Tiny Sunlight-Powered Drone Achieves Hour-Long Flight

Hello and welcome to Thursday’s STEAM newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Nano-Scale Materials Mimic Enzymes to Convert CO₂ into Useful Chemicals, and more.

• Technology and AI -.Study Reveals Algorithmic Bias in Social Media Influences Election Campaigns, and more.

• Engineering - Tiny Sunlight-Powered Drone Achieves Hour-Long Flight, and more.

• Art - Artists Take Action to Protect Their Work from Generative AI.

• Astronomy & Space - NASA's Curiosity Rover Uncovers Pure Sulfur Crystals on Mars, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Western Diets Increase Risk of Cancer and IBD, and more.

• Environment - High Levels of Bee-Harming Neonics Found in Asia's Longest River, and more.

• Nature -Rare Butterfly Causes Destruction of Miami Plants, Raising Preservation Dilemma, Conservation Success: Siamese Crocodile Eggs Found in Cambodia, and more.

• Industry - Uneven Progress in Offshore Wind Industry, Global Food System Monopolization: A Growing Concern, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Nano-Scale Materials Mimic Enzymes to Convert CO₂ into Useful Chemicals: Researchers at Montana State University and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have developed nano-scale materials that mimic enzymes to convert CO₂ into methane and carbon monoxide. These materials, such as zeolites and metal-organic frameworks, selectively capture CO₂ and enable its transformation into chemical building blocks. This breakthrough offers a promising method for reducing atmospheric CO₂ and producing valuable hydrocarbons.

New AI Approach Accelerates Materials Discovery and Enables Self-Driving Experiments: Researchers at SLAC and Stanford developed an AI method to enhance targeted materials discovery, streamlining complex design challenges. This approach uses Bayesian algorithm execution to intelligently guide data acquisition, significantly speeding up the discovery process. The innovation promises to impact fields like climate change, quantum computing, and drug design by making it easier to find new materials. The method's efficiency and user-friendly, open-source nature pave the way for broader scientific collaboration and advancements.

Key Gene Identified for Plant Protection Against Soil Metals: Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered a gene, trichome birefringence (TBR), which helps plants manage excess zinc in the soil by trapping it in root cell walls. This gene's activity, found through a genome-wide association study, is crucial for enhancing plant resilience to toxic conditions. The research, conducted on Arabidopsis thaliana, rice, and Lotus japonicus, suggests that this mechanism could be applied broadly to improve crop tolerance to environmental changes and soil contamination.

Genetic Upgrades Transform Groundcherry into Agricultural Powerhouse: Scientists at the Boyce Thompson Institute are using CRISPR/Cas9 to genetically enhance the groundcherry (Physalis grisea), aiming to transform it from a garden novelty to a mainstream crop. The improvements include more compact growth, larger fruit size, and extended fruit attachment, making the plant easier to cultivate and harvest. This research not only benefits agriculture but also advances the understanding of plant biology, offering potential applications to other crops.

Innovative Fungal Treatment Converts Wastewater to Fertilizer: Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a method to convert wastewater from hydrothermal liquefaction into fertilizer using the fungus Trametes versicolor. This treatment increases nitrate and ammonia concentrations and may remove toxic components. Combining fungal treatment with bacterial nitrification further enhances nitrate levels. This eco-friendly approach shows promise for sustainable agriculture, potentially creating a circular economy by using treated wastewater near its source.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

Study Reveals Algorithmic Bias in Social Media Influences Election Campaigns: A study published in PNAS Nexus finds social media algorithms significantly favor politically sponsored content from far-right parties, such as the AfD, during election campaigns. The research, involving over 80,000 political ads in the 2021 German federal elections, shows these parties achieved nearly six times the ad impressions per euro spent compared to others. The findings raise concerns about algorithmic bias and highlight the need for transparency in political advertising.

AI Set to Revolutionize the Fashion Industry: AI is expected to significantly transform the fashion industry by enhancing efficiency in design, production, and marketing. AI can predict trends, optimize supply chains, and personalize customer experiences. However, the adoption of AI also brings challenges, such as ensuring creativity isn't stifled and managing intellectual property issues. As AI technology continues to integrate, it could add substantial value to the industry, promoting sustainability and innovation.

