This study could help improve the design of temperature-responsive materials used in drug delivery, sensors, and soft robotics.

These findings could potentially offer a new quality-control and evaluation method for gels used in cosmetics, foods, pharmaceuticals, and next-generation polymer electrolytes.

Here’s the press release:

Seeing Inside Smart Gels: Scientists Capture Dynamic Behavior Under Stress  

A rheo-impedance technique reveals how mechanical forces and heat reshape gel structure and function

Advances in materials science have led to the development of “smart materials,” whose properties do not remain static but change in response to external stimuli. One such material is poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), or PNIPAM, a polymer gel that alters its solubility with temperature. The polymer contains hydrophilic amide groups and hydrophobic isopropyl groups. At low temperatures, the amide groups form strong hydrogen bonds with water, keeping the material well-swollen and soluble. However, as the temperature increases, these hydrogen bonds weaken while hydrophobic interactions strengthen, causing the polymer chains to collapse into compact globules. This transition occurs at the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), which is approximately 32 °C, close to human body temperature. This makes PNIPAM especially attractive for biomedical applications. For instance, it can carry bioactive molecules while swollen and release them in the body by deswelling. Furthermore, since shear forces from bodily fluids are present inside human body, investigating PNIPAM behavior under specific conditions is crucial.

Though there are multiple studies on the phase transitions of these smart gels, research on internal structure and electrical conductivity remain unelucidated. Against this backdrop,  a new study was made available online on November 11, 2025, and published in Volume 41, Issue 46 of the journal on Langmuir on November 25, 2025, and was conducted by Associate Professor Isao Shitanda of the Department of Advanced Chemistry at Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, in collaboration with Master’s student Mr. Haruna Tsunegi, TUS; Dr. Yuichi Takasaki, Anton Paar Japan K. K.; Visiting Professor Yoshifumi Yamagata, Anton Paar Japan K. K. and Research Institute for Science and Technology; Dr. Keisuke Miyamoto, Anton Paar Japan K.; and Professor Kazutake Takada, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan.

“No studies have observed microscopic structural changes within the gel under shear stress conditions, or variations in electrical conductivity within the gel arising from macroscopic structural changes during phase transitions. Our findings are expected to be highly useful for understanding the functional mechanisms of temperature-responsive polymer gels under flow conditions,” says Dr. Shitanda.

To investigate this behavior, the researchers built a rheo-impedance device. It combines a rheometer and a potentiostat. Rheometer measures how stiff or soft the gel becomes under force and potentiostat measures the movement of electrical charges through the gel. They also used small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to directly observe how the gel’s internal structure rearranged during heating.

In their experiments, the team repeatedly heated and cooled the gel between 20–50 °C while applying controlled shear strains to the material, simulating real-time applications. During these cycles, they continuously measured how the gel’s electrical impedance changed across a broad spectrum of frequencies.

Below the LCST, the gel behaves like a hydrated, flexible network where ions move easily, which results in good electrical conductivity. Once the temperature rises above the LCST, hydrophobic regions form inside the gel. These regions act like tiny insulating patches that block ion movement, causing charge to build up and altering both resistance and capacitance.

Shear strain produced additional effects. At low strains between 1–5%, the applied force pushed electrolyte solution out of the hydrophobic regions, opening up more conductive pathways. At moderate strains between 5–10%, continued shear expelled even more electrolyte from inside the gel, lowering conductivity. At high strains between 10–20%, the internal hydrophobic domains began to break apart. This created new gaps and rearranged the network in ways that increased conductivity once again.

These structural changes were confirmed using rheo SAXS measurements, which showed the gel shifting from a uniform network to a phase-separated structure with distinct hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains under stress.

