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Newswise

Open BIM Exchange: Blockchain 3.0 for Traceable BIM Data

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor September 12, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Blockchain 3.0 Poised to Revolutionize BIM Data Exchange,New Research Shows

New York,NY – The construction industry is on the cusp of a major efficiency upgrade thanks to groundbreaking research into blockchain technology and Building Data Modeling (BIM). A team led by Lingming KONG, Rui ZHAO, Chimay J. ANUMBA, Weisheng LU, and Fan XUE has developed a new system that dramatically improves how BIM data is shared and managed between teams, addressing long-standing issues of redundancy, traceability, and security.

For years, the construction industry has embraced BIM for its potential to streamline project workflows. However, conventional file-based data exchange has proven clunky and inefficient. sending large BIM files back and forth, even when only minor changes have been made, leads to wasted time and resources. Existing standards like the Industrial Foundation Classes (IFC) haven’t fully solved these problems.

While cloud computing and blockchain have been explored as potential solutions, they’ve faced hurdles. Blockchain, in particular, struggles with the sheer size of typical BIM files. Existing solutions also lack the granular detail needed to track changes at a semantic level – meaning what specifically was changed, not just that something was changed.

This new research, published in Front. Eng. Manag., introduces a “traceable semantic differential transaction” (tSDT) approach.This innovative method minimizes data redundancy and allows for precise tracking of BIM changes. The team has also developed openBIMdisk, a blockchain 3.0 virtual disk that implements tSDT, enabling secure and efficient BIM exchange across multiple blockchain services.

Key Findings:

* minimal Redundancy: the tSDT approach demonstrated exceptional efficiency, requiring only 0.007% of disk space to store and restore all BIM changes during testing.
* Rapid Traceability: openBIMdisk facilitated fast BIM version management and object-level semantic traceability, with a response time of just 5.3 milliseconds.
* Enhanced Security: Leveraging

September 12, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Prefabricated Construction Site Layout Optimization: A Novel Approach

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor September 12, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

New Optimization Method Dramatically Improves Prefabricated Construction Site Efficiency & Safety

Sanya, China – A novel optimization ⁣method promises to revolutionize ‌the planning of prefabricated construction sites, ⁣considerably reducing risks and‍ costs associated with tower crane logistics and workspace congestion. Published in Front. Eng. Manag. (2025, 12(3): ‍487-509), the⁤ research details⁤ a Hybrid Multi-objective Decision Making (HMSIDBO)-based approach to Prefabricated Construction⁤ Crane Scheduling and Layout Planning (PCCSLP).

The ⁤escalating adoption ⁤of prefabricated‌ construction demands smarter site management to overcome challenges like limited space, complex crane movements, and potential safety hazards from falling components. This new method addresses these issues head-on, offering a data-driven ⁣framework for optimizing site layout from initial data collection through multi-objective optimization. The research ⁢demonstrates improvements ranging from⁤ 18% to 75% across key metrics, impacting project managers, construction workers, and ultimately, the ‌cost and timeline of prefabricated building projects.

The HMSIDBO-PCCSLP model tackles three core objectives: minimizing horizontal transportation time for tower ⁤cranes, ⁢shortening the horizontal path⁣ length for lifting prefabricated components, and reducing overlapping ⁢work areas between ⁣multiple cranes.It operates within seven constraints, encompassing four boundary ⁢limitations and three addressing potential overlaps. A case study conducted on prefabricated residential ⁣projects ‍in Sanya, China, ⁤validated the method’s practicality and⁣ effectiveness.

Results show the HMSIDBO optimization ‍scheme outperforms existing approaches.Compared to the original layouts, it reduces average horizontal transportation time by 18.3%,‌ shrinks hazardous areas affected by falling components by 23.4%, and decreases overlapping work areas by 74.3%. Furthermore, HMSIDBO proved‍ computationally faster and more accurate than Genetic Algorithms (GA), and exhibited superior iterative speed and global exploration ⁢capabilities when compared to the Dung Beetle Optimizer (DBO), Particle ⁢Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Whale Optimization Algorithm ⁤(WOA).

the full study ⁢is available⁤ at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42524-024-4004-z. This research lays the groundwork for wider implementation of bright construction site layouts and provides a scientific basis for safer, more efficient prefabricated construction management.

