https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/civil_engineering/ Civil Engineering News and Research. From new mathematical models for building better structures to new corrosion-resistant composites, read all the latest discoveries in civil engineering here. en-us Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:35:41 EDT Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:35:41 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/civil_engineering/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260419054821.htm Scientists have developed a fuel cell that uses microbes in soil to produce electricity. The device can power underground sensors for tasks like monitoring moisture or detecting touch, without needing batteries or solar panels. It works in both dry and wet conditions and even lasts longer than similar technologies. This could pave the way for sustainable, low-maintenance sensors in farming and environmental monitoring. Sun, 19 Apr 2026 08:57:46 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260419054821.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260331001111.htm Scientists have transformed a groundbreaking 2D nanomaterial called MXene into an even more powerful 1D form—tiny scroll-like tubes that are incredibly thin yet highly conductive. By rolling flat sheets into hollow nanoscrolls, they’ve created structures that act like fast “highways” for ions, boosting performance in batteries, sensors, and wearable electronics. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:16:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260331001111.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315225149.htm Scientists have developed a powerful new computational method that could accelerate the search for next-generation materials capable of turning sunlight into useful chemical energy. The work focuses on polyheptazine imides, a promising class of carbon nitride materials that absorb visible light and can drive reactions such as hydrogen production, carbon dioxide conversion, and hydrogen peroxide synthesis. By analyzing how 53 different metal ions influence the structure and electronic behavior of these materials, researchers created a framework that predicts which combinations will perform best. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:01:39 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315225149.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260309225217.htm Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a new aluminum alloy called RidgeAlloy that can turn contaminated car-body scrap into strong structural vehicle parts. Normally, impurities introduced during recycling make this scrap unsuitable for high-performance applications. RidgeAlloy overcomes that challenge, enabling recycled aluminum to meet the strength and durability standards required for modern vehicles. The technology could slash energy use, reduce imports, and unlock a huge new supply of domestic aluminum. Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:46:16 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260309225217.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260226042456.htm Engineers at UC Davis have built a remarkable device that creates power at night by tapping into something we rarely think about: the vast cold of outer space. Using a special type of Stirling engine, the system links the warmth of the ground to the freezing depths above us, generating mechanical energy simply from the natural temperature difference after sunset. Fri, 27 Feb 2026 04:45:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260226042456.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215225537.htm New data from major dark-energy observatories suggest the universe may not expand forever after all. A Cornell physicist calculates that the cosmos is heading toward a dramatic reversal: after reaching its maximum size in about 11 billion years, it could begin collapsing, ultimately ending in a “big crunch” roughly 20 billion years from now. Mon, 16 Feb 2026 03:26:44 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260215225537.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012210.htm Scientists have cracked a key mystery behind spider silk’s legendary strength and flexibility. They discovered that tiny molecular interactions act like natural glue, holding silk proteins together as they transform from liquid into incredibly tough fibers. This same process helps create silk that’s stronger than steel by weight and tougher than Kevlar. Fri, 06 Feb 2026 01:22:10 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260206012210.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260122073618.htm Chemists at UCLA are showing that some of organic chemistry’s most famous “rules” aren’t as unbreakable as once thought. By creating bizarre, cage-shaped molecules with warped double bonds—structures long considered impossible—the team is opening the door to entirely new kinds of chemistry. Fri, 23 Jan 2026 03:33:33 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260122073618.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260121034148.htm A new building material developed by engineers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute could change how the world builds. Made using an enzyme that turns carbon dioxide into solid minerals, the material cures in hours and locks away carbon instead of releasing it. It’s strong, repairable, recyclable, and far cleaner than concrete. If adopted widely, it could slash emissions across the construction industry. Wed, 21 Jan 2026 03:41:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260121034148.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118064641.htm Solid-state batteries could store more energy and charge faster than today’s batteries, but they tend to crack and fail over time. Stanford researchers found that a nanoscale silver treatment can greatly strengthen the battery’s ceramic core. The silver helps seal tiny flaws and prevents lithium from causing further damage. This simple approach could help unlock next-generation batteries. Sun, 18 Jan 2026 22:23:20 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260118064641.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260112001039.htm Florida State University scientists have engineered a new crystal that forces atomic magnets to swirl into complex, repeating patterns. The effect comes from mixing two nearly identical compounds whose mismatched structures create magnetic tension at the atomic level. These swirling “skyrmion-like” textures are prized for their low-energy behavior and stability. The discovery could help drive advances in data storage, energy-efficient electronics, and quantum computing. Mon, 12 Jan 2026 08:28:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260112001039.