Bioinspired Heat-Adjusting Fabric Offers Customizable Temperature Control for Clothing

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

In today’s edition:

• Science - New Discovery in Protein CK1δ Offers Potential Cure for Jet Lag and Circadian Disorders, and more.

• Technology and AI - AI System Developed to Identify Arabic Dialects with High Accuracy, and more.

• Engineering - Bioinspired Heat-Adjusting Fabric Offers Customizable Temperature Control for Clothing, and more.

• Astronomy & Space - Gamma Radiation from Thunderstorms More Common and Complex Than Previously Thought, and more.

• Health & Medicine - Blood Test Predicts Survival and Treatment Response in Metastatic Prostate Cancer, and more.

• Neuroscience - First Imaging of Brain's Waste-Clearing Pathways Offers New Insights into Dementia Prevention.

• Environment - Long-Term Study Reveals Complex Carbon Dynamics in Thawing Arctic Ecosystem, and more.

• Nature - Discovery of New Molecular Mechanism in Plant Light and Heat Perception, and more.

Until Tomorrow.

~The STEAM Digest

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This newsletter is curated by The STEAM Digest.

SCIENCE

New Discovery in Protein CK1δ Offers Potential Cure for Jet Lag and Circadian Disorders: Researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School and the University of California, Santa Cruz, have discovered a groundbreaking mechanism in the protein Casein Kinase 1 delta (CK1δ), which regulates circadian rhythms. Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study reveals how specific phosphate tagging sites on CK1δ’s tail control the protein's activity, influencing our body's internal clock. The findings could lead to novel treatments for jet lag, sleep disorders, and other circadian rhythm-related conditions. CK1δ also plays roles in cell division, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases, making this discovery a key step toward broader therapeutic advancements.

Hydrogen Bonds Boost Phosphorescence Efficiency in Organic Luminescent Materials: New research from the University of St Andrews has revealed how hydrogen bonds enhance the efficiency and versatility of organic room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials, which emit light after exposure. Led by Dr. Sen Wu, Dr. Tao Wang, and Professor Eli Zysman-Colman, the study, published in CCS Chemistry, shows how hydrogen bonding improves the brightness and stability of RTP. This advancement opens up new applications in imaging, anti-counterfeiting, and electronics. The findings offer deeper insights into controlling RTP, paving the way for practical uses such as luminescent origami and light-based data storage.

Nobel Prize Awarded for Discovery of MicroRNA: Unlocking a New Genetic Switch with Future Medical Potential: The 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to US scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for discovering microRNA, a small but powerful genetic switch. MicroRNA regulates gene expression by turning genes on and off, adding a previously unknown layer of complexity to gene control. Discovered in the 1990s during research on roundworms, microRNA was later found to be essential in humans and across the animal kingdom. While still in development, microRNA-based treatments show promise in combating cancer, heart disease, and viral infections. Scientists also believe microRNA plays a key role in human brain evolution and hope future research will reveal more about its applications.

TECHNOLOGY AND AI

AI System Developed to Identify Arabic Dialects with High Accuracy: Researchers from the University of Sharjah have developed an AI system capable of accurately identifying Arabic dialects, achieving 97.29% accuracy for regional dialects and 94.92% for country-specific dialects. Using over 3,000 hours of audio data from 19 Arabic-speaking countries, the system requires less data and computational power than existing models. This breakthrough could enhance voice-activated technologies, translation services, and customer support systems, improving communication for Arabic speakers worldwide. The tool has been made publicly available for further research and development.

AI Reveals Sex-Specific Risk Factors for Aggressive Glioblastoma: Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are using artificial intelligence (AI) to uncover sex-specific risk factors in glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer. Led by Professor Pallavi Tiwari, the team developed an AI model to analyze tumor pathology slides, identifying subtle patterns that forecast tumor aggressiveness and patient survival. The study found that tumor infiltration into healthy tissue was a high-risk factor for women, while pseudopalisading cells indicated more aggressive tumors in men. This research could lead to personalized treatment strategies and improved prognoses for glioblastoma patients.