September 12, 2025 0 comments

Health

Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Higher Inflammation Risk

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor September 9, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

High Consumption of Ultra-processed Foods Linked to Systemic Inflammation, New Research Suggests

BOCA RATON, FL – A growing body of research indicates a ⁣critically important correlation between high consumption of ultra-processed⁣ foods and increased systemic inflammation, possibly contributing to a range of chronic health conditions. While the link isn’t entirely new, escalating ⁢rates of ultra-processed food intake alongside rising chronic disease prevalence are prompting renewed focus from medical institutions like Florida Atlantic University’s Charles ‌E. schmidt College⁤ of Medicine.

The⁣ findings are notably relevant to Palm Beach County, Florida, where access to and consumption of these foods is widespread. Florida Atlantic university (FAU),⁤ designated as an “R1: ⁣Very High Research Spending and ⁢Doctorate Production” university by the Carnegie classification of ⁤Institutions of Higher Education, is actively ⁢working to bolster the region’s physician workforce and address emerging health challenges. The FAU Charles E. Schmidt ‍College of Medicine Consortium for Graduate Medical Education (GME),formed in fall 2011 with five leading Palm Beach County hospitals,currently supports⁣ five ACGME-accredited residencies – internal medicine,surgery,emergency medicine,psychiatry,and neurology – and five fellowships including cardiology,hospice and palliative care,geriatrics,vascular surgery,and pulmonary disease⁢ and critical care medicine. These programs are crucial ⁤for training physicians equipped to manage inflammation-related illnesses.

Systemic inflammation, a prolonged activation of the immune system, is implicated in conditions like heart disease, type 2⁤ diabetes, certain cancers, and autoimmune disorders. Ultra-processed foods – typically high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, and containing artificial‍ additives – are thought to trigger this inflammatory response. Researchers believe these foods disrupt ⁢the gut microbiome, increase intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), and⁣ directly activate immune cells.

FAU serves over 32,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses along the Southeast Florida coast. Recognized nationally in 2025 as a Top 25 Best-In-Class College and lauded by Washington Monthly as an “engine of upward mobility,” the ‍university welcomed its most academically competitive incoming class in ⁣Fall 2025. The university also manages the florida Atlantic University Medical Group, offering thorough primary care, and‍ the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health, specializing in ‍integrative pain management, precision therapies, and mental health – areas often impacted by ‍chronic inflammation.

Further research is⁣ ongoing to fully understand the complex interplay between diet, inflammation, and disease, but experts emphasize the importance of prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods to mitigate‍ risk.

September 9, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Losartan Environmental Fate: Halogenation, Photolysis, and Degradation Mechanisms

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor September 5, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Common Blood Pressure Medication Losartan Breaks Down into Potentially Toxic Compounds⁢ in Sunlight, New research Finds

XIAMEN, CHINA – A widely prescribed medication for managing high blood pressure, losartan, degrades in sunlight-exposed water into byproducts exhibiting both high toxicity and resistance too biodegradation, according to a new study published in Frontiers in environmental Science & Engineering.Researchers investigated the environmental fate of losartan ‌(LOS) through halogenation and photolysis, revealing concerning transformation⁢ pathways and potential risks to aquatic ecosystems.

The study, supported by the National Key R&D Program ‌of China, the Natural Science Foundation of Xiamen, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, details how losartan ‍undergoes reactions with chlorine and bromine-common water disinfectants-accelerated by sunlight. These ‌processes don’t simply eliminate the drug; instead,they create a complex mixture of compounds formed through‍ halogen addition to ‌the aromatic ring,hydroxylation,and even ring opening. While the initial breakdown appears rapid, some resulting products persist in the environment ⁣and pose a threat to aquatic life.

Researchers measured apparent ‍rate constants (k_app) for chlorination and bromination of losartan. Chlorination rates, measured as k_app, HClO (LOS), ranged ⁢from 0.47 to 8.30 L/(mol·s)⁤ at pH levels between 5.0 and 8.0.Bromination proved significantly faster, with k_app, HBrO (LOS) values ranging from 8.38 × 10³ to 1.55 × 10⁵ L/(mol·s) over the same pH ⁢range. Losartan degradation occurs via direct photolysis, alongside reactions involving carbonate radicals and ⁢singlet‌ oxygen when exposed to sunlight.The research team’s findings underscore the need for further investigation into the long-term ecological consequences of pharmaceutical‍ runoff and ⁢the effectiveness of current ⁣water treatment methods in mitigating the‌ formation of these potentially harmful degradation products. The full study is available at: https://journal.hep.com.cn/fese/EN/10.1007/s11783-025-1968-9.

