Money and Happiness: New Research Challenges a Long‑Held Myth

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A long‑standing belief in happiness research is losing ground. For years, the dominant assumption was clear: income boosts daily life satisfaction only up to a threshold of 75,000 US dollars per year. Beyond that point, additional earnings were thought to have little emotional impact. This conclusion, drawn from a widely cited 2010 study, shaped public debate and academic thinking alike. New Analysis Shows Happiness Continues to Rise A fresh evaluation published in 2023 paints a more nuanced picture. According to the updated findings, well‑being continues to increase for most people…

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Austria Introduces Wide-Ranging New Rules Starting September 2026

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Austria will implement a broad package of new regulations beginning in September 2026, affecting schools, labour market controls, consumer protection, aviation security, and food safety. The measures, many of them part of legislative packages passed in late 2025, aim to tighten oversight, expand support systems, and strengthen transparency across multiple sectors. Education: Headscarf Ban, Higher Penalties, and New Support Structures A major change affects Austria’s schools: from the start of the 2026/27 academic year, a headscarf ban will apply to girls up to age 14 in both public and private…

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New Rules Tighten E‑Scooter Transport in Vienna’s Public Transit

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Vienna’s public transport operator, Wiener Linien, is introducing stricter rules for carrying e‑scooters on the network, limiting when and where the devices may be transported. The new policy, which aligns e‑scooters with existing bicycle regulations, takes effect on 1 September. Limited Hours for E‑Scooter Transport Under the updated rules, e‑scooters may only be taken on the Vienna U‑Bahn outside peak hours. The permitted times are: The restriction mirrors the long-standing bicycle policy and aims to reduce congestion during the busiest commuting periods. Ban on E‑Scooters in Buses and Trams A…

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Island Rhythms: Philippine Polynesian Cultural Dance Synergy Brings Tropical Spirit to Vienna

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The vibrant energy of the Pacific islands came alive in Vienna as the Philippine Polynesian Cultural Dance Synergy (PPCS) transported hundreds of guests straight to the tropics. Staged on August 29, 2026, the highly anticipated “Tropical Rhythm Dance in the Garden Breeze” turned the outdoor grounds of the Parish of Leopoldau in the 21st District into a lively celebration of heritage, music, and community. A Sea of Polynesian Attire and Island Beats From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere radiated warmth and color. Hundreds of supporters filled the venue, fully…

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Friendships as a Lifeline: Why Strong Social Bonds Boost Health Around the World

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Good friendships are more than a pleasant part of life — they may be one of the most powerful, universal drivers of human health. A new global study analyzing data from more than 200,000 adults suggests that people who feel satisfied with their friendships and close relationships tend to report better physical and mental well‑being, regardless of where they live, how much they earn, or how they grew up. The research, led by Veli Durmus of Kütahya Health Sciences University in Türkiye and published in the Journal of Mental Health,…

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Wasp on Your Sandwich? Why the Risk Is Smaller Than You Think

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Wasp season is in full swing across Austria, and anyone who sits down with a slice of cake or a piece of fruit knows the drill: within seconds, the yellow‑black insects arrive. Their landing spots, however, are not limited to human food. Wasps also visit carrion, spoiled leftovers and even feces — a fact that understandably unsettles many people. But how dangerous is it really when a wasp touches your meal? Wasps on Food: A Psychological Problem More Than a Health Risk Wasps are drawn to sugar and protein, making…

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Scientists Discover Why Mosquitoes Prefer Certain People

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New research suggests that different mosquito species are attracted to different people, a finding that could lead to more targeted ways of preventing mosquito-borne diseases. Not everyone is bitten by mosquitoes equally. While some people seem to attract swarms of the insects, others can spend time outdoors with barely a bite. New research from the United States may help explain why. Mosquitoes need the blood of vertebrates to develop their eggs, making humans a common target. With warmer weather and periods of rain creating ideal breeding conditions, mosquito bites can…

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Wasp Season Reaches Peak in Austria, Experts Warn Allergy Sufferers

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VIENNA — Wasp season is reaching its annual peak in Austria, with populations at their largest in August and early September. While most people experience only painful but harmless stings, experts are warning that an encounter with a wasp can be life-threatening for people with an insect venom allergy. Gunter Sturm, head of the Reumannplatz Allergy Clinic in Vienna-Favoriten and the Clinical Allergology Research Group at the University Clinic of Dermatology in Graz, told the Austrian Press Agency (APA) that the risks are often underestimated. For people with an allergy…

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Public Transport Fare Hike in Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland: What Changes from September 1

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VOR fare increase: Annual passes and KlimaTickets in Lower Austria and Burgenland will become more expensive from September 1, with prices rising by an average of 3.5 percent. Commuters and frequent public transport users in eastern Austria will face higher costs this autumn as the Transport Association Eastern Region (VOR) introduces a new round of fare increases. Effective September 1, 2026, prices for annual passes and KlimaTickets in Lower Austria and Burgenland will rise by an average of 3.5 percent. The increase will be particularly noticeable for passengers who rely…

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