Stable AI-Controlled Robotic Systems Verified with New Approach: MIT CSAIL researchers have developed a new technique to ensure the stability of AI-controlled robotic systems using Lyapunov functions. This method, which efficiently finds and verifies these functions, enhances the safety of complex neural network-driven robots, such as drones and autonomous vehicles. The approach uses scalable neural network verifiers to handle worst-case scenarios, promising safer deployment of advanced robotic systems in real-world applications.

Laser Technology Revolutionizes Space Communications: The University of Western Australia’s TeraNet network has achieved a 1000-fold increase in space communication bandwidth by successfully receiving laser signals from a German satellite. This breakthrough with the OSIRISv1 payload marks a significant step towards replacing traditional radio systems with high-speed laser communications. TeraNet’s technology, supported by Australian government funding, aims to enhance data transfer for diverse missions, overcoming challenges like weather interruptions by using multiple ground stations.

ENGINEERING

Tiny Sunlight-Powered Drone Achieves Hour-Long Flight: Engineers at Beihang University, China have developed a micro-aerial vehicle capable of sustained flight for an hour using direct sunlight. The drone, powered by an electrostatic motor and solar cells, overcomes previous limitations in flight time for small drones. This breakthrough could enable high-altitude surveillance with minimal detection, as the drone remains aloft using only solar energy.

Fiber Shredder: Making Clothing More Recyclable: Professor Abigail Clarke-Sather from the University of Minnesota Duluth has developed the Fiber Shredder, a machine that breaks down waste fabrics into recyclable materials in 90 seconds. This technology aims to reduce textile waste by converting fabrics like polyester, cotton, and spandex into fibers that can be spun into new yarn. The innovation promises to enhance sustainability in the fashion industry by enabling the production of garments made from 100% recycled materials.

Energy-Efficient Refrigeration for a Greener Future: Researchers from the University of South Australia have developed an innovative, energy-efficient refrigeration system. This system, co-developed with Glaciem Cooling Technologies, reduces annual energy consumption by 19% and peak electricity demand by 37%. Installed in a Coles supermarket, it uses dew point coolers to pre-cool ambient air, enhancing efficiency even in hot climates. This breakthrough promises significant environmental and cost benefits, potentially revolutionizing commercial refrigeration across various sectors.

New Method for Fabricating Stretchable and Breathable Electronics: Researchers at Soochow University, China have developed a novel method to create stretchable, breathable, and biocompatible electronics using liquid metal. This approach combines electrostatic spinning and pressure-stamping to produce flexible circuits with high resolution and stability. These circuits can be used in wearable devices for medical and sports applications, offering excellent breathability and recyclability. The technique allows for precise construction of conductive pathways, enhancing the functionality and sustainability of wearable electronics.

Innovative 3D-Printed Active Fabric for Medical and Robotics Use: Scientists at Nanyang Technological University have developed "RoboFabric," a 3D-printed active fabric that is flexible yet stiffens on demand. Inspired by pangolin scales, it combines geometric design, 3D printing, and robotic control to create medical devices and soft robotics. Applications include joint supports for medical use and robotic grippers for drones. This technology offers significant potential for rehabilitation, medical support, and robotics.

Electroplating Strategy for Safer, More Stable Metal Batteries: Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden have developed an electroplating method to fabricate metal electrodes directly within battery cells, enhancing their stability and lifespan. This technique minimizes reactions with impurities, preventing the formation of detrimental surface layers. This breakthrough could lead to safer, more efficient metal batteries, crucial for advancing technologies like electric vehicles and portable electronics.

ARTS

Artists Take Action to Protect Their Work from Generative AI: Artists are using tools like Glaze and Nightshade, developed by the University of Chicago, to mask their art styles and protect their work from generative AI. These tools alter images to confuse AI models, preventing unauthorized replication of artistic styles. While not foolproof, they provide a defense mechanism in an unregulated space. Legal actions and calls for regulations complement these technological solutions to safeguard artists' rights and livelihoods.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

NASA's Curiosity Rover Uncovers Pure Sulfur Crystals on Mars: NASA's Curiosity rover discovered yellow sulfur crystals inside a Martian rock, a first on the Red Planet. This elemental sulfur, found in the Gediz Vallis channel, challenges current understanding of Martian geology. Scientists are excited to explore how this sulfur fits into Mars' history, alongside studying floodwaters and landslides that shaped the landscape. The rover's ongoing mission continues to uncover complex evidence of water's role in Mars' ancient terrain.

