Bio-designers produce a home-grown cellulose mask

May 25, 2020  |  Out There

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the race has been on to provide adequate numbers of personal protective equipment (PPE). Designers, manufacturers and individuals at home have come out in force to offer creative solutions ranging from 3D printed shields to DIY face masks.&nb…
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Production Club presents the Micrashell Body Suit

May 11, 2020  |  Out There

Los Angeles-based creative studio Production Club offers a solution for the music and night life industries, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has recently released renderings of its latest concept, the Micrashell Protective Suit. As stay-at-home restrictions are eased, there is sti…
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Microalgae used to develop materials for fabric

May 5, 2020  |  Out There

The textile industry is set to put microalgae to work to develop materials for fabrics, apparel and footwear, according to a Sportstextile.com article. Companies around the world are collaborating, researching and producing materials using some of the simplest organisms.  Finishes Research has ma…
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Multi-functional luminescent film can make near-infrared light visual

April 27, 2020  |  Out There

Infrared radiation, which is invisible, is used for various purposes, including for coronavirus detection (through thermal imaging cameras and biosensors). A Korean research team has developed a technology that visualizes infrared radiation and expands its application range, a report on www.phys.or…
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Scientists study potential for mycelia homes in Space

February 24, 2020  |  Out There

Although it cannot be described as a textile, this material could replace some things that textiles provide. A team of scientists at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California is investigating and prototyping new technologies that could grow habitable structures on the moon, Mars and beyond. The t…
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EXOlung claims unlimited air supply for divers

January 27, 2020  |  Out There

The EXOlung, an underwater breathing device, has been designed to give divers an unlimited air supply, its creator says. The device translates the diver’s swimming motions into air movement, keeping breathing air flowing—as long as the diver keeps swimming. EXOlung uses a buoy that floats on the…
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Cuttlefish inspires soft material turbines

January 13, 2020  |  Out There

Inspired by the cuttlefish’s undulating fin motion, startup company Undula Tech LLC has developed a turbine using soft material that can harvest the energy in flowing air and water. The goal, is to make renewable energy accessible and affordable worldwide.  Its Undula Generator is, by de…
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Wood pulp and algae T-shirt decomposes at end-of-life

November 25, 2019  |  Out There

Tech-based clothing startup Vollebak has launched a T-shirt made entirely from wood pulp and algae. The shirt will break down in soil or in a composter within three months. Vollebak sources wood from eucalyptus, beech and spruce trees, which are chipped and pulped before being turned into fiber, the…
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Artificial skin may provide a natural feel for smartphones.

November 7, 2019  |  Out There

Scientists have developed a new product called Skin-On that’s meant to look and feel like a human, as well as react to caressing, tickling and pinching. According to an article on designboom.com, the interfaces are sensitive cases that can be attached to mobile phones, wearable devices and laptop…
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“Sleep Robot” encourages restful sleep

October 25, 2019  |  Out There

The Somnox Sleep Robot is designed to help users fall asleep by mimicking breathing patterns.The device was developed by a team of engineers who met at the Robotics Institute of the Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. The soft robot is meant to be cuddled like a teddy bear, helping t…
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