Research

Extreme heat, flooding, wildfires – Colorado’s formerly incarcerated people on the hazards they faced behind bars

Susan Glairon — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 19:41:22 +0000

Extreme heat, flooding, wildfires – Colorado’s formerly incarcerated people on the hazards they faced behind bars Susan Glairon Wed, 01/22/2025 - 12:41

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� researchers have spent four years studying the vulnerability of Colorado's prisons and jails to climate-related hazards, revealing that 75 percent of the state's facilities are exposed to risks like extreme heat, wildfires and floods, which disproportionately affect incarcerated individuals, especially those from Black and Latino communities.

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� researchers harness nature to create living optical materials

Susan Glairon — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:20:21 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� researchers harness nature to create living optical materials Susan Glairon Tue, 01/21/2025 - 08:20

Susan Glairon

Photo caption: Optical image of living microlenses. Engineered microbes focus light that pass through a thin layer of glass that forms on their surface. Courtesy of Lynn Sidor, Meyer Lab, University of Rochester.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Living Materials Laboratory played a key role in studying tiny bioglass lenses that were designed to form on the surface of engineered microbes, a scientific breakthrough that could pave the way for groundbreaking imaging technologies in both medical and commercial applications.

The project, led by the University of Rochester and published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was inspired by the enzymes secreted by sea sponges that help them grow glass-like silica shells. The shells are lightweight, durable and enable the sea sponges to thrive in harsh marine environments.

“By engineering microbes to display these same enzymes, our collaborators were able to form glass on the cell surface, which turned the cells into living microlenses,” said Wil Srubar, a coauthor of the paper and professor of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering and the Materials Science and Engineering Program. “This is a terrific example of how learning and applying nature’s design principles can enable the production of advanced materials.”

Professor Wil Srubar

Using imaging and X-ray techniques, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� researchers analyzed the silica, also known as “bioglass,” and quantified the amount surrounding different bacterial strains. The ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� researchers demonstrated that bacteria engineered to form bioglass spheres contained significantly higher silica levels than non-engineered strains. Combined with optics data, the results confirmed that bacteria could be bioengineered to create bioglass microlenses with excellent light-focusing properties.

Microlenses are very small lenses that are only a few micrometers in size—about the size of a single human cell and designed to capture and focus or manipulate light into intense beams at a microscopic scale. Because of their small size, microlenses are typically difficult to create, requiring complex, expensive machinery and extreme temperatures or pressures to shape them accurately and achieve the desired optical effects.

The small size of the bacterial microlenses makes them ideal for creating high-resolution image sensors, particularly biomedical imaging, allowing sharper visualization of subcellular features like protein complexes. In materials science, these microlenses can capture detailed images of nanoscale materials and structures. In diagnostics, they provide clearer imaging of microscopic pathogens like viruses and bacteria, leading to more accurate identification and analysis.

The University of Rochester contributed to this report.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Living Materials Laboratory contributed to groundbreaking research showing how engineered microbes can create bioglass microlenses, paving the way for advanced imaging technologies in medicine and materials science.

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Optical image of living microlenses. Engineered microbes focus light that pass through a thin layer of glass that forms on their surface. Photo courtesy of Lynn Sidor, The Meyer Lab, University of Rochester.

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� establishes worldwide standards for repairing inaccessible, leaking pipelines

Susan Glairon — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:17:51 +0000

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� establishes worldwide standards for repairing inaccessible, leaking pipelines Susan Glairon Fri, 12/20/2024 - 05:17

Susan Glairon

Millions of miles of aging water, wastewater and natural gas pipelines across the nation are at growing risk of failure, posing significant environmental, safety and financial challenges. Repairing these urban pipelines is often complicated and expensive due to their location beneath buildings and roads, but new repair solutions that significantly cut pipeline repair costs are emerging.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Center for Infrastructure, Energy, and Space Testing (CIEST) is at the forefront, pioneering testing procedures for these innovative solutions.

Led by Assistant Research Professor Brad Wham, CIEST played a key role in establishing a new standard for Internal Replacement Pipe (IRP) testing through the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

The work was made possible through a recently completed $7.8 million Department of Energy (ARPA-e) REPAIR project.

