Myth vs. Fact: Does Cold Weather Really Make You Sick?
Many people believe the stereotype that getting chilled or spending time in frosty air causes…
Myth vs. Fact: Does Cold Weather Really Make You Sick?
Many people believe the stereotype that getting chilled or spending time in frosty air causes the common cold—but that’s actually a myth. According to medical experts, viruses—not cold temperature—are the true culprits behind respiratory illnesses like colds and the flu. Studies highlight that most colds are caused by over 200 different viruses, such as rhinovirus….
Casu Marzu, The Sardinian Cheese That’s Alive… Literally
Deep in Sardinia’s pastoral hills lives one of the world’s most notorious delicacies: Casu Marzu, a sheep-milk cheese intentionally teeming with live maggots (Piophila casei larvae). Known locally and in traditional circles, its name literally means “rotten cheese,” but what makes it fascinating — and controversial — is how those maggots drive fermentation and flavor,…
The 1956 Olympic Miracle: How the Soviet Union’s Hockey Defeat Redefined a Sport
In the chilly waters of the 1956 Winter Olympics at Cortina d’Ampezzo, a surprising upset unfolded that would ripple far beyond the ice rink. The underdog team from United States men’s national ice hockey team stunned the hockey-dominant Soviet Union national ice hockey team in dramatic fashion, pulling off a win that challenged not just…
Why Uzbek Plov Is More Than Just a Rice Dish: A Cultural Staple on the Silk Road
The aromatic dish known as plov is deeply rooted in Uzbek culture and centuries-old food traditions along the Silk Road. In Uzbekistan, plov (also called “osh”) is widely recognised as the national dish—so much so that it was placed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. At its core, plov combines rice, large cuts of…
Why Your Gut Is Called the “Second Brain”: Revealing the Hidden Nervous System Inside You
The human gastrointestinal system is often seen as a simple food processor—but recent science reveals it has its own complex nervous system, earning it the nickname the “second brain.” Research shows that your gut contains around 100 million neurons embedded in the walls of the digestive tract, capable of functioning independently of the central nervous…
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…