Space Travel Accelerates Muscle Aging

Hello and welcome to Thursday’s STEAM newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - New Catalyst Enhances Propylene Production, and more.

• Technology and AI -AI Trained on AI Generates Nonsensical Output, and more

• Engineering - Enhanced Thermal Imaging Technique Developed for Various Applications, Regulation and Public Debate Needed for Bio-Hybrid Robotics, Engineers Create Zero-Emissions Fuel from Soda Cans and Seawater, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Mars Rover Finds Potential Evidence of Ancient Life, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Shingles Vaccine May Protect Against Dementia, and more.

• Environment - Paris Olympics’ Purple Track Made from Sustainable Materials, and more.

• Nature - Evolutionary Origins of Bat Flight Unveiled, and more.

• Industry - Manufacturing Flaw Causes Wind Turbine Blade Failure, and more.

• World - New European Regulations Aim to Curb Deforestation but Pose Challenges, Ghana's Energy Planning Model for Resilience in the Global South, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

New Catalyst Enhances Propylene Production: DOE researchers have discovered a more efficient and cost-effective method for producing propylene, a key component in making polypropylene. By combining zirconium with silicon nitride, they improved the catalytic conversion of propane to propylene, reducing the required temperature and energy usage compared to traditional methods using chromium or platinum. This new catalyst is less toxic and lowers carbon dioxide emissions, offering a promising approach for other reactions and advancing sustainable chemical manufacturing.

Dielectric Response of Water in Nanopores Revealed: Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the University of Texas at Austin have uncovered the dielectric behavior of water confined in nanopores smaller than 10 nanometers. Simulations show that water molecules in these confined spaces align their dipoles more extensively than in bulk water, leading to enhanced electric field screening and the formation of ferroelectric ice phases. This understanding is crucial for improving separation technologies, energy storage, and conversion applications.

Light Exposure Reveals Different Photoreactions in Similar Crystals: Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University found that single crystals of four anthracene derivatives react differently to light exposure. For two derivatives, photoreactions occurred uniformly, while for the other two, reactions started at the edges and moved inward due to molecular rotation. Understanding these spatially heterogeneous reactions could lead to the development of materials with controlled photoreactivity, enhancing their functional applications.

Overcoming Energy Barriers in Molecular Systems: Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization discovered that non-reciprocal molecular interactions can help systems escape kinetic traps by overcoming energy barriers. These interactions, which mimic predator-prey dynamics, enable molecules to move out of local energy minima, improving molecular machine efficiency and self-organization in active matter. This mechanism can lead to advanced designs in molecular systems and better understand protein folding in biological contexts.

Our Memory of Music Persists in Old Age: A study published in PLoS ONE reveals that older adults retain the ability to recall music similarly to younger individuals. Researchers found that participants aged 18 to 86 could identify musical themes equally well, suggesting that musical memories remain robust with age. This phenomenon, termed "cognitive scaffolding," implies that music could aid in memory retention and rehabilitation for older adults.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

AI Trained on AI Generates Nonsensical Output: A new study shows that training AI models on outputs from other AI models leads to "model collapse," where the AI starts producing nonsensical and repetitive output. Researchers found that over successive generations, AI models trained on their predecessors' outputs forgot rare details and eventually generated meaningless gibberish. This highlights the importance of using original human-generated data for training AI to maintain quality and diversity in AI outputs.

Social Factors Influence Pedestrians' Decisions with Automated Vehicles: A study by Queensland University of Technology researchers found that pedestrians' decisions to cross roads are significantly influenced by the behavior of other pedestrians when interacting with automated vehicles (AVs). Using a virtual reality setup, the study showed that pedestrians learn from and mimic others' actions, impacting their trust and compliance with external Human-Machine Interfaces (eHMIs) on AVs. Familiarity with eHMIs reduces this reliance on social cues, underscoring the importance of public education on AV interactions.

Google's Brand Ads Criticized as Ineffective, but Essential: A recent study by Northeastern University reveals that Google's brand ads, often considered ineffective, force companies to invest in them to prevent competitors from hijacking their search results. This practice, described as a "sham market," benefits Google financially while offering little value to advertisers. The study highlights how Google's dominance in the search market allows it to set these terms, leaving companies with little choice but to comply, ultimately affecting consumers as well.

