Poor or disrupted sleep has long been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes, from obesity and heart disease to dementia and depression. But there is an ongoing debate amongst researchers over the causal direction of these associations. Does insomnia play a direct role in causing these conditions, or is poor sleep simply a symptom of these diseases? For example, are insomniacs more likely to eat […]
Casual Link Between Insomnia & High Blood Sugar
World’s First Multi-Storey Skate Park
Following its ambitious Brompton HQ proposal, Hollaway Studio recently completed what it reckons is the world’s first multi-story skatepark. More importantly, the building’s design is actually very practical and its layered interior squeezes three skateparks, a climbing wall and a boxing ring into a relatively compact inner-city site. The building, which has been anticipated for some time, is named F51 and is located […]
Modulating Insoles Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Because diabetics often lack sensation in their feet, they may not instinctively shift foot pressure as needed, potentially leading to very serious skin ulcers. A set of experimental new insoles were created that problem in mind, as they shift the pressure for the wearer. The dual-layer removable devices are being developed at the University of Texas at Arlington, by a team led […]
Rock Like Museum Wows Visitors
Former World Building of the Year and European Prize winner Mecanoo has revealed plans for a new natural history museum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The greenery covered building is designed to take the form of natural rock formations and will host a number of amazing archeological specimens inside. The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will be located on the Saadiyat Island cultural […]
Carbon Fiber Balance Bike For Seniors
Although many seniors end up requiring some sort of mobility assistance, not all of them are wild about the stigma that comes with using a walker. That’s where the Laufrad comes in, as it’s a sleek adult-sized carbon fiber balance bike. The vehicle was invented by German octogenarian Albrecht Schnitzer. He wanted a means of getting around the sidewalks […]
Subnado Underwater Scooter
There are now several companies making underwater scooters, so in order for one of the things to stand out, it really has to be special. The Subnado is claimed to fit that bill, as it’s reportedly the world’s smallest and lightest such device. Soon to be the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, the Subnado is manufactured by Waydoo. That Chinese company […]
Robotic Race Marker Has No Need For Anchor
In a typical sailboat race, the course is marked with a series of buoys that have to be anchored to the seabed, and which may get pushed around by winds or currents. MarkSetBot addresses those problems, with internet-connected robotic buoys. Each MarkSetBot unit consists of a high-visibility yellow, green or orange inflatable race marker buoy, set on a pair of […]
Sun Powered Water Filter
There are many parts of the world in which fresh water may be plentiful, but it’s also full of harmful microbes. An experimental new filter is able to purify such water for drinking, and it’s powered solely by sunlight. The flat-bodied prototype device was designed at Switzerland’s EPFL research institute, by a team led by Prof. László Forró. Water enters […]
Erasable Paper
While the recycling of paper is all very well and good, reusing it is even better. A new pollen-based paper was designed with this fact in mind, as text can be printed onto it and then chemically erased multiple times. The experimental material is being developed at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, utilizing a variation on a technique we first heard about two […]
Action-packed Helmet
There are now a number of “smart” bicycle helmets on the market, so for one to stand out, it really has to include a lot of features. The Relee Magician M1 does just that, offering lights, turn indicators, speakers and a camera, among other things. Presently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, the Hong Kong-designed M1 is actually being marketed as a […]