Researchers publish first ever structural engineering manual for bamboo

Bamboo drives the international low-carbon construction sector

University of Warwick

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Bamboo Toll booth in Columbia. Credit: Dr David Trujillo/University of Warwick

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Credit: Dr David Trujillo/University of Warwick

Comprehensive guidance about the design of permanent bamboo structures has been published by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE).

The detailed design manual draws on the expertise of four international authors from academia and industry. They are all members of the INBAR Bamboo Construction Task Force (BCTF), one of the leading international bodies on the structural uses of bamboo:

• Dr David Trujillo CEng, Assistant Professor in Humanitarian Engineering, School of Engineering at the University of Warwick;
• Kent Harries PEng, Professor of Structural Engineering and Mechanics, University of Pittsburgh;
• Sebastian Kaminski CEng, an IStructE Fellow and a structural engineer from consulting firm Arup;
• and Engr. Luis Felipe Lopez CEng, General Manager of the Base Bahay Foundation Inc. (BASE), which is a guide sponsor with the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR).

Manual for the design of bamboo structures to ISO 22156:2021 aims to help structural engineers and other architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals understand how this prolific bio-based material can be used safely, with the ISO standard and the manual limited to two-storeys because of fire concerns.

Lead author Dr David Trujillio, University of Warwick says: “This manual marks a significant milestone for the safe use of bamboo for permanent structures. Most structural design codes are developed in higher-income countries to address their own needs. Only later are they adopted or adapted by lower and middle-income countries – but the starting point is never the needs of those regions.

Professor Kent Harries, University of Pittsburgh adds: “There are some 1,600 known species of bamboo. Structurally, it has remarkable mechanical properties. It has also become a very promising bio-based resource, with growing credentials as a sustainable construction material. Nonetheless, this is hugely dependent on designing and building safe and durable structures. Our detailed manual helps to achieve this.”

Sebastian Kaminski, Arup explains: “Bamboo has great potential to contribute to a low-carbon construction sector. Bamboo engineering is a very young field compared to mainstream materials and its unique possibilities are increasingly recognised and supported by growing research and innovation. Our manual is structured to support the design engineer along the journey, from sourcing bamboo to detailed design.”

Luis Felipe Lopez, Base Bahay highlights: “The construction industry contributes nearly 40% of carbon emissions globally, and bamboo, a regenerative and durable material, is redefining how we build our structures. From being an alternative to a reliable building material, bamboo is now gaining global recognition, and the need for a comprehensive framework is essential to support design engineers and ensure the safe and proper use of bamboo in the built environment, maximising its full potential and environmental advantages.

Kewei Liu, Coordinator of the INBAR Global Bamboo Construction Programme, mentions: “The publication of this guide is of great significance in promoting the application of the current ISO 22156:2021 standard, which has been the most widely accepted international bamboo standard since the 2000s. The authors have made a remarkable contribution to the global use of bamboo construction.”

Bamboo is native to all continents apart from Antarctica and Europe, although numerous species successfully thrive across Europe. Its lifecycle makes it an attractive resource in the context of tackling the global climate emergency, as like trees it fixes carbon in its leaves, stem, roots and surrounding soil. Bamboo’s harvest does not disturb the stored carbon in the soil.

Alongside the four leading authors, the manual was also reviewed by eleven expert reviewers. It has ten chapters covering a wide range of topics including the bamboo supply chain; bamboo project management; grading and mechanical characteristics of bamboo; analysis of bamboo structures; seismic and wind hazard design using bamboo; element and connection design; durability; bamboo structural shear walls; and worked examples of bamboo’s structural use in real-life examples.

Dr David Trujillo, University of Warwick concludes: “The guide is published in the wake of the tragic Hong Kong tower block fires. We share condolences for all those impacted, and await the outcome of investigations as we cannot comment until all the facts are in. However general risk management principles advocate a risk assessment and consideration of use of flame-retardant materials on high rise and closely spaced buildings, along with fire detection and suppression.

“Importantly, and given the wide use of bamboo, this guide sets out provisions for its safe use, including for fire, covering permanent buildings and not scaffolding. Our aim is for this to be a must-use resource for the structural engineer already working with bamboo or considering its use. We also hope it will be a trusted resource for colleagues across the built environment globally, whether in industry or academia.”

