Tiny Backyard Bug Performs Earth's Fastest Backflips

Hello and welcome to Friday’s STEAM newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Scientists Discover a Long-Sought Global Electric Field on Earth, New High-Temperature Carbon Plastics Developed for Aviation, and more.

• Technology and AI - New Method Detects Machine-Generated Fake Research Articles, and more.

• Engineering - Biohybrid Robots Powered by Electrical Impulses from Mushrooms, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Solar Orbiter Reveals Magnetic Forces Behind Solar Wind Acceleration, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Global Micronutrient Deficiency Poses Health Risks to Billions, Study Links Antibiotic Use in Aged Care to Superbug Emergence, and more.

• Neuroscience - Determining the Age of Criminal Responsibility: Insights from Brain Science, and more.

• Environment - Global Disparities in Drought Risk and Awareness Revealed, and more.

• Nature - Tiny Backyard Bug Performs Earth's Fastest Backflips, Heat Waves Reduce Bumblebees' Ability to Detect Floral Scents, Ancient Gene Identified as Key to Spiders' Narrow Waist Development, and more.

• Other Sciences & Arts - Creative Arts Therapy Shows Promise for Improving Health Workers' Wellbeing.

• Education - Addressing the Gender Gap in Early Childhood Education: The Need for Male Teachers.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Scientists Discover a Long-Sought Global Electric Field on Earth: Researchers have confirmed the existence of a global electric field, known as the ambipolar (bidirectional) electric field, using NASA's Endurance suborbital rocket. This field is fundamental to Earth's atmospheric dynamics, influencing particle escape and ionosphere shaping. Initially hypothesized over 60 years ago, the field was detected in the polar regions, showing it has a significant role in atmospheric evolution and offers insights into similar processes on other planets.

New High-Temperature Carbon Plastics Developed for Aviation: Researchers from Kazan Federal University have developed carbon plastics using inorganic phosphate binders that withstand temperatures over 500°C, making them ideal for aviation and aerospace applications. These new materials exhibit high strength, elasticity, and heat resistance, addressing the flammability limitations of traditional organic composites. Although further development is needed to enhance moisture resistance, the materials are more environmentally friendly, breaking down into non-polluting components.

Machine-Learning Models Accurately Predict Microbial Community Colonization Outcomes: Researchers have developed a machine-learning approach to predict colonization outcomes in complex microbial communities, such as whether exogenous species can establish and their abundance. This method, tested with synthetic and experimental data, showed high accuracy in predicting outcomes and identifying key species interactions that influence colonization. These findings could enhance personalized interventions in health and agriculture by enabling precise modifications of microbial communities.

New Chemical Tool Promises Faster and More Efficient Drug Production: Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new chemical tool using a stable nickel complex to facilitate previously impossible organic reactions. This tool can streamline drug production by enabling the creation of multiple drug derivatives quickly and efficiently, reducing both time and costs. It aims to lower side effects and enhance the effectiveness of new drugs by allowing for more precise molecular targeting. The innovation holds promise for accelerating the development of life-saving medications.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

New Method Detects Machine-Generated Fake Research Articles: Researchers have developed a proof-of-concept method using machine learning to detect fake scientific articles generated by AI. The method identifies anomalies in text structure, citation patterns, and inconsistencies in data presentation, distinguishing genuine research from AI-generated forgeries. This innovation aims to combat the rising issue of fraudulent research in scientific publications, enhancing the credibility and reliability of academic literature.

Virtual and Augmented Reality Temporarily Alter Real-World Perception of Distances: A study by the University of Toronto found that using virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) can temporarily alter people's perception and interaction with the real world. Participants using VR tended to undershoot their targets, while those using AR overshot them. These effects were temporary, disappearing after readjustment to real-world conditions. The study suggests that VR and AR affect real-world performance differently, with potential implications for training in various industries, such as surgery and piloting.

