Grammar and spelling are minor matters on Twitter, Facebook, and Co. People want to sound authentic and show emotion, for example, by elongating words: “Yeesss!” An analysis of 100 billion tweets shows that such “pseudo-verbal” spellings are on the rise and developing a life of their own. When speaking, there are many ways of expressing yourself other than through gestures and facial expressions. Sound and emphasis can also emphasize and change the meaning or show how the speaker feels. Lengthening individual words or vowels and consonants is a simple way…
Read MoreBritish estimate: Each cigarette shortens life by 20 minutes
According to estimates by British scientists, smokers shorten their lives by an average of 20 minutes with every cigarette. The figure is 17 minutes for men and 22 minutes for women, according to a UK government report based on the findings of three researchers from University College London (UCL). “If a smoker quits on New Year’s Day, they can save a whole week of their life by 20 February,” says the statement from the Department of Health in London, which commissioned the study. By the end of the year, the…
Read MoreGlobal Warming: The Escalating Impact of Extreme Weather Events
As the effects of global warming intensify, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, reshaping the world in unprecedented ways. From devastating floods to record-breaking heatwaves, the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat but a pressing reality. Recent data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights an alarming trend: global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era, with catastrophic consequences. Warmer oceans fuel more intense hurricanes, while shifting weather patterns lead to prolonged droughts and unprecedented rainfall. These disasters’ economic and…
Read MoreWhy Honey Never Goes Bad – And Other Surprising Food Facts
Honey is a culinary marvel cherished for its sweet flavour and incredible longevity. Unlike most foods, honey never goes bad. Archaeologists have even discovered honey pots in ancient Egyptian tombs, which are still perfectly edible after thousands of years! But why does honey resist spoilage? The secret lies in its composition. Honey is naturally low in moisture and high in sugar, creating an environment hostile to bacteria and other microorganisms. Its acidity further enhances its preservative properties. Bees infuse honey with an enzyme called glucose oxidase, which produces hydrogen peroxide—another…
Read MoreWhy are most airplanes white?
Most airplanes we see at the airport or in the sky are white. But why is that? Actually, airplanes could be painted in any color. Every airline is basically free to decide on the colors of its aircraft: It can do whatever it wants in terms of design. But why are the vast majority of airplanes painted white? White is cheapThere are indeed reasons for the prevalence of white livery. Firstly, it is once again about money. White paint is used very frequently, so it is also produced in huge…
Read MoreExercise can slow down the progression of cancer
A study from South Africa shows that people who exercise regularly before being diagnosed with cancer can slow down the later progression of the disease and reduce their risk of death. Physical activity stimulates the immune system and hormone balance—both important criteria for the progression of different types of cancer. It is well established that exercise has positive effects on health and can reduce the risk of dying from numerous diseases, such as cancer. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine now shows the extent to which…
Read MoreGlobal warming: 1.5-degree limit exceeded for the first time in 2024
Global warming exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius for the first time last year. According to the report published on Friday by the EU climate change service Copernicus, the Earth’s average temperature was 1.6 degrees Celsius higher than in the years 1850 to 1900. Climate researchers speak of a “warning signal.” Copernicus Director Carlo Buontempo described the development as unbelievable. Every month in 2024 was the warmest or second-warmest month since records began. At the same time, each of the last ten years (2015-2024) was among the ten warmest since records began.…
Read MoreThousands of vacancies: City of Vienna urgently looking for staff
The City of Vienna—with around 67,000 employees—is responding to demographic change and the associated shortage of skilled workers with a comprehensive personnel offensive. Since March 2023, measures such as increased advertising and job fairs have been taken to attract new employees in a targeted manner. These initiatives led to a 40 percent increase in applications in 2023, as reported by ORF. An average of around 7,900 applications were received for around 500 advertised positions each month.In 2023, 6,052 people joined the municipal service, exceeding the number of people leaving. The…
Read MoreCold warning for Austria: The weekend brings minus 15 degrees
Freezing temperatures will follow stormy nights. “Increased cold temperatures are to be expected,” says GeoSphere. The thermometer is expected to show minus 15 degrees in some places at the weekend, at least in the morning.Saturday, 11 January, will remain relatively “mild” during the day. Between Flachgau and central Burgenland, dense fields of cloud will continue to gather. “These will also bring a few snowflakes in the form of showers on the northern flanks of the mountains. In the west and south, it will be sunny and free of precipitation all…
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