Life Signatures on Enceladus and Europa: A NASA experiment suggests that signs of life, such as amino acids, could survive near the surfaces of Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s moon Enceladus. The research indicates that these organic molecules can endure harsh radiation environments, potentially surviving just a few centimeters below the surface. This finding implies that future missions may not need to drill deeply to search for life, making it easier to detect biological markers on these icy moons.

Sun Shows Early Signs of Next Solar Cycle: The Sun has begun its next solar cycle, Cycle 26, even though it is halfway through its current one, Cycle 25. This was detected through solar sound waves by researchers from the University of Birmingham. Solar cycles last approximately 11 years, affecting solar activity like sunspots and flares. The early signs were presented at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting. Understanding these cycles helps in predicting space weather and its impacts on Earth.

Nearby Hypervelocity Object Detected: Astronomers using the Keck II telescope have discovered CWISE J124909.08+362116.0, a hypervelocity object potentially at the brown dwarf/low-mass star boundary, located 400 light years away. With a radial velocity of -103 km/s and a galactic rest frame speed of 456 km/s, it might be unbound to the Milky Way. This rare discovery highlights the object's potential extragalactic origins and its unique characteristics, including its mass of 0.082 solar masses and effective temperature of 1,715–2,320 K.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Western Diets Increase Risk of Cancer and IBD: A comprehensive review by APC Microbiome Ireland highlights that Western diets, high in fat and sugar, pose significant risks for colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study analyzed various global diets, finding that those rich in plant-based and high-fiber foods, such as the Mediterranean diet, are more beneficial for gut health. The research emphasizes the impact of dietary choices on the gut microbiome, influencing overall health and disease prevention.

Bright Light Exposure Benefits Sleep Regularity and Mental Health: A study by Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, published in JAMA Network Open, found that increased exposure to bright light improves sleep regularity, which in turn reduces symptoms of depression. Analyzing data from over 6,600 participants, researchers discovered that consistent sleep patterns, influenced by bright light exposure, are linked to better mental health outcomes. The study highlights the potential of bright light therapy in managing depression through improved sleep.

Reducing Screen Time Improves Children's Mental Health: A study by Danish psychologists, published in JAMA Network Open, found that limiting children's screen time to three hours per week significantly improves their mental health. The randomized clinical trial, involving 89 families, revealed that children who reduced screen time showed notable enhancements in social skills, behavior, and emotional stability. This research underscores the mental health benefits of minimizing screen exposure for children.

New Forecasting Method Helps Predict Epileptic Seizures: Researchers at UC San Francisco developed a method to predict seizure risk 24 hours in advance by analyzing 90 seconds of abnormal brain signals. This method, detailed in Nature Medicine, shows potential to improve the quality of life for epilepsy patients by providing advance warnings, allowing them to take precautions. The approach could benefit a larger patient population and reduce the unpredictability of seizures.

Astrocytes' Role in Spinal Cord Injury and Stroke Repair: Researchers at UCLA discovered that astrocytes, star-shaped glial cells, form protective borders around damaged central nervous system (CNS) tissues after spinal cord injuries or strokes. These "wound repair astrocytes" help isolate inflammatory cells and prevent further damage, supporting nerve cell regrowth and lesion repair. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, highlights the potential of targeting astrocytes to improve therapeutic strategies for CNS injuries.

ENVIRONMENT

High Levels of Bee-Harming Neonics Found in Asia's Longest River: A study by the James Hutton Institute and Chinese universities found over 40 metric tons of neonicotinoid insecticides, harmful to bees, flowing through the Yangtze River annually. Testing revealed that many samples exceeded chronic ecological risk thresholds, with agricultural use identified as the main source. This raises significant environmental concerns, highlighting the need for better management and alternative pest control methods.

Enhancing Sea Ice Prediction Models: Mathematicians and Geophysicists Collaborate: Researchers at Dartmouth are using advanced computational mathematics and machine learning to improve models predicting Arctic sea ice changes. By deploying buoys and sensors, they gather data on ice thickness and other variables, which are then used to refine existing models. This interdisciplinary effort aims to provide more accurate forecasts, aiding navigation and long-term climate predictions. Improved models can help understand the dynamics of sea ice, crucial for predicting future environmental changes.

