In October 2023, the government announced significant changes to the HS2 programme Our latest National Audit Office report examines whether DfT and HS2 Ltd are effectively managing their response to the changes in the HS2 programme to protect and maximise vfm 🧵 1/9 nao.org.uk/reports/hs2-up…

Rolls-Royce secures further funding to progress its space nuclear reactor technology eandt.theiet.org/2024/07/23/rol…

An interesting (but deadly) natural phenomenon is a limnic eruption. This occurs when a lake is disturbed or 'shaken' and then, like a bottle of pop, expels carbon dioxide gas, killing nearby people and animals. In 1986 thousands died at Lake Nyos in Cameroon. Mark Miodownik

Mark Miodownik Peter Same process is at work in Lake Kivu, which is 1000x larger and has a million people living on its shores. An engineer told me the methane extractor built to relieve the pressure was destabilising the system and making an eruption more likely. Pitched story but got rejected 🤷‍♀️

Should be a good one.

Today we’re investing over £100 million for 5 new quantum research hubs across the UK. From faster medical scanners to secure communication networks, this funding will transform sectors like healthcare and security, creating a culture of innovation that helps grow our economy.

Another gas anecdote: Scientist Jean Andre De Luc carried around a flask of water, shaking it continuously for 4 weeks! This expelled all of the dissolved air. When heated, the water boiled at 112 C, but there were no bubbles. Instead, the water simply exploded. Mark Miodownik

In case you are looking for a fizzy book to read on holiday!

The first hydrogen balloon did take off from Paris in 1783 as depicted in the Olympics Opening Ceremony. Hydrogen was preferred lifting gas for airships from then on. Perfected in the amazing story of Zeppelins in early 20th century. Read more in my new book It's a Gas. #itsagas

Super book! Highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand how our material world works.

New book, featuring content from some of the world's leading thinkers, including: Mark Miodownik Guru Madhavan Benjamin Pring Peter High Don Norman Gillian Tett Arthur Turrell Simon Kingsnorth Rachel Botsman Steve LeVine Matthew Syed Eric Ries bit.ly/3yPN8H0

Today in 1628 the Vasa, the latest, most powerful and advanced ship in the Swedish navy set off on its maiden voyage. After travelling about 1,300m it capsized and sank. It was raised after 333 years on the seabed. Today The Vasa Museum is one of my favourite places in the world.

Peter ICE Library ICE Gordon Masterton Canal & River Trust Tom Rolt’s book is the classic, and Julian Glover’s “Man of Iron” is a good modern take on the great man

Peter Alan Harding ICE Gordon Masterton Canal & River Trust For Telford in his own words, try The Life of Telford, ed. Rickman, 1838. Online version at LIFE OF THOMAS TELFORD : RICKMAN, JOHN, ED. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

I'm creating the framework for a new professional award called Certified Strategic Engineer. The training modules are under development, but it will take years to get the qualification approved. Conversations with certification bodies lie ahead.

Sou Fujimoto is completing one of the largest timber buildings in the world A 2km long ring of mass timber, which will be the centrepiece of Osaka Expo 2025

“Solar is terrible for farming”

More durable metals for fusion power reactors: MIT researchers have found a way to make structural materials last longer under the harsh conditions inside a fusion reactor. mitsha.re/HbW550T9Spe

Trying to understand the sluggish nature of the UK economy. I wonder how much personal disposable income is being spent overseas, e.g. holiday cash and remittances. Must be >£40bn and increasing. Significant...or not? Faisal Islam Chris Giles David Smith Phillip Inman