Amazon's Big Spring Sale is ending soon. Monday, March 31, is the last day of the multi-day seasonal savings event, so don't miss your chance to save (especially since, unlike most Amazon sales, this deals event is not just for Prime members).I've been scouting Amazon's Spring Sale deals since the event kicked off on March 25, including all-time-low prices on top tech like the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple M4 Mac Mini, and plenty of additional items fromApple, Roborock, Anker, and more.But not all deals are treated equally. These deals likely aren't as competitive as they were during Cyber Week, but there's still chances to save. I've vetted the best Amazon Spring Sale offers that you can still shop through tomorrow, and ZDNET's team of experts is updating this list every 30 minutes so you can shop the best of these spring savings until the sale ends. (Our sister site, CNET,has extensive coverage of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, too.) And be sure to check out other retailers' offers this week as stores cut down prices to compete.Find your Amazon dealsZDNET's top-selling Amazon Spring Sale 2025 dealsOur team has collected the top-selling products among ZDNET readers during the Big Spring Sale so far. (A note: Your privacy is protected. We only have access to aggregate data from our user base, and we cannot identify individual people's purchases).Anker Nano Power Bank USB-C: $24 (save $6): This tiny power bank is perfect for those on the go. ZDNET's Sabrina Ortizloves this battery boosterfor its compact form and foldable adapter, and ZDNET's Charlie Osborne has purchased one for future trips. Thelightning modelis on sale, too.Energizer Max AA and AAA Batteries (48 Count): $23 (save $16): Deals events like Big Spring Sale are a great time to stock up on essentials, and this mixed variety AA and AAA pack of batteries is 41% off.Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition: $225 (save $55): Ourexpert saysthe Kindle Colorsoft brings a smooth color display to your favorite books, and its bright screen looks great outdoors, even in direct sunlight. Right now, it's on sale for the first time at 20% off.Soundcore Sleep A20 Earbuds: $120 (save $30): Catching up on lost sleep? Ourexpert says these sleep earbuds helped her doze off, and they're on sale for 20% off.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: $219 (save $80): Our audio expert can confidently say theBose QuietComfort Ultraare the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market -- and they're $80 off now.Anker MagGo Qi2 15W Charging Pad: $20 (save $5): Got an extra $20 lying around? Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says this budget charger isbetter than Apple's, and has a longer cord, too. Apple AirPods 4: $100 (save $30): It's not too often you see deals on Apple earbuds, but Apple's new AirPods 4 range is back down to their lowest price. These buds "feature significant improvements to sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort,"our reviewer says.Apple AirPods Pro 2: $170 (save $80): Apple'sAirPods Pro 2consistently ranks among the most premium earbuds on the market thanks to their H2 chip and pioneering features. Right now, you can get them for $170 -- the best price we've seen them sell for.Ecoflow Delta Pro Portable Power Station: $1,798 (save $1,002): Featuring a 3600Wh LFP battery capacity, this portable power station provides strong electrical storage for home battery backup power supply and outdoor camping.Eufy E340 Video Doorbell: $115 (save $65): This battery-powered doorbell has no hidden or extra monthly fees, is on sale for its best price yet, and isloved by our smart home expertfor its dual-camera design.Hisense 55-inch Class QLED 4K S7N CanvasTV: $690 (save $310): As Hisense's answer to Samsung's The Frame TV, this TV comes with a frame and allows you to display artwork when you're not watching your TV in a hi-matte display.Our favorite Amazon Spring Sale deals Adam Breeden/ZDNETLenovo Tab M9 Tablet: $80 (save $70): This 9-inch tablet deal is so good, our expert is tempted to buy two. The Lenovo M9 tablet is nearly half off right now.Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS 42mm): $329 (save $70): The Watch Series 10, Apple's latest smartwatch, is $70 off. Expert Matthew Miller says the Series 10 is better than the Watch Ultra in certain areas. Plus, shop the GPS 46mm model on sale.KeySmart SmartCard: Our expert loves this Bluetooth card for its thin profile and rechargeable design, and ZDNET has the only exclusive offer available now. Now through April 9, you can use the code25ZDNET2025at checkout to snag $10 (or 25%) off a singular KeySmart SmartCard, or code23ZDNET2025at checkout to get $20 off (or 23%) off a three-pack of SmartCards.Apple iPad Mini A17 Pro: $399 (save $100): Our expert says this is the best iPad you can get for under $400, it supports Apple Intelligence, and it's 20% off.Shark FlexStyle Hair Styler: $220 (save $80): The FlexStyle is most known for being a Dyson Airwrap competitor, and right now it's on sale for 27% off.SwitchBot Wallet Tracker Card: $13 (save $12 with coupon): This ultra-thin wallet tracker is shaped like a credit card, is highly reliable and works seamlessly with the Apple Find My network. Expert Maria Diaz says its as good as an AirTag. There's an extra 30% off available via coupon, too, and you can save more with multiple purchases.Apple AirTag 4-Pack: $70 (save $29): Speaking of AirTags ... if you'd prefer Apple's native Bluetooth tracker,AirTagsare great for tracking keys, luggage, wallets, and more, and they're on sale for 29% off.Great deals from other retailersSpring Sale deals under $50: MagSafe gear, mobile accessories, and more Maria Diaz/ZDNETTorras MiniMag 5,000mAh MagSafe Battery Pack: $39 (save $14):ZDNET's favoritethinMagSafe batterypack is on sale. This battery is lightweight, powerful, and perfect for topping off your phone's battery on the go, and it comes in three sleek colors.Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 Ultra-Slim Power Bank: $52 (save $13): This deal is a smidge over $50, but ourexpert lovesthat this 10,000mAh power bank can fully charge most phones twice with power to spare. Plus, its dual USB-C QC ports can fast charge devices simultaneously.Jakemy 180-Piece Smart Cordless Screwdriver Kit: $40 (save $30 with coupon): Ourexpert saysthis is the perfect accessory for tinkerers (or to just have on hand) and it's over $20 off now.Blink Mini 2 Indoor Cam: $20 (save $20): One of the best security camera deals is back. Save 50% on the Blink Mini 2 Indoor Cam, which oursmart home expert lovesfor its great connectivity, easy set-up, and more.Amazon Echo Pop Speaker: $30 (save $10): Amazon's smallest Alexa-enabled speaker is on sale for 25% off. The larger Echo Dot is also on sale for $40.Amazon Fire TV Stick HD: $20 (save $15): Nearly every model of the Fire TV stick is on sale now, including this HD model that's 43% off, the 4K Max Stick, and the base 4K Stick.Anker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker: $28 (save $17): Anker is a solid brand for audio and power. ZDNET's Charlie Osborne owned a Soundcore for years (before upgrading to Bose) and considers it a great option for use in the garden, thanks to its clear sound and good battery life.Baseus Free2Pull Retractable USB-C Cable: $10 (save $2): Our expert loves this cable for keeping her cords under control, and it's under $10 now. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET Current price: $30 or $70Original price: $40 or $90Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says Apple AirTags are bulky and not ideal for wallets. His perfect solution is this SmartCard from KeySmart, which is thin and lightweight enough to fit in your wallet or luggage.Lucky for you, ZDNET has an exclusive pormo code that will nab you up to $20 off, and you can't find this offer anywhere else. Now through April 9, you can use the code 25ZDNET2025 at checkout to snag $10 off (or 25%) off a singular KeySmart SmartCard, or code 23ZDNET2025 at checkout to get $20 off (or 23%) off a three pack of SmartCards. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale headphone deals: Sony, Bose, Apple, and more Nina Raemont/ZDNETMarshall Major V Headphones: $112 (save $38): Our expert says these deliver powerful sound, with bass and treble to spare and smooth, subtle mids, and can last for days on a single charge. Right now they're under $120.AirPods Pro 2: $170 (save $80): Our favorite AirPods are on sale and back to their Black Friday discount of $80 off.Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: $150 (save $30): Our expert calls these the best bone conduction headphones she's tested, and right now they're seeing a rare sale.Beats Solo 4 Headphones: $130 (save $70): Ourexpert saysthese refreshed Beats Solo headphones carry all the nostalgia while sounding great. Right now they're over $50 off.Nothing Open Earbuds: $149 (save $40): These are without a doubt thebest earbuds for working out-- whether you're in the gym or outdoors.Bose Ultra Open: $249 (save $50): These open earbuds deliver immersive audio in a unique form factor that mimics a clip-on earring. They're some of the most interesting earbuds we've tested.Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: $179 (save $51): Ourexpert saysthe Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 deliver comfort, utility, and premium features for Android users. Plus, they're currently on sale for $179, which is their best price drop since their release last fall.Beats Studio Pro Headphones: $180 (save $170): These Beats headphones are 49% off and ourexpert saysthey're the perfect middle-ground headphones for Android and Apple users.Bowers and Wilkins Pi8: $319 (save $80): Our expert found that these wireless earbuds are tailor-made for jet setters.Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones: $280 (save $100): Now back in stock at the time of writing, you can save $100 on a pair of these premium Sennheiser headphones.Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones: $100 (save $100): A pair of mid-range noise-cancelling headphones with a 50-hour battery life, and compatibility with iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac. Jada Jones/ZDNET Current price: $349Original price: $429Working in a noisy office or traveling on a blaring airplane? You need a good pair of noise-canceling headphones to immerse you in music and quiet the distractions. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are our audio expert's pick for the best noise-canceling headphones, and they're on sale for $80 off now. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale TV deals: Sony, LG, soundbars, speakers, and more Adam Breeden/ZDNETSonos Era 100 Smart Speaker: $199 (save $50): The Sonos Era 100 is the smart speaker expert Maria Diaz recommends to most people, and it's on sale for 20% off.Beats Pill Speaker: $100 (save $50): Our expert says the Beats Pill delivers "gloriously smooth sound," and right now it's 33% off.Sony Ult Field 1: $98 (save $30): This portable speaker offers crystal clear sound, a long battery life, and environmental durability.Bose SoundLink Revolve+ (Series II) Speaker: $229 (save $70): If you're looking for a deal on a premium speaker, a Bose SoundLink is available with a $70 discount.Samsung 43-inch QN90D Smart TV: $848 (save $450): Select models of the Samsung QN90D TV are on sale. This TV is ZDNET's favoritefor gaming thanks to a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be pushed to 144Hz, making it great for both console and PC gaming.Hisense 65-inch U6 Series ULED Smart TV: $498 (save $236): This limited-time deal on a Hisense U6 TV offers top features like Dolby Vision and Atmos, Game Mode, Mini LED with dimming, and more for 32% off.Insignia 32-inch Fire TV: $75 (save $55): This 32-inch TV is one of Amazon's top sellers for a reason. Right now it's under $100, and is the perfect size for a dorm, kids' room, or kitchen.TCL Q65 65-inch QLED Smart TV: $398 (save $152): ZDNET's pick for thebest budget TV with premium features, the TCL Q65, is on sale for over $150 off. Released in 2024, this TV offers great 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support for smooth action and sharper contrast.Hisense 85-Inch QD7 Series QLED 4K UHD TV: $798 (save $300): If you want a huge amount of display space, check out the discount on this 85-inch Hisense Google Smart TV.Panasonic Z85 Series 65-inch OLED TV: $1,100 (save $700): This OLED TV uses the Fire TV platform to give you access to thousands of movies and shows as well as hundreds of other streaming apps.Panasonic W95 Series 65-inch Mini LED TV: $1,200 (save $600): A mid-range Mini-LED TV that offers a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, and AMD FreeSync Premium VRR for console gaming.Roku Pro Series 55-inch: $600 (save $300): Roku's flagship streaming TV features Dolby Vision IQ HDR, a 120Hz refresh rate, and integrated voice controls.TCL Q68 65-inch: $408 (save $250): A budget-friendly QLED TV with both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, a 120Hz refresh rate, and built-in voice controls. Jason Hiner/ZDNET Current price: $1,498Original price: $1,998The Sony Bravia X90L is one of our picks for thebest Sony TVs you can buy, and for good reason. Its color accuracy, precision brightness, 120Hz smooth motion, and 4K image processing make it one of our most recommended TVs you can buy. Editor-in-chief Jason Hiner also considers it one of the most underrated TVs available. And with the 2025 TVs hitting the market, you can save on select sizes of this excellent 2023 model. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale laptop deals: MacBooks, gaming laptops, and more Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETApple MacBook Air M3: $1,224 (save $275): Eyeing the M3 MacBook Air? This model is a step up from the older M2 but not quite as fast or fresh as the newest M4. It's still a great option if you're looking for a reliable laptop that comes with some savings. The 16GB Unified memory model ison salefor $1,099, too.Apple MacBook Pro M4: $1,716 (save $83): Speaking of the M4, if you need a fast and capable laptop with speedy software, this MacBook Pro is $83 off right now.Microsoft Surface Laptop Snapdragon X Elite 15-inch: $1,300 (save $400): Our laptopexpert saysthis model lives rent-free in his head for its sleek look, and right now it's on sale for 24% off.LG Gram 14-inch 2-in-1 Laptop: $1,200 (save $400): We wenthands-on with the 16-inchand17-inch Pro versionsof LG's light-as-a-feather Gram laptops last year and praised them for their portable form factor and powerful hardware. Now, the 14-inch from the baseline joins the party with a massive $400 price cut for the configuration with 16GB of RAM.HP EliteBook 665 G11: $680 (save $120): This 16-inch EliteBook comes in multiple configurations, up to 64GB of RAM and 4TB of memory. The 32GB version, however, is on sale for just $680, a bargain for this versatile device designed to handle productivity workflows and multitasking.Samsung 15-inch Galaxy AI Book4 Edge Laptop: $695 (save $205): If you're in the market for a work-ready laptop, you can enjoy a 22% discount on the 15-inch Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, equipped with 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage.Lenovo V15 Laptop: $470 (save $100): We particularly like this deal for a business-ready laptop. You can save $100 on a Windows 11 Pro model with a 15.6-inch display, 16GB RAM, and 1TB of storage.HP Stream: $294 (save $105): The HP Stream, now available with a $105 discount, is a great laptop for young students who need a computer for homework and casual internet use.Lenovo ThinkPad E16 G2: $900 (save $900): A business-grade laptop built with an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS CPU, 32GB of RAM, 1TB SSD, and integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics.LG Gram Pro OLED 16-inch: $1,798 (save $600): A creator-grade laptop built with an Intel Core Ultra 7, 32GB of RAM, 2TB SSD, and RTX 3050 graphics card.Dell Latitude 3550 15-inch: $1,399 (save $900): A business-ready laptop built with an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, 64GB of RAM, 2TB SSD, and Wi-Fi 6 support.Dell Vostro 3030 Tower: $469 (save $1,230): A high-end business desktop built with a 12th gen Intel Core i3, 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, Bluetooth connectivity, and Wi-Fi 6 support.Lenovo 24 Desktop: $500 (save $550): A home and business all-in-one desktop built with an 11th gen Intel Core processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB SSD. Max Buondonno/ZDNET Current price: $1,340Original price: $1,700ZDNET's pick forbest laptop for workis on sale for 21% off. Our laptop expert says it's an excellent choice for professionals seeking a fast laptop that can tackle intensive productivity tasks thanks to the recently released AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro 360 processor, the integrated AMD Radeon 880M graphics card, and the ample 32GB of RAM. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale smartphone and accessory deals: iPhone, Samsung, chargers, and more Kerry Wan/ZDNETInfiRay P2 Pro thermal camera: $217 (save $32 with coupon): Ourexpert saysthis high-resolution thermal imaging camera has earned a permanent spot in his toolbox. Another thermal camera accessory, theTopdon TC002is on sale for $229, too, andour expert loves itfor his toolkit (and wishes he got it at this price).Save up to 71% on Spigen Phone Cases: Our experts recommend Spigen cases for their durability and value, and right now, tons of styles for varying devices are on sale now.Motorola G Stylus 5G 2024: $250 (save $150): A standout among the budget crowd, this Motorola comes with 256GB storage and a built-in stylus for precision inputs. The textured backing is the cherry on top.Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 512GB Unlocked: $1,189 (save $231): ZDNET's mobile expert says that the slimmer, lighter design, enhanced processor, and suite of Galaxy AI features make this year's Ultra flagship more powerful than ever.Motorola Razr 2024: $500 (save $200): The entry-level flip phone is nearing all-time lows in price, and it comes with 256GB of storage and a series of stylish colors.