AI Experts Launch 'Humanity's Last Exam' to Test Limits of Large Language Models: An initiative called "Humanity's Last Exam," led by Scale AI and the Center for AI Safety (CAIS), challenges the public to create questions that push the boundaries of large language models (LLMs) like Google Gemini and OpenAI's o1. With $5,000 prizes for the top 50 questions, the goal is to assess how close these AI systems are to achieving expert-level intelligence. As AIs excel at traditional tests, new benchmarks are needed to measure true intelligence and adaptability. The project highlights concerns about AI pre-learning from vast data and the rise of "model collapse" due to AI-generated content. The initiative seeks to develop tests that can assess artificial general intelligence (AGI) and beyond, pushing the future of AI testing and development.

ENGINEERING

Bioinspired Heat-Adjusting Fabric Offers Customizable Temperature Control for Clothing: Inspired by squid skin's dynamic color-changing properties, researchers at the University of California, Irvine have developed a new heat-regulating material that adapts to temperature changes, providing comfort in varying climates. This breathable, washable, and flexible fabric, featured in APL Bioengineering, adjusts infrared radiation to control heat emission. The material, made from a polymer and copper islands, changes its infrared properties when stretched, allowing for precise temperature control. Ideal for cold-weather apparel like ski jackets and thermal socks, this innovative fabric may also inspire future wearable technologies like stretchable electronics and energy-harvesting materials.

Researchers Develop Advanced Interlocking Metasurfaces for Stronger, Adaptive Mechanical Joints: A collaborative effort between Texas A&M University and Sandia National Laboratories has enhanced the technology of interlocking metasurfaces (ILMs) by incorporating shape memory alloys (SMAs), like nickel-titanium. ILMs offer a stronger, more stable alternative to traditional joining techniques, such as bolts and adhesives, with applications in aerospace, robotics, and biomedical devices. The innovation allows ILMs to be engaged and disengaged on demand by adjusting temperature, maintaining structural integrity. Future advancements aim to use SMAs' superelasticity for greater flexibility and strength, potentially transforming mechanical joint designs in extreme environments.

Breakthrough in Battery Research: High-Resolution Technique Unveils Critical Electrode-Electrolyte Interface: Researchers from Penn State and industry collaborators have developed a high-resolution method to study the electrode-electrolyte interface in batteries, revealing new insights into how this crucial boundary influences battery efficiency and lifespan. Using an improved electrocapillarity technique, the team mapped the electric double layer (EDL) at the nanoscale, offering unprecedented detail. This new method helps researchers understand ion movement and distribution, particularly in zinc batteries, leading to faster charging and improved performance. The breakthrough could guide future electrolyte designs, paving the way for more efficient and durable batteries in clean energy applications.

ASTRONOMY & SPACE

Gamma Radiation from Thunderstorms More Common and Complex Than Previously Thought: A new study reveals that thunderstorms generate far more gamma radiation than previously believed. Researchers, using a retrofitted U2 spy plane, flew over tropical storms and discovered that gamma radiation is not only common but also occurs in various forms. These storms produce bursts of high-energy radiation, including gamma rays, antimatter, and nuclear reactions, due to intense electric fields. The study also identified two previously unknown types of gamma radiation bursts, which may be linked to the processes that trigger lightning. While fascinating, the radiation poses no threat to humans, as it's confined to storm cores, where planes avoid flying.

Astronomers Discover Super-Neptune Exoplanet TOI-5005 b: An international team of astronomers has confirmed the discovery of a new super-Neptune exoplanet, TOI-5005 b, orbiting a solar-type star located 685 light years away. Using data from NASA's TESS and ground-based facilities, the planet was found to be about six times larger and 30 times more massive than Earth, with a low density of 0.74 g/cm³. TOI-5005 b orbits its star every 6.31 days and has an equilibrium temperature of 1,040 K. Classified as a super-Neptune, this rare, low-density planet belongs to the "Neptunian savanna" and offers a promising target for future atmospheric studies.