- Ends -

For further information please contact:

Matt Higgs, Media & Communications Officer, University of Warwick at matt.higgs@warwick.ac.uk or +44 (0)7880 175 403

The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Newsroom on +44 (0)7930 53 45 43.

Paul Kovach, Director of Marketing and Communications, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, paulkovach@pitt.edu

Kewei Liu, Coordinator of the INBAR Global Bamboo Construction Programme, kwliu@inbar.int

Notes to Editors

About the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE): https://www.istructe.org/

The Institution of Structural Engineers dates from 1908 and is now the world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering.

It has 30,000 members working in 139 countries around the world. Professional membership is one of the leading global benchmarks of competence and technical excellence. Members undergo rigorous technical assessment and commit to continual learning and development.

The Institution drives higher standards and shares knowledge because its members’ work is vital to public safety and meeting the challenges of the future. The Institution provides a voice for its members, promoting their contribution to society as innovative, creative problem solvers and the guardians of public safety.

About the School of Engineering at the University of Warwick: The University of Warwick is a globally recognised institution known for its excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Established in 1965, Warwick has developed into one of the UK’s leading universities, fostering collaboration across disciplines and maintaining strong connections with industry, government, and the wider community.

The School of Engineering is one of the University’s founding departments and remains at the forefront of research and education in engineering and technology. The School integrates mechanical, electrical, electronic, and systems engineering to provide a broad yet cohesive approach to solving complex real-world problems. Its research is organised into six interdisciplinary clusters: Biomedical & Biotechnology, Electrical Power & Control, Predictive Modelling, Fluids & Thermal, Built Environment & Sustainability, and Measurement, Devices & Materials. These clusters bring together academics, researchers, and industry partners to advance knowledge and develop innovative solutions with global impact.

About The University of Pittsburgh: The University of Pittsburgh is a public research university founded in 1787 composed today of 17 undergraduate and graduate schools and four regional campuses in addition to the 132-acre Pittsburgh main campus. The Swanson School of Engineering, whose first degrees were awarded 1846, is the sixth oldest engineering school in the United States.

About Arup: Arup is a global built environment consultancy providing advisory and technical expertise for our clients across more than 130 disciplines. We create safe, resilient, and regenerative places. www.arup.com

About Base Bahay Foundation Inc. (BASE): BASE is a non-profit organization in the Philippines, initiated by the Hilti Foundation, that provides innovative and sustainable building solutions for communities in need. Since 2014, BASE has been at the forefront of alternative building technologies globally, collaborating closely with organizations to create safe, affordable, disaster-resilient, and environmentally friendly structures that have a positive social and environmental impact.

About INBAR: Established in 1997, the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) is an intergovernmental organization that promotes environmentally sustainable development using bamboo and rattan. INBAR’s mission is to improve the well-being of producers and users of bamboo and rattan within the context of a sustainable bamboo and rattan resource base, by consolidating, coordinating and supporting strategic and adaptive research and development.

It is currently made up of 52 Member States across the developing areas of Africa, Asia and the Americas. In addition to its Secretariat Headquarters in China, INBAR has five Regional Offices in Cameroon, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana and India. INBAR was recognized as an Observer to the UN General Assembly in 2017, which makes it possible for INBAR to speak for bamboo and rattan at the UN platforms.

About the INBAR Bamboo Construction Task Force: Established in 2014, the INBAR Bamboo Construction Task Force (BCTF) coordinates the activities of international research institutes and commercial companies interested in the structural uses of bamboo. The Task Force consists of a core group of 36 experts from 18 countries, aiming to serve as the world’s main science-based information and knowledge repository on structural uses of bamboo and its environmental, economic and social benefits.

Bamboo Clubhouse roof in Colombia. Credit. Dr David Trujillo/University of Warwick

Composite Bamboo Shear Wall (CBSW) House in Colombia. Credit: Dr. David Trujillo/University of Warwick

 

Hidden mpox exposure detected in healthy Nigerian adults, revealing under-recognized transmission

University of Cambridge

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The mpox virus appears to be circulating silently in parts of Nigeria, in many cases without the symptoms typically associated with the disease, according to new research led by scientists from the University of Cambridge and partners in Nigeria. The findings may have implications for controlling the spread of the disease.

In a study published today in Nature Communications, researchers show that exposure to the mpox virus can occur without recognised illness, and that residual immunity from historic smallpox vaccination continues to shape how the virus spreads in human populations.