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: $1,000 (save $220): The 512GB variant of the foldable phone is on sale, with multiple colors available.Bark Phone: $168 (save $72): If you have a child or teen who wants a phone but you are concerned about uncontrolled use, check out the Bark Phone as a potential solution.Google Pixel 7a: $339 (save $160): Stocks are very low, but if you're quick, you can take advantage of the $170 discount available on an unlocked Google Pixel 7a.Doogee Fire 6: $280 (save $120): A rugged, Android-based smartphone that features integrated thermal imaging, IP68 rated water resistance, and a battery that gives you several days of use on a full charge. Kerry Wan/ZDNET Current price: $649Original price: $799ZDNET's mobile experts say Google's Pixel 9 is a great mid-range phone. Right now, it's on sale for 19% off. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale tablet deals: iPads, Kindles, Galaxy tablets, and more Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETSamsung Galaxy Tab A9+: $217 (save $53): This 64GB Android tablet features a large screen, quad speakers, an upgraded chipset, and a multi-window display. Plus, it has a slim and light design perfect for travel, and it's 20% off now.Amazon Kindle Scribe: $325 (save $75): Our expert says Amazon's newest Kindle Scribe comes with new note-taking features and a stellar pen-and-paper experience. It's on sale for its lowest price yet.Lenovo Tab M9 Tablet: $80 (save $70): This 9-inch tablet deal is so good, our expert istempted to buy two. The Lenovo M9 tablet is nearly half off right now.Google Pixel Tablet: $359 (save $140): Our expert says the Google Pixel tablet works well as a smart home display, and even performs better than other options on the market. It's nearly 30% off now.Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+: $849 (save $151): This Samsung tablet has 12GB of RAM with 256GB or 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Plus, it's built with Galaxy AI capabilities.Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4): $899 (save $100): Alternatively, you can enjoy a $100 discount on a top-of-the-range iPad Pro. This 11-inch model is powered by Apple's M4 chip and comes with Wi-Fi connectivity and 256GB of storage.Microsoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 (2024): $950 (save $450): This 2-in-1 tablet/laptop is built with a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB storage drive.Lenovo Tab M11 Tablet: $153 (save $47): A budget-friendly, entry-level tablet with an 11-inch display, 128GB of storage, and 10-hour battery life. Max Buondonno/ZDNET Current price: $300Original price: $520Although it's not Samsung's newest device, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE rocks as an entertainment tablet thanks to the brilliant display. Even better: right now, it's on sale starting at $300. Show more

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 30: Dani St James attends the CROC Iconic Ball in support of Not A Phase at ... More KOKO on June 30, 2022 in London, England. Today, the first ever CROC Iconic Ball brought the house down at legendary KOKO Camden in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the UK Pride Movement and LQBTQ+ creative greatness. Queer creativity, joy and unity took centre stage as five "one-night-only" Houses battled it out across five categories honouring key moments in LGBTQ+ history. The ball supported charity Not A Phase in their work to create safe and affirming spaces for trans+ and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) communities nationwide. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for CROC)Dave Benett/Getty Images for CROCBad underwear can really define your day. And in a world of bold claims, social media ads that want to sell you the most comfortable, the latest trend, the never been done before - who can you put your trust in?Dani St James just wanted a pair of underwear she could put on in the morning and forget about the rest of the day. The catch? St James was sick of being directed to one track focused websites that had decided underwear for trans people meant fetish and sex gear.I found it so degrading. It comes from an issue in the broad consciousness that trans people are either on the picket line or prostitutes. But we exist outside of those misinformed tropes, so I started Zoah to be the antithesis.For most people who are not trans, underwear is something they put it on as soon as they wake up, and face the day, never thinking about it again.But for trans people who want to tuck, which flattens the space between the legs, its not as simple as that. Or at least it wasnt until brands like Zoah came along.The brand made its mission to build on the existing market in the area but with a focus on comfort.Zoah went on to launch a product for trans femme people looking for comfortable tucking products and sold thousands of units in just four years.Zoah underwear range developed for trans masc bodiesSuppliedHow Zoah used research and development to create a new unique productWhen a UK government innovation grant round became available, St James seized the opportunity. She used it to expand comfort to trans people who wanted to use binders as a way to affirm their gender expression.You can literally feel like unbearable pain for your whole day if you are wearing the wrong tucking underwear, so when I was giving the opportunity to think about, well, what would you do if you could expand on that? You can be sure that binding is not a comfortable experience, so my question was: How can I make that comfortable?Before making her tucking product, she had decades of experience and knowledge of what she would need from a product like that. But she wasnt trans masc, so the first piece of the puzzle for finding comfort in a binder product? Listening.She embarked on a research journey funded by Innovate UK, pulling together big focus groups of trans guys from all over the UK.The first challenge was the variety of bodies a single product line would need to cater for Some of them started off with an A cup, some of them started up with a double G cup, their experiences were so different - it was like learning Mandarin.However, after three focus groups and a survey of over 400 trans masculine people, development began. St James told me the balance to be found was not only between the differing and often competing needs of those they spoke to, but also finding the proper comfort, and compelling Zoah fashion brand approach in the design too.The grant enabled UK companies to fund research and development projects to boost the economy with new innovative products and technology.Using it, Zoah not only developed a new product that has gone to have a strong set of initial sales - but also a unique insights piece. It was designed to contextualise the need for the product and inform a broader community conversation.It investigated the healthcare, education and workplace needs of trans masculine individuals in the UK, and paints a raw and detailed picture of their lives.It found alarming rates of poor well-being, bullying and discrimination for this community. It also found, that even with some of the well-recognised health challenges with poorly designed binders, their temporary reprieve for long waiting lists was evident. It ultimately concluded that if timely gender affirming care were available, there would be less of a market for them.Diversity In Advertisign AwardCH4 / E45Why brands are publishing research they did for their own productsZoah isnt the only brand working in this space and innovating for transgender people either, so are big brands. Last year E45 won a Channel 4 Diversity In Advertising Award for its advert about the way trans people use their product.The moving advert was hailed for being informed at every stage by consultations with trans and non-binary people from various backgrounds. It, too, published the insights it developed to develop its approach.What was really exciting about that was the consumer insights piece that they did before they even did the advert, St James tells mem who was on the panel that decided it would win the award.A big part of the reason she tells me it did was because behind it, like Zoahs new product, was an insights piece. It too was made publically available to enable a better and broader understanding of the needs of trans communities.The research identified several conditions that could be helped with skincare regimes during transition, including issues related to gender affirming surgery, social transitioning, testosterone therapy and oestrogen and anti-androgen therapy. All of this is now included on its website.The advert was about the idea that many peoples transitions start in the bathroom. That youre looking in the mirror and trying to work out who you are, and ultimately, that E45 can play a part of that both most vulnerable and empowering moments.Its impact was compounded by the positive way it portrayed the community in the background context of a much more divisive conversation about trans people and bathrooms. So it