OpenAI to Challenge Google with New Search Functionality: OpenAI has announced the development of "SearchGPT," a prototype designed to combine the strengths of AI models with web information to answer online queries quickly and provide relevant sources. This new search functionality will be integrated into ChatGPT, allowing users to interact through conversational queries. OpenAI's initiative aims to compete with Google's AI-driven search summaries, marking a significant step in AI-enhanced search capabilities.

ENGINEERING

Enhanced Thermal Imaging Technique Developed for Various Applications: Engineers at the University of Houston have created a new method to improve thermal imaging and infrared thermography. This technique involves using a near-infrared spectrometer to measure the continuous spectrum of light, allowing for more accurate temperature readings without the emissivity issues of conventional methods. The innovation promises enhanced precision in medical diagnostics, building inspections, military surveillance, and machinery inspections by providing detailed temperature distributions and surface temperature gradients.

Regulation and Public Debate Needed for Bio-Hybrid Robotics: Researchers from the University of Southampton and other institutions are calling for regulations to guide the ethical development of bio-hybrid robotics, which combine living tissue with artificial components. This emerging field poses unique ethical challenges, such as interactions with humans and the environment, integration into human bodies, and questions about moral status. The paper, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, emphasizes the need for governance frameworks and public engagement to ensure responsible advancement in bio-hybrid robotics.

Engineers Create Zero-Emissions Fuel from Soda Cans and Seawater: MIT engineers have developed a method to produce hydrogen fuel by mixing aluminum pellets from recycled soda cans with seawater and caffeine. This reaction, which is sped up by an ingredient in caffeine, generates hydrogen gas that can power engines or fuel cells without carbon emissions. The innovation could be used in marine and underwater vehicles, offering a sustainable and efficient energy source by utilizing readily available materials and seawater.

AI-Enhanced Hydropower Facility Design: Researchers from Tianjin University have developed a knowledge graph to optimize the spatial arrangement of underground hydropower facilities. This AI-driven method uses data extraction and intelligent querying to enhance design accuracy and efficiency, overcoming limitations of traditional approaches. The technique significantly improves project management, reduces costs, and enhances safety. The knowledge graph's adaptability ensures its long-term relevance in hydropower engineering and other fields requiring complex spatial arrangements.

Next-Generation Cooling System for Data Centers: Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new cooling system for data centers that significantly reduces energy consumption. This two-phase cooling method dissipates heat from server chips by boiling a liquid into vapor in a thin, porous layer, which can operate passively or with minimal energy use. Early tests show this technique drastically cuts energy requirements, addressing the growing demand for energy-efficient cooling solutions in data centers, especially with the rise of AI-powered technologies.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Mars Rover Finds Potential Evidence of Ancient Life: NASA's Perseverance rover has discovered intriguing rock samples in the Jezero Crater that may contain signs of ancient microbial life on Mars. The samples, rich in carbonates and silicates, indicate the presence of water over 3.4 billion years ago. These rocks could preserve biosignatures, making them uniquely important for further study on Earth. The discovery was made using the SHERLOC instrument, which identified organic molecules within the rock samples, a promising indicator of potential past life​

Vast Ocean Discovered Beneath Pluto's Ice: New calculations by scientists at Washington University in St. Louis reveal a massive subsurface ocean beneath Pluto's icy surface. Using data from the New Horizons spacecraft, researchers estimated that this ocean, shielded by a thick ice layer, is likely salty and may be up to 80 kilometers deep. The findings suggest that despite Pluto's frigid temperatures, it harbors a potentially habitable environment, altering our understanding of the dwarf planet.

