Spiders Mimic Firefly Signals to Capture Prey

Hello and welcome to Monday’s STEAM newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Small Molecule Eutectics Show Promise as Sustainable Plastic Alternatives, and more.

• Technology and AI - Complex App Privacy Settings Pose Significant Risks to User Data, Survey Reveals Australians' Concerns About AI, Highlights Need for Better Media Literacy.

• Engineering - New Formula Links Urban Design with Flood Severity, New Electric Reactor Could Significantly Reduce Industrial Emissions, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Mapping the Origins of Martian Meteorites to Specific Craters on Mars, Assessing the Risks of Meteor Showers to Spacecraft, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Manuka Honey Shows Promise as Natural Treatment for Breast Cancer, AI Technology Enhances Early Autism Diagnosis, West Nile Virus Cases Rise: Protect Yourself This Season, and more.

• Environment - New Index Developed to Measure Circular Bioeconomy, and more.

• Nature - Spiders Mimic Firefly Signals to Capture Prey, Higher Body Temperatures Linked to Evolution of Herbivory in Animals, and more.

• Industry - Best Buy Introduces AI-Powered Live Delivery Tracking, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

If you’d like to see more of this or if you want to share with others, please use the following link: https://thesteamdigest.beehiiv.com/subscribe

This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Small Molecule Eutectics Show Promise as Sustainable Plastic Alternatives: Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed small molecule organic eutectics as potential replacements for conventional plastics. These materials, created by mixing crystalline components, offer stability, flexibility, and versatility for various manufacturing processes, including glassblowing and film formation. Their properties can be tailored for specific applications, making them promising candidates for eco-friendly, high-performance materials.

Discovery of "Dark" Electrons May Unlock Secrets of High-Temperature Superconductors: Researchers have identified "dark" electrons in complex materials like superconductors, which don't appear in spectroscopy but still influence a material's properties. These findings could help explain why some materials exhibit superconductivity at higher temperatures than predicted by standard theories. The discovery may lead to better models for understanding and developing new superconducting materials, with broader implications for material science.

Scientists Discover New Exciton Behavior in Van der Waals Materials: Researchers have uncovered unusual exciton behavior in van der Waals materials, which could have significant implications for future optoelectronic devices. These materials exhibit unique properties that allow excitons—bound states of electrons and holes—to behave differently from those in traditional materials. The discovery may pave the way for advances in technologies like solar cells and LEDs, providing a new avenue for energy-efficient devices.

New Printed Electronics Material Achieves Breakthrough in Charge Storage: Researchers from Simon Fraser University and the University of Saskatchewan have developed a printed electronics material capable of storing up to 1,000 times more charge than existing materials. This breakthrough, which could significantly advance the Internet of Things (IoT), was made possible using synchrotron light analysis at the Canadian Light Source. The material's enhanced performance in both positive and negative voltage modes offers promising commercial potential for future electronic devices.

Morphable Materials Enable Nanoparticles to Reconfigure Themselves: Researchers have developed "morphable" materials that can coax nanoparticles into reconfiguring themselves, creating dynamic systems with potential applications in nanotechnology. These materials can change shape or properties in response to external stimuli, allowing for the creation of adaptable, self-assembling structures at the nanoscale. This breakthrough could lead to innovations in areas such as drug delivery, smart materials, and nanoelectronics.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Complex App Privacy Settings Pose Significant Risks to User Data: A recent article highlights the privacy risks associated with the complicated default settings of mobile apps like Venmo. These settings often expose users' personal data, making their information more public than intended. Many users are unaware of the steps needed to enhance their privacy, leading to potential data exposure. The article stresses the importance of vigilance and taking ownership of one's privacy by adjusting app settings to limit access to sensitive information.

Survey Reveals Australians' Concerns About AI, Highlights Need for Better Media Literacy: A recent survey of over 4,000 Australians found that many are worried about the impact of generative AI on society. While 39% of respondents have used text-based AI tools like ChatGPT, only 3% regularly use image-based AI. The study underscores the importance of media literacy programs to help the public navigate the growing influence of AI in daily life.