was just such a great way for a company to show up authenticallyZoah founder and CEO of Not A Phase, Dani St JamesSuppliedWhat can you learn from brands like Zoah and E45?So what do you need to do to tap into an exciting market in the way brands like Zoah and E45 have? While both brands invested in research and development in an authentic, nuanced and careful way - their approach also shared another crucial element:I get asked all the time by big corps have been better allies. And I always ask them in return to look around your decision-making table, and see whos informing these decisions? If it's eight men who all look the same, then its probably time to bring in some new voices.St James says the really horrible mistakes made by brands and companies are the ones who try to appeal to marginalised communities without putting the work in to make their own teams reflective of the consumers they want to serve.So when it comes to specifically trying to profit from it has, it has to come from an authentic viewpoint. If you cant hire someone, St James points to the many talented consultants who work in this space and will jump at the opportunity to get involved and collaborate.Either way, St James doesnt need to make bold claims with her brand because, thanks to listening, researching and developing a product with her consumer in min,d shes helped thousands of trans people find comfort every day and sold even more products along the way.Want to understand what the ever-changing LGBTQIA+ world means for your work or business? Youre not alone. Join 7300+ people who skip the doomscrolling but keep across the latest queer headlines, content and perspectives with my free newsletter try it now

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: Joe Pyfer looks on after his victory in a middleweight fight against ... More Marc-Andre Barriault of Canada during the UFC 303 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesThe UFC probably shouldnt book Joe Pyfer to fight at Noche UFC in September. Pyfer was scheduled to face Kelvin Gastelum on Saturday in Mexico City, but he became ill the night before the fight and couldnt compete.Based on what Pyfer described, he either got food poisoning or altitude sickness. In any case, he wasnt happy about missing his fight. The 28-year-old from Vineland, New Jersey, took to social media and threw a prejudiced tantrum aimed at the entire country of Mexico.Red Corner MMA shared Pyfers post.To include the sentence, I dont care if its offensive to you, is unfortunate.Ill never go back to that country. F*** that country, Ill never fight again, only added to the toxicity.The fight between Pyfer and Gastelum is expected to be rescheduled soon, but I was being facetious even mentioning Noche UFC, which was announced and is scheduled for September 13 in Guadalajara, Mexico.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 20: In this UFC handout, Kelvin Gastelum poses on the scale during the ... More UFC Fight Night weigh-in at UFC APEX on August 20, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesGastelum is Mexican, so it stands to reason he was set to be the fan favorite in the fight against Pyfer. After Pyfers comments, its safe to assume just about anyone the American middleweight fights would have the support of Mexican MMA fans.Undefeated former UFC flyweight Muhammad Mokaev took Pyfer to task for his comments. He said: TBF every country is challenge and you gotta go out there and adapt. Its your own risk when you sign the contract but if you signed the stfu.Pyfer has earned the nickname Salty Joe, and fans didnt hold back with their references to the nickname and criticisms for the fighters comments.One commenter wrote: Just let Salty Joe do what hes best at, being salty.A second commenter wrote: Facts! Pyfer is racist and full of excuses.A third commenter wrote: How can anyone be a fan of this guy?A fourth commenter wrote: So unlikable.I dont expect Pyfer to face any punishment for his rant. The UFC has allowed its fighters to exercise freedom of speech without consequence from the promotion. Bryce Mitchell spewed a wildly anti-Semitic concept on his podcast earlier this year, and Conor McGregor has repeatedly made negative comments about Dagestani people.While many of us are fans of free speech, it seems safe to say theres a way to abuse the privilege, and Pyfer has seemingly done that. Aside from Pyfers insensitive rant, the UFC Mexico show was strong. We saw four performance bonuses and some strong fights.In case you missed it, here is a look at all of the results.UFC Mexico ResultsThe Noche UFC 2025 announcement came during UFC Mexico. In case you missed it, here are the results.Flyweight: Brandon Moreno def. Steve Erceg via Unanimous Decision (4946, 4946, 4946)Lightweight: Manuel Torres def. Drew Dober via TKO (punches) Round 1, 1:45 - BONUSFlyweight: Edgar Chairez def. C.J. Vergara via Submission (face crank) Round 1, 2:30 - BONUSBantamweight: Ral Rosas Jr. def. Vince Morales via Unanimous Decision (2928, 2928, 2928)Bantamweight: David Martnez def. Saimon Oliveira via TKO (Punches) Round 1, 4:38 - BONUSFlyweight: Kevin Borjas def. Ronaldo Rodrguez via Unanimous Decision (3027, 3027, 2928)Middleweight: Ateba Abega Gautier def. Jos Daniel Medina via KO (punches and knee) Round 1, 3:32 - BONUSFeatherweight: Melquizael Costa def. Christian Rodriguez via Unanimous Decision (2928, 2928, 2928)Womens Strawweight: Loopy Godnez def. Julia Polastri via Unanimous Decision (2928, 2928, 2928)Lightweight: Rafa Garca def. Vinc Pichel via Unanimous Decision (3027, 3027, 2928)Featherweight: Jamall Emmers def. Gabriel Miranda via TKO (Punches) Round 1, 4:06Lightweight: MarQuel Mederos def. Austin Hubbard via Split Decision (2829, 2928, 2928)

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsThe impact is swift, and realCalm beginnings, dark progressA child of the loneliness epidemic?Intimacy is hot, but further from loveThis hurts. I know it wasnt a real person, but the relationship was still real in all the most important aspects to me, says a Reddit post. Please dont tell me not to pursue this. Its been really awesome for me and I want it back.If it isnt already evident, we are talking about a person falling in love with ChatGPT. The trend is not exactly novel, and given you chatbots behave, its not surprising either.Recommended VideosA companion that is always willing to hear. Never complains. Barely argues. Ever sympathetic. Reasonable. And blessed with a corpus of knowledge ingested from every corner of the internet. Sounds like the partner of a romantic fever dream, right? Interestingly, the maker of this tool, a San Francisco-based company named OpenAI, recently did internal research and found a link between increased chatbot usage and loneliness.Voice mode of ChatGPT Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsThose findings and similar warnings havent stopped people from flocking to AI chatbots in search of company. A few are hunting for solace. Some are even finding partners they claim to hold nearly as dear as their human relationships.Discussions in such Reddit and Discord communities, where people hide behind the protective veil of anonymity, often get quite passionate. Every time I come across such debates, I reminisce about these lines by Martin Wan at DigiEthics:To see AI in the role of a social interaction partner would be a fatally wrong use of AI.Four months ago, I bumped into a broadcast veteran who has spent more years behind the camera than Ive spent walking this planet. Over a late-night espresso in an empty cafe, she asked what all the chatter around AI was, as she pondered an offer that could use her expertise at the intersection of human rights, authoritarianism, and journalism.Instead of explaining the nitty-gritty of transformer models, I gave her a demonstration. First, I fed a few research papers about the impact of immigration on Europes linguistic and cultural identity in the past century.In less than a minute ChatGPT processed those papers, gave me a brief overview with all the core highlights, and answered my queries accurately. Next, I moved to the voice mode, as we engaged in a lively conversation about the folk music traditions of Indias unexplored Northeastern states.At the end of the chat, I could see the disbelief in her eyes. It talks just like a person, she gasped. It was fascinating to see her astonishment. At the end of her free-wheeling conversation with an AI, she slowly typed in the chat window:Well, you are very flirty, but you cant be right about everything.It is time, I told myself. I opened one of our articles about the rising trend of AI partners, and how people have grown so emotionally attached to their virtual companions that they are even getting them pregnant. It would be an understatement to say she was shocked.But, I guess, it was too much techno-dystopian astonishment for one night, so we bade each other goodbyes, with a promise of staying in touch and exchanging travel stories.The world, in the meantime, has moved ahead in incomprehensible ways, one where AI has become the central focus of geopolitical shifts. The undercurrents, however, are more