Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created a world-leading structural battery that can halve the weight of laptops and make mobile phones as thin as credit cards. The battery has increased its stiffness, allowing it to be used in vehicles, increasing their driving range by up to 70 percent on a single charge.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024
Researchers at Universitat Oberta de Catalunya have developed a new AI system that can detect asbestos in roof images with high accuracy, enabling its removal. The system uses freely available aerial photographs and has demonstrated an accuracy of over 80%, making it more scalable and adaptable than previous methods.
SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalRemote Sensing·DateMay 2, 2024
Polybrominated diphenyl ether exposure significantly associated with cancer mortality and all-cause mortality. Further studies needed to replicate findings and understand underlying mechanisms.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 1, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Scientists have developed a carbon-negative composite decking material that stores more CO2 than is required to manufacture it. The new material, which is less expensive and meets building codes, could offset up to 250,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually if replaced in the US market.
A research team at Lehigh University has received a three-year, $2 million grant from the Department of Energy to develop an alternative concrete binder using low-temperature calcined clays. The goal is to produce a material with properties similar to Ordinary Portland Cement but without greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers warn of devastating impacts of Olympic tower construction on coral reef habitat and local economy in Teahupo’o, Tahiti. The study found that the site supports a thriving coral community worth at least $170,000, with potential economic losses estimated at $1.3 million if the reef is damaged.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalRemote Sensing·TypeObservational study·DateMar 13, 2024
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
The Global Hemp Innovation Center is working with 13 Native American Tribes and other partners to spur economic development through sustainable supply chains and education. The project aims to create jobs in the emergent biobased economy and explore industrial uses of hemp.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new, sustainable architectural material by 3D printing nanocellulose and algae. The material's use could significantly reduce energy consumption in construction, aligning with the European Green Deal's goals.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalMaterials & Design·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2024
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a graphene-derived material that can serve as a substitute for sand in concrete, offering a potential solution to the looming 'sand crisis.' The study found that the graphene-based concrete is 25% lighter but just as tough as conventional concrete.
SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024
Researchers developed a luminescent material that reveals concrete deterioration when exposed to ultraviolet light. The material's color change indicates the amount of carbonate absorbed, allowing for real-time detection of degradation.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalChemical Communications·DateJan 23, 2024
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.
Researchers developed an innovative method to manage construction-generated sludge by utilizing aeration curing, which reduces pH levels and requires less neutralizer. The technique has the potential to improve soil health and support sustainable development goals.
SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalCase Studies in Construction Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024
A new study by the National Institute for Environmental Studies shows that current infrastructure deployment is insufficient to meet Paris Agreement targets, requiring a shift in how materials are used or consumed. The study estimates that feasible supply of steel and cement within a carbon budget will fall short of expected global dem...
SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2023
Researchers in Panama have created a novel insulation material using rice husk and cellulose, reducing plastic consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The material has competitive thermal conductivity compared to natural and recycled insulation materials.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Built Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed an autonomous excavator called HEAP to construct a 6-meter-high and 65-meter-long dry-stone wall. The excavator uses sensors, machine vision, and algorithms to place stones in the desired location, achieving a high level of precision and speed.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023
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.
The Army Research Laboratory has chosen Texas A&M University for its High-Throughput Materials Discovery for Extreme Environments Center (HTMDEC). The center aims to develop novel materials for extreme conditions, reducing experimentation costs and duration. By leveraging machine learning, physics-based simulations, and collaboration, ...
Cyanobacteria can solidify inorganic materials like CO2, making them valuable for sustainable construction. Researchers developed an additive co-fabrication manufacturing process using bacterial strains and robotics.
SourceCambridge University Press·JournalResearch Directions Biotechnology Design·DateAug 7, 2023
Researchers create a composite called 'mycocrete' that combines the root network of fungi with a knitted textile framework to produce lightweight, eco-friendly construction materials. The mycocrete samples proved to be stronger than conventional mycelium composites and outperformed them in terms of shape and form.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023
An Aston University researcher has overturned a fundamental principle in construction by showing that a hanging chain and an arch are incompatible mechanical systems. This finding highlights the limitations of traditional analogies used to design and assess curved structures.
SourceAston University·JournalMathematics and Mechanics of Solids·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2023
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.
