Aerobat: Bat-Inspired Drone Takes Flight to Navigate Tight Spaces and Collect Critical Data

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

In today’s edition:

• Science - Researchers Witness Water Formation at the Nanoscale, Offering Sustainable Solutions for Space Travel, and more.

• Technology and AI - New AI Tool Lets Anyone Compose Music Without Expertise, and more.

• Engineering - Aerobat: Bat-Inspired Drone Takes Flight to Navigate Tight Spaces and Collect Critical Data, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Asteroid Ryugu's Cracks May Hold Clues to Life's Origins on Earth, and more.

• Health & Medicine - New Radioactive Carbon Ion Beam Therapy Targets Cancer with Precision, and more.

• Neuroscience - Scientists Reactivate Shelter-Seeking Memory in Mice, Paving the Way for Alzheimer's Research, and more.

• Environment - The Growing Giant: How Erosion and Uplift Are Elevating Mount Everest, and more.

• Nature - Unlocking Fish Regeneration: A Step Toward Healing Human Injuries, and more.

• Other Sciences & Arts - Should Stone Age Human Remains Be Given Names? A New Survey Explores the Idea, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Researchers Witness Water Formation at the Nanoscale, Offering Sustainable Solutions for Space Travel: For the first time, scientists at Northwestern University have directly observed hydrogen and oxygen atoms merging to form nano-sized water bubbles. Using innovative technology, the team captured this process on the molecular scale, revealing how palladium catalyzes water generation. This discovery has potential applications for rapidly producing water in arid environments and even deep space missions. By optimizing the process—adding hydrogen first and then oxygen—the team envisions using palladium to create a sustainable, recyclable water generation system for space exploration.

New Disease-Resistant Banana Variety Offers Hope for Global Banana Industry: Researchers at Wageningen University & Research have developed Yelloway One, a banana plant resistant to two major diseases: fusarium tropical race 4 (TR4) and black sigatoka. These diseases have caused extensive damage to global banana crops, especially the widely exported Cavendish variety. This breakthrough, achieved through conventional breeding and modern DNA analysis, offers a faster way to develop disease-resistant banana varieties. Currently in prototype form, Yelloway One will undergo field trials in the Philippines and Indonesia, with hopes to bolster the sustainability and resilience of the banana sector.

First Observation of Light Deformation Reveals New Method for Material Analysis: Researchers at Tampere University have observed a phenomenon where the shape of structured light beams slightly distorts when reflected off a perfectly flat mirror, a prediction made over a decade ago. This effect, known as "topological aberration," was first demonstrated in the lab, revealing that these tiny deformations carry valuable information about the material reflecting the light. The study focused on twisted light fields, which have dark points called optical vortices. The behavior of these vortices during reflection could lead to innovative ways to measure material properties using light.

Collaborative Fusion Research: PPPL and University of Seville Join Forces to Advance Fusion Energy with SMART Tokamak: Researchers from the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) and the University of Seville are collaborating on the groundbreaking SMART tokamak, a spherical fusion device exploring negative triangularity plasma. This collaboration leverages PPPL’s expertise in fusion simulation, magnetics, and diagnostics to push the boundaries of plasma confinement. SMART’s design, combining spherical geometry with negative triangularity, promises enhanced stability and power handling for future compact fusion reactors. With its first plasma expected in late 2024, SMART is poised to make significant contributions to advancing fusion energy research globally.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

New AI Tool Lets Anyone Compose Music Without Expertise: Researchers at LG AI Research have developed an innovative AI-powered system that allows users, regardless of musical expertise, to generate short musical compositions. Using an autoregressive transformer model trained on over 400,000 MIDI files, the system generates 4-bar multitrack MIDI sequences based on user-defined parameters, such as instruments and tempo. With a simple, user-friendly interface, the tool allows users to easily modify and edit generated music. While currently limited to short motifs, the system shows promise for expanding the creative possibilities in music generation for both experts and non-experts.

