Category: Feature Stories

An international team of astronomers has identified a planet that bears an extraordinary resemblance to Earth — at least in size and orbital rhythm. The newly reported world, designated HD 137010 b, is almost exactly as large as our home planet and circles a Sun‑like star. Yet its surface, sealed beneath a frozen shell, reaches a frigid –70 degrees Celsius. A Near Twin in a Distant System The discovery, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, highlights a planet orbiting roughly 146 light‑years from Earth. HD 137010 b is rocky, only…

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February wastes no time delivering its first cosmic highlight. On the very first evening of the month, skywatchers across Europe can look forward to a striking full moon—known traditionally as the Snow Moon—which reaches its peak illumination on February 1 at 23:09 CET. Yet the show begins much earlier: the moon will already be visible around 6 p.m., rising large and luminous over the horizon. Why Is It Called the Snow Moon? The name “Snow Moon” has deep cultural roots. It originates from Native American tribes, whose calendars relied heavily…

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As temperatures drop across the country, many households are switching their heating back on for the first time this season. With rising energy costs and high utility bills from 2024 now reaching tenants in 2026, it’s no surprise that people are looking for ways to save money. One common idea sounds simple enough: turn the heating off at night. But experts warn that this strategy may backfire. Should You Switch Off the Heating at Night? The belief that shutting off the heating overnight saves money is widespread. After all, most…

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Smartphone owners notice it sooner or later: a tiny, perfectly round hole sitting right beside the camera lens. It’s so small and so discreet that many people never question it. Those who do often come up with creative theories — from a hidden reset button to a secret sensor or even a secondary camera. But the truth behind this mysterious opening is far simpler and far more practical. A Small Detail With a Big Job The hole isn’t a design flourish or a leftover from manufacturing. It’s placed there intentionally,…

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Across Europe’s airports, a long‑established ritual may soon disappear: the sight of suitcases being tightly wrapped in layers of plastic film just moments before check‑in. For years, travelers have paid a few extra euros to have their luggage sealed—promising protection from scratches, dirt, rain, broken zippers, and even tampering. But this service is now on the brink of being phased out. Airports Begin Warning Passengers Several European airports have already started informing passengers that plastic luggage wrapping no longer complies with new EU regulations. While the machines are still operating…

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The Austrian automobile club ÖAMTC has released a detailed overview of the major changes to tolls and vignettes across Europe coming into effect in 2026. Whether travelling for holidays or crossing borders in transit, motorists will face several updates that could affect both planning and costs. A Patchwork of Systems — and New Changes Ahead Europe continues to operate with a mix of toll models: According to ÖAMTC travel expert Yvette Polasek, staying informed is essential: travellers should “know the applicable systems and check in advance whether any registration is…

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For years, scientists have warned that microplastics contaminate oceans, soil, and even the food chain. Now, new research suggests that the air we breathe—especially indoors—may be an even more significant source of exposure than previously imagined. According to a study published in PLOS One by a team led by Nadiia Yakovenko of the University of Toulouse, humans inhale tens of thousands of microscopic plastic particles every single day. The numbers are startling. An average adult may breathe in around 68,000 microplastic particles daily, while children—who inhale less air overall—still take…

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For most of human history, people understood—intuitively and through experience—that food could heal, strengthen, or harm. Long before anyone spoke of “nutrients,” communities knew that certain foods restored energy, prevented illness, or helped children grow. Yet the scientific explanation behind these effects remained a mystery until surprisingly recently. The story of why vitamins carry letters rather than poetic names is, in many ways, the story of modern nutrition itself. When Food Became Chemistry By the late 19th century, scientists had already identified proteins, fats, and carbohydrates as the major building…

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Singapore holds the world’s most powerful passport in 2026, offering visa‑free access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow in second place with 188 destinations, while a strong cluster of European countries dominates the next tiers. Every January, the British consultancy Henley & Partners releases one of the most anticipated global mobility rankings: the Henley Passport Index. Based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the index measures how many destinations passport holders can enter without obtaining a visa in advance. In a world where mobility…

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