Waste-derived synthetic gypsum could replace the real thing

Composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral used in building materials. Scientists have now devised a method of creating synthetic gypsum, which should be more energy efficient than processing the genuine article.

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Less invasive neuron-activating device shines light through the skull

Optogenetics is a very promising technique – among other things, it may one day be used to reduce anxiety, treat addiction, and even reverse blindness. A newly developed device could soon also make it considerably less invasive, and thus more doable.

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New solar still uses a rotating cylinder to produce more potable water

In many arid regions, people use devices known as solar stills to extract drinkable water from seawater or tainted water. A new type of solar still is claimed to be much more effective than others, by incorporating a rotating cylinder.

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Museum designed to showcase carbon fiber will be built from it too

Carlo Ratti Associati once designed a tomato factory made out of tomato jars, so it should come as no surprise that its carbon fiber museum will be built using carbon fiber. It will showcase products and detail how the versatile material is made.

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Beautiful bamboo community center is built to last

VTN Architects' Casamia Community House is the latest example of the firm's skill with bamboo. It's designed to be durable and withstand severe weather, and features an intricate arched ceiling that reaches a maximum height of almost 9 m.

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Chinese giant CATL launches a commercial salt-based battery for EVs

Leveraging salt could help us avoid much of the cost and difficulty in sourcing scarcer lithium, and Chinese giant CATL is looking to lead the charge by launching its first commercial sodium-ion battery.

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