Lizard-inspired building design could save lives

Nature Podcast

In this episode:

00:45 A recyclable 3D printing resin from an unusual source

Many 3D printers create objects using liquid resins that turn into robust solids when exposed to light. But many of these are derived from petrochemicals that are difficult to recycle. To overcome this a team has developed a new type of resin, which they’ve made using a bodybuilding supplement called lipoic acid. Their resin can be printed, recycled and reused multiple times, which they hope could in future contribute to reducing waste associated with 3D printing.

Research Article: Machado et al

10:05 Research Highlights

How housing shortages can drive a tiny parrot resort to kill, and the genes that gave cauliflower its curls.

Research Highlight: These parrots go on killing sprees over real-estate shortages

Research Highlight: How the cauliflower got its curlicues

12:27 To learn how to make safe structures researchers... destroyed a building

Many buildings are designed to prevent collapse by redistributing weight following an initial failure. However this relies on extensive structural connectedness that can result in an entire building being pulled down. To prevent this, researchers took a new approach inspired by the ability of some lizards to shed their tails. They used this to develop a modular system, which they tested by building — and destroying — a two storey structure. Their method stopped an initial failure from spreading, preventing a total collapse. The team hope this finding will help prevent catastrophic collapses, reducing loss of life in aid rescue efforts.

Research Article: Makoond et al.

Nature video: Controlled failure: The building designed to limit catastrophe

23:20: Briefing Chat

An AI algorithm discovers 27,500 new asteroids, and an exquisitely-accurate map of a human brain section reveals cells with previously undiscovered features.

New York Times: Killer Asteroid Hunters Spot 27,500 Overlooked Space Rocks

Nature News: Cubic millimetre of brain mapped in spectacular detail

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