The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released a final rule on crane safety for railway construction, which adds several exemptions for certain equipment. The rule, which goes into effect on Nov. 16, also exempts railroad workers from taking certification tests for crane operators.

Relativity Space believes its 3D printing technology gives it an edge among small launch providers, and the company plans to pursue Defense Department launches. Relativity Space is preparing for the first launch of its Terran One rocket next year.

It is important for industry professionals to become familiar with, and learn the value of, standards early on in their careers. Teaching standards in the classroom can be the first step.

Rocket Lab is close to receiving all necessary approvals to conduct launches in the US. The company completed a "wet dress rehearsal" of an Electron rocket launch at its US facility and is awaiting NASA certification of its autonomous flight termination system.

The FDA is poised to release a more stringent set of emergency use authorization standards for potential COVID-19 vaccines, and the rules suggest a vaccine won't be approved under the framework until after the election. Sources say EUA applicants will need to follow participants in Phase III trials for a median of two months or more after they receive a second vaccine shot, and placebo groups will need to include at least five severe COVID-19 cases plus some infections in older adults.

Kellogg has reduced carbon emissions in its production facilities by 28% since 2015 in conjunction with its Better Days initiative, according to a statement. The company's effort to lower carbon emissions in its supply chain by 50% is supported by its Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources program in Illinois, where farmland soil conservation efforts have prevented the emission of more than 5,440 tons of carbon dioxide.

Using concrete instead of asphalt when possible in paving could reduce carbon emissions, according to Peter DeCarlo, an associate professor with Johns Hopkins University. Emissions from asphalt triple even with moderate levels of sun, according to a study in Science Advances.

Walmart said it will focus on plans to use wind, solar and other renewable sources of power as it works to cut emissions from its global operations to zero by 2040. The retailer said the ongoing push for green fuel will also enable it to use only renewable sources for power at all of its facilities by 2035.

Researchers from Purdue University are demonstrating how variable valve actuation in diesel engines can reduce fuel consumption and tailpipe emissions. The technology promises to help California meet its strict standards for emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and microscopic particles.

PepsiCo has set a goal of sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable energy programs for its operations by 2030 and across its entire supply chain by 2040. The move has the potential to reduce PepsiCo's carbon emissions by approximately 2.5 million metric tons.

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a smart electronic skin and a medical robotic hand that could allow physicians to remotely make diagnoses. The system uses a rubbery semiconductor equipped with metallic carbon nanotubes to allow for high carrier mobility.

Getting ahead in your career isn't about the big projects but more about focusing on getting the small tasks done right and with dependability, says sociologist Tracy Brower. "Disciplined action is a paradox because when you're doing it well, it won't get much notice, but if you fail to follow through, people will think less of your performance overall," she writes.

ASTM International launched the organization's first student chapter at Florida International University (FIU) during a virtual ceremony on Sept. 18. The FIU chapter will include a scholarship program, project grants, awards, and research and publication opportunities.