Researchers from the University of California, Davis, are working to develop compostable, ecologically sound wind-turbine blades from bamboo and mycelium, the fungal root-like system that bears mushrooms. Wind is one of the fastest growing sources of renewable energy around the globe and the expanding role of wind is largely good news. However, an environmentally sound … [Read more...] about Making wind power greener with compostable turbine blades
Termite mounds offer tips for creating living, breathing buildings that use less energy
Scientists studying termite mounds in Namibia have suggested that elements of the mounds’ design could be copied by architects to create a comfortable climate in human buildings with little energy. The scientists investigated the ‘egress complex’ of Macrotermes michaelseni termites, which appears to promote moisture regulation and gas exchange. They showed that the layout of … [Read more...] about Termite mounds offer tips for creating living, breathing buildings that use less energy
Designing oyster-based shoreline protection
A University of Central Florida (UCF) engineering scientist is part of an international team of experts working to design and build oyster-based shoreline protection for US coastlines. The research is being conducted as part of a US$12.6 million Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency-funded initiative to develop self-repairing, biological and human-engineered … [Read more...] about Designing oyster-based shoreline protection
Engineers designing safer, more effective hydrogen injector for gas turbines
Engineers at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in Texas are designing innovative hydrogen-combustion systems for the gas turbines used in power generation. Hydrogen fuel produces no carbon emissions during combustion, but the gas is highly reactive, which makes it more difficult to work with than natural gas or the liquid fuels that gas turbines typically run … [Read more...] about Engineers designing safer, more effective hydrogen injector for gas turbines
New construction guides aim to reduce risk of future tragedies
Engineers Australia has launched two new publications aimed at assisting built-environment professionals in maintaining a building throughout its life cycle. According to Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew, the two publications – Guide for design engineers and building certifiers, and Managing building defects: roles, responsibilities and collaboration among owners, … [Read more...] about New construction guides aim to reduce risk of future tragedies