Our brain consists of 99.5% brain tissue—but the rest? Plastic: a disturbing finding

US researchers have found up to 30 times more microplastics in brain samples than in the liver or kidneys. The concentration was even higher in dementia brains. Tiny plastic particles are increasingly accumulating in tissues of the human body. A US research team has found significantly more nano- and microplastics in the livers and brains of people who died in 2024 than in samples from 2016. The contamination was particularly high in the brain—up to 30 times higher than in the liver or kidneys, reports the group led by Matthew…

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“Super-Earth” with a special characteristic

An international research team has discovered a “super-Earth” with a special property: the exoplanet HD 20794 d, which is almost twenty light years away from Earth, could provide new insights into the habitability of other celestial bodies. According to the University of Geneva, the celestial body tests new hypotheses about extraterrestrial life. As the experts announced on Tuesday, the planet with the name HD 20794 d oscillates between the habitable and non-habitable zones on its elliptical orbit around its sun. The habitable zone is the area around a star where…

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Asteroid hurtling towards Earth – threat of disaster?

Researchers are in turmoil: the asteroid “2024 YR4” could hit the Earth on December 22, 2032. The consequences would be catastrophic. The 60-metre asteroid is still 43 million kilometers away from Earth – according to current calculations, it would be possible for this celestial body to come within 2,000 kilometers of Earth in seven years’ time, on 22 December 2032.With a probability of 1:83, the object could even collide with the Earth – a rather unpleasant Christmas present. “1:83 is one of the highest probabilities for an impact of a…

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Discovering the Asian side of Istanbul

Today’s trip to the Asian side of Istanbul was an adventure filled with both historical landmarks and breathtaking views, despite the cold and snowy weather. As we left our hotel to begin our day tour, a light snowfall gently drifted from the sky, adding a magical touch to our journey. Though the temperatures were chilly, our spirits were high as our guide led us on an exciting exploration of the city. We passed by Beylerbeyi Palace, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. From there, we continued toward the majestic Camlica…

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Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn provide a planetary parade in February

Numerous planets can be seen in the evening sky well into February.Mars in the east, Jupiter in the south, and Venus and Saturn in the west have been part of this planetary parade since the beginning of January. Despite numerous reports, the celestial spectacle is clearly visible until the end of the third week of February; there is no particular day on which it is best seen, explained Alexander Pikhard, head of the Vienna Astronomy Association (WAA), to APA. Planetary parade in the evening sky until well into FebruaryVenus is…

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A Day in Istanbul: History and Culture at Every Turn

Istanbul, 4.02.2025—Today was a day of discovery as we embarked on a memorable trip to Istanbul. We started with an early 7 a.m. breakfast before boarding our bus at 8 a.m. Our first destination was the historic heart of the city, where we explored the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once a center of chariot racing and civic life in the Byzantine era. Standing in the heart of the ancient grounds, we marveled at the Egyptian Obelisk, a relic brought to Constantinople in the 4th century by Emperor Theodosius I. Our knowledgeable…

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Vienna Welcomes the Lunar New Year with a Spectacular Concert for Charity

Vienna, Austria – Vienna celebrated the arrival of the Lunar New Year with an unforgettable evening of music at the Musikverein’s Großer Saal on 2 February 2025. The  “Frühlingsstimmen Chinesisches Neujahrskonzert” featured an extraordinary lineup of world-class musicians, blending Eastern and Western musical traditions in a breathtaking performance. The Youtuo Classical Music Institute presented this highly anticipated event, with proceeds benefiting charitable organizations, including the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) and “Licht ins Dunkel”. A Dazzling Musical Programme The concert showcased an exquisite program that transported the audience through different…

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New night train connecting seven cities is launched

The renaissance of night trains continues apace. As announced last year, a brand new rail route will open on February 5, running from Brussels to Venice. The route will include stops in Eindhoven, Cologne, Munich, Innsbruck and Verona. The operator is European Sleeper, a Belgian-Dutch company that already operates several night train connections in Europe. The aim is to enable skiers to travel to the Tyrolean ski resorts in an environmentally friendly way. Co-founder Elmer van Buuren told Travel Weekly back in 2024 that the “Good Night Train” would depart…

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A New Tradition Begins: Georgie Savic-Rico Hosts Spectacular Pre-Valentine Celebration

Vienna, Austria – February 1, 2025 – Love was in the air as the first-ever Pre-Valentine Celebration, organized by Georgie Savic-Rico, set the stage for what promises to be an annual tradition. Held at the elegant Marriott Hotel Vienna, the event dazzled guests with its exquisite ambiance, delectable cuisine, and exciting activities, making it an unforgettable evening. Attendees were treated to a luxurious evening filled with romance and festivity at the Vienna Marriott Hotel. The stunning venue was adorned with elegant decorations, setting the perfect mood for the celebration. Guests…

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