Recycled glass helps build sustainability into construction

University of Portsmouth scientists identify optimum ratio for incorporating glass waste in compressed earth blocks

University of Portsmouth

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Recycled glass could become a staple ingredient in building, paving the way for greener construction materials and more sustainable development. 

In a study, published in ‘Discover Civil Engineering’, scientists tested the potential for using recycled glass, in powdered form, as a stabilising agent in compressed earth blocks.

Building blocks made of soil mixed with water, and compressed at high pressure (compressed earth blocks), are usually stabilised with cement. Scientists - including a team from the University of Portsmouth - have found that a reliable level of stabilisation can be achieved with a mix that includes recycled glass together with lime and a significantly reduced amount of cement. 

Testing was undertaken on compressed earth blocks prepared with recycled waste glass particles (RWGP) in the mix at ratios of zero to 25 per cent. Apart from determining the mechanical properties, the blocks were examined for microstructural characteristics using an electron microscope for 28 days.

Co-author, Dr Muhammad Ali, Associate Professor in Materials and Environmental Innovation at the University of Portsmouth’s School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, said: “There is an increased demand for the use of recycled industrial waste as sustainable building and construction materials so we wanted to assess the properties of compressed earth blocks using recycled glass particles.

“At each percentage level we tested for water absorption, how resistant to breaking the blocks were when compressed, and to determine the maximum stress the block could withstand while being stretched or pulled, before breaking or becoming deformed.

“After testing blocks with varying mixes using lime and recycled waste glass, we found that a composition of 10 per cent lime and 10 per cent recycled glass particles produced the strongest blocks with no cracking under intense pressure.” 

The highest compressive strength of 5.77 MPa (megapascal - a unit of pressure) was achieved at 10 per cent recycled waste glass particles (RWGP) and 10 per cent lime compressed earth blocks (CEB), while the unstabilised specimens achieved 3.03 MPa at 28 days of curing, representing about 90 per cent improvement. The highest tensile strength of 0.52 MPa was achieved at 10 per cent RWGP and lime CEBs, while the unstabilised specimens achieved 0.40 MPa at 28 days of curing, which represents a 30 per cent improvement. 

The microstructural analysis showed no visible cracks in the 10 per cent RWGP and lime mixes, while the 25 per cent showed micro-cracks in the earth blocks. Future studies could assess the thermal and durability properties of these greener construction materials.

Scientists from four universities took part in this study. Alongside the University of Portsmouth in England, colleagues involved in the collaboration came from the Akenten Appiah-Menka University in Ghana, London South Bank University in England and the Federal University of Technology in Nigeria  together with colleagues from the CSIR-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana. 

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Journal

Discover Civil Engineering

DOI

10.1007/s44290-025-00269-x 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Physico-mechanical properties of compressed earth blocks stabilized with recycled waste glass particles and lime

Chung-Ang University researchers develop innovative air filter inspired by nasal hair

Researchers develop an adhesion enhanced air filter that mimics mucus coated nasal hair

Chung Ang University

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image: 

Air filters are used everywhere, and their proper functioning helps keep the air we breathe clean. In this study, researchers designed a novel air filter by drawing inspiration from our mucus-covered nasal hairs, which can trap and retain particulate matter thanks to strong adhesive forces. 

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Credit: Robert Scoble from Openverse Image source link: https://openverse.org/image/0fe7b195-ddc3-4a9e-9c1e-45a7705fa358?q=air+filter&p=32

Airborne particulate matter represents a silent but pervasive threat to our health, infiltrating our homes, workplaces, and public spaces alike. Air filters are often our primary defense against these microscopic pollutants, which include pollen, dust, and smoke.

However, conventional air filters suffer from a fundamental weakness: they rely on extremely weak adhesive forces (van der Waals interactions) to capture particles. These forces are often insufficient to effectively trap and retain fine particles, leading to poor filtration performance and the release of previously captured pollutants. But what if the answer to these issues was quite literally right under our noses?

In a recent study published in Nature, a research team led by Associate Professor Sanghyuk Wooh from Chung-Ang University has developed an effective bioinspired solution. Dubbed the particle-removing oil-coated (PRO) filter, the proposed air filtration system mimics the way mucus-coated nasal hairs trap particles to achieve remarkable performance. Their findings were published online on June 18, 2025.

The team’s strategy focused on creating a stable, thin liquid layer on filter media. They engineered filter fibers by grafting tiny polymer brushes onto their surfaces, then sprayed them with a non-volatile oil chemically similar to the brushes. This chemical match helps the oil spread evenly, forming a uniform film that adheres tightly. Unlike previous liquid-coated filters, this design prevents pore clogging, so air flows freely.

