Posts by Lisa McDonald
Beating the heat: The evolution of and renewed interest in ice-based ‘comfort-cooling’ systems
Ice-based thermal regulation systems were discarded in favor of mechanical refrigeration in the early 20th century, but concerns about the environment have helped bring these systems back into the spotlight as a more sustainable approach to cooling buildings.
Read MoreCeramic and glass business news of the week for November 17, 2025
Guyana proposes glass manufacturing facility, new Horizon Europe funding call to support decarbonization of the EU, and more ceramic and glass business news of the week for Nov. 17, 2025.
Read MoreLithophanes: Dedicated museum sheds light on these porcelain artworks
The Blair Museum of Lithophanes in Elmore, Ohio, has the world’s largest collection of this 19th century art form. Take a look at the museum’s collection and learn about how lithophanes have evolved over time.
Read MoreOther materials stories that may be of interest for November 12, 2025
Deep-sea mining starves life in twilight zone, quantum discovery defies rules of physics, and other materials stories that may be of interest for Nov. 12, 2025.
Read MoreThe urban fabric of brick—Part 3: Innovations and the future of design
Brick has served as the urban fabric for generations. To recognize this important history, CTT is running a special three-part series on the symbiotic relationship between bricks and cities. Part 3 looks at the evolving uses for this ancient material and emphasizes our responsibility to preserve its urban legacy.
Read MoreVolunteer spotlight: Ashutosh Kumar Dubey
We feature Ashutosh Kumar Dubey in this month’s edition of ACerS Volunteer Spotlight. He is currently chair-elect of the Bioceramics Division.
Read MoreCeramic and glass business news of the week for November 10, 2025
University of Buffalo launches new quantum institute, Purdue and BWXT forge strategic collaboration to advance nuclear innovation, and more ceramic and glass business news of the week for Nov. 10, 2025.
Read MoreColors of history: Three studies paint a picture of past pigment use and development
Knowing the history of different pigments can give us deep insight into past societies. This CTT looks at three recent studies that make significant contributions to the color literature.
Read MoreOther materials stories that may be of interest for November 5, 2025
Graphene enhances lithium detection, dirty water boosts prospects for clean hydrogen, and other materials stories that may be of interest for Nov. 5, 2025.
Read MoreGlass transition temperature may be key to ‘cracking’ the case of large-scale cryopreservation
Vitrification has solved the challenge of uniform cooling during cryopreservation, but uniform warming remains a barrier to successful cryopreservation of larger organs. Researchers from Texas A&M University investigated the effect of glass transition temperature on the likelihood of organ cracking during the rewarming process.
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