A new league of hitchhikers using tech, ethical fashion, the athleisure moment

–Adweek profiles a spate of new podcasts from iHeartMedia and what the podcast trend could mean for advertisers.

-Vice’s Motherboard explores “Hobo 2.0,” a new league of hitchhikers and vagabonds using affordable tech to get around.

-While many traditional fashion brands struggle, athleisure is having a major moment, per BuzzFeed.

-People are far more likely to watch video ads on mobile than on desktop, according to YouTube.

–The Washington Post explores “lecture capture” tech—basically a DVR for college—and whether it will revolutionize or ruin the education system.

–Business of Fashion contemplates the role of neuroscience in luxury marketing.

–Business Insider reports on Huanshi (MyIdol), a Chinese app that’s making waves in the U.S. with its addictive 3D avatars.

-A panel of developers weighs in on the future of emojis, via Hopes & Fears. Meanwhile, Vice ponders what it means when we start thinking, even dreaming, in these little yellow characters.

-A Forbes retail columnist argues that digital bubbles are forming as online fashion marketplaces get overvalued.

-Meanwhile, we might be approaching a food bubble, says TechCrunch.

–The Washington Post explores how gluten became public enemy No. 1 in the U.S.

–The Guardian asks, Do health apps actually work?

–The Guardian looks at how wearable tech is moving from functional trackers to whimsical fashion.

-New developments in EEG technology might allow us to control devices with our brains, according to New Scientist. (See 10 Trends for 2014: Telepathic Technology.)

-A new study finds that, as women achieve greater equality, there might now be a gender bias against men in recruitment for scientific professions, says The Economist.

-As marijuana legalization spreads, Fast Company looks at the blooming industry of pot tourism.

-Sugar may relieve stress, per a recent study cited in The New York Times.

–Digiday looks at slow fashion and consumers’ rising concern for ethical production.

-Underground pipelines might be a solution to the pollution and congestion caused by today’s shipping industry, according to Fast Co.Exist.

-With Facebook unveiling a call app, The Washington Post says the social network is poised to take over communication.

-A New York Times writer ponders “the age-old art of getting lost.”

Image credit: Wall Street Journal