David Shiller

  Recent trends in U.S. housing construction highlight how single-family housing starts have declined while multifamily construction has grown—primarily in smaller and less densely populated markets—during the second quarter of 2025, according to the NAHB Home Building Geography Index (HBGI). Single-Family Construction Declines Single-family construction experienced declines in nearly every region during Q2 2025, signaling [...]

  Peacock feathers contain reflective microstructures that can amplify light into laser beams when dyed and energized, representing the first example of a natural laser cavity in the animal kingdom. Discovery of Laser Potential Scientists at Florida Polytechnic University explored whether the intricate ordered structures responsible for the feathers’ well-known structural color—vivid blues and greens [...]

  The risk of a recession in September 2025 is elevated, with analysts citing a combination of slow job growth, persistent inflation, and rising tariffs as key factors pushing the U.S. economy toward a downturn. Some, like Moody’s Chief Economist Mark Zandi, suggest the U.S. is “on the precipice” of a downturn, with the period of greatest [...]

  The 2025 California Energy Code (Title 24) clarifies lighting requirements for multifamily buildings. Here is a summary of the lighting changes: Updates mandatory requirements for dwelling units: all installed luminaires and light sources to meet JA8 criteria; removes Table 160.5-A and references. Section 160.5(a)1A Clarifies lighting integral to kitchen range hoods and bathroom exhaust fans do [...]

  Researchers have identified a new cancer treatment approach using molecules dubbed molecular jackhammers (MJHs), which are aminocyanines capable of mechanically disrupting cancer cell membranes through vibronic-driven action (VDA) when activated by near-infrared light. Key Concept: Vibronic-Driven Action VDA operates through subpicosecond whole-molecule vibrations of aminocyanines bound to cell membranes, initiated by targeted light exposure [...]

  Circadian lighting in hospital wards was found to significantly reduce falls among patients, by 50%, according to a retrospective observational study published in Healthcare (Basel), in July 2025. Study Context and Purpose Falls in hospitalized patients remain a major safety and health concern, often leading to complications, increased length of stay, and greater healthcare [...]

  The following lighting and electrical changes were made to the California 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Nonresidential Buildings: Adds requirements for manual controls to be in same space as controlled lighting, or so that controlled lighting or status can be seen when operating controls. § 130.1(a)2 Multilevel controls must provide and enable continuous [...]

  Laser headlights technology and development are being abandoned by carmakers due to US automotive regulations and rapid advancements in LED technology, making lasers unnecessary and less practical for automakers. Regulatory Roadblocks The United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) rule 108 has imposed strict limits on headlight brightness (150,000 candela) and beam range [...]

  The rapidly growing market for energy service companies (ESCOs) and their performance contracts are projected to expand from $15.9 billion to nearly $27 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. This growth is driven primarily by increasing government and commercial focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and infrastructure resilience. ESCO [...]