Wednesday 8 July 2015

Photochromic clothes

I'm sure you've all heard of photochromic lenses before, the ones that change colour as you move from inside to outside. They may be called reactions, transitions, photochromatic, reactolite or any other name but they're all the same thing essentially. Built into the lens is a substance that reacts to UV light which then causes the lens to darken - the exact mechanism depends on the manufacturer and lens material.


So where am I going with this?

The answer is photochromic clothes. A company called Photochromia have developed a way of inserting photochromic materials into ink used to print onto hats, T-shirts and trousers so now your clothes can change colour when you go outside. Unlike Global Hypercolour (anyone remember that from the 90s) which reacted to heat, therefore showing where and how much you were sweating (ew!) these clothes will react to UV light.


Whilst the designs may not be to everyone's tastes I think some of them are quite funky, especially the idea behind Schrodinger's cat, and it is an interesting use of the technology, it's definitely a whole new take on the term wearable technology. You can read more about it and buy the clothes via their kickstarter page which has reached its target so the clothes will be made. Who knows what designs other companies will come up with and where it will go from here?


Thursday 2 July 2015

I'm back - an update

Wow, didn't realise it had been that long since I had written an update. It's been a busy 3 months mainly full of revision, revision, more revision and then exams, exams and more exams. However at the end of it all I have finished my 3 years of studying at Cardiff with a 2:1 in optometry and am looking forward to graduating in mid-July.

After finishing all the exams and the obligatory nights out to celebrate, it was time to relax and make the most of the little time I had left with my friends before they scattered to the winds (well South England). So after a quick trip back to Bath and a few rounds of adventure golf it was time to bid everyone fair well, with the stinging words of the sassy Deku tree ringing in my ears.

Why don't you try a game that requires less skill? Like sleeping!

After that, rather than just sit around moping or doing something sensible like relaxing in the sunshine I decided I was going to learn basic level Japanese on an intensive course. I've been interested in Japanese for a while and did a taster session with the Student's Union a few months back and love the culture. Rather than taking the straightforward choice of doing the course in my busy evenings, I took the opportunity to make the most of my last few days of studentship and do the course with the university. It was hard work but good fun so I doubled down and did stage 2 of the beginners course the week after. I'm glad I did it, now just need to keep the knowledge and understanding up and growing.

Right back to the eye related topics from next post.