Researchers Find Covert Racism in AI Responses to African American English: A study by AI researchers from the Allen Institute for AI, Stanford, and the University of Chicago reveals that large language models (LLMs) exhibit covert racism against speakers of African American English (AAE). When prompted in AAE, LLMs often respond with negative stereotypes, while responses in standard English are more positive. This suggests that covert biases in AI systems are harder to detect and mitigate, highlighting the need for further efforts to eliminate such discrimination.

Morphing Facial Technology Explores Boundaries of Self-Recognition: Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, using real-time facial morphing technology, found that people’s sense of self-recognition isn't significantly affected by movement synchronization or agency. Participants often identified with their own face even when morphed with another's. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that our perception of self-identity in digital contexts remains stable, even when facial images are altered, challenging traditional views on self-image and identity.

ENGINEERING

Biohybrid Robots Powered by Electrical Impulses from Mushrooms: Researchers have developed biohybrid robots that use electrical impulses generated by mushrooms to control movement. By integrating mushroom mycelium, which can conduct electrical signals, into robot designs, the team demonstrated basic locomotion and adaptability to environmental changes. This innovative approach leverages the natural properties of fungi to create more sustainable, soft robotics, potentially useful for environmental monitoring and medical applications.

Scientists Develop Eco-Friendly Microfabrication Method Using Water and Paper: Researchers at the University of Chicago have created a sustainable microfabrication technique using water and natural materials like paper. This method leverages a bioinspired approach that mimics natural processes, such as how geckos adhere to surfaces. It replaces toxic chemicals traditionally used in microfabrication with water, reducing environmental impact. The team also developed a "Roll-to-roll Laser Writer" to automate the process, which could be useful for creating affordable, disposable sensors and medical devices.

Engineers Develop Integrated Solution to Eliminate 'Forever Chemicals': Researchers at the University of British Columbia have created a new system that effectively captures and breaks down PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals," using a combined activated carbon filter and patented catalyst. This integrated approach not only removes PFAS from water but also decomposes them into harmless components, offering a faster and more sustainable solution compared to existing methods. The innovation has potential applications in municipal water systems and industrial cleanups, addressing a significant environmental and health concern.

Researchers Develop Ultra-High Efficiency Perovskite LEDs by Strengthening Lattice: Scientists from Seoul National University have created ultra-high efficiency perovskite LEDs by enhancing the lattice structure with conjugated molecular multipods (CMMs). This new approach reduces dynamic disorder, significantly improving luminescence efficiency, achieving an external quantum efficiency of 26.1%. The innovation addresses the intrinsic limitations of perovskite materials, which could accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation displays.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Solar Orbiter Reveals Magnetic Forces Behind Solar Wind Acceleration: The ESA's Solar Orbiter, in conjunction with NASA's Parker Solar Probe, discovered that large fluctuations in the sun's magnetic field, known as Alfvén waves, are responsible for heating and accelerating the solar wind. These waves, which store and transfer energy through plasma, help explain how the solar wind speeds up as it moves away from the sun, solving a long-standing mystery about solar wind dynamics.

Astronomers Discover Merging Galaxies from 12.8 Billion Years Ago: An international team of researchers observed two merging galaxies from 12.8 billion years ago, using the ALMA telescope. The galaxies are connected by a bridge of gas and dust, suggesting an active merger that will lead to a "monster galaxy." This discovery provides insight into early galaxy formation and quasar activity, helping to understand the universe's evolution during its first billion years.

Using Atomic Excitations to Measure the Rotation of Spacetime: Researchers from the Beijing Computational Science Research Center have proposed a method to measure spacetime rotation, or frame-dragging, around massive objects like rotating black holes. By analyzing the excitation rates of atoms in circular motion near such objects, they suggest it is possible to determine the rotational frequency of spacetime. This approach uses quantum mechanics principles, offering a novel way to explore gravitational effects predicted by Einstein's theory of relativity.