Mpox is a zoonotic virus – that is, one that initially jumped species to spread from animals to humans. It is closely related to smallpox. For decades, smallpox vaccination provided broad protection against related viruses such as mpox. Following the eradication of smallpox, routine vaccination stopped in 1980 and a growing proportion of the population lost this protection. This shift has been accompanied by renewed mpox transmission, culminating in outbreaks seen in multiple countries between 2022 and 2024.

While most public health attention has focused on symptomatic mpox cases, little is known about how often people may be exposed to the virus without developing classical disease.

To investigate this, the research team analysed archived blood samples from 176 healthy Nigerian adults who had originally been enrolled in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine studies. These included healthcare workers sampled in 2021 and community volunteers sampled in 2023. None of the participants had received mpox or smallpox vaccines in adulthood, and none were known to have been exposed to mpox.

Using a high-resolution multiplex antibody assay, the researchers measured responses to six distinct mpox virus antigens, different structural components of the virus that the immune system recognises and responds to, allowing detection of both the strength and breadth of immune responses.

At baseline, 24 (14%) of the participants showed antibody profiles consistent with residual immunity from historic smallpox vaccination. These responses were concentrated in people born before 1980, who were more likely to have been vaccinated during childhood. Their antibody responses were broader and stronger, recognising multiple mpox antigens decades after vaccination campaigns ended.

However, the study also identified something unexpected.

Among 153 participants with follow-up samples collected approximately nine months later, five individuals - around 3% of the cohort - showed clear evidence of new immune boosting consistent with recent mpox exposure. These individuals had no recorded mpox diagnosis and did not report compatible illness, suggesting that exposure may have occurred without recognised disease.

Lead author Dr Adam Abdullahi, from the University of Cambridge and Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, said: “What we’re seeing is evidence that mpox exposure doesn’t always look like the textbook description. In some people, particularly in settings with partial population immunity, the virus may circulate quietly, leaving immune footprints that routine clinical surveillance will miss.”

The strongest antibody increases were directed against specific viral proteins, particularly B6R, A35R and M1R - antigens known to be important targets of protective immune responses. These findings suggest that certain immune markers could be especially useful for detecting recent exposure in population studies.

To place the immunological findings in an epidemiological context, the team also analysed more than 100 mpox virus genomes collected in Nigeria over several years. Genomic reconstruction showed slow epidemic growth, frequent transmission dead-ends, and limited clustering – a pattern consistent with ongoing transmission constrained by partial immunity in the population.

Rather than explosive spread, the virus appears to persist through sporadic chains of infection, many of which fail to expand further.

Senior author Professor Ravindra Gupta is The Hong Kong Jockey Club Professor of Global Health from the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, and Co-Director of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute. He said: “Our data tell a consistent story. Mpox is not spreading unchecked in Nigeria and across the region, but neither is it absent. Instead, it appears to circulate at low levels, shaped by the lingering effects of smallpox vaccination in older generations.”

Importantly, the study found no major differences in immune responses between healthcare workers and the general population, suggesting that exposure is not confined to clinical settings. This points to broader community-level transmission rather than purely occupational risk.

The findings have important implications for public health surveillance. Current mpox monitoring relies heavily on detecting symptomatic cases, yet this approach may underestimate true exposure, particularly where infections are mild or atypical.

Professor Alash’le Abimiku, Executive Director of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, said: “These findings show that mpox exposure can occur without obvious illness. Instead of relying solely on reported cases or symptoms, monitoring populations by testing blood samples for antibodies to reveal exposure to the virus will be important for understanding how it is spready and guiding targeted vaccination in our settings.”

“If we only look for obvious disease, we will miss part of the picture,” said Dr Abdullahi. “Monitoring blood samples gives us a way to detect exposure that doesn’t result in clinic visits, especially in regions where health systems are stretched and requires strengthening.”

The researchers stress that their findings do not suggest widespread silent epidemics but rather highlight the complexity of mpox transmission in populations with mixed immunity. The detected exposure rate reflects the study cohort and should not be interpreted as population prevalence.

The work also reinforces the long-lasting impact of smallpox vaccination. Individuals vaccinated decades ago still show broad immune recognition of mpox virus, which may help limit transmission even today.

Professor Gupta added: “This study reminds us that decisions made generations ago - such as ending smallpox vaccination - continue to shape how emerging infections behave. Understanding that legacy is crucial for designing rational vaccination and surveillance strategies now.”