China-Based Emissions of Potent Greenhouse Gases Spike Over the Past Decade: Two recent studies (1, 2)reveal a significant rise in emissions of three potent greenhouse gases—tetrafluoromethane, hexafluoroethane, and perfluorocyclobutane—from China between 2011 and 2020. These gases, with high global warming potential, are largely byproducts of aluminum smelting and semiconductor manufacturing in less-populated western regions and PTFE production in the east. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted emission reduction strategies to achieve climate mitigation goals.

NATURE

Rare Butterfly Causes Destruction of Miami Plants, Raising Preservation Dilemma: The resurgence of the atala butterfly, once nearly extinct, is causing significant damage to rare cycads at the Montgomery Botanical Center in Miami. While efforts to protect and repopulate the butterfly continue, the caterpillars' appetite for cycads poses a threat to the conservation of these rare plants. The center is exploring solutions to balance the preservation of both the butterfly and the plants.

Conservation Success: Siamese Crocodile Eggs Found in Cambodia: In a significant conservation success, 106 eggs of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile were discovered in Cambodia's Cardamom National Park. Sixty of these eggs have successfully hatched, marking the highest breeding success in over a century. This discovery highlights the importance of safeguarding habitats and community-led conservation efforts, which have been pivotal in protecting this species from extinction.

AI Enhances Understanding of Animal Evolution: Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an AI framework to analyze genetic diversity in animal species, focusing on Brazilian amphibians. The study, published in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, shows that the genetic variation of the sibilator frog is driven by historical demographic events, while the granular toad is influenced by contemporary landscape factors. This AI approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary processes affecting genetic diversity.

Climate Change Threatens Tropical Plant Species: A study by Brown University biologists confirms that even slight variations in temperature and moisture critically impact tropical plant species in mountain regions, such as those in Costa Rica and Panama. The research, published in Nature Communications, reveals that many epiphyte species struggle to survive outside their native climate ranges, highlighting the risk of widespread extinctions due to climate change. The findings underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable ecosystems.

Study Highlights Importance of Fish Biodiversity for Nutrition and Income: A Cornell University study highlights that fish biodiversity significantly benefits nutrition, particularly for lower-income households. Focusing on Cambodia's Tonlé Sap lake, researchers found that households consume a wide variety of fish species, enhancing their nutritional intake. This diversity is more crucial for nutrition than income since people eat more types of fish than they sell. The study suggests that biodiversity loss could severely impact communities relying on wild fisheries.

INDUSTRY

Uneven Progress in Offshore Wind Industry: Three events highlight the uneven progress of offshore wind energy in the Northeast US. A turbine blade collapse in Massachusetts led to a temporary shutdown and cleanup efforts. Meanwhile, New York launched its largest offshore wind project, Sunrise Wind, aiming to power 600,000 homes. New Jersey announced $5 million for research to mitigate environmental impacts of wind farms, showing commitment to responsible development despite challenges.

Global Food System Monopolization: A Growing Concern: The global food system's increasing monopolization by a few large corporations is harming health, communities, and the environment. High market concentration, driven by mergers and acquisitions, reduces transparency, weakens competition, and concentrates power. This leads to negative effects like higher food prices, reduced bargaining power for farmers, and increased ultra-processed food consumption. Addressing these issues requires improved regulation and a shift toward sustainable food production.

Meta Delays AI Release in EU Due to Regulatory Concerns: Meta announced a delay in releasing its advanced generative AI models in the EU, citing "unpredictable" regulatory conditions, particularly around GDPR compliance and data usage. This affects the multimodal Llama models and AI-enhanced features in their smart glasses. Meta's delay highlights ongoing tensions with EU tech regulations, which aim to ensure tech giants handle user data responsibly and transparently.

Samsung Acquires British AI Tech Startup: Samsung Electronics has acquired Oxford Semantic Technologies, a British AI startup specializing in knowledge graph technology. This acquisition aims to enhance Samsung's AI capabilities across various products, including mobile devices, TVs, and home appliances. The move aligns with the increasing demand for AI-integrated high-end chips and reflects Samsung's ongoing efforts to strengthen its AI offerings.