The Unlikely Invention of the Post-It Note, From Failed Adhesive to Office Staple
When Post‑It Notes reached desks around the world, few knew the surprising story behind their…
The Unlikely Invention of the Post-It Note, From Failed Adhesive to Office Staple
When Post‑It Notes reached desks around the world, few knew the surprising story behind their creation. The journey began in the late 1960s when chemist Spencer Silver—while working at 3M—developed a unique adhesive that was strong enough to cling, yet weak enough to be removable without residue. Because it held only lightly, it seemed useless…
The Hidden Journey of White Dwarfs: The Quiet Afterlife of Stars
In the vast theater of the universe, the most dramatic moments in a star’s life often end not with an explosion, but with silence. After billions of years burning brightly, a star like our Sun exhausts its nuclear fuel and sheds its outer layers, leaving behind a dense, glowing core known as a white dwarf….
From Hoops to Hands: The Unusual Game of Pearl Ball and Its Cultural Roots
The traditional game known as Pearl Ball originated with the Manchu people of northeastern China and remains a fascinating example of how cultural heritage can shape sports. Whereas many team sports evolve from modern athletic leagues or globalised disciplines, Pearl Ball descends from pearl-diving traditions and incorporates unique rules that distinguish it from basketball or…
When Shakespeare Counted His Words, 5 Unexpected Book Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Books often feel familiar—pages you’ve read, characters you know, worlds you’ve visited. But behind the covers lie stories about books themselves: odd statistics, courageous creators, and curious accidents. For example, did you know linguistically daring novels exist without the letter “e”, or that the most expensive manuscript ever sold set a new benchmark for literary…
Intermittent Fasting Myths vs. Facts: What the Science Actually Says
Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained serious popularity as a go-to health strategy—but with that rise comes confusion. One persistent myth claims that fasting for 16–20 hours daily automatically leads to massive fat loss and superior metabolism. However, research from reviewed sources indicates the reality is more nuanced. For instance, medical experts emphasise that IF’s effectiveness…
The Accidental Genius of Velcro: From Burrs to Breakthrough in 1941
When Swiss engineer George de Mestral returned from a nature walk in 1941, he was puzzled by how burrs clung to his dog’s fur and his own trousers. What many saw as an annoyance, de Mestral viewed as a clue—and he spent months under a microscope studying the burr’s hook-like structure. His curiosity ultimately led…
Pearl Ball and Gateball, Two Traditional Games with Unusual Rules You Need to Know
Two centuries-old games highlight how cultures embed unique values and history into their pastimes: Pearl Ball, from China’s Manchu people, and Gateball, developed in post-war Japan. Their rules aren’t just about competition—they reflect identity, strategy, and community cohesion. Understanding how they operate gives insight into the cultural logic that shaped them, illustrating that “sport” is…
The Tale of Genji, Unveiling the World’s First Novel
Did you know that the world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji, was penned over a thousand years ago? Authored by the Japanese noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, this literary masterpiece offers a profound glimpse into the intricacies of court life during Japan’s Heian period. Its rich narrative and complex characters have…
Naghol, Land Diving in Vanuatu – A 1,500-Year-Old Leap of Faith
The Naghol land diving ritual on Pentecost Island in Vanuatu is a spectacular tradition that blends courage, custom, and communal identity. Each year, men climb ladders to the top of bamboo towers reaching 20–30 meters high, then dive headfirst with only vines tied to their ankles—an act that resembles the ancestor of modern bungee jumping. This…
Beya Gille Gacha, Beaded Sculpture and Heritage in Motion
Beya Gille Gacha is a compelling figure among lesser-known contemporary artists whose work blends heritage, craft, and identity with striking visual presence. Born in Paris in 1990 to a Cameroonian mother and a French father, Gacha studied at the École du Louvre before founding the NÉFE collective. Her sculptures are her trademark — figurative forms…