How do you build an Earthquake-proof building?

After the massive earthquake near Japan this morning one wonders if it’s possible to build an earthquake-proof building? The answer is yes and no. There are of course, engineering techniques that can be used to create a very sound structure that will endure a modest or even strong quake. However, during a very strong earthquake, even the best engineered building may suffer severe damage. Engineers design buildings to withstand as much sideways motion as possible in order to minimize damage to the structure and give the occupants time to get out safely.

Effect of isolating the base of a building subject to a sideways ground movement.

Buildings are basically designed to

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Astronaut photograph ISS020-E-9048 taken by the ISS Expedition 20 crew

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Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

 

   

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
Portrait of Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632–1723) by Jan Verkolje
Born	(1632-10-24)October 24, 1632 Delft, Dutch Republic
Died	August 26, 1723(1723-08-26) (aged 90) Delft, Dutch Republic
Residence	Netherlands
Nationality	Dutch
Fields	Microscopist and Biologist
Signature

Antonie Philips van Leeuwenhoek^{[note 1]} (/ˈleɪvənhʊk/, Dutch: [ɑnˈtoːni vɑn ˈleːuə(n)ˌɦuk] ( listen); October 24, 1632 – August 26, 1723) was a Dutch tradesman and scientist. He is commonly known as "the Father of Microbiology", and considered to be the first microbiologist. He is best known for his work on the improvement of the microscope and for his contributions towards the establishment of microbiology.
Raised in Delft, Netherlands, Leeuwenhoek worked as a draper in his youth, and founded his own shop in 1654. He made a name for himself in municipal politics, and eventually developed an interest in lensmaking. Using his handcrafted microscopes, he was the first to observe and describe single-celled organisms, which he originally referred to as animalcules, and which are now referred to as microorganisms. He was also the first to record microscopic observations of muscle fibers, bacteria, spermatozoa, and blood flow in capillaries (small blood vessels). Leeuwenhoek did not author any books; his discoveries came to light through correspondence with the Royal Society, which published his letters.

Contents

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• 1 Early life and career
• 2 Microscopic study
  • 2.1 Recognition by the Royal Society
  • 2.2 Scientific fame
• 3 Techniques and discoveries
• 4 Death and legacy
• 5 See also
• 6 Notes
• 7 References
• 8 Sources
• 9 External links

Early life and career

Sir William Davidson of Curriehill had appointed Leeuwenhoek in 1648 as his assistant. Leeuwenhoek left after six years.^[2][3] (By Abraham van den Tempel, 1664)

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was born in Delft, Dutch Republic, on October 24, 1632. Christened Thonis, he is believed to be of Dutch ancestry: his father, Philips Antonysz van Leeuwenhoek, was a basket maker who died