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260108231331.htm Scientists in South Korea have discovered a way to make all-solid-state batteries safer and more powerful using inexpensive materials. Instead of adding costly metals, they redesigned the battery’s internal structure to help lithium ions move faster. This simple structural tweak boosted performance by up to four times. The work points to cheaper, safer batteries for phones, electric vehicles, and beyond. Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:50:25 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260108231331.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227004144.htm A major breakthrough in battery science reveals why promising single-crystal lithium-ion batteries haven’t lived up to expectations. Researchers found that these batteries crack due to uneven internal reactions, not the grain-boundary damage seen in older designs. Even more surprising, materials thought to be harmful actually helped the batteries last longer. The discovery opens the door to smarter designs that could dramatically extend battery life and safety. Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:19:13 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251227004144.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251226045316.htm MIT researchers have designed a printable aluminum alloy that’s five times stronger than cast aluminum and holds up at extreme temperatures. Machine learning helped them zero in on the ideal recipe in a fraction of the time traditional methods would take. When 3D printed, the alloy forms a tightly packed internal structure that gives it exceptional strength. The material could eventually replace heavier, costlier metals in jet engines, cars, and data centers. Mon, 29 Dec 2025 12:52:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251226045316.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224015653.htm A new advance in bromine-based flow batteries could remove one of the biggest obstacles to long-lasting, affordable energy storage. Scientists developed a way to chemically capture corrosive bromine during battery operation, keeping its concentration extremely low while boosting energy density through a two-electron reaction. This approach sharply reduces damage to battery components and allows the use of cheaper materials. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 17:30:33 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251224015653.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251213032611.htm MOCHI uses microscopic, air-filled channels to stop heat in its tracks while remaining nearly crystal clear. If scaled up, it could transform windows into powerful energy savers and solar harvesters. Sat, 13 Dec 2025 22:54:11 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251213032611.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251205054737.htm SQUIRE aims to detect exotic spin-dependent interactions using quantum sensors deployed in space, where speed and environmental conditions vastly improve sensitivity. Orbiting sensors tap into Earth’s enormous natural polarized spin source and benefit from low-noise periodic signal modulation. A robust prototype with advanced noise suppression and radiation-hardened engineering now meets the requirements for space operation. The long-term goal is a powerful space-ground network capable of exploring dark matter and other beyond-Standard-Model phenomena. Sat, 06 Dec 2025 10:02:33 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251205054737.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050524.htm ETH Zurich scientists have found the holy grail of brewing: the long-sought formula behind stable beer foam. Their research explains why different beers rely on different physical mechanisms to keep bubbles intact and why some foams last far longer than others. Sat, 29 Nov 2025 05:29:42 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251128050524.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124231904.htm Using a precisely aligned pair of laser beams, scientists can now hold a single aerosol particle in place and monitor how it charges up. The particle’s glow signals each step in its changing electrical state, revealing how electrons are kicked away and how the particle sometimes releases sudden bursts of charge. These behaviors mirror what may be happening inside storm clouds. The technique could help explain how lightning gets its initial spark. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:57:11 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124231904.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124094319.htm Europe is investing in a coordinated effort to develop high-power optical vortex technologies and train new specialists in the field. The HiPOVor network unites academia and industry to advance applications ranging from material processing to environmentally friendly photonic systems. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:46:24 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251124094319.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251118212039.htm A nationwide analysis has uncovered how sprawling fossil fuel infrastructure sits surprisingly close to millions of American homes. The research shows that 46.6 million people live within about a mile of wells, refineries, pipelines, storage sites, or transport facilities. Many of these locations release pollutants that may affect nearby communities, yet mid-supply-chain sites have rarely been studied. The findings reveal major gaps in understanding how this hidden network affects health. Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:09:30 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251118212039.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251114091854.htm Hypersonic flight could one day make long-haul travel as quick as a short movie. Researchers are testing how turbulence behaves at extreme speeds, a critical hurdle for designing these aircraft. Their laser-based krypton experiments suggest turbulence at Mach 6 behaves more like slower airflow than expected. The results could simplify hypersonic vehicle design and accelerate progress toward ultra-fast travel. Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:43:51 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251114091854.