Why Human Wounds Heal Slower Than Other Primates: A Trade-Off for Losing Fur

Hello and welcome to our May 1st edition. The STEAM Digest is a curated newsletter that brings you the latest news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Why Human Wounds Heal Slower Than Other Primates: A Trade-Off for Losing Fur, and more.

• Materials - Scientists Create Electric Circuits Using Marker Ink and Lasers in Breakthrough “Paint & Scribe” Method, and more.

• Biotechnology & Biomedical Technology - Scientists Advance Brain-Computer Interface That Restores Intuitive Touch for People with Paralysis, and more.

• Astronomy, Space, Astrobiology - Life May Arise Quickly on Earth-Like Planets, Columbia Astronomer Suggests.

• Engineering & Technology - Researchers Develop Fast, Eco-Friendly Method for Lithium Extraction, and more.

• Robotics, AI, Hardware, Software, Gadgets - Fish-Inspired Algorithm Boosts Robot Swarm Coordination With Simple, Natural Rules, and more

• Health & Medicine - Semaglutide Shows Promise in Reversing Advanced Liver Disease in Landmark Global Trial, and more.

• Neuroscience - Morning People vs. Night Owls: Brain Structure Differences Reveal the Biology Behind Sleep Patterns.

• Environment - Scientists Develop Low-Cost Tool to Detect Micro- and Nanoplastics in the Environment, and more.

• Nature - How Fruit Flies Steer Straight: Brain Circuit Filters Visual Symmetry to Detect Course Deviations, and more.

• Other Sciences & The Arts - Best Way to Teach Arithmetic? Combine Practice with Deeper Understanding, Study Finds, and more.

Until Tomorrow,

~The STEAM Digest

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SCIENCE

Why Human Wounds Heal Slower Than Other Primates: A Trade-Off for Losing Fur: A new study reveals that human skin wounds heal nearly three times slower than those of other primates. Researchers from Japan, Kenya, and France conducted experiments on humans, chimpanzees, baboons, and monkeys, finding that non-human primates healed at an average rate of 0.62 millimeters per day, compared to just 0.25 millimeters in humans. The slower healing in humans is attributed to evolutionary changes—specifically the loss of fur and replacement of hair follicles with sweat glands. While sweat glands help regulate temperature, they are less effective at regenerating skin. The study suggests this evolutionary trade-off was likely balanced by human innovations in wound care.

Study Challenges Long-Held Theory on How Life’s Essential Sugars Formed on Early Earth: A new study casts doubt on the widely accepted theory that ribose—a key sugar in RNA—formed through the formose reaction in prebiotic conditions. Using milder, more Earth-like conditions, researchers found that the reaction only produced branched sugars, not the linear forms required for life. Their findings suggest the need for new models to explain how life’s building blocks originated, while also offering insights that may benefit biofuel production through more efficient synthesis of branched sugars.

Steering Light with Sound: Breakthrough Brings Atomic Clocks and 6G Tech Closer to Reality: Researchers have integrated sound-based control of light—via Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS)—into light-based chips using thin-film lithium niobate. This novel method enables compact, high-performance components like ultra-selective filters and chip-scale lasers, opening doors to GPS-free navigation in drones and satellites using miniaturized atomic clocks. By taming acoustic waves to work within scalable photonic platforms, the team has made SBS practical for real-world applications, potentially revolutionizing precision signal processing in 6G communication and navigation technologies.

Australian Study Reveals Alarming Levels of Superbugs in Residential Plumbing Systems: A new study highlights drinking water plumbing systems—especially in homes—as critical but underrecognized reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. The study found that 73% of residential water and biofilm samples contained at least one AMR pathogen, such as MRSA or carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, compared to 38% in hospitals. Drain biofilms were identified as persistent reservoirs for resistance genes, posing long-term health risks. These findings emphasize the urgent need for surveillance and improved management of plumbing infrastructure to mitigate AMR transmission, especially in settings housing vulnerable individuals.

MATERIALS

Scientists Create Electric Circuits Using Marker Ink and Lasers in Breakthrough “Paint & Scribe” Method: A team of researchers has developed a novel method for creating graphene-based electrical circuits using ordinary red marker ink and a laser. The technique—dubbed “Paint & Scribe”—relies on the dye eosin, found in some red markers, which transforms into conductive laser-induced graphene (LIG) when heated by a laser beam. This approach allows circuits to be "written" directly onto any surface, from paper to coffee cups, opening up low-cost, customizable applications in sensors, robotics, and green electronics.

