Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
Education
Imagine a building that grows organically and by itself!
Excerpts from article by Pooja Khanna Tyagi, published in the Architectural Digest
The world is grappling with various environmental issues like global warming and pollution, and so talk of sustainable buildings arises. Recently, a lot of research is taking place on the development of “living materials” for buildings, which can combine biology, polymers and cement chemistry to create biomimetic materials that are inspired by nature, and can help to combat climate change.
What are living building materials?
Living building materials are also known as biological building materials in which microorganisms participate in the manufacturing of the material. In this process the bacteria or other microbes work as mini-factories, which develop building materials that can live, multiply, heal cracks and also absorb harmful toxins from the air. Note that although wood is a biological material, it is not alive.
How can living building materials combat pollution?
The main function of these materials is to replace conventional buildings that release carbon emissions. As per studies, cement is the most widely used construction material and is one of the largest sources of industrial pollution. Therefore, if cement can be replaced by living building materials then it can help in reducing the environmental impact caused by the construction industry.
How has nature inspired the development of this material?
Scientists take inspiration from nature’s solutions and from organisms like corals which secrete limestone. One of the finest examples is the coral reefs which are formed by colonies of coral polyps held together by calcium carbonate. According to Wil Srubar, a material scientist, “Nature has figured out how to do a lot of things in a clever and efficient way, we just need to pay more attention.”
How are living building materials produced?
Wil Srubar and his team experimented with cyanobacteria belonging to the genus Synechococcus to create building blocks in a variety of shapes. These are photosynthetic organisms that use carbon dioxide, sunlight and water to grow and manufacture the building material. In this way, this new invention will play a key role in absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and mitigate climate change.
Colonies of cyanobateria are introduced into a solution of sand and gelatine. Under suitable conditions these microbes absorb carbon dioxide that helps them grow and make calcium carbonate or limestone. A chemical reaction takes place because of which the calcium carbonate mineralises the gelatine and binds together with the sand to create biocement or microconcrete which is a hard living brick.
The most interesting part of this process is that the living brick can reproduce in ideal conditions and grow into a new brick. Hence if these materials can grow biologically then they can be manufactured exponentially. However one major drawback is that living building materials need humid conditions to survive and cannot multiply in an arid climate.
Career
4 Career Development tips to help you achieve success
Excerpts from article by Stuart Gentle, published in Onrec.com
A stable and rewarding career is incredibly important when it comes to achieving success in life, but it takes some work to get there. That’s why an effective career development plan can land you a job with a higher income, and one that might be more in line with your interests or dreams.
Unfortunately, many people struggle when it comes to developing their career or advancing throughout their working years. They remain in the same position for years, which can lead to their lives becoming stagnant and predictable. Some people simply don’t know what they need to do to stand out or how to make the most of the opportunities provided to them.
Thankfully, there are some tips that can help you gain an edge and succeed when it comes to developing your career. Here are a few of them:
1. Perfect your resume
In order to have a career to develop, you first need to get hired. And one of the most important tools to help you get a job is your resume. It can help make a good first impression and get your foot in the door. You need a high-quality resume, to stand out above the competition and it needs to show hiring managers why you are a good choice.
Your resume should talk about your relevant experience, your education, your skills and other pertinent information. Be sure to use examples and stats if possible, as opposed to using general statements. While these tips can surely help you improve your resume to some degree, it may be worth it to enlist the help of some professionals. By using these services, you can get the right resume writing and career assistance you need to get you on the right path.
2. Improve your skills, work on weaknesses
No matter how confident an employee you are, you certainly will have some weaknesses. No one is perfect and you are bound to have some skills that aren’t up to the mark. This could be your communication, lack of patience, difficulty in taking risks or any other area that needs improvement.
Instead of dwelling on them, ignoring or trying to hide them, you should attempt to improve them. Work on identifying your weaknesses and think about what you need to do to fill the skill gap. It won’t happen overnight, but with some consistent work you can certainly see some major improvements. Additionally you should also find ways to improve your skills and keep them updated. The types of skills you attempt to learn or improve on will depend on the industry and niche you work in.
3. Become a better interviewee
The interview is among the most important things to master. Whether you are looking to advance at your current company, or land a job at a new firm, you need to be able to interview well. You need to be able to successfully answer questions, show confidence and illustrate that you are the right person for the job. Unfortunately, many qualified people struggle to interview well and it can hurt their ability to advance in their career.
Thankfully, there are many ways you can become a better interviewee, like preparing ahead of time, being kind, matching the pace of the interviewer and keeping eye contact. Also, be sure to follow up afterward. Nailing an interview and wowing the hiring managers can often seal the deal.
4. Make the right connections
In the corporate world, it often comes down to who you know – and not what you know. As a result, you need to make the right connections during your career. Make an effort to be kind and cordial with everyone you come into contact with. Networking can provide a lot of benefits and you should always be looking for opportunities to expand your network.
One single relationship could completely change the trajectory of your career. Of course, be sure to nurture these relationships as you progress. In addition to making the right connections, be sure not to burn any bridges. You never know where people will go in the future, and the last thing you want to do is burn a bridge that could have helped you later on in life.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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