Turbulence on the Rise: How Climate Change is Impacting Air Travel

On this day in history:

• 2008: NASA’s Phoenix lander successfully lands on Mars, beginning its mission to study the planet’s climate and potential for habitability.

• 1977: The first successful human heart transplant is performed by Dr. Christian Barnard in Cape Town, South Africa.

• 1953: Scientists James Watson and Francis Crick publish their paper on the structure of DNA, unveiling the double helix model.

• 1667: Physicist Sir Isaac Newton receives his Master’s degree from Cambridge University.

Good Morning,

Welcome to the weekend edition (Friday - Sunday).

In today’s edition:

• Science - Does Sleep Really Clean the Brain?

• Technology & AI - The Rise of Wearable Technologies.

• Engineering - Self-cleaning Paint that Tackles Air Pollution.

• Health - Fuel for Thought: How Your Plate Shapes Your Mind.

• Environment - Turbulence on the Rise: How Climate Change is Impacting Flight.

• Feature Article - Blue Gold - the Role of Cobalt in Electrical Vehicles

If you’d like to see more of this, sign up here or share with others.

The following articles are curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Does Sleep Really Clean the Brain? A New Study Challenges the Theory: For years, scientists have believed that sleep helps clear waste from the brain through a process involving cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, a new study suggests that this "brain cleaning" might not be as significant as previously thought. The research observed that CSF activity and brain waste clearance do not differ markedly between sleep and wakefulness, challenging the long-held notion that sleep is crucial for detoxifying the brain.

Crows Counting Skills Revealed: Recent research has unveiled that New Caledonian crows may possess counting abilities akin to those of human toddlers. These intelligent birds have demonstrated a capability to understand numerical concepts through experiments that tested their problem-solving skills. When presented with varying quantities of food, crows showed discernment, suggesting a cognitive process comparable to early childhood numerical comprehension. This breakthrough not only highlights the advanced cognitive abilities of crows but also opens new avenues for understanding avian intelligence and its parallels with human cognitive development.

Unlocking the Brain's Mysteries: New Insights from an Ultra-Detailed Map: A groundbreaking study has produced an unprecedentedly detailed map of a human brain, revealing complex cellular structures and surprising connections. By examining a minuscule brain fragment, researchers discovered tightly bonded nerve cells, mysterious whorls, and mirror-image neuron pairs. These findings promise to deepen our understanding of brain function and neurological disorders. The research, led by Google's Viren Jain, signifies a leap towards comprehending the brain's intricate workings and could pave the way for future studies on larger brain samples.

The World's First Waste-Free Chocolate: Researchers from ETH Zurich have developed a revolutionary chocolate that uses every part of the cocoa pod, drastically reducing waste and carbon footprint. By incorporating normally discarded parts like the pod's pulp and endocarp, they created a sweet gel to replace traditional sugar. This innovation not only makes chocolate production more sustainable but also has the potential to benefit cocoa farmers by diversifying their income.

TECHNOLOGY & AI

AI's Digital Ghosts: Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Virtual Resurrections: The rise of AI technology in creating digital "ghosts" or griefbots, which replicate deceased individuals using generative AI is here. These digital avatars, crafted from personal data, can provide comfort but raise significant ethical concerns. Researchers highlight potential issues like the psychological impact on children, the need for consent, and the risk of commercial exploitation. As the "digital afterlife industry" grows, experts stress the importance of safeguards to protect human dignity and respect cultural differences in handling death.

AI Breakthrough: Reinforcement Learning Brings Humanoid Robots Closer to Reality: Humanoid robots are stepping out of science fiction and into the real world, thanks to advancements in reinforcement learning. Recent studies highlight how AI enables robots to master complex tasks, such as playing soccer and navigating challenging terrains. These robots, trained through trial and error, exhibit remarkable agility and resilience, surpassing traditional programming methods. This leap in AI technology promises significant implications for various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare.

Cutting the Cord: The Rise of Wearable Wireless Electronics: In recent years, the field of wearable electronics has made significant strides, particularly in the realm of wireless technology. Researchers like Professor John A. Rogers from Northwestern University have been at the forefront of developing flexible, stretchable electronics that integrate seamlessly with the human body. These innovations are designed to monitor various health metrics such as heart rate, glucose levels, and even stress hormones in real-time, all without the need for bulky, wired devices.

One breakthrough includes the creation of skin-like, battery-free biosensors powered by human motion and biofuel cells. These devices, which adhere to the skin, can wirelessly transmit data to smartphones and other devices for continuous health monitoring. This leap forward not only enhances user comfort but also opens new possibilities for personalized medicine and remote healthcare.

