World's Heaviest Soaring Bird Inspires Wind Power Design

It all started with Janine Benyus, the biologist who coined the term "biomimicry" in her 1997 book "Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature." In it, she describes biomimicry as a practice that learns from and mimics the strategies found in nature to solve human design challenges sustainably. By studying the way organisms and ecosystems function, one can use biomimicry to create more efficient and resilient technologies and systems, promoting a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world. Her work has significantly influenced sustainable design and innovation in industry and academic settings, as evidenced by the title of today’s newsletter. There are a number of schools, like the University of Akron in Ohio, that have actively embedded and integrated biomimicry into their curriculum and research. We hope to spotlight innovative curricula and schools with bioinspired elements in a future newsletter.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Innovative Technique for Infrared Light Confinement Using Thin-Film Membranes.

• Technology and AI - Robotic Radiotherapy Advances Eye Disease Treatment, Computer-Aided Design Yields New Anti-Clot Drug Candidates.

• Engineering - Nature-Inspired Cement: Tougher and More Durable, World's Heaviest Soaring Bird Inspires Wind Power Design.

• Health & Medicine - Space Travel's Hidden Health Costs for Astronauts.

• Environment - Fine Particulate Matter Pollution Linked to 135 Million Premature Deaths Globally, Diversified Farming Enhances Environmental and Social Benefits, FDA Warns of Paralyzing Poison Danger from Algal Blooms from Pacific Northwest Shellfish.

• Nature - Bats' Call Recognition in Swarms Revealed.

• Industry News - States Urge Insurers to Maintain Coverage for Climate-Threatened Homes, NASA Astronauts to Study ISS Microorganisms During Spacewalk - Livestream June 13, 2024.

Happy Reading.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

First Promethium Complex Created, Revealing the Element's Secrets: Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have successfully created the first complex of promethium, a rare and highly radioactive element. By binding promethium with organic ligands, they were able to study its properties in detail for the first time. This breakthrough offers new insights into the chemical behavior of promethium and its position within the lanthanide series, where it exhibits unique contraction properties that differ from other elements in the series. The findings could facilitate advancements in separating lanthanides, which are crucial for various technologies.

Innovative Technique for Infrared Light Confinement Using Thin-Film Membranes: Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a novel method to "squeeze" infrared light using thin-film oxide membranes. This technique significantly improves light confinement compared to traditional bulk crystals, enhancing the resolution of infrared imaging devices. By using strontium titanate membranes and synchrotron near-field spectroscopy, the study demonstrates practical applications in photonics, sensors, and thermal management, paving the way for advanced infrared technologies.

First Detection of Frost on Mars' Tallest Volcanoes: For the first time, scientists have detected water frost on Mars' tallest volcanoes using high-resolution images from the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter's CaSSIS camera. This frost appears briefly around sunrise on the Tharsis volcanoes, despite their equatorial location and high solar exposure. The discovery enhances understanding of Mars' water cycle, which is crucial for future exploration and potential human missions.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

AI Technology Reveals Long-Term Lung Damage in COVID-19 Patients: Researchers at Emory AI.Health have utilized AI to uncover significant lung damage in severe COVID-19 patients. Analyzing CT scans from over 3,400 patients, the study identified pronounced lung deformities in those with severe cases, particularly along the mediastinal and basal surfaces. This damage may lead to lasting lung function impairment and increased mortality. The findings underscore the potential long-term health impacts of severe COVID-19, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and treatment.

Robotic Radiotherapy Advances Eye Disease Treatment: Researchers at King's College London have developed a robotic system to improve treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This innovative method delivers a precise, minimally invasive dose of radiation, reducing the need for frequent eye injections. In trials, patients required significantly fewer injections, potentially saving millions globally. This breakthrough could alleviate the treatment burden on patients and reduce healthcare costs.

Computer-Aided Design Yields New Anti-Clot Drug Candidates: Researchers from Vanderbilt University have utilized computer-aided drug design to develop new candidates targeting protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR4), a challenging receptor implicated in blood clot formation. By screening billions of drug-like molecules in silico, they identified novel antagonists that inhibit PAR4, potentially leading to better treatments for thrombosis and related conditions without severe side effects.

Tactile Sensing Enhances Robot Object Recognition: Researchers at Tsinghua University have developed a tactile sensing method that mimics human thermal touch, enhancing robots' ability to recognize and classify objects. This system uses layered sensors to detect multiple attributes, such as thermal conductivity and surface roughness, achieving a 98.85% accuracy in sorting various types of waste. This advancement could reduce human labor in waste management and improve the tactile perception capabilities for people with disabilities.