Texas A&M Researchers Develop Self-Healing Polymer That Could Shield Spacecraft from Micrometeoroids: A research team at Texas A&M University has created a groundbreaking polymer, called DAP (Diels-Alder Polymer), that can self-heal after being pierced by high-speed projectiles, potentially protecting spacecraft and satellites from micrometeoroid damage. The study shows that under extreme conditions, this nanoscale material melts upon impact, absorbs kinetic energy, and quickly reforms its molecular structure to nearly seal the puncture. Using laser-induced projectile testing (LIPIT), scientists demonstrated this dynamic healing behavior for the first time, pointing to future applications in space technology, body armor, and printable electronics.

New Aluminum Alloy Combines High Strength and Hydrogen Resistance for Clean Energy Applications: Researchers have developed a high-strength aluminum alloy that resists hydrogen embrittlement—overcoming a major barrier to its use in hydrogen-powered technologies. The alloy features dual nanoprecipitates: Al₃Sc to boost strength and Al₃(Mg,Sc)₂ to trap hydrogen. The result is a 40% strength increase and five-fold improvement in hydrogen resistance compared to standard alloys. The design is scalable with current industrial methods, offering a promising path toward lightweight, durable components for a low-carbon, hydrogen-based economy.

BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Scientists Advance Brain-Computer Interface That Restores Intuitive Touch for People with Paralysis: Researchers have made significant progress in developing a brain-computer interface (BCI) that enables people with tetraplegia to experience realistic sensations of touch. The study allowed participants to customize the electrical stimulation patterns sent to their brains, resulting in more vivid and personalized tactile experiences—such as the feel of a purring cat or a cool apple. Unlike past efforts that produced generic buzzing sensations, this innovation helped participants distinguish digital objects based solely on touch 35% of the time, surpassing chance. The findings bring scientists closer to creating neuroprosthetics that feel intuitive, personalized, and seamlessly integrated into the user’s sensory experience.

Engineered Gut Bacteria Reduce Mercury Exposure from Fish in Mice, Offering Hope for Human Probiotic: Scientists have developed a genetically engineered gut microbe that detoxifies methylmercury—a toxic pollutant found in fish—before it can enter the bloodstream and organs. The study shows that mice given the modified bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron had significantly reduced levels of methylmercury in their brains, livers, and fetal tissues after consuming mercury-rich diets. The breakthrough suggests a future probiotic could help protect people, especially pregnant women, from mercury toxicity without eliminating fish from their diets.

New AI Tool Deciphers Protein Clumping Rules Behind Alzheimer’s and Other Diseases: A groundbreaking study introduces CANYA, an explainable AI model that helps decode the molecular "language" behind harmful protein clumping, a process linked to Alzheimer's and other diseases. Developed through a large-scale experiment testing over 100,000 random protein fragments, CANYA identifies key amino acid motifs that drive or prevent aggregation. Unlike black-box AI, CANYA reveals why certain protein regions clump, offering insights for disease research and biotech applications like improving drug stability. The model is 15% more accurate than previous tools and may eventually help predict aggregation speed, crucial for understanding disease progression.

ASTRONOMY, SPACE, ASTROBIOLOGY

Life May Arise Quickly on Earth-Like Planets, Columbia Astronomer Suggests:
An astronomer at Columbia University, argues that life on Earth emerged so rapidly after the planet’s formation that the same may be true for other Earth-like planets. Since Earth formed about 4.5 billion years ago and life may have begun as early as 4.2 billion years ago, suggesting that abiogenesis—life’s origin from non-living matter—likely occurs soon after favorable conditions arise. Their Bayesian analysis shows 13:1 odds supporting rapid abiogenesis, offering strong evidence that life could be common in the universe, though the analysis excludes panspermia scenarios.

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Researchers Develop Fast, Eco-Friendly Method for Lithium Extraction: A team at Penn State has developed a patented, acid-free method to extract over 99% of lithium from rock ores in minutes using low heat and common materials like water and sodium hydroxide. This innovative process avoids the high temperatures and harsh chemicals of conventional methods, significantly reducing energy use, emissions, and hazardous waste. The method also works for extracting rubidium and cesium and is compatible with existing industrial infrastructure, paving the way for scalable, sustainable lithium production.

New Green Nickel Extraction Method Slashes Emissions and Enables Use of Low-Grade Ores: Researchers have developed a breakthrough, carbon-free method for extracting nickel using hydrogen plasma. The single-step process cuts CO₂ emissions by 84% and is up to 18% more energy-efficient than conventional methods. It also enables the use of low-grade nickel ores—representing 60% of global reserves—that are typically too complex to process. This innovation could significantly reduce the environmental cost of electrification, supporting greener battery and stainless steel production while offering scalable industrial potential.