The implications of these advancements are vast, ranging from improved chronic disease management to new diagnostic tools that could potentially transform the healthcare industry. As wearable technology continues to evolve, its integration into everyday life promises to make health monitoring more accessible and less intrusive, heralding a new era of medical innovation.

AI Revolutionizes Plant-Based Diets for Sustainability and Adventure: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing plant-based diets, making them not only sustainable but also adventurous and flavorful. AI algorithms are being utilized to analyze vast databases of plant species, identifying novel ingredients and combinations that offer nutritional benefits while reducing environmental impact. Through AI-powered platforms, individuals can discover and incorporate a diverse array of plant foods into their diets, promoting health and sustainability. Furthermore, AI is enabling the development of plant-based alternatives to traditional animal products, offering consumers environmentally friendly options without compromising taste or texture. This convergence of technology and nutrition signifies a promising shift towards more sustainable and diverse dietary choices.

AI in the Workforce: Navigating Job Displacement and Carbon Footprint Reduction: The article explores the complex ethical and environmental implications of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the workforce, particularly in contexts where AI could reduce carbon emissions. It delves into the dilemma of balancing the potential environmental benefits of AI-driven efficiency with the societal impacts of job displacement. While AI has the capacity to streamline processes and minimize environmental harm, its widespread adoption raises concerns about unemployment and exacerbating socio-economic inequalities. The article examines diverse viewpoints on this multifaceted issue, underscoring the importance of considering both environmental sustainability and social equity when implementing AI technologies.

ENGINEERING

Autonomous Logging Machine Promises to Enhance Forestry Safety: A new autonomous logging machine is being developed to improve safety and efficiency in the forestry industry. This innovative technology aims to take over some of the most hazardous and physically demanding tasks in logging, such as identifying and transporting logs, which are traditionally done by human workers. By reducing the need for human intervention in dangerous conditions, these machines could significantly decrease the risk of injuries and fatalities in the industry. Additionally, the autonomous system is designed to minimize damage to surrounding ecosystems, making logging operations more sustainable​ (AIBriefingRoom)​​ (Forest Machine Magazine)​.

Spider Silk Inspires Cutting-Edge Microphone Technology: Researchers have developed a new type of ultra-small microphone inspired by spider silk's exceptional acoustic properties. Unlike traditional microphones that detect sound pressure, these innovative devices emulate how spiders use their webs to sense air particle movements caused by sound waves. By integrating spider silk-like responsiveness into silicon chips, the new microphones can capture a broader range of frequencies (from 1 Hz to 50 kHz) with higher sensitivity and reduced size. This breakthrough could significantly enhance audio recording and sensing technologies, making them more efficient and compact​ (CuratedSci)​​ (IMAKS Lab)​.

Revolutionary Self-Cleaning Paint Tackles Air Pollution: Researchers from TU Wien and the Università Politecnica delle Marche have developed an innovative self-cleaning paint that can break down air pollutants when exposed to sunlight. This breakthrough utilizes modified titanium oxide nanoparticles that act as photocatalysts, initiating chemical reactions under visible light to decompose pollutants. The paint, which incorporates elements such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon, is not only effective in maintaining air quality but also extends the durability of the painted surfaces. This new technology represents a significant step towards cleaner urban environments and sustainable building maintenance​ (Technology Networks)​​ (Air Quality News)​​ (IMNOVATION)​.

Engineering Oversight and Modern Shipping: Key Factors in the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse: On March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore tragically collapsed after being struck by the container ship 'Dali'. The collision with one of the bridge's support piers led to a rapid and complete failure of the central spans, plunging parts of the bridge into the Patapsco River. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of older bridge designs to modern maritime traffic.

The bridge, constructed in 1977, was not designed to withstand the impact forces generated by today's massive container ships. Despite being built with some protective measures against collisions, the scale and velocity of the 'Dali' exceeded these design limits, leading to the catastrophic failure​ (The Hub)​​ (The Independent)​.

Experts note that continuous truss bridges, like the Francis Scott Key Bridge, are particularly susceptible to such failures because damage to one pier can lead to a domino effect, causing the entire structure to collapse swiftly. This incident underscores the need for updating infrastructure to cope with contemporary engineering challenges and larger vessels​ (The Independent)​​ (Home)​.

Revolutionary Transparent Material Enhances Sustainable Building: Researchers at the Karlsruher Institut für Technologie have developed a groundbreaking polymer-based metamaterial that could transform sustainable architecture. This innovative material, featuring microscopic silicone pyramids, offers multiple benefits: it diffuses light, cleans itself, and provides passive radiative cooling by efficiently releasing heat into space. With a transparency of 95% and significant cooling capabilities, this material promises to replace traditional glass in building components, promoting energy efficiency and enhancing indoor climate control.

