Upcycling and resourcefulness at it’s best. Small company from Kenya makes toys from slippers that wash up on the beach. Pictures by Ben Curtis
(Source: yannickbrouwer)
Artificial heart ready for human trials.
French company CARMAT have announced that their artificial heart is scheduled to be implanted into patients in four medical centers around the world. The device completely replaces the patient’s original heart.
The artificial heart consists of two cavities, mimicking the organ’s ventricles, which are separated by a moving membrane that’s hydraulically powered via a special actioning fluid. This membrane reproduces the action of the ventricular wall during contractions, creating blood flow in and out of the device. The system is works in conjunctions with sensors and a microcontroller that continuously adjust the activity of the prosthesis to match the needs of the patient.
Study Pinpoints Link Between Fitness and Cancer in Men
The study, released at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting, looked at the link between fitness in middle-aged men and the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis later in life.
Doctors focused on the top three cancers in men: prostate, colorectal and lung. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 400,000 men were diagnosed with one of these cancers in 2007.
The study tracked 7,000 healthy, 45-year old men. Their fitness was assessed during their regular preventive health exam by putting them on the treadmill. How far — and how well they were able to tolerate increases in the speed and grade of the treadmill — determined how “fit” they were.
Full Story: PBS
This page examines the science and common arguments of global warming skepticism. Common objections like ‘global warming is caused by the sun’, ‘temperature has changed naturally in the past’ or ‘other planets are warming too’ are examined to see what the science really says.An excellent resource to bookmark.
102-Year-Old Abandoned Ship is a Floating Forest / Image by Andy Brill
The SS Ayrfield is one of many decommissioned ships in the Homebush Bay, just west of Sydney, but what separates it from the other stranded vessels is the incredible foliage that adorns the rusted hull. The beautiful spectacle, also referred to as The Floating Forest, adds a bit of life to the area, which happens to be a sort of ship graveyard.
If SpokeLit Color Changing Wheel Light is for night ride and rule of cool, this Wireless Bicycle Turn Signal ($49.99) is for practicality. It works, it works so damn good. And actually looking pretty cool, simple cool. Suitable for both day and night riding, with beeping sound alerts other bikers and drivers of your intentions in advance. Ride safe.
Here’s a nice alternative to the already awesome duct tape and superglue, Sugru Hacking Putty ($10~$29). This moldable rubber, quickly solidifies after you get it formed. It locks onto the component your repairs and makes a high-quality bond, but remains highly flexible unlike the superglue. it looks cool, and definitely not fashion over function.
Like Boxing? Nexersys Boxing Unit ($2995) will be your personal trainer, not because you can’t afford one (this machine is pretty pricy), but probably because you can’t stand the real one. Anyway, it’s a pretty cool machine, giving feedback from your punches, analyzing your power and accuracy, like the way Ivan Drago did. Awesome.
Holiday season is not far from now and a lot of travelling will be taking place. Need a new suitcase? You just can’t go with the same old and boring designs after you’ve seen this Washing Machine suitcase ($159). This beautifully finished designs will make you stand out from the crowd at the luggage carousel, and attract the attention of airport staff for all the right reasons.
iPen 2 is a universal stylus and mouse for iMac computer screens running iOS as well as iPads using special digital receivers mounted to the corners of the glass displays, allowing you to write or draw on your computer screen. When you launched two kickstarter projects for two similiar items, and they both succeed, you know that’s a sign of coolness.
We all feel it, the unpleasant feeling that comes from sitting too long. Add some rough terrains and welcome to hemorrhoid hell. If you’re looking for ultimate comfort on your bike, or a*s, you need to add suspension to the wheels themselves. Loopwheels ($775) replaces the spokes with a spring system, cushioning you from bumps and potholes. Save your derrière now.
Dispensing with lengthy directions and words, with Picture Cook: See. Eat. Make., ($12) your cooking instructions just got boiled down to the basics with simple yet cute step-by-step drawings, making your cooking sessions just like Cooking Mama games. Perfect for men.
CGear Sand Free Multimat ($27-99.95) is a patented product used by militaries around the world that lets sand, dirt & dust fall through CGear’s Sand-Free top layer to the ground beneath, but not back up therefore creating a sand free outside area. Huh, very cool… even so what trickery is this!?
Skateboarding indeed is hard for those with faint of heart, or lack of skill, or just plain lazy to learn. Then along came Altered with their crazy self-propelled electric skateboards ($399+). While you’re in motion, you can adjust your speed using a wireless handheld throttle control, giving you a better control than your usual skateboard. Say goodbye to your Tony Hawk games, it’s time to prove it IRL.
