International

Geochemistry provides insight into ceramic production and exchange of ancient Wari civilization

By Guest Contributor / May 5, 2023

The expansive Wari civilization was the first political structure to unify the south-central and north-central Andes. A new study used ceramic geochemical analysis to learn more about this ancient civilization.

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Video: 2022 Brick in Architecture Awards expand with new ‘thin brick’ category

By Lisa McDonald / April 19, 2023

Since 1989, the Brick Industry Association has sponsored the Brick in Architecture Awards to recognize exceptional uses of clay brick in architecture. The 45 global winners for the 2022 awards include entries spanning the United States, Australia, Canada, China, and Germany.

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Video: A new wave in the battle for data—China and the US clash over submarine cable control

By Lisa McDonald / April 5, 2023

The global submarine cable system carries about 95% of all global transnational communication data. In recent years, concerns that this network may be used to conduct espionage is driving a clash between China and the United States over which companies will secure contracts to lay strategic cable networks.

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Video: Swedish rare earth discovery calls attention to mining’s effects on Sámi reindeer herders

By Lisa McDonald / February 22, 2023

In January 2023, Swedish state-owned mining company LKAB announced that it had identified more than 1 million tonnes of rare earth oxides near the town of Kiruna in northern Sweden. Though mining this deposit may reduce reliance on China for rare earths, the impacts of a new mine on Kiruna residents and the indigenous Sámi people cannot be overlooked.

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Video: Giant Mine—a case study in mine remediation

By Lisa McDonald / February 8, 2023

Giant Mine is a closed gold mine located just north of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. Efforts are underway to remediate the site, including a study on the potential of vitrification as a permanent solution to the site’s toxic arsenic trioxide dust.

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Video: Around-the-world boat race conducts science along the way

By Lisa McDonald / February 1, 2023

The Ocean Race is a boat race around the world, held every three or four years since 1973. Starting with the 2017–2018 race, the Ocean Race organizers and racing teams coordinate a science program in tandem with the race to gather data on the ocean.

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Video: ‘Clay as Soft Power’ exhibition examines how Shigaraki ware may have helped mend postwar Japanese–U.S. relations

By Lisa McDonald / January 25, 2023

Following World War II, how did Japan and the United States repair their relationship and become as close as they are today? A new exhibition at the University of Michigan Museum of Art examines how Shigaraki ware may have helped transform the U.S. public’s image of Japan.

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Video: ‘Invisible’ solar roof tiles bring sustainable technology to historical sites

By Lisa McDonald / January 4, 2023

Implementing new sustainable materials and technologies into designated historical sites is complicated by the need to preserve the area’s historical nature. In Italy, managers of a project to improve the safety of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii worked with the owners of a small family-run business to install solar panels that blend into the ancient city’s traditional buildings.

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Video: A look back on the International Year of Glass and a turn to the future

By Lisa McDonald / December 21, 2022

With the spectacular International Year of Glass at its end, today’s CTT looks back on some of the many events which took place this year. Included is a special address to the community by Megan McElfresh, executive director of the Stained Glass Association of America.

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Video: Ceramic-based nesting boxes offer cool haven for African penguins

By Lisa McDonald / December 14, 2022

Over the past two centuries, the number of African penguins has plummeted more than 99%. The African Penguin Nest Project is an international team creating double-layered ceramic nesting boxes to protect African penguins from predators and the sun, which will hopefully lead to growth in the penguin population.

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