The “Sperm Switch” Male Contraceptive

Aside from vasectomies, few viable male contraceptive options exist. The latest entrant into the market, called the Bimek SLV, is a proposed “sperm switch” created by German inventor Clemens Bimek. The small device works by attaching to the spermatic duct valve and can be switched to the “off” position to divert the flow of sperm back into the testicles upon ejaculation. According to Bimek, the …

The Art of Prosthetic Eyeball-Making

Like blacksmithing or shoemaking, the age-old craft of creating prosthetic eyeballs requires skill, technique and a good amount of artistry. The craft dates back to 2900 BC, when the very first false eye was discovered in the skull of an ancient priestess. In recent years, advances in technology have allowed modern ocularists to replicate eyeballs to such a degree that doctors sometimes have difficulty recognizing …

Lighting Science’s “Good Night” Biological LED Lamp

Developed for NASA, a bulb that encourages melatonin production and restful sleep

Most of us are aware of the fact that there’s more to a good night’s sleep than an excellent mattress. In fact, there are so many tangential sleep industries—from pills, teas, apps and creams all the way to therapy. Until recently, however, countless people haven’t thought about the last thing they see before turning off the lights: the very beams emanating from the lightbulbs of …