Category: Feature Stories

Have you ever caught yourself giggling at the most inappropriate moments? Perhaps at a funeral or during a crisis meeting? Don’t worry. You’re not alone—and no, you’re not an insensitive brute. This is why you need to smile when something bad happensLaughter is a complex human reaction that often serves as an outlet for pent-up emotions. In stressful or unpleasant situations, our brains can use laughter as a mechanism to relieve tension and restore emotional balance. The Austrian psychologist Christa Schirl describes laughter in inappropriate moments as a so-called “leapfrog…

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Juices, from refreshing spritzers to seemingly healthy fruit blends, have become staples in many people’s diets. Marketed for their taste and vitamin-rich profiles, juices can easily be perceived as healthful options. However, despite their popularity, drinking juice daily may not be as beneficial as you think. In this article, we delve into the reasons why daily juice consumption can be more harmful than helpful, exploring the types of juices available, the potential pitfalls of excess sugar, calorie intake, and the overlooked benefits of whole fruits. The Different Types of Juices…

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In a time “marked by disinformation and polarization,” Pope Francis has called for reality not to be reduced to slogans. A few centers of power control an unprecedented amount of data and information, explained the 88-year-old Francis, without, however, referring specifically to platforms such as X or Facebook. “All too often, communication today does not generate hope but fear and despair, prejudice and resentment, fanaticism, and even hatred. All too often, it simplifies reality to provoke instinctive reactions,” warned the head of the Catholic Church on Friday in view of…

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A whole grain-based diet can help to lower high blood pressure. According to Peter Walger, a doctor of internal medicine and intensive care medicine, the risk of heart attack,stroke, heart failure, and kidney failure can be minimised. The doctor explains that three portions of whole grain products daily, such as unground wheat, wild rice, barley, or oatmeal, are required to have a health-promoting effect. Whole grains work, as well as taking medicationThe finding is not new; the scientific study from the UK to which Walger refers proved the positive effect…

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Microplastics are everywhere; however, scientists are gradually discovering their effects on the human body and our health. Researchers from China have now provided a further building block: they showed that microplastics cause immune cells to accumulate in the brains of mice, blocking small blood vessels. This can lead to neurological impairments such as coordination problems, motor disorders, and memory deficits. The study was published in the journal Science Advances. In 2023, researchers led by Austrian pathologist Lukas Kenner showed that microscopically small plastic particles can enter the brain within a…

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Whether at work, in a relationship, or with friends, how we communicate enormously influences how others perceive us and treat us. It’s not about pretending but rather about expressing our thoughts and feelings clearly. Certain phrases can make a big difference—they make us appear confident and competent and earn more respect. You should remember the following sentences. 1. “Thanks for the tip. I’ll think about it.” This sentence shows emotional maturity and self-confidence. Instead of immediately deflecting criticism or justifying ourselves, we are signalling openness and the ability to self-reflect.…

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The human brain is often considered the most complex organ in the body, yet much of its functioning remains unexplored. Despite decades of scientific research, much remains to learn about how the brain processes information and controls human behavior. New research has provided surprising insights into the brain’s ability to process thoughts and how it compares to its sensory systems. Conscious thoughts work at a slower pace.A study by the California Institute of Technology found that while the brain receives sensory information at a rate of over one billion bits…

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Researchers show that habits such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, maintaining friendships, and even having financial security can significantly impact lifespan. Eat right – and eat lessThe link between diet and health is no secret. Eating unhealthy fats, added sugars, and excess salt while lacking fiber increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and obesity—all factors that shorten life expectancy.A Norwegian study from 2023 found that a healthy diet can extend life by up to ten years. In addition to a healthy diet, a reduced…

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Laughter is perhaps the most beautiful thing in the world. From a light smile to a laughing fit that gives us a stomachache: Laughter makes us happy and makes us feel good, really good, in fact. But why do we laugh? And what happens in our bodies when we laugh? Laughter is both a very simple and a highly complex matter. To understand it, we need to look deep inside our bodies. We need 17 muscles just to smile, our so-called mimic muscles. But when we really laugh, it’s not…

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