Extensive experiments showed that the PRO filter dramatically improves particle capture. It achieved a 10–30% increase in filtration efficiency across various particle sizes—from fine dust to large pollen—without significantly increasing the pressure required to push air through. This is due to the strong capillary forces provided by the thin oil layer, which enhance particle adhesion by orders of magnitudes.

The PRO filter also excels under tough conditions. While conventional filters may lose efficiency or release particles when airflow increases or changes direction, the PRO filter holds particles tightly. This prevents air re-contamination and enables unique applications, including fan-free air filtration in places like outdoor smoking areas or subway tunnels by simply harnessing natural airflow. “This is the first instance of suppressed dust redispersion and a multidirectional filtration strategy proposing a zero-energy filtration system that uses natural wind,” highlights Dr. Wooh.

It is also washable and reusable. Its performance is easily restored by reapplying the silicone oil. Its long lifespan reduces plastic waste, making it a more sustainable option.

Real-world field tests conducted in HVAC systems with the help of WISE & YiRop confirmed all these advantages. “The PRO filters showed outstanding performances in real-world HVAC systems compared to conventional filters. Even though more dust was captured by the PRO filter lifespan of the PRO filter was ~two times longer than conventional filter that effectively reduces plastic waste and HVAC operation cost. In addition, it saves ~20 % energy consumption proposing more environmentally friendly and costless air filtration system,” remarks Dr. Wooh.

Overall, the PRO filter represents a significant leap forward in our ability to clean the air we breathe, offering an efficient and environmentally friendly solution to a ubiquitous problem.

 

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Reference

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09156-y

 

 

 

About Chung-Ang University

Chung-Ang University is a private comprehensive research university located in Seoul, South Korea. It was started as a kindergarten in 1916 and attained university status in 1953. It is fully accredited by the Ministry of Education of Korea. Chung-Ang University conducts research activities under the slogan of “Justice and Truth” Its new vision for completing 100 years is “The Global Creative Leader” Chung-Ang University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, which encompass a law school, management program, and medical school; it has 16 undergraduate and graduate schools each. Chung-Ang University’s culture and arts programs are considered the best in Korea

Website: https://neweng.cau.ac.kr/index.do

About Associate Professor Sanghyuk Wooh

Dr. Sanghyuk Wooh studied chemical and biological engineering and received his Ph.D. in 2013 at Seoul National University in Seoul, Korea. He conducted post-doctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany, after receiving an Alexander von Humboldt Postdoc Fellowship. In 2017, he joined the Department of Chemical Engineering at Chung-Ang University as Assistant Professor, and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2021. His research focuses on interface and surface engineering, with a particular focus in soft matter, wetting, and adhesion.

Website: https://scholarworks.bwise.kr/cau/researcher-profile?ep=1046

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Journal

Nature

DOI

10.1038/s41586-025-09156-y 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Bioinspired capillary force-driven super-adhesive filter

 

How tickling builds trust: Scientists identify oxytocin’s role in human-rat bonding

Affinity-like behavior in response to human touch may relate to increased oxytocin receptor expression in a specific rat brain area

Okayama University

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This narrative illustration visualizes the discovery of how oxytocin-mediated neural circuits in the hypothalamus promote social bonding through playful interactions. A traditional Japanese landscape represents the oxytocin network, with symbolic hand gestures illustrating human–rat interactions. A classic sailboat signifies the diffusion of pleasure signals, while red spheres depict oxytocin molecules traveling through neural pathways. Joyful rats constructing an arched bridge reflect how positive touch enhances oxytocin fiber development. The repeated kanji “快” (pleasure) reinforces the emotional–neural link, while a hidden “戯” (play) in the red mountain adds a subtle artistic layer.

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Credit: Professor Hirotaka Sakamoto of Okoyama University

Pleasant tactile stimulation drives social bonding in many animal species, especially mammals. Tactile stimulation forms the basis of the infant-caregiver relationship and often leads to affinity-like behavior, indicating the formation of social bonds. Juvenile-adolescent rats often engage in rough-and-tumble play, during which they emit characteristic ultrasonic vocalizations. These vocalizations, typically in the 50 kHz frequency range, are thought to be associated with pleasurable emotional states. Juvenile adolescent rats also emit 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in response to tickling with human hands, which mimics natural rough-and-tumble play. Moreover, these rats develop a strong affinity for human hands as a result of repeated tickling.

 

In a study that was recently made available online on June 4, 2025, and was published in Volume 35 Issue 12 of the journal Current Biology on June 23, 2025, researchers have found that repeated tickling of human hands results in increased expression of oxytocin receptors in a region of the rat’s brain called the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl). In the study, the inhibition of oxytocin signaling in this brain region reduced affinity-like behavior in response to human touch among rats.

