Hasta La Ideas

Ever wondered how a pain-killer knows where the pain is? The truth is, it doesn’t. A pain-killer simply latches onto pain receptors all across your body, preventing them from reaching your brain. A pain-killer doesn’t know where the pain is – it just treats a symptom, but doesn’t really cure you. The Kineon MOVE+ actually decreases the pain by going to its source and healing it. Designed to be a health-wearable that actually improves your health, the MOVE+ is a portable light-therapy device that straps to your body and can reduce inflammation, heal tissues, relieve chronic pain, and accelerate recovery simply by using the power of red light. “While exercise is good for our health, it can be hard on our bodies,” say the folks at Kineon. The MOVE+ acts as a safe and effective recovery device, providing a healthier alternative to painkillers, icing, and muscle-relief sprays that rely on chemicals or surface-level treatment by being non-invasive and by actually curing the cause of the pain instead of numbing it.

Designer: Kineon Design Labs

Click Here to Buy Now: $402 $499 (20% off with coupon code “Yanko Design”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours.

The benefits of light therapy (or phototherapy) have been known for over a century now, with the use of infrared lamps to help the body circulate oxygen-rich blood to boost healing. The only persisting problem with this approach has been the fact that it isn’t the most accessible. Infrared lamps and other equipment are highly specialized and can mostly be found in hospitals or elite performance clinics. The equipment isn’t portable either, making light therapy less convenient than, say, popping a pill because of joint pain, or spraying muscle spray on your joints after a tough workout. The beauty of the MOVE+ is that it’s incredibly portable, with a surprisingly sleek design that can be carried around discreetly, and can easily be strapped to or draped upon any part of your body to help treat pain.

Portable Design – Find fast relief whenever and wherever you feel pain and inflammation.

Dual Light Technology – Deeper penetration and faster results to joints, muscles, and other tissue through our exclusive dual-light technology.

Sniper Like Accuracy – Design allows for pin-point accuracy on problem areas for fast and effective relief.

The MOVE+ device uses two forms of light therapy (LED + Laser) to target surface-level aches and even deep-seated chronic pain. The visible red light discharged by the LEDs covers a vast surface of your skin, prompting collagen production, enhancing blood circulation, and diminishing inflammation. Conversely, the Laser light operates differently by permeating up to 6mm beneath the skin’s surface to focus on deep-rooted chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis or cartilage damage, with precise accuracy to hasten the regeneration of damaged cells. The wearable includes three modules that can be connected together and strapped around your knees, shoulder, elbows, neck, thigh, stomach, or any other part of your body experiencing pain. The devices can be used independently too, or draped over parts of your body that aren’t strap-friendly.

Sitting at the bleeding edge of modern science and technology, the MOVE+ remains incredibly easy to use and convenient to carry around. What’s more, the Move+ is completely safe to use as a personal therapy/recovery wearable without needing to consult a medical professional. Just put it on and use it at the recommended dosage cycle for your condition or injury. Say goodbye to ice bags, heat packs, burning balms, and those painkiller pills!

Click Here to Buy Now: $402 $499 (20% off with coupon code “Yanko Design”). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours.

The post Reduce and heal chronic joint pain with the world’s first wearable ‘pain-killer’ first appeared on Yanko Design.

To what extent can a bike design be evolved when already thousands of iterations dot the roads, and the hyper-realistic concept design world? It can be more aerodynamic optimized for wind tunnel tests, have a better visual balance, or maybe have sharper aesthetics for dominant road presence. Perhaps a shape-shifting aesthetic is something that has not been seen much in design evolution.

This is where the ATHENAS superbike draws inspiration from but for a niche set of users. Passionate bikers who at times cannot drive the best machines out there because of their short height. As crazy as that might sound, this electric motorcycle concept imagines such a set of wheels.

Designer: Zhengxuan Xie

ATHENA electric bike proposed for the year highlights the power of one’s inside values rather than the outside personality – thereby eliminating the jinx of superbike designs that are targeted at average height users. The mood board by Zhengxuan revolves around the “Power Inside” and transparency in thoughts. Hence, the translucent design of the electric bike, that in a way reminds me of the newly launched Nothing Ear (2).

