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Eco-efficient cement could pave the way to a greener future

Rice University scientists developed a rapid process to remove heavy metals from coal fly ash using flash Joule heating. This purified coal fly ash can be used in infrastructure projects, reducing emissions by 30% and improving concrete strength and elasticity.

SourceRice University·JournalCommunications Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

New additives could turn concrete into an effective carbon sink

Researchers have found a way to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production by introducing a simple additive, sodium bicarbonate. This new process can sequester up to 15% of the total carbon dioxide associated with cement production, making concrete a more environmentally friendly material.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 28, 2023

Cracking the concrete code

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new type of metamaterial concrete that can be designed to have specific attributes like brittleness, flexibility, and shapeability. This material can generate electricity and can also be used to monitor damage inside concrete structures or earthquakes, reducing their impact o...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 21, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Engineering faculty awarded $3.5 million to advance 3D concrete printing

The University of Arkansas engineering faculty will research ways to improve 3D printing of concrete and indigenous soils for horizontal construction projects. The project aims to develop printing instructions for mobile robots and explore biomimetic structures that can reduce material use while increasing strength.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·DateMar 16, 2023

Engineered wood grows stronger while trapping carbon dioxide

Rice University scientists have developed a method to engineer wood that traps carbon dioxide while increasing its strength. This process involves removing lignin and hemicellulose from the wood and replacing them with metal-organic framework particles, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.

SourceRice University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Scientists unveil least costly carbon capture system to date

Scientists at PNNL have created a new system that efficiently captures CO2 and converts it into methanol, reducing emissions and establishing a market for CO2-containing materials. The technology could help stimulate the development of other carbon capture technologies and promote a more circular economy.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

Riddle solved: Why was Roman concrete so durable?

Researchers uncover ancient manufacturing strategy that incorporates self-healing functionalities into Roman concrete. Hot mixing process allows for faster construction and enhanced durability through spontaneous cracking and recrystallization.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 6, 2023

Trail section resurfaced using volcanic ash in Oregon

A quarter-mile segment of the Klamath Geo Trail was successfully resurfaced using volcanic ash from Mount Mazama, demonstrating its potential as a more sustainable and locally sourced pozzolan. The surface treatment improved firmness and stability, making it accessible to people with mobility devices.

SourcePortland State University·DateDec 9, 2022

Simple process extracts valuable magnesium salt from seawater

Researchers at PNNL and UW discover a flow-based method to isolate pure magnesium salt from seawater, skipping energy-intensive purification steps. This approach could revolutionize US domestic magnesium production and enable more efficient processing of seawater.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateSep 23, 2022

WPI researchers receive new funding for sustainable concrete substitute

Researchers aim to improve and expand Enzymatic Construction Material (ECM), a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete that can repair cracks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The grant will also support programs to inspire girls' interests in engineering and construction, addressing the industry's gender gap.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Building on the moon or Mars? You'll need extraterrestrial cement for that

Scientists at the University of Delaware have developed a new type of cement that can be used to build structures on the moon or Mars. The geopolymer cement is made from clay-like topsoil materials found on these planets and has been shown to be durable enough for vertical launch pads.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAdvances in Space Research·DateAug 10, 2022

Concrete evidence: simple method to improve the sustainability of construction

A recent study published in Construction and Building Materials has found that heat treatment can significantly improve the strength of recycled concrete, reducing its environmental impact. The researchers developed an energy-efficient means of improving recycled concrete outcomes through thermal treatment.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateAug 9, 2022

Buying a net-zero carbon home

A new study concludes that net zero carbon emissions in the concrete industry need both supply-side and demand-side strategies. Changes in purchasing habits and infrastructure design can reduce concrete consumption, promoting recycling, reuse, and material efficiency.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateAug 2, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Researchers improve cement with shrimp shell nanoparticles

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a novel additive that significantly strengthens cement paste, increasing its strength by up to 40% while delaying set time. This innovation could lead to reduced seafood waste and lower carbon emissions from concrete production.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCement and Concrete Composites·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2022

NSF, DOE grants fund UIC research to decarbonize cement manufacturing

Researchers are investigating new methods to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from cement manufacturing, aiming to create a carbon-negative replacement for portland cement. A sustainable way to produce calcium hydroxide is also being developed, which could significantly lower the carbon footprint of the existing cement industry.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateJul 25, 2022

Researchers use bacteria to enhance concrete resistance

Using denitrifying bacteria in recycled coarse aggregate concrete increases its strength and durability, reducing water absorption by 33% and improving compressive strength by 30.3%. The novel method offers an environmentally friendly solution to enhance freeze-thaw resistance.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists create renewable biocement entirely out of waste material

The NTU team has developed a process using industrial carbide sludge and urea to create biocement, which can strengthen soil, reduce water seepage, and even repair rock carvings. The biocement-making process generates fewer carbon emissions and requires less energy compared to traditional cement production methods.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Environmental Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

Disposable masks could be used to improve concrete

Researchers at Washington State University found that incorporating old mask materials into cement mixtures creates stronger, more durable concrete. The mixture is 47% stronger than commonly used cement after a month of curing.