PNIPAM is already used in drug delivery systems, cell scaffolds, and micro actuators because of its temperature-sensitive mechanical and electrical behavior. PNIPAM is highly biocompatible and could be loaded with drug. During delivery,  the microgels are gathered at the target site and upon slight heating, phase transition occurs, leading to drug release. As the gel’s internal structure is related to mechanical strength, PNIPAM could be used to design soft robots and flexible sensors. This novel rheo-impedance method provides a non-invasive way to probe the internal network of such gels and offers valuable guidance for developing the next generation of smart polymers. The researchers note that this approach could be applied to quality control in gel-based products such as cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceuticals, as well as to polymer electrolytes.

“Unlike conventional static measurements, this approach enables dynamic in situ evaluation of functional transitions within hydrogels and establishes a methodological foundation for extending rheo-impedance analysis. This is expected to become a new evaluation method for improving the durability of materials,” says Dr. Shitanda.

Reference                        

Title of original paper: Rheo-Impedance Measurements for the Evaluation of Thermoresponsive Polymer Gels

Journal: Langmuir

DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c04227

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New “Super-Earth” Discovered in Habitable Zone – A newly identified exoplanet, GJ 251 c, is generating excitement among astronomers. Located just 20 light-years away, this “super-Earth” is estimated to be nearly four times the mass of our planet and is likely a rocky world. Most importantly, it orbits within its star’s “Goldilocks Zone,” the region where conditions are right for liquid water to potentially exist on its surface, making it a prime candidate in the search for life.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251113071618.htm

A Flurry of Comets Visit Inner Solar System – November has been a busy month for comet watchers. The third-ever confirmed interstellar comet, 3I/ATLAS, made its reappearance in the pre-dawn sky around November 11. It is traveling on a hyperbolic orbit, meaning it will pass through our solar system once and never return. Close on its heels, amateur astronomer Gennadiy Borisov (who also discovered the first interstellar comet) spotted C/2025 V1. While initially thought to be interstellar, analysis suggests it is a rare Oort Cloud comet making its very first journey toward the sun, offering scientists a look at pristine material from the dawn of the solar system.

Source (3I/ATLAS): https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/3i/atlas-set-to-reappear-on-11-november-2025-how-to-see-the-rare-interstellar-visitor-and-what-it-reveals-about-deep-space/articleshow/125205505.cms

Source (C/2025 V1): https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/c/2025-v1-could-this-mysterious-comet-reveal-secrets-of-our-solar-system/articleshow/125293835.cms

Technology

Valve Announces Three New Steam Hardware Devices – Following the success of the Steam Deck, Valve has announced a new family of hardware set for release in early 2026. The lineup includes a Steam Machine (a console-style PC), a Steam Frame (a standalone VR headset), and an updated Steam Controller.

Source: https://steamdb.info/blog/steam-hardware-2025/

Anthropic Plans $50 Billion AI Data Center Network – AI firm Anthropic has unveiled an ambitious $50 billion plan to construct a massive new network of AI data centers across the United States. The project, in collaboration with Fluidstack, will begin with facilities in Texas and New York to meet the surging global demand for AI infrastructure.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/ai-boom-anthropic-to-invest-50-billion-in-us-data-centre-network-with-fluidstack-texas-and-new-york-first-in-line/articleshow/125279353.cms

UK Law to Pro-actively Test AI for Child Safety Flaws – The UK government is introducing a new law that will permit tech companies and child safety agencies to legally test AI models for their ability to generate child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The goal is to identify and build in safeguards before the AI is released to the public.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/nov/12/tech-companies-child-safety-agencies-test-ai-tools-abuse-images-ability

Engineering

Quantum Leap in Diamond-Based Sensing – Physicists have engineered entangled spin systems within diamonds, creating a quantum sensor that surpasses the limits of classical-based sensors. This breakthrough could lead to the development of next-generation quantum sensors that are both significantly more powerful and more compact.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/engineering/ (Headline: “Entangled Spins Give Diamonds a Quantum Advantage”)

New Catalyst Efficiently Converts CO2 into Fuel – Researchers have developed a new copper-magnesium-iron catalyst that can transform carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide (CO), a key building block for clean synthetic fuels. The new catalyst operates at low temperatures and demonstrates record-breaking efficiency and stability.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/engineering/ (Headline: “Turning CO2 Into Clean Fuel Faster and Cheaper”)

CERN Scientist Wins Boeing Quantum Prize – Barbara Latacz, a research scientist at CERN, has been awarded the 2025 Boeing Quantum Creators Prize. The award recognizes her work in developing highly sensitive, quantum-limited technologies used to precisely measure the magnetic moment of the antiproton.