The authors note that further work is needed to link antibody patterns to functional protection, to study cellular immune responses, and to assess how conditions such as HIV infection may modify mpox immunity.

The research was supported by the Cambridge-Africa program, Wellcome Trust, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute, and partners in Nigeria and Europe.

Reference

Abdullahi, A et al. Sero-genomic evidence 1 for occult mpox exposure in healthy Nigerian adults. Nat Comms; 20 Jan 2026; DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-68335-1

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Journal

Nature Communications

DOI

10.1038/s41467-026-68335-1 

Method of Research

Observational study

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Sero-genomic evidence 1 for occult mpox exposure in healthy Nigerian adults

Article Publication Dat

20-Jan-2026

58% of patients affected by 2022 mpox outbreak report lasting physical symptoms

American College of Physicians

Below please find summaries of new articles that will be published in the next issue of Annals of Internal Medicine. The summaries are not intended to substitute for the full articles as a source of information. This information is under strict embargo and by taking it into possession, media representatives are committing to the terms of the embargo not only on their own behalf, but also on behalf of the organization they represent.   
----------------------------    

1. 58% of patients affected by 2022 mpox outbreak report lasting physical symptoms

Abstract: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-25-00036

Summary for Patients: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-25-00036-PS

URL goes live when the embargo lifts             

A cohort study of over 300 adults either diagnosed with mpox between May 2022 to January 2023 (post-MPX) and or who were at risk but never infected (no-MPX) found that more than half of those diagnosed with mpox during the 2022 outbreak still had lingering physical effects 11 to 18 months later. Most reported appearance-related changes, and some continued to experience anorectal or urinary problems. The study is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.  

 

Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Columbia University Division of Infectious Diseases, and University of Texas Health Science Center Houston sought to understand the long-term psychosocial and behavioral impact between at-risk persons who had or did not have mpox during the 2022 mpox outbreak. The researchers recruited post-MPX and no-MPX participants from health centers in New York City, NY and Houston, TX to complete psychosocial and behavioral self-assessments followed by a clinical evaluation among the post-MPX group. The study found that 58% of those infected had at least one persistent symptom. Among post-MPX participants with appearance-related sequelae, the extent of sequelae was relatively low, with most having fewer than 10 scars or sites of discoloration and 2 or fewer body sites involved. Thirteen percent of post-MPX participants experienced ongoing physical function changes, and 2% had their activities of daily living affected. The findings provide context into the enduring physical and psychosocial effects that may occur because of mpox.

 

Media contacts: For an embargoed PDF, please contact Gabby Macrina at gmacrina@acponline.org. To contact corresponding author Preetam Cholli, MD, please submit a CDC Request for Comment Form.

----------------------------    

2. Bariatric surgery shows advantage over medical therapy for diabetes across all social backgrounds

Abstract: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-24-01882

URL goes live when the embargo lifts             

In a long-term analysis of people with type 2 diabetes, researchers found that bariatric surgery led to greater weight loss and better blood sugar control than medical and lifestyle treatment, regardless of whether participants lived in socially disadvantaged neighborhoods. The findings suggest social vulnerability level does not change the benefits of bariatric surgery over medical therapy in those with type 2 diabetes. The study is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.  

 

Researchers from the Joslin Diabetes Center and Harvard Medical School and colleagues analyzed data from 258 adults with type 2 diabetes who were enrolled in randomized trials comparing bariatric surgery with medical therapy to determine if social vulnerability influenced the effectiveness of bariatric surgery compared to medical and lifestyle interventions including individualized nutrition counseling and instruction on exercise and self-monitoring of glucose. They linked participants’ ZIP codes to the Area Deprivation Index to determine social vulnerability and analyzed changes in weight and hemoglobin A1c levels over 7 to 12 years. Bariatric surgery showed greater long-term effectiveness than medical and lifestyle interventions for both glycemic and weight loss outcomes across all levels of social vulnerability. However, the researchers did not find statistically significant differences in the comparative advantage of surgery over medical therapy by ADI levels.

 

Media contacts: For an embargoed PDF, please contact Gabby Macrina at gmacrina@acponline.org. To contact corresponding author Mary Elizabeth Patti, MD please email mary.elizabeth.patti@joslin.harvard.edu.

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Also new this issue:

GRADE Guidance: Update on Developing Good Practice Statements in Guidelines

Omar Dewidar, HBSc, MSc, et al.

