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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed innovative technologies in self-healing sealants, precision deicers and quantum-enabled grid security. These breakthroughs aim to improve construction materials, reduce waste in road maintenance and enhance power grid protection.
Researchers have developed a 3D-printed design that mimics the behavior of auxetic materials, used to absorb and distribute impact forces. The design, made from bioplastic, can potentially replace steel and fiber-reinforced polymer mesh reinforcements in composites.
Researchers from South Ural State University and China's Xi'an Jiaotong University have successfully welded A606 (Cor-Ten) steel, a promising material with high atmospheric corrosion resistance. The study optimized welding conditions to achieve high strength properties and necessary microstructure.
A 13-year-long study finds that fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) coatings can sustain concrete structures for extended periods. The study tested FRP and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) systems under various environmental conditions, revealing significant impact on bond behavior.
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.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have achieved a new world record in materials research by using X-ray microscopy to create 1000 three-dimensional images per second. This allows for the non-destructive study of fast processes in materials, enabling researchers to gain insights into material properties and behavior.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a class of materials that can change their fundamental architecture, inspired by nature's metamorphosis. The metamorphosis system involves connecting kirigami units to create structures capable of bearing significant weight and transforming into different architectures.
Researchers developed a modular organic molecular system with customizable properties, creating a potent dye that absorbs light in the near-infrared range. The pigments' electronic switchability makes them suitable for studying electron transfer in photosynthesis and as efficient electron-transporting materials.
Researchers develop method to produce high-quality gypsum binders from synthetic calcium sulfate dihydrate, surpassing natural gypsum in several parameters. The new material can replace natural gypsum in countries without gypsum stone deposits, reducing production costs and simplifying technology.
A new model estimates annual energy use intensity of 209 structures in Pittsburgh with only a 7% error rate. The Urban Building Energy Model can aid policy makers in setting energy goals and efficiency regulations for commercial buildings.
Researchers at Texas A&M University created novel 3D printable phase-change material composites to regulate ambient temperatures in buildings. These composites can be added to building materials or 3D printed as decorative accents.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals the unique defect properties of low-dimensional materials particularly Sb2S3, which shows advantages in less dangling bonds and reduced recombination of carriers. Sulphur-rich Sb2S3 films exhibited excellent performance with lower density of defects and improved photovoltaic performance.
A Chinese-Australia collaboration successfully induced Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions (DMI) in TaS2 by intercalating iron atoms, which can be further tuned by gate-induced proton intercalation. This enables electrical control of chiral spin textures and potential applications in energy-efficient spintronic devices.
Researchers develop a new method to create ultrathin functional materials with highly defined structures, using self-organization and photopolymerization. The process produces porous two-dimensional polymers with nearly perfect order, opening up potential applications in filtration, membranes, and other contexts.
Researchers co-led by Professor Wang Xunli discovered a structure link between a glass solid and its crystalline counterpart, finding that both forms share the same building block. The team also concluded that connectivity between clusters distinguishes the crystalline and amorphous states.
Aalto University researchers discovered that wood-based pulp fibers are well-suited for making acoustic materials. These natural fibers have positive environmental impacts compared to traditional acoustic materials, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and producing more energy-efficient products.
Scientists have developed a way to engineer materials at the atomic level using a dry transfer technique. The method uses anthracene as a sacrificial material to precisely position carbon nanotubes, resulting in bright photoluminescence up to 5,000 times brighter than the original molecule.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a new method to recycle discarded fruit and vegetable scraps into strong construction materials. The process uses vacuum-dried, pulverized food scraps, such as seaweed and cabbage leaves, and produces materials that are at least as strong as concrete.
Scientists have developed a novel artificial color-changing material that can detect seafood freshness by changing color in response to amine vapors released by microbes as fish spoils. The material has the potential to be used in various applications, including stretchable electronics and dynamic camouflaging robots.
Sergei Kalinin, a senior distinguished member at the Microscopy Society of America, has been elected as a Fellow. He is recognized for his pioneering work in quantitative scanning probe and scanning transmission electron microscopy. His research focuses on applying artificial intelligence to advanced electron and scanning probe microsc...
Researchers have designed new materials with tailored properties by combining different components, offering targeted design options for future functional materials. They discovered a physical effect that enables tuning the color of lighting technologies in a simple way.
Researchers developed bistable inflatable structures using triangular building blocks that can fold flat and be combined to build closed, multistable shapes. These structures maintain their shape without constant input of pressure, enabling faster deployment and use in various applications.
Researchers developed a new material that fills a crucial gap in the electronic material library. The ultrathin beta-tellurite oxide has high mobility and is highly transparent, enabling fast and efficient devices.
Researchers have developed a bioinspired nanopaper that can change its stiffness and strength with an electrical switch, mimicking the defense mechanism of sea cucumbers. The material, made from cellulose nanofibrils, becomes soft and flexible when electricity is applied, and regains its original properties when the current stops.
Researchers aim to understand how neurons construct synapses of different strengths, a key factor in the diversity of neural communication. They will focus on 'active zones' and test how protein availability and gene expression affect AZ development.