For a neutral user, the translucent material signifies the strength of the outer contour when viewed from a distance, and when the bike approaches proximity the visible mechanical parts reflect the power of inside intelligence. The highlight feature of the ATHENA is its shape-shifting ability to raise or lower the whole saddle section. Now only this, the whole module can be swapped with another one depending on the driving position and personal preference.

A cool inclusion comes in the form of a graphic animation on the tank section for Start/Stop action or the representation of low-speed or high-speed in blue or red hues. For nerds, the bike’s specifications are impressive since it’s loaded with a 17.7kWh battery of 51mAh capacity. The 348-volt electric motor feeds the rear wheels for 850nm of peak torque.

It goes without saying the bike’s visual appeal is luring and makes me wonder if a future Tesla superbike could adopt such a form factor.

The post This shape-shifting electric bike for short riders gets translucent body frame to expose the innards first appeared on Yanko Design.

As we spend plenty of time indoors, there has been a significant shift in how we live. Therefore, it is essential to transform our homes into healthy, toxin-free, and safe havens. Unfortunately, different types of toxins present in the indoor air tend to harm and have adverse effects on the health and well-being of its occupants in the long run. Here are some tips to combat pollutants and reduce our exposure to them. Although it is impossible to create a chemical-free home overnight, with little effort, we can have a more sustainable lifestyle, eliminate chemicals from our day-to-day life and strive towards creating a healthier lifestyle.

1. Avoid Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs

Volatile organic compounds are gases that can escape from certain materials and finish into the surrounding air and may adversely affect our health.

• VOCs are commonly found in products that we use on a day-to-day basis. They are present in paint, air fresheners, floor cleaners, wood preservatives, carpets, adhesives, wall coverings, and so on.
• It is highly recommended to read the label before purchasing new things and opt for products with low VOCs.
• Go for zero VOC wall paints, as most paints, stains, thinners, and pressed wood furniture emit dangerous toxins benzene, toluene, xylene, and methylene chloride. These toxins form a major class of indoor air pollutants, as they tend to emit toxic gasses for months or years, causing irritation and health problems.
• Invest in wooden furniture or glass and metal pieces that emit low VOCs. Plywood, pressed wood, particle board, and medium-density fiberboard used in most furniture today are generally treated with formaldehyde. It is a suspected carcinogen that emits toxic fumes for as long as five years.
• Avoid using non-stick Teflon cookware as it comprises Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs). When those pans get scratched, the chipping of the coating can get released into our food. In addition, Teflon tends to off-gas at a high cooking temperature and releases dangerous fumes when overheated. Use safe options like stainless steel, iron, glass, and ceramic baking dishes.
• Say no to plastic shower curtains, as they release a lot of VOCs. We can replace this with a PVC-free or vinyl-free shower curtain. It is better to install a glass shower panel and use silicone mats instead of vinyl bath mats.

Click Here to Buy Now: Iron Frying Plate ($69)

2. Reduce Plastic

Plastic is dangerous as it is non-biodegradable, does not break down, and harms the planet. In addition, plastic packaging is unstable, and plastic can easily migrate into food or drink.

• Replace plastic containers with glass jar containers as they are easy to clean, and it is easy to see the contents inside. Glass can be used for heating food inside the microwave. Keep in mind that even BPA-free plastic can leach harmful chemicals into the food and contaminate it when heated.
• Another practical kitchen alternative is to replace plastic wrap with beeswax wrap.

• Consider bulk buying in refillable containers and reusable bags for grocery shopping.
• Swap single-use plastic utensils with steel cutlery and replace plastic spatulas with wooden options.

Click Here to Buy Now: Sustainable Cutlery Set ($49)

3. Bring in Maximum Light and Ventilation

Good airflow and ventilation are one of the simplest ways to create a healthy home.

