Hubless Sada Bike Can Be Folded to the Size of an Umbrella

(Inhabitat)

By Lidija Grozdanic

Foldable bikes have been around for some time, but Sada Bycicle pushes the limits of space-saving design by folding to the size of an umbrella. This hubless bike features a frame that folds away for maximum portability – it can even be packed in a regular-sized backpack!

The Sada Bike has a standard bicycle dimension with 26-inch wheels that are attached to the frame using an anchoring system. The entire structure can be folded with a single movement and packed in a container that can also be used as a backpack.

Creating water out of thin air—ingenious billboard helps alleviate drinking water shortages

Using the power of technology to help ease water security issues, Peruvian ad agency Mayo DraftFCB and the University of Engineering and Technology in Lima have joined forces to create the first water-generating billboard. Built in Lima, Peru, the innovative structure pulls moisture from the air and condenses it into clean, potable water.

One of the driest places on Earth, Lima receives less than two inches of rainfall per year yet has an atmospheric humidity of around 98 percent - making the city an ideal location for the water-producing billboard. The system collects water from the air, condenses it in a similar manner as an air conditioner and then purifies the water through reverse osmosis. The billboard can generate up to 96 liters of water per day, which is stored in 20-liter tanks and dispensed via a spigot at the bottom of the structure. The billboard has already provided 9,450 liters of clean water in three months of operation.

Xylitol: Uncovering the dark side of this popular sugar substitute

Many of us who have jumped on the lower-carb bandwagon have embraced xylitol as the darling of natural sugar substitutes. And yet, questionable manufacturing processes and the end product can be problematic—that is, a chemically extracted sugar alcohol the body is unable to fully digest which causes an uproar in the digestive tract. To make matters worse, xylitol is frequently made from GMO corn and produced in China. The sugar alcohol is also extremely toxic to dogs and can cause liver failure, as this study found.

Origin and history

Originally developed by French and German chemists in the 1890s, xylitol didn't become well-established on the market until World War II when sugar shortages in countries like Finland forced citizens to seek alternatives. Large scale production of xylitol coincided with the discovery of dental and diabetic advantages in the 1970s. The sweetener is derived from xylan (a polysaccharide), which is present in the plant cell walls of birch and beech trees, rice, oat, wheat and cotton seed hulls, corn cobs and stalks, along with sugar cane bagasse. Due to cost factors, most xylitol today is made from corn, rather than beech or birch. Chemically, all xylitol is the same, although GMOs are often present in non-organic varieties.

15 Things You Need To Give Up To Be Happy

(Spirit Science and Metaphysics)
By Luminita D. Saviuc 

Here is a list of 15 things which, if you give up on them, will make your life a lot easier and much, much happier. We hold on to so many things that cause us a great deal of pain, stress and suffering – and instead of letting them all go, instead of allowing ourselves to be stress free and happy – we cling on to them. Not anymore. Starting today we will give up on all those things that no longer serve us, and we will embrace change. Ready? Here we go:

1. Give up your need to always be right
There are so many of us who can’t stand the idea of being wrong – wanting to always be right – even at the risk of ending great relationships or causing a great deal of stress and pain, for us and for others. It’s just not worth it. Whenever you feel the ‘urgent’ need to jump into a fight over who is right and who is wrong, ask yourself this question: “Would I rather be right, or would I rather be kind?” Wayne Dyer. What difference will that make? Is your ego really that big?

Heavy metal detox: Sharpen your mind, reduce cancer risk and banish electromagnetic sensitivity with these tips

Suffering from brain-fog, irritability, cardiovascular disease or depression? If so, you may be contending with heavy metal poisoning. Present in contaminated food, industrial and medical waste and beauty products as well as environmental pollutants, heavy metals are a major part of daily life and wreck havoc on our minds and well-being.

Despite the fact that there are over a dozen heavy metals which can cause health issues, arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury, aluminum and cadmium are the most common. Have a look at the list below to see if you may have a problem:

Plant these 6 perennial vegetables once, and reap their harvest year after year

(Tree Hugger)
By Derek Markham

Traditional backyard gardens tend to be full of annual vegetables that need to be started year after year from seed, and while those veggies can be well worth the time and labor it takes to grow them, planting some perennial vegetables in your garden and yard can end up putting food on your plate for far less effort.

