Category: Articles

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo, in collaboration with Tokyo University of Science and Taiheiyo Cement Corporation, has developed a groundbreaking method to recycle concrete from a demolished school building and carbon dioxide from the air into new bricks strong enough to be used in house construction.

The process involves pulverizing the old concrete into a fine powder, which is then mixed with captured carbon dioxide. The mixture is then pressurized in layers using molds and heated to form solid concrete blocks. This innovative technique not only makes it easier and more feasible to recycle old materials but also traps carbon dioxide, reducing environmental impact. Moreover, these “refreshed” blocks can be reprocessed into new blocks if the buildings are later demolished.

The researchers explain that the recycled concrete blocks undergo a carbonation process over three months, which typically takes years in natural conditions. During this process, compounds like portlandite and calcium silicate hydrate in the concrete are transformed into calcium carbonate, strengthening the material over time. To expedite this process while ensuring the recycled blocks remain strong, the team pressurizes the carbonated powder with a calcium bicarbonate solution, then dries it to solidify the blocks. This recent experiment builds on previous efforts by layering and compacting the material inside molds, resulting in denser and stronger blocks compared to earlier methods.

This research is part of the C4S project (Calcium Carbonate Circulation System for Construction), led by Professor Takafumi Noguchi, with material development headed by Professor Ippei Maruyama. The project’s goal is to create durable recycled concrete blocks, known as “calcium carbonate concrete,” by incorporating carbon dioxide from the air or industrial exhaust. “As part of the C4S project, we intend to construct a real two-story house by 2030,” says Professor Maruyama. “In the coming years, we plan to scale up to a pilot plant, improve production efficiency, and develop larger building elements as we work towards commercializing this material.”

Two high school students have developed a novel water filtration device that uses sound waves to remove microplastics from water. The device, which leverages high-frequency acoustic waves to trap up to 94% of microplastic particles in a single pass, has shown promise in lab tests. The students are now using prize money from a prestigious award to scale up their invention.

Microplastics are pervasive, found in the atmosphere, on Mount Everest, and in the deepest parts of the ocean. They have also been detected in various human organs. Their ability to effect human hormone production and health is a very real concern. Addressing this widespread contamination is challenging, but Justin Huang and Victoria Ou from Woodlands, Texas, may have found a solution.

Their device, no larger than a pen, uses ultrasonic sound waves to push microplastics away from the water’s exit point. This method improves on previous designs that used ultrasonic waves to address microplastics in wastewater and drinking water.

After receiving the Gordon E. Moore Award for Positive Outcomes for Future Generations and first place in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles, Huang and Ou plan to refine their technology. They hope to enhance it with professional equipment and prepare it for large-scale production.

During their research, they discovered that wastewater treatment plants lack effective microplastic regulation due to cost and regulatory gaps. Huang and Ou envision their technology being used in wastewater treatment plants, industrial textile facilities, rural water sources, laundry machines, and even fish tanks.

A recent study found that adding honey to yogurt helps the beneficial bacteria in yogurt survive longer in the GI tract. This finding supports the ancient Greek recognition of honey as a medicinal food, valued for over 2,000 years.

Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, bacteria found in yogurt, are crucial for a healthy gut microbiome and can enhance bowel function throughout digestion. The study highlights that up to 25% of Americans experience unsatisfactory bowel function, indicating significant digestive issues for many.

The study compared yogurt with honey to yogurt with sugar over two 2-week periods. Although the study didn’t achieve all its goals, it did show that yogurt with honey increased Bifidobacterium animalis levels in participants’ stools. The authors suggest future research should include individuals with specific digestive issues like constipation or IBS.

Chris Kresser, co-founder of the California Center for Functional Medicine, noted that while the study’s outcomes were mixed, honey’s health benefits are well-documented.