The next era of space exploration is bringing new questions about what humans may leave behind. Scientists are researching whether spacecraft exhaust could leave chemical traces across the lunar surface, including in areas that have remained frozen for billions of years.

Shadowed moon craters may hold ancient clues

Some of the Moon’s most important clues about early life may be hidden near its poles. These craters never see sunlight. Scientists call them “permanently shadowed regions,” and because they are extremely cold, ice can remain trapped there for billions of years.

Scientists believe those icy deposits may hold traces of organic molecules delivered long ago by comets and asteroids. These molecules may offer important information about the chemistry that existed before life began on Earth.

That makes the Moon a rare archive. Earth’s surface has been altered by weather, oceans, volcanoes, and plate movement, but parts of the Moon have stayed mostly undisturbed.

How exhaust could travel

In the study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, researchers focused mostly on methane, a gas that can be released by spacecraft engines during landing. They used computer models to see how methane from a lander near the Moon’s South Pole might move after touchdown.

The simulations showed methane could spread quickly, reaching the Moon’s North Pole in less than two lunar days. Within seven lunar days, or about seven months on Earth, more than half of the methane became trapped in the cold polar regions.

Since the Moon has almost no atmosphere, the methane molecules could bounce from place to place across the lunar surface due to gravity as they gain energy from the sunlight and lose speed from cold temperatures.

According to Francisca Paiva, the study’s lead author and a physicist at Instituto Superior Técnico, the findings suggest there may be no entirely “safe” place to land on the Moon, since methane molecules from exhaust can spread across the entire lunar surface.

Protecting future lunar science

The researchers emphasize that contamination may not be unavoidable. Paiva said colder landing sites could help keep exhaust molecules from spreading as far.

The team says the computer simulations need to be checked with more modeling and real measurements during future Moon missions.

More than half a century after the final Apollo mission, four astronauts traveled around the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft for nearly 10 days, completing the first crewed flight of NASA's Artemis program.

After returning to Earth, Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman said the journey was not without tense moments. The crew received unexpected alerts from several onboard systems—events astronauts refer to as anomalies—which they quickly investigated.

One of those alerts appeared in the middle of the crew's scheduled sleep period. According to Wiseman, the warning suggested there could be a serious problem with the spacecraft's fuel system, prompting the crew to immediately determine whether Orion was leaking propellant.

Artemis II was designed as a full-scale test of the systems required for deep-space exploration. Encountering unexpected behavior did not undermine the mission's success. Instead, it provided valuable insight into how the spacecraft performed, how the crew responded and what improvements should be made before future missions.

A nighttime fuel system alert

Propellant is essential for controlling the spacecraft's orientation, speed and trajectory. A real leak would have reduced Orion's ability to perform critical maneuvers, adjust its course and potentially complicate its safe return through Earth's atmosphere.

Wiseman explained that the crew's first response had to balance urgency with caution. They carefully reviewed the telemetry to determine whether there was an actual leak or whether the alert was simply another system anomaly. Reacting too quickly could have created unnecessary problems.

The commander summed up the experience with a simple lesson:

That response did not happen by chance. Astronauts spend years training with failure simulations, emergency procedures and ambiguous scenarios. The goal is not to memorize every possible malfunction, but to remain calm under pressure.

A mission to put the systems to the test

NASA used Artemis II as the first real evaluation of its capabilities for human exploration in deep space. The four astronauts had to stay alive, communicate with Earth, navigate around the Moon and safely return home.

The spacecraft also relied on the European Service Module, developed through an international partnership, to provide propulsion, electrical power, water, oxygen and thermal control. Wiseman emphasized that this module propelled Orion toward the Moon and sustained the crew throughout the mission.

Anomalies are an expected part of any test mission, as long as they can be identified, managed and analyzed afterward. Every unexpected signal provides valuable information about sensors, software, operating procedures and human decision-making that cannot be fully replicated in simulations.

Wiseman also acknowledged that the crew made a few minor mistakes with no serious consequences. After each incident, the astronauts reviewed what had happened and sometimes even laughed about it. That combination of careful analysis, humor and trust helped maintain strong teamwork inside the small, demanding spacecraft.

Lessons for returning to the Moon

The mission concluded with Orion's splashdown on April 10, 2026, after completing its journey around the Moon. Beyond its historic significance, Artemis II delivered valuable data on navigation, life support, communications, spacecraft performance and human operations far from Earth.

Engineers will now study the anomalies alongside Orion's overall performance to determine what improvements are needed. The priority is not to hide the issues, but to understand their causes and reduce the chances that a similar warning could become a real emergency on future missions.

Artemis II also demonstrated that modern lunar missions rely on much broader international cooperation than the Apollo program did. The United States, Canada and Europe contributed astronauts, technology and expertise, a collaborative framework that will become even more important as humanity works toward establishing a sustained presence in lunar orbit and on the Moon's surface.

Although approximately 1.7 million satellites could be launched into Earth orbit — most of them belonging to SpaceX — researchers at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) warn about the threat they pose to astronomy and are proposing limits on their number.

More and more satellites

Just a decade ago, the growing number of satellites in low Earth orbit was not considered a major concern. However, starting in 2019, successive deployments of the Starlink constellation dramatically accelerated the increase in satellites.

Currently, there are more than 14,000 active satellites in orbit around our planet, compared with only 2,000 before 2019. This already significant number must also include around 32,000 pieces of space debris and inactive devices that also orbit above our heads every day.

To make matters worse, in the coming years, approximately 1.7 million additional satellites could be launched into space, including one million satellites from SpaceX alone. This million-satellite network would be used for artificial intelligence, functioning as servers orbiting our planet.

