Need to Know
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Nottingham, UK – Silk to Silicon is an art exhibition that examines the link between the history of textile-making and modern computing. Through moving images, fabric samples and graphic design, artist Sebastian Koseda analyses how craft practices have given birth to automation in the past 200 years.

The exhibition follows the evolution of automatic silk weaving to the discovery of the silicon chip, which paved the way for crypto-mining, drone deliveries and data collection. The show examines the legacy of the Luddites, a group of skilled artisans who resisted mechanisation in the early 1800s.

With growing global concerns about the rise of automation, Koseda wonders if a Luddism revival is on the horizon. ‘In the next 10 years we are likely to see more change in automated technology than the last 100 years combined. Automation is ubiquitous, but for how long will workers and machines continue to co-exist in peace?’ asks artistSebastian Koseda.

Exploring the material history of digital innovations, Silk to Silicon grounds technologies like cryptocurrency in the real world. By demystifying abstract concepts in tangible ways, the exhibition taps into Digital Dialogues.

Germany – After conducting research that found that 90% of women wear the wrong-sized sports bra, Adidas has re-engineered its entire sports bra portfolio to cater for the needs of all active women.

The new collection is the result of significant research and extensive testing performed in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth in the UK. With research indicating that wearing the wrong bra can cause skin stretch, the collection includes 43 new styles that cater for more bodies and exercise types than previously. Accommodating the individual needs of active women, the new collection comprises Everyday bras for lounging, Studio bras for low-to-mid intensity activities, Train bras for HIIT sessions, and Run bras for the highest level of breast support.

As the health sector's gender data gap impacts women’s wellbeing and athletic performance, there’s a rising need for Protective Performance Apparel. ‘The wrong sports bra can have a serious impact on performance and efficiency – for example, if you run a marathon, unsupported breasts travel an extra four miles on their own,’ explains Amy Charlton, senior director of product at Adidas.

The findings of Lululemon's latest Wellbeing Index suggest that global wellbeing has improved, owing to better coping strategies and a greater focus on mental health. Despite a slight decline from the previous year, Chinese respondents ranked first in the index, reporting a 75% feeling of overall happiness.

The wellbeing rate in China is notably higher than the 66% average of the 10 markets surveyed by the sports apparel company. According to the research – which surveyed 10,000 people – the overall Wellbeing Index currently sits at 66, indicating a moderate level of wellbeing. But just 29% of respondents report 'good' wellbeing across all three elements of feeling well – physical, mental and social.

Since last year, the report finds that overall mental wellbeing has improved, but physical and social wellbeing have remained unchanged. Despite improving slightly since last year, social wellbeing remains the lowest of the three factors. Of note, just 21% of Generation Z say they’re happy in all three aspects compared with 29% of the total population. Despite outperforming other nations, Chinese respondents’ overall happiness declined compared with the previous year, suggesting that more has to be done to strengthen the Chinese Wellness Market.