Unless you live in a region with a year-round growing season, your tomatoes and peppers (which are perennial by nature) will need to be planted anew each spring, because they can't handle the cold temperatures of winter, but there are other vegetables that can overwinter in many place and spring back to life as soon as soil temperatures are warm enough. By dedicating a garden bed or two to perennial vegetables, especially in a polyculture with other perennials, you can pack a lot of food production into a small area.

No Yard? No Problem: 5 DIY Garden Projects For People Who Don’t Have Space For A Garden

(Collective Evolution)
By Alanna Ketler

Gardening can be such a rewarding hobby for you, your family, your neighbours and some friends as well as there is much to benefit from. Aside from being rewarding for your mind and soul, it is also physically rewarding because you actually get to harvest the “fruits of your labor.”

Being able to grow your own food means that you have COMPLETE control over what you are putting into you and your family’s bodies. You get to pick the seeds, the soil and the water that is being used to grow your fruits and veggies. That means completely organic, GMO free, fresh food could be right at your fingertips!

Five traditional foods that everyone should be eating for exceptional health

Oftentimes, the most simple solution to avoiding health problems can be found in the past - namely, time-honored foods that are rooted in tradition and wisdom. Long-established cultures, through observation and a close connection with the land and its people, developed exceptionally nourishing food staples. A modern revival of these most basic, yet remarkable, foods is on the upswing - with the following five edibles leading the way.

Traditional fare for outstanding vitality

Fermented cod liver oil - Scandinavian vikings had drums of cod livers fermenting by the doors of their homes. Likewise, Roman soldiers used cod liver oil daily. Historically, the oil was used to keep populations strong and disease-free. Unknown at the time, fermented cod liver oil contained substantial levels of naturally occurring vitamins A and D. Unfortunately, modern processing strips these valuable nutrients, which then requires "enriching" the final oil with synthetic vitamins. Low-temperature fermentation of cod liver bypasses this issue and retains all the healthy perks of the natural oil, including heightened immunity and protection against Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, inflammation, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

Europe embraces healthy raw dairy by unveiling fresh milk vending machines

As the U.S. government continues to wage war on raw dairy products, several European countries have done just the opposite by expanding access to the food through unpasteurized milk vending machines. Taking to heart findings from current research, Europe has recognized the exceptional health benefits of raw dairy and subsequently promoted it. Compared with pasteurized and homogenized dairy, raw milk offers a wealth of nutrition—all without the drawbacks of oxidized fats, denatured proteins, antibiotics or growth hormones.

Food freedom and the right to choose

Want to maximize supplement absorption? Try transdermal nutrients

More effective than oral supplements in many situations, topical application of nutrients is often an overlooked (although superior) method of delivery. Whether using magnesium oil for debilitating arthritis, iodine to heal skin cancer or water soluble vitamins for general health, topical creams, gels, oils and sprays are one of the best ways to receive vitamins and minerals that are crucial for healthy well-being.

The dilemma with tablets and pills

For those with a compromised digestive tract or failing health, metabolizing vitamins and minerals orally can be fraught with difficulties. Between digestive upset, poor utilization and the aggravation of yeast and bacterial issues in the gut, supplements taken internally can be problematic. An alternative lies with a transdermal mode of delivery.

Coconut Sugar: Enjoy the New Star Among Low Glycemic Sweeteners

Coconut sugar emerges as an environmental and nutritional champion of low glycemic sweeteners. This is promising news for those concerned with health issues such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer and gallstones.

Produced by slicing the bud off the flowering part of the coconut and collecting the sap (nectar) into containers, the sap is then boiled in a kettle or by using low-temperature vacuum evaporation to create coconut sugar crystals. Amazingly, coconut palm trees can produce fruit and nectar for up to 70 years.

According to Bruce Fife, ND, Director of the Coconut Research Center and author of "Coconut Cures":

CDC cover-up: Polio vaccine contaminated with cancer causing virus

Yet another serious health disorder has been associated with vaccines. This time, it's cancer. Apparently the connection came to light when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) abruptly deleted a fact page on their website linking cancer with simian virus 40 (SV40) found in polio vaccines. Disturbingly, it's estimated that well over 98 million Americans are now infected with this cancer promoting virus - and the numbers are likely growing.