Source: https://home.cern/news/news/experiments/barbara-latacz-awarded-2025-boeing-quantum-creators-prize

Arts

Studio Museum in Harlem Opens New $160M Home – The renowned Studio Museum in Harlem is inaugurating its new, purpose-built home on 125th Street. The $160 million building, designed by Adjaye Associates, nearly doubles the museum’s exhibition space and will house its world-class collection of work by artists of African descent.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/nov/11/harlem-studio-museum-new-home

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Sets 2026 Opening – The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, founded by filmmaker George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, has announced it will officially open its doors in Los Angeles in September 2026.

Source: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/ (Headline: “Lucas Museum of Narrative Art sets September 2026 opening date”)

Government Shutdown Derails Major Art Exhibitions – A recent US government shutdown has forced the delay of at least two major international art exhibitions in Washington D.C., including a landmark show of Korean art at the Smithsonian and the largest-ever exhibition of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at the National Gallery of Art.

Source: https://D.C.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/art/2025/11/09/shutdown-museums-washington/

Mathematics

Mathematicians Solve Problem in “Soap Film” Geometry – A team of mathematicians has made a significant breakthrough in the study of “minimizing surfaces,” the complex shapes famously formed by soap films. The new proofs provide a way to analyze the “singularities,” or points where these intricate surfaces can break or become irregular.

Source: https://www.quantamagazine.org/new-proofs-probe-soap-film-singularities-20251112/

Professor Dawei Chen Named 2026 AMS Fellow – Boston College mathematics professor Dawei Chen has been named a 2026 Fellow of the American Mathematical Society. This prestigious honor recognizes his influential contributions to the field of algebraic geometry.

Source: https://www.bc.edu/content/bc-web/sites/bc-news/articles/2025/fall/dawei-chen-named-american-mathematical-society-fellow.html

The post STEAM news roundup: Habitable planet discovered, Anthropic’s $50B AI plan, and new comets spotted appeared first on fullSTEAMahead365.

• Summary: Researchers at Columbia Engineering have developed an “electric bandage” that uses a tiny, flexible battery to create an electric field over a wound. In animal tests, the device sped up healing by 30% by promoting new blood vessel formation and reducing inflammation. The low-cost design is simple enough for patients to use at home.
• Source: Breakthroughs & Insights (via Columbia Engineering)
• Link: https://www.engineering.columbia.edu/about/magazine/winter25/news-morningside-heights/breakthroughs-insights

2. (Engineering/Mathematics) AI Framework Solves Century-Old Physics Problem

• Summary: A new AI framework named THOR (Tensors for High-dimensional Object Representation) has successfully solved a complex computational problem in statistical physics that has stumped scientists for decades. The AI can compute “configurational integrals” more than 400 times faster than the best previous simulations, opening the door for faster discoveries in materials science.
• Source: AI Breakthrough Finally Cracks Century-Old Physics Problem (via SciTechDaily)
• Link: https://scitechdaily.com/ai-breakthrough-finally-cracks-century-old-physics-problem/

3. (Science) Scientists Discover a New Kind of Ice: “Ice XXI”

