The eTree, an Israeli invention, produces energy, cools and provides water for humans and pets, gives off Wifi signals, adds connectivity to a community, provides shade, offers a charging point, gives rest along the way and light at night. … Read more
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Daydreaming for problem-solving Scientific research shows benefits of day-dreaming
One study by Cornell University (Ithaca, US) found that employing brain areas linked to 'off-task' mental states - including daydreaming or reminiscing - enhances performance on certain complicated mental tasks (See first link). Other studies have shown more benefits of daydreaming, such as the enhancement of creative problem-solving and increased memory function (See second and third link). … Read more
‘Smart’ buildings to clean polluted air Design for buildings that filter the air
China-based architect Alexander Balchin has designed a building that can clean polluted air. The tower is designed to filter air for several city blocks outside. Dirty air pulled into a central chimney would be cleaned using systems commonly used in coal power plants. 'The PM2.5 particles can be collected and even reused, as they are almost completely carbon,' Balchin writes. 'This process alone provides eight and a half million cubic meters of clean air per year, enough air for one square … Read more
Smartphones measure fine-dust pollution Mobilising smartphone users for air pollution research
Several research institutes in the US and Europe are starting to gather data on fine-dust concentrations by getting smartphone users to attach a sensor to their smartphone which can measure and send data on fine-dust to the researchers. Get enough sensors out into the field and there will be an extra boost in accuracy, as nearby readings could be calibrated against each other – perhaps even in real time, the researchers suggest, for crowdsourced live pollution maps. … Read more
Online Food Hubs Farmer and buyer connected directly
Several online initiatives are popping up that connect buyers with local farmers and CSAs (community-supported agriculture plans) that offer a type of subscription for fresh produce. What that means is that you can't search on the website for broccoli and have it delivered alongside a box of diapers and a new flat-screen TV. Instead, through the initiated websites you can find local farmers in your area and see what types of products they offer. The farmers themselves — not the websites— handle … Read more
Algea absorb air pollution Algea farms around highways
Algae consume sunlight and CO2 and spit out oxygen. Therefore places with high emissions are the perfect growing area. This interesting microorganism inspired a group of Dutch and French designers, who proposed to set up an algae farm on top of a highway in Switzerland. It is a brilliant way to filter the pollution in the urban areas. … Read more
Algea for coloring textiles Ecologically friendly coloring
Berlin-based design studio Blond & Bieber found that it’s actually pretty easy to make textile colors without heavy chemical use. All that's needed is some algae. But unlike light-stable dyes normally used on clothes, the algaemy colors change over time. A green might fade to a blue, for example. The designers are calling it ‘living colors'. “We want to apply it as a quality to products—it would be interesting to add value through colors that are changing.” … Read more
Meditation for improving police behaviour Meditation and yoga introduced in Indian police force
A Indian police chief was so convinced of the benefits of meditation that he has introduced the option for his staff to take the time to train in the art with full pay and allowances. Daily yoga is also strongly encouraged. Patel is responsible for 3,500 officers across six districts in the south of Gujarat – 175 of whom had taken up the offer by Nov 2014. Vipassana is the chosen school: an ancient technique originating from India which means “to see things as they really are”. … Read more
I Paid a Bribe website Countering corruption by online registration
In 2011 the I Paid a Bribe website launched in India as a platform to report corruption. In less than a year more than 10,000 bribes across 347 cities had been reported. The site also includes an option to nominate those who are setting a good example, provide tips of navigating paying a bribe and the key facts about the police that everyone should know. … Read more
Online artisan market Global platform for selling your artisan work
By using online selling platforms, artisan crafts makers can sell their products globally. This decreases dependence on local markets and increases economic resilience. … Read more