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251114041155.htm Laser light can physically distort Janus TMD materials, revealing how their asymmetrical structure amplifies light-driven forces. These effects could power breakthroughs in photonic chips, sensors, and tunable light technologies. Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:51:57 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251114041155.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251111010002.htm UC Santa Barbara physicists have engineered entangled spin systems in diamond that surpass classical sensing limits through quantum squeezing. Their breakthrough enables next-generation quantum sensors that are powerful, compact, and ready for real-world use. Tue, 11 Nov 2025 11:46:12 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251111010002.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251029002917.htm A University of Tokyo team has turned organic molecules into nanodiamonds using electron beams, overturning decades of assumptions about beam damage. Their discovery could transform materials science and deepen understanding of cosmic diamond formation. Wed, 29 Oct 2025 09:43:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251029002917.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251018102116.htm Researchers from NTNU and EPFL have unveiled a compact, low-cost laser that outperforms current models in speed, control, and precision. Built using microchip technology, it can be mass-produced for use in everything from Lidar navigation to gas detection. The design’s stability and easy frequency tuning could transform communication and sensing technologies. Sun, 19 Oct 2025 11:35:46 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251018102116.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251016223106.htm A collaboration between the University of Michigan and AFRL has resulted in 3D-printed metamaterials that can block vibrations using complex geometries. Inspired by nature and theoretical physics, these “kagome tubes” demonstrate how geometry can yield properties that chemistry alone cannot achieve. While the innovation could reshape structural design, researchers still face challenges in balancing weight and strength while developing new testing frameworks. Sat, 18 Oct 2025 01:34:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251016223106.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251007081823.htm Researchers at Columbia have created a chip that turns a single laser into a “frequency comb,” producing dozens of powerful light channels at once. Using a special locking mechanism to clean messy laser light, the team achieved lab-grade precision on a small silicon device. This could drastically improve data center efficiency and fuel innovations in sensing, quantum tech, and LiDAR. Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:18:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251007081823.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085620.htm A Penn State research team found that streetlights could double as affordable EV charging stations. After installing 23 units in Kansas City, they discovered these chargers were faster, cheaper, and more eco-friendly than traditional stations. Their AI-based framework also prioritized equity and scalability, making it adaptable for cities across the country. Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:56:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085620.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251001092218.htm A team in Sweden has unraveled the hidden structure of a promising solar material using machine learning and advanced simulations. Their findings could unlock durable, ultra-efficient solar cells for a rapidly electrifying world. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:22:18 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251001092218.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250922074945.htm Sneezing from cats, dust mites, or mold may one day be preventable with a flip of a switch. Researchers at CU Boulder found that UV222 light can alter allergen proteins, reducing allergic reactions without dangerous side effects. Within 30 minutes, airborne allergens decreased by up to 25%. The team imagines portable devices that could shield people in homes, schools, and workplaces from harmful triggers. Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:27:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250922074945.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250824031532.htm Ripple bugs’ fan-like legs inspired engineers to build the Rhagobot, a tiny robot with self-morphing fans. By mimicking these insects’ passive, ultra-fast movements, the robot gains speed, control, and endurance without extra energy—potentially transforming aquatic microrobotics. Sun, 24 Aug 2025 09:58:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250824031532.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250821094530.htm Scientists are rethinking the universe’s deepest mysteries using numerical relativity, complex computer simulations of Einstein’s equations in extreme conditions. This method could help explore what happened before the Big Bang, test theories of cosmic inflation, investigate multiverse collisions, and even model cyclic universes that endlessly bounce through creation and destruction. Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:59:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250821094530.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250810093246.htm ETH Zurich scientists have levitated a tower of three nano glass spheres using optical tweezers, suppressing almost all classical motion to observe quantum zero-point fluctuations with unprecedented precision. Achieving 92% quantum purity at room temperature, a feat usually requiring near absolute zero, they have opened the door to advanced quantum sensors without costly cooling. Mon, 18 Aug 2025 02:50:13 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250810093246.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250729044705.htm Physicists at MIT recreated the double-slit experiment using individual photons and atoms held in laser light, uncovering the true limits of light’s wave–particle duality. Their results proved Einstein’s proposal wrong and confirmed a core prediction of quantum mechanics. Sat, 02 Aug 2025 01:33:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250729044705.