Category: General Interest

If you’re feeling tired, you probably reach for a cup of coffee here and there. But does this drink help against drowsiness? The Christmas season is around the corner, and surely, many people set off on vacation by car. But they all know that moment behind the wheel when you almost nod off. Then it’s best to pull over and rest. But quite a few people prefer a different remedy: To wake themselves up again, they drink coffee (which you should never drink on an empty stomach). Whether this helps…

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Yesterday, asteroid 2024 XA narrowly missed Earth. It was also spotted over Austria, and images were taken over the Gesäuse in Styria. Yesterday’s asteroid flyby was the second closest since 1900. Only the 2020 VT4 came closer than the 2024 XA, at 368 kilometers.For near-Earth asteroids, the distance given in lunar distances (LD)—1 LD is about 385,001 kilometers. 2024 XA flew past Earth on Sunday at a distance of 0.02 LD. The asteroid, sighted yesterday over the Gesäuse, has an approximate diameter of 1.3 to 2.8 meters. Boulders of this…

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Advent, derived from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “arrival,” is a Christian tradition that marks the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Its origins trace back to the 4th and 5th centuries, when the Church instituted a period of preparation and penance in anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth. Initially, Advent was observed similarly to Lent, with fasting and prayer, reflecting on the first coming of Christ at Christmas and the second coming at the end of time. Traditionally, Advent is characterized by various customs that encourage…

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Cooked rice is a staple food in many households. But many people don’t know this: Reheated rice can harm health! This is because of the bacteria Bacillus cereus, often found in cooked rice. These bacteria are hazardous as they form spores that are not killed even when heated. This can lead to the formation of other bacteria that produce toxins, which can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.Bacteria in rice: how problems ariseBacillus cereus is a bacterium that can multiply particularly well in cooked rice if not…

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The German Federal Environment Agency strongly advises against using hot tap water for consumption or food preparation, citing possible health risks and loss of quality. Risks in the hot water systemDue to circulation, hot tap water often remains in the pipes for longer. While this movement is necessary to prevent the formation of legionella bacteria, it also means that substances such as heavy metals can be released from the pipe materials—a problem that is particularly common in older or poor-quality installations. Hot water standing in dead pipe sections can also…

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The Chamber of Labor warns against the usual Black Friday tricks. Singles Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday: retailers outdo each other with online discount campaigns in the six weeks before Christmas. Various countdowns and supposedly limited offers put potential buyers under pressure. But the small print reveals that these are often nasty tricks.November 29 is Black Friday again. Slogans such as “Secure offers and deals,” “The best deals,” “Hammer offers,” or “Exclusive offers and up to 60 percent discount” herald the shopping days. However, “many of these offers are not…

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For some, persimmons are the absolute highlight of the season, while others see them as just one of the many fruits that increasingly appear in German supermarkets during the winter months. But what is the right way to enjoy this exotic fruit? Persimmons (Diospyros kaki) originally come from China, where they have been a traditional fruit for over 2,000 years. Today, they are grown in warm, subtropical regions worldwide, particularly in Asia, the Mediterranean, and the USA. Persimmon has been available in German supermarkets for several years now. Its cultivated…

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Many infectious diseases are likely to see an increase in the number of cases and the spread of pathogens as a result of climate change. As the research team explains, dengue fever is definitely one of them. Around 19 percent of cases in severely affected countries can already be attributed to the effects of climate change. The analysis was presented at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) annual meeting. 2024 has brought extremely high dengue numbers: according to the EU health authority ECDC, 13 million infections and…

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Water plays a key role in our body’s ability to function. Drinking a glass of water straight after waking up can stimulate the metabolism and get the body going. Studies show that drinking water promotes heat production in the body, which in turn stimulates digestion and helps burn calories. This simple trick can be a good start to the day, especially for those who want to lose weight.After a good night’s sleep, the body breaks down toxins. Water helps to eliminate them quickly and efficiently. Especially on an empty stomach,…

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