fun facts

Antarctica used to have a rainforest

“New evidence shows that the planet’s coldest continent harbored rich, wet forests in the dinosaurs’ time. The results will help shape estimates of human-driven warming.” | learn more

fun facts

Two hundred fifty things an architect should know

This reads like a long list of things I don’t know, which is why I love it. Many (most?) don’t directly relate to architecture. The author is Michael Sorkin, recently deceased, is a prominent American architect and urban designer. | learn […]

under the microscope

Faster testing for artificial antibodies

Researchers at Berkeley have created a new system to rapidly test artificial antibodies. This feels like a strong brute-force attack against pathogens. “The system starts with a nanosheet made up of molecules called peptoids. This is then coated in loops […]

retail therapy

10 eCommerce trends shaping the future of DTC in 2020

There are some interesting concepts noted here, including “LTV Is Everything, LTV Is Nothing: Meet Your Cash Multiplier.” I also am fond of the notice at the top: “This article was written a week prior to the coronavirus pandemic.” | learn more

retail therapy

Retail and e-tail metrics in post-virus world

There’s a chance of sampling bias here, but the trends are fascinating anyway. Luxury sector conversion rates are up a surprising 35-40% vs benchmark. “[Marketing agency] WITHIN … tracking year-over-year trends in ecommerce revenue, ad spend, and conversion rate relative […]