 

“We revealed part of the neural circuitry underlying why naturally wary animals become attached to humans. We discovered that during the process of rats becoming tame to human hands, the action of oxytocin in a specific brain region (VMHvl) mediates the effects of pleasant tactile stimulation and controls the formation of social bonds across species,” explains Dr. Himeka Hayashi of Okayama University, Japan, the lead author of the study. In addition to Dr. Hayashi, the study received significant contributions from Professor Hirotaka Sakamoto of Okayama University, among other collaborators.

 

In the study, rats received 10 days of tickling training, during which period researchers measured their 50 kHz vocalizations. While the rats rarely emitted 50 kHz vocalizations initially, they consistently produced these vocalizations in response to tickling starting on day five. These vocalizations became more frequent through day 10, indicating that repeated tickling produced pleasant sensations in rats. At the end of the training period, rats were administered a conditioned place preference test. The rats expressed affinity for repeated tickling by spending more time in the tickling room after the test as compared to before.

 

“We have always been curious about how humans and animals can form bonds despite having no shared language or lifestyle,” says Dr. Hayashi. “We wondered whether the connection we felt with animals was real or just our imagination. Through this study, we discovered that rats genuinely enjoy interacting with us—which brought us great happiness.”

 

To explore the neural connections of oxytocin receptor neurons in the VMHvI that are implicated in affinity-like behavior, the researchers conducted nerve fiber tracing studies. Tracing studies revealed that a subset of these neuronal fibers originates from the supraoptic nucleus region of the brain, suggesting the role of oxytocin signaling from magnocellular neurons in controlling affinity-like behavior in rats. The identification of specific neural mechanisms underlying the development of affinity-like behavior offers crucial insights into social bonding between humans and rats.

 

“The discovery that pleasant tactile stimulation facilitates cross-species social bonding through oxytocin pathways could lead to a better understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying both social interaction difficulties and the therapeutic effects of physical contact with companion animals such as cats and dogs. This knowledge may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic and support approaches for individuals who struggle with social interactions,” Dr. Hayashi concludes.

 

By uncovering the neural basis of cross-species affinity, it paves the way for developing therapeutic strategies that leverage physical interaction to enhance social connection and emotional well-being.

 

About Okayama University, Japan

As one of the leading universities in Japan, Okayama University aims to create and establish a new paradigm for the sustainable development of the world. Okayama University offers a wide range of academic fields, which become the basis of the integrated graduate schools. This not only allows us to conduct the most advanced and up-to-date research, but also provides an enriching educational experience.

Website: https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/index_e.html

 

 

About Project Assistant Professor Himeka Hayashi from Okayama University, Japan

Dr. Himeka Hayashi is a Project Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Japan. Her research explores behavioral neuroendocrinology, and she has authored five scientific publications in these areas.

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Journal

Current Biology

DOI

10.1016/j.cub.2025.05.034 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Animals

Article Title

Oxytocin facilitates human touch-induced play behavior in rats

 

43% of drug-caused deaths by healthcare workers used hospital-only drugs

King's College London

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Nearly half of drug-caused deaths by healthcare workers involved drugs that were obtained from their place of work, new research finds.

The study, published today in Addiction by academics from King’s College London, found that doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are dying from overdoses of drugs they may have stolen from the workplace, or obtained legally but used in risky ways with fatal consequences.

Lead author Dr Caroline Copeland, from King’s College London, said: “This report is the first to analyse the deaths of those working or studying in a healthcare setting who died via substance use. It makes for distressing reading and is a reminder that we need to do better to look after the people who care for us.”

The researchers analysed 58 coroners reports from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, submitted to the National Programme on Substance Use Mortality at King’s College London between 2000-2022. The individuals had either been employed at a hospital, GP practice, pharmacy or were studying to become a healthcare professional at the time of death. All had access to controlled drugs.

Anaesthetists were featured most in the study, followed by GPs, surgeons, and psychiatrists. The higher proportion of anaesthetists may be because anaesthetists work closely with these potentially lethal drugs, the authors say.

Opioids were the type of drug most frequently involved in causing death (43% of cases) followed by benzodiazepines (24%), which are used for treating anxiety and other mental health conditions.

Drugs rarely found to cause death in non-healthcare professionals were heavily featured in these deaths, including drugs usually for anaesthesia or sedation like propofol (29%), short-acting benzodiazepine midazolam (10%) and neuromuscular blocking agents (9%). There were only three cases where illegal drugs, such as cocaine, were in the person’s system at the time of death.