SourceWashington State University·JournalMaterials Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

From lab to slab: Rubber concrete flexes into the residential market

Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a novel approach to rubber recycling that repurposes end-of-life tyres into concrete for residential constructions. The study found that crumb rubber concrete is a safe, green alternative with higher impact resistance, toughness, and ductility compared to conventional conc...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalStructures·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Business models for CO2 mineralization

A study suggests that CO2 mineralization can reduce cement production emissions by 8-33% without additional costs, bringing in potential profits of up to €32 per tonne of cement. Governments and the industry must find ways to incentivize this reduction, including mechanisms like subsidy programs and investment in low-carbon plants.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 15, 2022

Reducing carbon emissions of C&D waste in building refurbishment

Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provide valuable insights on managing C&D waste and reducing carbon emissions in building refurbishment projects. By upcycling generated waste, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced, with a potential reduction of around 40% compared to traditional practices.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·TypeCase study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Now you don’t see it … and now you do

A team of researchers at Rice University has developed a new method to detect tiny cracks in concrete using silicon fluorescence. The technique involves applying a thin coat of opaque paint to the concrete and shining near-infrared light on it, revealing even the smallest microcracks.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 25, 2022

Decarbonisation tech instantly converts CO2 to solid carbon

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a smart and super-efficient way of capturing carbon dioxide and converting it to solid carbon, which can be integrated into existing industrial processes. The technology offers a pathway for instantly converting CO2 as it is produced, locking it permanently in a solid state.

SourceRMIT University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJan 18, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Roman noblewoman’s tomb reveals secrets of ancient concrete resilience

Researchers discovered that volcanic aggregate and chemical interactions strengthen Caecilia Metella's tomb, exceeding male contemporaries' monuments. The study, published in the Journal of the American Ceramic Society, shows how leucite crystals dissolve over time to remodel concrete cohesion.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·TypeObservational study·DateOct 8, 2021

A concrete solution

A new kind of concrete made from recycled waste materials could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint. The calcium carbonate concrete uses captured carbon dioxide and discarded concrete to create a durable and versatile building material.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Advanced Concrete Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

European Green Deal: carbon border adjustment mechanism could hit some trade partners hard

The EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism could significantly impact countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Morocco, and Mozambique due to their high exposure and vulnerability to the mechanism. To mitigate this, the EU should provide financial and technical support to these countries to aid in decarbonisation efforts.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalEnergy Research·TypeCase study·DateSep 23, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Scientists develop alternative cement with low carbon footprint

Researchers at MLU and Brazilian University of Pará create climate-friendly cement alternative by replacing limestone with Belterra clay, a previously unused overburden from bauxite mining. The new cement is just as stable as traditional Portland cement and reduces CO2 emissions during production.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalSustainable Materials and Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

The Basque Country’s industrial waste heat could be reusable

The Basque Country has significant potential for recovering and reusing industrial waste heat, with Bizkaia province showing the highest concentration. The research found that 90% of companies with waste heat temperatures above 400°C can recover their investment within five years.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateAug 18, 2021

It was figured out how to dispose of metallurgical slag

Scientists at Ural Federal University and RAS developed a technology to process metallurgical slag into valuable materials such as cast iron and Portland cement clinker. The technology eliminates the problem of environmental pollution by industrial enterprises.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalSteel in Translation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Researchers uncover fatal flaw in green pigmented concrete

Researchers found that green pigments had impurities that produced porous, poor quality concrete, while red and blue pigments had little effect. The study discovered that the morphology of hydration products and kinetics was related to compressive strength.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalCase Studies in Construction Materials·DateJul 23, 2021

Novel smart cement can be used to build more durable roads and cities

Northwestern University researchers have developed a smarter, more durable and highly functional cement by introducing nanoparticles into ordinary cement. The new material shows improved water transport properties, including pore structure and water penetration resistance, with reported relative decreases of 76% and 78%, respectively.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateJun 21, 2021

More sustainable mortars and concrete with optimal thermal and mechanical efficiency

The University of the Basque Country's research team has created mortars and concretes with optimal thermal and mechanical efficiency, replacing natural materials with industrial by-products. The new materials have good thermal conductivity and are suitable for use in radiant floor heating systems, reducing CO2 emissions.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Building Engineering·DateJun 10, 2021

Visualizing cement hydration on a molecular level

Researchers have developed an imaging technique that visualizes cement hydration on a molecular level, offering insights into the complex chemical reactions that shape concrete. This advancement may lead to more sustainable concrete production and improved 3D printing capabilities.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 7, 2021

Causes of concrete and asphalt deterioration explained

The presence of trace quantities of organic matter in modern concrete structures and asphalt pavements accelerates their deterioration. Key findings include the identification of phthalates, diesel exhaust particulates, surfactants, and windshield washer fluids as major contributors to deterioration.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 13, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