Astronomers Discover Extended Ionized Gas Structure Around Messier 77: Astronomers using the Circumgalactic H-alpha Spectrograph (CHαS) have discovered an extended structure of ionized gas, named "the Ribbon," around the barred spiral galaxy Messier 77, located 47 million light-years away. This newly identified structure extends beyond known filament features and appears misaligned with the galaxy's central jet. The Ribbon's origin and composition suggest involvement of young stars and various ionizing processes, but further observations are needed to understand its characteristics and its potential role in star formation influenced by the galaxy's active nucleus.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Global Micronutrient Deficiency Poses Health Risks to Billions: A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and UCSB reveals that over half of the global population consumes inadequate levels of critical micronutrients, including calcium, iron, and vitamins C and E. These deficiencies, prevalent across all regions and age groups, pose significant health risks, from developmental issues to increased disease susceptibility. The study calls for targeted interventions to improve micronutrient intake globally.

Study Links Antibiotic Use in Aged Care to Superbug Emergence: A recent study investigates the connection between antibiotic use in aged care facilities and the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. The research highlights that excessive antibiotic use in these environments accelerates the development and spread of resistant bacteria, posing severe health risks to elderly residents. The study emphasizes the need for improved antibiotic stewardship and infection control measures in aged care settings to combat this growing threat.

Immunotherapy Offers Hope for Children with Primary Liver Carcinomas: New research from Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center shows that checkpoint inhibitors, a class of immunotherapy drugs, may benefit children with primary liver carcinomas like hepatocellular carcinoma and fibrolamellar carcinoma. The study found that certain clinical and genomic factors, such as tumor location and immune cell activity, could predict which patients respond best to treatment, paving the way for more personalized therapies.

NEUROSCIENCE

Determining the Age of Criminal Responsibility: Insights from Brain Science: A recent study explores how advancements in brain science can inform the debate on the appropriate age of criminal responsibility. Researchers argue that understanding the development of cognitive and emotional control in adolescents can provide critical insights into legal standards for youth accountability. The findings suggest that brain maturity should be a factor in setting legal age limits, as neurological evidence indicates that decision-making and impulse control continue to develop well into young adulthood.

Tau Protein's Neuroprotective Function Uncovered: Researchers at the University of Alabama have identified a neuroprotective role for tau, a protein often associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. They found that tau helps stabilize microtubules and regulates cellular responses to stress, protecting neurons from damage. This finding challenges the view of tau solely as a pathological protein and suggests it has essential functions in maintaining brain health.

Neuron Populations in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Linked to Learning Avoidant Behaviors: Researchers from the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich found that neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) encode the learning of avoidant behaviors by processing sensory inputs and triggering specific actions. Using calcium imaging in mice, they discovered that the mPFC shows distinct activity patterns when learning to avoid threats, such as escaping a shock, highlighting the complex neural mechanisms involved in decision-making and behavior execution.

ENVIRONMENT

Global Disparities in Drought Risk and Awareness Revealed: A recent study highlights the global disparities in awareness and understanding of drought risks. While global awareness has increased due to long-lasting droughts and improved internet access, significant gaps remain between wealthy and developing nations. The study suggests that countries with higher GDP per capita have greater awareness and resources to address droughts, while poorer nations are more vulnerable due to limited infrastructure and resources.

Call for Increased Focus on Natural Textile Fibers' Environmental Impact: Scientists from King’s College London highlight the need for greater research into the environmental effects of natural textile fibers like cotton and wool. While often considered sustainable, these fibers are prevalent in environmental samples and may degrade more slowly than expected, potentially impacting ecosystems. The researchers urge interdisciplinary studies to understand the true impact of natural fibers, challenging the assumption that they are inherently less harmful than synthetic ones.

Climate Change Drives Expansion of Global Drylands: A study in Science reveals that nearly half of the world's land surface is now classified as drylands, which are expanding due to climate change and their self-propagating effects. Researchers found that existing drylands contribute significantly to their spread by reducing local rainfall and increasing atmospheric water demand. This self-expansion poses risks to ecosystems, human livelihoods, and socio-economic stability, emphasizing the need for urgent climate mitigation and sustainable land management strategies.

