Month: April 2019

Researchers create cubes to monitor workers’ wellbeing

ga(‘send’, ‘event’, ‘Uncategorized’, ‘article’, ‘article-industry-impression’, {nonInteraction: true}); Spotted: Researchers at Australia’s Deakin University have created a smart cube that monitors workers’ wellbeing. Cube Comfort Monitors (also known as ‘Baby Cubes’ due to their size) contain sensors that measure conditions in the workplace. The cubes are small enough to sit on a standard desk. Data on…

By jrtrombold@gmail.com April 23, 2019 Off

Design studio creates leather and glue from sunflowers

ga(‘send’, ‘event’, ‘Uncategorized’, ‘article’, ‘article-industry-impression’, {nonInteraction: true}); Spotted: The Netherlands’ Studio Thomas Vailly has made a full range of design materials using only sunflower plants. These include bio versions of polystyrene and leather and a non-toxic, natural glue and varnish. The process uses every part of the agricultural crop, including stalks and leaves, which would normally be…

By jrtrombold@gmail.com April 22, 2019 Off

Startup uses AI to generate sales leads

ga(‘send’, ‘event’, ‘Uncategorized’, ‘article’, ‘article-industry-impression’, {nonInteraction: true}); Spotted: Helsinki-based startup Leadfeeder has developed an AI-powered platform that collects data about website visitors and turns it into sales leads. The idea is that businesses can use the enriched data provided by Leadfeeder to make more effective and targeted pitches. It can also help anticipate the needs of potential customers…

By jrtrombold@gmail.com April 22, 2019 Off

US company develops ‘cleaner’ version of over-the-counter drugs

ga(‘send’, ‘event’, ‘Uncategorized’, ‘article’, ‘article-industry-impression’, {nonInteraction: true}); Spotted: US-based Genexa is developing its own versions of over-the-counter drugs that do not include chemical additives. The company says it offers “cleaner, healthier” alternatives to traditional medicine by using more natural fillers, like organic rice bran extract. The company’s products are categorized as homeopathic, so they are…

By jrtrombold@gmail.com April 19, 2019 Off

Scientists create bomb-resistant industrial tape

ga(‘send’, ‘event’, ‘Uncategorized’, ‘article’, ‘article-industry-impression’, {nonInteraction: true}); Spotted: Singapore-based scientists have created industrial tape strong enough to withstand earthquakes and bomb blasts. The Fast Wrapping Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FasRaP) has the potential to halve labour and material costs. FasRaP could be particularly useful in historical preservation projects, as it may help older buildings meet new…

By jrtrombold@gmail.com April 19, 2019 Off

UK restaurant offers vision of a plastic-free world

ga(‘send’, ‘event’, ‘Uncategorized’, ‘article’, ‘article-industry-impression’, {nonInteraction: true}); Spotted: London-based Spring restaurant is hosting a pop-up to demonstrate how to ban plastic from all areas of your life. The pop-up, hosted by UK-based Plastic Freedom, will be onsite at the restaurant from April 17-18. Diners can learn about using plastic-free alternatives at the exhibit. Last year, Spring…

By jrtrombold@gmail.com April 18, 2019 Off

US book platform gamifies reading

ga(‘send’, ‘event’, ‘Uncategorized’, ‘article’, ‘article-industry-impression’, {nonInteraction: true}); Spotted: US-based Overdrive is using AI and gamification to encourage children to read. The company’s app Sora employs video game-like elements to create an interactive experience for children, including badges and rewards for finishing books. The aim is to make reading more like experiencing the popular game Fortnite or…

By jrtrombold@gmail.com April 18, 2019 Off