Most of the accidental deaths occurred in men (88%) and suicides were more prevalent in men (63%). Two thirds of people died in their own homes or hospital accommodation, and when people died in hospital (17%), 70% died in a hospital toilet cubicle.

The authors found 69% of the deceased had at least one mental health condition where the past medical history was provided, with depression being the most common condition.

In 64% of cases, recent life events could have negatively impacted mental health, including moving overseas, splitting up with a partner, exam stress and bereavement. In three cases the healthcare worker died by suicide after being informed that they were subject to a professional misconduct or criminal investigation.

In 14% of cases where a past medical history was available, the deceased had been self-medicating to relieve chronic pain.

Dr Caroline Copeland said: “This study reveals why mental health support for healthcare workers should start at the very beginning of their career and not be a temporary plaster for a gaping wound. This is an urgent problem as the suicide rate among healthcare workers is 24% higher than the national average in the UK. Doctors and nurses work in stressful, high-pressured environments and need bespoke care and support tailored to the specific challenges they face. Having a healthy, well-supported workforce is key to making the NHS fit for the future.”

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Journal

Addiction

 

Inappropriate prescriptions for antibiotics, glucocorticoids and opioids common at urgent cares

Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan

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Urgent care visits commonly result in inappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics, glucocorticoids or opioids, according to a letter in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Michigan Medicine researchers examined commercial and Medicare Supplemental databases to study 22,426,546 urgent care visits, which resulted in 2,783,924 (12.4%) antibiotic, 2,038,506 (9.1%) glucocorticoid, and 299,210 (1.3%) opioid prescriptions.

In each category, they identified a substantial number of prescriptions that were filled despite being "never appropriate" or "generally inappropriate" given the patients' diagnoses.

"Previous studies had shown that patients continue to receive antibiotics for diagnoses where they may not be indicated, such as for a viral respiratory infection, especially in urgent care settings,” said Shirley Cohen-Mekelburg, M.D., M.S., assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School and co-lead author on the article.

“Our findings reveal that this trend of inappropriate prescribing includes other classes of drugs—including glucocorticoids—and a variety of conditions.”

Among the “never appropriate” indications, antibiotics were prescribed for 30.7% of patients diagnosed with otitis media, 45.7% with genitourinary symptoms and 15.0% with acute bronchitis.

Previous studies have shown high rates of inappropriate prescriptions for respiratory tract infections.

The researchers cite one study which found inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in 16% of urgent care visits, compared to 6% and 5% in office and emergency visits, respectively.

Glucocorticoid prescriptions were sorted into categories of “potentially appropriate” or “generally inappropriate,” depending on the diagnosis.

Among the indications for which they were deemed generally inappropriate, glucocorticoids were prescribed in 23.9% of sinusitis, 40.8% of acute bronchitis and 7.9% of otitis media cases.

Urgent care centers prescribed opioids in a variety of generally inappropriate cases, including non-back musculoskeletal pain (4.6% of cases), abdominal pain and digestive symptoms (6.3%), and sprains and strains (4.0%).

The authors attribute these trends to “clinician knowledge, patient demand and lack of decision support.”

They suggest a variety of potential solutions, including drug stewardship programs, electronic health record programs and education.

The article urges that future studies focus on the development of urgent care-tailored stewardship programs.

“Reducing inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics, glucocorticoids and opioids will require a multifaceted approach,” Cohen-Mekelburg said.

“Providers at urgent centers would benefit from greater support and feedback in making these decisions.”

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Journal

Annals of Internal Medicine

DOI

10.7326/ANNALS-24-04111 

Method of Research

Data/statistical analysis

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Antibiotic, Glucocorticoid, and Opioid Prescribing in Urgent Cares: An Opportunity for Reducing Medication Overuse

Article Publication Date

21-Jul-2025

Psychological and physical health of a preterm birth cohort at age 35

JAMA Network Open

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About The Study:

 In this cohort study, preterm individuals had higher early life medical risk and faced increased mental health disorders, cardiometabolic issues, and body composition differences compared with full-term peers at age 35. 

Despite strong evidence linking preterm birth to long-term health consequences, many primary care clinicians in the U.S. remain unaware of these risks, 

often due to infrequent birth history inquiries in adult health care settings.

Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Amy L. D’Agata, PhD, RN, email amydagata@uri.edu.

To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/

(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.22599)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

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About JAMA Network Open: JAMA Network Open is an online-only open access general medical journal from the JAMA Network. On weekdays, the journal publishes peer-reviewed clinical research and commentary in more than 40 medical and health subject areas. Every article is free online from the day of publication. 

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Journal

JAMA Network Open