ENGINEERING

New Formula Links Urban Design with Flood Severity: Researchers at UC Irvine have developed a statistical mechanics formula that correlates urban street networks and building density with flood severity. The formula, based on thousands of flood simulations, helps urban planners assess flood risks more accurately by analyzing how city layouts influence water flow during extreme weather events. This tool is crucial for future city planning as it allows for better prediction and mitigation of flood hazards in different urban environments.

New Electric Reactor Could Significantly Reduce Industrial Emissions: Researchers at Stanford University have developed an innovative electric reactor that could drastically cut industrial carbon emissions. Unlike traditional reactors that rely on fossil fuels, this reactor uses magnetic induction to generate heat efficiently within the reactor itself, reducing energy loss and infrastructure needs. The design is smaller, cheaper, and more efficient, potentially making a significant impact on reducing the carbon footprint of industrial processes.

ART Innovation: A New Approach to Enhancing Indoor Air Quality: Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed the Aerosol Removing Tapestry (ART), a novel air filtration device designed to improve indoor air quality discreetly. ART, which resembles wall-mounted artwork, uses positively charged filters to remove airborne particles and bacteria. This quiet, low-cost solution aims to address pollution concerns and improve public health by integrating seamlessly into various environments, including homes, offices, and hospitals.

PolyU Develops Smart Firefighting Technologies for Urban Safety: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has introduced advanced technologies for urban firefighting and resilience, including the SureFire system, which uses AIoT and computer vision to assess and predict fire risks in real time. This system, capable of 90% accurate fire forecasting, enhances emergency response and evacuation. PolyU's research also includes developing autonomous firefighting robots and smart exit systems to improve public safety in high-rise buildings and tunnels.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Mapping the Origins of Martian Meteorites to Specific Craters on Mars: Researchers have successfully traced the origins of many Martian meteorites found on Earth to five impact craters within the Tharsis and Elysium volcanic regions on Mars. This breakthrough allows scientists to better understand the ejection process of Martian rocks and offers new insights into Mars' geological history, helping to recalibrate the timeline of major events on the Red Planet.

Assessing the Risks of Meteor Showers to Spacecraft: Meteor showers can pose significant risks to spacecraft, with the potential to damage delicate components due to meteoroid impacts. A recent study identifies six meteor showers, including the Geminids and Perseids, as particularly hazardous. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding meteoroid flux and highlights the need for spacecraft operators to be vigilant, especially during these high-risk periods.

Sun's Magnetic Activity Alters Seismic Age Determination: A new study led by the University of Geneva reveals that the Sun's magnetic activity significantly impacts its seismic age determination, causing variations of up to 300 million years. This finding, based on 26.5 years of solar data, challenges previous assumptions and highlights the need to consider magnetic activity in future stellar age assessments, particularly for active stars.

Impact of Ocean Salinity on Climate Explored for Earth and Exoplanets: Researchers from Purdue University have studied how ocean salinity affects climate, particularly on Earth-like exoplanets orbiting M-dwarf stars. Their findings suggest that while salinity changes have a significant impact on ice coverage and surface temperatures on Earth-like planets around G-type stars, the effects are more gradual on planets orbiting M-dwarfs. This research enhances our understanding of climate dynamics and potential habitability on exoplanets.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Manuka Honey Shows Promise as Natural Treatment for Breast Cancer: A preclinical study from UCLA Health indicates that Manuka honey may be an effective natural treatment for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, which accounts for most breast cancer cases. The honey significantly reduced tumor growth in mice without harming normal cells, suggesting it could complement existing therapies like tamoxifen. The findings highlight the potential of Manuka honey as a nutraceutical in cancer prevention and treatment.

