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…
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists at Rice University have identified a bacterium capable of “breathing” electricity instead of oxygen. These microorganisms utilize a natural electron transfer process to expel electrons outside their cells, allowing them to generate energy in oxygen-deprived environments such as deep-sea vents and the human gut. This adaptation reveals a previously unknown…
Virtual Reality (VR) is transforming the world of live performance, offering a bold new dimension to traditional theater. Through VR headsets, audiences can now immerse themselves in theatrical productions from anywhere in the world. These experiences replicate the feeling of sitting inside an actual venue, while offering interactive perspectives, behind-the-scenes access, and even first-person viewpoints…
In 2025, oats are transcending their traditional role as a breakfast staple, emerging as a versatile ingredient in various meals throughout the day. This shift is propelled by innovative developments from Australian startup Real Oats, in collaboration with the University of Queensland’s Food and Beverage Accelerator. They’ve introduced oat-based alternatives to rice, pasta, and noodles,…
The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is a subterranean rodent native to East Africa, renowned for its unique physiological and social characteristics. Living in eusocial colonies similar to those of insects, these mammals have a single breeding queen, with the rest serving as workers or soldiers. Their nearly hairless, wrinkled skin and lack of pain sensitivity…
The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment in space exploration, driven by bold missions and advanced technologies. India has declared this the “Gaganyaan Year,” aiming to launch its first human spaceflight mission featuring the Vyommitra humanoid robot. Alongside this, the Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 lunar missions are underway, reinforcing India’s position as a major player in…
In 1799, during Napoleon Bonaparte’s campaign in Egypt, French engineer Pierre-François Bouchard unearthed a granodiorite slab near the town of Rosetta (modern-day Rashid). This artifact, later named the Rosetta Stone, bore inscriptions in three scripts: Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, Demotic script, and Ancient Greek. The decree inscribed on the stone, dating to 196 B.C., praised the…
For decades, trees were viewed as solitary organisms competing for sunlight and nutrients. But recent scientific breakthroughs reveal a different story—trees are social beings that “talk” to each other through a complex underground network of fungi known as the mycorrhizal network. As an ecologist with field experience studying forest ecosystems, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this…
Fermented garlic honey is gaining attention in wellness and culinary circles as a powerful natural remedy and flavor booster. This simple combination—raw garlic cloves submerged in unpasteurized honey—ferments over time, creating a syrupy, tangy mixture packed with health benefits. With both ingredients known for antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, this blend is believed to support immune…
The Cendrawasih bird, often known as the Bird of Paradise, is one of Indonesia’s most iconic and enchanting native species. Found primarily in Papua and surrounding islands, these birds are renowned for their dazzling plumage and unique courtship dances. With feathers that shimmer in vibrant shades of yellow, green, blue, and maroon, the Cendrawasih bird…