• Summary: By squeezing water between two diamonds and hitting it with ultra-fast X-rays, researchers have discovered a new, temporary phase of ice named “ice XXI.” This metastable form, which existed for only microseconds under immense pressure, reveals that water can freeze and crystallize in more ways than previously thought, impacting our understanding of water on icy planets and moons.
• Source: Scientists just discovered a new kind of ice ‘XXI’ (via Times of India)
• Link: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/scientists-just-discovered-a-new-kind-of-ice-xxi-and-its-nothing-like-the-one-in-your-freezer/articleshow/125171949.cms

4. (Medicine/Health) New Gel Regrows Tooth Enamel, Could Transform Dentistry

• Summary: Scientists have developed a bio-inspired gel that can successfully regenerate tooth enamel by mimicking the natural growth process. The fluoride-free material forms a new mineral-rich layer that restores the enamel’s original strength and structure, potentially offering a new way to prevent and reverse dental decay.
• Source: Health & Medicine News (via ScienceDaily)
• Link: https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/

5. (Arts/Technology) US Artists Score Victory in Landmark AI Copyright Case

• Summary: In a significant development for the creative industry, a federal judge in California has blocked an attempt by several major AI companies to dismiss large portions of a copyright lawsuit. The case, brought by a group of artists, will now proceed, focusing on the claim that these companies infringed on copyrights by training their AI models on artists’ work without permission.
• Source: Technology (via The Art Newspaper)
• Link: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/art-and-tech

6. (Science) Interstellar Comet “3I/ATLAS” Spotted Passing Through Solar System

• Summary: The third interstellar object ever identified, comet 3I/ATLAS, is currently hurtling through our solar system. China’s Tianwen-1 Mars orbiter captured rare images of the comet, which is following a hyperbolic orbit, meaning it is not bound by the Sun’s gravity and will eventually leave our system. Observations suggest it is composed of volatile materials altered by long-term exposure to interstellar radiation.
• Source: ‘Alien’ 3I/ATLAS hurtling towards solar system (via Indian Express)
• Link: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/alien-3i-atlas-hurtling-towards-solar-system-what-we-know-about-the-interstellar-comet-that-has-piqued-curiosity-10351154/

The post STEAM News Roundup: Electric Bandages, AI Cracks Physics, and a New Form of Ice appeared first on fullSTEAMahead365.

• Wyoming leads the nation, with over 10% of all traffic deaths involving drowsy drivers.

• Maine and Colorado follow, both reporting over 4.9% of fatalities linked to driver fatigue.

• Florida has the lowest share, with only 0.5% of fatal crashes attributed to drowsy driving.

• States with large rural areas like Montana, Idaho, and Alaska are overrepresented in the top 10.

• The national average for drowsy driving fatalities is around 1.64%, showing how far above average these top-ranking states are.

Drowsy driving is a quiet killer on American roads, often overlooked but alarmingly common. Falling asleep at the wheel, even for just a few seconds, can have deadly consequences. While it may seem like something that only happens during long-haul night drives, studies show that fatigue-related crashes can occur at any time of day. Contributing factors include long distances, lack of rest stops, untreated sleep disorders, shift work, and even monotony on certain roads.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving is responsible for thousands of crashes and hundreds of deaths each year. But which states are most affected by this hidden danger? 

A new study by personal injury lawyers at Angel Reyes & Associates set out to answer that question by analyzing fatal crash data from 2019 to 2023. The study ranked states based on the percentage of traffic fatalities that involved a drowsy driver. 

1. Wyoming – 10.26%

Wyoming holds the unfortunate top spot, with drowsy drivers responsible for over 10% of the state’s 575 fatal crashes over five years. That’s more than double the next-highest state. The wide-open roads, long travel distances between towns, and sparse rest stop infrastructure in this rural state could likely play a major role. Drivers may be travelling for hours without a break, especially in winter when treacherous conditions also increase stress and fatigue.

2. Maine – 5.64%

In second place is Maine, where 41 out of 727 fatal crashes were linked to drowsy driving. The state’s quiet, low-traffic rural roads might ironically make it easier to nod off, especially during late-night drives or long trips through wooded areas. Maine also has one of the oldest populations in the country, and age-related fatigue or medication side effects may be a subtle factor here too.

