Tiny Silicon Gears Powered by Light Could Revolutionize Micromachines and Cell Research

Hello and welcome to Wednesday’s STEAM newsletter! We bring you summaries of the latest news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

In today’s edition:

• Science - Quantum Mpemba Effect: A Breakthrough in Understanding How Hot Systems Can Cool Faster Than Cold Ones, and more.

• Technology and AI - 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for Pioneering Work in Machine Learning, ChatGPT Overprescribes Treatments in Emergency Department Study, Lags Behind Human Physicians, and more.

• Engineering - Tiny Silicon Gears Powered by Light Could Revolutionize Micromachines and Cell Research, Engineers Develop First Robots Operated Without Electricity, Freeing Space for Smarter AI, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Asteroid Ryugu Provides Evidence of Compounds Essential for Life on Earth, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Caffeine May Improve Vascular Health in Lupus Patients, New Study Suggests, ToMoBrush: Electric Toothbrush Transformed into Dental Health Monitoring Tool, and more.

• Neuroscience - Long-Term Study Shows How Daily Habits Shape Brain Activity Over Time, and more.

• Environment - Circular Bioeconomy Offers a Path to Sustainable Agriculture, but Requires Strategic Policies and Incentives, and more.

• Nature - Comb Jellies Can Fuse Bodies Without Immune Rejection, Revealing Evolutionary Insights, New Gene Discovery Could Boost Plant Stress Tolerance for Sustainable Agriculture, Stressed Bees Show Pessimistic Behavior, Impacting Pollination Efficiency.

• Other Sciences & Arts - Advanced Imaging Reveals Modern Alterations to Iron Age Iranian Swords, Highlighting Antiquities Forgery, and Ancient Snail Remains in Tunisia Shed Light on Early Culinary Traditions.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

Quantum Mpemba Effect: A Breakthrough in Understanding How Hot Systems Can Cool Faster Than Cold Ones: Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have made significant progress in understanding the Mpemba effect—where hot water freezes faster than cold—by exploring its quantum counterpart. Led by Prof. John Goold, the team demonstrated that in quantum systems, a transformation that initially heats a system can paradoxically accelerate its cooling, using principles of non-equilibrium quantum thermodynamics. This research bridges historical observations, such as those of Aristotle, with modern quantum mechanics and has potential applications in quantum technologies, where efficient cooling is crucial.

New Insights into Cell Membrane Protection Mechanisms from Cryo-Electron Microscopy Studies: Scientists at Forschungszentrum Jülich have used cryo-electron microscopy to reveal new insights into how the cell membrane protects and repairs itself, focusing on the proteins Vipp1 and PspA. These proteins, found in plants, algae, and bacteria, form complex structures such as rings and tubes that stabilize and potentially repair damaged membranes. The research suggests that Vipp1 helps maintain thylakoid membranes in plant cells, crucial for photosynthesis, and shows similarities to human ESCRT-III proteins, pointing to conserved cellular functions. These findings could inform future biotechnological applications and drug development.

New Proof Shows Some Quantum States Can Resist Disorder, Challenging Entropy Laws: A new mathematical proof, led by Andrew Lucas at the University of Colorado Boulder, demonstrates that under specific conditions, quantum systems can resist thermalisation, defying the long-held principle that all systems eventually succumb to entropy. This phenomenon, known as many-body localisation (MBL), allows certain quantum states to maintain order indefinitely. The proof, inspired by computer science, confirms MBL’s existence but applies only to systems with infinitely many dimensions. While it doesn't resolve all debates about entropy, it offers a new understanding that may impact future quantum computing developments.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

2024 Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for Pioneering Work in Machine Learning: John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton have won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for their groundbreaking contributions to the development of artificial neural networks and machine learning algorithms. Their discoveries underpin the technology behind modern AI models like ChatGPT. Hopfield's 1982 work introduced a network architecture that could learn by adjusting the strength of neuron-like connections, while Hinton's development of the Boltzmann machine advanced machine learning's ability to recognize patterns. Hinton expressed concerns about the potential risks posed by future AI systems exceeding human intelligence.