Invisible Bio-Sensors: The Future of Wearable Technology: Researchers at the University of Cambridge have created imperceptible sensors made from "electronic spider silk" that can be directly printed onto human skin and other biological surfaces. These eco-friendly, adaptive sensors, inspired by the properties of spider silk, are lightweight and flexible, allowing for continuous health monitoring without interfering with natural sensations. This innovative method promises to revolutionize wearable technology, offering sustainable solutions for health, virtual reality, and environmental monitoring.

Static Electricity: Caterpillars' Unexpected Defense Mechanism Against Predators: A study from the University of Bristol reveals that caterpillars can detect predators through the static electricity they emit. Researchers found that caterpillar sensory hairs respond to electric fields similar to those produced by predators like wasps. This discovery highlights a new aspect of predator-prey interactions and raises concerns about electrical "noise" from human activities potentially disrupting these natural detection systems.

HEALTH

Custom Bacteria for a Healthier Smile: A Start-Up's Innovative Approach: A new start-up aims to revolutionize oral health by introducing custom bacteria to our dental care routine. Lumina Probiotics is developing genetically modified microbes designed to prevent cavities and other dental issues. These tailored bacteria could potentially replace harmful microbes in the mouth, offering a novel method to enhance dental hygiene. While the concept holds promise, experts express concerns about the safety and long-term impacts of introducing genetically engineered bacteria into the oral microbiome.

Study Reveals Surprising Impact of Urban Green Spaces on Mental Health: A recent study highlighted in ScienceDaily explores the unexpected influence of urban green spaces on mental health. Researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 individuals across diverse urban areas, revealing a compelling correlation between access to green spaces and mental well-being. Contrary to common assumptions, the study found that the size of the green space mattered less than its accessibility. Even small, well-utilized parks within walking distance showed significant benefits for residents' mental health.

Imagine discovering that your gut health affects your sleep quality. A groundbreaking study revealing the intricate relationship between gut microbes and sleep quality did exactly that. Published in the journal Sleep Science, researchers found that the composition of gut bacteria directly affects sleep patterns, duration, and efficiency. The study, conducted on a cohort of 500 individuals, demonstrated that those with a more diverse gut microbiome experienced deeper and more restorative sleep. Conversely, participants with less diverse gut flora reported higher instances of sleep disturbances and insomnia. The findings suggest a potential avenue for developing personalized sleep interventions targeting gut health. By understanding the role of gut microbes in sleep regulation, researchers aim to devise novel strategies to enhance sleep quality and overall well-being.

Fuel for Thought: How Your Plate Shapes Your Mind: A study in Nature by University of Warwick researchers highlights the connection between a balanced diet and improved brain health, cognition, and mental wellbeing. Analyzing data from 181,990 participants, the research underscores the importance of dietary choices in overall wellbeing. It suggests gradual dietary modifications and emphasizes early establishment of healthy food preferences. The study also advocates for public policies promoting accessible and affordable healthy eating options to enhance public health.

ENVIRONMENT

Turbulence on the Rise: How Climate Change is Impacting Air Travel: A recent article from Scientific American explores the growing issue of turbulence in air travel, highlighting how climate change is making flights rougher. As global temperatures rise, they cause alterations in jet streams, leading to increased instances of clear-air turbulence (CAT). This type of turbulence, which occurs without visual warnings like clouds, is particularly dangerous because it cannot be easily detected by current technology. Studies indicate that the frequency and intensity of CAT have significantly increased over the past few decades and are expected to continue rising.

These changes are not only making flights bumpier but also pose safety risks. For example, a Singapore Airlines flight recently experienced severe turbulence, resulting in injuries to passengers and crew. Research suggests that warmer air resulting from climate change enhances wind shear in the jet stream, exacerbating turbulence. This has prompted calls for improved forecasting and detection systems to ensure safer skies as climate change progresses​ (Yahoo)​​ (euronews)​​ (KNAU)​.

Conservation's Global Impact: A Surprising Success Story: A pioneering planet-wide analysis has shown that conservation efforts are significantly more effective than previously believed. The study reviewed 186 initiatives and found that 66% led to improved or stabilized biodiversity. Effective strategies included targeting invasive species, habitat restoration, and sustainable ecosystem management. Despite some failures, the overall results are promising, emphasizing the need for increased investment to meet global biodiversity targets.