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250727235833.htm Neutrinos, ghostly particles barely interacting with matter, may secretly be reshaping the fates of massive stars. New research suggests that as stars collapse, they form natural "neutrino colliders," allowing scientists to probe these elusive particles in ways never possible on Earth. If neutrinos do interact through yet-undiscovered forces, they could cause stars to collapse into black holes instead of neutron stars, reshaping how we understand cosmic evolution. Mon, 28 Jul 2025 11:56:20 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250727235833.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250726234421.htm A team at KAUST has revealed that the short lifespan of aqueous batteries is primarily due to "free water" molecules triggering harmful chemical reactions at the anode. By adding affordable sulfate salts like zinc sulfate, they significantly reduced this issue—boosting battery life over tenfold. The sulfate acts as a “water glue,” stabilizing the water structure and halting the energy-wasting reactions. Not only is this solution simple and cost-effective, but early results suggest it may be a universal fix for various types of metal-anode aqueous batteries. Sun, 27 Jul 2025 06:44:30 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250726234421.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045707.htm Imagine concrete that not only survives wildfires and extreme weather, but heals itself and absorbs carbon from the air. Scientists at USC have created an AI model called Allegro-FM that simulates billions of atoms at once, helping design futuristic materials like carbon-neutral concrete. This tech could transform cities by reducing emissions, extending building lifespans, and mimicking the ancient durability of Roman concrete—all thanks to a massive leap in AI-driven atomic modeling. Wed, 23 Jul 2025 23:22:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250723045707.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250721223831.htm Scientists at Rice University and the University of Houston have created a powerful new material by guiding bacteria to grow cellulose in aligned patterns, resulting in sheets with the strength of metals and the flexibility of plastic—without the pollution. Using a spinning bioreactor, they’ve turned Earth’s purest biopolymer into a high-performance alternative to plastic, capable of carrying heat, integrating advanced nanomaterials, and transforming packaging, electronics, and even energy storage. Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250721223831.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034013.htm Scientists have used DNA's self-assembling properties to engineer intricate moiré superlattices at the nanometer scale—structures that twist and layer like never before. With clever molecular “blueprints,” they’ve created customizable lattices featuring patterns such as honeycombs and squares, all with remarkable precision. These new architectures are more than just scientific art—they open doors to revolutionizing how we control light, sound, electrons, and even spin in next-gen materials. Sun, 20 Jul 2025 04:38:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250720034013.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250710113201.htm Scientists have discovered a revolutionary new method for creating quantum states by twisting materials at the M-point, revealing exotic phenomena previously out of reach. This new direction dramatically expands the moiré toolkit and may soon lead to the experimental realization of long-sought quantum spin liquids. Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:41:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250710113201.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250709091703.htm Imagine if you could "print" a tiny skyscraper using DNA instead of steel. That’s what researchers at Columbia and Brookhaven are doing—constructing intricate 3D nanostructures by harnessing the predictable folding of DNA strands. Their new design method uses voxel-like building blocks and an algorithm called MOSES to fabricate nanoscale devices in parallel, with applications ranging from optical computing to bio-scaffolds. Unlike traditional lithography or 3D printing, this self-assembly process occurs entirely in water and could revolutionize the future of nanomanufacturing. Thu, 10 Jul 2025 08:40:57 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250709091703.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250618094455.htm As electric vehicles grow more popular, their warning sounds may not be doing enough to protect pedestrians. A Swedish study shows that these signals are hard to locate, especially when multiple vehicles are involved, leaving people unable to tell where danger is coming from or how many cars are nearby. Wed, 18 Jun 2025 09:44:55 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250618094455.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250614034235.htm Physicists at the University of Colorado Boulder have created a groundbreaking quantum device that can measure 3D acceleration using ultracold atoms, something once thought nearly impossible. By chilling rubidium atoms to near absolute zero and splitting them into quantum superpositions, the team has built a compact atom interferometer guided by AI to decode acceleration patterns. While the sensor still lags behind traditional GPS and accelerometers, it's poised to revolutionize navigation for vehicles like submarines or spacecraft potentially offering a timeless, atomic-based alternative to aging electronics. Sat, 14 Jun 2025 03:42:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250614034235.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250608072527.htm Physicists have managed to simulate a strange quantum phenomenon where light appears to arise from empty space a concept that until now has only existed in theory. Using cutting-edge simulations, researchers modeled how powerful lasers interact with the so-called quantum vacuum, revealing how photons could bounce off each other and even generate new beams of light. These breakthroughs come just as new ultra-powerful laser facilities are preparing to test these mind-bending effects in reality, potentially opening a gateway to uncovering new physics and even dark matter particles. Sun, 08 Jun 2025 07:25:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250608072527.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603172908.htm Australia can reach net-zero emissions and still protect its natural treasures but only if everyone works together. New research from Princeton and The University of Queensland shows that the country can build the massive amount of renewable energy infrastructure needed by 2060 without sacrificing biodiversity, agriculture, or Indigenous land rights. But the path is delicate: if stakeholders clash instead of collaborate, the result could be soaring costs and a devastating shortfall in clean energy. Tue, 03 Jun 2025 17:29:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250603172908.