ChatGPT Overprescribes Treatments in Emergency Department Study, Lags Behind Human Physicians: A study from UC San Francisco found that ChatGPT, while capable of answering medical questions, tends to overprescribe treatments in emergency department settings, recommending unnecessary X-rays, antibiotics, and hospital admissions. The AI model was less accurate than resident physicians, with ChatGPT-4 being 8% less accurate and ChatGPT-3.5 lagging by 24%. Researchers emphasize that ChatGPT's current framework is not yet suitable for clinical practice, as it errs on the side of caution, which could result in unnecessary interventions and higher costs.

New Apps Help Blind Individuals Navigate Indoors Using Smartphones: Researchers from UC Santa Cruz have developed two smartphone apps to assist blind individuals in navigating indoor spaces where GPS is ineffective. These apps provide spoken directions using a phone's built-in sensors, such as accelerometers and magnetometers, to track movement and orientation. They enable users to navigate unfamiliar buildings or retrace steps without holding the phone in front of them. The system minimizes errors and improves safety, offering a scalable solution for indoor wayfinding. Future updates aim to integrate AI for more complex navigation.

ENGINEERING

Tiny Silicon Gears Powered by Light Could Revolutionize Micromachines and Cell Research: Researchers led by Gan Wang at the University of Gothenburg have developed gears just a few micrometres wide, fabricated from silicon using electron beams. These gears, thinner than a human hair, are powered by light and can drive complex micromachines, including devices small enough to interact with human cells. The gears are created using precision lithography techniques from semiconductor manufacturing, allowing for high precision and seamless integration. This technology opens possibilities for studying cellular mechanics and constructing intricate robots for medical applications.

Engineers Develop First Robots Operated Without Electricity, Freeing Space for Smarter AI: Researchers at King's College London have developed a pioneering robotic system capable of performing complex tasks without relying on electricity. Drawing inspiration from biological systems, they created a fluid-powered circuit that directly controls robotic hardware. This advancement reduces the burden on the robot’s central 'brain,' allowing for more sophisticated AI-driven capabilities. The innovation could enable robots to function in environments where electricity is impractical, such as irradiated zones or sensitive areas like MRI rooms, and pave the way for more adaptive and intelligent robots in fields like social care, manufacturing, and exploration.

MIT Develops Solar-Powered Desalination System to Provide Clean Water Without Batteries: MIT engineers have created a solar-powered desalination system that adapts its output based on sunlight levels, eliminating the need for batteries or grid power. The system, which uses electrodialysis to desalinate brackish groundwater, efficiently produces up to 5,000 liters of clean water daily. Tested over six months in New Mexico, it captured 94% of solar energy. This technology offers a low-cost, sustainable water solution for communities with limited access to freshwater and power.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Asteroid Ryugu Provides Evidence of Compounds Essential for Life on Earth: Researchers studying material from the asteroid Ryugu, collected by Japan's Hayabusa2 mission, have found evidence that asteroids may have delivered key compounds necessary for life on Earth. Using advanced imaging techniques, the team discovered hydrated magnesium, ammonium, and phosphorus in the samples, all of which are vital to life's chemical processes. The presence of these compounds, especially in their hydrated form, suggests they originated from deep space beyond Jupiter. This supports the theory that asteroids like Ryugu could have brought life-building materials to early Earth.

New Technique Simplifies Search for Atmospheres on Distant Exoplanets: University of Chicago researchers, led by Ph.D. student Qiao Xue, have developed a simpler and more efficient method for determining whether exoplanets have atmospheres, a key factor in assessing their habitability. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, the team measured the temperature difference between an exoplanet's hottest side and its theoretical maximum temperature. Their study concluded that exoplanet GJ1132 b does not have an atmosphere, making it unsuitable for life. This new method is more reliable than previous approaches and holds promise for identifying habitable planets in the future.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Caffeine May Improve Vascular Health in Lupus Patients, New Study Suggests: A study suggests that consuming caffeine may improve heart health, especially in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases like lupus. Researchers from Sapienza University in Rome found that caffeine helps boost endothelial progenitor cells, which aid in repairing blood vessels. In their study of 31 lupus patients, those who consumed caffeine showed better vascular health, as indicated by healthier endothelial cells. While the results are promising, the researchers stress the need for further longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of caffeine on disease progression.

