Across the globe, people notice habits that stand out in the U.S. From reciting pledges to giant coffee mugs, some customs feel perfectly normal for Americans but odd elsewhere. These small details highlight the rich character of American culture and reveal customs that can surprise or even puzzle visitors. By looking at these examples of...

Somewhere, far out in our galaxy, astronomers have discovered a deep space object that emits synchronized radio and X-ray pulses once every 44 minutes. Located around 15,000 to 16,000 light years away from our own planet, the object has been named ASKAP J1832- 0911. Pulsars typically pulse every few milliseconds to seconds, so finding a deep...

The origins of life have been a highly debated topic for centuries. From the ancient Greeks through to contemporary scientists, humans have sought to gain a better understanding of life’s origins on Earth. While we are closer to understanding this process now than ever before, we continue to make regular breakthroughs that shift our perspective...

While the COVID-19 pandemic is “over”, the virus still exists and public health officials have kept vigilant on the virus’s mutations. Public health experts worldwide are closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, which has sparked alarm due to its rapid global spread. The World Health Organization designated this strain as a...

Overtourism is a growing global issue, with many popular tourist destinations overwhelmed by the number of visitors they receive each year. This phenomenon places an enormous strain on local resources, infrastructure, and the environment, ultimately leading to a backlash from both governments and residents. Some countries have decided to either limit or completely stop tourism...

California wildfire arson happens more than it should, but thankfully criminals do usually get caught. Wildfires are not just a natural disaster; sometimes, they are man-made tragedies. Recently, a California man was convicted of starting the Line Fire, a devastating wildfire that burned through 44,000 acres in 2024. The event sparked controversies about negligence and...

Warning: This article contains discussion of discrimination against the trans community which some readers may find distressing. Seventeen-year-old Verónica Garcia has once again made headlines, not just for her impressive athletic ability, but for her resilience in the face of hostility. The East Valley High School student secured her second consecutive win in the class...

The beauty community is mourning the unexpected death of Guava Shuishui, known online as Guava Beauty. At just 24 years old, the Taiwanese influencer had carved out a niche for herself through highly unusual content: eating makeup products on camera. Her sudden passing was announced in late May 2025 via a statement on her Instagram...

You may not really know what it is or be able to point to where in the body it is, but the thyroid gland is a very important, albeit small, part of the body. It plays a crucial role in regulating many bodily functions, including metabolism, energy levels, and mood. Ensuring its proper functioning is...

You likely have read about full-blown strokes, but did you know that mini strokes can happen, too, and are actually quite common? The problem is that they can go unnoticed, preventing the victim from getting the medical attention that they need. Not only that, but they are also at an even higher risk for a...

Two years ago, Shawn K. was a senior software engineer in San Francisco, earning $150,000 a year. Today, he lives in an RV and delivers food for DoorDash. He didn’t lose his job because of poor performance. The cause was job loss due to AI advancements in his field. In 2023, Shawn’s employer adopted AI...

Humans have been trying to turn base metals into gold for centuries. In fact, it was one of the objectives of those who practiced alchemy, a word that originally arose in Latin Europe in the 12th century. While it appears that none of them managed to achieve this goal, scientists working on the Large Hadron...