"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Engineering
Pipe Manifolds
01/18/25
“How can we divide one pipe into multiple smaller pipes?”
Pipes are a backbone of modern infrastructure. Sometimes, we’ll need one pipe to branch off into others. We can accomplish this through Pipe Manifolds. Pipe manifolds are used in a wide range of applications, from HVAC systems to hydraulics.
Why Approval for Rebuilding Los Angeles Homes From the Wildfires Will Be Streamlined
01/17/25
“Why has approval for rebuilding Los Angeles homes from the wildfires been streamlined?”
Wildfires have destroyed a large amount of homes in Los Angeles. This has exacerbated the displacement and housing crisis already present in the city. California Governor Gavin Newsome has responded by suspending CEQA review and Coastal Act permitting for anything related to the reconstruction of properties substantially damaged or destroyed in the wildfires. This is Why Approval for Rebuilding Los Angeles Homes From the Wildfires Will Be Streamlined.
Why Los Angeles Needs to Clear Downed Power Lines Need Before Residents Can Return
01/16/25
“Why does LA need to clear downed power lines before residents can return?”
The January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires have wreaked havoc across the communities and infrastructure of Southern California. One of the biggest consequences has been the downing of powerlines. Electrocution can ensue if electricity is turned on before these are cleared. This is Why Los Angeles Needs to Clear Downed Power Lines Need Before Residents Can Return.
Why Los Angeles Residents Who Want to Return to Their Homes Must Wait for a Toxic Material Search
01/15/25
“Why do Los Angeles residents who want to return to their homes must wait for a toxic materials search?”
Many Los Angeles residents want to return home as soon as possible. However, hazardous materials may be present in the home, so Los Angeles County has declared that anyone who wishes to return must be assessed and removed by EPA. This is Why Los Angeles Residents Who Want to Return to Their Homes Must Wait for a Toxic Material Search.
Why Los Angeles Should Densify Urban Housing for Wildfire Resilience
01/13/25
“Why should Los Angeles densify the amount of urban housing for wildfire resilience?”
Los Angeles is experiencing rent gouging with the ongoing wildfires. The tight housing supply makes it more difficult for people to find appropriate housing at an affordable rate. But if the city densifies its urban housing stock, it can create more vacancies away from fire zones that people can move into in times of crisis. This is Why Los Angeles Should Densify Urban Housing for Wildfire Resilience.
If you need help or would like to provide help Black Altadena/Pasadena families hurt because of the LA fires, please check out the Displaced Black Families Altadena & Pasadena Mutual Aid Directory for resources
Why The State of California Should Prioritize the Rebuilding of Altadena
01/12/25
“Why should the State of California prioritize the rebuilding of Altadena?”
The wildfires sweeping Los Angeles have decimated humungous swaths of the metropolitan area. Altadena, a town in the San Gabriel Valley region, is one of the most affected places. Altadena is a diverse, dynamic community that’s long served as a cornerstone of the region’s Black American population. Altadena was one of the few places in Los Angeles County where Black Americans could receive a home mortgage during the redlining era, allowing it to hold a multigenerational Black American community. On January 7th, 2025 around 6:30 pm Pacific time, the Eaton fire started in Altadena, and spread over the city. Over 7,000 structures have been destroyed and the entirety of the town was evacuated. Given Altadena’s significance as a home for these communities fleeing racist state abuse, California should be obligated to rebuild Altadena. This is Why The State of California Should Prioritize the Rebuilding of Altadena.
If you need help or would like to provide help Black Altadena/Pasadena families hurt because of the LA fires, please check out the Displaced Black Families Altadena & Pasadena Mutual Aid Directory for resources
Image credit: Nextdoor
Pod Mapping for Disaster Mutual Aid
01/08/25
“How can we visualize who we can rely on for mutual aid?”
When disaster strikes, whether it’s wildfires in Los Angeles or genocidal invasions in Gaza/Ukraine, people will need mutual aid. However, organizing whom you can rely on can be quite daunting. This is where Pod Mapping for Disaster Mutual Aid comes in. Pod mapping starts with drawing a circle representing yourself. Around this circle will be more circles representing people you trust you can rely on for essential services. You will then communicate with these people what services you can provide and how you will all work together. From here, you will make plans and draw out more potential contacts and larger mutual aid groups you can rely on.
For more information regarding pod mapping, you can visit Rebel Sidney Black’s guide here.
Image credit: blogger.googleusercontent.com
Disinfection By-Products
01/02/25
“What by-products can be created after chemical water treatment?”
Water disinfection is a foundational part of water treatment. Oftentimes chemicals are used for cleaning. This can lead to chemical reactions that produce Disinfection By-Products. Disinfection by-products are present in drinking water supplies all over the world.
Uninterruptible Power Supply
01/01/25
“How can we provide uninterruptible power supplies to critical loads?”
Critical loads such as servers or medical systems need a continuous supply of power. Outages are incredibly dangerous because even leaving these machines off while the power source is switched can cause mass damage. So what if we were to attach multiple sources of power that can instantly switch on when one goes out. Well, this is the idea behind Uninterruptible Power Supply. The power backup usually only lasts a short time for the main electricity provider to return to operations.
Isaac's Science Blog 