ROBOTICS, AI, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, GADGETS

Fish-Inspired Algorithm Boosts Robot Swarm Coordination With Simple, Natural Rules: In a study, researchers from the University of Konstanz and partners used virtual reality to uncover how zebrafish coordinate movement in schools using simple positional cues rather than speed. Their findings revealed a biologically evolved control law that is both minimal and highly effective. When tested on robotic swarms—cars, drones, and boats—the fish-inspired algorithm performed on par with complex autonomous systems like Model Predictive Controllers, but with far less computational effort. This breakthrough shows how nature’s evolved strategies can inspire efficient, scalable solutions for robotics and autonomous navigation.

Cornell Tech Develops “Robotability Score” to Rate How Friendly NYC Streets Are to Delivery Robots: Researchers have created a first-of-its-kind “robotability score” to measure how suitable New York City streets are for autonomous delivery robots. Presented at the CHI 2024 conference, the score evaluates 19 features—such as pedestrian density, sidewalk quality, and street furniture—to rate areas from least to most robot-friendly. Using NYC OpenData and dashcam footage, the team mapped robotability citywide and tested real-world accuracy with a prototype robot. The tool aims to help planners and communities better understand how urban infrastructure affects robot navigation—only where robots are welcome.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Semaglutide Shows Promise in Reversing Advanced Liver Disease in Landmark Global Trial: A Phase III trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that semaglutide can significantly improve liver health in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Over 72 weeks, 62.9% of patients receiving semaglutide showed reduced liver inflammation, and 36.8% had improved fibrosis, compared to 34.3% and 22.4% in the placebo group. The treatment also led to weight loss and better liver function, though some experienced gastrointestinal side effects. This is the first major trial to show semaglutide’s potential in treating advanced liver disease.

Immune System Linked to Mental Health Disorders in Landmark Genetic Study:
A study has identified a potential causal link between immune system proteins and mental health conditions like depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer’s disease. Using Mendelian randomization and data on 735 immune-related proteins, researchers found 29 proteins potentially involved in these conditions—20 of which are already targets of existing drugs. The findings challenge traditional brain-focused models of mental illness, suggesting inflammation in both the brain and body plays a significant role. This could open new avenues for treatment targeting the immune system.

A Study Links Surgeons’ Minute Movements to Patient Recovery After Prostate Surgery: A groundbreaking study reveals that tiny, moment-to-moment movements—called “surgical gestures”—during robotic prostate cancer surgery significantly affect patient recovery, particularly sexual function. Analyzing 157 surgical videos, researchers found that specific gestures like excessive nerve retraction were linked to poorer outcomes. This gesture-based system could revolutionize surgical training and practice by objectively connecting technique with long-term patient health. Investigators aim to expand this approach to other surgeries, potentially transforming how surgical quality and outcomes are measured.

NEUROSCIENCE

Morning People vs. Night Owls: Brain Structure Differences Reveal the Biology Behind Sleep Patterns: A recent study has uncovered significant brain-based differences between "morning people" and "night owls." By analyzing data from 27,030 individuals in the UK Biobank—including brain scans and 976 phenotypes—the researchers found distinct patterns in brain regions such as the basal ganglia, limbic system, hippocampus, and cerebellum that correlate with chronotype. The study shows that chronotype is not merely behavioral but has deep neurobiological roots. These findings may eventually support the development of mental health interventions and lifestyle recommendations tailored to a person’s natural sleep-wake tendencies.

ENVIRONMENT

Scientists Develop Low-Cost Tool to Detect Micro- and Nanoplastics in the Environment: Researchers have introduced HoLDI-MS, a 3D-printed, affordable mass spectrometry platform that enables fast and accurate detection of micro- and nanoplastics in complex environmental samples. The new hollow-laser desorption/ionization method eliminates the need for complex sample preparation, costs only a few dollars per test, and supports global efforts to standardize plastic pollution monitoring. The technology successfully identified various plastic pollutants in both indoor and outdoor air and could help pinpoint major pollution sources worldwide.

Researchers Identify Toxin-Producing Algae Behind Lake Erie's Harmful Blooms:
University of Michigan scientists have identified Dolichospermum, a cyanobacteria strain, as the producer of saxitoxin—a potent neurotoxin found in Lake Erie's harmful algal blooms (HABs). The study used DNA sequencing to pinpoint toxin-producing genes and found saxitoxin levels were higher in warmer waters and lower in areas with more ammonium. These findings raise concerns about how climate change and nutrient levels could influence toxin production. With the culprit identified, researchers can now better monitor and potentially mitigate toxin risks in the lake.