ToMoBrush: Electric Toothbrush Transformed into Dental Health Monitoring Tool: Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh have developed ToMoBrush, a modified electric toothbrush capable of detecting dental conditions such as cavities and plaque. By analyzing the acoustic signals produced during brushing, the toothbrush can sense vibrations in teeth that vary based on dental health. The low-cost system aims to provide accessible, at-home dental self-examinations, especially in underserved areas. This innovation could offer early detection of dental diseases, complementing professional dental care and addressing shortages in dental health services.

Combining CAR T Cell Therapy with Cytokine Blockade Shows Promise for Treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have identified a major obstacle to the success of CAR T cell therapy in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In a recent study, they used anti-CD123 CAR T cells to treat adults with relapsed or refractory AML, achieving limited success due to cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and low response rates. They discovered that cytokines supporting AML cell survival hindered the therapy's efficacy. By combining CAR T therapy with the JAK/STAT inhibitor ruxolitinib to block cytokine signaling, they restored CAR T cell effectiveness, suggesting that future AML treatments should include both CAR T cells and cytokine blockers.

Researchers Develop Oral Chemotherapy with Potential to Transform Cancer Treatment: Scientists at Stanford University, led by Dr. Mark Smith, have developed a small molecular tag called "sol-moiety" that can make drugs, previously only available via IV infusion, effective as oral pills. The tag enhances drug solubility, allowing for lower doses and improved effectiveness. In early trials with mice, oral versions of paclitaxel—a commonly prescribed chemotherapy drug—performed better than traditional IV doses, showing great promise for transforming cancer treatment. This innovation could allow patients to take chemotherapy at home, improve global access, and reduce the need for complex infusion procedures.

NEUROSCIENCE

Long-Term Study Shows How Daily Habits Shape Brain Activity Over Time: A unique five-month study by researchers from Aalto University and the University of Oulu tracked one person's brain and behavioral activity using brain scans, wearable devices, and smartphones. The findings reveal that brain connectivity evolves over days and weeks in response to factors like sleep, physical activity, mood, and heart rate variability. The research highlights the lasting impact of daily habits on brain function, offering potential for personalized mental health care and early detection of neurological disorders.

Microbubble and Ultrasound Technology Opens New Path for Brain Disease Treatment: Researchers led by Georgia Tech's Costas Arvanitis have developed a method using microbubbles and ultrasound to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier (BBB), allowing vital drugs and immune cells to reach the brain. This approach could transform treatments for brain diseases like Alzheimer's and brain cancer by overcoming the BBB’s selective filtering, which often limits therapeutic options. Using focused ultrasound waves, the team demonstrated enhanced drug delivery and immune cell movement in brain tumors. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, also suggest lower frequencies reduce inflammation, a critical factor for treating neurodegenerative conditions.

Study Reveals Role of Immune System in Lewy Body Formation Linked to Parkinson's Disease: Researchers at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) have recreated the formation of Lewy bodies in human neurons, uncovering a key link between the immune system and Parkinson's disease (PD). The study shows that Lewy bodies develop in dopaminergic neurons only when both an increase in alpha-synuclein and an immune response are present. The findings challenge previous assumptions about Lewy body composition and suggest that immune system overactivity plays a crucial role in PD development, opening new avenues for therapeutic research.

ENVIRONMENT

Circular Bioeconomy Offers a Path to Sustainable Agriculture, but Requires Strategic Policies and Incentives: A new study by leading agricultural economists emphasizes the need to transition from conventional linear production systems to a circular bioeconomy, which reduces waste, recycles resources, and promotes renewable alternatives. Researchers, led by Dr. Madhu Khanna of the University of Illinois, outline critical steps for achieving this transition, including technological advancements, regulatory incentives like carbon taxes, public education, and market creation for sustainable products. While circular bioeconomy models can help reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels, the study highlights the importance of equitable policies to support farmers, consumers, and displaced workers during the shift.