This advancement paves the way for industry approval of cutting-edge pipe repair technologies, such as using robots or other methods to install internal replacement pipes that line aging pipelines, reinforcing their walls and extending their service life.

“Getting an ASTM standard to vote is a big deal,” Wham said. “We designed these methods to serve a variety of industries as well as both current and future pipe replacement solutions. We have also developed unique physical testing capabilities that don’t exist anywhere else in the world.”

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� led the testing and analysis efforts and served as the primary experimental testing facility for evaluating various pipeline repair methods. CIEST researchers constructed three full-scale testing devices and developed models to predict potential failures in hard-to-reach replacement pipelines. By simulating real-world stresses—such as traffic loads and ground movement—they assessed how well these repair materials would perform over time.

The tests demonstrated that many of the internal replacement pipes effectively sealed holes, cracks and gaps, providing a lasting seal of 50 to 100 years at a cost of less than $1 million per mile—significantly lower than the approximately $10 million per mile it costs to dig up and replace pipes in urban centers.

In addition to a 90 percent drop in cost, the repairs will help reduce methane emissions from natural gas lines, which contribute to climate change, while also decreasing the risk of dangerous explosions from gas leaks. Additionally, they will prevent leaking water lines from wasting significant quantities of treated water and reduce the likelihood of potential contamination from external sources.

Project collaborators on the grant include Cornell University, the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and the Gas Technologies Institute (GTI). The USQ team used the data collected by CIEST to develop a publicly available app that can be downloaded and allows users to input material specifications, site information and other details to assess performance and design internal replacement pipe technologies.

“It essentially informs IRP developers what material characteristics and/or geometric properties they would need to survive our testing and extend their pipe service life,” Wham said.

50-year extension

Some municipal water lines stay in service for more than 100 years, so adding another 50 to 100 years through pipe lining technology is a significant advancement, allowing utilities to better manage their replacement schedule for aging infrastructure in a cost-effective way, said Dustin Quandt, an engineering project manager with CIEST.

“Fifty years is an important period of time,” Quandt said. “Because these technologies act as a new pipe with improved performance, utilities can fund these projects through capital improvements rather than maintenance budgets.”

Gaining industry confidence

Natural gas and water utilities have historically been reluctant to adopt new technologies, due to strict regulations and high risks in the event of failure, Wham said. To help address these concerns, the project has included representatives from major gas utilities and global experts to guide the development of testing and analysis techniques.

“By operating as a third-party, unbiased group, we are building confidence in the potential of these technologies to come forward,” he said. “We’re also fostering industry competition, which helps reduce costs.”

The center’s advancements in the natural gas sector have attracted the attention of the water industry, which is now considering adopting their proposed testing methods for pressurized water pipes.

Looking ahead

CIEST is examining pipes with bends and assessing the ability of these repair technologies and robots to navigate these additional geometries and hazards. Other future steps include evaluating these repair techniques under extreme conditions such as earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes and wildfires.

“While we made significant progress in the last few years, there’s a lot more work to be done in this growing industry,” he said.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Center for Infrastructure, Energy, and Space Testing (CIEST) has pioneered testing procedures for innovative pipe replacement solutions for aging urban pipes buried beneath buildings and roads.

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Could wet winters start to refill Colorado River reservoirs? What researchers are saying

Susan Glairon — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 10:37:03 +0000

Could wet winters start to refill Colorado River reservoirs? What researchers are saying Susan Glairon Fri, 12/06/2024 - 03:37

Professor Balaji Rajagopalan research suggests that increased precipitation in the Colorado River basin over the next 25 years could boost river flows despite rising temperatures. However, he warns of more frequent extreme droughts, highlighting the need for improved reservoir management.

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CU study claims prison system falls short in protecting inmates from climate disasters

Susan Glairon — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:53:14 +0000

CU study claims prison system falls short in protecting inmates from climate disasters Susan Glairon Tue, 11/26/2024 - 03:53

In this 9NEWS article, Associate Professor Shideh Dashti highlights the need for prison infrastructure to prioritize inmate well-being rather than solely containment, urging updates like evacuation plans and improved facilities to address extreme conditions and poor air quality.

