Shrimp shell nanoparticles have been added to cement to make the material 40 per cent stronger, an advance that could lead to reduced seafood waste and lower carbon emissions from concrete production. Researchers created nanocrystals and nanofibers of chitin from waste shrimp shells to add to cement. As well as making the material stronger, the team found that the set time for the cement was delayed by over an hour, which is advantageous for long-distance transport and hot weather concrete work.