Year-Old Mathematical Problem with Modern Applications, and Complex Proof of the Geometric Langlands Conjecture Baffles Mathematicians.

• Health & Medicine - Rising Colon Cancer Rates in Young Americans and more.

• Environment - Overheated Trees Contribute to Urban Air Pollution.

• Nature - Sick Chimpanzees Use Medicinal Plants to Heal Themselves, and more.

• Industry - Booking.com Raises Alarm Over AI-Enabled Travel Scams, and more.

• World -Limited Access to Antivenom Leads to Thousands of Deaths from Snakebites in Kenya, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

New High-Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membranes for Fuel Cells: Researchers at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology have developed polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) for fuel cells that operate at up to 250°C. This innovation addresses challenges in existing PEMs by using a para-PBI and cerium hydrogen phosphate composite, improving proton conduction and stability. The high-temperature operation enhances fuel cell performance, tolerates impurities, and simplifies cooling and water management, offering promising advancements for fuel cell applications in transportation.

Small but Mighty: Gallium and Germanium's Potential in the Global Market: Gallium and germanium, though produced in small volumes, hold significant potential for the critical minerals market. These minerals are essential for advanced technologies, including semiconductors, LEDs, solar cells, and fiber optics. Despite limited current production, their strategic importance is rising, especially as global demand increases and supply chain concerns grow. Australia, with its abundant resources, is poised to enhance its role in this market through improved extraction and processing technologies.

Cell Shape Influences Protein Transport Rates: Researchers at Sanford Research and Texas A&M University have uncovered how cell shape affects protein transport rates. Changes in cell shape alter the availability of guanosine triphosphate (GTP), impacting nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) rates. Cell spreading slows down NCT, while cell rounding accelerates it. This discovery links cellular bioenergetics to transport rates, with potential implications for diseases like cancer, highlighting a new therapeutic target.

Cold Storage and Ethylene Gas Affect Gala Apples' Quality: A recent study highlights how cold storage and ethylene gas impact Gala apples. Prolonged cold storage can cause "internal browning," compromising fruit quality, while exposure to ethylene gas accelerates ripening, reducing shelf life. Researchers emphasize the importance of optimizing storage conditions to maintain apple quality. This research aids growers and distributors in improving post-harvest handling to extend the freshness and marketability of Gala apples.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

AI Shows Promise for Early Cancer Detection: A new study indicates that AI can potentially detect cancer early through DNA methylation patterns. Researchers from Cambridge University and Imperial College London trained an AI model to identify 13 types of cancer with 98.2% accuracy. The AI analyzed DNA methylation marks, which change during early cancer development, to distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues. This breakthrough could enhance early cancer detection, significantly improving patient outcomes.

AI System Successfully Operates 16-Ton Forestry Machine: In a groundbreaking study at Umeå University, an AI system was developed to autonomously operate a 16-ton forestry machine. Using deep reinforcement learning, the AI was trained in a simulated environment before successfully navigating complex terrains and obstacles in real-world tests. This achievement demonstrates the potential for AI to control heavy, complex machinery, overcoming the "reality gap" that often hinders the transfer from simulation to physical application.

GPT Models in the Energy Sector: Potential and Challenges: Research published in Joule explores the role of large-language models (LLMs) like GPT in managing the energy grid. While LLMs show promise in tasks such as emergency response and outage management, significant challenges remain. These include the lack of grid-specific data for training and the need for robust safety protocols. Researchers suggest LLMs could serve as co-pilots, assisting human operators but not replacing them entirely, highlighting the need for further development and testing.

ENGINEERING

Smart Liquids of the Future: Tiny Spheres Unlock Customizable Material Properties: Scientists have discovered that tiny rubber spheres can be used to create tunable smart liquids, which could revolutionize materials science and technology. By embedding these tiny spheres in liquids, researchers have developed materials with adjustable properties, allowing the liquid to change its behavior under different conditions. This innovation opens up potential applications in various fields, including energy storage and responsive materials. These smart liquids can be programmed to alter their viscosity, optical properties, and electrical conductivity, making them highly versatile for use in sensors, actuators, and other advanced technologies. The development of such materials represents a significant step forward in the creation of customizable and adaptable materials for future technological advancements.

Atom-Thick Graphene Microphones: The Future of Smartphone Audio: Researchers have developed a microphone using graphene, an atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice. This innovative material, known for its exceptional strength, electrical conductivity, and flexibility, could revolutionize the audio quality in smartphones. The graphene microphone is capable of detecting a broader range of frequencies than traditional microphones, which could lead to clearer and more precise sound recordings. Graphene's unique properties not only enhance sound sensitivity but also improve durability and reduce the size of the components, making it ideal for compact electronic devices. The development of this technology is a significant step forward in integrating advanced materials into everyday consumer electronics, promising improvements in both performance and user experience.

Eco-Friendly Breakthrough in Battery Production: Researchers at Dalhousie University have developed a greener, more cost-effective method for producing lithium-ion batteries. By using an all-dry process to create the cathode material, they reduce the energy, water usage, and waste associated with traditional methods. This innovation, now being tested by NOVONIX in Nova Scotia, offers substantial environmental benefits and cost savings, potentially lowering the carbon footprint of electric vehicle batteries significantly.

