Curiosity Weekly
Re-release: Roman Concrete Magic, Virovore, Placebo Guilt
Dec 27, 2023
Discover the magic behind ancient Roman concrete's self-healing capability and how it compares to modern concrete. Dive into the groundbreaking discovery of a virovore organism that exclusively consumes viruses. Explore a study on the use of placebos to reduce feelings of guilt, revealing ethical challenges and potential benefits in healthcare.
17:38
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Quick takeaways
- Ancient Roman concrete possesses self-healing properties due to the use of quicklime and tephra, potentially revolutionizing modern concrete production.
- Researchers have discovered an organism called halteria that consumes viruses, challenging traditional predator-prey dynamics and necessitating further exploration of its implications on ecosystems and carbon cycles.
Deep dives
Magical Roman Concrete: Ancient Technology Revealed
Ancient Roman concrete, which has stood the test of time for more than 2000 years, has been found to possess self-healing properties. The secret lies in the use of quicklime and small rock particles known as tephra in the Roman concrete mixture. When cracks occur, rainwater filters through the concrete, causing the quicklime to react, dissolve, and re-crystallize, filling in the cracks and keeping the structure strong. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize modern concrete production, making it more durable and environmentally friendly.
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