The brain subconsciously decides what we remember and what we don’t. According to a new study, experiences end up in long-term memory when specific signals in the brain “mark” the information. Experiments with mice suggest that rewards play an important role in this process. Whether learning for a test, finding your way in a new environment or getting to know previously unknown people, After people experience something, the nerve cells in their hippocampus generate several different signals. These include the pointed signal waves known as “sharp wave ripples,” which are…
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94 million bacteria! When towels need to go in the wash
How often do you wash your towels? A survey from the UK reveals some shocking facts. When and why should you change them regularly? There’s nothing better than wrapping yourself in a nice, big, fresh, fluffy towel after a shower. But when is the next time you wash it? New research from bathing experts Showers to You has revealed that over a million people in the UK only wash their towels once a year, even though freshly laundered towels contain 190,000 bacteria, rising to 17 million after just one day…
Read MoreWhy is it best to drink a glass of water when you wake up?
The morning glass of water is more than just a thirst quencher; it’s a health ritual with multiple benefits. Scientific studies and nutrition experts emphasise the importance of hydration right after waking up. The human body loses fluid overnight through respiration and perspiration, so morning water intake is essential to balance the water. The German Nutrition Society recommends drinking at least 1.5 litres of water daily. This amount should be increased accordingly during physical exertion or high temperatures. A glass of water in the morning activates the metabolism, as the…
Read MoreWhy global warming is messing up our clocks
Climate change is apparently upsetting more than just the climate itself. According to a new study, the melting of polar ice is causing the Earth’s rotation to slow down. This is having an impact on our chronology. Shift second for customisationSince 1972, a so-called leap second has been used to harmonise the time measured by atomic clocks with the speed of the Earth. According to the researchers, the next leap second will be delayed by three years due to climate change. “So much ice has melted and sea levels have…
Read MoreWHO sounds the alarm about cyberbullying among children
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in six schoolchildren between the ages of 11 and 15 was bullied on online platforms in 2022. This represents an increase of three percentage points over four years, according to a study published in Copenhagen on Wednesday. “This report is an alarm signal that requires us to take action against violence when and where it occurs,” emphasised Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. Cyberbullying has increased since the start of the coronavirus pandemicAccording to the study results, the proportion of physical…
Read MorePope celebrates Easter Vigil in St Peter’s Basilica
At the solemn Easter Vigil in St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis recalled the hope of the resurrection. The 87-year-old read the sermon himself despite his current health difficulties. He celebrated the vigil sitting down; he also recited the prayers sitting down and with a firm voice, as well as the sermon. He also baptised eight adults from four countries during the service.The Pope’s sermon on Saturday evening was about the women who, according to the Bible, go to Jesus’ tomb after his death, which was supposed to be sealed by…
Read MoreSaharan dust and wind storm over Central Europe
Saharan dust settles over Austria and other Central European countries over the Easter weekend. According to Geosphere Austria, a large cloud from the African continent once again reached Central Europe with the prevailing southerly wind. “The peak will be reached this Saturday,” a geosphere expert said, as published by the Austrian Press Agency. Up to 1,200 milligrammes of Saharan dust per square metre were in the air. There was a storm warning for the entire Easter weekend in parts of Austria. Vorarlberg, Tyrol, and parts of Salzburg were particularly affected,…
Read MoreCentral European Summer Time has begun
Daylight saving time (CEST) began on Sunday night. In Austria, too, the clocks were set to 3.00 a.m. at 2.00 a.m. on the dot, and the night was 60 minutes shorter. The changeover to standard time (CET) will take place on the last weekend in October. It is still unclear what will happen with the abolition of the time changeover in the EU, which has already been decided. The ball is still in the EU Council of Ministers’ court, and the transport ministers are responsible In March 2019, the European…
Read MoreRabbit and egg: Easter traditions
For centuries, various customs and symbols have been associated with Easter, some of which have survived in a different form. Some of them, such as the ratchet and the epitaphios, a liturgical blanket, are only common in individual Christian denominations. The rabbit, Easter lamb and egg are probably the best-known Easter symbols. However, there are also numerous other traditions for the main festival in the Christian church year, such as the palm bush, ratcheting and the Easter food blessing, which is popular in rural areas. While the blessing of food…
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