Category: Feature Stories

Rhinoviruses cause the typical flu-like infection, usually harmless, insidious, and significantly milder than the real flu. Typical symptoms include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing, and in some cases a slight fever, fatigue, or headache and aching limbs. The cold usually subsides after one to two weeks, but the cough may linger longer. SARS-CoV-2 – a wide range of symptoms COVID-19 manifests itself in many different ways: from headaches, sore throats, fatigue, coughing, and fever to gastrointestinal problems and night sweats. Skin rashes or irritation in the mouth are…

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For decades, scientists expected Earth’s rotation to slow down gradually. Instead, recent measurements show the planet is spinning faster than anticipated, completing a full rotation in slightly less than 24 hours. Researchers suspect processes deep within Earth’s interior are responsible for this unexpected acceleration. A Day Shorter Than 86,400 Seconds In theory, a day lasts exactly 86,400 seconds. Yet Earth’s rotation has never been perfectly constant. For much of the past century, the planet typically took one to three milliseconds longer than 24 hours. Since 2020, however, Earth has been…

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Vienna – Dec. 9 – Artificial Intelligence has already transformed the way we live, from voice assistants in our homes to algorithms guiding medical diagnoses. But a new contender is emerging on the horizon: Quantum AI, a technology that promises to push the boundaries of what machines can achieve. The Established Player: Artificial Intelligence AI, built on classical computing, has become the backbone of digital innovation. It thrives on massive datasets, learning patterns to predict outcomes, and automating tasks. “AI is the electricity of the 21st century,” says Dr. Elena…

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The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8, invites us to pause and contemplate the mystery of Mary’s purity and her unique role in salvation history. It is a day that reminds us of God’s grace working in humanity, preparing Mary to be the vessel through which Christ entered the world. Her immaculate beginning is not only a theological truth but also a symbol of hope, renewal, and the possibility of living a life rooted in faith and love. In Austria, this feast has long held cultural and…

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A passionate kiss between two lovers is not just an expression of passion. It also has tangible biological consequences. According to a new study, a ten-second kiss transfers an average of 80 million bacteria. If the two kiss at least nine times a day, their bacterial worlds become similar. This is reported by a team led by biologist Remco Kort from the University of Amsterdam. Genetics and lifestyle The study: “Shaping the oral microbiota through intimate kissing” by Remco Kort and colleagues was published on November 17 in the journal…

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Many people realize early on that money alone does not make you happy. Happiness depends not only on income, but also on things like loving relationships, good health, and time for the beautiful moments in life. Nevertheless, money gives us one thing above all else: security and independence. But how much do you need to earn to be happy? And is there a point at which more money can no longer increase our happiness? A study provides the answer to these questions. More money makes those who have little happier…

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By Hector Pascua In Austria, as across much of Europe, the question of “how much is enough?” has become more pressing than ever. Prices are up, wages haven’t kept pace, and even the once-stable essentials — housing, groceries, and transport — are taking bigger bites out of household budgets. The Pressure of Everyday Expenses The cost of living in Austria has risen steadily over the past few years. While inflation has cooled compared to its 2022 peak, everyday life remains significantly more expensive than before the pandemic. According to Statistics…

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Countless studies have now proven one thing: the more steps you take each day, the greater the effect on your health. Unfit people can benefit significantly from a low number of steps if they have previously been almost entirely inactive. But is it enough to accumulate steps throughout the day, or does the length of each period of exercise also play a role? A large-scale study has come to an interesting conclusion. Data from the new study by Australian and Spanish researchers shows that people who are continuously active for…

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Humans and monkeys do it, dogs and cats do it, and birds and fish yawn too. If something is so widespread, it must have a purpose. Or rather, purposes, because in addition to sleep, yawning has a variety of functions: it aids breathing, empathy, and alertness. “Yawning is a silent cry for coffee” is a phrase that can be read on many a cafeteria mug. It has some merit, but it doesn’t quite satisfy the requirements of a scientific explanation—in this case, the field responsible is chasmology, as the study…

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