• Regularly open the doors and windows daily to eliminate indoor air pollutants and bring in the natural freshness of the outdoors.
• It is a great way to eliminate odors, water vapor, and pollution and replace it with fresh air.
• Install exhaust fans in the bathroom, kitchen, and storerooms, as they help eliminate trapped smoke and moldy air.

Designer: Ignacio Rojas Hirigoyen Architects and The Andes House

4. Invest in HEPA Filters

Ensure that all the home appliances like vacuum cleaners and air purifiers have HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air).

• A vacuum cleaner is efficient in trapping air pollutants, allergens, and dust particles and purifying the air from harmful particles. Note that dust comprises dust mites, and chemicals tend to latch on the dust.

Tip: Have a shoe-free home and place a doormat at the home’s entrance so it can form the first line of defense. The dirt from shoes is full of dust and bacteria, so one must always take off shoes at the door and use different footwear indoors.

• Air purifiers effectively eliminate dust, mold, formaldehyde, pet dander, and pollen.

Click Here to Buy Now: BRIIV Air Filter ($339.66)

5. Go for Environmentally Friendly Products

Reduce the use of chemicals in your home by going for eco-friendly products that are good for our health and the environment.

• Replace chemical products with organic ones as they allow us to breathe easier. Some household remedies include using white vinegar to remove mold, applying toothpaste for cleaning silverware, and making your cleaner with vinegar and baking soda.
• Baking Soda is an excellent natural deodorizer that can eliminate clinging odors from carpets. To neutralize and deodorize your carpet or upholstered furniture, sprinkle some baking soda, let it sit for some time, and then vacuum it up.

Click Here to Buy Now: Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set ($99)

6. Choose Organic Products

Switch from synthetic products to natural materials and fibers.

• Materials like bamboo and natural linoleum made from linseed oil are a perfect alternative for flooring. Natural fiber carpeting such as wool, sisal, cotton, or jute that are made with solvent-free adhesives provides a healthier flooring alternative.
• Invest in an organic mattress and pillow so one does not inhale or absorb harmful chemicals, as our head and body are in direct contact with this material. One can also go for an organic mattress topper as a barrier between conventional and bedsheets. Conventional mattresses are primarily made of polyurethane foam, dyes, flame retardants, and adhesives that may contribute to releasing VOC chemicals into the air. So opt for natural latex- or coir-based mattresses that are manufactured using a chemical-free process. Avoid a synthetic pillow and opt for an organic raw infill material like natural latex, organic cotton, or kapok.
• Processed food can contain chemicals and pesticides, so replace them with whole organic foods. Most of the contents of canned food are full of chemical additives used to increase the shelf life.
• Go for safe personal skincare and beauty products manufactured with safe ingredients that are not harmful to the body. Only use deodorants free of chemicals like parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and aluminum.
• Conventional wax candles are made with synthetic fragrance and paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum jelly with the natural smell of beeswax with essential oils. Alternatively, go for an essential oil diffuser for your home.

Click Here to Buy Now: Shrooly ($299)

7. Control Dampness

Check the growth of mold and mildew by controlling dampness, as it is a health hazard that can cause various respiratory infections or allergies.

• Good ventilation can control and decrease the moisture levels within the home.
• Fix leaky pipes or cracks that may allow water penetration from outdoors to indoors.

Designer: Jiaming Liu

8. Introduce Indoor Plants

Create a beautiful connection with plants to enliven the space; it is a natural way of bringing in more oxygen indoors.

• Houseplants have excellent air purifying properties and can purify indoor air from pollutants and other toxins like mold spores, bacteria and other microorganisms, and VOCs.
• Some of the air purifying plants by NASA include Boston fern and spider plants, which can also boost the well-being of your home.
• Choose low-maintenance indoor plants that require less watering.

Click Here to Buy Now: LetPot LPH-Max ($229)

Go ahead and enjoy a chemical-free home sans toxins and harmful elements that may harm your loved ones.

The post 8 Ways to a healthier and toxic-free home first appeared on Yanko Design.

