• Cooling Perspectives on the Risk of Pathogenic Viruses from Thawing Permafrost

    Abstract: Climate change is inducing wide-scale permafrost thaw in the Arctic and subarctic, triggering concerns that long-dormant pathogens could reemerge from the thawing ground and initiate epidemics or pandemics. Viruses, as opposed to bacterial pathogens, garner particular interest because outbreaks cannot be controlled with antibiotics, though the effects can be mitigated by vaccines and newer antiviral drugs. To evaluate the potential hazards posed by viral pathogens emerging from thawing permafrost, we review information from a diverse range of disciplines. This includes efforts to recover infectious virus from human remains, studies on disease occurrence in polar animal populations, investigations into viral persistence and infectivity in permafrost, and assessments of human exposure to the enormous viral diversity present in the environment. Based on currently available knowledge, we conclude that the risk posed by viruses from thawing permafrost is no greater than viruses in other environ¬ments such as temperate soils and aquatic systems.
  • Vietnam veterans of Bravo Company receive long-overdue Bronze Star Medals

    More than half a century after their service in the jungles of Vietnam, 14 veterans of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, were formally presented Bronze Star Medals during a ceremony Sept. 18, 2025, at American Legion Post 1 in Omaha.
  • Thurmond Lake Hurricane Helene Debris Removal Operations Complete

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, has completed its Hurricane Helene debris removal operations, collectively removing 242,645.5 cubic yards of downed timber and debris from J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake recreation areas.
  • A Stakeholder Driven Engagement Strategy to Support the Development of Harmful Algal Bloom Control Technologies: A Case Study with DinoSHIELD

    Abstract: With rapid advancements in environmental technology, early stakeholder engagement in research and development is critical for successful technology transition. DinoSHIELD is a novel biological harmful algal bloom control strategy targeting toxic dinoflagellates through controlled release of a naturally-produced algicide from bacteria immobilized in non-toxic hydrogel. This study presents the first successful application of the Responsible Research and Innovation framework to marine HAB control technology development. The stakeholder engagement strategy included workshops in southwest Florida with pre- and post-surveys to assess understanding and comfort, plus feedback sessions to gather actionable input for ongoing R&D. The RRI approach achieved measurable success across all objectives: survey results showed significant increases in stakeholder understanding and comfort with DinoSHIELD. Stakeholder feedback directly informed critical R&D priorities including alternative deployment mechanisms, sustainability considerations, and ecological safety assessments. Participants showed enthusiasm for the technology’s natural derivation while identifying crucial research gaps that have been incorporated into ongoing development. This work establishes the first rigorous baseline of stakeholder perceptions for marine HAB control technologies and validates a replicable model for environmental management strategies. The results demonstrate that successful technology transition requires meaningful stakeholder participation throughout development, providing a template for accelerating responsible development of novel environmental technologies.
  • Bridging the Impact Response of Polymers from the Nanoscale to the Macroscale

    Abstract: Impact from a fast-moving object is a common event, but it can vary greatly in terms of scale, speed, and energy depending on the specific case. Recently, it has been suggested that scaling analysis can be used to relate the impact performance of materials at the nano- and microscale to their behavior at the macroscale, which is relevant for most applications. In this study, we explore the broad applicability of this approach by conducting micro- and macroprojectile impact tests on polymethyl methacrylate and polycarbonate films. By applying Buckingham 𝛱 dimensional analysis to all the impact test results, we demonstrate that the minimum perforation velocity is directly related to the geometric and material properties of each system across a broad range of size and energy scales. Interestingly, we find that the failure stress of the polymer, a critical material property that defines perforation resistance, can be empirically determined based on the deformation of the specific impact test.
  • Design and Development of Large Format Additive Manufacturing Techniques

    Abstract: This report discusses the creation of a large format additive manufacturing (LFAM) printer and initial test printing with the machine. A pellet-extruder head was attached to a computer numerical control (CNC) gantry. The team at the US Army Research and Development Center (ERDC) modified gantry arms to increase build height and designed electronic controls to allow for control of the printhead and the heated print bed. This report also covers print parameter optimization and print settings development.
  • Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF) Design Process

    Purpose: The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) provides water resource and river engineering technical support to a wide-ranging portfolio of projects across the country and world. To maintain state-of-the-art river engineering practice, research and development focused on updating conventional river engineering technologies and approaches is required. Incorporating Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF) and Natural Infrastructure (NI) strategies into the design of stable channels is one way to update river engineering practices (USACE 2017). The objective of this technical note is to provide a standard approach for incorporating NNBF-NI into the design of stable channels. Specific analysis and design details referred to herein are part of the NNBF Stabilization and Restoration (NNBF-SR) research and development (R&D) effort.
  • USACE Wilmington to hold a public meeting for the Wilmington Harbor 403 Letter Report and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Wilmington District completed the draft Letter Report and draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This document is now available for review on our website: https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/Dredging/Wilmington-Harbor/Wilmington-Harbor-403-Letter-Report-and-EIS/
  • USACE waives day use fees at recreation areas in observance of National Public Lands Day

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District is waiving day use fees Sept. 27, 2025, at recreation areas in observance of National Public Lands Day.
  • USACE to temporarily close Buck Creek Park

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will temporarily close Buck Creek Park on Bull Shoals Lake Sept. 22 through Oct. 8, 2025, for park improvements. Work includes paving, major road improvements and expansion of the boat ramp parking lot.