Smartphone Use Slightly Boosts Teen Mood, Study Finds.

Good afternoon,

We are one day closer to the weekend.

In today’s edition:

• Technology and AI - AI Chatbots Aid Surgeons in Suturing Tasks.

• Engineering - New Sodium-Ion Battery Tech Promises Rapid EV Charging.

• Health - Oldest Known Attempt to Treat Cancer Found in Ancient Egyptian Skull.

• Environment - Seaweed's Potential Role in Supplying Clean Energy Minerals.

• Nature - Hummingbirds' Sense of Touch Aids Precision Flight.

• Industry News: Amazon's New Drone Technology to Revolutionize Deliveries.

If you’d like to see more of this, sign up here or share with others.

This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

AI Chatbots Aid Surgeons in Suturing Tasks: Surgeons can now utilize AI chatbots to assist robotic systems with suturing during operations. This integration enhances precision and efficiency, showcasing a significant advancement in surgical technology. The chatbots facilitate real-time communication, allowing surgeons to delegate specific tasks to robots seamlessly.

AI Predicts Landmine Locations from Satellite Images: Researchers have developed an AI model capable of predicting landmine locations from satellite images with up to 92% accuracy. This technology aims to speed up the process of landmine detection and removal, particularly in conflict zones like Ukraine, where landmines pose a significant danger. The AI leverages data patterns to identify potential minefields, enhancing safety and efficiency in demining operations.

Smartphone Use Slightly Boosts Teen Mood, Study Finds: Researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison found that teenagers' moods improve slightly when using smartphones. In a study published in PLOS ONE, 235 teens reported higher mood scores while using their phones through a six-day Ecological Momentary Assessment. This method showed a mood increase from an average of 5 to 5.5 on a 7-point scale during phone use, indicating a positive association between phone use and mood enhancement in teenagers.

AI's Rising Energy Consumption Poses Climate Challenge: Artificial intelligence's growing electricity demands could double by 2026, significantly impacting climate change efforts. While AI tasks can be highly energy-intensive, improving efficiency and increasing renewable energy adoption are crucial strategies to mitigate these effects. Balancing AI's expansion with sustainable practices is essential to minimize its environmental footprint.

AI-Powered Bio-Cameras Enhance Pedestrian Detection for Safer Driving: Researchers from the University of Zurich have developed a bio-inspired camera system combined with AI that detects pedestrians and obstacles 100 times faster than current automotive cameras. This system, using less computational power, promises significant safety improvements for both human-driven and autonomous vehicles.

ENGINEERING

The Pros and Cons of Hard Water: Insights from Water Quality Engineers: Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, has both benefits and drawbacks. According to water quality engineers, while hard water can lead to clogged pipes and dry skin, it also offers health benefits such as improved bone density and cardiovascular health. The minerals in hard water help prevent corrosion in pipes by forming a protective layer, which reduces the risk of toxic metal contamination. However, the same minerals can cause buildup in water heaters and reduce their lifespan. Softening hard water can alleviate skin and hair issues but may increase sodium content, which is a concern for those on low-sodium diets. Overall, hard water is safe to drink and even beneficial in moderation.

New Sodium-Ion Battery Tech Promises Rapid EV Charging: Researchers have developed a hybrid sodium-ion battery that can charge in seconds, potentially revolutionizing the energy storage industry. This new battery combines high capacity with fast charging capabilities, making it a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries for applications in smartphones, electric vehicles, and aerospace. The technology leverages more abundant and cheaper sodium, offering a sustainable solution with improved performance over existing batteries.

New Device Enables Prosthetic Hands to Sense Temperature: Researchers have developed a device that allows a man with an above-the-wrist amputation to sense temperature through his prosthetic hand. The "MiniTouch" device, connected to a spot on his arm, enables him to differentiate between cold, cool, and hot objects. This advancement represents a significant step toward creating prosthetic limbs that offer a full range of sensory feedback, enhancing their functionality and user acceptance.

New Glass Coating Enhances Privacy and Light Transmission: Researchers have developed an innovative glass coating that looks like frosted glass but allows more light to pass through than regular windows. This ultrathin film, featuring silicone micro-pyramids, provides privacy while increasing light diffusion and reducing indoor temperatures. Additionally, it offers a self-cleaning surface by repelling water and dirt. This technology promises to enhance energy efficiency in buildings and improve agricultural yields in greenhouses.

HEALTH

Oldest Known Attempt to Treat Cancer Found in Ancient Egyptian Skull: Researchers have discovered the oldest known attempt to treat cancer in a 4,000-year-old Egyptian skull. The skull shows evidence of surgery likely aimed at removing a cancerous tumor, revealing early medical practices and understanding of the disease. This finding highlights the ancient origins of cancer treatment efforts and the continuity of medical intervention across millennia.

New Therapies Target Malnutrition and Gut Inflammation: Children suffering from malnutrition can experience lasting health issues, including inflammation, weakened immune systems, and gut problems. Recent research highlights the development of new therapies aimed at repairing the damage caused by malnutrition, focusing on gut health and immune system support.

Privacy Issues Persist in Women’s Health Apps: A study finds that many women's health apps continue to have significant privacy flaws. These apps often collect and share sensitive data, including menstrual cycles and pregnancy status, without adequate user consent or transparency. The lack of robust privacy protections can lead to serious safety and discrimination risks, highlighting the need for better privacy practices and user awareness.

