MIT researchers analyzed a recently discovered Pompeii construction site to shed new light on ancient Roman concrete, which has endured for thousands of years. They found that hot-mixing was indeed used by the Romans, contradicting ancient texts and providing valuable insights into a material with self-healing properties.
Two UBC Okanagan engineering students created a framework to evaluate wildfire resilience and sustainability in home design. The Wildfire-Resilient and Sustainable Evaluation Framework for British Columbia (WiSE-BC) applies analytical hierarchy process, suitable for single-family builds and community-scale planning.
Build up Nepal's eco-brick technology reduces CO2 emissions and makes homes safer while cutting construction costs. The company will use the prize to scale up its innovative solution.
Engineers at RMIT University have developed cardboard-confined rammed earth, a novel building material that uses locally sourced materials and reduces waste going to landfill. The material boasts one quarter of the carbon footprint of concrete and can be made on-site using cardboard formwork.
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.
Researchers developed a strain-controlled testing method for evaluating liquefaction resistance in chemically treated soils, reducing carbon-dioxide emissions by up to 60%. The new method yielded consistent results, improving urban resilience and reducing economic losses in earthquake-prone regions.
Researchers Kent Harries and Luisa Molari are advancing sustainable bamboo construction by sharing experience and insight to standardize its use. Bamboo, with its strong culms and effective carbon sequestration, holds promise for affordable housing globally.
Researchers investigated the sustainability of ancient Roman concrete, finding that reproducing its recipe would require comparable energy and water, emitting similar CO2. However, Roman concrete's heightened durability might make it a more sustainable option due to reduced maintenance needs, potentially reducing environmental impact.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba have created a formula for a self-repairing grout that can seal cracks in large buildings. The grout incorporates crystalline additives, which react with water to generate crystals capable of sealing cracks, minimizing infrastructure deterioration.
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.
A study analyzed per capita municipal expenditures and their correlation with population changes in small and medium-sized cities in Japan. The results revealed that prioritizing child welfare expenditures is a key strategy to sustain populations, while city planning expenditures on street maintenance and construction were also effective.
Researchers developed a new method to investigate karst features in urban areas using ambient noise tomography. The technique improved the resolution of seismic imaging and provided high-resolution images of subsurface structures, contributing to better geological hazard prevention and control.
Researchers develop advanced materials from plant waste, enhancing wood strength without increasing weight or harming the environment. The treatment used is simple, cost-effective and safe, making it a potential replacement for traditional construction materials.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect gunshot residue at crime scenes, offering exciting opportunities for crime scene investigations. The innovative light-emitting lead analysis method is faster, more sensitive, and easier to use than current alternatives.
A team of chemists from Virginia Tech found a way to visualize the intricate structure and chemical reactions of battery interfaces using an X-ray beam line. This breakthrough enables researchers to gain better control over these critical surfaces, potentially leading to cheaper, higher performance batteries.
Researchers have developed a way to activate adult stem cells from human bone marrow, enabling their expansion outside the body for use in bone marrow regeneration. The new method significantly improves transplant success rates for patients with genetic disorders or those who require a bone marrow transplant.
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.
Researchers developed an electrochemical process to sequester carbon dioxide, transforming it into durable and fire-resistant materials. The resulting mineral-polymer composites demonstrate exceptional mechanical strength and fracture toughness, offering a promising solution for carbon-negative construction.
Researchers developed a novel processing technique to create super-strong, lightweight wood that surpasses natural wood's mechanical properties. The resulting self-densified wood boasts exceptional tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact toughness.
A Rice University researcher is working to fortify buildings in Haiti against future earthquakes with cost-effective retrofitting solutions. The study, recently published in Earthquake Spectra, explores five techniques to improve seismic performance, including steel braces and reinforced concrete jacketing.
Researchers propose a swarm-intelligence collaboration to optimize precast component production scheduling and rescheduling. The approach uses dynamic-interval synergy auctions and weighted Tchebycheff approaches to generate optimal schemes, improving management efficiency and reducing costs in prefabricated building project management.
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.
A novel carbon-neutral grout, CSRGF, has been developed by recycling waste fluids from geothermal energy harvesting plants, addressing environmental challenges in traditional grouting methods. The new material shows remarkable performance, with a 50% increase in liquefaction resistance and superior water-sealing properties.
