Concrete 1 (IMAGE) Rice University Caption Rice University scientists created microscopic cubes and other shapes of cement and crushed them to test their mechanical properties. The shapes may serve as 'seeds' for the bottom-up manufacture of stronger, more durable concrete. Credit Multiscale Materials Laboratory/Rice University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.