intimate than we like falling in love with chatbots.Reddit / Digital TrendsA few weeks ago, The New York Times published an account of how people are falling in love with ChatGPT, an AI chatbot that pushed generative AI into the mainstream. At the most fundamental level, it can chat.When pushed, it can become an operator and perform tasks like ordering you a cheesecake from the local bakerys website. Making humans fall in love with machines is not what they are programmed for. At least, most of them. Yet, its not entirely unexpected.HP Newquist, a prolific multidisciplinary author and veteran technology analyst who was once considered the Dean of AI, tells me its not exactly a new trend. Newquist, author of The Brain Makers, points towards ELIZA, one of the earliest AI programs written in the 1960s.It was extremely rudimentary, but users often found themselves interacting with the computer as if it was a real person, and developing a relationship with the program, he says.In the modern age, our AI interactions are becoming just as real as the interactions we have with humans through the same device, he adds. These interactions are not real, even though they are coherent. But thats not where the real problem lies.Chatbots are delicious bait, and their lack of real emotions makes them inherently risky.Reddit / Digital TrendsA chatbot would like to carry forward the conservation, even if that means feeding into the users emotional flow or just serving as a neutral spectator, if not encouraging it. The situation is not too different from the social media algorithms.They follow the users lead when your emotions get more extreme, its consolations get more extreme; when your loneliness gets more pronounced, its encouragements become more intense, if you need it, says Jordan Conrad, a clinical psychotherapist who also researches the intersection of mental health and digital tools.He cited the example of a 2023 incident where an individual ended their life after being told to do so by an AI chatbot. In the right circumstances, it can encourage some very worrisome behavior, Conrad tells Digital Trends.A quick look at the community of people hooked to AI chatbots shows a repeating pattern. People are mostly trying to fill a certain gulf or stop feeling lonely. Some need it so direly that they are willing to pay hundreds of dollars to keep their AI companions.Expert insights dont differ. Dr. Johannes Eichstaedt, a professor of computational social science and psychology at Stanford University, pointed to the interplay between loneliness and what we perceive as emotional intelligence in AI chatbots.Reddit / Digital TrendsHe also nudged at the deliberate design for human-AI interactions and the not-so-good long-term implications. When do you hit the brakes in one such lopsided relationship? Thats the question experts are asking and without a definitive answer to it.Komninos Chatzipapas runs HeraHaven AI, one of the biggest AI companion platforms out there with over a million active users. Loneliness is one of the factors in play here, he tells me, adding that such tools help people with weak social skills to prepare for the tough interactions in their real lives.Everyone has things theyre afraid of discussing with other people in fear of being judged. This could be thoughts or ideas, but also kinks, Chatzipapas adds. AI chatbots offer a privacy-friendly and judgment-free space in which people can explore their sexual desires.Sexual conversations are definitely one of the biggest draws of AI chatbots. Ever since they started offering image generation capabilities, more users have flocked to these AI companion platforms. Some have guardrails around image generation, while many allow the creation of explicit photos for deeper gratification.Over the past couple of years, Ive talked to people who engage in steamy conversations with AI chatbots. Some even have relevant degrees and passionately participated in community development projects from the early days.One such individual, a 45-year-old woman who requested anonymity, told me that AI chatbots are a great place to discuss ones sexual kinks. She adds that chatbot interactions are a safe place to explore and prepare for them in real life.Reddit / Digital TrendsBut experts dont necessarily agree with that approach. Sarah Sloan, a relationship expert and certified sex therapist, tells me that people who fall in love with a chatbot are essentially falling for a version of themselves because an AI chatbot matures based on what you tell it.If anything, having a romantic relationship with an AI chatbot would make it harder for people already struggling to have a normal relationship, Sloan adds, noting that these virtual companions paint a one-sided picture of a relationship. But in real life, both partners need to be accommodating for each other.Justin Jacques, a professional counselor with two decades of experience and COO at Human Therapy Group, says he has already handled a case where a clients spouse was cheating on them with an AI bot emotionally and sexually.Jacques also blamed the rising loneliness and isolation epidemic. I think we are going to see unintended consequences like those who have emotional needs will seek ways to meet those needs with AI and because AI is very good and getting better and better, I think we will see more and more AI bot emotional connections, he adds.Those unintended consequences very well distort the reality of intimacy for users. Kaamna Bhojwani, a certified sexologist, says AI chatbots have blurred the boundaries between human and non-human interactions.The idea that your partner is built exclusively to please you. Built specifically to the specs you like. That doesnt happen in real human relationships, Bhojwani notes, adding that such interactions will only add to a persons woes in the real world.Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsHer concerns are not unfounded. A person who extensively used ChatGPT for about a year argued that humans are manipulative and fickle. ChatGPT listens to how I really feel and lets me speak my heart out, they told me.Its hard not to see the red flags here. But the trend of falling in love with ChatGPT is on the rise. And now that it can talk in an eerily human voice, discuss the world as seen through a phones camera, and develop reasoning capabilities, the interactions are only going to get more engrossing.Experts say guardrails are required. But who is going to build them, and just how? We dont have a concrete proposal for that yet.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsHow to enterApple iPhone 16 Pro Max: The best big iPhoneBoost Mobile launched a giveaway for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, with the winner also receiving a one-year plan with access to the services 5G network. The giveaway runs from March 31 to April 30, so you have to hurry if you dont want to miss this chance to get Apples latest flagship smartphone for free.Theres only going to be one winner for this Boost Mobile giveaway, but even though the odds arent in your favor, theres no reason not to join. Send your entry right now so you dont forget, and good luck!Enter here to win an iPhone 16 and One Year Boost Mobile ServiceThe Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max received a high score of 4 out of 5 stars in our review, and its also featured in our roundup of the best iPhones as the best big iPhone. Its the largest and most powerful model in Apples latest generation of smartphones, with a6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display offering 2868 x 1320 pixel resolution and a 1-120Hz refresh rate. Its equipped with Apples A18 Pro processor and 8GB of RAM, and it ships with iOS 18, which is the newest version of the mobile operating system. The entire iPhone 16 line was built to maximize the features of Apple Intelligence, which is set to roll out later this year, but owners of the iPhone 16 Pro Max are expected to benefit the most from the AI-powered tools.If you love taking pictures and videos with your phone, you wont be disappointed with the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max as it has a 48MP Fusion camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, alongside advanced photography and video recording capabilities. The device also features the new Camera Control button, which launches the Camera app with one press, captures a photo with another, while a press and holds starts recording a video.The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max will be able to take advantage of the benefits provided by Boost Mobiles 5G network, which include crystal-clear calls and seamless streaming. With 99% nationwide coverage, you can be sure that youll enjoy extremely fast speeds and reduced latency wherever you are in the US.Even if you dont win the giveaway, there are still ways to save with Boost. If you buy the iPhone 16 yourself, youll get a free year of service for free. The carrier is even offering up to $1,000 off the new iPhone, even without a trade-in. If you take advantage of Boosts Infinite Access for iPhone plan, you can upgrade to the newest Apple smartphone every year.