Researchers develop novel methods to visualize and understand gas flow dynamics in plasma arc cutting, improving cut quality and efficiency. They found that curved cutting fronts result in oblique shockwave structures, which reduce flow velocity and can lead to safer and more efficient dismantling of nuclear facilities.
University of South Australia students now safely navigate building sites and connect theory to practice through immersive virtual learning environments. SiteSeer program allows students to explore the full fabrication process, bridging the gap between plans and built reality.
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.
A task group led by Samuel L. Manzello is developing international standards for large outdoor fires, including wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires. The new standards aim to improve resilience against these types of fires, which are becoming increasingly common due to urbanization and climate change.
A research team developed an autonomous geological assessment tool that uses machine learning to measure dip angles and directions in rock facets with high accuracy, achieving rates of up to 99.4%. The R-C-D-F method eliminates joint bands while preserving joint embedment points, making it ideal for modern infrastructure projects.
Researchers from the University of Houston have confirmed alarming rates of subsidence in Miami's barrier islands, with 35 skyscrapers sinking up to three inches into the ground since 2016. The study used InSAR technology to detect changes in the earth's surface and found that construction-induced stresses extend beyond building footpr...
The study focuses on developing design provisions for using headed reinforcement in bridge structures, reducing construction time and costs. Full-scale experimental testing is underway at the Center for Infrastructure Renewal's High-Bay Laboratory.
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 have developed a 3D concrete printing system that captures and stores carbon dioxide, offering a promising alternative to traditional cement-based construction methods. The innovation improves printability, increases strength, and enhances mechanical properties, resulting in stronger and more eco-friendly buildings.
Researchers developed a comprehensive framework for assessing performance metrics across multiple dimensions, including safety, energy efficiency, and user perspectives. The method provides a dynamic evaluation guideline for the comprehensive evaluation of large gymnasiums, considering spatio-temporal dimensions.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology have developed a digital monitoring system to prevent costly mistakes in concreting processes. The system uses sensors and algorithms to measure and analyze various parameters, providing real-time warnings for potential issues, and eliminating the need for rework.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers developed a more sustainable 3D-printed concrete material combining graphene with limestone and calcined clay cement. The new material offers enhanced strength and durability while significantly reducing carbon emissions, making it a powerful solution for addressing environmental challenges in 3D printed construction.
A new MOF has been developed using a 'Merged-Net Strategy' inspired by skyscraper architecture, resulting in enhanced porosity and structural stability. The material exhibits superior water adsorption capacity and reusability compared to conventional MOFs.
The article discusses how AI tools are transforming the architectural design process, enabling faster production of options for clients. Startups like Arqgen and SleepUp are leveraging generative design techniques to create innovative solutions for interior design and real estate development, respectively.
Researchers use tongue and groove technique inspired by ancient East Asian wooden structures to create advanced ceramic microparticles with unprecedented complexity and precision. These particles can be used in various applications across microelectronics, aerospace, energy, and medical engineering.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a novel method to strengthen polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products by permanently attaching chemical additives using electricity. This new approach can prevent microplastic degradation and improve the material's durability, making it more suitable for various applications.
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.
Engineers at RMIT University have designed a self-locking tubular structural system inspired by curved-crease origami that can be packed flat for easier transport. The system transforms into strong building materials, suitable for large-scale use, with capabilities to support heavy loads.
A new study suggests that using state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies can enable Europe's construction sector to almost eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060. Employing technologies like solar energy and heat pumps can reduce total energy used for heating and cooling buildings by up to 97%.
A team of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a moving particle simulation-aided soil plasticity analysis for earth pressure balance shield tunnelling. The study found that earth pressure is a reliable indicator for analyzing soil plasticity and proposed a computer-aided analysis system that precisely reflects e...
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
A new study by Anglia Ruskin University reveals that the Crystal Palace was constructed using a standard screw thread, allowing for rapid completion in just 190 days. This innovation played a significant role in the building's success and had far-reaching implications for engineering and construction.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed polyethylene rafts that are about five times more durable than traditional bamboo rafts used in oyster farming. The new rafts are designed to be affordable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, reducing damage from typhoons.
Guan's lab will apply accumulated experience and methods to study SLC6A14, a sodium-coupled epithelial amino acid co-transporter involved in cancer and several chronic diseases. CryoEM will be used to determine the structure of SLC6A14, providing insight into its substrate specificity and inhibitory mechanisms.