An orchid discovery in plain sight, upcycling 4,000 plastic bottles into a home, a collision of art and electronics and more

New But Ancient Orchid Species Discovered in Japan

Japan’s most recognizable orchid, the Spiranthes australis, has been cherished for centuries (it even features in The Man’yōshū, the oldest collection of Japanese waka poetry, dating back to 759AD) and it’s just been discovered to have an almost identical twin: the Spiranthes hachijoensis. The flower was actually hiding in plain sight—in private gardens, balconies, parks and more—and the common belief was “that all the Spiranthes on the Japanese mainland were a single species, when in fact there are two.” The flower’s delicate petals have been described as appearing like spun glass, and it was those petals that led to the discovery. Kobe University’s professor Kenji Suetsugu found that “some apparently common or garden Spiranthes had hairless stems while most were notably furrier.” Suetsugu looked further into it, and through “DNA analysis, morphology, field observations and reproductive biology” found that the common Spiranthes is actually two species. He says, “This discovery of new species concealed in common locales underscores the necessity of persistent exploration, even in seemingly unremarkable settings. It also highlights the ongoing need for taxonomic and genetic research to accurately assess species diversity.” Read more at The Guardian.

Image courtesy of Masayuki Ishibashi/Kobe University

Sculptor Shunsuke Kawasaki’s Art Speakers

Osaka-born artist Shunsuke Kawasaki’s upcoming show The Shape of Frequency at Somewhere Tokyo (on 14-30 April) will showcase his industrial, metal sculptures and functional speakers. Using aluminum, plastic, acrylic and wood, Kawasaki creates these striking pieces—some of which are retro-tinged, while others look like futuristic robots or have been inspired by ninja throwing stars—in editions of five. Bluetooth compatible and wired, these creations are beguiling works of art that also happen to be practical. See more at designboom.

Image courtesy of Shunsuke Kawasaki and Somewhere Tokyo

Scientists Reveal How The Brain Changes During DMT Trips

The hallucinogen dimethyltryptamine—better known as DMT—is used commonly to initiate vivid visions, remarkable feelings, near-death experiences and even to contact interdimensional beings. The psychedelic compound is found in various plants including Psychotria viridis, which is used to brew ayahuasca—a spiritual medicine utilized by Indigenous people in the Amazon basin. Only recently have scientists scanned and studied brain activity during a DMT trip. For their research, scientists used “brain-imaging (fMRI) and EEG to study the effects of the drug on 20 individuals” and found “increased connectivity across the brain, and more communication between different areas and systems.” Essentially, these feelings of functioning on a higher level make sense. Chris Timmerman, of the Centre for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London tells VICE’s Motherboard, “We found that DMT generated a prominent alteration of the brain’s evolved areas and networks, which have been linked to human brain expansion in evolution, language, and semantics… These findings were related also to EEG effects which directly assess electrical activity induced by the brain, thus confirming them further.” Read more about the study at VICE.

Image courtesy of Milad Fakurian/Unsplash

The Twisting Chuzhi House, Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles and Mud

In rural South India, the Chuzhi house from Wallmakers (an architectural firm founded by Vinu Daniel) twists and turns between rocky outcrops and trees, intricately maneuvering through its challenging terrain. The residence’s structure takes after a snake coiling under a rock and not only works with the landscape in a visual sense but is respectful of it. Made up of almost 4,000 plastic bottles that littered the nearby areas, the home deftly employs recycled waste while also using the traditional cob-style building technique that mixes clay and straw to produce a durable substance. “The idea was to make a subterranean home that would originate from the rock bed, forming multiple whirls around the tree and adjoining to create a secure private space below for the residents and a space around the trees above that ensures that the thick vegetation and ecosystem continues to thrive undisturbed,” the firm says in a statement. Learn more about the project and view the serene home at New Atlas.

Image courtesy of Syam Sreesylam

Pentagon Says Extraterrestrials May Have Already Visited Earth

According to a draft document (which is under review) released by the Pentagon, intelligent extraterrestrial beings might have already visited Earth and even be monitoring life here via research devices—or probes. Written by Sean Kirkpatrick (director of the Pentagon’s All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office) and Avi Loeb (chairman of Harvard’s astronomy department and founder of the Galileo Project), the research paper says, “Since most stars formed more than a billion years before the Sun, it is possible that other technological civilizations predated ours by the amount of time needed for their devices to reach Earth.” It goes on to explain how a mothership may send probes down to a planet as it passes by, like sprinkling seeds, even if there hasn’t been an official alien landing. Read more about the document at Dazed.

