Category: Feature Stories

In a world dominated by screens, pursuing happiness can feel elusive. Yet, the solution might be simpler than we think: smile more and use your cell phone less. This straightforward approach enhances mental well-being and fosters meaningful connections and a more fulfilling life. Smiling, even when you don’t feel like it, profoundly impacts your brain. It triggers the release of endorphins—your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Studies show that smiling can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and instantly boost your mood. A genuine smile also creates a ripple effect, spreading positivity…

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1. Health is and will remain the most valuable thing in life. Groundbreaking developments are emerging in medicine. Personalized vaccines could lead to a breakthrough in cancer treatment, while new drugs could significantly delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 2. The madness of the Second World War claimed an estimated 60 million lives. The victims are commemorated on Liberation Day, 8 May. A special day for Austria is 5 May, when Allied soldiers liberated the Mauthausen concentration camp. 3. “Austria is free!” Austria’s sovereignty was officially restored on…

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The New Year’s Eve celebration in the Philippines is a vibrant mix of cultural traditions, family bonding, and festive rituals, reflecting the country’s rich heritage and optimistic spirit. Rooted in a blend of indigenous practices, Chinese influences, and Spanish traditions, Filipinos welcome the new year with joy and high hopes. Below are some common practices and traditions observed during this significant occasion. 1. Preparing a Feast: The Media Noche Filipino households prepare a grand feast called Media Noche, meaning “midnight meal.” This feast symbolizes prosperity and abundance for the coming…

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New Year’s resolutions are as universal as New Year’s Eve fireworks: everyone has them and knows them, and they are always the same. And that applies to all of us—maybe we’re not as different as we always think. It’s that time of year again: the old year is almost over, and 1 January is just around the corner. It awakens in many of us the irrepressible desire to turn our lives completely upside down—at least for a few weeks. Here are the most popular New Year’s resolutions: Exercise moreThe desire…

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The USB-C charging plug will become the standard for smartphones, tablets, and other electrical devices throughout the EU. Which devices does the directive apply to?All new cell phones, tablets, and digital cameras should be able to be charged via the USB-C charging plug. This also applies to loudspeaker boxes, headphones, portable navigation systems, mice, and printers. Starting in spring 2026, all new laptops will have a standardized charging plug. Under the new directive, other conventional plugs, such as the older micro-USB connector and the Lightning connector for iPhones, will no…

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Twinkling lights and festive feasting—but Christmas also has its dark side: an extra meal ends in the bin. And then there’s the gift wrapping. A fine festive roast, Christmas carp, vegetables, fruit—often carted from far away—tasty cheese, fine sausages, sophisticated desserts, and cookies: it’s time for a little more, they say during the holidays. Austria’s households produce 4.5 million tons of waste every year. Despite high prices, food accounts for 16 percent of residual waste. When we surprise our loved ones with a delicious meal, our eyes are often bigger…

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Which countries are top donors, particularly helpful, or heavily involved in voluntary work? The “World Giving Index,” one of the world’s most comprehensive studies on charity and donation behavior, provides the answers. Published by the British Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), the index evaluates 142 countries in three categories: willingness to help strangers, willingness to donate, and volunteering. The data comes from surveys conducted by the US market and opinion research institute Gallup.Indonesia is the most generous country in the worldFor the seventh time in a row, Indonesia tops the index…

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Physical activity is considered the best medicine in many areas, including staying mentally fit for as long as possible. A new study now shows which aspects of intellectual abilities can be influenced by exercise. First, on the treadmill, and then on the questionnaire, 650 people between the ages of 65 and 80 had to prove their physical fitness, after which they were given various tests. The speed with which the participants processed information, short-term memory, visual-spatial perception, and the ability to plan and organize were examined. The study, which has…

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Thanks to the continuing high level of solar activity, there is a good chance of observing spectacular auroras in Austria again in 2025.Super solar storms not ruled outAfter some spectacular auroras in Austria at the end of last year, the chances of observing northern lights here in 2025 are also good. The reason for this is the continuing high level of solar activity, as Christian Möstl, Head of the Austrian Space Weather Office at GeoSphere Austria in Graz, explained to APA. He expects three to five intense solar storms next…

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