Hera Spacecraft Launched to Investigate Aftermath of NASA's Asteroid Deflection Test: The European Space Agency's Hera spacecraft has embarked on a two-year journey to study the asteroid Dimorphos, which was struck by NASA's Dart mission in 2022 as part of a planetary defense test. The $400 million mission, described as a "crash scene investigation," aims to assess the impact's effects on Dimorphos' orbit and structure. Hera will analyze the asteroid’s mass, shape, and composition, while two Cubesats will perform closer inspections. The mission could provide crucial insights for future asteroid deflection efforts to protect Earth from potential threats.

HEALTH & MEDICINE

Blood Test Predicts Survival and Treatment Response in Metastatic Prostate Cancer: A new study reveals that a blood test measuring circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can predict how patients with metastatic prostate cancer will respond to treatment and how long they may survive. Conducted as part of a Phase III clinical trial, the study found that patients with higher CTC counts had worse outcomes, shorter survival times, and poorer responses to standard treatments. This test, using the FDA-cleared CellSearch platform, could help identify high-risk patients who may benefit from more aggressive therapies or experimental drug trials. Researchers are now developing enhanced blood tests to refine treatment personalization further.

Study Reveals RNA, Not DNA, as Key Target of 5-Fluorouracil in Gastrointestinal Cancers: A new MIT study has found that the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), long thought to work by damaging DNA, actually kills colon and gastrointestinal (GI) cancer cells by interfering with RNA synthesis. The research, published in Cell Reports Medicine, challenges the traditional approach of combining 5-FU with DNA-damaging drugs, which may cancel out its effects. Instead, combining 5-FU with drugs targeting RNA could enhance its efficacy. The findings open the door to new drug combinations and adjusted treatment schedules for improved outcomes in GI cancer patients. Clinical trials are being planned to test these strategies.

Study Finds Probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis Ineffective for Chronic Constipation Relief: An international team of researchers has found that the probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis provides no measurable relief for chronic constipation sufferers. The study involved over 200 volunteers at hospitals in China, testing the effects of the probiotic versus a placebo over eight weeks. While both groups reported a slight improvement in bowel movements, researchers attribute this to the test conditions rather than the probiotic itself. The placebo group experienced more bloating and pain, but the study concluded that Bifidobacterium animalis does not alleviate chronic constipation symptoms.

Comprehensive Review Confirms Effectiveness of Key Tobacco Control Strategies: A study led by researchers at Hitotsubashi University, published in Nature Human Behaviour, has confirmed that tax increases, smoke-free legislation, and anti-smoking campaigns are the most effective strategies in reducing smoking prevalence and promoting cessation. Through a systematic review and meta-analysis of 476 studies, the team found these measures significantly reduced cigarette consumption and increased quit rates. Other effective interventions included health warnings on packaging, flavor bans, and offering free or discounted nicotine replacement therapies. The findings provide a solid foundation for policymakers to design and prioritize tobacco control efforts aimed at reducing the global health burden caused by smoking.

NEUROSCIENCE

First Imaging of Brain's Waste-Clearing Pathways Offers New Insights into Dementia Prevention: Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have, for the first time, captured imaging of the brain's waste-clearance pathways in human patients. The study provides definitive evidence of perivascular spaces—fluid-filled channels along arteries and veins—that remove metabolic waste from the brain, including proteins like amyloid and tau, which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. This system, similar to the lymphatic system, was previously identified in mice as the "glymphatic system." The findings could advance therapies and lifestyle measures to maintain this crucial waste-clearance network, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Study Links Brainstem Damage to Long-Lasting Effects of Severe COVID-19: Researchers from the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford used ultra-high-resolution 7-Tesla MRI scanners to observe brainstem damage in patients who had severe COVID-19. The study reveals that COVID-19 triggers inflammation in the brainstem, which may explain long-lasting symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, and anxiety. The brainstem regulates critical functions such as breathing and heart rate. The findings suggest that damage from the immune response to the virus, not the virus itself, may lead to long-term effects, potentially shedding light on conditions like MS and dementia.