A new deep learning-based inverse design method allows for the optimization of complex acoustic metamaterials, reducing noise pollution while maintaining ventilation. The approach enables ultra-broadband sound attenuation across various peak frequencies.
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.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a method to combine old concrete with carbon dioxide to create a new, durable material called calcium carbonate concrete. The process involves grinding the old concrete into powder, reacting it with CO2 from the air, and then heating it to form the new block.
Researchers developed a technique that leverages component-based reduced order modeling to analyze composite laminates. The 'Lego-like' construction method offers improved speed and accuracy, making it a viable alternative to traditional finite-element analysis.
Researchers believe a hydraulic lift system could have been used to raise and lower building stones, while water treatment facilities would have filtered sediment from the water. The discovery provides new insights into the construction of ancient Egyptian pyramids.
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.
A new national standard approved by AASHTO COMP uses Purdue-developed sensor technology to provide real-time data on concrete strength, potentially saving states and contractors time and money. The method aims to reduce uncertainty in determining when concrete pavement is strong enough to handle heavy truck traffic.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of proper ventilation in buildings to prevent airborne infection transmission. Experts recommend developing interdisciplinary knowledge, investing in mechanical ventilation systems, and implementing equivalent ventilation methods for existing buildings.
Silicon photonics enables frequency-entangled qubits, allowing secure quantum information distribution across a five-user quantum network. The breakthrough promotes advancements in quantum computing and ultra-secure communications networks.
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.
A Northwestern University-led team of engineers has discovered a new way to store carbon dioxide (CO2) in concrete without compromising its strength and durability. The process achieved a CO2 sequestration efficiency of up to 45% and resulted in concrete with uncompromised properties.
A new device developed by University of Tokyo researchers can measure carbon dioxide captured in concrete quickly and accurately, skipping the need to crush concrete samples. This innovation aims to support global efforts to reach carbon neutrality and offset emissions from the concrete sector.
Researchers developed a novel method to visualize sedimentation in soft-ground drilling, enabling accurate predictions of settling times. The Moving Particle Semi-Implicit (MPS) method models the drilling slurry and sand particles, reproducing three-dimensionally the settling process with high accuracy.
Researchers investigate the effects of space travel on astronauts' eye health, specifically fluid shift and its relation to Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). They examine potential countermeasures, such as lower body negative pressure, to combat microgravity-induced changes in ocular perfusion pressure.
Researchers developed a predictive model that maps soil-bearing layer distribution, enabling city planners to assess site suitability and optimize building design. The model improves prediction accuracy by combining geotechnical data and geographic coordinates.
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.
A team of researchers at Nagoya University has developed a novel method to seal cracks and fractures in rocks using a concretion-forming resin. The resin holds its shape and seals flow-paths rapidly, withstanding six earthquakes in a test period, making it more durable than conventional cement-based materials.
Scientists at Arizona State University develop a new simulation method to predict and guide the self-assembly process, creating tiny, self-assembled crystals with unique optical properties. This breakthrough advances technologies in computer science, materials science, medical diagnostics, and more.
UPV researchers have devised a new building design method that avoids catastrophic collapses by using a structural fuse to isolate damaged parts. The method has been validated through a real-scale test and is expected to reduce the risk of progressive collapse and save human lives.
A study by Concordia researchers analyzed data from 13 Canadian utilities covering 26,000 km of pipes and 62,000 failures. They found age, material, and diameter were the most associated factors with breaks, but also revealed less well-known effects of pipe protection methods, soil types, and seasonal variations.
Researchers have developed a scalable, fully-coupled annealing processor that outperforms simulating a fully coupled Ising system on a PC by 2,306 times. The processor incorporates 4096 spins and uses parallelized capabilities for accelerated problem-solving.
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.
Excavations at La Marmotta, Italy, uncovered five Neolithic canoes dating between 5700-5100BC, featuring advanced construction techniques. The discovery provides invaluable insights into early navigation and the technological sophistication of ancient communities.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an origami system that can create load-bearing structures like bridges and shelters. The system uses a uniform thickness approach to bolster weight-bearing capacity. With this breakthrough, communities can quickly rebuild facilities damaged by natural disasters or construct in ch...
Developed using Landsat imagery and Spectral Mixture Analysis, the NDWFI method improves water detection accuracy, particularly for small and transient bodies. This advancement enhances water resource management and conservation efforts worldwide.
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.