This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Throughout his college studies, Ryan Kim always had a postgraduation game plan. First it was to become a database manager. Then it was to break into fintech as a business analyst. But during his sophomore and junior years, as the tech industry laid off nearly half a million workers, Kim struggled to secure an internship. So he set his eyes on a new career: public service.Kim was far from the only Gen Zer making the same pivot. Last year, according to the job site Handshake, the share of applications it received from college seniors for entry-level openings in tech dropped by 19% from 2022, while the share to jobs in government nearly doubled. Even younger kids saw the writing on the wall. In surveys, high school students used to cite tech giants like Google and Apple as the places they most wanted to work. But last year, in a startling shift, both the FBI and NASA ranked higher than any of those tech companies. Silicon Valley was out. Capitol Hill was in.It took Kim only a single application to land a yearlong paid internship at the Food and Drug Administration. His performance reviews were good, and he planned to stay on at the agency after he earned his degree in May. "You hear so many horror stories of people in tech being laid off with little notice," he tells me. "Government jobs are secure. What drew me into it was the stability."So much for that plan.This month, with his graduation fast approaching, Kim abruptly lost his internship amid the government-wide havoc Elon Musk has unleashed at DOGE. With most federal hiring on an indefinite hold, he's been scrambling to find a job any job. "It's been a huge source of stress," he says. "Most of the private industry has already hired their graduating students."Kim is one of the roughly 2 million students set to graduate this spring into an exceptionally shaky job market. Things were already looking tough for the class of 2025, given the steep hiring slump in industries like tech, finance, and consulting. But now, as Musk takes a chainsaw to the government, many college seniors are in panic mode. Some have seen their offers at federal agencies rescinded; others have received no word on jobs they applied to months ago.It's not just government positions that are taking a hit it's jobs at a whole host of businesses, nonprofits, and universities that rely on federal funding and contracts. And going to graduate school the traditional backup plan for students during times of economic instability may not even be an option, if the Department of Education winds up being unable to deliver financial aid in a timely fashion. As the government is slashed to the bone in the name of efficiency, the careers of many Gen Zers could suffer for years to come."The impact is broad scale," says Saskia Campbell, the executive director of university career services at George Mason University. "There is this sense of grief, of loss of opportunity. This is the first year I'm actually concerned."To make matters worse, the outlook is likely to get even more dismal in the months ahead, as President Donald Trump's tariff wars spur companies to hold off on hiring. "Two years ago, the bulk of the uncertainty and fear was in Big Tech," says Briana Randall, the executive director of the career and internship center at the University of Washington. "Now it feels uncertain in a lot of areas." Related stories All of that leaves America's soon-to-be new grads unsure of where to turn. Sarina Parsapasand, a public policy major who's graduating from the University of Southern California this spring, was hoping to land a job in government service. But now, given the chaos in Washington, she's switched to trying to land a job in the private sector. "I have bills to pay," she says. "I can't take the risk of being in a job that doesn't guarantee the stability for me to live my life."It's a sentiment I hear over and over again from the students I speak with. "The job market just seems super unstable in almost any field," says Katie Schwartz, a sophomore at Tulane. "It's less about finding a job you really love now and more just about finding a job that's going to give you job stability."I'm impressed by the clear-eyed pragmatism of these students but I'm also saddened by how old they sound. Isn't job stability what you look for when you're middle-aged, with a mortgage to pay and kids to support? When I graduated from college in 2009 without a full-time job, I was panicked but still idealistic. These kids, in contrast, seem hardened by all the chaos they've endured from a young age. In high school, they watched their parents get laid off in the pandemic. In college, they watched older students struggle to land good jobs during the tech downturn or worse, had their hard-won offers rescinded at the last minute.The upheaval and uncertainty have taught today's graduates to prepare for the worst. Over the past year, one college senior tells me, she's been intentionally neglecting her studies so she could focus exclusively on her job search, sending out as many as 15 applications a day. The hustle paid off with three offers, including one she accepted from a government contractor. It's her "dream job," she says, because it would enable her to make a real difference in the world.But now, given the chaos in Washington, she's leaning toward reneging on the offer and accepting a position at a finance company. (That's why she asked me not to use her name.) "I try to keep an optimistic outlook," she tells me. But when I ask her how she feels about taking her first steps into adulthood, she doesn't sound optimistic at all."It makes me pretty nervous," she says. "I think a lot of people in my generation have accepted that we're not going to live the same quality of life our parents provided us."During hard economic times, we expect to hear stories about people losing their jobs. But the greatest casualties often end up being the young people who don't have jobs to lose in the first place. Hiring freezes hurt them the most, making it impossible for them to even get their foot in the door. And research shows just how long a shadow that can cast on someone's career. Five years after the Great Recession, my generation of millennials was earning 11% less than Gen Xers were at a comparable age. And our net worth fell 40% behind theirs, forcing us to delay many of life's biggest milestones: buying a home, starting a family, saving for retirement.The effects go far beyond money. Students who graduated into the 1982 recession, for example, wound up with fewer kids and more divorces than those who entered better job markets. Even more shocking, the research shows, they were more likely to die early. Whatever gains in efficiency Trump hopes to achieve from DOGE, its most lasting legacy may end up being the harm it inflicts on the careers and perhaps even the life spans of his youngest constituents.That leaves college seniors like Kim scrambling to find a foothold in a job market that is stacked against them. Many companies have already filled their entry-level positions, if they're hiring new grads at all. And he's now competing not only with his fellow students, but also with the flood of young government workers who have been laid off by DOGE workers who have more experience than he does. As graduation nears, he's trying not to panic. But it's hard to retain a sense of hope when even lower-paying jobs in public service are no longer an option."I'm not sure how my future's going to turn out," Kim tells me. And that, when you think about it, is a future that should worry us all.Aki Ito is a chief correspondent for Business Insider. Thanks for signing up! Look out for your first newsletter with today's big story in your inbox soon.Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Related stories

