January 2024 Archives

Like Corona: New bat virus discovered

January 12, 2024January 12, 2024 admin

Is the world expecting the next pandemic? A zoologist has presented the discovery of a previously unknown virus that has ‘almost’ as much potential to infect humans as COVID. The organization to which the scientist belongs has previously funded controversial experiments in Wuhan, which some fear may have triggered the pandemic. Peter Daszak, head of the organization EcoHealth Alliance, presented his discovery of bats at a World Health Organization (WHO) event to prepare for future research on pandemic preparedness. People frequently exposedDaszak revealed that his team has already found a…

Austria: Population older, but many chronically ill

January 11, 2024January 11, 2024 admin

Austrians are living longer and staying healthy for longer. Nevertheless, according to the health report published by the Ministry of Health, around two-thirds of the population suffers from chronic illnesses. According to the report, women and men in Austria have been living on average two and 2.9 years longer since 2005. They are also staying healthier for longer: men spend 7.4 and women 7.8 years longer in good health than in 1991. The report now published is the second of its kind. The first health report was published in 2016,…

Freezing cold and snowfall characterize the current weather situation

January 11, 2024January 11, 2024 admin

After Epiphany, the weather changed drastically, and icy winter air from the east settled over large parts of the country. Winter shows its cold side, with snowfall, frost, and low temperatures. The lowest temperatures for six years have even been recorded in Vienna. In this weather report, we look at the current conditions, shed light on the outlook for the coming days and give an outlook on possible changes in the second half of the week. Wintry start to the weekThe beginning of the week was characterized by snowfall, frost…

Few people know the real reason why urine is yellow: Here is the explanation

January 10, 2024January 10, 2024 admin

Not everyone knows why urine is yellow. You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered why your urine is sometimes yellow. The secret behind the yellow color of urine is not widely known, although the explanation has existed for some time. But what is the real reason for this color change? According to Nyheder24.dk, who researched this topic, the color of urine is not directly due to the food we eat. Instead, it is a by-product of the breakdown of red blood cells. This process occurs in the liver, spleen, or…

Fenstertage 2024: Making better use of vacation days

January 10, 2024January 10, 2024 admin

The new year has just begun, and you’re already considering where to travel in 2024. After all, you work hard enough and deserve a little time off every now and then. However, it is advisable to look at your calendar to get even more vacation days (provided you don’t work on weekends and public holidays). The ultimate overview of all 2024 window days:The first few months are rather unfavourable for vacation planning, so you must be patient until April. You can then get your money’s worth at Easter: with just…

Flu epidemic now flattens Austria: Massive increase in sickness rates

January 10, 2024January 10, 2024 admin

The flu epidemic has reached Austria, and sickness rates have recently risen sharply. At the same time, there has been a decline in coronavirus activity. The flu epidemic in Austria has begun. MedUni Vienna announced this on Tuesday afternoon. “Since the beginning of this week, a further increase in influenza virus detections has been observed in clinical samples from all over Austria,” said virologist Monika Redlberger-Fritz. The flu wave has started: sickness rates up 55 percentAccording to the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK), the number of sick days due to…

This is how much plastic you ingest when you drink from PET bottles

January 10, 2024January 11, 2024 admin

Microplastics have now been detected almost everywhere, from the human heart and brain to remote areas of the Arctic. Not much is yet known about even smaller plastic particles—nanoplastics. Plastic particles with a size of fewer than 0.001 millimeters are very difficult to detect. Even scientists have been surprised by the amount of nanoplastic in standard PET water bottles. Plastic bottles can contain up to 100 times more nanoplastics than previously assumed. Abrasion when squeezing and opening the bottlesNaixin Qian’s team at Columbia University in New York obtained conventional 1-liter…

Viruses and bacteria: What’s the difference?

January 9, 2024January 9, 2024 admin

When you’re sick, your body is infected. But with what? With a virus or with bacteria? To understand what it is, here’s how you can tell the difference between the two. Bacteria and viruses? Both the same, both harmful? Far from it. Although they all belong to the large family of microbes, are tiny, and are often confused, they differ significantly in their form and the diseases they can cause. In the event of an infection or several infections, it is important to know the cause. So, to make sure…

How warning labels and pictures influence purchasing behavior

January 9, 2024January 9, 2024 admin

According to a recent study, warning labels and, in particular, shock images on sweets influence purchasing behavior: They can persuade people to buy fewer sugary products or even avoid them altogether. According to the study published in the specialist journal “BMC Public Health,” shocking images, similar to those on cigarette packs, are the most effective. Study participants confronted with this were less willing to buy sweets. Short-term health problemsAccording to the University of Göttingen, in an online survey, 1,040 people provided information on how they perceive different types of warnings…