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A look at the cost of cooling schools as millions of dollars are poured into HVAC replacements

Susan Glairon — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:31:33 +0000

A look at the cost of cooling schools as millions of dollars are poured into HVAC replacements Susan Glairon Fri, 11/15/2024 - 08:31

Arizona schools spend more than $30 million annually on air conditioning due to rising heat, according to a study by the Center for Climate Integrity. ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Professor Emeritus Paul Chinowsky, who helped with the study, stressed the equity challenges this creates for underfunded districts and suggested solutions like shading, blinds and natural materials to reduce classroom heat.

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Dept. of Energy offers Prometheus Materials $10M to study CO2 removal in concrete

Susan Glairon — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 15:18:00 +0000

Dept. of Energy offers Prometheus Materials $10M to study CO2 removal in concrete Susan Glairon Fri, 11/15/2024 - 08:18

Prometheus Materials, a zero-carbon building materials company spun out of the labs of Wil Srubar, Mija Hubler and Sherri Cook, along with partner groups will receive $10 million from the DOE to study the removal of carbon dioxide from cement.

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Disaster survivors want to rebuild safer, more sustainable homes, but cost misperceptions often stand in the way

Susan Glairon — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:15:13 +0000

Disaster survivors want to rebuild safer, more sustainable homes, but cost misperceptions often stand in the way Susan Glairon Fri, 11/08/2024 - 09:15

Professor Abbie Liel and her collaborator Susan Ostermann at Notre Dame are exploring solutions for building homes that can withstand disasters like hurricanes and fires.

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How prisons fall short in protecting the incarcerated from climate disasters

Susan Glairon — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 21:42:32 +0000

How prisons fall short in protecting the incarcerated from climate disasters Susan Glairon Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:42

In a new paper, drawing on accounts from nearly three dozen previously incarcerated people, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� researchers reveal a disturbing story of how prisons and jails in Colorado have failed to provide humane protections from growing environmental hazards brought on by climate change.

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Three CEAE faculty selected for Climate Innovation Collaboratory research awards

Susan Glairon — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 22:14:00 +0000

Three CEAE faculty selected for Climate Innovation Collaboratory research awards Susan Glairon Wed, 11/06/2024 - 15:14

Deloitte and the University of Colorado Boulder Climate Innovation Collaboratory Research Awards selected three CEAE faculty members for funding: Associate Professor Kyri Baker’s proposal “Viability of Long- and Short-Duration Energy Storage for AI Data Centers: Carbon, Cost and Reliability” and Associate Professor Mija Hubler (PI) and Associate Professor Jeong-Hoon Song’s(co-PI) proposal, “Framework for Mix Design Relations of Low-Embedded Carbon using Local Materials."

Deloitte and ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� launched the Climate Innovation Collaboratory to translate cutting-edge climate research and data into meaningful climate solutions for businesses, organizations, government agencies and communities.

Kyri Baker, Mija Hubler and JH Song were selected for the Deloitte/University of Colorado Boulder Climate Innovation Collaboratory Research Awards for translating climate research and data into meaningful climate solutions for businesses, organizations, government agencies and communities.

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Research

Extreme heat, flooding, wildfires – Colorado’s formerly incarcerated people on the hazards they faced behind bars

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���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ researchers harness nature to create living optical materials

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���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������ establishes worldwide standards for repairing inaccessible, leaking pipelines

50-year extension

Gaining industry confidence

Looking ahead

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Could wet winters start to refill Colorado River reservoirs? What researchers are saying

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CU study claims prison system falls short in protecting inmates from climate disasters

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A look at the cost of cooling schools as millions of dollars are poured into HVAC replacements

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Dept. of Energy offers Prometheus Materials $10M to study CO2 removal in concrete

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Disaster survivors want to rebuild safer, more sustainable homes, but cost misperceptions often stand in the way

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How prisons fall short in protecting the incarcerated from climate disasters

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Three CEAE faculty selected for Climate Innovation Collaboratory research awards

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��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� researchers harness nature to create living optical materials

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� establishes worldwide standards for repairing inaccessible, leaking pipelines