AI Enhances Port Logistics with Real-Time Vehicle Monitoring: Researchers from the University of Bremen, Germany have developed an AI-supported system for monitoring the status of port vehicles in real-time. Utilizing edge computing, IoT, and machine learning, the system enhances the efficiency of container transportation by detecting faults early, enabling predictive maintenance, and optimizing resource use. This innovative approach significantly improves logistics processes, reduces costs, and enhances safety in port operations. 

ENGINEERING

Nature-Inspired Cement: Tougher and More Durable: Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new cement composite inspired by the structure of seashells. This innovative material, combining cement paste with a polymer, is 17 times more crack-resistant and 19 times more stretchable than conventional cement. The bio-inspired design mimics the tough yet flexible nature of nacre, or mother-of-pearl, found in shells, offering potential for stronger and more durable construction materials.

World's Heaviest Soaring Bird Inspires Wind Power Design: Inspired by the Andean condor, the world's heaviest soaring bird, researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new wind turbine design. By adding c-shaped "winglets" to the turbine blade tips, they reduced drag and increased efficiency by up to 10%. This bio-inspired innovation could enhance the economic viability of wind farms, especially in low-wind conditions, and is an example of biomimicry in engineering.

3D-Printed Mini-Actuators for Advanced Soft Robotics: Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed 3D-printed miniature soft hydraulic actuators, enabling precise control and shape-locking of small soft robots. These actuators, which integrate shape memory materials, allow the robots to bend, twist, and maintain specific shapes even after the hydraulic pressure is removed. This innovation holds potential for applications in biomedical engineering and small-scale robotics.

Faster Characterization of Electronic Materials Using Computer Vision: Researchers at MIT have developed a computer vision method that significantly speeds up the characterization of electronic materials. This technique analyzes images of printed semiconducting samples to estimate properties like band gap and stability 85 times faster than conventional methods. By automating the analysis, it enhances the efficiency of materials screening, which is crucial for advancing technologies like solar cells and LEDs.

Addressing Inherent Issues in Solid-State Batteries: Researchers at POSTECH have developed an air-handleable Lithium, Lanthanide, Zirconium, Oxygen (AH-LLZO) technology, which prevents the formation of contamination layers in garnet-type solid electrolytes. This innovation enhances the surface and internal properties of LLZO, enabling the creation of ultra-thin lithium metal solid-state batteries with high stability and energy density. This advancement simplifies handling and improves the practical usability of solid-state batteries, potentially revolutionizing energy storage solutions.

Harnessing Vibration Power with Bidirectional Piezoelectric Systems: Researchers from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China have developed a novel bidirectional energy-controlled piezoelectric shunt damping technology. This system uses a flyback transformer-based switching circuit to either extract or inject energy, achieving precise vibration control. It demonstrates a broad attenuation range and low power consumption, making it ideal for aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications. This advancement could lead to self-sustaining, intelligent mechanical systems.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Space Travel's Hidden Health Costs for Astronauts: A recent analysis of astronaut medical records has revealed significant health risks associated with extended space travel. The study highlights that astronauts experience various physiological changes due to the unique conditions in space, such as microgravity and increased radiation exposure. These changes include muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and cardiovascular alterations. More concerning are the impacts on mental health and cognitive function, with astronauts reporting issues like vision problems and psychological stress during and after missions. The research emphasizes the need for better health monitoring and protective measures to mitigate these risks, especially as missions to Mars and other distant destinations are planned. Understanding these health impacts is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of astronauts on long-duration space missions.

New Biomarker Database to Enhance Astronaut Health Monitoring: Researchers from the University of Ottawa have developed the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA), a comprehensive biomarker database aimed at improving astronaut health monitoring. This resource integrates extensive molecular and physiological data from various space missions. SOMA helps identify health impacts of space travel, offering insights beneficial for both space exploration and terrestrial medical conditions like immobility. The database represents a significant advancement in aerospace medicine and human adaptation studies.

Plant-Based Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Higher Cardiovascular Risk: A new study has found that plant-based ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers from the University of São Paulo and Imperial College London analyzed data from over 118,000 individuals and discovered that consuming plant-based UPFs increased cardiovascular risk by 7% compared to less processed plant-based foods. The findings suggest that while plant-based diets are generally healthier, the degree of food processing plays a crucial role in health outcomes.

Changes in Exploration Patterns May Indicate Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: Older adults' reduced exploration in new environments could signal early cognitive decline, according to a study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. Researchers found that middle-aged participants explored less and focused more on specific locations than younger individuals in a virtual maze task. This shift in behavior might be linked to changes in the brain's navigation network and could serve as a marker for early dementia, potentially guiding future interventions.

