ancient Rome

A ‘wow’ finding—surface weathering transforms ancient Roman glass into natural photonic crystal

By Guest Contributor / November 17, 2023

Photonic crystals are manufactured structures used in many advanced optical devices to control the flow of light. Researchers in Italy and the U.S. discovered that an ancient Roman glass fragment naturally formed a photonic crystal structure on its surface through environmental weathering.

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Researchers look to nature for solutions to ‘greener,’ more sustainable concrete production

By Stephanie Liverani / June 3, 2016

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are working to identify materials in nature that may be used as inspiration for a sustainable, longer-lasting recipe for cement production.

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