Daily Signals 10.01.2020

Signals

Google develops an AI to detect breast cancer, Soylent turns its hand to energy drinks, and people feel demotivated to act sustainably.

VegNature’s rebrand emphasises its eco-values

VegNature by Leonardo Studio Design
VegNature by Leonardo Studio Design
VegNature by Leonardo Studio Design

Canada – Plant-based food brand VegNature has overhauled its visual identity to be more in line with its brand values of healthy, greener and more compassionate living.

As part of the rebranding its flagship product, plant-based ‘cheese’ La Bûchette, has been updated. Its new eco-friendly packaging is not only designed to be more visible on supermarket shelves, it is made from 100% recyclable plastic and 100% recyclable and compostable cardboard.

Working with Leonardo Studio Design, the rebranding aims to inspire consumers to choose plant-based products. Abiding by the motto ‘Just plants. No bad stuff', the shift towards bolder eco-packaging also precedes the launch of a a new product range for 2020. ‘Even though VegNature already has a solid fan base, we had to think about curious people looking for healthier alternatives and looking for new things,’ explains Stéphanie Bergeron, co-founder of Leonardo Studio Design.

With plant-based products increasingly front of mind for consumers, brands are updating their identities and pushing for more visceral visuals that elicit pleasurable eating without compromise. For more, explore our Vibrant Veganism design direction.

The energy drink giving Soylent a boost

Soylent Stacked Soylent Stacked
Soylent Stacked Soylent Stacked

US – Soylent has introduced a ready-to-drink, nootropic energy drink, Soylent Stacked, described as a complete formula to fuel the mind and body.

Combining healthy fats, plant protein, slow-burning carbohydrates and essential nutrients, Stacked is said to enhance focus, accuracy and the ability to switch between tasks with ease. Formulated with a ‘stack’ of L-theanine and caffeine, the drink has been created to provide a calm yet sustained energy boost.

Eschewing the sugary rush of traditional energy drinks, Soylent Stacked contains ingredients to support cognition and memory, as well as overall mental and physical performance. ‘Our customers told us they were frustrated with the empty calories and lack of nutrition in the leading energy drinks. Soylent Stacked is the first energy drink formulated for both your mind and your body,’ explains Bryan Crowley, CEO of Soylent.

With growing concern about the negative health impacts of high-sugar, high-caffeine energy drinks, brands are innovating to offer less harmful alternatives. Explore our Alternative Energy Drinks microtrend for more case studies.

Google AI can now detect breast cancer

Global – Google has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that can detect breast cancer with greater accuracy than most doctors.

In a recent study published in the scientific journal Nature, Google’s AI systems were put to the test – and were found to produce fewer false positives and false negative results than doctors, both of which can significantly affect how the disease is detected and treated.

The AI system uses machine learning, analysing tens of thousands of mammograms from women in the UK and the US, drawing from this information to better detect new cases. Researchers who worked on the project note that ‘the performance of even the best clinicians leaves room for improvement. AI may be uniquely poised to help with this challenge’.

While the worlds of health and wellness were once distinctly separate, new technologies for healthy living are emerging to prioritise convenience and care. Find out more about how technology is transforming health in our Certified Wellness macrotrend.

Breast Cancer Detection

Stat: People remain apathetic to sustainable behaviours

According to the 2020 Looking Further with Ford trend report, 78% of adults globally agree with the statement: ‘I am actively changing my behaviour to help in the fight against climate change.’

Yet, with variations in sustainable acts apparent across global regions and demographics, many people remain disengaged or simply demotivated to behave more sustainably. In fact, Ford's report shows that 46% of people in the UK said they would only embrace sustainable initiatives such as not using plastic straws if the inconvenience of doing so was small or non-existent. This compares to 62% of people in China, 51% in Australia, 78% in France and 48% in the US.

Brands are waking up to the responsibility they have to encourage sustainable decisions among consumers, something Jo Barnard, co-founder of design studio Morrama, examines in her recent opinion piece.

Previous Daily Signals Articles
Ikea launches furniture and décor collection that frames play as a part of the entire home

Daily Signals

Ikea launches furniture and décor collection that frames play as a part of the entire home

At Miami Art Week, Ikea used its Open House Miami installation to frame play as an everyday design principle rather than a zone limited to children...
Design : Retail : Play
Foresight Friday: Emily Rhodes, creative lead

Daily Signals

Foresight Friday: Emily Rhodes, creative lead

Every Friday, we offer an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, creative lead Emily Rhode...
Design
Stat: UK anxiety about rapid cultural change accelerates

Daily Signals

Stat: UK anxiety about rapid cultural change accelerates

Public unease about the pace and direction of cultural change in the UK is intensifying, with new research revealing a sharp rise in perceptio...
Statistic : Society : Culture
Mantle borrows transplant-grade science for next-gen serum

Daily Signals

Mantle borrows transplant-grade science for next-gen serum

Swedish skincare brand Mantle is pushing medi-beauty into new territory with The Organ Essence, a serum that borrows its core actives from the pres...
Beauty : Science : Health
New study finds week-long digital detoxes improve youth mental health

Daily Signals

New study finds week-long digital detoxes improve youth mental health

A study published in JAMA Network Open in November 2025 suggests that taking a break from social media could deliver measurable mental health benef...
Technology : Youth : Social Media
Stat: Africa leads the AI adoption race for business

Daily Signals

Stat: Africa leads the AI adoption race for business

Africa is emerging as a frontrunner in workplace AI adoption, with 64% of workers reporting usage in the past year – well above the global average ...
Artificial Intelligence : Work : Statistic
Oloris transforms scent into a multi-sensory experience

Daily Signals

Oloris transforms scent into a multi-sensory experience

A new prototype from Pitch Studios, a creative agency based between London and Amsterdam, and Gentle Systems, an engineering studio in Berlin, is r...
Design : Technology : Fragrance
Stat: K-pop’s global popularity shows no signs of slowing

Daily Signals

Stat: K-pop’s global popularity shows no signs of slowing

K-pop’s transformation from a regional music scene into a global cultural force is now reflected in public awareness worldwide.
K-pop : Pop Culture : Statistic
How Clove is winning over healthcare workers with playful food collaborations

Daily Signals

How Clove is winning over healthcare workers with playful food collaborations

Clove, a functional footwear brand for healthcare workers, is using whimsical collaborations with unexpected food brands to stand out and breathe n...
Fashion : Healthcare : Collaboration
How artists KAWS’ 32m sculpture taps into the Awe Economy

Daily Signals

How artists KAWS’ 32m sculpture taps into the Awe Economy

The latest iteration of artist KAWS’ global public art series has landed on the Mina Zayed Waterfront as part of Abu Dhabi’s city-wide The Light Co...
Architecture : Sculpture : Art And Design
You have 1 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN