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…
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…
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…
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 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…
Sacha Inchi, often called the “Inca peanut,” is a star seed native to Peru that’s gaining global popularity for good reason. The roasted seeds are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy unsaturated fats—especially omega-3s—along with minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Its health effects are promising: studies suggest Sacha Inchi could help improve cholesterol…
Quantum teleportation is one of the most mind-boggling concepts in physics: it lets scientists transfer the quantum state of a particle from one location to another without physically moving the particle itself. It’s fundamentally based on entanglement—two particles share a linked state such that measuring one immediately influences the other, no matter how far apart…
Fanesca is more than just a dish—it’s a rich tapestry of history, religion, and seasonal celebration deeply embedded in Ecuadorian culture. Traditionally prepared during Holy Week, particularly on Good Friday, this hearty soup brings together 12 different grains and legumes, each representing one of the twelve Apostles, along with salt cod symbolizing Christ. The soup’s…
Nestled in the Arctic Circle, Svalbard is an extraordinary archipelago offering a unique blend of natural wonders and rich history. This remote destination is renowned for its polar landscapes, including glaciers, rugged mountains, and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. With 24-hour daylight in summer and polar nights in winter, Svalbard provides an unparalleled experience for adventurous…
A Glimpse into Ancient Mars In a discovery that could reshape our understanding of life beyond Earth, NASA’s Perseverance rover has found striking features in a sample of reddish mudstone from Jezero Crater. Formed roughly 3.2 to 3.8 billion years ago in what was once a lakebed, this rock called Sapphire Canyon showcases ring-shaped and…