Image courtesy Albert Antony/Unsplash

Link About It is our filtered look at the web, shared daily in Link and on social media, and rounded up every Saturday morning. Hero image courtesy of Shunsuke Kawasaki

Classrooms and social spaces are arranged around a tree-filled courtyard at this school, created by Polish practice Jeju Studio for a refugee community in Tanzania.

Located in Ulyankulu, a former refugee settlement in the west of the country, Wayair School provides teaching spaces for both primary- and preschool-aged children.

Jeju Studio was commissioned to design the building by the Polish charity Wayair Foundation, which works on educational projects in Tanzania.

Alongside classrooms, it comprises an array of social spaces and a theatre, aiming to provide education and meeting spaces for the wider community too.

“We tried to create a multiplicity of diverse, playful and accessible spaces – closed, open, roofed, shaded, small and big – in order to facilitate education but also provide common meeting spaces for both students and the local community,” studio co-founder Iwo Borkowicz told Dezeen.

“The school responds to the most dire needs of the area, offering a space for education and social life, water harvesting, passive cooling and a renewed relation with nature.”

Wayair School’s facilities are arranged across several connected buildings that surround a central courtyard, with external spaces for socialising created in the gaps between buildings.

Wrapped around a group of existing mango trees, the building’s form was designed to mimic the social spaces in a Ulyankulu market.

“Looking at Ulyankulu’s architectural typologies, what caught our interest was the market, an open lot enclosed by rows of huts, canopied by a group of big trees where hundreds of people from the area meet every Saturday to trade,” said Borkowicz.

“Wrapping the school around a group of big mango trees creates the central courtyard that mirrors that public space and hopefully will be used for common gatherings as well.”

Patios shaded by the overhang of the roof extend from each of the classrooms and can be used to accommodate outdoor seating or play equipment.

Surrounded by playful wall openings, the patios also encourage creative play by allowing children to climb and crawl around them.

Drawing upon local architecture, the building is made from locally crafted bricks, which are created from different types of clay. They are arranged to form a gradient-like pattern, alternating between a darker and lighter red colour.

“We hired two local brickmaking teams to produce the brick for us,” said Borkowicz. “One worked onsite where dark red clay was found and another was sent to a nearby valley where light-coloured bricks were made.”

Inside, the classrooms feature furniture by Icelandic designer Bjorn Steinar, including desks with removable tops and chairs with backs that can be unrolled into portable mats. The furniture was created using common local materials, such as wood and woven mats, to allow for easy replication if required in the future.

Additional elements including hand-made wooden doors and palm-leaf chairs were made by local craftsmen.

To avoid overheating, the studio incorporated various temperature-control measures, including a pitched roof with a gap for ventilation and thick concrete floors that help keep the classrooms cool during the day.

“Temperature control was one of the biggest driving factors of this design,” said the studio. “Typical Ulyankulu schools are overcrowded and overheated with kids using classrooms in shifts, with up to 200 kids per class at primary level.”

The studio also designed the building to harvest as much rainwater as possible, using a system with a capacity to store over 70,000 litres collected during the short but intense rainy season.

According to the studio, this is enough to last nine months of the dry season, with pupils washing their hands, teeth, and faces and filling up their bottles each day.

Other schools recently featured on Dezeen include a preschool comprising brightly coloured steel buildings and a school in Denmark made from natural materials.

Elsewhere in Tanzania, Swedish studios Asante Architecture & Design and Lönnqvist & Vanamo Architects worked with local workers to create a self-sufficient orphanage in Kingori.

The photography is by Iwo Borkowicz.

The post “Playful and accessible spaces” wrap courtyard at Wayair School by Jeju Studio appeared first on Dezeen.