Sepak Takraw, often dubbed the “kick volleyball” of Southeast Asia, is one of the most dynamic and underappreciated sports on the global stage. Played with a rattan ball and only the feet, head, chest, and knees allowed for contact, this game combines the precision of soccer, the reflexes of volleyball, and the gravity-defying agility of…
Tardigrades—colloquially known as water bears—have fascinated scientists due to their ability to survive extreme conditions, from the vacuum of space to intense radiation. Central to this resilience is the discovery of a unique DNA‑protecting protein called Dsup (Damage suppressor). Found to bind tightly to chromatin, Dsup acts as a molecular shield, reducing both single‑ and…
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched in December 2021, has ushered in a new era of space exploration—particularly in the search for habitable exoplanets. With its advanced infrared capabilities and precision optics, JWST can analyze the atmospheres of distant planets orbiting other stars, identifying biosignature gases like carbon dioxide, water vapor, and methane. Unlike…
Long before Mesopotamia rose to prominence, the Neolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük in present-day Turkey was already thriving. Dating back to around 7500 BCE, this ancient site is considered one of the earliest known examples of urban living, offering profound insights into the development of human civilization. With a population estimated at up to 8,000 people,…
In 2025, vertical mini-dramas—short, mobile-optimized episodes often under two minutes—are revolutionizing the entertainment landscape. Platforms like ReelShort and DramaBox, originating in Asia, have popularized these bite-sized narratives featuring sensational plots such as werewolf romances and billionaire love triangles. Their success has caught the attention of Hollywood studios, with companies like Lionsgate and Hallmark exploring adaptations…
Neuromorphic computing is revolutionizing the future of technology by attempting to mimic the architecture and efficiency of the human brain. Unlike traditional processors, which process data sequentially, neuromorphic chips are designed to process information in parallel, using networks of artificial neurons and synapses. This results in faster processing speeds and significantly lower energy consumption—key benefits…
Bioluminescence—the natural emission of light by living organisms—is one of nature’s most captivating phenomena. Found in various species, from deep-sea creatures to terrestrial insects, this light production results from chemical reactions within an organism. In marine environments, bioluminescence serves multiple purposes: attracting prey, deterring predators, and facilitating communication. Terrestrial examples, such as fireflies, use light…
Solar flares are sudden, intense bursts of radiation from the Sun’s surface caused by magnetic energy release. These explosive events emit X-rays and charged particles that travel through space and can interact with Earth’s magnetosphere. While beautiful auroras often result, solar flares also pose serious risks to satellites, communication networks, and power grids, making their…
Body language transcends spoken words, serving as a powerful form of communication across all cultures. From a firm handshake to a slight eyebrow raise, nonverbal cues convey emotions, intentions, and reactions instantly. Linguists and communication experts recognize body language as a crucial complement to verbal language, often influencing how a message is received and interpreted…
In the heart of the Sundarbans delta, where the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers meet the Bay of Bengal, once lay Lohachara Island—a small, inhabited landmass that vanished beneath rising seas in the late 20th century. This disappearance marked one of the first documented instances of human settlement lost to climate change-induced sea-level rise. Lohachara’s submergence…