3. Colorado – 4.90%

Colorado sees a large number of fatal crashes overall (3,122), but drowsy drivers account for nearly 5% (or 153) of those. With long stretches of rural mountain roads, high altitudes, and ski town commutes that often require early-morning or late-night travel, it’s easy to see how tiredness creeps in. Road trips through scenic mountain passes can also lull drivers into a false sense of alertness.

4. Alaska – 4.55%

Alaska’s vast landscapes and lack of daylight in winter may be the perfect recipe for driver fatigue. Out of 308 total fatalities over five years, 14 involved a drowsy driver. The state’s unique climate, with extended darkness in winter and long daylight hours in summer, can disrupt sleep cycles, potentially making it harder to stay alert behind the wheel.

5. Montana – 3.75%

Montana follows a familiar rural pattern, with drowsy drivers contributing to 36 of 960 total fatalities. With miles of empty highway and few urban centres, drivers may feel isolated and less stimulated during long trips. Coupled with limited roadside facilities in some areas, the result is a higher risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

6. Texas – 3.61%

Texas may be home to bustling cities and interstates, but its sheer size works against it. With over 3,800 fatal crashes tied to drowsy drivers, the state has both a high total number and percentage of sleep-related deaths. Long-haul truckers, commuters, and rural drivers all share the roads, and overnight travel is common in such a large state.

7. Alabama – 3.36%

Alabama saw 3.36% of its fatal crashes over five years involve a drowsy driver. The state’s hot and humid summers, long interstate drives, and mix of urban-rural traffic may all contribute to the fatigue factor. Southern states also rank higher in obesity and health conditions like sleep apnea, which can worsen drowsy driving risks.

8. Idaho – 3.17%

With its largely rural landscape and long distances between services, Idaho ranks eighth. Drowsy drivers accounted for 3.17% of the state’s 1,010 fatal crashes. Agricultural workers and outdoor recreationists may be on the road at odd hours, increasing the likelihood of fatigue-related incidents.

9. Kansas – 2.88%

Kansas, known for its flat and monotonous highways, comes in ninth. Nearly 3% of the state’s fatal crashes involved drowsy drivers. Long stretches of road with little visual stimulation can lull drivers into drowsiness, especially on late-night journeys or cross-state trips.

10. Rhode Island – 2.68%

Rhode Island may be small, but drowsy driving still plays a notable role, accounting for nearly 3% of fatal crashes. While the state is mostly urban, its ranking might stem from congested commuter routes and late-night travel among shift workers. It’s a reminder that drowsy driving isn’t just a rural issue.

At the other end of the scale…

Florida ranks dead last, with drowsy drivers involved in just 0.5% of the state’s 16,000 fatal crashes. That’s well below the national average of 1.64%. Nevada and North Carolina follow closely with under 0.7%. These states are more urban, with higher traffic density, which may actually help keep drivers more alert. Urban driving tends to involve frequent stops, turns, and interaction, lessening the risk of zoning out.

South Carolina and Wisconsin also report relatively low percentages of drowsy driver crashes. In all, the pattern is clear: states with more rural roads and fewer rest opportunities tend to have more tired drivers causing fatal crashes.

The full list of states with the most fatalities caused by drowsy driving:

Methodology

The study analyzed fatal crash data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Crash Data Analysis and Reporting System (CDARS) between 2019 and 2023.

It calculated the percentage of total fatalities in each state that involved a drowsy driver, ranking states accordingly. This percentage-based method highlights where the risk of drowsy driving is proportionally the most dangerous, regardless of total traffic volume.

