Maddux Alexander Springer, a dedicated Hawaiian teen, has made significant strides in understanding a mysterious disease affecting sea turtles. Unlike many high school students who may shy away from long-term projects, Springer devoted nearly three years to researching fibro papillomatosis (FP), disease-causing cauliflower-like tumors on green sea turtles. These tumors, while not directly fatal, can severely hinder the turtles’ ability to breathe and eat, leading to tragic outcomes. Springer first encountered the afflicted turtles during his free dives in Kāneʻohe Bay, Oahu, during the pandemic. Alarmed by the lack of extensive research on this issue, he took it upon himself to explore the disease’s prevalence and triggers. Despite initial setbacks, such as being denied permits to biopsy the tumors, Springer creatively utilized underwater motion-sensing cameras to survey the turtle population, uncovering that FP was widespread and possibly linked to the turtles’ diet of an invasive algae species, graciliaria salicornia.

Springer’s persistence paid off when he discovered that this invasive algae, which the turtles were consuming in large quantities, absorbed significantly more sewage compared to native algae species. Given Hawaii’s severe sewage leakage issue, with over 52 million gallons of untreated sewage entering the ground daily, Springer hypothesized that the algae’s high nitrogen content, converted to the amino acid arginine, was triggering FP in turtles. His innovative research, though not yet peer-reviewed, earned him the top prize in the animal sciences division at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, along with the prestigious Peggy Scripps Award for Science Communication, netting him $10,000. As Springer prepares to study marine biology at Oregon State University, he hopes his work will raise awareness of the urgent need for government intervention to address Hawaii’s wastewater management crisis. With the state aiming to replace all cesspools by 2050, Springer’s advocacy underscores the importance of timely action to protect both marine life and human health.

Summer is here, and the Moon is about to put on a spectacular show to celebrate. Just one day after the summer solstice, June’s full moon—known as the Strawberry Moon—will be at its fullest. It will also appear exceptionally large because, according to Farmer’s Almanac, it is the lowest full moon in years. This is due to the Moon mirroring the Sun’s position in the sky. Since the summer solstice marks the Sun’s highest point in the Northern Hemisphere, the Moon is consequently quite low. This low position creates the Moon Illusion, making the Moon appear significantly larger when it is close to the horizon.

June’s full moon is called the Strawberry Moon because it coincides with North America’s strawberry harvest season. Native American tribes named the moons to track the year and specific activities tied to each period. The Algonquin tribes’ names for the moons have become the most familiar, largely due to the Farmer’s Almanac’s publication of these names since the 1930s. Other Native American names for June’s full moon include Blooming Moon (Anishinaabe), Green Corn Moon (Cherokee), Birth Moon (Tlingit), and Egg Laying Moon (Cree). An old European name for the June full moon is the Mead or Honey Moon, named after the fermented honey drink. Some believe the term “honeymoon” originates from the tradition of marrying in June. Despite its name, the Strawberry Moon will not appear red; instead, it will shine large and bright on Friday, June 21, peaking at 9:08 p.m. EDT.

It’s difficult to imagine that 92 years ago when the LEGO brick was first introduced to the world, the humble piece of plastic would transform into such a versatile element of creativity. Whether it’s used to make replicas of objects, actual functioning products, or even scaled-down versions of cars and monuments, LEGO bricks have evolved well beyond the simple cuboid-shaped, single-colored pieces that they used to be decades ago. Heck, we’ve even managed to turn the bricks into a flourishing movie franchise! These innovative transformations highlight LEGO’s journey from simple children’s toys to intricate models appealing to hobbyists of all ages.

I digress, but this is just to preface the fact that LEGO is planning on expanding its already popular Botanical collection with newer pieces that bring nature’s grand diversity to your homes. Although not officially announced by LEGO, sleuths on the internet have found images for two new additions to the Botanical collection – a Chrysanthemum plant and a Plum Blossom plant. Vibrant in color, with a beautiful balance between abstract and biophilic, these plants are a gorgeous addition to homes. They come with stands that let you place them on coffee tables, credenzas, or even bookshelves, adding a touch of undying plant beauty to your space. No green thumb is required! The Chrysanthemum set, with 278 pieces, stands at 26cm and is priced at €28.95, making it an affordable entry to the Botanical Collection. The Plum Blossom, larger at 327 pieces and 34cm in height, complements the Chrysanthemum with elegant design and innovative parts usage. Both sets are anticipated for release on August 1, 2024, and hint at potential future releases such as bamboo and orchid, further enriching the Botanical series.

Monocoque Cabin by Markos Design Workshop (MDW) is a sustainably prefabricated structure adjacent to historic West Midlands woodland along the Shropshire Union Canal, UK. Inspired by the timber monocoque construction of the de Havilland Mosquito aircraft wing and traditional boat-building techniques, architect Peter Markos designed a cabin with an organic, structurally stiff form with an exposed timber interior, offering warmth and comfort. The design employs advanced CNC technology to seamlessly integrate modern precision with traditional craftsmanship, producing a durable yet visually striking structure capable of withstanding environmental factors such as wind loads while maintaining its lightweight integrity. Collaborating with structural engineers Price & Myers and digital manufacturing company BlokBuild, MDW utilizes their timber system expertise to fabricate the Monocoque Cabin, with main ribs made from layered plywood with birch exteriors and spruce cores, forming stiff rings skinned with thin plywood layers to support the undulating curves. The floor, composed of torsionally stiff Oriented Strand Board (OSB) insulated cassettes, merges with the ribs and plywood sheets to create the monocoque structure.

