Image Credit: stylephotographs/123rf.com In a significant policy shift, the UK government has announced that starting September 2026, all children in England from families receiving Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals, expanding eligibility to an additional half a million students. This new measure removes the existing income threshold of £7,400 (approximately $9,430 USD) per…
Image Credit: milkos/123rf.com Father’s Day, celebrated on the third Sunday of June, has a complex history that reflects societal attitudes toward fatherhood and masculinity. Unlike Mother’s Day, which became an official holiday in 1914, Father’s Day faced significant resistance before its establishment as a national holiday in 1972. The origins of Father’s Day can be…
Image Credit: tonefotografia/123rf.com Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered that a common yeast known as Malassezia, which is typically associated with skin conditions like dandruff, may hold the key to fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Published in the journal Current Biology, the study highlights a molecule secreted by Malassezia that effectively targets and kills Staphylococcus…
Image Credit: nickolya/123rf.com Research by dermatologists reveals that many individuals may not be using antiperspirants effectively, leading to issues like sweat and body odor. The key to maximizing the effectiveness of antiperspirants lies not just in the product itself, but in the timing of application. Antiperspirants, which contain aluminum-based ingredients, work by temporarily blocking sweat…
Image Credit: patrapee5413/123rf.com In Bangladesh, where over 8,000 brick kilns operate during the dry winter months, a recent study has revealed that minor adjustments in brick stacking techniques can significantly reduce air pollution. These kilns produce around 30 million bricks annually and contribute to substantial air quality issues, emitting thick black smoke that affects both…
Image Credit: stefanophotographer/123rf.com A recent study by NASA and the Smithsonian Institution reveals that trees near volcanoes can provide crucial early warnings of impending eruptions. As magma rises underground, it releases carbon dioxide, which can cause nearby trees to appear greener—a phenomenon that can now be detected from space by satellites. The study highlights how…
Image Credit: dmitryag/123rf.com As many people enjoy bright and sunny days, a growing phenomenon known as “sunshine guilt” has gained traction, particularly in the age of social media. This term describes the regret individuals feel for opting to stay indoors instead of taking advantage of pleasant weather. Although not formally recognized in psychological literature, sunshine…
Image Credit: liudmylachuhunova/123rf.com In a significant advancement for food security in Mexico, researchers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) have developed a revolutionary probiotic tortilla designed to remain fresh for up to a month without refrigeration. This innovation addresses the pressing issue of food spoilage in rural areas where refrigeration is often unaffordable…
Image Credit: siraphol/123rf.com Amidst the ongoing challenges of daily life, fostering a balanced and realistic mindset has become increasingly important. Experts suggest that achieving a more positive outlook does not require forced cheerfulness but instead can be anchored in emotional neutrality and self-awareness. Psychologist Laurie Santos from Yale University emphasizes starting with a neutral perspective…
Image Credit: kamchatka/123rf.com Coral reefs are facing a critical crisis, with over 80 percent of the world’s reef area experiencing heat stress in 2023, marking the most severe global coral bleaching event since the 1990s. In response to this alarming trend, scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography have developed a novel solution to aid…