Research and Reporting Methods

Abstract: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-25-00431

Editorial: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-25-04964

 

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Journal

Annals of Internal Medicine

DOI

10.7326/ANNALS-25-00036 

Method of Research

News article

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Long-Term Mpox Sequelae 11 to 18 Months After Acute Illness: A Cohort Study in Two U.S. Cities

Article Publication Date

20-Jan-2026

Inside China’s buzzing AI scene year after DeepSeek shock

By AFP
January 19, 2026


Copyright AFP/File Pedro PARDO

Luna LIN

Before DeepSeek shook up the tech world and put Chinese artificial intelligence on the map, Wu Chenglin’s own startup had nearly folded three times — but in the past year it has raised $30 million.

The January 2025 release of a low-cost generative AI model from DeepSeek that performed at a similar level to ChatGPT and other top American chatbots upended assumptions of US dominance in the sensitive sector.

The breakthrough has galvanised China’s AI scene, despite hurdles posed by rivalry with the United States, and fears of a global market bubble.

“It gave a lot of people confidence” that China’s AI community previously lacked, Wu told AFP.

His venture DeepWisdom, whose flagship product is a platform for AI-powered software development, had struggled to stay afloat despite its popularity among programmers.

But as excitement around DeepSeek fuelled a boom in spending, Wu raised 220 million yuan in two funding rounds.

Meanwhile, Shi Yaqiong and her team at Beijing-based Jinqiu Capital have closed deals with more than 50 AI firms over the past 12 months.

Shi, the fund’s vice-president, described a “clear surge” in enthusiasm around Chinese AI and competition among investors since the DeepSeek shock.

“The kind of projects with an initial valuation in 2024 of $10-20 million were, in 2025, expected to have initial valuations around $20-40 million,” she said.

– Engineer dividend –

Shares in two leading Chinese AI startups, Zhipu AI and MiniMax, soared on their market debuts in Hong Kong this month.

Frenzy over the much-hyped potential of AI to change the world is driving global stocks to record highs, led by chipmakers and tech giants.

But the big-spending euphoria has sparked fears of a market crash, with many investors hyper-focused on any sign the AI bubble could burst, and questioning when new companies will become profitable.

Access to top-end chips made by US giant Nvidia is also restricted in China under White House policies designed to curb China’s technological development.

But that hasn’t dampened the spirits of young developers in the world’s second largest economy.

At an AI networking event held on a brisk winter afternoon last week in a stylish Beijing cafe, animated discussion filled the air about the future of the fast-moving industry.

Chip export controls mean Chinese AI is more likely to be “open-source and cheap” which could make it more useful to society, said one participant, entrepreneur Li Weijia.

China is often said to enjoy an “engineer dividend” that benefits its AI sector, and talent is flocking to the field.

Online hiring platform Zhilian Zhaopin reported a 39 percent increase in applications to AI-related jobs in the first three quarters of 2025, after DeepSeek’s breakout.

– ‘Cost-efficient’ –

“China has a huge application developer ecosystem and people are very good at building apps,” Shen Qiajin, founder of ideaFlow, told AFP.

“But for a very long time, we didn’t have a good cost-efficient model,” he said.

That is a gap DeepSeek has now filled.

The firm began in 2023 as a side project of a data-driven hedge fund co-founded in the tech hub Hangzhou by Liang Wenfeng, which had access to a cache of powerful Nvidia processors.

Today, the company — expected to release its next AI model within weeks — holds four percent of global market share for chatbots, according to web traffic analysis company Similarweb.

ChatGPT dominates at 68 percent while Google’s Gemini is catching up at 18 percent, Similarweb estimates.

DeepSeek’s decision to make its systems’ inner workings public, in contrast to the closed AI models sold by OpenAI and other Western rivals, has boosted adoption of its tools by developers and businesses, Neil Shah at Counterpoint Research said.

Its tools have had “strong adoption in cost-sensitive emerging markets”, he said.

But in the West users are more cautious, “primarily on account of privacy and national security concerns”.

Even so, the domestic market is huge. By June 2025, more than half a billion Chinese internet users reported having used generative AI products, according to the China Internet Network Information Center.

Entrepreneur Yang Yiwen said her parents had their first meaningful encounter with AI during last year’s Chinese New Year, when they watched her use DeepSeek to plan a family trip.

“They found it quite fun,” she said.