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When people are asked about the time in their life when they realized what career they wanted to go into, many are able to pinpoint the exact moment when they had their epiphany. While science and medicine was something I was always drawn to, I only began to consider it as a career path during my sophomore year of high school when I was exposed to courses such as anatomy and physiology and pharmacology. These classes gave me the confidence and sustained interest needed to be able to pursue medicine as my future career. However, I had this epiphany just in the knick of time as college applications were due the following year. I often find myself wondering if I would have realized my love of science sooner, and been able to take advantage of more opportunities, if I had more exposure to it as a younger child.

New Jersey, in general, has made great strides for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, but has its efforts been enough to encourage more young women to pursue STEM? In 2021, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed an act that focused on minimizing the STEM gender gap. This act aimed to increase the number of STEM outreach programs for young women and increase the number of STEM educators and faculty in New Jersey schools. The act also intended to increase the number of resources available to young women to help encourage them to pursue higher STEM education. 

Despite being enacted early on in my high school career, this bill seemed to have no impact on my school and others around it, especially considering that there was a persistent teacher shortage and an overall lack of STEM programs available to students. Though this act, and others like it, seem as though they put New Jersey on the right track for increasing female participation in STEM, the reality is that progress just isn’t being made. 

Women still only represent 27% of STEM workers nationally, further indicating that this legislation is not having its intended effect. This already meager percentage is only expected to decrease in upcoming years as the interest in STEM of Generation Z girls, those born between 1997 and 2011, plummets. 

According to an article published in CNN, 85% of young men said that they were interested in at least one sector of STEM, while only 63% of young women said the same. When questioned about why they weren’t interested in the field, a majority of young women stated that they believed they wouldn’t be good at STEM, representing a lack of associated confidence within younger generations. Despite being a national issue, this overall lack of confidence applies to young New Jersey women who might want to pursue a career in STEM as well. 

In June of 2023, a panel discussion was held between several prominent female New Jersey STEM leaders. One of the panelists, Dr. Vojislava Pophristic, Dean of Rowan University’s College of Science and Mathematics, explained that she believes that if more opportunities are provided for young girls K-12, there would be an increase in women pursuing STEM as a career later on in life. Specifically, Dean Pophristic recommends exposing young individuals to how meaningful and impactful STEM can be through mentorship programs.. If more of these programs were widely available, it is likely that young women would become inspired and see that women can excel in STEM. 

Dean Pophristic additionally mentioned how certain sectors of STEM have different sex breakdowns. Sectors such as math and computer science generally see more male participation while biology often sees more female participation, a trend I observed in my own high school. For instance, out of roughly 20 students in my AP Biology class, only 3 were male. However, in one of the AP Computer Science classes offered, only about 2 or 3 students were female. 

As Dean Pophristic further pointed out in the discussion, STEM, regardless of the sector, has been historically dominated by white men, a trend that obviously needs to be changed. However, as white men have been the leaders of STEM for so long, it begs the question of where does this bias, that has been keeping others from being equally represented in STEM, originate? 

A potential origin for STEM gender bias may lie within some of the youngest members of the population, children in kindergarten to third grade. A study that looked into the beliefs held by these children had some alarming findings. Primarily, children of both sexes believed men to be more competent than women in STEM, with 62% of boys stating that STEM was their favorite subject and only 37% of girls stating the same. Kim Eslesser, a gender bias expert who discusses the study in a recent Forbes article, proposes a solution that has the potential to work at the local, New Jersey level. She suggests that providing more role models, women with careers in STEM, to young girls could boost confidence and change biased perceptions. Additionally, she indicates that encouraging young girls to pretend to be scientists during play time could also help promote STEM confidence in younger populations, a solution that New Jersey schools could easily implement in their classrooms to stop gender bias at its potential root. 

Furthermore, though all women are underrepresented in STEM, women of color are even more underrepresented than white women. An article written by Marisa Peñaloza, a senior producer at NPR, about the National STEM Festival in Washington D.C., helps to highlight how young non-white women can feel even more dissuaded from pursuing STEM than young white women. One of the individuals that Peñaloza interviewed, the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at MIT stated that “women of color face the most challenges and harassment, both explicit and implicit”. 

