The Material Review

Issue 104: Kei Cars, The State of American Manufacturing, How the Grateful Dead Built the Internet, Biohackers, Central Park Coyotes, Shoe History and Spotlight On: Campbell's of Beauly.

Michael Williams

and

Taylor Stacey

Jul 02, 2025

Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.

They’re Tiny. They’re Slow. And People Are Obsessed.

“In an era of supersized pickups and SUVs, Kei cars and trucks bring a (very) little piece of Japan to the United States. Getting one on the road can be complicated.” [NYT]

The State of American Manufacturing, According to 10 Companies

“What’s the reality like for U.S. brands making blankets, furniture, cookware and watches? We asked them.” [InsideHook]

How the Grateful Dead built the internet

“Before the the internet took over the world, psychedelic rock band The Grateful Dead were among the first – and most influential – forces at the dawn of online communication.” [BBC]

Snake Venom, Urine, and a Quest to Live Forever: Inside a Biohacking Conference Emboldened by MAHA

“WIRED attended a biohacking conference filled with unorthodox and often unproven anti-aging treatments. Adherents revealed how the Make America Healthy Again movement has given them a renewed fervor.” [Wired]