Thin, bacteria-coated fibers could lead to self-healing concrete that fills in its own cracks

Your skin heals from cuts and scrapes on its own − what if concrete could do that too?

Yaghoob Farnam, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering, Drexel University • conversation
March 22, 2024 • ~7 min

Not all carbon-capture projects pay off for the climate – we mapped the pros and cons of each and found clear winners and losers

The combination of the source of the CO₂ and its end use determines its environmental and economic benefits or consequences.

Volker Sick, Professor of Advanced Energy Research, Director of the Global CO2 Initiative, University of Michigan • conversation
Jan. 12, 2024 • ~8 min

Pulverised fuel ash: how we can recycle the dirty byproduct from coal-fired power stations

Pulverised fuel ash can be recycled and used to manufacture concrete as well as other products.

Jonathan Oti, Associate Professor at the Advanced Materials Testing Centre (AMTeC), University of South Wales • conversation
Sept. 1, 2023 • ~5 min

Three reasons concrete doesn't live up to its environmental claims

Despite being a major contributor of global carbon emissions, concrete remains a popular construction material. Research suggests this needs to change.

Alice Moncaster, Senior Lecturer in Engineering, The Open University • conversation
July 29, 2022 • ~7 min

Concrete fuels climate change – but there's a nature-friendly way to defend coasts from rising seas

New breakwater designs and more sustainable materials can cut the carbon cost of coastal defences by 40%.

Ali Abbas, Associate Professor of Structural Engineering, University of East London • conversation
March 22, 2022 • ~7 min

Bipartisan infrastructure deal begins to address consequences of a warming planet: 3 essential reads

A bipartisan group of senators said it reached a deal on $550 billion in new spending on infrastructure.

Stacy Morford, Environment and Climate Editor • conversation
July 28, 2021 • ~7 min

Most buildings were designed for an earlier climate – here's what will happen as global warming accelerates

Structures are built to withstand a normal range of conditions. But what's 'normal' is changing rapidly.

Ran Boydell, Visiting Lecturer in Sustainable Development, Heriot-Watt University • conversation
July 2, 2021 • ~8 min

To make less-harmful road salts, we're studying natural antifreezes produced by fish

De-icing salts help us get around in winter, but they corrode cars, crack roads and contaminate rivers and lakes. Scientists are working to develop better options by imitating natural antifreezes.

Monika Bleszynski, Research Scientist and Adjunct Professor, University of Denver • conversation
Jan. 29, 2021 • ~8 min

Smart concrete could pave the way for high-tech, cost-effective roads

What if roads and bridges could signal structural problems that need repair?

Vishal Saravade, Post-doctoral Scientist, Purdue University • conversation
Nov. 12, 2020 • ~8 min

Sustainable cement: the simple switch that could massively cut global carbon emissions

Using sustainable cement would shift Earth Overshoot Day back by 10 days.

Brant Walkley, Lecturer, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Sheffield • conversation
Aug. 21, 2020 • ~7 min

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