Researchers have developed a self-locking Afghan vault structure for lunar construction using sintered simulated lunar soil, identifying optimal construction angles (α=30° and θ=80°) that ensure structural stability under both static and seismic loads. Published in Smart Construction, this study provides a theoretical foundation for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) on the Moon, enabling the creation of robust, mortarless shielding shells to protect lunar habitats from radiation and meteorite impacts.

Researchers from NII, Science Tokyo, and Tohoku University have developed a bio-inspired robotic system modeled after the silkworm moth's navigation. This resilient robot can accurately locate odor sources in diverse environments even with a failed sensor, mimicking the moth's ability to adapt to losing one of the antennae. This breakthrough provides a new framework for creating robust autonomous systems capable of maintaining performance under mechanical failure.

The newly updated Eurocode 4 will be used to shape safer, lower-carbon construction across Europe. 

Researchers at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) have developed a novel virtual reality (VR) system that could make the treatment of arachnophobia, also known as spider phobia, more targeted and personalised in the future. The “VRSpi” system is a prototype which analyses the EEG data and heart rate of the participants during a confrontation with spiders in a VR environment. Based on this objective measurement data, it adjusts the intensity of the stimuli in real time to the person’s current level of anxiety. This avoids over- or under-stimulation and optimises the effectiveness of the exposure in order to get the users used to the creatures.

There is a promising new drug for the rare disease mastocytosis, which is associated with skin lesions, among other things. Researchers at the University of Basel have now been able to use artificial intelligence to quantitatively measure for the first time the extent to which it reduces skin lesions.

Researchers developed a fireproof material from sawdust and mineral that can be used for internal partitions.

Initial estimates show material could achieve the same fire protection class as conventional cement-bonded particle board. 

Components of the composite material can be reused.