Scientists develop fabric to reduce the pong of sweat
Spotted: Scientists in Portugal have developed a fabric that can turn the sour smell of sweat into the sweet smell of citronella. The results can be achieved by two different methods. In the first method, they modified cotton fibres using a protein found in pigs’ noses. The protein binds to the citronella scent molecules. At…
Startup allows parents to trade in outgrown baby clothes for new sets
Spotted: E-commerce startup Upchoose sells sets of organic cotton baby clothing. When a child outgrows a size, parents and carers return the products for a discount on the next set. New parents not only save time and money but also further sustainability if they choose to buy used, or “preloved” sets. The company offers different…
A selfie video that can measure blood pressure
Spotted: Kang Lee, professor of applied psychology at the University of Toronto, has discovered a way to measure blood pressure using a phone’s camera. The technology uses transdermal optical imaging, which is able to visualise and measure blood-flow changes under facial skin. Facial skin is, by nature, translucent. When light reaches the face, it penetrates…
Backpack converts into a desk for children in India
Spotted: India-based Prosoc has developed a convertible backpack for children who lack desks at school. The backpack turns into a desk so children can work sitting up instead of huddled over books on the floor. The creation, called DESKIT, looks like a regular school bag. However, one side opens into a portable desk, providing a…
An energy-efficient cooling system based on ancient technology
Spotted: California-based company SkyCool is developing a cooling system with roots going back hundreds of years to the Middle East and India. It uses radiative cooling, an energy-efficient process that essentially sends excessive heat into outer space. While at Stanford University, SkyCool’s co-founders Shanhui Fan, Eli Goldstein and Aaswath Raman invented a film-like material that…
Invisible, smart hearing aids
Spotted: Eargo, a Silicon Valley startup, is making invisible hearing aids that aim to de-stigmatise hearing loss. The Eargo Neo hearing aid also has several smart features, including Bluetooth connectivity that allows for settings to be customised remotely. The startup also took portability into account with a case that is rechargeable and USB-powered. One charge can…
Open-source language for writing interactive fiction games
Spotted: Independent narrative game company inkle has created an open-source language for writing interactive fiction. The language, ink, encourages gamers to try it out and have their stories turned into basic-level, playable web pages. The UK company’s latest release, Heaven’s Vault, is available on PS4 and Steam. The game follows archaeologist Aliya Elasra and her…
Shower head attachment purifies water and adds nutrients
Spotted: US-based Stok Labs has collaborated with designer Koustubh Parulekar and Chinese design agency Miio Studio to create a shower head that cleanses the water of minerals, chemicals and other pollutants as you shower. The device also adds nutrients to the water, aiming to deliver healthier hair and skin. The Vand filtration system is an…
Eco-friendly motorbike valve reduces petrol use
Spotted: A 71-year-old Indian inventor has created a valve that uses steam energy to cut fuel consumption in two-wheeled motorbikes. Use of the valve can reduce both monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions. Developed by Arvinde Khandke, the valve is the second one he has patented. The original one, made using nylon and polypropylene, reduces the amount…
An AI-wearable that knows what you’re thinking
Spotted: A device called AlterEgo could change the way people communicate, without having to hear a spoken word. Created by a 24-year-old PhD candidate from MIT, this wearable device can detect what you say, even when you are talking to yourself and not moving your mouth. It may be used to help those with memory…