September 5, 2025 0 comments

Health

Medical Keto vs. Pop Keto: A Guide to the Diet’s Origins and Purpose

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor September 4, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

## Medical Keto Diet ⁤Offers⁢ Hope for Children with Epilepsy,⁢ but Requires Careful Management

Los Angeles, CA – A specialized ketogenic diet is ⁣emerging as a powerful tool in managing epilepsy, ‌particularly in ⁣children who haven’t responded too conventional medications.But ⁣navigating this highly restrictive⁤ eating plan‌ demands close medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness, experts at Children’s ‍Hospital Los ⁤Angeles (CHLA) emphasize.

Epilepsy affects an estimated 1 in 26 people globally, and⁢ for a⁣ meaningful subset-especially children with challenging-to-control ‌seizures-medication isn’t enough. The medical ketogenic diet, distinct from‌ popular fad diets,‍ provides an‍ option approach by drastically⁢ altering the body’s energy source.This therapy isn’t a swift fix; ⁣it requires a dedicated team,including neurologists and registered dietitians,to monitor patients and tailor the diet to individual needs.”We’re looking at blood work, monitoring for side⁤ effects, and ensuring your child is safe and getting the fuel they⁢ need,” explains CHLA dietitian Klier. ‍The diet forces the body to burn fat for energy rather of carbohydrates, producing⁤ ketones which can have a stabilizing effect on brain activity.

Though, parents ⁣should be ⁤wary of products marketed as “keto-kind.” the term lacks standardized regulation, meaning manufacturers can apply it loosely. Many such ⁤foods contain ingredients unsuitable for ‌a strict medical ‍ketogenic diet, which requires precise macronutrient ratios.

CHLA’s clinical dietitians stress the importance of a balanced nutritional foundation, even while on the ketogenic diet. ”With epilepsy, ⁤nutrition plays an ‌important role in giving⁤ your brain and ⁣gut ⁤the energy it needs,” Klier says. “We know that⁤ what we eat and what’s in our gut impacts our brain.”

Ultimately,⁢ a diverse intake of fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty ⁣acids from⁤ fish, and a variety of foods providing essential vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins is crucial for optimal brain and body function.

Families‌ seeking more information about the ketogenic diet and ‌epilepsy care can learn more ⁣about the Comprehensive Epilepsy ‌Center at CHLA.

September 4, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Quantum Fabrication: New Technique Expands Materials for Quantum Hardware

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor September 4, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

NYU Tandon Breakthrough‍ Paves Way for Advanced Quantum Computing Hardware

BROOKHAVEN, NY ⁣- A team led by researchers at NYU Tandon school of Engineering has pioneered‍ a novel ‍fabrication technique utilizing Ion Beam Etching (IBE) that promises to unlock‌ the potential of new materials for superconducting quantum technologies. The advancement, validated through testing at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), considerably reduces energy loss in quantum resonators, a critical step toward building‍ more stable and powerful⁣ quantum computers.

This development addresses a key bottleneck in quantum computing: the difficulty of manufacturing high-quality superconducting devices with minimal energy dissipation. Lower loss‌ rates translate directly ⁣to improved qubit coherence and performance, enabling more‍ complex calculations and accelerating ‌the development of practical quantum applications. The research, supported by the Microelectronics commons through the Northeast Defense Technology Hub, ‍represents a‍ major stride in the⁢ “lab-to-fab” transition of cutting-edge quantum materials.

The team successfully fabricated and‌ tested quantum resonators using the IBE-based⁢ approach at ‌the Northeast Regional Defense Technology (NORDTECH) Hub facility. Subsequent evaluation by Booz Allen Hamilton ⁢contractors Christopher Nadeau ⁣and Man ‌Nguyen at⁤ AFRL, at temperatures approaching absolute ‌zero, confirmed the technique’s ability to‍ produce low-loss quantum hardware.

“Loss is a critical measure ⁣of hardware quality,” highlighting the importance of minimizing energy dissipation in these delicate systems.

The ‍research‌ team included Deena Shahrjerdi, Robert LaHaye, and Pablo Manzo-Perez from⁤ NYU Tandon, alongside collaborators Alexander‌ madden (Booz Allen Hamilton), Iliya Shiravand (NYU Tandon), Kim Kisslinger⁣ and Xiao Tong (Brookhaven National laboratory), Kasra Sardashti (University of Maryland), and michael‍ Senatore (Air‌ Force ⁤Research ‌Laboratory). The work is being conducted under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (24-RI-CRADA-09) between NYU Tandon and AFRL Rome, and is funded through the Northeast Defense Technology Hub project, “Improved Materials ‍for Superconducting Qubits with Scalable⁤ Fabrication.”

September 4, 2025 0 comments

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