The CultureRX Update – 4/22
From Elon’s brain microchips to the TikTokers inhabiting our headspace, we’ve had a lot to talk about at LRXD. Here’s what’s happening now, and the headlines that have held our attention as of late.
Cognition Enhancements on the Horizon
Elon Musk Put a Computer Chip in a Monkey’s Brain
Anyone else think we’re entering a Black Mirror episode? Elon Musk’s company Neuralink implanted a chip in a monkey’s brain and taught it to play Pong… with its mind! Neuralink was founded with an initial goal to create brain interfaces to help people with brain diseases/cognitive disabilities, but eventually will be used to enhance human cognition. Before you think, “There’s no way I’ll be able to Google something with my mind or speak telepathically in the next 5-10 years,” think again. Nueralink’s first product trials with humans are coming this year. And the applications (and implications) of this tech are endless.
Now You Can Microdose Caffeine
Buzz Lite is the first coffee with a microdose of caffeine to help you enjoy the effects without the crash. One cup of Buzz Lite has 10% the amount of caffeine as a regular cup of coffee. The creator decided on that amount because it’s the same used for microdosing substances like LSD and mushrooms. “My thought process was, caffeine is another psychoactive drug. It’s not a jolt of caffeine, just a nudge. Sometimes, that’s all you need.”
Clothing Making a Comeback
Nike Introduces Refurbishing Program
As part of their sustainability initiative, Nike will now accept gently used footwear at select stores (more to accept later in the year). The shoes are inspected, cleaned, and sanitized before being put back on the shelves at a discounted price. Any shoes that are too worn out will be recycled into Nike Grind material which they use to create play spaces, building materials, and other Nike products.
The Bra is Having a Revolution
Early on in the pandemic there was speculation that bras might be “killed” as people began working from home. However, the industry isn’t down — it’s just reemerging in a new way. The market has seen a 32% increase in sports bra sales, while bralettes and wireless bras were up 5%. And new wireless, comfort-first bra companies are emerging in force. So don’t burn the bra just yet.
Brands Boldly Repositioning
Neutrogena Repositions to Level the Playing Field
Neutrogena is modernizing its positioning and purpose to “For People With Skin.” The change aims to combat inequality as it pertains to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and access to health care.
Impossible Foods declares: “We Are Meat”
Words matter. For several years now, there’s been a fight between the dairy industry and all of the alternative milks. This week, Impossible Foods launched a campaign that may start a similar war of syntax between it and the meat industry. The brand has been using the tagline “For Meat Eaters Only” and their core brand message in the new campaign is simple: “We Are Meat.”
Brands Doing Their TikTok Homework
Amazon Launches an “Internet Famous” Online Storefront
TikTok has become a hotbed for viral product reviews that have certain items flying off the virtual shelves. The “internet famous” products include everything from butt lifting leggings to the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser (also vetted by LRXD’s own skincare pro). Now you can shop it all in one place.
Eos Launches ‘Bless Your F*ing Cooch’ Shaving Cream Line
After a TikTok creator’s video went viral about how she uses Eos products for a “smooth ass hooha,” Eos made a limited edition package design featuring quotes from the viral video. The video led to a 25x order increase on eos’ website, plus the shaving cream became the number one shave brand in Target and sold out across the country in weeks. Brands better be scrolling the Tok for opportunities like this!
Creators We Have Our Eyes On
Nicole Mclaughlin
Nicole is a designer based in NYC with a focus on upcycling and sustainable fashion. But, her upcycles are a little out of the norm. She has transformed volleyballs into slippers, bags of gummies into board shorts, and tennis balls into a beanie. Words really don’t do it justice, so check out her Instagram.
MrGrandeOfficial
This creator is getting noticed for his minute-long pop-culture reference raps. The “Dr. Suess of TikTok” can flawlessly bust out a verse touching on everything from Taylor Swift to the shrimp Cinnamon Toast Crunch debacle.
MommyFarmer
This TikToker documents her life running a small Missouri farm. Every day, she films her morning and evening farm chores where she has delightful “conversations” with the animals who all have their own unique personalities. From the three corgis who help herd the animals (even when they don’t need herding) to the mysterious mafia ducks to Gus the pig, who is a literal food hog, every moment will make you smile!