One of the youth presenters at the festival, Treyonna Sullivan, described her own personal experiences with her place in STEM. She stated that she felt discouraged after seeing the background of her competitors, but then described how having Black mentors and seeing other Black youth there inspired her, helping to improve her confidence in her abilities. Sullivan’s story provides further support for the benefits of increasing the number of mentors available for young women in STEM and shows that to have the most impact on young women, mentors of diverse backgrounds are needed. 

The bottom line is that while New Jersey has taken measures to encourage gender equality in STEM for women of all backgrounds, advancements just aren’t being made. As STEM is a field that has always been primarily male dominated, it is devastating to see that more women still have yet to to take their rightful place at the forefront of scientific innovation and success. Since a lot of the current programs and bills introduced in New Jersey, that target girls in middle and high school, have been largely ineffective, it is time New Jersey turns its attention to even younger girls. If New Jersey  is able to increase mentorship opportunities and find ways to successfully eliminate bias within younger populations, inspire younger girls, and sustain their inspiration throughout their high school years, STEM participation, interest, and confidence will skyrocket, creating an environment where all girls can flourish and realize their interest in STEM early on in life. 

Olivia Loguidice is a biological sciences major at Rowan University who plans to pursue a career in medicine. She has a passion for female representation in STEM. 

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Here’s the summary from their main story:

1. Marijuana use linked to higher risk of heart attack and stroke

Using marijuana – whether by smoking, eating or vaping it – may increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes, new research finds.

2. Time-restricted eating may raise cardiovascular death risk in the long term

New evidence suggests a popular weight loss strategy believed to improve heart health risks in the short term might actually raise the long-term risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

3. When symptoms suggest a stroke, but it’s something else

Some health conditions can mimic a stroke. But don’t waste time trying to tell the difference, stroke experts say.

4. COVID-19 may increase heart attack and stroke risk for years

Even if they never became severely ill, people who had COVID-19 in 2020 may face double the risk of heart attack, stroke or death up to three years later, new research finds.

5. Can people with an irregular heartbeat drink coffee?

Many people think being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation means giving up the caffeine in their beloved cup of coffee. Experts say that may not be necessary.

The post American Heart Association’s Most-Viewed Research Stories for 2024 appeared first on fullSTEAMahead365.

Highlights of the study follow.

Highlights

Studies have explored how antimicrobial use alters the gut microbiome and Parkinson’s disease (PD) risk.

The relationship between antimicrobial exposure and PD risk was studied using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD).

PD risk was lower among adults who received penicillins and higher among those exposed to antifungal medicines.

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According to the study, compared with nonconsumers or consumers of less than 100 mg caffeine per day, consumers of moderate amount of coffee (3 drinks/d) or caffeine (200-300 mg/d) had the lowest risk for new-onset CM, with respective hazard ratios (95% CIs) of 0.519 (0.417-0.647) and 0.593 (0.499-0.704).

The study’s Conclusion follows.

Conclusion

Habitual coffee or caffeine intake, especially at a moderate level, was associated with a lower risk of new-onset CM and could play important roles in almost all transition phases of CM development. Future studies are warranted to validate the implicated metabolic biomarkers underlying the relation between coffee, tea, and caffeine intake and CM.

The post Caffeine consumption associated with lower risk of developing CM – New Study appeared first on fullSTEAMahead365.

The study Conclusions follows.

Conclusions

Mindfulness meditation and placebo engage distinct neural pain signatures to reduce pain to demonstrate mechanistic granularity between placebo and mindfulness.

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Fuel cells are considered one of the most clean and efficient ways to produce electricity through their use of hydrogen. They work by using an electrochemical process to cause a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, which produces electricity, and only a small amount of harmless “waste” water and heat.

You can read more about the research on the Chalmers website.

The post New method to understand fuel cell degradation could lead to better hydrogen-powered vehicles appeared first on fullSTEAMahead365.