Luxturna Gene Therapy

Spark Therapeutics has created a first-of-its-kind gene therapy treatment for inherited blindness, called Luxturna, and the FDA approved it last month. One caveat: the injections cost $850,000 USD ($425,000 for each eye), making it one of the most expensive treatments in the world. However, it is the first gene therapy that treats an inherited condition, and has proven to be effective for those with a rare form of inherited blindness that is estimated to affect less than 2,000 people in the US. Continue reading for more weird things that actually exist.

3. Lixil “Sound Decorator” Toilet Noise Masker

Toilet Sound Masker
Toilet Sound Masker

Japan-based Lixil has unveiled “Sound Decorator,” a device that generates a pattern to make toilet noises less audible by engineering a sound with a similar, but stronger, wavelength to that of urination. Then through the auditory masking effect, it neutralizes the weaker wavelengths, thus canceling out the unwanted noises. When it’s turned on, users are greeted with a serene forest auditory landscape, complete with a running brook and birds chirping. “We brought the equipment up to the mountains and recorded many samples such as ‘Ogawa no Susoragi’ and wild bird’s chirping. You can taste relaxation with the sound that makes the image of the forest,” said a company representative.

2. Sankuanz Sneaker Sandals

Sankuanz Sneaker Sandals
Sankuanz Sneaker Sandals

Just when you thought you’ve seen it all in the fashion world, Sankuanz creates “shoes for shoes”. Simply put, they’re designed to protect your expensive kicks from damage. “Complementing the functional outerwear and accessories, black and olive sandals utilized a trio of velcro straps to lock in shoes, creating a bulkier silhouette. Two mesh and suede sneakers come in matching colors, alongside a lifestyle version, with SANKUANZ logos and branding accenting the grey nubuck and rubber. Though the sneakers were showcased inside of the sandals, they can, of course, be worn outside of the height-boosting accessories,” according to HypeBeast.

1. Live Water

Live Water
Live Water

There’s triple filtered spring water, and then “Live Water,” which is unfiltered, untreated, raw spring water that is being offered at exorbitant prices. The company is apparently experiencing brisk business by offering 2.5-gallon containers for $36.99, with refills setting you back $14.99 each. “It has a vaguely mild sweetness, a nice smooth mouthfeel, nothing that overwhelms the flavor profile. Bottled water’s controversial. We’ve curtailed our water selection. But this is totally outside that whole realm,” said Kevin Freeman, a manager at Rainbow Grocery.

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A technology, gadget and video game enthusiast that loves covering the latest industry news. Favorite trade show? Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.