Can AI Detect Human Emotions? Research Shows It’s Possible—and Raises Ethical Questions: AI is increasingly used to analyze human emotions online, transforming how we communicate and interact with technology. A study published in the International Journal of Market Research explored AI’s ability to detect specific emotions in posts on X (formerly Twitter). Using a transformer transfer learning model, researchers achieved 84% accuracy in identifying emotions like joy, anger, and sadness. They found that emotions expressed in tweets, such as sadness or anger, significantly influenced donation behaviors to non-profit organizations. While the potential applications for AI emotion detection are vast, from marketing to healthcare, the study also highlights critical ethical concerns, such as privacy and responsible use of AI in analyzing human emotions.

AI Key to Unlocking Australia's Critical Mineral Potential for Clean Energy: Australia risks losing its competitive edge in mining critical minerals essential for clean energy unless it integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into mining processes, according to research from Monash University and the University of Tasmania. The study highlights that AI can enhance efficiency, reduce risks, and improve environmental practices in mining key minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt. The researchers argue that AI could shorten project timelines, lower investment risks, and increase productivity, helping to meet global decarbonization goals. Without significant AI investments, the clean energy transition may become more costly and slower.

ENGINEERING

Aerobat: Bat-Inspired Drone Takes Flight to Navigate Tight Spaces and Collect Critical Data: Researchers at Northeastern University have developed "Aerobat," a bat-inspired autonomous drone capable of navigating narrow and confined environments. Using flexible 3D-printed wings, Aerobat mimics bat flight, with wings that expand and collapse to create aerodynamic forces, allowing it to fly efficiently and hover in tight spaces. The drone achieved speeds up to 5 meters per second in initial tests and can autonomously collect data using its onboard sensors and camera. Potential future applications include monitoring sewer systems and other hazardous or hard-to-reach areas.

New Bendable Microprocessor Could Revolutionize Medical Monitoring: A research team at Pragmatic Semiconductor, along with collaborators from Harvard and Qamcom, has developed a bendable, programmable 32-bit RISC-V microprocessor, dubbed the Flex-RV, as published in Nature. Made from indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) rather than silicon, the processor can be wrapped around curved surfaces, making it ideal for medical applications like 24-hour body sensors. While limited in speed, its low power consumption and flexibility make it suitable for monitoring vital signs. Costing as little as $1, this technology could enable disposable, continuous health monitoring without external devices.

TrainBots: Miniature Robot Convoy Achieves Milestone in Endoscopic Surgery:Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have developed "TrainBots," millimeter-scale robots that work together to transport surgical instruments for procedures like endoscopic microsurgery. Equipped with anti-slip "feet" and controlled wirelessly via a rotating magnetic field, these robots can overcome challenges such as navigating mucus-covered surfaces. The team successfully demonstrated the TrainBot convoy in a simulated bile duct surgery, using a 25 cm wire electrode to remove a tissue blockage. This breakthrough could pave the way for future applications in endoscopic surgery, including targeted drug delivery and fluid drainage.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Asteroid Ryugu's Cracks May Hold Clues to Life's Origins on Earth: Cracks found in asteroid Ryugu, brought back by Japan's Hayabusa 2 mission, likely formed from cycles of thawing and freezing of water within the asteroid, according to a new study. Researchers, including Matt Genge of Imperial College London, analyzed the samples using X-ray tomography and found that the fractures were filled with clay and sulfide minerals, indicating water played a crucial role. This process could have helped asteroids like Ryugu deliver organic molecules, vital for life, to early Earth, supporting the theory that space rocks contributed to the planet's habitability.

New Planet Found Around Barnard's Star: Hot, Hostile, and Orbiting Close: Astronomers have detected a new exoplanet orbiting Barnard’s star, one of the sun's closest neighbors at 5.96 light years away. The planet, dubbed Barnard’s star b, is 40% the mass of Earth but far too hot to support liquid water or life, with surface temperatures reaching 125°C (257°F). Orbiting its star in just over three Earth days, Barnard’s star b is much closer to its star than any planet in our solar system. Additionally, astronomers detected signals of three other possible planets around Barnard’s star, though these require further confirmation.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

New Radioactive Carbon Ion Beam Therapy Targets Cancer with Precision: Researchers have demonstrated a new cancer therapy using beams of radioactive carbon ions that precisely target tumors, reducing the risk of damaging nearby healthy tissue. Led by Marco Durante at the Technical University of Darmstadt, the team used radioactive carbon isotopes in mice with tumors near the spinal cord. The therapy halted tumor growth without harming sensitive areas, using positron emissions to track the beam’s accuracy in real-time. While promising, further research and clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and manage potential radiation risks in humans.