ENVIRONMENT

Long-Term Study Reveals Complex Carbon Dynamics in Thawing Arctic Ecosystem: A 35-year study led by Colorado State University has revealed that Arctic soil carbon dynamics are more complex than previously thought. While early results showed a significant loss of soil carbon due to nutrient additions, recent findings indicate that after 35 years, the carbon levels have either recovered or exceeded control plots. The increase in shrub abundance, caused by continuous nutrient additions, appears to slow microbial decomposition, helping retain more carbon in the soil. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, highlights the importance of long-term research in understanding how climate change affects Arctic ecosystems and carbon release. However, researchers caution that the ecosystem's shift towards shrub dominance may have negative impacts on biodiversity.

Diverse Forests Capture More Carbon, Boosting Climate Change Mitigation Potential A new study, published in Science, reveals that forests with a greater diversity of tree species are more productive and efficient at capturing carbon dioxide, helping combat climate change. The research, led by ETH Zurich and involving international collaborators, analyzed 3.2 million tree measurements from across the Americas. It found that fast-growing trees, while capturing carbon quickly, have shorter lifespans, releasing carbon sooner. In contrast, slower-growing species store carbon for longer periods, particularly in diverse forests. The study highlights the importance of promoting forest biodiversity to maximize carbon storage and resilience against climate change, offering insights for restoration and conservation efforts.

Record High Arctic Ozone Levels Offer Hope for Ozone Layer Recovery: New research reveals a promising milestone in the recovery of Earth's ozone layer. In March 2024, Arctic ozone levels reached a record high since the 1970s, with an average of 477 Dobson units (DU), surpassing the previous record from 1979. The study, led by NASA's Dr. Paul Newman and his team, attributes the increase to warmer stratospheric temperatures caused by enhanced winter eddy heat fluxes and declining levels of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), regulated by the Montreal Protocol. These findings suggest that ozone recovery, supported by climate change and reduced ODS, could lead to more frequent record ozone levels in the future, offering hope for healing the ozone holes over both poles.

Growing Threat of Pharmaceuticals to Ecosystems Calls for Urgent Action: Pharmaceuticals, designed to improve human health, are increasingly harming ecosystems as they make their way into rivers, oceans, and soils after being excreted. Studies show that medications, like antidepressants and hormones from contraceptives, are disrupting fish populations, altering animal behavior, and threatening biodiversity. To tackle this issue, researchers suggest a "benign by design" approach, ensuring drugs decompose safely in the environment after use. Improved wastewater treatment and regulations for environmentally-friendly drug development are also essential. Consumers can help by properly disposing of unused medications through safe-return programs.

NATURE

Discovery of New Molecular Mechanism in Plant Light and Heat Perception: Researchers from the University of Bayreuth and Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf have uncovered a previously unknown mechanism in how plants perceive light and heat. The study explores how plants use phytochromes—pigments acting as both photoreceptors and thermoreceptors—to trigger physiological responses such as growth. The researchers found that phytochrome B in thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) rapidly transitions between active and inactive states depending on light intensity and temperature. This new understanding may lead to advances in biotechnology, particularly in gene activation control for protein production. Additionally, these findings could help mitigate the effects of climate change on plant growth by improving the management of light and temperature signals in crops.

New Study Reveals How Black Widow Toxin Attacks Nerves, Offering Biotechnological Potential: Researchers at the University of Münster have uncovered the complex mechanism behind the black widow spider's venom, specifically the α-latrotoxin that targets vertebrates, including humans. Using cryo-electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, the team revealed how the toxin forms a stalk that penetrates the nerve cell membrane, creating a calcium channel that disrupts normal cell signaling. This process leads to uncontrolled muscle contractions and spasms. The findings could lead to new treatments for paralysis, improved antidotes, and innovative biopesticides, highlighting the toxin's biotechnological potential.

Climate Change Increases Risk to Endangered Whale Sharks from Shipping: A study predicts that global warming will drive endangered whale sharks into new habitats intersecting busy shipping lanes, significantly increasing their risk of fatal ship strikes. Researchers from the University of Southampton and Marine Biological Association (MBA) used satellite-tracking data and climate models to project a 15,000-fold rise in whale shark-ship co-occurrence by 2100 under high emission scenarios. The study highlights the urgent need for climate action to mitigate habitat losses and manage the growing risk of ship strikes to these vulnerable marine giants.