Dry January has come to end, but we have a new wellness-related challenge to present: Phone-Free February. The campaign, co-created by the Global Solidarity Foundation, bills itself as the “world’s first phone-free challenge,” but that’s a bit of a misnomer, because you don’t have to completely ditch your cell to take part. The “PhoneFlex” level is all about setting new phone habits and improving your digital well-being. Click here to read more about the health benefits of relying less on your phone and get practical tips on participating in Phone-Free February.
This new marine sanctuary in the Marshall Islands is a “time machine” to the past
Humanity
Copenhagen Fashion Week Highlights the Joys of Scandinavian Style
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You’ve probably seen “hygge,” the Scandinavian concept of embracing coziness and contentment, make the rounds on social media. But many people in northern Europe are also masters at injecting bursts of happiness into everyday life via their style choices, and with Copenhagen Fashion Week having recently wrapped up, it’s the perfect time to dive a bit deeper into these mood-boosting clothes (and maybe add a few fun pieces into your own closet). Nordic or “Scandi-girl” style focuses on “cool shapes, responsible practices, and an unexpected ‘ka-pow’ of color or print,” per the BBC. Just take a look at Finnish brand Marimekko, which features bold florals and bright geometric patterns, to get an idea. “It’s layering. It’s about shapes,” fashion historian Laird Borrelli-Persson told the outlet. “You don’t need an Hermès bag and a restrictive diet to pull it off. People who love clothes are finding that idea really liberating.” If that thought makes you happy, that’s because Scandinavian dressing is partially built to bring more joy into (literally) dark days. “Women in Sweden and Norway have about six hours of sunlight during winter,” said sociologist Martha Beck. “That’s it! So they use fashion to fight off the feelings of depression and listlessness that can come from very dark, cold days.” Regardless of where you live, get some tips on cultivating a positive mindset through your clothing.
Together With Quince
The Quality Cookware Your Kitchen Is Missing
Great cookware is a must for any avid cook — but quality doesn’t have to come at a high price. So where can you find great cookware that doesn’t break the bank? Quince, of course. From professional-grade, Italian-made stainless steel to chemical-free ceramic-coated and enameled cast iron, Quince’s expertly crafted pieces are designed to stew, simmer, and sauté to perfection. Plus, they add a sleek, modern touch to your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your entire set or add a new go-to piece to your current collection, Quince has you covered.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Offers New Hope to People With Autoimmune Diseases
Justin Paget/Getty Images
Autoimmune diseases are notoriously difficult to treat. But recently, scientists have been trying something new: stimulating the vagus nerve (the body’s “information superhighway”) with tiny pulses of electricityvia an implanted device. While this approach has been used to treat epilepsy, depression, and anxiety, researchers say it could be applied more widely — such as to help the 1.5 million people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the U.S., as well as those affected by Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis. “Neural signals have the ability to reflexively control aspects of the immune system that frankly, nobody had thought about before,” neurosurgeon Kevin Tracey told NPR. Tracey is the co-founder of SetPoint Medical, a biotech company making a vagus nerve stimulation device that’s currently under review by the Food and Drug Administration. The device, which is about the size of “a really big multivitamin,”would serve as a replacement for or supplement to medications. “Drugs work, but they sometimes don’t, and you can have side effects,” said Dr. Andrew Ko, who has implanted the SetPoint stimulators in patients. “In those cases, there are some benefits to looking at devices.”
Culture
Newman’s Own Wants More Companies to Follow in Its Charitable Footsteps
Newman's Own/ Facebook
You’ll likely want a slice of Newman’s Own frozen pizza after reading this story. Ever since the brand was founded by the late Paul Newman and A. E. Hotchner in 1982, it has operated under a commitment to “give it all away,” i.e. donate 100% of profits to charity. Now, in celebration of what would have been Newman’s 100th birthday on Jan. 26, the Newman’s Own Foundation has launchedthe 100% for Purpose Club toinspire other companies to follow suit. “It all starts with salad dressing,” Alex Amouyel, the foundation’s CEO and president, said in a TED Talk released last month, breaking down the ingredients of how others can join the “small but mighty club” of organizations giving back 100% of their profits. She added that the approach combines “the best of the for-profit and nonprofit business models.” Beyond Newman’s Own, the club currently includes ticketing company Humanitix — and hopefully many more to come. “It is trying to be a proof point and trying to serve as a model for a completely different type of organization,” Amouyel told the Associated Press.
In Other News
Hoppy news: Over two dozen froglets were born at the London Zoo in an essential conservation mission (read more)
“Denver is the perfect match.” The Colorado capital will soon be home to a women’s pro soccer team (read more)
A new type of brain implant to help treat Parkinson’s disease is in the development phase (read more)
How do you make math more fun? A Philly teacher is turning to football — specifically the Eagles (read more)
The world’s top TikTok personality is using his platform for good as UNICEF’s new goodwill ambassador (read more)
Something We Love
The Allusionist In The Allusionist, a podcast about language, host Helen Zaltzman covers everything from etymology to word games to trends in usage. The episodes hit the perfect blend of fun and fascinating for those who consider themselves lovers of language. The most recent drop, celebrating the podcast’s 10th anniversary, covers a series of randomly selected words from the dictionary. – Rebekah Brandes, Assistant Editor
When first grader Khali recited a poem she wrote about her late brother Houston, she won her school’s talent show — and countless hearts. “I know he’s still with me every day,” she said. Listen to her beautiful words.
Photo of the Day
CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images
This wintry sunset scene is brought to you by the 2025 Hohhot Ice and Snow Festival, an annual cultural event held in the capital city of Inner Mongolia, China.
Electric Kitchen Essentials From Quince
Brew the perfect cup of coffee or tea (whatever fuels your day) with Quince’s selection of high-tech kitchen essentials. From electric kettles to coffee grinders, scales, and other everyday must-haves, these modern kitchen tools help you do it all with ease. Bonus: They look great on your kitchen counter.