Prenatal Cannabis Exposure Linked to Genetic Changes Affecting Brain Development: A recent study has linked prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) to genetic changes in newborns, suggesting potential impacts on neurodevelopment that could persist into adulthood. Researchers found alterations in DNA methylation, particularly in genes related to brain development, anxiety, and autism, among children exposed to cannabis in the womb. Though the sample size was small, these findings raise concerns about cannabis use during pregnancy, especially as its use among pregnant women continues to rise. More research is needed to confirm the long-term effects of these genetic changes.

Disrupted Circadian Clock May Accelerate Colorectal Cancer by Altering Gut Microbiome: Researchers at the University of California, Irvine found that disruptions to the circadian clock can speed up colorectal cancer progression by altering the gut microbiome and weakening the intestinal barrier. These changes lead to reduced gut mucus levels and increased intestinal permeability, allowing harmful bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream, potentially worsening cancer. The study highlights how lifestyle factors disrupting the circadian clock, like late-night meals, could elevate cancer risk and points toward new prevention strategies.

Industry-Sponsored Cancer Trials Surpass Federally Funded Studies, Study Finds: A study by Fred Hutch Cancer Center revealed a significant increase in U.S. cancer patients participating in industry-sponsored clinical trials over the past decade. Between 2018 and 2022, industry trials enrolled over eight times more patients than federally funded ones. The disparity is growing, with industry trials dominating, especially in adult cancer studies. Federally funded research, however, remains crucial due to its broader demographic diversity and focus on diverse research questions beyond new drug approvals.

NEUROSCIENCE

Scientists Reactivate Shelter-Seeking Memory in Mice, Paving the Way for Alzheimer's Research: Neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully reactivated a specific memory circuit in mice, causing them to seek shelter even when no shelter was present. The research offers insights into how memory circuits are structured in the mammalian brain, potentially contributing to treatments for memory loss in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. By stimulating neurons in the nucleus accumbens and dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG), the team triggered spatial memory reactivation in mice, causing them to seek out a remembered shelter. The study highlights new ways to explore and manipulate memory on a cellular level, with implications for future Alzheimer's therapies.

Early Neuronal Activity Shapes Brain Circuit Development in Mice: Researchers from Stanford and Duke universities have uncovered new insights into how early neuronal activity in the brain contributes to neural circuit formation during development. The study focused on the piriform cortex of mice, which processes olfactory information. Using a new technique called TRAP, the team found that neurons active before birth are key to establishing broad connections within the brain. These "hub neurons" facilitate the maturation of recurrent neural circuits, which are crucial for processing sensory inputs. The findings highlight the broader role of early neural activity in shaping brain architecture, influencing sensory perception, and possibly contributing to conditions like seizures. This collaborative research could open new avenues for understanding neural development and connectivity in humans.

Deep Brain Stimulation Offers Hope for Stroke and Brain Injury Patients with Paralysis: Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have shown that deep brain stimulation (DBS) can significantly improve arm and hand strength in individuals with paralysis due to traumatic brain injury or stroke. By targeting the motor thalamus, DBS boosts weakened neural connections between the motor cortex and muscles, helping restore voluntary movement. Successful tests in monkeys and a human patient demonstrated immediate improvements in grip and motion. While long-term effects are still being studied, this advancement offers new hope for millions affected by upper-limb motor deficits.

ENVIRONMENT

The Growing Giant: How Erosion and Uplift Are Elevating Mount Everest: Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth, is still growing due to a process known as isostatic rebound. A recent study reveals that the mountain has gained as much as 164 feet in height over the last 89,000 years. This growth results from the erosion of nearby rivers, particularly the Arun River, which carves deep gorges and removes rock and sediment, causing the Earth's crust to rise. Neighboring peaks like Lhotse and Makalu are also affected by this uplift, reshaping the landscape of the Himalayas.

