science wire

Finding the maths on your street
A series of walking tours launched next week show how you can discover the maths hidden in our urban surroundings. Anyone can join the free tours of London and Oxford (book your place here ) which explore how cities – their buildings, roads, railways, sewers, and power systems – are all built on mathematical foundations.

‘Invisibility’ cloak could protect buildings from earthquakes
University of Manchester mathematicians have developed the theory for a Harry Potter style 'cloaking' device which could protect buildings from earthquakes. William Parnell's team in the University's School of Mathematics have been working on the theory of invisibility cloaks which, until recently, have been merely the subject of science fiction.

Infrastructure revolution
Technology has advanced to the point where the condition of bridges, tunnels and buildings can be monitored in unprecedented detail.

The UK’s largest prefabricated straw bale building is officially opened
One of the largest prefabricated straw bale buildings in Europe officially opened at The University of Nottingham today - Wednesday 8 February 2012.

Theatres of war: public spending on buildings for the arts
National recommendations for using public money to build arts venues are only succeeding in enforcing a system that is already flawed, a new study concludes.

Report outlines measures to cut carbon emissions from buildings
A new report from the Environmental Change Institute at Oxford University today outlines its strategy to transform the UK's built environment.

Charting the Rise and Decline of the Gothic Cathedral
A comprehensive exploration into Gothic cathedrals and their place in medieval society will be the focus of a series of Cambridge University Slade Lectures in Fine Art entitled The Gothic Cathedral: A New Heaven and a New Earth.

‘Extreme Sleepover #7’ – on the banks of the great grey-green, greasy Limpopo River
In the seventh of a series of reports contributed by Cambridge researchers, architect Michael Ramage travels to South Africa to build strength out of weakness.

Yoko Ono among artists exploring beauty
Works by Yoko Ono and Turner Prize nominee Karla Black feature in a new exhibition on the nature of beauty.

World-renowned engineer Sir Ove Arup honoured with unveiling of new bust