Key Strategies to Mitigate Urban Heat Vulnerability Unveiled: A study from Queensland University of Technology highlights five critical strategies to combat urban heat vulnerability, a growing threat to cities worldwide. The research underscores the importance of innovative urban design, green and blue infrastructure, public health strategies, technological advancements in remote sensing, and interdisciplinary collaboration. These measures aim to reduce the impact of urban heat islands and protect vulnerable populations as urban areas expand and climate change intensifies

Public Perceptions of Genetic Technology for Environmental Challenges: A study by New Zealand's Biological Heritage National Science Challenge reveals diverse public opinions on using genetic technologies for environmental purposes. While some support technologies like RNA interference and gene editing for pest control, concerns persist about ecological impacts and ethical implications. The research emphasizes the need for high regulation and ongoing public dialogue, especially engaging Māori communities, to address uncertainties and ensure responsible use of genetic innovations.

NATURE

Tiny Backyard Bug Performs Earth's Fastest Backflips: The globular springtail (Dicyrtomina minuta), a tiny hexapod found commonly in leaf litter, performs the fastest backflips on Earth, reaching speeds of 368 rotations per second. Using a specialized appendage called a furca, it launches itself into the air, achieving jumps over 60 times its body height. This rapid backflipping is primarily a defense mechanism to evade predators. The detailed study of this jumping performance provides new insights into the unique locomotion of these small but remarkable creatures. (Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUlT4b6BCdw)

Heat Waves Reduce Bumblebees' Ability to Detect Floral Scents: A study by Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg found that heat waves significantly impair bumblebees' ability to detect floral scents, with up to 80% reduction in females and 50% in males. This impairment affects their role as pollinators, vital for both natural ecosystems and agriculture. Even after a recovery period, the bees showed lasting sensory damage, highlighting the potential impact of climate change on pollination and the need for further research into behavioral changes under heat stress.

Ancient Gene Identified as Key to Spiders' Narrow Waist Development: Research led by Emily Setton at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has uncovered a gene, named "waist-less," that is crucial for the development of the distinctive narrow waist separating the two body sections of spiders. This gene, part of the Iroquois gene family, is absent in insects and crustaceans, suggesting it plays a unique role in spiders and other chelicerates. The discovery highlights the function of ancient genes in animal body patterning.

Unique Nest-Building Traditions Found Among Weaver Bird Groups: Researchers from the UK and Canada discovered distinct nest-building styles among white-browed sparrow weavers in the Kalahari Desert. Over two years, they observed 43 groups constructing nearly 450 nests with varying designs, such as nests with thick structures or those with long, elaborate tunnels. The study found that these architectural differences are consistent within groups and likely culturally transmitted rather than genetically determined.

Exploring the Diversity of Cacti: From Tiny Buttons to Giant Saguaros: A study from the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath reveals that the vast diversity of cacti species is driven primarily by factors like diurnal temperature range, soil sand content, and seasonality, rather than aridity. The research involved constructing the largest evolutionary tree for cacti using DNA sequences and advanced modeling techniques. The findings suggest that while Mexico has the highest cactus biodiversity, it also exhibits slower speciation rates, indicating a greater ability to preserve species rather than generate new ones.

OTHER SCIENCE & ARTS

Creative Arts Therapy Shows Promise for Improving Health Workers' Wellbeing: A new study highlights the benefits of creative arts therapy for healthcare workers, showing that activities like music, dance, and visual arts can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout. The therapy sessions promote emotional expression, resilience, and a sense of community among participants, providing a valuable outlet for managing the demanding nature of healthcare jobs. This approach could be a vital tool in supporting the mental health of frontline workers.

EDUCATION

Addressing the Gender Gap in Early Childhood Education: The Need for Male Teachers: A recent study from the University of South Australia highlights the shortage of male teachers in early childhood education, with fewer than 3% in the workforce. Experts argue that gender diversity in teaching roles is crucial for children's development, as it provides diverse role models. Initiatives like the "Thrive by Five" and targeted campaigns aim to increase male representation, challenge stereotypes, and promote inclusivity in early childhood education.