Astronauts often have unique ways to mark their birthdays. Don Pettit, a seasoned astronaut, celebrated his 70th birthday in an extraordinary way. He returned to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) on the same day he turned 70. He was accompanied by his crewmates, Aleksey Ovchinin and I
Metals in freshwater environments are causing changes that are not fully understood. Unlike the well-studied impacts of nutrients or climate, the effects of metals on the tiny organisms living in freshwater sediments are a mystery. These microscopic communities are crucial for the health of freshwat
The world of bike-sharing has brought plenty of good things, like easier commutes and less traffic. But it has also left behind a problem: what to do with all the old bike frames that get thrown away? This issue is not just about trash. It is about finding new uses for these frames, especially in ru
Russia is grappling with a significant HIV crisis, but the approach to tackling it is deeply entwined with politics and traditional values. Since the early 2010s, the Putin administration has been pushing a strong agenda of traditional values. This agenda has shaped how the country views and respond
A big change is happening in New York City. Despite a push from the federal government, New York's congestion toll is still in place. This toll affects most drivers entering the busiest part of Manhattan. The system of traffic cameras is still up and running, collecting fees from most cars that ente
Pope Francis made a public appearance at Easter Mass. His presence was a big deal. He had just recovered from a serious illness. The crowd in St. Peter’s Square was huge. They cheered loudly when they saw him. He was in a wheelchair. This was less than a month after he left the hospital. He had been
A high-ranking American politician, JD Vance, had a brief meeting with Pope Francis in Rome. This encounter happened on Easter Sunday, right after Vance had discussions with top Vatican officials about global conflicts and immigration. The pope, who is 88 and recovering from a serious illness, gave
The Vatican was buzzing with activity on a recent Easter Sunday. The highlight of the day was Pope Francis delivering his traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing from the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. This annual event draws a massive crowd to St. Peter's Square, all eager to receive the pontiff's
Berlin is facing a significant controversy as it moves to deport four individuals involved in pro-Palestinian protests. The city's immigration office has ordered the expulsion of three EU citizens and one American, all of whom were part of a demonstration at the Free University of Berlin in October
Smart home technology can greatly improve daily life. It can make tasks easier, help you wake up better, keep your home clean, and even save money on energy bills. The best part? You don't need to spend a lot to see these benefits. A few key devices can make a big difference. First, consider smart
