Good Morning! 🌞

Ever wondered what the world’s deepest swimming pool looks like and how deep it is? It’s quite insane…

Innovation

Carbon Dioxide Bricks

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo, in collaboration with Tokyo University of Science and Taiheiyo Cement Corporation, has developed a groundbreaking method to recycle concrete from a demolished school building and carbon dioxide from the air into new bricks strong enough to be used in house construction.

The process involves pulverizing the old concrete into a fine powder, which is then mixed with captured carbon dioxide. The mixture is then pressurized in layers using molds and heated to form solid concrete blocks. This innovative technique not only makes it easier and more feasible to recycle old materials but also traps carbon dioxide, reducing environmental impact. Moreover, these "refreshed" blocks can be reprocessed into new blocks if the buildings are later demolished.

The researchers explain that the recycled concrete blocks undergo a carbonation process over three months, which typically takes years in natural conditions. During this process, compounds like portlandite and calcium silicate hydrate in the concrete are transformed into calcium carbonate, strengthening the material over time. To expedite this process while ensuring the recycled blocks remain strong, the team pressurizes the carbonated powder with a calcium bicarbonate solution, then dries it to solidify the blocks. This recent experiment builds on previous efforts by layering and compacting the material inside molds, resulting in denser and stronger blocks compared to earlier methods.

This research is part of the C4S project (Calcium Carbonate Circulation System for Construction), led by Professor Takafumi Noguchi, with material development headed by Professor Ippei Maruyama. The project's goal is to create durable recycled concrete blocks, known as "calcium carbonate concrete," by incorporating carbon dioxide from the air or industrial exhaust. "As part of the C4S project, we intend to construct a real two-story house by 2030," says Professor Maruyama. "In the coming years, we plan to scale up to a pilot plant, improve production efficiency, and develop larger building elements as we work towards commercializing this material."

Culture

94-Year-Old Becomes Oldest to Tackle World's Fastest Zip Line

A 94-year-old Englishman, David Aris, took on the world’s fastest zip line to raise money for his local hospice care. David, a great-grandfather, lost his wife, June, to cancer five years ago. St John’s Hospice, which cared for June in her final months, also provided end-of-life care for a friend of David's, Mr. Kilby.

David and Narelle, Mr. Kilby’s 70-year-old widow, visited Zip World in Penrhyn Quarry, Wales, where they rode the zip line, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph (160 km/h), to raise funds for the hospice.

“I’d heard of the zip line, but I didn’t consider it until Narelle suggested it,” David told the media. “When I called to book and mentioned I was 94, they said I was likely the oldest person to try it, and it turned out to be true!”

David described the experience as nerve-wracking but exhilarating, noting that the ride was over in less than a minute due to its speed.

David and Narelle have raised over £9,500 through JustGiving to support the hospice that helped them during a difficult time.

Economy

Historic Pharma Deal to Cut Drug Prices

Americans have long paid more for prescription drugs than any other developed country. Last week, the White House concluded negotiations with pharmaceutical companies that will reduce these costs for millions of Medicare seniors.

The negotiations were put into effect by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which passed the Senate with a tie-breaking vote from the vice president. It is set to save $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket costs for seniors and $6 billion for Medicare in its first year.

Under the new agreements, millions of Medicare beneficiaries will see lower costs for some of the most expensive prescription drugs used to treat conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and blood clots. The Department of Health and Human Services secured deals to reduce the prices of ten high-cost drugs, with some cuts reaching up to 79% for Medicare Part D users.

These drugs represent some of the highest total spending in Medicare Part D. If the new prices had been in effect in 2023, Medicare would have saved about $6 billion. Starting in 2026, Medicare Part D enrollees are expected to save $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket expenses.

For instance, a Medicare enrollee using Stelara for arthritis would pay $1,174 for a 30-day supply in 2026, compared to $3,459 now. Additionally, many beneficiaries will benefit from the new $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket spending introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act. Eliquis, the most commonly prescribed drug for blood clots among nearly four million Medicare users, will see a 56% price reduction, saving billions nationwide.

The legislation also includes provisions for negotiating prices of more drugs each year—up to 15 in 2025 and up to 20 annually thereafter.

Mind Stretchers

❓️ 

Always in you, Sometimes on you; If I surround you, I can kill you. What am I?

Yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
The head of a whale is six feet long; his tail is as long as his head and half his body, and his body is half of his whole length.
How long is the whale? - 48 feet. (Head is 6; tail is 6+12=18; body is 24; total length is 48.)

Shout-out goes to Linda Runatz for getting the correct answer first!

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected]

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.