Verve’s monthly round up of what’s new, interesting, and happening… in a paragraph!
Ok Times
Known as the Korean Wave – or Hallyu – South Korean culture has truly hit the mainstream by way of K-pop, K-dramas, and K-beauty, and with a little help from the internet. Unlike traditional western beauty products that often arrive in a sterile shade of white, Korean beauty products embrace innovative formulations that emphasise skincare over makeup while incorporating advanced technology and high-quality ingredients such as snail mucin and ginseng. What’s more, the wide range of customisable options – think sheet masks through to essences – caters to all skin types and are usually highly affordable. This holistic approach to beauty has made Korean products a staple in skincare routines worldwide, popular with both women and men – and its influence just continues to flourish. A report by Straits Research estimated the industry to be worth more than US$18 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 9.2% each year.
Black Death
Few sweet treats are as divisive as black liquorice – you either love it or you hate it – and those who fall into the love-it camp might have a lot more to worry about than sugar rushes, tooth decay or an expanding waistline. While liquorice root contains an array of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that has been used in traditional medicine for millennia, it also contains a compound called glycyrrhizic acid which, though 50 times sweeter than sugar, is relatively harmless if consumed in small amounts. However, when consumed in large quantities it can lead to a potentially deadly condition called pseudohyperaldosteronism, with symptoms including high blood pressure that continue for up to months after consumption. The World Health Organization recommends no more than100mg per day of glycyrrhizic acid for adults, however, the glycyrrhizic acid content can vary by as much as 30 times between confectionery manufactures, but on average works out at around 65g of liquorice.
Lose The Leg
Jet lag is caused by the disruption of our circadian rhythm – our body’s internal regulatory clock – that occurs when crossing time zones. The more zones we pass, the worse the lag as our clocks are misaligned with the local time resulting in disrupted and wrongly timed sleep, and even sometimes health issues. It takes on average of around one day to recover from jet lag for each time zone crossed, and though there is no prevention or cure, there are ways to alleviate it. These include gradually adjusting your sleep schedule leading up to the trip so that it’s more aligned with your destination; staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol and caffeine; staying active during and after the flight; and strategic napping. Some people also find melatonin supplements taken a few days before until a few days into the trip can help, and of course, there are various apps, such as Timeshifter, to help better manage the transition across time zones.
Tuning Out Tinnitus
Tinnitus – the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present – can be temporary or chronic. Causes include age-related hearing loss; earwax blockage; medical conditions; and stress, with its effects ranging from mildly annoying to totally disabling to the point of greatly impacting quality of life. More than 200,000 Kiwis suffer from tinnitus, and though there is no known cure, treatments include various therapies and hearing aids. But a new app, MindEar, might be the key to the most effective treatment yet. Developed by an Auckland University-led research team, the app employs cognitive behavioural therapy to “help you understand your relationship with tinnitus, provide the tools to manage it, and empower you to live your life with long-lasting freedom”. Dr Fabrice Bardy, the first author of the study, who also has tinnitus, hopes to “empower people to regain control” before the negative thought cycles associated with the affliction take foot.
Droning On
Last year Domino’s Pizza announced the trial of drone delivery service in Rāhui Pōkeka/Huntly in partnership with tech company SkyDrop having already made history by conducting the world’s first pizza delivery by drone from Domino’s Whangaparaoa in Auckland in 2016. So, from a world-first drone delivery to the world’s longest: Norwegian startup Aviant recently introduced a delivery service to the luxurious ski resort town of Lillehammer. The drones’ operating radius of 17km is around six times further than that of traditional drones, while their ability to operate in the region’s tough winter weather also sets them apart. Now the town’s 4,000 residents can order up to 1.5kg of goods such as medicines, groceries, and meals, with the average delivery time standing at 24 minutes. “This represents a significant moment for autonomous drone delivery in Europe,” says Lars Erik Fagernæs, Aviant CEO and co-founder. Convenience aside, the drones’ eco credentials are pretty impressive too, emitting 95% less CO2 than an electric car.
Bird Buddies
Based in Green Bay, Auckland, BirdCare Aotearoa is an avian hospital that cares for around 6,000 wild birds each year. This most worthwhile of world-class endeavours – the largest of its kind in New Zealand – reaches beyond Greater Auckland to Waikato and Northland and is run and funded solely by way of the kindness of volunteers and donations. Rescued feathered friends include the injured and the orphaned from the familiar tūī and fantails to the less commonly seen kākā and albatross. Administration manager Kim Frakes, who started out as a volunteer at the DoC-approved hospital, says: “Current volunteering opportunities include caring for birds and cleaning in the hospital, maintenance and building at the site, and assisting with fundraising, which can be performed remotely.” She adds that, “It’s an incredibly special feeling, holding a precious wild bird gently yet securely, while a hospital manager gives medication or treatment.” Find out how you can help at birdcareaotearoa.org.nz