Hunga Tonga Eruption Trigger Identified: A Massive Gas-Compressed Explosion: New research from The Australian National University has revealed the main trigger behind the massive 2022 Hunga Tonga underwater volcanic eruption. A student-led team found that the eruption was likely caused by an explosion of gas-compressed rock trapped beneath a shallow sea, akin to an overcooked pressure cooker. This surprising finding challenges previous assumptions that magma interacting with seawater was the cause. The explosion uplifted massive volumes of water, triggering tsunamis and seismic activity observed worldwide. The study provides valuable insights for future volcanic monitoring and preparedness.

Madagascar Plankton Bloom Linked to Southern African Drought: A new study reveals that a significant plankton bloom off Madagascar's coast from late 2019 to early 2020 was fueled by dust from drought-stricken Southern Africa. The dust, carried by winds, fertilized the seawater with iron-rich particles, creating ideal conditions for phytoplankton growth. Researchers used data from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service and AERONET to track this phenomenon. As climate warming intensifies droughts, more such blooms could occur, potentially helping absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.

NATURE

Unlocking Fish Regeneration: A Step Toward Healing Human Injuries: Researchers have made significant strides in understanding how fish like the African turquoise killifish regenerate their tail fins after injury. A study found that when part of the tail fin is damaged, specialized cells activate regeneration genes and call for progenitor cells, which migrate to the wound and initiate repair. The extracellular matrix helps guide this process by providing signals that dictate the extent and speed of regrowth. By manipulating genes like sqstm1, the team discovered that regeneration slows for minor injuries but speeds up when more tissue is missing. This research offers valuable insights into the mechanisms behind regeneration, potentially paving the way for future advancements in human regenerative medicine.

Blue Shark Survives Swordfish Impalement: A Rare Encounter: In a remarkable first, a blue shark caught off the coast of Vlorë, Albania, was found with an 18.6 cm fragment of a swordfish bill embedded in its skull, marking the first documented case of a shark surviving such an injury. Despite the injury, the shark had been feeding normally. While there have been eight previous reports of sharks impaled by swordfish, this is the first known instance of survival. Researchers believe the swordfish likely snapped off its bill during a defensive response. This rare encounter sheds light on the intense interactions between these ocean predators.

Hurricane Maria’s Aftermath: New Pollinators Step in for Heliconia Plants on Dominica: Following the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017, which decimated 75% of the Purple-throated carib hummingbird population on Dominica, researchers feared the extinction of two heliconia plant species. However, a recent study reveals that other hummingbird species and the Bananaquit have taken over as pollinators. This shift demonstrates the ecosystem's resilience, as the reduced hummingbird population allowed other birds to thrive as effective pollinators. The study highlights how natural disturbances can transform specialized mutualisms into more generalized systems, showing the complexity of species extinction and adaptation.

OTHER SCIENCES & ARTS

Should Stone Age Human Remains Be Given Names? A New Survey Explores the Idea: Researchers from Chemnitz University and LMU Munich have explored whether it makes sense to assign personal names to Stone Age human remains, given the lack of known names from that era. In an online survey, participants expressed mixed views, with many favoring the idea of naming ancient remains instead of relying solely on find numbers. While names like "Ötzi" have become famous, some survey respondents found such names disrespectful. The researchers proposed a new system combining the first syllable of discovery sites with common name endings, creating unique names like "Hauna" or "Haunika." Interestingly, many respondents still favored "Hauni," a pet-like name.

Researchers Uncover New Clues to Life's Origins: DNA Replication in Early Earth Environments: Scientists have discovered a plausible environment in which nucleic acids, the building blocks of life, could replicate without requiring extreme conditions. In a study published in eLife, researchers demonstrated that the interaction of gas and water flow in rock pores could lead to DNA strand replication. By simulating early Earth conditions—such as those on volcanic islands—they observed that gas-water interfaces concentrated DNA and triggered replication without temperature changes. This breakthrough reveals a potential pathway for the origin of life and expands our understanding of where life could have started on Earth and other planets.