Cornell Engineers Develop Robotic Material Displaying Key Features of Life

With more and more innovation coming along the way, technology is bridging the gap between human and machines. The line is becoming more blurred between machines and mortals. Experts have developed a new biomaterial which is not alive yet depicts three major traits of human life - metabolism, and self-assembly. Reportedly, this biomaterial can crawl forward like eukaryotic organisms. They also tend to grow new stands from the front as the older ones at the back decay and fall. The researchers have even set up a race among the different samples in the lab.
The scientists have named it as DASH which stands for DNA-based Assembly and Synthesis of Hierarchical materials. The instructions encoded in the biomaterial for metabolism and regeneration is similar to the DNA in any living organism. Dan Luo from Cornell University in New York said, We are introducing a brand new, life-like material concept powered by its very own artificial metabolism. We are not making something that’s alive, but we are creating materials that are much more life-like than have ever been seen before.

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Comfort Systems USA Announces Acquisition

Business Wire | February 01, 2024

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. today announced that it has closed its previously announced transaction to acquire Summit Industrial Construction, LLC (“Summit”) headquartered in Houston, Texas. As previously disclosed, Summit is a specialty industrial mechanical contractor offering engineering, design-assist and turnkey, direct hire construction services of modular systems serving the advanced technology, power, and industrial sectors. Summit’s capabilities encompass a wide range of modular and site-based construction, including process piping, equipment setting, large pipe rack trestles, and related steel erection and specialty concrete work. Summit is a trusted supplier to some of the world’s largest advanced technology, power and industrial companies and is currently deployed on several major chip fabrication projects. Initially, Summit is expected to contribute annualized revenues of approximately $375 million to $400 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $35 million to $40 million. In light of the amortization expense, Summit is expected to make a neutral to slightly accretive contribution to earnings per share in 2024 and 2025. Brian Lane, Comfort Systems USA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are delighted to announce the closing of our agreement to acquire Summit, an extremely capable provider of modular and other complex mechanical services. Summit brings a stellar reputation as a modular technology leader in growing end markets, including multiple ongoing and large semiconductor projects. We are happy to welcome Summit’s wonderful leadership team and excellent production and craft workers across many states, and we are confident Summit will continue to innovate and grow as a part of our network of world-class contracting companies. We are grateful that Summit has chosen to become part of Comfort Systems USA.”

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