Researchers comprehensively reviewed recent discoveries in 2D material mechanics, highlighting elastic properties, failure, and interfacial behaviors. Computational advancements are crucial for understanding dynamic behaviors and practical applications.
SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMay 22, 2023
Researchers used computational modeling to identify ultrastable MOF structures, which could be useful for gas storage and catalysis. The study found that about 10,000 of the predicted structures were stable enough for these applications, with high deliverable capacities for methane.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMatter·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 4, 2023
Designing low-carbon multi-storey buildings requires focusing on efficient shapes, structural frames, limited window sizes, and ventilation with heat recovery. The study found that these elements can save up to six gigatonnes of carbon by 2050 and reduce annual heating and cooling costs by 28-44%.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalApplied Energy·DateMar 23, 2023
The study reveals that phase change materials (PCMs) can store and release large amounts of energy, providing a cooling effect in winter and a warming effect in summer. In colder climates, the energy payback period of using PCMs is the shortest, with annual energy savings ranging from 0.24 to 29.84 kWh/m2a.
SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2023
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.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have designed a temperature-sensing building material that changes its infrared color to absorb or emit heat based on outside temperatures. This innovation aims to reduce building energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it an essential step towards a more sustainable future.
SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 26, 2023
A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2023
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a unique 3D COF with scu-c topology, exhibiting efficient gas adsorption and drug delivery capabilities. The material has been shown to exhibit excellent hydrogen and methane adsorption properties.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022
A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports reveals that social media engagement with climate policy events can increase the focus of the building sector on environmental justice. The researchers found a strong environmental justice discourse among public concerns, which can foster positive sentiments and inspire innovative emis...
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 17, 2022
Researchers developed an intelligent compaction technology that integrates into a road roller, assessing real-time the quality of road base compaction. This improves road construction, reducing potholes and maintenance costs, leading to safer and more resilient roads.
SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEngineering Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 4, 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 at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a new kind of wood-based degradable plastic with semi-structural strength, enabling the replacement of fossil-based materials in home construction and furnishing. The material can be broken down without harming the environment, allowing for recycling and reuse of fibers.
SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022
Researchers at UCF's COSMOS Lab developed a method to create strong bricks from lunar regolith using 3D printing and binder jet technology. The bricks can withstand extreme space environments and are suitable for constructing off-world structures, paving the way for sustainable space construction.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalCeramics International·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022
Researchers developed sustainable concrete by replacing synthetic reinforcement with natural fibres and industrial by-products, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste. The new material exhibits superior strength and lower water absorption compared to traditional concrete.
SourceFlinders University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2022
Researchers have developed a technology using flying robots that mimic the collective building methods of bees and wasps to construct and repair large structures. The Aerial Additive Manufacturing system consists of drones that work autonomously but are monitored by human controllers, adapting their techniques as needed.
SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateSep 21, 2022
Researchers at RMIT University developed a method to recycle disposable PPE into stronger concrete, increasing strength by up to 22% and improving resistance to cracking. The study aims to create a circular economy approach for healthcare waste, reducing landfill waste and creating valuable resources.
SourceRMIT University·JournalCase Studies in Construction Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed an invisible coating that can 'fireproof' wood by forming a char that expands to prevent combustion. This technology has the potential to reduce costs and improve fire resistance, making it an attractive solution for the construction industry.
Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have successfully engineered a material that can conduct electricity with zero resistance, paving the way for revolutionary technologies. The breakthrough uses DNA to guide chemical reactions, overcoming a long-standing challenge in materials science.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalScience·DateAug 2, 2022
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
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.
Researchers have developed microsupercapacitors that can be integrated onto stone tiles, enabling high-performance and customizable power from natural building materials. The devices maintain a high energy storage capacity even after multiple charge-discharge cycles.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 11, 2022
Researchers observe a significant increase in electrical conductivity when mica is thinned down to few molecular layers, exhibiting semiconductor-like behavior. The findings suggest that thin mica flakes have the potential to be used in two-dimensional electronic devices with exceptional stability and durability.
SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022
Scientists developed a novel multilayer coating to improve the longevity of steel, increasing its lifespan by up to 400 hours. The coating, comprising three layers, was found to provide higher resistance to rust than conventional Zn coatings.
SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCorrosion Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022
A new study explores the characteristics of 36 basic variants of the Holliday junction, a fundamental building block used in DNA nanoforms. The results show that sequences forming the four protruding arms of the junction can enhance or hinder crystallization processes.
SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 28, 2022
Researchers developed a method to improve the dynamic behavior of bolted connections by pasting a thin GFRP plate, increasing bearing strength and reducing fracture behavior. The study aims to create safer, more secure and lighter building structures with longer lifespans.
SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalPolymer Composites·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
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
By pairing two waveguides, one with an ill-defined topology and another with a well-defined one, researchers created a topological singularity that can halt waves in their tracks. This phenomenon has potential applications in energy harvesting and enhancing nonlinear effects.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMay 23, 2022
Researchers have designed a lightweight wood-based foam that reflects sunlight, emits absorbed heat, and is thermally insulating. The material could reduce buildings' cooling energy needs by an average of 35.4% depending on weather conditions, making it a promising solution for hot climates.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 18, 2022
Researchers developed a strong, water-resistant wood glue using glucose and citric acid for plywood. The adhesive meets China's standard requirement and is more energy-efficient than traditional adhesives.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 11, 2022
Researchers have discovered layered 2D materials that can host unique magnetic features, including skyrmions, which remain stable at room temperature. The discovery could lead to novel low-energy data storage and information processing systems.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 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.
Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg create a new shape-stabilized phase change material that can absorb significantly more heat and is made of harmless substances. The material, which can be used as large panels integrated into walls, can store up to 24 times more heat than conventional concrete or wallboard.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Energy Storage·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022
Researchers have developed a new type of coating that can limit the flammability of wood used in construction, potentially providing more time to escape fires and curb their spread. The environmentally friendly flame retardant could also be used for other flammable materials.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have adapted a plastination technique to strengthen bamboo and reduce its degradation rate, making it more environmentally friendly. The innovation has the potential to significantly reduce non-degradable waste in industries such as construction and packaging.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalComposite Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 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.
A new research project aims to introduce low-carbon concrete elements with high resource utilisation by reusing entire concrete elements from existing buildings as load-bearing structures in new buildings. The entire value chain is represented in the project.
Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology develop a fast and reliable method to detect defects in concrete structures using laser-induced plasma shock waves. The technique analyzes vibration patterns to identify Rayleigh waves, which can reveal the presence of cracks.
SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanical Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022
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
Researchers at TUM explore the use of living trees in architecture, using photogrammetry and skeleton extraction to design structures that adapt to tree growth. They demonstrate a pavilion with a roof structure optimized to follow the shape of supporting branches.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new material that is stronger than steel and as light as plastic, with potential applications in car parts, cell phones, bridges, and other structures. The material, called polyaramide, self-assembles into sheets and has unique properties, including high elastic modulus and impermeability to gases.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 2, 2022
The study analyzed mortar samples, revealing three construction phases: one during Pompey's time (55 BC), another under Augustus (19 BC), and a final stage during the early medieval period. The composition of the samples indicated different quarries were used for each phase.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalArchaeometry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022
New research introduces adaptable smart window design that can heat or cool a house. The film changes its properties to absorb sunlight in winter and reflect it in summer, reducing energy consumption by 20-34%.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalACS Photonics·DateJan 5, 2022
A team of researchers found that the building blocks of Earth and Mars originated primarily from the inner Solar System, contradicting a popular theory. The study analyzed the isotopic composition of rocky planets and meteorites, revealing that only about 4% of the material came from beyond Jupiter's orbit.
SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 22, 2021
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new bat box design that provides more thermally appropriate roosting spaces for bats. The 'rocket box' style, with modifications to length and insulation, helps reduce the risk of overheating and provides space for bats to move and avoid extreme temperatures.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·DateDec 16, 2021
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.
Researchers at MIT created a computational tool to minimize embodied carbon in truss structures by choosing between timber and steel. The analysis suggests that substituting materials or changing the structure can significantly reduce emissions, with potential savings of up to two times current levels.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEngineering Structures·DateNov 29, 2021
Researchers designed a novel polymer to bind and strengthen silica sand for binder jet additive manufacturing, creating structures with intricate geometries and exceptional strength. The study demonstrates a 300-times-weight limit for a 3D-printed sand bridge.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2021
Researchers at Duke University developed electrochromic technology that can alternate between harvesting heat from sunlight and allowing an object to cool. The device, which uses a thin layer of graphene and metal nanoparticles, demonstrates a tuning range of thermal radiation never seen before.
SourceDuke University·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021