El Niño Events Accelerating Ice Loss in Tropical Glaciers, New Study Finds: A study led by Kara Lamantia from The Ohio State University reveals that El Niño events significantly accelerate the ice loss of the Quelccaya Ice Cap (QIC) in the Peruvian Andes. Using satellite images, researchers found that between 1985 and 2022, the QIC lost 58% of its snow cover due to the warming and drier conditions caused by El Niño. The study suggests that as climate change intensifies El Niño events, the glacier's ice loss may continue, potentially leading to the disappearance of its snow cover by 2080. This could have severe implications for high-mountain communities dependent on the glacier for water.

Decratonization: The Slow Disintegration of Ancient Continental Crusts Through Subduction: New research from China University of Geosciences explores the gradual destruction of cratons—ancient, stable regions of Earth's continental crust—through a process called decratonization. Focusing on the North China Craton (NCC), the study identifies two key stages: the compression caused by subduction of the oceanic Izanagi plate, followed by slab rollback that led to significant thinning of the NCC's lithosphere. Using advanced models, researchers showed how these processes reshaped the NCC over millions of years, providing insights into similar events worldwide.

NATURE

Comb Jellies Can Fuse Bodies Without Immune Rejection, Revealing Evolutionary Insights: Comb jellies, or ctenophores, exhibit a remarkable ability to merge their bodies, including their nervous and digestive systems, without experiencing immune rejection. Kei Jokura at the University of Exeter observed this fusion in Mnemiopsis leidyi, where two unrelated ctenophores seamlessly integrated within hours. This discovery challenges traditional immune system theories and provides new insights into the evolution of tissue rejection and nervous system integration. Additionally, comb jellies can revert from adult to larval stages, suggesting greater plasticity in early animal ancestors.

New Gene Discovery Could Boost Plant Stress Tolerance for Sustainable Agriculture: Researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA) have identified the genes responsible for helping plants produce a molecule called dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), which aids in stress tolerance. The study reveals that high DMSP levels enable plants, such as Spartina saltmarsh grasses, to thrive in stressful environments like salty coastlines. The findings suggest that increasing DMSP in crops could improve their resistance to drought and salinity, offering a pathway to enhance agricultural productivity in the face of climate change.

Stressed Bees Show Pessimistic Behavior, Impacting Pollination Efficiency: New research from Newcastle University reveals that stressed bumblebees exhibit pessimistic decision-making, resembling human emotional responses. After simulating a predatory attack, researchers found that stressed bees were less likely to seek high rewards from ambiguous sources and instead settled for lower rewards, compared to non-stressed bees. This behavior suggests that stress reduces bees' optimism about finding high-quality rewards, which could affect how they pollinate flowers. The study highlights emotion-like states in insects and opens up new avenues for understanding how stress influences bee behavior and pollination.

OTHER SCIENCES & ARTS

Advanced Imaging Reveals Modern Alterations to Iron Age Iranian Swords, Highlighting Antiquities Forgery: For the first time, neutron tomography has been used to investigate Iron Age bronze Iranian swords, uncovering significant modern modifications aimed at increasing their commercial value in the illicit antiquities market. Researchers from Cranfield University, ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, and the British Museum discovered that bronze blades had replaced original iron components in some weapons, creating "pastiches" of fragmented ancient artifacts. These findings underscore the challenges posed by forgery in studying ancient metallurgy and highlight the need for advanced imaging techniques to combat heritage crimes and verify the authenticity of artifacts.

Ancient Snail Remains in Tunisia Shed Light on Early Culinary Traditions: Dr. Ismail Saafi from Aix-Marseille Université has discovered 7,710-year-old cooked snail remains at Kef Ezzahi, Tunisia, offering rare insight into ancient culinary practices. The discovery of intact epiphragms (membranes that snails use to protect themselves) marks the first of its kind in northern Africa, suggesting these snails were deliberately collected for consumption. An ethnographic study of modern Tunisian snail collectors suggests that snails with epiphragms were likely difficult to obtain, requiring specialized skills and knowledge. This rarity could explain why such finds are uncommon in archaeology, highlighting a longstanding culinary tradition unique to specific populations.