Researchers develop hierarchical structure for lightweight materials by self-organization, creating a new type of exceptionally strong yet light material. The material's open network structure results in an impressive density reduction and mechanical properties superior to state-of-the-art materials.
Zebra finches select familiar nest materials when successful breeding, while less experienced birds experiment with new materials. This study challenges long-held assumptions about bird nesting behavior, showing that animals learn and modify their nests based on past experiences.
A new machine learning approach simulates atom dynamics in materials like aluminum, enhancing computational materials discovery. The automated method uses active learning to iteratively build a diverse training dataset, emulating highly accurate quantum simulations at reduced computational cost.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz have created a more energy-efficient chemical recycling method for polyethylene-like plastics, recovering around 96% of the starting material. The new process uses 'breaking-points' to deconstruct molecular chains into smaller building blocks, making it suitable for 3D printing applications.
Researchers at TU Wien have discovered a two-phase material with surprising electro-mechanical properties that change dramatically above a certain temperature. The team found that the crystals responsible for these properties remain electroactive, but the macroscopic behavior disappears due to a loss of contact between crystal grains.
A team at Tokyo Metropolitan University studied liquid foams and found that bubble movement was qualitatively different depending on the range of bubble sizes present. They discovered a 'relaxation' phenomenon where bubbles rearranged themselves to reach a new stable state, leading to unique correlated motion observed in hexagonal foams.
Researchers have developed a genetic engineering method to observe woody cell wall formation in plants, allowing them to better understand the mechanisms behind complex biological processes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of stronger construction materials with a smaller carbon footprint.
Researchers developed a numerical model to predict the upward-to-downward reflection ratio of glass bead retro-reflective materials in urban canyons. The study found that retro-reflectivity increases from morning to noon, then decreases, contributing to UHI mitigation and reduced building energy consumption.
OHIO researcher Jason Trembly received two $500,000 grants to develop carbon-based building and construction materials reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing sustainability. The team aims to create carbon foam and piping materials with lower manufacturing costs and equivalent properties.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new method to create stronger 3D printed concrete using spiral patterns inspired by lobster shells. The twist patterns improve the material's durability and enable precise structural support where needed.
A new pillar[5]arene-based hybrid material has been fabricated with enhanced emission in both solid state and solution phases. The material exhibits stimuli-responsive luminescent properties, including tunable multicolor luminescence and ion sensing ability.
Researchers used machine learning to design novel reticular frameworks for CO2 separation, outperforming existing materials. The automated platform generates optimal material designs, significantly reducing development time and resources.
Researchers discovered that tweaking one layer of atoms on a catalyst's surface can significantly improve its performance in splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of hydrogen fuel, a crucial component of renewable energy storage.
Engineers at Northwestern University have developed a new technique using kirigami cuts to create complex 3D structures and nanoscale tools. The technique, inspired by traditional Japanese paper-folding practices, enables the creation of unusual shapes and functions.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel thermal contact system that can switch between heating and cooling modes. The device uses specially designed nanoscale materials to harness or expel specific wavelengths of light, reducing energy consumption by nearly 20% in the US.
A five-year study by University of British Columbia Okanagan researchers found that recycled concrete performs as well as conventional concrete, with comparable strength and durability. The innovative material can be a 100% substitute for non-structural applications and may eventually replace traditional construction methods.
Researchers found that nearly all insulation materials, except aerogels, were associated with chest infections. Insulators are also at risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from exposure to asbestos.
Scientists from the US Army and MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms created a new way to link materials with unique mechanical properties, enabling the design of modular materials with tailored properties. This could lead to dynamic structures that can reconfigure on their own, such as swarms of robots forming bridges.
Researchers have developed two new materials that enhance the capabilities of electronic 'touch,' allowing for more realistic simulations of human skin. These advances enable the creation of wearable healthcare sensors, prosthetics, and artificial skin for robots, with applications in grasping objects without disrupting natural touch.
Researchers have successfully developed a new class of hybrid glass materials that combine the properties of organometallic networks with those of conventional glasses. These materials exhibit improved mechanical properties, such as impact and fracture toughness, and can be tailored for specific applications.
The global built environment sector must drastically reduce its climate impact to meet UN sustainability goals. A roadmap presented at the Beyond 2020 World Conference calls for powerful efforts and swift action from institutions, businesses, and urban planners.
Researchers at Michigan State University are developing softer materials for robots to navigate safely and build trust with humans. The team plans to test their 'Soft Mult-Arm Robot' prototype in apple orchards and operating rooms.
Researchers developed two analytical models to evaluate retro-reflective materials' reflection directional characteristics, achieving more accurate results than traditional methods. The study aims to mitigate urban heat islands and reduce building energy consumption.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a unique installation, LightVault, using robotic strength and precision to reduce resource use. The structure's doubly curved design improved its structural efficiency by reducing material requirements.
High-speed cameras reveal intricate behavior of metal alloy samples under extreme stretching. Researchers discovered that a well-established magnetism model can accurately predict material deformation, offering new insights into the Portevin-Le Chatelier effect.