Directing traffic is an occasional part of an officer’s duty, and those who guide vehicles and pedestrians on a regular basis know how frustrating and downright dangerous it can be. Located in Kinshasa, Congo, there is a new line of police officers that are demanding people to stop and take notice. In order to tend to busy traffic routes and decrease financial costs in the African region, an innovative group at the Kinshasa Higher Institute of Applied Techniques has developed a robot that can perform like a traffic officer. The robot can observe traffic flow and works as a stoplight,… read more

The United Nations Children’s Fund, or UNICEF, is an organization that began in 1946 in order to assist women and children in receiving basic nutritional and humanitarian services. There are a reported 768 million people worldwide who do not have enough water, according to UNICEF statistics. On a daily basis, 1,400 children lose their lives from diseases that are tied to a lack of clean water. UNICEF’s presence can be seen in countries all over the globe, where the organization has helped to provide sterile water and sanitation services. The UNICEF Tap Project is a nationwide fundraising event held by… read more

Prefabricated homes can be smart choices when it comes to cost efficiency and time constraints. Soleta has designed a series of manufactured homes that are on the mark for their economical and ecofriendly features. They offer a zero energy version that comes fully equipped with hydroelectricity, solar and wind power. It is heated with thermal energy that is supplied by a system that combines geothermal and solar power. Cellulose is integrated in the building supplies to aid in retaining warmth along the base. Other sustainable and energy saving features include using materials that decrease heat transfer and energy loss. Additionally, there… read more

A team of researchers, biochemists and plant scientists from the University of Cambridge have created a prototype of a radio that can run on moss. Figuring out how to power up an FM radio with a network of plants, the process works via what they refer to as Biophotovoltaics, which is a budding biophilic technology where electrons and protons that are generated by plants in photosynthesis are collected and converted into electrical currents. The Moss FM radio contains 10 photo microbial fuel cells. Wanting to try out a way to power up a home device, but worried about the environment… read more

Imagine an island, floating in the aqua blue waters of the North Pacific Ocean. And when you conjure up the image of that island, it probably isn’t a mobile one constructed of plastic and debris. Yes, this floating plastic island is called The Trash Vortex and it is a reality. Explored by Greenpeace, you may have heard that it is swirling around in the North Pacific gyre right now, which is only one of 5 chief gyres or pools of ocean currents. And the trash problem undoubtedly has crept into the other circulating areas as well. This one receives so… read more

Multiuse designs provide ideal pieces for efficiency minded spaces. Wall coverings add spark to a room, and don’t have to consist of just paint or wallpaper. Incorporating lighting into wall treatments is an original way to add a stylish and functional element to plain walls, and the following are a few ways designers are putting up the spotlight. The team at MeyStyle have experience in interactive design and theater that brings that extra something to their interior fabrications. They have combined lighting and wallpaper to come up with an interesting application. Softly illuminating decorations can be dimmed to create just the… read more

You don’t have to be an avid gardener to appreciate the sophisticated splendor of something as seemingly modest as a seed. The Seed Site provides a realm of information about the life of seeds. A compilation of botanical information, including instructional resources for harvesting, storage, germination and planting are covered. Identification descriptors and many other helpful materials are also offered. Helpful links answer advanced questions as well as the basics, like is it an annual or perennial? Educational tools for scientific and teacher resources are available like themed project supplies for making diagrams, templates, seed packets and identification cards. There is also… read more

Dresses and skirts can be pricey wardrobe staples, especially if they are well made from quality material. However, with some sewing skill and for the price of a bed sheet, maxi dresses and skirts are just a few stitches away. The following patterns are good examples of how to turn an ordinary sheet into a new wearable style, and some were made for only around $2.00. Investing in a wrinkle free sheet may cost more, but it will make the outcome require less fuss. The style below is really rocking the sheet look, but the waist shown on the dress is… read more

Guz Architects has designed many upscale residential properties with plans that integrate the outdoors as a significant part of the living space. The following 2 homes have plush green landscaping as the backdrop and impressive green roof designs that top them off. The constructions are located near Singapore, and both have outdoor garden rooftops that make greenery look stylish. The Willow House is a family home with an exterior that looks like a sculpted art piece. The gorgeous entryway lets you know you are about to enter something grand. A seemingly floating staircase leads to the upper level garden. The living… read more

The SwingLab Modular Swing is an eye-catching new take on an old favorite. Remaking the porch swing into a versatile and upgraded design, it almost works like a puzzle. Pieced together to suit the swinger’s whim, the SwingLab’s modular and flexible design allows seating arrangements that can be moved to allow rocking, swaying, gliding and lounging. Handcrafted in the U.S. by southern native Andy Hilton, the swings are made in Jackson, Mississippi, where people are said to know a thing or two about porch swings. The seating portions are made from locally supplied cypress wood that is durable and naturally… read more