AI Technology Enhances Early Autism Diagnosis: A new study highlights the potential of AI in improving early autism diagnosis. By analyzing behavioral data and developmental patterns, AI algorithms can identify autism spectrum disorder in children earlier and more accurately than traditional methods. This advancement could lead to earlier interventions and better outcomes for children, emphasizing the transformative role of AI in healthcare.

West Nile Virus Cases Rise: Protect Yourself This Season: As West Nile virus cases increase in 2024, experts advise taking precautions, particularly in peak transmission months from late July to October. The virus, spread by Culex mosquitoes, can lead to severe neurological symptoms in a small percentage of cases. With no available vaccine or treatment, preventive measures include using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water to reduce mosquito breeding.

Innovative Light-Activated Shunt Could Reduce Multiple Surgeries for Children with Heart Defects: Researchers have developed a new heart shunt that expands when exposed to blue light, potentially eliminating the need for multiple surgeries in children with congenital heart defects. This device, designed to grow with the child, could significantly reduce the risks associated with repeated open-chest surgeries, improving outcomes for pediatric patients.

Low-Cost Saliva Test Could Revolutionize Heart Failure Screening: Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a low-cost, at-home saliva test for heart failure. The test, which measures biomarkers Galectin-3 and S100A7, offers rapid results in about 15 minutes. This innovation could significantly improve access to heart failure screening, especially in rural or underserved areas, by providing a convenient and non-invasive alternative to traditional blood tests.

Study Questions Dialysis as Best Option for Some Older Adults with Kidney Failure: A Stanford Medicine study suggests that dialysis may not be the best choice for older adults with kidney failure, particularly those with additional health conditions. The study found that starting dialysis immediately offers only a slight increase in lifespan but significantly more time in hospitals or care facilities. This raises important considerations about the trade-offs between life extension and quality of life for elderly patients.

Link Between DNA Markers and Aging Process Uncovered: Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified specific DNA markers, known as retroelements, that act as precise epigenetic clocks to predict chronological age. These retroelements, remnants of ancient viral material in our genes, may play a critical role in the aging process by influencing gene expression and genomic stability. The study suggests that retroelement activity could be key to understanding and potentially mitigating age-related diseases.

ENVIRONMENT

New Index Developed to Measure Circular Bioeconomy: Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have created a circularity index (CI) to quantify the sustainability of bioeconomic systems. The CI, which ranges from 0 (completely linear) to 1 (completely circular), was tested on two case studies: a corn-soybean farm and the U.S. food and agriculture system. The index provides a valuable tool for evaluating and improving circular economy strategies, potentially guiding policy and commercial efforts toward greater sustainability.

Study Reveals How Energy Companies Pressure Landowners into Fracking Agreements: A study by Binghamton University and UNLV uncovers how energy companies use persistent and personalized tactics to pressure landowners into agreeing to hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on their property. Even when landowners refuse, companies often use legal mechanisms like compulsory unitization to force participation. The findings highlight the need for updated resource policies to better protect landowners from such pressures.

Laboratory Study Sheds Light on Triggers of Explosive Volcanic Eruptions: Researchers at The University of Manchester have conducted a groundbreaking laboratory simulation of volcanic eruptions using a novel pressure vessel, allowing them to observe real-time bubble growth in basaltic magma. This study provides new insights into how gas-magma interactions influence the transition from gentle lava flows to explosive eruptions, offering crucial data for hazard assessment and risk mitigation in volcanic regions.

The Hidden World of Subterranean Ecosystems Faces Climate Threats: The underground world, home to thousands of unique species like eyeless spiders and century-living salamanders, is increasingly threatened by climate change and human activity. These ecosystems, crucial for groundwater purification and carbon sequestration, are experiencing rising temperatures and habitat loss. Scientists, led by Stefano Mammola, are mapping European subterranean biodiversity to prioritize conservation efforts before these fragile environments are irreversibly damaged.

NATURE

Spiders Mimic Firefly Signals to Capture Prey: A study reveals that orb-weaving spiders manipulate the flashing signals of male fireflies trapped in their webs to mimic those of female fireflies. This mimicry lures additional males into the web, where they become the spider's next meal. The findings suggest that spiders are capable of using bioluminescent signals as a predatory strategy, highlighting a new dimension of predator-prey interactions in nature.

