Category: Feature Stories

Food prices are rising noticeably across Europe. Within a year, prices in the EU have increased by an average of almost 10 percent. Bread, however, became almost twice as expensive – this year, in August, 18 percent more had to be paid for the staple food than in August 2021, as the statistics authority Eurostat announced on Monday. In 2021, the price of bread had increased by only 3 percent year-on-year. In Austria, bread costs 10 percent more this year. The most substantial increase in HungaryEspecially in Eastern Europe, the…

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The new omicron subvariant BJ.1 has 14 mutations. “Heute” newspaper published an interview with Virologist Monika Redlberger-Fritz. The virologist explains how dangerous the mutation is. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has evolved from its wild type into many subtypes: Alpha, Delta, Lambda, Omicron, and more. A new omicron subtype emerged in Austria: BJ.1 – a descendant of Omicron BA.2, which was predominant in the spring. Like every previous variant, BJ.1 also has mutations in the surface protein (spike protein) – 14 in number. “These mutations are right where antibodies normally dock and…

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Because of its 14 mutations at immune-important sites, researchers believe that mutation BJ.1 is, even more immune evasive. Currently, two vaccines are specifically adapted to the omicron variant of coronavirus. One is based on the BA.1 variant, and the other is based on BA.4 and BA.5. However, a new sub-variant has recently emerged again, as published on Twitter by molecular biologist Ulrich Elling. “Another worrying subline is spreading in India and has also arrived in the USA and Europe (Austria): BJ.1,” he wrote. Like every previous variant, BJ.1 also has…

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The federal and state governments have fixed the critical points for implementing the nursing reform. The salary bonus is to be paid the same amount to all employees. The salary bonus is to be paid out in the same amount for all employees in the healthcare sector. Not only since Corona has there been a desperate search for personnel in the healthcare sector. Especially in nursing, the training and working conditions are tough, and the general appreciation is low. And this is even though the population is getting older, and…

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Obesity is a serious growing issue in our country. Not only the daily food we eat at main meals and in between often comes under fire against this background, but also the many sugary drinks that may accompany us throughout the day. Nutritionists warn: that teenagers and young adults drink up to half a liter of sweetened fruit juice daily. What about the regular consumption of orange juice, which also has a high natural sugar content? Is it still appropriate to enjoy it in the morning for breakfast, for example?…

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The rainbow is probably one of the most beautiful natural phenomena to observe. It forms so beautifully colorful when several weather factors are met. We reveal impressive facts about the band of light. A rainbow occurs when the sun shines, and it rains at the same time. They are an optical phenomenon and occur relatively frequently, to the delight of many. They occur due to the reflection, refraction, and dispersion of sunlight interacting with raindrops! Nevertheless, according to Huffington Post, there are many more things worth knowing regarding this phenomenon.…

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More than 15,000 tons of food were saved last year by food banks and social markets. This is equivalent to more than 30 million meals. Every year, private households, gastronomy, trade, production, and agriculture destroy almost one million tons of food for human consumption. The Association of Austrian Food Banks and the SOMA social markets saved more than 15,000 tons of food in 2021, benefiting a good 160,000 people at risk of poverty. That’s more than 30 million meals; the two organizations summed up on Friday. Donations to food banks…

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Everyone knows the saying “love makes you blind.” But can the rose-colored glasses with which we see our partner at the beginning of a relationship be scientifically proven? Here you will find the answer. Some say that love makes you blind and that only marriage opens your eyes. Scientists tell us what this is all about and how being in love affects human relationships and the continuation of our species. When we fall in love, it doesn’t just have psychological effects. Our entire organism is affected. And there are good…

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Fifty years ago, the Club of Rome pointed out “The Limits to Growth.” In the meantime, the overloading of the Earth predicted at that time has become a reality. In its new report, the research group looks for ways to still achieve a livable future for humanity. Fifty years ago, the Club of Rome thinks tank shook up the world with its report “The Limits to Growth.” It is the most influential publication on the threat of overburdening our planet. If the global economy did not change, the economy, the…

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