Students from Sweden's Umeå Institute of Design have created a minimal, low-cost earthquake alarm that is also a source of calm during non-destructive incidents. More about Terra alarm alerts people before an earthquake hits
A mossy fungus could be used to make nutritional food products after an apocalypse, or on Mars, according to research by designer Julia Schwarz. More about Julia Schwarz uses lichen to create food for after the apocalypse
Designers Candice Blanc and Ulysse Martel have created a collection of iridescent exercise weights that can also be displayed as sculptures in the home. More about Iridescent free weights double as geometric sculptures
New York designer Joe Doucet has created a collection of knobbly 3D-printed homeware for an exhibition at the city's Cooper Hewitt museum. More about Joe Doucet designs 3D-printed vessels to "represent dining in the 21st century"
Dezeen promotion: Sofia-based bicycle company Urbanized has launched a range of sturdy bikes, designed for city environments. More about "Maintenance-free" Urbanized bikes are engineered for city use
Eindhoven-based Studio Joachim-Morineau has designed a manufacturing machine that replicates human error, to create ceramics with individual structures, patterns and textures. More about Dripping machine creates ceramics that marry technological precision with handmade details
Dezeen promotion: kitchen and bathroom manufacturer Grohe has launched a pared-back shower system that can remember users' water flow preferences and easily alter spray power. More about Grohe's Euphoria SmartControl system aims to make showering "intuitive"
Dezeen promotion: the new collection from Italian home furniture brand Lago contains 400 pieces, including beds, sofas, chairs and mirrors. More about Lago's new collection contains 400 pieces of furniture for day and night
Architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu have created a prototype stent that adapts to a patient's throat for use after tracheal transplant surgery. More about Tonkin Liu shrinks architectural shell lace structure to create prototype windpipe stent
Australian interior designer Greg Natale has released a series of luxury objects for the home that celebrate pattern and form through precious materials. More about Greg Natale launches collection of marble, shell and brass decorative accessories
Riga School of Design and Art graduate Paula Lorence has created a series of objects to help children with autism spectrum disorders with their sensory development. More about Paula Lorence designs Taktil objects for children with autism
Dezeen promotion: the latest range of carpet tiles from Forbo Flooring is designed to contribute to a relaxing work environment, by encouraging mindfulness and a connection to nature. More about Forbo Flooring's Tessera Cloudscape flooring features patterns based on cloud formations
Riga Design and Art School graduate Keita Augstkalne has developed an indoor watering system to revive plants that have been neglected by their busy owners. More about Keita Augstkalne's intravenous drip brings neglected houseplants back to life
Forty brushes produced by German brand Bürstenhaus Redecker are celebrated in this exhibition curated by British designer Michael Marriott. More about Bürstenhaus Redecker Müseum is a travelling showcase of brushes
American designer Anna Meddaugh has created a personal urinal that women in refugee camps can use in shelters at night to avoid the threat of sexual violence outside. More about Night Loo is a safe portable toilet for women in refugee camps
British artist David Shrigley has filled a gallery in Stockholm's Spritmuseum with giant inflatable swans, which inflate and deflate in cycles of 12 minutes. More about David Shrigley's inflatable Swan-things collapse and spring to life in 12-minute cycles
British designer Faye Toogood has teamed up with estate agency The Modern House to curate a moving-in box, with six objects designed for the modern homebuyer, including a keyring and an apron. More about Faye Toogood assembles moving-in box for design-conscious homebuyers
The mineralogy collection at the Melbourne Museum inspired Australian designer Leah Heiss' Facett hearing aid, which aims to shift talk "from disability to desirability". More about Facett hearing aid takes inspiration from precious gemstones
London-based Aseptic Studio has designed an ergonomic cushion in the shape of a headless torso to provide physical and emotional support for lonely millennials living in cities. More about Headless human-shaped pillow by Aseptic Studio designed to reduce urban loneliness
Could biodegradable plastics made from natural substances such as algae replace fossil-fuel polymers? Here are 10 examples of designers that are experimenting with environmentally friendly alternatives.
More about 10 bioplastic projects made from algae, corn starch and other natural materials