The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI), the Consortium of Organizations for Strong Motion Observation Systems (COSMOS) and SSA are pleased to announce that Eduardo Miranda of Stanford University is the recipient of the 2026 Bruce Bolt Medal.

MIT researchers developed a miniaturized ultrasound system that could make it easier for ultrasounds to be performed more often, either at home or at a doctor’s office. The system could help more breast tumors to be diagnosed at earlier stages.

A University of Pittsburgh team led by Daniel Shiwarski has developed HemoLens, a low-cost, open-source pressure myography system that cuts the price of a key cardiovascular research tool from about $40,000 to just $750. Built largely from 3D-printed components and paired with open-source software, HemoLens delivers high-quality measurements of blood vessel strength and flexibility without expensive hardware. Published in Device in December 2025, the work shows that thoughtful, open engineering can dramatically expand access to advanced hemodynamics research across laboratories worldwide.

University of Texas at Dallas researchers and their collaborators have developed and patented a wood-based material that can store and discharge heat to help make building temperatures more comfortable without using electricity. A study describing the material was published in the December issue of Materials Today Energy as part of the 2025 Promising Early Career Scientists Special Issue.

AES Andes announced that it will step back from the megaproject INNA, planned to be located near the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO’s) Paranal Observatory. ESO welcomes this announcement and expects that the project will be withdrawn from Chile's Environmental Assessment Service (SEA) soon, which would formally confirm INNA is not going ahead.

SAN ANTONIO — February 2, 2026 — Southwest Research Institute’s (SwRI) Board of Directors has named Dr. Ben Thacker, P.E., chief operating officer (COO). Thacker previously served as the vice president of SwRI’s Mechanical Engineering Division.

A University of Missouri researcher is pioneering an innovative solution to remove tiny bits of plastic pollution from our water.