Planning Families in a Climate Crisis: Balancing Hope and Reality: As climate change reshapes our world, it's also influencing family planning decisions. A survey revealed that 60% of young adults are considering climate impacts when deciding on having children. Concerns about the future environment and the carbon footprint of larger families play significant roles. Yet, experts emphasize that systemic climate actions are crucial for substantial change. This trend underscores the intertwined nature of personal choices and global challenges in a warming world.

Mitigating Methane: A Novel Device Cleans Up Animal Barns and Revolutionizes Farming: Researchers have developed a groundbreaking invention designed to significantly reduce methane emissions in animal barns, offering a sustainable solution to one of agriculture's major environmental challenges. Developed by a team of researchers, the device employs innovative filtration technology to capture and eliminate up to 90% of methane produced by livestock. This not only addresses concerns about greenhouse gas emissions but also improves air quality within the barns, benefiting both animals and workers. By tackling methane, a potent contributor to climate change, this device represents a promising step towards cleaner and more sustainable farming practices.

A Key to Motivating Carbon Footprint Reduction: This article delves into the critical connection between addressing inequality and motivating individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. It argues that traditional approaches to tackling climate change often overlook the disparities in carbon emissions among different socioeconomic groups. By focusing solely on individual behavior change, these approaches fail to consider the underlying structural inequalities that influence carbon emissions. The article suggests that efforts to reduce carbon footprints must address systemic issues such as income inequality, access to resources, and disparities in environmental impact. By implementing policies that prioritize equity and social justice, we can create a more inclusive and effective framework for mitigating climate change while promoting sustainable lifestyles for all.

FEATURE

This feature article is a first of many in the series “Blue Gold – The Role of Cobalt in Electrical Vehicle or EVs”. In this first article, we present a brief overview into cobalt’s roles in EV batteries and global reserves. Next week, we dive into recycling of cobalt, the benefits of cobalt in EVs, and downside of cobalt mining.

Picture this: the year is 2040 (16 years from now), and you pull up to the gas station. Instead of filling up your car with gas, you plug your car into an EV charging station that looks like this.

This is the reality both in the United States and globally as society transitions towards sustainable transportation. Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around since 1996 when General Motors introduced the EV1. But it wasn’t until 2008, with the introduction of Tesla’s Roadster, that the EV market was truly ignited. EVs in the US are projected to account for 10% of new car sales by 2025, rising to 28% by 2030, and 58% by 2040. Globally, it is estimated there will be over 145 million EVs on the road by 2030, up from around 10 million in 2020, with China and Europe leading this transition largely due to strong policy frameworks and sustainable investments in charging infrastructure and battery production.

When it comes to transportation, especially in the use phase, the typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. With an average life-span of 20 years, the passenger vehicle emits 92 metric tons in its lifetime.  Assuming there are 296 million cars registered in the USA in 2024, this translates to 1,361.6 million metric tons of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere per year.

According to the U.S. EPA, the transportation industry accounts for 29% of greenhouse gas emissions. It is one of the top 2 producers of greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for more sustainable transportation. Electric vehicles present a solution to this dilemma.

Global Reserves of Cobalt

The Demographic Republic of Congo (DRC) holds approximately 70% of the world’s cobalt reserves, making it the dominant player in the global cobalt market. It’s reserves are estimated to be around 4.0 million metric tons. Other sources include Australia (1.5 million metric tons), and Cuba (500,000 metric tons).

The Role of Cobalt in EV

While there are many components to EVs, cobalt, lithium, and nickel are the most important. These three metals are critical to EVs during use and charging phases. An EV battery at its core has three main components: the cathode (mainly comprised of cobalt), the electrolyte (mainly comprised of lithium), and the anode (mainly comprised of graphite). When an EV is in use, the ions move from the negatively charged anode, across the electrolyte, and to the positively charged cathode. When it’s charging, the reverse occurs - ions move from the cathode, across the electrolyte, and to the anode.

The superiority of cobalt over other metals in EV battery, is that it enhances the battery's energy density and thermal stability, it improves overall performance and increases lifespan, and safety.

The quantity of cobalt, nickel, and lithium in an electric vehicle (EV) battery varies depending on the specific battery chemistry used. The most common type of battery used in EVs today is the lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) battery. Below are the approximate quantities for a typical 60 kWh NMC battery:

A typical EV battery pack such as those used in a Tesla Model S, contain about about 6-12 kg of cobalt. Additionally, these batteries contact significant amounts of lithium and nickel. On average, an EV battery back contains about 8 kg of lithium and 20 kg of nickel. The precise quantities vary depending on the specific battery chemistry used.