Higher Cancer Rates in Gen X Compared to Baby Boomers: A Growing Concern: A recent study highlights that Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) is experiencing higher rates of cancer compared to their Baby Boomer parents. This trend is alarming given that Gen Xers are still relatively young. The increase in cancer incidence among Gen X is attributed to several factors, including lifestyle changes, environmental exposures, and possibly the long-term effects of obesity and metabolic syndrome. The study underscores the importance of preventive measures and lifestyle interventions to address this rising health concern.

New Study Identifies Key Enzyme to Reverse Heart Scar Tissue: Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a potential target for reversing scar tissue after a heart attack. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that inhibiting the enzyme lysyl hydroxylase 2, which modifies collagen in the heart, could prevent permanent scarring. This enzyme's inhibition could allow the heart to regenerate healthy tissue, similar to the regenerative process in zebrafish. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for heart attack survivors and other fibrotic diseases.

First Trial of Customized Suicide Prevention for Autistic Individuals Shows Promising Results: The University of Nottingham and Newcastle University have conducted the first trial of a suicide prevention intervention specifically tailored for autistic adults. The study tested autism-adapted safety plans (AASP) with 49 participants, showing that 68% found them useful. These personalized plans aim to reduce self-harm and suicidal behaviors by providing clear, accessible guidelines and support during crises. This research, published in eClinicalMedicine, is a crucial step towards improving mental health support for autistic individuals.

ENVIRONMENT

Fine Particulate Matter Pollution Linked to 135 Million Premature Deaths Globally: A study by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, revealed that fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) pollution caused approximately 135 million premature deaths from 1980 to 2020. The research highlighted how climate phenomena like El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole exacerbate pollution levels, leading to increased mortality rates. Stroke and ischemic heart disease were the leading causes of these deaths. The findings underscore the critical need for policies addressing both pollution control and climate variability.

Diversified Farming Enhances Environmental and Social Benefits: A study involving farms in Ghana and Malawi shows that integrating crops, livestock, and trees leads to better environmental outcomes and social benefits. This biologically diversified agriculture improves soil fertility, reduces erosion, and enhances biodiversity. Farmers also gain additional income from diverse products like fruits and timber. The approach necessitates initial financial support and a shift in development policies towards sustainable practices.

Alarming Surge in Nitrous Oxide Emissions Poses Climate Threat: A new report highlights a 40% increase in nitrous oxide emissions from 1980 to 2020, primarily driven by agricultural activities such as fertilizer use and animal waste. With over 10 million metric tons emitted in 2020 alone, nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, significantly impacts global warming and environmental health. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for emission reduction strategies, as current technologies cannot remove this gas from the atmosphere.

FDA Warns of Paralyzing Poison Danger from Algal Blooms from Pacific Northwest Shellfish: The FDA has issued a warning about potential paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) from shellfish harvested in parts of Oregon and Washington since late May. High toxin levels, caused by a large algae bloom, have sickened at least 20 people in Oregon. Consumers are advised to avoid shellfish from affected areas, as cooking or freezing does not eliminate the toxin. Symptoms of PSP include numbness, vomiting, and severe respiratory issues.

NATURE

Bats' Call Recognition in Swarms Revealed: Researchers have discovered how bats manage to pick out their own calls amidst the cacophony of thousands of other bats in large swarms. Using a hawk outfitted with microphones to fly through a swarm of 600,000 bats, scientists were able to gather data showing that bats employ a combination of unique frequency patterns and timing cues to identify their own calls. This ability is crucial for navigation and hunting in dense groups, demonstrating sophisticated auditory processing capabilities in these animals.

INDUSTRY NEWS

States Urge Insurers to Maintain Coverage for Climate-Threatened Homes: Amid increasing natural disasters, homeowners in high-risk areas such as California, Florida, and Louisiana face difficulties securing insurance. States are negotiating with insurers to maintain coverage, offering flexibility on premiums and allowing policy cancellations. Many residents turn to state-run plans as insurers withdraw due to rising costs and risks. The insurance crisis highlights the urgent need for policies addressing climate change and sustainable development in vulnerable areas.

NASA Astronauts to Study ISS Microorganisms During Spacewalk - Livestream June 13, 2024: NASA astronauts are set to conduct a spacewalk on June 13 to scrape and collect microorganisms from the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). This mission aims to understand how these organisms survive in space's harsh conditions, providing insights into extremophile biology and the potential for life to exist elsewhere in the universe. Additionally, the spacewalk will involve routine maintenance tasks, such as replacing a faulty electronics module.

Deep Dive into Global Mining Trends: A recent study by State of Play and CSIRO, Australia explores significant trends in the global mining industry, emphasizing the energy transition and its impacts. Based on extensive surveys and interviews with over 720 miners from 50 countries, the reports highlight shifts in industry strategies, increased environmental pressures, and the need for innovative approaches to meet clean energy demands. The study underscores the necessity for fundamental changes in mining practices to support the energy transition while balancing cost and sustainability.