HEADLINES ARCHIVE
Origami-based construction method yields lightweight, load-bearing structures on architectural scales
MIT researchers have developed a modular construction approach could be used to erect emergency shelters or fabricate aerospace components more quickly and with less material than some techniques.
Reinforced super ice is a composite ready to rival concrete
The ice, dubbed BioPykrete, exhibits 10 times the compression strength of regular ice, and could be a valuable building material in some of the world's coldest locations.
A light-powered approach to hydrogen electrolysis
The device employs photocathodes to produce the electricity needed to convert toxic hydrazine into nitrogen and water, which can then be converted into hydrogen at the anode, all while eliminating the need for an external power source.
New membrane technology targets 50% cut in pharma water use
The teams are attempting to prove whether wastewater from pharmaceutical manufacturing can be reused in the manufacturing process to reduce Novo Nordisk’s water consumption by half.
Ultrablack wool unlocks a powerful, sustainable path to clean water
Researchers demonstrated that polydopamine-dyed ultrablack wool could serve as a low-cost, renewable material for solar-powered water purification.
Yeast joins the race to build strong, 3D-printed homes on Mars
The formula is a blend of Martian rocks, gelatin and yeast that once dried and hardened, is as strong as low-grade concrete.
Self-healing coating gives metal a powerful new defense against corrosion
What sets the coating apart is its ability to detect damage and automatically repair scrapes and cracks, creating a protective barrier that can extend the coating’s service life.
Can data centers stabilize the grid?
An argument for turning the facilities into an energy resource.
New monitoring framework exposes hidden weaknesses in urban metro corridors
The result is what the team calls a forensic multi-scale remote sensing (MSRS) framework that blends InSAR, laser scanning (L/S) and ground penetrating radar (GPR) capable of detecting possible infrastructure problems.
Nuclear power could fuel a new generation of plasma kilns for cement
The process would involve using electricity produced by small modular reactors (SMRs) to power thermal plasma torches that would supply the high temperatures necessary to produce clinker, which is the base ingredient for modern cement.
Improving world infrastructure
How plastic piping systems fit the world’s changing utility needs.
MIT engineers ditch the joysticks for smarter excavator control
The controller mimics a miniature excavator arm and bucket, allowing operators to move it like a real excavator.
Surrey project taps underground heat to tackle potholes
The team set out to determine if a ground-source heating and cooling system is capable of regulating road temperatures year-round and thus lead to more resilient roadways.
Study: Incinerator bottom ash is a surprisingly good cement filler
The team examined micronized powder recycled from bottom ash, testing its chemical composition and performance when used as an ingredient in mortar — which is the combination of cement, sand and water used in construction.
New technology enables earlier detection of rising main bursts
The new technology applies electrical signature analysis (ESA) to remotely monitor pumps and motors from the motor control center, with artificial intelligence (AI) used to analyze the current and voltage they draw.
Tunneling beneath Gothenburg
HBK engineering intelligence safeguards one of Sweden's largest transport infrastructure projects.
Rooftop wind power – Coming to a roof near you?
Distributed wind turbines offer numerous advantages, which have sparked the interest of many potential customers.
Power parking: The challenges of EV charging infrastructure
Each site will have to prove which vehicles it can move through without wasting land, power or capital.
Crushed oyster shells help create ultra-light magnesium foam for vehicles, armor
The team believes the material could potentially find use cases in shipbuilding, aviation or protective clothing such as safety vests or protectors.
Future buildings could be made with prickly pear cacti
By substituting synthetic fibers with natural alternatives, the team believes they can offer a renewable and biodegradable solution.