Contraceptive Pill May Contribute to Scarring Hair Loss: A study published in JAMA Dermatology links the use of oral contraceptives to frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), a distressing hair loss condition. The research highlights a gene-environment interaction, particularly involving the CYP1B1 gene. Women with certain genetic variations who took the pill were more likely to develop FFA, suggesting a combined genetic and environmental cause. This insight could lead to genetic testing to minimize the risk of developing FFA.

Long-Term COVID-19 Effects Persist Despite Reduced Death Risk:  New research from Washington University reveals that while the risk of death from COVID-19 has decreased over three years, many survivors still experience significant health issues. Hospitalized patients face a higher risk of death and health problems, while non-hospitalized individuals also report lingering effects. This underscores the enduring impact of the virus on multiple organs:

Genetic Link Between Diabetes and Gut Health Discovered: Researchers at Edith Cowan University have identified a genetic connection between type 2 diabetes and various gut disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux. This discovery, published in Communications Biology, suggests that shared genetic mechanisms could offer new avenues for targeted treatments and improved patient outcomes.

ENVIRONMENT

Warm Water Accelerates Thwaites Glacier Melting, Raising Sea Level Concerns: Scientists have discovered that warm ocean water is seeping under Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier, causing rapid melting and accelerating its retreat. Satellite measurements show that tidal actions lift the glacier, allowing warm, salty water to flow beneath it, melting the ice from below. This process injects significant heat into the glacier, potentially doubling its ice loss rate and contributing to global sea level rise.

North America Faces Potential Wildfire Smoke Challenges in 2024: North America might experience another severe wildfire smoke season in 2024, though not as extreme as 2023. Early wildfires in Canada and Mexico have already impacted air quality in the U.S. However, La Niña conditions could bring wetter weather, potentially reducing fire severity. Experts remain cautious, noting that ongoing drought and high temperatures could still result in significant wildfire activity.

Seaweed's Potential Role in Supplying Clean Energy Minerals: Researchers are exploring seaweed as a sustainable source of essential minerals needed for clean energy technologies, such as batteries and solar panels. Seaweed's ability to accumulate high levels of minerals like lithium and nickel presents an eco-friendly alternative to traditional mining, which has significant environmental drawbacks. Utilizing seaweed could mitigate the ecological impact associated with mineral extraction and support the transition to renewable energy.

Fungus vs. Concrete: Evaluating the Environmental Impact: A study from the University of Bristol compared the environmental impact of mycelium-based building materials to traditional concrete. While fungus-based materials are often seen as more sustainable, their production can have a higher ecological footprint depending on the energy sources used. The study found that in regions relying on coal power, such as South Africa, the environmental benefits diminish, whereas areas with renewable energy sources, like the Democratic Republic of Congo, fare better.

NATURE

Hummingbirds' Sense of Touch Aids Precision Flight: A study by the University of British Columbia reveals that hummingbirds use their acute sense of touch to hover precisely near flowers without collision. This sensory ability helps them navigate complex environments and maintain stability during flight, crucial for feeding and avoiding obstacles.

Sawfish Develop Sheath to Prevent Womb Injuries: Smalltooth sawfish are born with a sheath around their snout's sharp teeth to prevent injuries to the mother and siblings in the womb. This protective layer, resembling a tough second skin, sheds shortly after birth. Scientists have recently examined this structure closely, overturning previous assumptions about its fragility. This discovery adds to the understanding of the critically endangered species' life history.

Optimal Timing for Neutering Dogs to Reduce Health Risks: A UC Davis study offers updated guidelines on neutering 40 dog breeds, emphasizing breed-specific timing to lower cancer and joint disorder risks. Early neutering can increase health issues in some breeds, highlighting the need for a tailored approach based on breed, sex, and individual factors.

Why Dyeing Poison Frogs Tap Dance: Dyeing poison frogs engage in toe-tapping behavior, adjusting their taps based on the presence and accessibility of prey. Researchers at the University of Illinois found that frogs tap more when prey is visible but unreachable, suggesting the behavior is linked to hunting rather than just excitement. The study indicates that the tapping might serve to startle or manipulate prey, though further research is needed to explore other potential functions, such as social signaling.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Amazon's New Drone Technology to Revolutionize Deliveries: Amazon has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operations. This significant regulatory milestone allows Amazon to expand its drone delivery services, potentially improving efficiency and speed in package deliveries. The new technology aims to streamline the logistics process, reducing the dependency on human oversight during flights, which could lead to quicker, more widespread drone delivery deployment across various regions.

Tajikistan to Build Solar Plant and PV Factory: Tajikistan is set to construct a 200 MW solar power station and its first solar equipment production plant. The $1.5 billion solar project will be developed by Eging PV Technology in stages, starting in the Panj Free Economic Zone. Concurrently, a solar equipment factory, funded by Global Solar Wafer from South Korea, will be built in the Danghara Free Economic Zone, creating significant local employment opportunities.

Japanese Researchers Develop Solar-Powered Chemical Heat Pump System: Japanese researchers have introduced an innovative solar chemical heat pump system for buildings, which utilizes solar energy to enhance energy efficiency. This system can store and release thermal energy, providing a sustainable and efficient heating solution. By harnessing solar power, the system reduces reliance on conventional energy sources, contributing to greener building operations.