Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world’s population. Still, researchers have long warned that it can contain traces of arsenic—a naturally occurring toxic element linked to cancer, heart disease, and developmental problems. Unlike other grains, rice plants absorb arsenic more efficiently from soil and water, meaning the risk of exposure can be higher for frequent rice eaters. The good news: how you cook rice can make a big difference. The Problem with Arsenic in Rice Arsenic exists in two forms: organic and inorganic. The inorganic…
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School year 2025/26 in Austria: An overview of the most important dates
The new school year begins on September 1 in Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland. In the other federal states, school starts on September 8. Here are the most important dates at a glance. The temporary timetable must be ready by the following day. As lessons not only start early, but also end late on July 3 (west: July 10), pupils will spend a week longer in the classroom in the 2025/26 school year than in previous years. 2025/26 school year particularly long The longer school year is simply due to…
Read MoreCleaning: Why you should always keep paper towels in your refrigerator
Do you keep paper towels in your refrigerator? Usually, this absorbent and tear-resistant paper is stored under the sink or in a special holder. However, there are a few tangible advantages to storing it in the refrigerator. Here you can find out how kitchen paper can help you keep not only your food fresher, but also your refrigerator cleaner. The advantages of keeping paper towels in the refrigerator Paper towels are indispensable for many people in the kitchen, whether it’s for mopping up spilt milk or dabbing meat. But kitchen…
Read More7 things you should never do on a plane, according to experts
Whether you’re a frequent flyer who travels around the world for work or only get on a plane twice a year to treat yourself to a well-deserved break, most of us have flown at some point in the last few months. And regardless of the reason for traveling, we all want a relaxed flight so that we arrive refreshed and ready to continue our journey. But as with any form of public transportation, the same applies on an airplane: your behavior on board can have a major impact on how…
Read MoreBank card: If you do this, your PIN can be read via cell phone
The Slovakian security software company ESET has uncovered a campaign in which criminals use a new type of Android malware to steal data from bank cards—including PINs—and forward it to a second, prepared cell phone. The aim is to make cash withdrawals directly at ATMs. Money gone because of Android malware: How the scam works For potential victims of the Android malware, it all starts with a text message in the name of the bank, as ESET explains in a press release. The hook often used is a tax refund.…
Read MoreWhen are people in Austria considered rich or poor?
Current income reports in Austria show apparent differences between the rich and the poor. While over 1.5 million people are considered at risk of poverty, the group of top earners is defined as those with a gross annual income of 71,000 euros or more. A particular focus is placed on educational attainment and gender distribution. According to the latest EU poverty report, around 336,000 people in Austria were living in “absolute poverty” last year. A total of 1,529,000 people (16.9 percent of the population) are considered at risk of poverty…
Read MoreRed or green? These grapes are healthier
Grapes are back in season. In fact, red grapes are a tad healthier than their green relatives—especially those with seeds. Grape season is here, and these sweet fruits are once again available from regional growers. Not only are they an ideal snack, but they are also packed with fiber and valuable minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. “The fruits also score points with many vitamins, including B vitamins such as folate,” Antje Gahl from the German Nutrition Society (DGE) told “Die Zeit.” Core Computer Science Have you ever…
Read MoreLack of exercise damages memory
Lack of exercise hurts the brain. This has now been proven in a study conducted by Johannes Kepler University in Linz. Mental performance declines. This was investigated based on the coronavirus lockdown, which led to less exercise. The recently published study examined 318 young adults. The research team looked at how the lack of exercise during the coronavirus lockdown affected the short-term memory and attention span of young students in four countries, including Austria. The results clearly showed that during the lockdown, participants were confronted with higher stress levels and…
Read MoreThe most hospitable travel destinations in the world
Every year, the travel platform Booking.com analyzes where there are a vast number of accommodations with so-called Traveler Review Awards. This in-house award is given for exceptional hospitality, and Booking uses it to create a ranking of the most hospitable places in the world. To arrive at its ranking, the travel platform evaluates which providers on the platform consistently receive excellent customer reviews from vacationers and are praised for their outstanding service. The categories analyzed include accommodations, car rental companies, and taxi drivers. From coffee farms to pristine beaches, medieval…
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