Category: Feature Stories

The trace element zinc has been used for decades to treat colds, and clinical studies have proved its effectiveness. It also helps heal wounds, produces hormones or sperm, and is suitable for skin, hair, and nails. Several studies have shown that zinc can be used very successfully in preventing and treating colds when administered within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. However, there is very little information on the role and effect of zinc in coronavirus disease. A new study has now linked orally administered zinc to reduced severity…

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Domestic food retailers have agreed on a unified approach in the event of a blackout. While energy and food supplies are currently secure, it is necessary to be prepared in the event of a crisis, the ministries of energy and agriculture said in a statement. Austrian newspaper “der Standard” published a round table interview with Energy Minister Leonore Gewessler and Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig. At the meeting, measures to prevent blackouts, maintain food supplies in the event of an emergency, and increase energy efficiency were discussed. In addition to Gewessler…

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Once again, the National Immunization Panel (NIG) has updated its recommendation for the Corona vaccine. Sanofi’s protein vaccine and BioNTech/Pfizer’s variant vaccine for children five years and older have been added to the recommendation. The health ministry informed that a fifth vaccination is not recommended in general but only for high-risk groups and people aged 60 and older. To ensure the best possible protection during the cold season, the experts strongly recommend completing the primary immunization (three doses) and the booster vaccination. In principle, it is possible for all persons…

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The good news is that the EU’s air has improved so much between 2005 and 2020 that the number of premature deaths caused by particulate matter pollution has dropped by 45 percent. The bad news is that 240,000 people will still die earlier as a result – in one year. Despite the better air quality, around 240,000 people in the EU will have died prematurely in 2020 due to exposure to delicate particulate matter in the air around them. This estimated figure was published by the EU environmental agency EEA.…

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There are exciting predictions and rumors about the upcoming iPhone 15. Especially the Pro variants might not only look different than before but also feel very different. But something is also happening with the standard models – and all new iPhones will get one chance. It’s still about ten months until Apple unveils its new iPhones, but the development of the devices has long been underway, and production is being planned and prepared. That’s why there are already rumors about the next generation and solid predictions. Dynamic Island and USB-C…

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Earth could have only one central continent in the future if the Pacific Ocean disappears completely. It is hard to imagine the Earth without its seven continents, although this was already the case in the age of Pangaea. According to National Geographic, the flow of currents caused the lands to form cracks and slowly drift apart. However, it looks like history is repeating itself, as the Earth may have one giant continent in the future. Infinite Ocean RecyclingAs the largest ocean on Earth, the Pacific Ocean has played an essential…

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Researchers* have brought thousands of years old viruses from the Siberian permafrost back to life. The oldest is estimated to be 48,500 years old; the “youngest” has 27,000 years under its belt. These “zombie viruses” remain dead in the ice but can be brought back to life as soon as they are thawed. Oldest revived virusWith their discovery, the researchers* have set a record. Never before has a nearly 50,000-year-old frozen virus been revived to the point of becoming potentially infectious again. It has been christened Pandoravirus yedoma, after the…

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November is ending, and Black Friday is just around the corner. Experts warn against discount traps again and again. If you’re browsing online stores or wandering through shopping streets and malls, you’ve probably already noticed that there’s a real rain of discounts. Everywhere retailers are tempting customers with offers of -20, -50, and even up to -70 percent off. Many people are tempted to buy. But that’s precisely what experts warn against every year. On the one hand, you might be tempted to buy things you don’t need. And on…

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There is a traffic jam on Austria’s roads and doctors’ waiting rooms – everywhere, people are coughing and sniffling. Even if one would prefer to pull the covers over one’s head in such a condition, it is sometimes almost unavoidable that one gets into the car: For example, for trips to the doctor, to the pharmacy, or the supermarket to stock up on essential groceries. But is it even okay to get behind the wheel while on sick leave?“As with any car journey, it is a question of whether you…

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