Sixth-Grader Invents Water-Absorbing Porous Concrete to Fight Urban Flooding

Sixth-grader Luca Durham developed a stronger, water-absorbing porous concrete by adding diatomaceous earth and recycled materials—oyster shells, seashells, charcoal, and gravel—producing better drainage to fight urban flooding; his winning design earned the Lemelson Early Inventor Prize, and he plans to add carbon fiber to boost strength while preserving drainage.