New Catalyst Unlocks Water's Potential for Green Hydrogen Production: Researchers have developed a novel iridium-free catalyst for proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis, achieving high activity and stability at industrial conditions. This breakthrough, involving a cobalt-tungsten oxide delamination process, leverages water's properties to protect the catalyst in acidic environments. The innovation represents a significant step towards sustainable green hydrogen production, reducing reliance on scarce iridium and offering a scalable alternative for renewable energy applications.

MATHEMATICS

The Cycloid: A 500-Year-Old Mathematical Problem with Modern Applications: A 500-year-old mathematical problem involving the shape traced by a rolling circle, known as a cycloid, has found applications in modern science, particularly in understanding phenomena related to coffee and clocks. This ancient problem, first explored by Galileo Galilei and later by prominent mathematicians like Pierre de Fermat and Isaac Newton, describes the curve created by a point on the rim of a circle as it rolls along a straight line. The cycloid curve has intriguing properties and simple yet elegant solutions for its length and area, making it a significant topic in the history of mathematics. Recently, scientists have discovered that the cycloid has practical applications in fields such as optics and timekeeping, demonstrating the enduring relevance of this classical mathematical problem.

Complex Proof of the Geometric Langlands Conjecture Baffles Mathematicians: Mathematicians have achieved a significant milestone by proving a 1000-page complex proof of the geometric Langlands conjecture. This proof, despite being an incredible feat, is so intricate that even other mathematicians struggle to fully comprehend it. The Langlands programme, often seen as a "grand unified theory" of mathematics, connects various mathematical disciplines. This achievement is expected to provide profound insights across both mathematics and physics.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Rising Colon Cancer Rates in Young Americans Hampered by Insurance Barriers: The incidence of colon cancer is increasing among young Americans, yet insurance barriers are complicating access to early screening. Despite guidelines recommending earlier screening, many insurance policies do not cover the associated costs until symptoms appear or until the patient reaches a specific age. This delay in screening can lead to later-stage diagnoses, reducing the chances of successful treatment and increasing healthcare costs.

Innovative Blood Test for Multiple Cancer Detection Shows Promise for Early Diagnosis: Researchers have developed a blood test capable of screening for multiple types of cancer simultaneously. This multicancer early detection (MCED) test analyzes DNA methylation patterns, which are indicative of cancer presence. Early studies demonstrate the test's high accuracy in identifying various cancers, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. This advancement could significantly improve cancer survival rates by catching the disease at a more treatable stage.

Study Identifies Mechanism Behind Glioblastoma's Immunotherapy Resistance: Researchers at the University of Copenhagen discovered why glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, resists immunotherapy. Glioblastoma cells evade treatment by changing their appearance, not mutating their DNA. This "overcoat" shift helps the tumor cells escape T-cell attacks, making immunotherapy ineffective. This insight offers a pathway for new treatments targeting the cancer's plasticity, potentially improving outcomes for glioblastoma patients.

Engineered Enzyme Shows Promise in Preventing Lupus: Researchers at Yale University have developed an engineered enzyme that prevents lupus in mouse models. This enzyme, replicating the activity of DNAse1L3, reduces autoimmunity and death rates. The treatment has potential for human patients, especially those with a pathogenic variant of DNAse1L3 or autoantibodies neutralizing the enzyme. This breakthrough offers hope for better lupus management and treatment options in the future.

Novel Treatment Effectively Treats Cognitive Decline in Mice with Alzheimer's: Researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have developed a synthetic peptide, PHDP5, that reverses cognitive decline in mice with Alzheimer's disease. This peptide inhibits the interaction between dynamin and microtubules, restoring synaptic function and improving learning and memory. Administered intranasally, PHDP5 offers a promising therapeutic strategy for early-stage Alzheimer's, with the potential to delay cognitive decline in human patients.

Alarming Rise in Antibiotic-Resistant Infections in Sub-Saharan Africa: Two studies highlight the critical issue of antibiotic resistance in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly affecting young children. Researchers from Geneva University Hospital and the University of Geneva found high levels of multi-resistant bacterial strains, especially Enterobacteria, in the blood of young patients. The resistance to common antibiotics like ampicillin and gentamicin is significantly high, posing severe challenges in treating infections effectively. This situation exacerbates the healthcare crisis in the region, where diagnostic resources are limited.

ENVIRONMENT

Overheated Trees Contribute to Urban Air Pollution: Recent research has revealed that overheated trees in urban areas can exacerbate air pollution. During periods of high temperatures, trees emit more volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which, when combined with nitrogen oxides from vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, form ground-level ozone and other pollutants. This process intensifies urban air quality issues, particularly during heatwaves.

Trees typically play a crucial role in improving air quality by absorbing pollutants and providing cooling effects through shade and evapotranspiration. However, in overheated conditions, their VOC emissions can counteract these benefits. This finding underscores the importance of selecting tree species that emit fewer VOCs and implementing urban planning strategies that mitigate the heat island effect.

