For proper espresso, material scientists now suggest coarser grind and less coffee

Coffee is vitally important in my life. I consider myself fortunate that I have access to a truly amazing coffee roaster, that even in lockdown, has been keeping me supplied with freshly roasted and expertly sourced beans. The key elements to all good coffee are good beans, proper roast, proper grind, good water, proper temperature, … Continue reading For proper espresso, material scientists now suggest coarser grind and less coffee →

R.I.P. Grant Imahara

While Mythbusters was a little cheesy at times, it always remained true to itself — using science to demonstrably prove flawed assumptions. One of the core Mythbusters, Grant Imahara, who studied electrical engineering at USC, sadly passed away at the age of 49. According to the Hollywood Reporter: Imahara died suddenly following a brain aneurysm, The … Continue reading R.I.P. Grant Imahara →

New book highlights scientific Fieldwork Fails that are often quite amusing

Emily Lipstein, writing for Gizmodo Australia reported the following: After long years of research, your efforts have paid off: the archaeological site you're digging in has turned up a stash of rare, striking bones, no doubt the beginning of a groundbreaking discovery. Only then, you find the KFC wrapper, revealing that this "ancient burial ground" … Continue reading New book highlights scientific Fieldwork Fails that are often quite amusing →

3D-Printing an entire building is reality, no longer just a theory

Researchers at MIT have confirmed that the future of the A/E/C industry is now in fact here. In the proof-of-concept, a vehicle of sorts, moving along a track, carries a robotic arm that utilizes a precision-controlled nozzle to place a variety of materials including spray foam insulation and concrete. ScienceDaily reports: Structures built with this system could … Continue reading 3D-Printing an entire building is reality, no longer just a theory →

Researchers demonstrate high-performance concrete that resists water and minimizes cracking

There are some in the building industry — perhaps even a majority of people — that believe concrete is either waterproof, or that it is somehow immune to any negative effects from exposure to moisture. However, typical concrete is porous, with many tiny cracks, allowing water to penetrate. Exposed to freeze-thaw weather cycles, that water … Continue reading Researchers demonstrate high-performance concrete that resists water and minimizes cracking →