Space Travel Accelerates Muscle Aging: Recent studies reveal that space travel can significantly speed up muscle aging. Microgravity conditions in space lead to rapid muscle atrophy and changes in gene expression. Mice subjected to simulated microgravity showed reduced muscle mass and alterations in genes like Dusp8 and NgBR, which are vital for muscle function and blood vessel growth. These findings not only impact space missions but also offer insights into treating age-related muscle degeneration on Earth. The cardiovascular system and immune function are also adversely affected, emphasizing the need for further research to mitigate these effects​

New Habitable Zone Planet Found in Unusual Star System: Astronomers have discovered a Neptune-like exoplanet, TOI 4633 c, in the habitable zone of a binary star system. Identified by citizen scientists using data from NASA’s TESS mission, the planet has an unusually long orbit of 272 days. The system also includes a second star and potentially another exoplanet. This finding provides insights into planetary formation and stability in multi-star systems.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Shingles Vaccine May Protect Against Dementia: Recent studies indicate that the shingles vaccine could reduce the risk of dementia. Research comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated groups found that those who received the Zostavax vaccine had an 8.5% lower risk of dementia. This finding adds to growing evidence suggesting that vaccines can play a role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases by reducing inflammation linked to viral infections.

Artificial Blood Vessels Could Improve Heart Bypass Outcomes: Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed strong, flexible, gel-like artificial blood vessels using a novel 3D printing and electrospinning technique. These vessels, made from a water-based gel and reinforced with biodegradable polyester nanofibers, could potentially replace human and synthetic veins in heart bypass surgeries. The new method aims to reduce complications such as scarring, pain, and infection, and improve graft integration and durability. Further studies will involve animal testing and eventual human trials.

Electrical Currents Enhance Cancer-Killing Cells: A study from Trinity College Dublin shows that electrical currents can improve the effectiveness of natural killer (NK) cells in targeting cancer cells. Using tumor treating fields (TTFs), which mimic electric currents applied to brain tumors, researchers found that NK cells' cancer-killing abilities were significantly enhanced. This discovery could lead to new combined therapies for aggressive cancers like glioblastoma, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Sodium Channels in Breast Cancer Cells as Treatment Target: Researchers have found that sodium channels in breast cancer cells facilitate tumor growth and spread. Specifically, the Nav1.5 channel triggers processes that increase cell mobility and invasion. The study, using samples from over 1,500 patients, suggests that sodium channel blockers, already used for conditions like epilepsy, could potentially prevent cancer metastasis. This approach could offer a new treatment avenue for breast cancer patients, particularly during the waiting period for surgery.

ENVIRONMENT

Paris Olympics’ Purple Track Made from Sustainable Materials: The 2024 Paris Olympics features a unique purple track at Stade de France, made using crushed clam and mussel shells. This innovative material, rich in calcium carbonate, supports the event’s sustainability goals by reducing waste and emissions. Developed by Italian manufacturer Mondo, the track enhances athlete performance while aligning with eco-friendly practices. The track's distinctive color, chosen by event organizers, is part of the Games' branding.

Sierras Critical for Central Valley Groundwater: A study led by UC Riverside reveals that up to 53% of California's Central Valley groundwater comes from the Sierra Nevadas. This connection underscores the importance of mountain aquifers in supporting the agriculture-dominated region, particularly during droughts. The research highlights the need for sustainable groundwater management to prevent depletion and support long-term agricultural productivity.

NATURE

Evolutionary Origins of Bat Flight Unveiled: A recent study by researchers from the University of Washington and other institutions suggests that bats may have evolved from gliding ancestors. Analyzing limb bone measurements from extinct and extant mammals, the study supports the hypothesis that bat flight evolved from a gliding stage. The findings, published in PeerJ, challenge previous concepts of bat evolution and highlight the need for more fossils to fully understand the transition to powered flight in bats.

Tropical Plant Species Threatened by Climate Change: A study from Brown University highlights that tropical plant species in mountain regions, such as orchids, ferns, and bromeliads, are particularly threatened by climate change. These plants are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and moisture levels, which can disrupt their growth and reproductive cycles. The research underscores the vulnerability of these species, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change on these delicate ecosystems.