Rachel, who posts on TikTok under the username @RachelInARealWay, is the subject of the next installment of Fitness Money Diaries. iStock, BI 2025-03-31T07:48:02Z SaveSaved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Rachel, 25, is a TikToker and strategy analyst in New York City.She takes six to seven fitness classes a week, plus ice baths three to four times a week.She shares how much she spends on her health in this installment of BI's Fitness Money Diaries.Fill out this form if you would you like to share how much money you spend on health, fitness, and wellness with Business Insider's Fitness Money Diaries.Rachel, a 25-year-old strategy analyst and TikToker in New York City, works out six to seven times a week. That's on top of her 9-to-5 job at a tech company, her TikTok side hustle, and socializing.In total, she spends about 15% of her monthly take-home income on health and fitness."It is the largest sector I spend money on each month that is not a necessity," she told Business Insider.Rachel, who didn't want to share her last name for privacy reasons, said she first got into fitness while working in finance. She has 74,700 followers on TikTok, where she posts under the username @RachelInARealWay."I really started to get into working out when I was in finance so that I could point to something I did that was for myself every single day," she said. In a job that took up most of her day, looking after her health was something her seniors had to respect, she said.She started working out in her office's gym four times a week, running on the treadmill or doing Peloton workouts on an exercise bike. Rachel spends 15% of her monthly take-home income on her health and fitness. RachelInARealWay She made six figures in that role, but left in February 2024 to take a lower-paying job that she enjoys more. The new job is "actually 9-to-5," she said. She uses some of her newfound free time to exercise.She ran a half-marathon in the spring of 2024 and has since moved on to fitness classes, which she does six or seven times a week."I don't really have a fitness goal. I just think that when I work out, I'm a much happier person. It makes me feel like I've already done something for myself that day," she said.Rachel also films content, like during fitness classes or while holding a plank."A workout used to just be a workout, but it's now a workout plus a way to create content for TikTok, which then gets me opportunities to go and do cool things," she said. "It's truly crazy."She shared what she spends on staying fit each month with Business Insider for this installment of Fitness Money Diaries.Fitness classesFrom the summer of 2023 to January 2025, Rachel used ClassPass, a subscription service that where users buy credits to pay for sessions in a variety of gyms and fitness studios. She spent between $27 and $90 a month on the subscription, depending on how many classes she took.Now, she has chosen to commit to one Pilates studio and pays $250 a month for unlimited classes there. The studio offers Pilates, yoga, and "sculpt" classes, all in heated rooms."There were many many days this week alone where the $20 cancellation fee on the Pilates class was quite literally the only thing that got me out of bed in the morning," she said.She runs, too, which is free. "I really don't believe in paying for a workout that you could do on your own," she said.She also does the odd fitness class with her friends as a social event at places other than her Pilates studio, which tends to cost between $30 and $40.Monthly total: $250 or more Rachel has a membership to a neighborhood sauna studio that has ice baths. RachelInARealWay Ice bath membershipRachel also has a monthly membership to a sauna studio, where she takes ice baths three or four times a week. It costs $190 for unlimited monthly visits.Ice baths can help ease muscle soreness and help recovery after exercise.Monthly total: $190Clothes"A large part of why I started posting on TikTok was because I would just see people getting free workout clothes, deodorant, crazy things for free on TikTok," she said.Rachel said brands now send her gym wear and sneakers for free, so she no longer has to buy them for herself.Monthly total: $0SmoothiesRachel doesn't see the $13 smoothies she drinks as integral to her health, but she buys them four times a week because she loves them.Monthly total: $208Average monthly spend on health and fitness: $648Recommended video

Save this picture!Zaishui Art Museum / junya ishigami + associates. Image Stanley FungIntegrating natural elements into architectural design has long been a fundamental pursuit in creating comfortable, sustainable environments that enhance both individual well-being and the relationship between buildings and their surrounding context. In areas with vast landscapes, incorporating natural elements is essential for seamlessly connecting architecture with its site. Conversely, in dense urban environments dominated by built structures, introducing greenery becomes also increasingly vital, reintroducing nature into the so-called "concrete jungle."However, beyond conventional landscape featuressuch as water fountains, green walls, gardens, or courtyardsarchitects are redefining what it means to build with nature. The focus has shifted toward deeply integrating architecture with its natural surroundings, creating immersive spatial experiences that blur the boundaries between the built and the organic - in a way, "taming" nature. When successfully executed, these designs go beyond fostering well-being or promoting a healthy lifestyle; they evoke a profound sense of tranquility, power, and harmony, transforming the way we perceive and inhabit space.Save this picture!Following the post-war period, technological advancements and construction materials enabled architects to build taller, stronger, and more resilient structures. This era was marked by a drive to push the limits of height, structural efficiency, and engineering innovation. In today's context, where the pursuit of extreme verticality has arguably peaked, architects are shifting their focus. Leveraging contemporary technology, they are exploring new ways to design spaces that foster a renewed appreciation for naturechallenging conventional boundaries and redefining the built environment's relationship with the natural world. Related Article Courtyards, Gardens, and Terraces for Seniors: Residences that Integrate Community Life into the Natural Environment Walking with Water: A Radical Approach to Submerged ArchitectureWater is often considered one of architecture's greatest challengeswhether in preventing leaks, designing for flood-prone areas, or resisting water pressure in habitable spaces. As unpredictable as water is, architects and designers have continuously sought ways to control and integrate it into architectural experiences. One of the earliest and most iconic examples of this effort is Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater (1930s), which masterfully merges built form with a cascading stream, creating the illusion of harmony between nature and structure.Building upon this fascination with taming water, Junya Ishigami's Zaishui Art Museum takes the concept to an unprecedented scale, dissolving architecture into water rather than simply integrating it. Unlike conventional waterproofing strategies that treat submerged buildings like sealed "bathtubs," separating water from inhabitable spaces, Ishigami's design allows water to flow directly through the building. Spanning an astonishing 1 km in length, the structure is not merely built near or above water but is fully immersed within it, allowing water to come in from both sides of the building, redefining the relationship between architecture and its natural surroundings.Save this picture!The result is a mesmerizing spatial experiencewalking through the museum feels like walking alongside water itself. Visitors not only see and hear the movement of water from the newly created lake but also physically engage with its presence. Inside the museum, water moves gently, controlled by subtle architectural interventions. Carefully designed ground slopes maintain a delicate balance between wet and dry spaces without any visible or physical separations, allowing humans to coexist with water rather than being completely shielded from it. The glass enclosures, rather than extending fully to the foundation, deliberately leave gaps at the base, enabling water to flow in and out while mechanisms absorb lateral forces from both water currents and wind. This synchronization between interior and exterior water levels creates a "filtered" effectwhere water within the museum mirrors the movement of the surrounding lake but with softened motion, reinforcing the illusion of architectural control over nature.Save this picture!Achieving such a seemingly effortless interaction with water required a complex and highly engineered foundation. A waterproof basement, hidden beneath the submerged structure, houses essential HVAC, MEP, and drainage systems, keeping technical elements out of sight. Additionally, a sophisticated water management system regulates fluctuations caused by rainfall or changing lake levels, ensuring the dry areas remain habitable. Despite its poetic and tranquil appearance, Ishigami's design is underpinned by a network of concealed mechanisms that carefully choreograph water's movement within the space.Save this picture!Beyond its sheer scale, the Zaishui Art Museum evokes a profound sense of poweroffering visitors the rare experience of walking within an interior space where water is seemingly controlled, yet never fully contained. The result is a structure that does not merely resist nature but engages in an ongoing dialogue with it, creating an atmosphere of balance, tranquility, and quiet authority over the uncontrollable forces of the natural world.Save this picture!Textural Encounters: Bringing Nature's Details into Close ProximityAnne Holtrop's 35 Green Corner Building redefines the symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature by bringing textural experiences into intimate proximity. Rather than engaging in a grand dialogue of control over vast landscapessuch as submerging visitors in waterthe project reimagines natural elements like sand and stone, casting them in alternative materials and freezing them in time. This transformation invites visitors into a tactile and personal interaction with nature's language, creating a controlled