Deadly repercussions

According to the excised CDC page:

- More than 98 million Americans received one or more doses of polio vaccine from 1955 to 1963 when a proportion of vaccine was contaminated with SV40; it has been estimated that 10-30 million Americans could have received an SV40 contaminated dose of vaccine.

What your gray hair may be telling you

When Ann Wigmore was in her 50s, she was riddled with health issues and had a full head of gray hair. She then began a life-changing journey of living foods, which included green smoothies and ample shots of wheatgrass. Before long, she regained her health along with a fresh glow. Interestingly, her hair returned to its youthful color as well. Considering the condition of the hair reflects nutritional status and overall vitality, Ann Wigmore's dramatic transformation isn't surprising. In light of this, it's important to keep in mind that premature graying hair is much more than a cosmetic concern, it can indicate serious nutritional deficiencies and foreshadow a future of disease.

Discover the ancient secrets and modern magic of garlic

Medicinal use of garlic has been well documented around the world and throughout history. Modern science supports many health claims of the ancients while also revealing newly discovered benefits of garlic. The strong bioactive components that support cardiovascular and immune system health are well known; yet many are unaware of the superior nutritional properties of garlic, which make this common bulb a truly supernatural food.

Native to central Asia, garlic has been grown for over 5000 years. Garlic was revered by the ancient Egyptians, who appear to have been the first to have cultivated this plant. Not only was garlic considered sacred and placed in the tombs of Pharaohs, but it was also used for strength and endurance. Ancient Greek and Roman athletes used garlic before sporting events while soldiers ate it before battle. Hippocrates, considered to be the "Father of Medicine," used garlic to heal cancerous tumors.

Flowersorri: Sensorial, Montessori-inspired ergonomic furniture for kids

(TreeHugger) by Kimberly Mok

Alternatives to conventional schooling like Waldorf and Montessori schools often focus on educating the whole child, allowing the child's innate curiosity to guide their studies, rather than imposing methods of rote memorization and misguided one-size-fits-all ideas behind standardized testing. The concept of a specially "prepared environment" -- an orderly atmosphere complete with child-sized items and furnishings -- is a key component that Italian educator Maria Montessori pioneered back in the turn of the twentieth century, and something that we actually see translated in most modern kindergartens today.  Read more here.

Probiotics shown to dramatically heal food sensitivities

For those who are familiar with the GAPS diet, rebuilding the gut is of paramount importance. After all, the gut isn't only involved in properly absorbing nutrients to keep us fit—it's the foundation for a strong nervous system and immunity as well. When the gut is in top form, food sensitivities and illnesses have a harder time taking root. Interestingly, research has shown that probiotics can also heal the gut to such a point that food intolerance and allergies disappear.

The power of probiotics

Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride developed the Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet in response to her son's diagnosis of autism. Through years of research, she discovered that avoiding certain foods (such as starches, grains, beans and most sugars) while rebuilding the gut with bone broth, protein and probiotics, lead to dramatic recoveries in her patients. Behavioral disorders, schizophrenia, ADHD, bipolar, depression, autism, food sensitivities and a host of other afflictions have been successfully treated with GAPS. Even multiple sclerosis responds well.

Destructive weather patterns and HAARP—Scientists investigate a possible connection

With unusual weather patterns becoming more commonplace over the last few years, many are beginning to question a possible link involving the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) in Alaska. Several researchers who study the science behind HAARP have come forward with concerns about the disruptions this technology causes in the ionosphere and the impact it has on earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and other natural disasters. Some also consider HAARP to be a new breed of weapon.

HAARP 101

HAARP is located in Gakuna, Alaska. It is a collection of antennas placed on a computer controlled grid referred to as a "phased array." The Navy and Air Force manage the program. According to the official government website:

Effective Immediately: France Bans All GMO Cultivation

(Activist Post) by Heather Callaghan

The French National Assembly has made a sweeping declaration with a new bill, effective immediately. No more genetically modified crops.

On Tuesday, the French lower house of parliament adopted a law immediately banning cultivation of any GMO corn, due to environmental safety concerns.

Recently, they also made a halt decree to prohibit planting the only GM crop allowed in the EU - Monsanto's MON810 corn, with built-in insect resistance.