NATURE

Sick Chimpanzees Use Medicinal Plants to Heal Themselves: Chimpanzees have been observed self-medicating with various plants that possess medicinal properties. When sick, these primates seek out specific plants that are not part of their regular diet to treat ailments such as parasitic infections. This behavior indicates a sophisticated understanding of natural remedies and suggests that the use of medicinal plants has deep evolutionary roots.

Researchers studying chimpanzees have documented the animals using plants with known medicinal properties, such as anti-parasitic effects, showcasing an advanced level of health management in the wild. These findings provide valuable insights into the origins of herbal medicine and the cognitive abilities of our closest relatives.

Leeches' Remarkable Jumping Ability: Coiling Like Cobras: Researchers have discovered that certain leech species can jump by coiling their bodies similarly to how cobras strike. This unique locomotion method involves the leech coiling its body and then releasing the tension to launch itself into the air, allowing it to cover significant distances relative to its size. This behavior demonstrates the diverse and adaptable nature of leech movement, providing new insights into their physical capabilities and survival strategies.

Innovative Strategy Uses Baby Cane Toads to Train Predators: Researchers have developed a method to protect native Australian predators from toxic cane toads by releasing baby toads, which are less toxic, into the wild. Predators learn to avoid the poisonous adults after encountering these juvenile toads. This technique has shown promising results in maintaining predator populations in areas threatened by cane toad invasions.

Gray Whales Shrinking: A Marine Mystery: Gray whales along the Pacific coast are mysteriously shrinking in size, and scientists are puzzled about the cause. These whales, which migrate between the Arctic and Mexico, have been observed in increasingly poor body condition, often appearing malnourished. Researchers have documented a significant rise in the number of stranded whales, many of which show signs of starvation. This trend became particularly noticeable around 2017 and led to an Unusual Mortality Event declaration in 2019.

Several factors are being investigated, including changes in the Arctic ecosystem affecting prey availability and the impacts of climate change altering feeding patterns and food sources. Efforts to understand and address the issue involve monitoring whale health through drone photography and studying the physical condition of stranded whales.

INDUSTRY

Booking.com Raises Alarm Over AI-Enabled Travel Scams: Booking.com's Chief Information Security Officer, Marnie Wilking, has warned about a surge in AI-powered phishing scams targeting the travel industry. These sophisticated attacks exploit generative AI to create convincing phishing emails, leading to a significant increase in cyber threats. Wilking emphasized the importance of two-factor authentication and vigilance in detecting suspicious communications. The company is also using AI to combat fake property listings and other fraudulent activities.

Second Cyberattack Cripples Car Dealers Across the US: Auto retailers in the U.S. experienced significant disruptions due to a cyberattack on CDK Global, a key software provider. This incident, occurring just days after a previous attack, has left dealers unable to perform essential tasks such as completing transactions, accessing customer records, and handling repair orders. CDK, which supports nearly 15,000 dealerships, has not provided a timeline for restoring services. Major dealership groups like AutoNation saw a drop in their stock prices amid the chaos.

Amazon Replaces Plastic Air Pillows with Recycled Paper Filling: Amazon has announced a major shift in its packaging strategy, replacing plastic air pillows with 100% recycled paper filling for its packages in North America. This move, already implemented in 95% of packages, aims to reduce environmental impact and improve packaging efficiency. By the end of the year, nearly 15 billion plastic air pillows will be eliminated annually. The transition involved updating machinery and training staff, and the paper filler has proven to offer better protection during shipping.

Dead Batteries in Teslas Locking Owners Out and In: Tesla owners are facing safety issues due to a secondary 12V battery failure, which controls door locks and windows. Despite the main battery being charged, this problem can trap people inside, posing serious risks, especially in extreme heat. Manual door releases exist but are often unknown to users. Incidents of people, including children, being locked in Teslas have led to emergency rescues, highlighting the need for Tesla to address this critical safety concern.

WORLD

Limited Access to Antivenom Leads to Thousands of Deaths from Snakebites in Kenya: Kenya faces a severe shortage of antivenom, resulting in around 4,000 deaths and 7,000 severe complications from snakebites annually. Due to habitat destruction and climate change, snakes increasingly encroach on human settlements. Many victims cannot afford the costly and scarce antivenom, relying on ineffective traditional treatments. The Kenya Snakebite Research and Intervention Centre collaborates with international partners to develop local antivenom, aiming to improve accessibility and reduce fatalities.

Extreme Heat Causes Fatalities Among Hajj Pilgrims: This year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia saw over 1,000 deaths due to extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 51.8°C (125°F). The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that high temperatures can overwhelm the body's ability to regulate its temperature, leading to severe health risks such as heatstroke, dehydration, and organ failure. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions, are at higher risk during such extreme weather events.

Most Displaced Ukrainians Plan to Return Home When Safe, Study Finds: Research led by King's College London reveals that the majority of Ukrainians displaced by the war intend to return home when it is safe. The study, which surveyed 11,783 refugees, found that 58% plan to return, with many investing in local skills and integration. However, liberation of home districts increases the likelihood of return, while ongoing conflict in those areas decreases it.