The Monocoque Cabin exemplifies contemporary living spaces that emphasize sustainability by blending traditional and modern techniques, thus minimizing environmental impact while harmonizing with its natural surroundings. Designed for mobility, the cabin can be disassembled and relocated in a matter of days, leaving no permanent impact on the environment. This project by the UK-based Markos Design Workshop showcases the potential of combining modern prefabrication with traditional timber construction methods, highlighting innovative and practical approaches to sustainable architecture. The use of advanced digital manufacturing alongside traditional craftsmanship results in a highly efficient, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing dwelling. The Monocoque Cabin not only reflects a commitment to sustainability but also demonstrates how thoughtful design and engineering can create harmonious, adaptable living spaces that resonate with their natural settings.

In Fryšták, Czechia, Zdeněk Rothbauer, and the Karel Filsak Architects have introduced a chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua that departs from conventional ecclesiastical design. This cylindrical structure, crafted from raw brick, draws inspiration from early Christian churches with circular floor plans, emphasizing simplicity and humility. Unique to this chapel is the atypical gable roof that replaces traditional dome frescoes, allowing light to filter through its geometric structures and creating a striking contrast between tradition and innovation. The chapel’s design incorporates circles, Greek crosses, and exposed brickwork, reflecting the Franciscan Order’s values of essential humility. This expressive use of circles symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the universe. At the same time, the overall design serves as a sanctuary for quiet contemplation, embodying Franciscan principles such as poverty, renunciation of privileges, solitude, and learning. According to Karel Filsak, the chapel respects its material and historical context, achieving boldness through simplicity.

Inside the chapel, austerity is maintained with unplastered walls and minimal furnishings, underscoring the Franciscan values. Brick, chosen as the primary building material, is used throughout the structure, creating a cohesive and harmonious environment conducive to silent meditation. The Greek cross reliefs provide indirect lighting, enhancing the circular floor plan’s abstract composition. The interior furnishings, including an ambon, bench, hanging light, and a stand with a lily vase, symbolically underscore Saint Anthony’s authenticity and humility. The interior’s emptiness accentuates intimacy, drawing visitors’ gaze upward toward the roof. This roof, made of galvanized steel, lightly touches the brickwork in just two places and is supported by skylights divided into twelve columns, imparting a sense of balance and tranquility. The careful integration of material choice and geometric forms within the chapel reflects a seamless blend of historical reverence and modern architectural innovation.

The extraordinary Metrosideros robusta, affectionately known as The Walking Tree, has been crowned New Zealand’s 2024 Tree of the Year by the New Zealand Arboricultural Association. Located near a cemetery on South Island, this remarkable tree, with its leg-like trunks, immediately brings Continue reading “Incredible ‘Walking Tree’ is Named New Zealand’s 2024 Tree of the Year” »

Light Manufacturing, a pioneering startup, has revolutionized the creation of plastic goods by harnessing solar power through its innovative Solar Rotational Molding (SRM) technology. This system involves feeding raw plastic into molds, which are then subjected to concentrated sunlight via a network of 30 heliostats—mirrors that adjust to track the sun’s movement. This setup eliminates the need for conventional energy sources, dramatically reducing Continue reading “Sunbeam-Powered Portable Factory Manufactures Zero-Emission Plastic Goods Anywhere There’s Trouble” »

Nestled in a picturesque corner of the East French forest, the Thérèse tiny cabin by Bureau is a fairytale-inspired retreat that integrates with its natural surroundings. Built-in 2014, the cabin’s exterior features a rugged, rocky finish that pays homage to the Swiss Alps, reflecting the narrative of Charles-Ferdinand Ramuz’s novel Derborence. Named after the story’s characters, Antoine and his wife Thérèse, the micro-cabin exudes an enchanting charm with its rock-like Continue reading “Fairytale-Inspired Tiny Cabin with a Rocky Exterior Perfectly Merges with the French Forest” »

Graphyte, a startup specializing in climate change solutions, has developed an innovative method to combat carbon emissions using LEGO-like bricks. These bricks, made from dried biomass, provide a nearly permanent solution for carbon sequestration. By eliminating microbes and water, which are essential for decomposition, Graphyte ensures that the carbon captured in plant matter is preserved rather than released back into the atmosphere. The company collects agricultural and timber industry by-products, dries them to halt the microbial activity, compacts the biomass into dense blocks, and seals them with an impermeable barrier. Each brick is then buried underground and monitored with sensors, offering an efficient and cost-effective means to lock away carbon. This method is notably more affordable than other carbon removal processes, costing under $100 per ton of CO2 compared to the $600-$1,200 per ton typical of other methods.

Graphyte’s approach not only provides a practical carbon sequestration solution but also integrates seamlessly into existing land use practices. The buried bricks do not interfere with the land above, which can still be used for solar farms or agricultural purposes. This innovation highlights the potential for scalable, long-term carbon removal strategies that complement aggressive emissions reduction efforts. Graphyte emphasizes that their technology is a supplementary measure, necessary to meet the substantial carbon removal targets outlined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. By demonstrating how responsible partnerships and innovative thinking can contribute to climate action, Graphyte offers a hopeful path forward in the global effort to mitigate climate change.