August 29, 2010
In today’s increasingly environmentally aware society, the ubiquity of formaldehyde in wood manufacturing has been downplayed. A pervasive chemical used as an adhesive in plywood, particle board, and other wood products, formaldehyde is a potential carcinogen and releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate one’s eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. Given its toxicity and derivation from fossil fuels, researchers have been seeking alternative glues from environmentally friendly sources.
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August 29, 2010
Digital fabrication has garnered much recent interest, offering the promise of just-in-time, decentralized manufacturing with reduced transportation costs. Neil Gershenfeld’s Fab Lab program at MIT promotes the technological empowerment of developing communities and entrepreneurial advancement of small-scale business organizations via mobile fabrication facilities.
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August 22, 2010
The switch from steel to lighter, more complex composites in automobiles has resulted in higher fuel efficiencies. However, these materials have demonstrated an imperfect response to collisions, resulting in sharp, splintered fragments that can increase occupant injury—as opposed to the ideal crumpled mass that adds a protective layer of reinforcement.
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August 22, 2010
Since the computer became the predominant office tool, sunlight entering the building envelope has been heavily regulated. The conventional open office space is often enveloped by mini-blinds that remain closed throughout the day—because employees are too lazy to open the blinds during the hours that sunlight isn’t overpowering computer screens. Conference rooms are no better, and often remain in a blackout state to preserve the legibility of Powerpoint presentations. Thus, screen technology and sunlight have always been in conflict with one another. One can have sunlight and views, or read a screen—but not both.
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August 15, 2010
The modern industrialization of timber and the depletion of old-growth forests have resulted in an increased quantity of engineered lumber products composed of lesser-grade materials. Today’s laminated veneer lumber, plywood, and particle board contain higher percentages of glue and filler materials than prior lumber products, and are less tolerant of the shrinking and swelling that results from moisture penetration and water vapor diffusion.
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