UBCO researchers find a new use for waste

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed guidelines to use wood-based pulp mill fly ash as an economically sustainable low-carbon binder for road construction. The use of untreated PFA reduces energy consumption and produces low-carbon emissions, making it a safe raw material for environmental applications.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateApr 8, 2021

Self-healing concrete for regions with high moisture and seismic activity

Researchers used bacteria Bacillus cohnii to create self-healing concrete that can repair small fissures within 28 days, extending the lifespan of structures by up to 4 times. This innovative material is particularly relevant for construction in seismically risky areas and high-humidity regions.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalSustainability·DateFeb 17, 2021

Radioactive bone cement found to be safer in treating spinal tumors

A new radioactive bone cement has been developed as an alternative to conventional radiation therapy for treating spinal tumors. The cement can be injected into the spine to directly irradiate tumors without harming the spinal cord, promising to eliminate side effects and limit treatment options.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateFeb 16, 2021
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Do as the Romans: Power plant concrete strengthens with time

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a rare mineral in the thick walls of a decommissioned nuclear power plant that increases concrete strength by more than three times. The formation of aluminous tobermorite allows for stronger and more eco-friendly concrete.

SourceNagoya University·JournalMaterials & Design·DateJan 13, 2021

Nanoengineered cement shows promise for sealing leaky gas wells

Researchers at Penn State have developed a nanomaterial cement mixture that can effectively seal leaky natural gas wells, reducing methane emissions. The new cement is more resistant to cracking and can be pumped through narrow spaces, making it suitable for use in active unconventional wells and orphaned abandoned gas wells.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·DateDec 14, 2020

Reversible stickiness is something to smile about

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University have developed a cross-linker for dental cement that breaks down under UV light, making treatments easier to reverse. This breakthrough enables non-permanent adhesion to the tooth surface without damaging enamel.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateDec 4, 2020

The cement for coral reefs

Coralline red algae have formed a calcareous skeleton to support coral reefs for at least 150 million years. However, their role was only proven through the analysis of over 700 fossilised reefs from the Earth's history.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 3, 2020

Concrete structure's lifespan extended by a carbon textile

A new method using noncombustible carbon textile grid and cement mortar doubles load-bearing capacities of structurally deficient concrete structures, increasing their usable lifespan threefold. Construction costs are reduced by 40% compared to existing methods.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalMaterials·DateOct 26, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Self-healing bone cement

Material scientists at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have developed a calcium phosphate cement with added carbon fibers that can seal cracks and promote self-healing. This intrinsic ability could expand the use of bone implants to include load-bearing areas, improving outcomes for patients with fractures or defects.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 10, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Chinese scientists optimize strontium content to improve bioactive bone cement

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences develop new strontium-substituted bioactive glass bone cement, optimizing strontium concentration to improve bone formation and implant contact. They find optimal osteogenic characteristics with 6 mol% SrO addition, supporting better peri-implant bone regeneration.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalBioactive Materials·DateApr 14, 2020

Concrete solutions that lower both emissions and air pollution

Concrete production contributes to both global greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution, but a study from the University of California, Davis, found that using cleaner-burning kiln fuel, more renewable energy, and replacing cement with lower-carbon alternatives can reduce climate and health damage costs by up to 44 percent.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 23, 2020

Tax rule for industry rewards carbon capture

A US tax code rule expands a credit for companies capturing and storing CO2, driving demand for carbon capture technology. The 45Q rule rewards companies that reduce their CO2 emissions, spurring investment in pipelines and mature technologies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 26, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New optical technique captures real-time dynamics of cement setting

Researchers developed a nondestructive optical technique to determine cement setting times and assess hydration processes in real-time. The method combines laser-based technology with an optical model to calculate dynamic behavior, providing accurate calculations for initial and final setting times.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJan 16, 2020

Bacteria and sand engineered into living concrete

Researchers created a green living material that demonstrates similar strength to cement-based mortar by combining sand, bacteria, and hydrogel. The material reproduces and can be controlled to maintain structural function and microbial survivability.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateJan 15, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Ashes to concrete

Researchers at Drexel University have created a coal ash aggregate that helps concrete cure, reducing the time it takes for concrete to harden and improving its durability. The additive, called SPoRA, promotes a uniform hardening process from the inside out, providing a solution to concrete drying problems.

SourceDrexel University·JournalCement and Concrete Composites·DateOct 29, 2019

Renewable cement production

A new electrochemical process can decarbonate calcium carbonate to form alite and release hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide streams. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce or eliminate cement industry greenhouse gas emissions by capturing CO2 for sequestration or power generation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

FEFU scientists developed brand-new rapid strength eco-concrete

The new concrete mixture has a compressive strength increase of 2.7-3.3 times compared to traditional concrete, while reducing frost-resistance issues and increasing water-resistance. The eco-friendly concrete technology is cost-effective and can be implemented with minimal spending.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateAug 30, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.