Hens Blush When Scared or Excited, Study Finds: A study by French researchers from INRAE and CNRS, published in PLOS ONE, reveals that domestic hens blush and fluff their feathers to display emotions such as fear and excitement. The intensity of blushing varies with emotional situations, providing insights into their emotional experiences. This discovery could enhance the understanding of bird emotions and improve poultry welfare.

Noise Pollution Threatens Oyster Populations: Research from the University of Adelaide reveals that human-generated noise in the ocean is disrupting the natural acoustic cues baby oysters rely on to settle in specific environments. This interference from shipping, construction, and machinery noise hinders oyster larvae recruitment and threatens marine ecosystem vitality. While acoustic enrichment shows promise in quieter areas for restoration projects, its effectiveness is limited in noisy metropolitan coastlines.

Dogs Sense and React to Their Owners' Stress: Research highlights that dogs can sense when their owners are stressed and often act sad in response. This behavior stems from their high emotional intelligence and deep bond with humans, which has evolved over thousands of years. Dogs display comforting behaviors such as nuzzling, licking, and maintaining close contact to alleviate their owners' stress. They detect emotional changes through body language and chemical signals like sweat, responding with increased empathy and concern. This profound connection and the ability to read human emotions make dogs invaluable companions, offering both emotional and physical support during stressful times.

INDUSTRY

Manufacturing Flaw Causes Wind Turbine Blade Failure: GE Vernova identified a manufacturing issue at a Canadian factory as the cause of a wind turbine blade breaking off near Nantucket Island. The defect, related to insufficient bonding, led to the blade's disintegration and subsequent debris spread. The company will reinspect all 150 blades produced at the factory to prevent further incidents. Operations at Vineyard Wind are currently suspended until a full investigation ensures the safety and integrity of all turbine blades.

Video Game Performers Strike Over AI Concerns: Video game performers, represented by SAG-AFTRA, will strike due to stalled contract negotiations with major studios over AI protections. The union demands safeguards against AI replicating actors' voices and likenesses without consent and fair compensation. Despite agreements on wages and safety, studios' offers on AI regulation were deemed insufficient. This strike, following an earlier one over similar issues, highlights the growing impact of AI on the entertainment industry.

Celebrating 50 Years of the UPC Barcode's Impact on Global Commerce: The Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode, first scanned in 1974 on a pack of chewing gum, revolutionized global commerce. Originally designed to help grocery stores manage inventory and reduce labor costs, the barcode system has grown to be used in over 10 billion daily scans across various industries. Its ability to streamline inventory tracking enabled the proliferation of product varieties and large-scale retail operations, transforming shopping and supply chain management worldwide.

WORLD

New European Regulations Aim to Curb Deforestation but Pose Challenges: The European Union has enacted new regulations to mitigate its contribution to global deforestation. Effective from December 2024, these rules mandate that products like cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, and wood entering the EU market must not be linked to deforestation activities post-December 2020. Companies are required to provide detailed origin information, conduct comprehensive risk assessments, and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure compliance with local and international laws, including those on human rights. Despite these robust measures, several challenges persist. Businesses may encounter increased costs and supply chain complexities. Additionally, the regulations currently exclude other critical ecosystems such as savannahs and peatlands, which experts argue are vital for comprehensive biodiversity and climate protection.

The new rules signify a major step towards sustainable trade but also highlight the need for continued efforts and adaptations to fully address environmental and social impacts​.

UK Government Launches Ambitious Green Energy Plan: The UK government has introduced a major green energy plan, establishing a publicly owned body, Great British Energy, to drive investment in renewable energy projects. Partnering with the Crown Estate, the initiative aims to develop offshore wind farms capable of producing up to 30 gigawatts of energy by 2030, enough to power nearly 20 million homes. This plan includes a £8.3 billion public investment over five years, with the goal of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and foreign energy imports.

Ghana's Energy Planning Model for Resilience in the Global South: Researchers from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have developed new energy planning models focusing on resilience and sustainability for the Global South. Using Accra, Ghana, as a case study, the MEASURES project incorporates socio-economic, technical, and climate change challenges to optimize energy systems. The model emphasizes early investment in renewable energy, efficient waste management, and transportation electrification, aiming to inspire global approaches to resilient energy systems.