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A model of improved safety for LNG storage

Researchers have developed a rigorous computer simulation technique to optimize LNG tank design, reducing construction costs while improving safety against catastrophic failures. The new model can be used to mitigate environmental and economic consequences of failure, enabling Australia to store more energy at the right time.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalBulletin of Earthquake Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 2, 2022

Artificial cell membrane channels composed of DNA can be opened and locked with a key

Researchers at Arizona State University have designed and constructed artificial membrane channels using DNA, allowing selective transport of ions, proteins, and cargo. The channels can be opened and closed with a lock and key mechanism, enabling diverse scientific domains such as biosensing and drug delivery applications.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

New technique for monitoring soil freezing will make building on permafrost safer

Researchers at Skoltech have developed a new method to monitor soil freezing, enabling the creation of safer and more stable structures in permafrost regions. The water potential method is fast, inexpensive, and applicable to various soil types, providing accurate estimates of freezing point and unfrozen water content.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalCold Regions Science and Technology·DateMar 14, 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

NIST researchers link cutting-edge gravity research to safer operation of construction cranes

Researchers from NIST have developed a mathematical model that predicts the strength and timing of changes in velocity required for crane operators to apply when transporting heavy loads. This equation can be applied to various situations, including moving a load with initial rest and large distances.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAmerican Journal of Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 18, 2022

New method aids water prospecting and dam security

Scientists have developed a mathematical method to interpret data on underground water flows, providing more efficient and accurate imaging for planning construction works and inspecting dams. The technique has great potential for locating water reservoirs in dry areas and tapping into this resource for agricultural and industrial needs.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing·DateJan 10, 2022

How long can fiber reinforced polymer sustain concrete structures? Scientists answer

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.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalComposites Part B Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Slam the door shut: Improving building energy by evaluating building airflow

Scientists from Incheon National University identified interzonal airflow across household entrance doors as a dominant factor in calculating heating loads. They found that strong stack effect and weather-driven airflow rates were larger than external infiltration rates, making conventional airtightness measures unreliable.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2021

Scientists synthesize a material which can completely replace natural gypsum in the construction industry

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.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry·DateJul 30, 2021

AI is not perfect -- Domain knowledge is a key in engineering

A research team at KICT has developed a fully-automated peak-picking method for extracting modal frequencies in stay-cables without prior setting or human manipulation. The method utilizes domain knowledge based on the physical characteristics of stay-cables, outperforming state-of-the-art methods in terms of accuracy and robustness.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAutomation in Construction·DateMay 6, 2021

BIM & Lean Construction well-established in major firms but lacking within industry's SMEs

Research at the University of Huddersfield warns that smaller construction firms are missing out on cutting-edge techniques like BIM and Lean Construction, which can improve efficiency and productivity. The study found that SMEs are not adopting these practices, despite their potential to transform the industry.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalCanadian Journal of Civil Engineering·DateApr 28, 2020

Researchers create synthetic nanopores made from DNA

Scientists successfully created a large synthetic nanopore made from DNA with a functional gating system for sensing and bio-sensing applications. The pore can translocate large protein-sized macromolecules between compartments separated by a lipid bilayer, enabling label-free real-time biosensing of trigger molecules.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 13, 2019

Researchers develop method to improve skeleton of common chemicals

A research team at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a new method for constructing seven- and eight-membered carbocycles, overcoming previous difficulties due to instability. The process uses an internal redox reaction, allowing for the creation of medium-sized carbocycles with favorable formation rates.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateDec 4, 2019

How bacteria can help prevent coal ash spills

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a technique using bacteria to create biocement in coal ash ponds, making them stiffer and more difficult to spill. The resulting biocement can also trap potentially toxic metals in the coal ash, reducing environmental and public health concerns.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering·DateMar 4, 2019

DNA on auto-pilot

New research allows for fully automated design of DNA staple sequences, enabling the creation of complex nanostructures with ease. This breakthrough advances the field of DNA origami, opening up new possibilities for applications in material science and medicine.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 3, 2019

Technique offers advance in testing micro-scale compressive strength of cement

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a micropillar compression technique to characterize the micro-scale strength of cement, allowing for the development of stronger, more sustainable materials. The study provides precise measures of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) compressive strength in cement mixtures.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Nanomechanics and Micromechanics·DateOct 25, 2017

Improving earthquake resistance with a single crystal

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a cheaper production method to create single-crystal metals, known for their shape memory properties. This breakthrough could lead to mass-produced materials with improved elasticity and strength, ideal for building structures that can withstand earthquakes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 30, 2017

Immersive journalism in a post-truth world

The rise of immersive journalism poses challenges to traditional journalistic principles, as it offers a personal experience that can be subjective and relativistic. However, when used thoughtfully, immersion can enhance the narrative and create a powerful emotional impact.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Digital Humanities·DateJun 29, 2017

3-D imaging technique maps migration of DNA-carrying material at the center of cells

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking 3D imaging technique that maps the reorganization of genetic material in cell nuclei, providing a new understanding of how chromosomes are compacted and genes are activated or silenced. This breakthrough uses X-ray microscopy to visualize the structure and movement of chromatin in real-time.