Category: Feature Stories

We’ve all been there: standing in front of the radiator, turning the thermostat, and wondering what all the symbols mean. The snowflake symbol in particular causes confusion year after year. Many believe it saves energy. In fact, however, incorrect heating can have the opposite effect and be expensive. This is because the snowflake does not stand for an economic mode but for frost protection. When activated, the heating ensures that the room does not fall below around six degrees Celsius. This protects pipes and radiators from frost damage but does…

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Strict smartphone rules pay off: when young people are not allowed to use their cell phones in the evening, they sleep an average of 40 minutes longer and perform better at school. This is shown by a new study from the University of Geneva. “Parents therefore play a key role. Their commitment directly influences the health and success of their children,” said lead author Kevin Mammeri in a statement released by the University of Geneva on Wednesday. For the study, published in the journal Discover Public Health, researchers examined responses…

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While some people still mourn the long summer nights, stargazers rejoice in October’s longer nights, which give them more time to observe the starry sky. And it’s worth it. Thanks to the moon, the Orionid meteor shower is likely to provide some special wow moments this year. The Orionids are a meteor shower whose path crosses the Earth from October 2 to November 7. The Orionids are known for their brightness, and many of them are so-called fireballs, meaning they leave a trail behind them. This makes them easy to…

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Coffee every day—that’s how we like it. But how healthy is it really? On Coffee Day, we take a look at the most interesting myths, the latest studies, and a few surprising facts. Spoiler alert: The truth is usually much more relaxed than you might think. Coffee: Myth or truth? 1. “Coffee dehydrates you” Not true. Yes, caffeine has a short-term diuretic effect, but the water in coffee easily compensates for this. So if you think you need to drink twice as much water after every cup, you can breathe…

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In 2025, several countries stand out for having the highest top marginal personal income tax rates, particularly in Europe. These are rates that apply only to the highest income brackets, not what everyone pays. Still, they offer a glimpse into how different nations structure tax burdens and social welfare systems. Top Countries by Highest Personal Income Tax Rates Some of the highest marginal income tax rates around the world are: Country Top Marginal Rate* Denmark 55.9% France 55.4% Austria 55% Finland 55 % Spain 54% (national + regional taxes) Belgium…

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Saying hello is one of those things. Some people call out a friendly greeting from afar, sometimes accompanied by a cheerful wave. Others remain stubbornly silent, no matter how clearly you say “hello.” Anyone who has ever entered a doctor’s waiting room with a cheerful greeting and been punished with audible silence knows what we’re talking about. But it’s not just the sick and miserable who sometimes find moving their lips as strenuous as lifting a car with one hand. The same thing happens in the elevator at work, in…

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Opinions are divided on the time change: some are in favor of it, while others would prefer to abolish it. The fact is: the clocks will be turned back at the end of October. The fact that summer is finally over is not only evident from the thermometer – the clocks will also be turned back to standard time, incorrectly referred to as “winter time.” This is because so-called winter time is standard time, Central European Time (CET), and lasts five months, from the end of October to the end…

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Tiny plastic particles are now found not only in the most remote regions of the world, but also almost everywhere in the human body. Tissue analyses of deceased individuals now show how much pollution has increased over the years. Higher amounts accumulate in the brain than in the kidneys and liver. Over the past 50 years, environmental pollution from tiny plastic particles has increased worldwide. The nano- and microparticles range in size from one nanometer to 500 micrometers. According to estimates, humans ingest up to five grams of them every…

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In a dramatic shift at the top of global liveability rankings, Copenhagen, Denmark, has taken over the #1 spot, ending Vienna’s three-year reign as the world’s most livable city, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) 2025 Global Liveability Index. Top Ranked Cities for 2025 Here are the top 10 most livable cities in 2025. Rank City Country 1 Copenhagen Denmark 2 (tie) Vienna Austria 2 (tie) Zurich Switzerland 4 Melbourne Australia 5 Geneva Switzerland 6 Sydney Australia 7 (tie) Osaka Japan 7 (tie) Auckland New Zealand 9 Adelaide Australia…

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