Higher Body Temperatures Linked to Evolution of Herbivory in Animals: A study from the University of Arizona reveals that animals with higher body temperatures are more likely to evolve into herbivores. This correlation is believed to be due to the digestive challenges of a plant-based diet, which may require higher body temperatures to support the gut bacteria that break down cellulose. The research, analyzing 1,712 species, offers new insights into the evolution of plant-based diets across land vertebrates.

How Pythons Manage to Eat Massive Meals: Pythons can consume prey equal to their body mass thanks to their unique physiological adaptations. After eating, their hearts increase in size and become less stiff, allowing them to generate more force and better manage the metabolic demands of digesting large meals. This research could provide insights into treating human heart conditions related to stiffness. The study highlights the extraordinary capabilities of pythons' cardiovascular systems during their feasting and fasting cycles.

Seabird Survey Reveals Crucial Biodiversity Data on Indo-Pacific Atolls: A comprehensive survey of seabirds across 55 remote Indo-Pacific atolls has provided critical data on species diversity and population trends. Conducted using drones and field studies, the survey identified key areas for conservation, highlighting the role of seabirds in maintaining the ecological balance of these fragile ecosystems. This research will aid in future conservation efforts and the protection of these vital habitats.

The Dodo: A Misunderstood and Agile Bird: New research challenges the common perception of the dodo as a slow, clumsy bird, revealing that it was actually fast and agile. This study synthesizes centuries of data, debunking myths about the dodo's extinction and emphasizing its adaptation to Mauritius's ecosystem. The research highlights how the dodo's extinction was due to human impact, not evolutionary failings, and suggests that understanding this bird could aid in ecosystem recovery efforts.

Early Life Ecosystems Offer New Insights into Earth's Evolution: Researchers, led by Professor Matthew Brown, are studying fossilized microbial eukaryotes, specifically 750-million-year-old testate amoebae, to better understand early Earth's ecosystems. These findings are crucial for predicting future changes on the planet. The study sheds light on the evolutionary history of these ancient organisms, revealing their significance in the broader context of Earth's biological evolution and the development of life.

INDUSTRY

Best Buy Introduces AI-Powered Live Delivery Tracking: Best Buy has launched a new AI-driven feature that allows customers to track their large deliveries, such as televisions or refrigerators, in real-time through their mobile app or website. This innovation uses predictive demand and real-time traffic data to provide accurate delivery times down to the minute. The company aims to enhance customer convenience by reducing the frustration of waiting for deliveries within broad time windows.

Giant Batteries Fortify California's Power Grid Amid Heat Waves: California's growing network of large-scale battery storage facilities is significantly bolstering the state's power grid, helping to prevent blackouts during heat waves. These batteries store excess solar energy during the day and release it in the evening when demand peaks, addressing a key challenge of renewable energy. With storage capacity increasing seven-fold since 2020, California is now a global leader in battery storage, though safety concerns, including recent fires, remain a challenge.

Major Solar Farm Deal Paves Way for Boost in Alaska’s Renewable Energy: A new agreement in Alaska sets the stage for constructing the state's largest solar farm, nearly tripling its solar power capacity. The 45-megawatt farm, located on the Kenai Peninsula, will provide electricity to 9,000 homes, significantly reducing reliance on natural gas, particularly from the Cook Inlet. This project, expected to be operational by 2027, marks a crucial step in diversifying Alaska's energy mix and stabilizing energy costs.

Google Monopoly Ruling: Implications for the Tech Giant's Future: A U.S. judge recently ruled that Google holds a monopoly in the search engine market, sparking discussions on the future of the company's business practices. The ruling highlights Google's extensive market share, driven by its dominance in digital advertising and data collection. Potential regulatory actions could include splitting Google's advertising business from its search engine or forcing the company to share its data, although the specifics remain uncertain.