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602154859.htm Researchers have engineered a laser device smaller than a penny that they say could power everything from the LiDAR systems used in self-driving vehicles to gravitational wave detection, one of the most delicate experiments in existence to observe and understand our universe. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:48:59 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602154859.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250530123805.htm A new method for predicting underwater landslides may improve the resilience of offshore facilities. Fri, 30 May 2025 12:38:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250530123805.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529145727.htm Researchers determined how much outdoor particulate pollution affects indoor air quality. Their study concluded pollution from inversion and dust events is kept out of buildings, but wildfire smoke can sneak inside if efficient 'air-side economizers' are in use. Thu, 29 May 2025 14:57:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529145727.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124623.htm In a major advancement for sustainable construction, scientists have created a cement-free soil solidifier from industrial waste. By combining Siding Cut Powder and activated by Earth Silica, an alkaline stimulant from recycled glass, scientists produced a high-performance material that meets compressive strength standards exceeding the 160 kN/m construction-grade threshold and eliminates arsenic leaching through calcium hydroxide stabilization. The technology reduces landfill volumes and carbon emissions, offering a circular solution for infrastructure development worldwide. Thu, 29 May 2025 12:46:23 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124623.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124352.htm Researchers gave participants face tattoos that can track when their brain is working too hard. The study introduces a non-permanent wireless forehead e-tattoo that decodes brainwaves to measure mental strain without bulky headgear. This technology may help track the mental workload of workers like air traffic controllers and truck drivers, whose lapses in focus can have serious consequences. Thu, 29 May 2025 12:43:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250529124352.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528150829.htm Engineers have developed a real-life Transformer that has the 'brains' to morph in midair, allowing the drone-like robot to smoothly roll away and begin its ground operations without pause. The increased agility and robustness of such robots could be particularly useful for commercial delivery systems and robotic explorers. Wed, 28 May 2025 15:08:29 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250528150829.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124115.htm Engineers developed a fuel cell that offers more than three times as much energy per pound compared to lithium-ion batteries. Powered by a reaction between sodium metal and air, the device could be lightweight enough to enable the electrification of airplanes, trucks, or ships. Tue, 27 May 2025 12:41:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250527124115.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250523141927.htm Scientists create a floss pick that samples cortisol within saliva as a marker of stress and quantifies it with a built-in electrode. The system uses a polymer casting technology that can be adapted to capture a wide a range of markers, such as estrogen for tracking fertility, or glucose for tracking diabetes. Ease of use allows monitoring to be incorporated into many areas of treatment. Fri, 23 May 2025 14:19:27 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250523141927.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522124854.htm The risk of heavy rainfall and severe flooding increases with climate change. But property owners -- regardless of size -- often underestimate their own responsibility and are unaware of what preventive measures they can take themselves. Thu, 22 May 2025 12:48:54 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250522124854.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519204507.htm The average energy project costs 40% more than expected for construction and takes almost two years longer than planned, finds a new global study. One key insight: The investment risk is highest for nuclear power plant construction and lowest for solar. The researchers analyzed data from 662 energy projects built between 1936 and 2024 in 83 countries, totaling $1.358 trillion in investment. Mon, 19 May 2025 20:45:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519204507.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519132024.htm More than 400 underwater sites in the United States are potentially contaminated with unexploded ordnance -- weapons that did not explode upon deployment. Mon, 19 May 2025 13:20:24 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519132024.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519132021.htm Researchers have developed a novel framework named WildFusion that fuses vision, vibration and touch to enable robots to 'sense' and navigate complex outdoor environments much like humans do. Mon, 19 May 2025 13:20:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519132021.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131808.htm A team of chemists has made significant strides in the field of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs). Their work showcases the development of a compact catenane with tuneable mechanical chirality, offering promising applications in areas such as material science, nanotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Mon, 19 May 2025 13:18:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131808.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131026.htm Researchers have developed a 3D micro-printed sensor for highly sensitive on-chip biosensing, opening new opportunities for developing high-performance, cost-effective lab-on-a-chip devices for early disease diagnosis. Mon, 19 May 2025 13:10:26 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250519131026.htm