Lake Sediments Reveal a Century of Metal Pollution in São Paulo: A new study used sediment cores from São Paulo's Garças Lake to reconstruct 100 years of metal pollution. Researchers found a strong link between industrial growth, urbanization, and rising levels of metals such as lead, copper, and nickel. Pollution peaked between 1975 and 2000, with a notable decline in lead after Brazil banned leaded gasoline in 1986. Despite some improvements, many harmful metals remain in sediments, highlighting the long-term environmental legacy of industrial activity and the urgent need for effective pollution controls and restoration strategies.

NATURE

New Ecological Theory Explains How Species Diversity Grows Across Scales:
A new study introduces a universal theory explaining the three-phase pattern in species-area relationships (SARS)—how species diversity changes as geographic scale increases. The study shows that individual species’ geographic ranges drive this pattern. By analyzing around 700 million species observations, researchers found their estimates matched real-world data, offering a powerful tool for predicting biodiversity loss from habitat destruction. The findings could significantly improve global extinction rate estimates and conservation planning.

How Fruit Flies Steer Straight: Brain Circuit Filters Visual Symmetry to Detect Course Deviations: A new study reveals how fruit flies maintain straight, high-speed flight using a compact neural circuit that detects subtle visual asymmetries. When optic flow—motion patterns seen as they move—is perfectly symmetrical across both eyes, flies are on course. Slight deviations break this symmetry, but the retina alone can’t detect this. Researchers discovered that descending neurons called DNp15 subtract symmetrical visual input using feedback from inhibitory bIPS neurons, highlighting only critical asymmetries. This enables precise motor adjustments to keep the fly on track, showcasing a refined biological solution for navigation and course correction.

Sharks and Rays Show Rare Reproduction Methods That May Offer Evolutionary Clues: A marine biologist at James Cook University, has published research in Royal Society Open Science exploring two rare reproductive strategies in chondrichthyans (sharks, rays, and relatives): facultative parthenogenesis, where females reproduce without males, and multiple embryos per egg case (MEPE). While these methods may offer energy savings or selective advantages, their evolutionary benefits remain unclear. Gayford suggests that studying these unusual reproductive adaptations may provide broader insights into the flexibility and longevity of reproductive strategies over evolutionary timescales.

Why Some Dogs Eat Poop—and What You Can Do About It: The odd yet common behavior of dogs eating feces, known as coprophagia, is seen in about 1 in 4 dogs. A recent case of a lost dachshund named Valerie surviving 529 days in the wild by eating feces highlights its evolutionary roots. In the wild, canines may eat feces to clean dens or gain nutrients. For modern dogs, causes can include instinct, nutritional deficiencies, stress, medical conditions, or learned behaviors from early puppyhood. While the habit may disgust owners and even strain human-dog relationships, it can often be managed through vet checks, proper training, enrichment, and hygiene practices.

OTHER SCIENCES & THE ARTS

Best Way to Teach Arithmetic? Combine Practice with Deeper Understanding, Study Finds: A new report concludes that children learn arithmetic most effectively through a cycle of conceptual understanding, timed practice, and reflective discussion. Rather than choosing between rote memorization and rich classroom dialogue, the research—authored by experts from Notre Dame, Delaware, Wisconsin–Eau Claire, and Western University—shows that combining both strategies boosts arithmetic fluency. The approach strengthens not just fact recall but also flexible problem-solving skills, helping prepare students for advanced math and future success.

Mathematician Unveils Radical-Free Method for Solving Higher Polynomial Equations: UNSW Sydney mathematician has developed a novel method for solving higher-degree polynomial equations without using radicals or irrational numbers—long thought essential but problematic in pure algebra. The approach uses infinite power series and a newly introduced number array, the “Geode,” which extends the well-known Catalan numbers. This method provides general solutions even for quintic equations and has potential applications in computer algorithms and mathematical theory, challenging long-held assumptions in algebra.

AI Essays Lack Human Touch, Says UK Study Comparing ChatGPT to Student Writing: A study by the University of East Anglia found that while ChatGPT-generated essays are coherent and grammatically sound, they lack the personal engagement and rhetorical techniques seen in student writing. Analyzing 145 student essays and 145 AI-generated ones, researchers noted that real students used more questions, personal commentary, and persuasive language. The study highlights the need for critical literacy and ethical awareness in education and suggests using AI as a teaching tool rather than a shortcut.