The Strategic Mind Game of “Makruk”, Thailand’s Ancient Chess Variant
In the vibrant tapestry of global board games, Makruk stands out as a deeply strategic,…
The Strategic Mind Game of “Makruk”, Thailand’s Ancient Chess Variant
In the vibrant tapestry of global board games, Makruk stands out as a deeply strategic, centuries-old chess variant originating in Thailand. Unlike standard international chess, Makruk emphasizes slower tactical buildup and defensive positioning, reflecting Southeast Asia’s cultural appreciation for patience and long-term planning. Recognized by enthusiasts as one of the most balanced forms of chess…
Tom Hanks Collects Typewriters—And Uses Them Daily
While Tom Hanks is best known for his iconic roles in Forrest Gump, Cast Away, and Saving Private Ryan, few know about his deep obsession with manual typewriters. Over the past decades, Hanks has collected more than 250 typewriters from around the world, often traveling with one during film shoots. His fascination started in the…
Myth vs Fact: Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis
Many people grow up hearing that cracking knuckles will eventually lead to arthritis. This belief has been passed down for generations, often used as a warning to stop the habit. While the sound may be unpleasant to some, the truth behind this claim is quite different from the myth. Medical studies have explored this connection,…
The Born-Again Star, SAO 244567 and the Phenomenon of Stellar Rebirth
In the vast expanse of the cosmos, stars typically follow a predictable life cycle—from formation in nebulae to eventual demise as white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes. However, the star SAO 244567, located approximately 2,700 light-years away in the Stingray Nebula, has defied this norm. Over the past few decades, astronomers have observed this…
Echoes in the Mist: The Fight to Save the Eungella Whirring Treefrog
The Eungella Whirring Treefrog (Litoria eungellaensis), recently discovered in the misty highlands of North Queensland, Australia, has already been classified as critically endangered. This tiny amphibian inhabits the Eungella plateau, a region renowned for its unique biodiversity. However, its limited distribution and the looming threats of climate change and habitat disturbance have placed it at…
Origin of the Phrase “Under the Weather” – A Nautical Legacy
The phrase “under the weather” is a popular idiom used to describe feeling ill or out of sorts. While it’s now common in everyday language, its origins are maritime. In the days of old sailing ships, sailors who were sick were often sent below deck to protect them from the harsh sea elements—literally putting them…
Natalie Portman’s Secret Academic Feat: Published Neuroscience Researcher
Long before Natalie Portman became an Oscar-winning actress, she was impressing the academic world with her intellect. What many fans don’t realize is that Portman co-authored a scientific paper on neuroscience under her birth name, Natalie Hershlag. The paper, published in 2002, examined the enzymatic production of hydrogen peroxide in cultured astrocytes—showcasing her dedication not…
Rediscovering Clara Peeters, The Forgotten Pioneer of Food Still Life
Clara Peeters was a trailblazing artist in 17th-century Flanders, best known for her richly detailed still life paintings, particularly those featuring food and lavish table settings. At a time when women were largely excluded from the art world, Peeters not only painted professionally but also signed her works—a bold move for a female artist in…
Galactic Cannibalism: When Galaxies Feast to Grow
In the vastness of the cosmos, galaxies are not static—they grow, collide, and sometimes consume others in a process known as galactic cannibalism. This dramatic cosmic event occurs when a larger galaxy gravitationally pulls in and absorbs a smaller one, reshaping its own structure and stellar population. Unlike explosive collisions, this devouring is often slow…
Why Cashews Aren’t Really Nuts—And What That Means for Your Diet
Cashews are widely loved for their creamy texture and mild flavor, often found in trail mixes, vegan sauces, and even dairy-free cheese. But despite their nut-like appearance, cashews are not true nuts—they’re technically seeds from the cashew apple, the fruit of the tropical cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale). Botanically speaking, they’re classified as “drupes,” and their…