Category: Feature Stories

We use our cell phones 84 times daily, about every twelve minutes! Many people now suffer from a veritable smartphone addiction. However, studies are only gradually revealing how much the device influences our thinking. A recent study by the University of Texas shows that even the mere proximity of a smartphone reduces our cognitive abilities – and does so unconsciously. Cell phones rob us of focus – even when they are switched offIn the study, 800 test subjects were subjected to various concentration tests. They were asked to place their…

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The new agreement provides for the entry-exit system to be introduced gradually. The European Union countries agreed on Wednesday to finally launch the Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated register for short-term travelers that has been repeatedly delayed due to technical problems and a lack of preparation. The agreement reached by the interior ministers in Brussels paves the way for a launch in the fall, although no fixed date has been set. The Member States now have two options: They can introduce the new system at once or operate it in…

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Ash Wednesday, which falls on 5 March 2025, marks the beginning of the Church’s Lenten season. The meaning of ashesBut the quotation from the missal also points to another custom of this day, the ash rite. In ancient times, ashes were a sign of transience, a detergent, and the basis for making soap. Thus, the ashes are, at the same time, a symbol of mourning and purification. On Ash Wednesday, public penitents wore a penitential robe sprinkled with ashes in the Middle Ages. Afterwards, in memory of the biblical expulsion…

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You will receive a message that your payment was unsuccessful and your account will soon be blocked. In a panic, you click on the link and enter your details without thinking. That’s how easy it is to become a victim of fraud.Fraud scams on the Internet are becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent. Phishing messages or links often appear to come from trustworthy providers. A current example is a fake text message circulating and purports to come from Netflix.A fraudulent text message is currently circulating that purports to come from Netflix…

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We’ve all been there—standing in front of the fridge or pantry, eyeing a product with an expired best-before date, wondering if it’s still safe to eat. The good news? In many cases, the date on the packaging doesn’t mean the food is instantly bad. In fact, many foods remain safe to eat well beyond their best-before date if stored properly. Best Before vs. Expiry Date: What’s the Difference? First, it’s essential to understand the difference: Best Before Date: This indicates when the food is freshest regarding taste, texture, and nutritional…

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Even if the situation remains tense for the Pope, there is cautiously positive news for the faithful for the first time. Once in the morning and once in the evening, the Vatican provides information on the state of health of the Pope, who has already been hospitalized for 13 days. Initially, it was “only” bronchitis, but now both lungs are inflamed. At times, he even had to struggle with attacks of breathlessness as a result – and his kidneys were also in danger of failing. His condition has remained unchanged…

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Recent study data from the Czech Republic show that how well you sleep is more important than how long you spend asleep in bed. In the long term, a good night’s sleep increases your well-being more than sleeping regularly in the morning. Sleep is known to be essential for recovering from the stresses and strains of everyday life at night. Sleep disorders can quickly manifest themselves in physical and mental problems – even the occurrence of certain cancers is promoted by too little and too poor sleep. Previous studies in…

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This rare phenomenon offers a unique opportunity for skywatchers in Austria to marvel at the planets in an impressive alignment. Seven-planet parade on 28 February 2025Since January 21, 2025, six planets – Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn – have been visible in the evening sky. On 28 February, Mercury will join them, making a total of seven planets appear in a line. While Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn are visible to the naked eye, you will need a telescope or good binoculars for Uranus and Neptune. Mercury is…

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A rare celestial spectacle is on the horizon: Over the next few nights, all seven more planets will be visible from Earth. Seven-planet parade on 28 February 2025Since January 21, 2025, six planets – Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Venus, and Saturn – have been visible in the evening sky. On 28 February, Mercury will join them, making a total of seven planets appear in a line. While Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn are visible to the naked eye, you will need a telescope or good binoculars for Uranus and Neptune.…

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