New study: Ready meals increase microplastics in the body

A new study by the Federal Environment Agency Vienna has revealed interesting findings on the impact of plastics in the kitchen on microplastic consumption. This research shows that the use of plastic containers and utensils in the kitchen has no significant effect on microplastic intake. Rather, the consumption of highly processed foods plays a decisive role.In the study led by Christina Hartmann, 15 participants from Vienna and the surrounding area aged between 24 and 43 were asked to vary their cooking and eating habits over two weeks. On the one…

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Here comes the annular solar eclipse

On October 2, astronomy fans can experience an impressive annular solar eclipse—but not from Austria. This spectacular phenomenon stretches from Hawaii across the Pacific to the southern tip of South America and ends in the South Atlantic. Small moon and shining ringAt 18:54 CET, the new moon will partially obscure the sun while it is 406,516 kilometers from Earth. The moon’s smaller size compared to the sun will create the characteristic glowing ring that will accompany the eclipse until 22:34 CET. A look into the future of eclipsesAustria’s next partial…

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The Function of the Small Hole on the Sink: Everything You Need to Know

When you look at your bathroom or kitchen sink, you might notice a small, often overlooked hole near the top of the basin. This little feature is called an overflow hole, and while it may not receive much attention, it plays a crucial role in your sink’s overall functionality and safety. So, what exactly does this small hole do, and why is it essential? What is the Overflow Hole? The small hole on your sink, commonly called the overflow hole, is typically located near the top edge of the sink…

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Study: Ready meals lead to more microplastics in the body

A recent study shows that the consumption of ready meals and highly processed foods increases the intake of microplastics, while the use of plastic cooking utensils and containers makes no significant difference. Experts from the Federal Environment Agency in Vienna have found that eating ready meals and highly processed foods leads to a significantly higher intake of microplastics than eating freshly prepared food. However, storing food in plastic boxes and using plastic cooking spoons, for example, has no discernible effect on the amount of plastic that enters the body, they…

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Health study in Austria: stress and worries on the rise

Just over one in two people feels physically and mentally healthy, but around 10 percent describe their health as “poor” to “very poor.” These are the findings of this year’s Wiener Städtische Insurance Health Study. As in previous years, the proportion of deteriorations outweighs the improvements. Slightly more than one in five people state that their mental health has deteriorated. Almost half of those surveyed take prescription medication, with over 70 percent in the mid-50s age group. Stress and worries on the riseIn the representative survey by the Gallup Institute,…

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Partial lunar eclipse to be observed today, Wednesday

The partial eclipse of the moon can be observed with the naked eye on Wednesday morning In good weather, a partial lunar eclipse can be seen on Wednesday morning. During this eclipse, the moon enters eight and a half percent of the Earth’s shadow. A partial lunar eclipse can be observed, weather permitting, on Wednesday (September 18) in the early morning hours. During it, according to the Vienna Astronomy Association (WAA), our Earth’s satellite will enter eight and a half percent of the Earth’s umbra—a comparatively “less spectacular” celestial event.…

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iPhone 16: The new one can do a lot, but no AI function in the EU

Apple boss Tim Cook presented the new iPhone 16 on Monday. There are four versions; the most expensive, with 1 terabyte of memory, costs almost 2,000 euros. Pre-orders are already underway—ironically, since Friday the 13th. The new iPhone 16 will be available in the EU from September 20. But without AI function“Apple Intelligence” was praised as the biggest innovation—with a smarter Siri, text tools that can make an email friendlier and more business-like, and even impressive photo manipulation. But precisely, this AI is not coming to the EU. “Because of…

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Storms paralyzed Europe

The whole of Europe is holding its breath. Rainstorms caused chaos and claimed lives Storms paralyzed Europe at the weekend. Floods claimed the first lives in Romania. Four people died, and the water reached a height of up to 1.70 meters. Residents rescued themselves on their roofs.In the Czech Republic, a flood of the century, worse than in 1997, is feared. Thousands were evacuated, and tens of thousands of households lost power. Trees on tracks blocked train routes. Three people have been missing since a car plunged into a river.…

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Good question: Is it really not advisable to reheat spinach?

It has always been said that spinach is a real “iron bomb”. Is that no longer true? It was never true – the origin of this legend is said to go back to a miscalculation: The values of dried spinach powder were transferred to fresh spinach, even though it consists of around 90 percent water. However, compared to other vegetables, spinach still provides a good source of iron at 4.1 mg per 100 g.So spinach isn’t so healthy after all? Yes, spinach is healthy – it’s not for nothing that…

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