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  "path": "/news/2026-05-pear-cacti-materials-tomorrow.html",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-14T15:04:18.000Z",
  "site": "https://techxplore.com",
  "tags": [
    "Engineering"
  ],
  "textContent": "Researchers from the University of Bath's Department of Mechanical Engineering have shown that agricultural waste from prickly pear cactus plants could be used as a low-cost, low-carbon reinforcement for construction materials, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional composites. The research is published in the Journal of Natural Fibers.",
  "title": "Prickly pear cacti show promise as the building materials of tomorrow"
}