In the realm of Arctic research, unexpected encounters can sometimes add an exhilarating twist to the daily routine. For meteorologist, Katarzyna Kudłacz and her colleagues stationed on Spitsbergen’s icy terrain, the mundane task of breakfast preparation turned into an unforgettable spectacle when they found themselves face to face with polar bears peering through their windows. While these majestic creatures are a familiar sight in the region, their proximity to the research station was a rare occurrence, sparking both surprise and cautious admiration among the scientists. With their expertise in navigating the delicate balance between human presence and wildlife conservation, Kudłacz and her team adeptly managed the situation, using noisemakers to gently guide the curious visitors back into their natural habitat.

The encounter left a lasting impression on the researchers, prompting them to share their captivating experiences with the world through social media. As images and footage of the polar bear visitation spread across the internet, accompanied by a humorous caption reflecting the unexpected start to their day, Kudłacz reflected on the blend of wonder and tension that defined the encounter. While the event undoubtedly added a touch of excitement to their routine, it also served as a poignant reminder of the fragile coexistence between humans and the captivating wildlife of the Arctic wilderness.

A breakthrough in textile technology inspired by the insulating properties of polar bear fur has yielded a remarkable fiber that can rival the warmth of down feathers while maintaining a significantly lighter and more flexible profile. The fiber, designed to mimic the porous hairs of polar bears, features a core filled with thousands of tiny air pockets, preventing heat loss, and is enveloped in a waterproof sheath, akin to the bears’ fur. The core, however, is crafted from a synthetic material known as aerogel, renowned for its lightweight and insulating properties. In this case, researchers led by materials scientist Hao Bai incorporated chitosan, a polymer derived from the exoskeletons of shellfish, to create a more robust aerogel. The resulting durable and versatile fiber can hold substantial weight and is suitable for knitting, dyeing, and washing.

The potential applications of this innovative fiber extend beyond the realm of extreme weather gear. Bai envisions its use for the general public, suggesting it could be a common choice for clothing soon. The material’s unique combination of warmth, flexibility, and durability opens up possibilities for various industries, including fashion, where it could offer a more sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional insulating materials. Moreover, its resilience makes it a candidate for specialized groups such as the military or space agencies, expanding its potential impact across various applications.

Sloths are well-known for their laziness and they are the sole embodiment of relaxation. So if you want to feel 100% relaxed, just like a sloth, you need to invest in this giant hanging sloth lounger chair.
This giant lounger is perfect for sitting, chilling, and even sleeping as it has plenty of space for you to feel comfortable in it. The chair can be hung inside or outdoors, you’ll just need to install the branch above you and hang the sloth lounger on it.

You can use the stomach of the sloth for naps or simply hang onto one of its giant arms or legs. The lounger is part of an art collection designed by a South African artist called Porky Hefer and it is the result of a brilliant collaboration between New York’s Schiff Fine Art and Cape Town’s Southern Guild.
The sales of the exhibition will all fund the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, aiming to raise awareness about all the endangered species around the world.
The hanging lounge chair collection also features other giant animal furniture pieces, such as a polar bear, a great whale, a blue whale, and other species which have seen an alarming decline in their population over the years. Such an original idea of how to connect citizens with the conservationist movement around the world.

In collaboration with SFA Advisory and Southern Guild  Design Miami/Basel from 12-17 June 2018.

The exhibition, commissioned by SFA Advisory to benefit the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF), showcased a series of seating environments depicting endangered species.

The sculptures, which depict an orangutan, a polar bear, a sloth, a blue whale, and a great white shark, are made of eco-friendly and recycled materials.