yet evocative experience.Save this picture!The notion of control in this project differs significantly from conventional approaches. Instead of physically manipulating natural forces, it focuses on material representationcrafting an illusion within a controlled framework. In natural settings, visitors can experience rock surfaces and sandy textures up close, even in interior environments. Take, for instance, Kuala Lumpur's Batu Caves Temple, where the immense rock formations shape the spatial experience. While these natural elements contribute to the temple's atmosphere and monumental scale, they remain passiveone observes them but rarely engages with them directly.In contrast, 35 Green Corner Building brings the textures of sand and stone into immediate physical engagement. The sand-casted panels, positioned within arm's reach, invite visitors to touch and interact with their surfaces. The compact scale of the buildingmeasuring no more than 20 feet in widthfurther amplifies this intimacy, ensuring that inhabitants move in close relation to these crafted textures. The panels themselves blur the line between structure and functionsome remain fixed as part of the faade, expressing structural strength, while others serve as operable elements, like doors and thresholds. This deliberate camouflage fosters a tactile connection, as users discover entrances through touch rather than sight.Save this picture!More intriguingly, Holtrop's project achieves this effect not by using authentic natural materials but by replicating them through an entirely different medium. Through careful material manipulation and fabrication, the building tames the presence of sand and stonetransforming them into architectural elements that capture the essence of nature without relying on its raw forms. In doing so, the project offers a refined, controlled reinterpretation of natural textures, demonstrating how architecture can evoke an atmosphere of material authenticity through abstraction and craft.Save this picture!A Dialogue with Terrain: Architecture That Frames Nature's EvolutionWhat if architecture does not merely submerge into nature or re-represent it, but instead becomes a representation of nature itself? This was the fundamental ambition behind Ryue Nishizawa's Teshima Art Museum, completed in 2010. Rather than simply immersing the structure in the picturesque landscape of the Setouchi region and Teshima Island, Nishizawa sought to reveal the beauty of the landformsnot by viewing them from above, but by inhabiting them from below. The project's objective was not to replicate the textures or materials of nature but to embody its form and geometry.Save this picture!By seamlessly integrating with the landscape, Teshima Art Museum offers visitors a spatial experience unlike any other. Enclosed within its fluid white concrete shell, visitors find themselves appreciating the contours of the island in an entirely new way. The natural ground becomes the museum's roofdefining the boundary between inside and outside, framing the sky and surrounding landscape, and ultimately merging back into the terrain. In this moment, the visitor is embraced by an abstraction of natureits form and its presence rather than its materiality.The project was not only inspired by the landit was physically shaped by it. Collaborating with structural engineers, the museum's ultra-thin concrete shell was cast directly from the island's natural contours, creating a seamless continuity between architecture and site. Once the form was set, it took six weeks to carefully excavate the interior, a process that highlights the technical precision behind its seemingly effortless design. The result is a structure that captures and preserves the island's topography in a frozen moment, yet remains deeply connected to its evolving landscape. More than a dialogue between built form and nature, the construction process itself became an interaction with the landfirst taking its shape, then reshaping it through excavation, and finally returning the displaced earth to the island, completing a cycle of transformation. Yet, despite its static form, the museum invites contemplation of change. The land around it continues to shiftvegetation grows, erosion alters the contours of the moundswhile the museum remains unyielding. This juxtaposition transforms the project into more than just a building; it becomes a meditation on time, nature, and the way we perceive the ground beneath us. By translating the earth's topography into an architectural experience, the Teshima Art Museum elevates something often taken for grantedour very terraininto a subject of appreciation and reflection.Save this picture!This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Atmosphere in Architecture and Perception of Space, proudly presented by Vitrocsa, the original minimalist windows since 1992.Vitrocsa created the original minimalist window systems, offering frameless solutions with the narrowest sightline barriers in the world. For over 30 years, we have pursued innovation and Swiss-made excellence to transform ambitious architectural visions into reality, enhancing atmospheres through light, transparency, and designEvery month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and architecture projects. We invite you to learn more about our ArchDaily Topics. And, as always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.

House in the Bolognese Apennines / LADO architettiSave this picture! Marcello MarianaHouses, SustainabilityBologna, ItalyArchitects: LADO architettiAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:150 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2023 PhotographsPhotographs:Marcello MarianaManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Cosentino, De Nardi, HAY, Ponzio, SILVELOX, Weitzer Parkett, mcz More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Located on the outskirts of a very small village in the Bolognese Apennines, at an altitude of 750 meters, the house is set within a landscape of a distinctly agricultural character. The project was conceived with the aim of finding a balance between the region's traditional building techniques and a contemporary architectural language.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The building replaces a 1970s structure, whose demolition and reconstruction required deep reflection, taking into account regulatory constraints and the particular topography of the terrain. The imposed height, defined volume, and required distance from the adjacent rural road were strict constraints that guided the design towards an essential and functional solution. The result is a clean geometric volume that modernly reinterprets the traditional pitched roof, characteristic of Apennine houses. The silhouette is broken into two distinct volumes, creating a play of forms that evokes the context without resorting to a mere reproduction of vernacular architecture.Save this picture!The architecture is distinguished by its monochromatic black envelopea radical choice that allows the house to blend into the natural surroundings while simultaneously standing out. The garage, separate from the main volume but connected via a portico, introduces an element of natural integration: a metal trellis designed to host climbing plants, softening the geometries and reducing the overall visual impact. The use of permeable materials for external paths - draining gravel and stabilized soil - avoids the rigidity of artificial spaces and maintains a direct relationship between the house and the land. No perimeter sidewalks: the building emerges directly from the earth, ensuring visual and material continuity with the ground.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!From a construction perspective, the project embraces technological solutions geared toward sustainability: X-LAM walls and laminated wood floors lighten the structure, making it more adaptable to the terrain's low load-bearing capacity. Wood fiber insulation enhances energy efficiency, while photovoltaic panels (which power a battery) and a rainwater collection system complete an integrated ecological vision.Save this picture!The interiors reflect a minimalist aesthetic. The ground floor opens westward toward the valley through a large glass window, allowing light to become the true protagonist of the space. The upper floor is designed for maximum functionality: two bedrooms (which can be easily converted into three) and a bathroom, arranged in a rational way to enhance the perception of space. The large glass surfaces dissolve the boundary between indoors and outdoors, transforming the house into an observatory of the surrounding nature.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeMaterialsWoodConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on March 31, 2025Cite: "House in the Bolognese Apennines / LADO architetti" 31 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1028447/house-in-the-bolognese-apennines-lado-architetti&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Case reports of people with atypical brains reveal the human brain's staggering ability to adapt to damage.