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Latest Innovations
A notable mention comes from New Scientist editor Catherine de Lange, who highlighted a unique product worth discussing. This serves as a reminder of the importance of our editorial integrity, especially in light of previous comments like, “For crying out loud, don’t print that, we’ll get sued!”
Catherine shared a press release from Underdays, signaling an innovative approach in personal care: underwear embedded with beneficial bacteria to enhance the skin’s microbiome. As the release suggests, “The most intimate layer just got an IQ boost.”
The idea is that these garments could provide prebiotics and probiotics that penetrate the skin, promoting a healthy microbiome, fortifying the skin barrier, and contributing to a radiant appearance.
In our fast-paced lives, this could potentially streamline self-care: “No creams, no serums, just get dressed while nurturing your skin.” Because who doesn’t want to simplify their morning routine?
However, a looming question arises: what happens during laundry? Historical knowledge dictates that regular washing is essential, but could hot water and detergent negatively affect the probiotic properties of these garments?
To investigate, I delved into the Underdays website in private mode and found the FAQ section. Their underwear is not strictly a replacement for your skincare routine but is best “used alongside your existing products.” This raises eyebrows regarding the promised time-saving aspects.
The FAQ neatly outlines laundry instructions: “Wash in cold water (up to 40°C) in a garment bag. Air dry flat away from sunlight. Avoid ironing or tumble drying.” Users are encouraged to use a gentle cycle at 30°C to maintain probiotics for “up to 40 washes.”
Underdays has yet to clarify how this works scientifically. The phrase “up to 40 washes” certainly leaves room for interpretation.
Exploring New Venues
Following our mentions of the Foraminifera Sculpture Park (April 11) and Moss Garden (May 9), we continue to receive quirky scientific venue suggestions.
Carolyn Smith has confirmed our suspicions about the existence of unique beach pebble collections. “We have two shell museums on the north Norfolk coast,” she notes. “I’m not affiliated with either, but I’d recommend Grandford’s Seashell Museum for its impressive collection.”
Although Carolyn didn’t specify other shell museums, she hinted at the Peter Coke Shell Gallery in Sheringham, featuring “almost 200 stunning seashell art sculptures.”
Across the globe, Katrin Carlin reminisces about her upbringing in Maffra, Victoria, Australia, home to a peculiar Sugar Beet Museum. “I only visited once!” she laughs, reflecting on her outdoor adventures with old farm equipment.
The museum’s limited hours, “once a month for three hours,” contribute to its obscure fame, open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month from February to November.
Plan your visit accordingly!
Parking Predicaments
Parking limitations can be frustrating. Recently, Feedback has been dealing with the fallout from a driver who inefficiently parked in a two-car space, preventing others from utilizing the spot.
Yet, the instructions from B. Evans, found in a Devon car park, provide little clarity: [the first bit is underlined] “Do not park outside the bay.”
As Evans observed, “It seems to have invented a new grammatical tense,” which we might describe as the “negative imperative.” He managed to comply creatively.
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Source: www.newscientist.com