🔧 Breakthrough: Self-Healing Concrete Inspired by LICHEN!

Concrete’s fatal flaw? Brittleness—leading to cracks under stress. But researchers at Texas A&M University have harnessed synthetic lichen to create concrete that heals itself, no human intervention needed!

How It Works

🦠 Bio-Innovation:

• Cyanobacteria (from air) + Fungus (attracts calcium) = Synthetic lichen

• Forms calcium carbonate (like eggshells/coral) to glue cracks shut

💡 Key Advantages:
✅ Fully autonomous: No external nutrients/spraying (unlike bacteria methods).
✅ Sustainable: Uses CO₂/Nitrogen from the air.
✅ Lab-proven: Repairs cracks & prevents spreading.

"This system eliminates exogenous nutrient supplies—it’s self-sustaining."
— Dr. Congrui Grace Jin, Lead Researcher

Why It Matters

🏗️ Extends infrastructure lifespan (roads, bridges).
🌱 Reduces concrete’s carbon footprint (less replacement).
🔬 Echoes ancient Roman self-healing concrete—but greener!

#SelfHealingConcrete #SustainableConstruction #Innovation #GreenTech #CivilEngineering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc0nILyks-U

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