Other examples include China's CTC-1 and CTC-2 constellations, which plan to launch nearly 100,000 satellites each, and E-Space's Cinnamon project, which plans to launch more than 450,000 additional satellites to create a global space network connecting billions of devices online.

A necessary limit

Although these hundreds of thousands of satellites are currently only in the planning phase, they could be launched into orbit in the coming years, creating a major problem for astronomy. In fact, a satellite illuminated by the Sun can shine brighter than a distant galaxy.

Therefore, in addition to the fact that many of these satellites will be visible to the naked eye, making it harder to appreciate the night sky, a satellite crossing a telescope's field of view creates a trail that hides everything behind it. The situation is already challenging for many telescopes with "only" 14,000 active satellites in orbit, so it is easy to imagine the consequences with 1.7 million additional objects.

According to calculations by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), the Very Large Telescope would lose up to 28% of its field of view two hours after sunset in this scenario. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory would suffer even more, with images becoming unusable for several hours each night.

All of this does not even include another ambitious project from the American company Reflect Orbital, which plans to deploy massive mirrors in orbit that would reflect sunlight back toward Earth at night. If the planned 50,000 mirrors are deployed by 2035, the night sky would become three to four times brighter!

It is crucial that this issue is addressed seriously and at a global level. If the U.S. regulatory body responsible for approving or rejecting the mentioned projects decides not to move forward, companies from other countries, such as China, should not be allowed to simply take their place.

The proliferation of satellites undoubtedly represents an existential threat to optical astronomy, but its consequences go far beyond that. In addition to disrupting telescope observations, these megaconstellations also affect sleep, ecosystems, and even air quality, especially during rocket launches.

The age of the universe, estimated at approximately 13.8 billion years, is determined using several observational methods. The primary estimate comes from measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation combined with the standard cosmological model (ΛCDM).

In recent years, claims have circulated on social media suggesting that the universe is much older than 13.8 billion years. Much of this idea stems from misinterpretations of studies involving very ancient stars observed by the James Webb Space Telescope.

Now, a new study provides independent evidence supporting the conclusion that the universe is 13.8 billion years old. By analyzing the ages of more than 155,000 stars in the Milky Way, researchers obtained an estimate consistent with the value predicted by the standard cosmological model.

Hubble tension

One of the key questions related to the age of the universe is the Hubble tension, the discrepancy between measurements of the Hubble constant obtained through different observational methods. Observations of the early universe point to a lower expansion rate than measurements based on nearby cosmic objects.

Because the Hubble constant is directly tied to the universe's expansion rate, its value affects age estimates produced by cosmological models. A faster expansion implies a younger universe, while a slower expansion results in a slightly older one.

Why 13.8 billion years?

The estimate of 13.8 billion years is supported by the convergence of several independent lines of evidence. These include measurements of the cosmic microwave background, baryon acoustic oscillations, the evolution of star clusters, and the ages of the oldest stars.

Studying the oldest stars in the Milky Way provides an age limit that aligns with cosmological predictions. Taken together, the available evidence makes an age of approximately 13.8 billion years one of the most robust conclusions in cosmology.

New analysis

A new study independently estimated the minimum age of the universe using the oldest stars in the Milky Way. To do so, researchers analyzed 247,103 subgiant stars observed by the LAMOST and Gaia surveys. After quality checks, the final sample was reduced to 155,600 stars.

The results showed that the oldest star in the sample is approximately 13.73 billion years old. Since the first stars began forming about 200 million years after the Big Bang, this measurement is consistent with a universe approximately 13.8 billion years old.

James Webb controversy

This new finding is significant because it provides another independent line of evidence that the universe is 13.8 billion years old. In recent years, the first observations from the James Webb Space Telescope have often been misinterpreted on social media.

The new estimate, based on the ages of the oldest stars in the Milky Way, reinforces this scientific consensus by using a different approach from analyses based on the cosmic microwave background. The agreement between the two methods further reduces the likelihood that the estimated age of the universe is incorrect.

Bathrooms often provide two conditions that many tropical plants love: relatively stable temperatures and elevated humidity that increases every time someone takes a shower.

If the room also has natural light from a window, it can become an excellent place to grow plants that add color and, in some cases, a pleasant natural fragrance.

There is one important caveat, however. Humidity alone isn't enough. All plants need light to perform photosynthesis. None can survive indefinitely in a completely dark bathroom, and they are no substitute for proper cleaning or ventilation. Some release natural fragrances through their flowers, while others give off scent when their leaves are brushed, but they won't continuously freshen the room like an air freshener.

Here are five plants that can truly thrive in a bathroom while adding an extra touch of freshness.

1. Wax plant (Hoya carnosa)

If fragrance is your priority, few houseplants can match the wax plant. Its clusters of small, star-shaped waxy flowers release a sweet scent with notes of vanilla and honey, especially in the evening and at night.

Native to tropical regions of Asia, it thrives in warm, humid environments. Shower steam isn't a problem—in fact, it helps keep the plant's fleshy leaves hydrated.

It does best near a bright window, although it should be protected from intense summer sun. In return, it can bloom for many years with very little care.

2. Phalaenopsis orchid

Phalaenopsis orchids are among the species that adapt best to a bright bathroom. In nature, they grow attached to tree trunks, where they receive abundant humidity along with excellent drainage.

Steam helps reduce water stress on their aerial roots and encourages healthy growth. Some commercial varieties and hybrids also produce fragrant flowers. Since not all of them are scented, it's worth checking before buying one.

In addition to producing blooms that can last for several months, they take up very little space. They're perfect for a shelf near a window.

3. Mint

Mint doesn't continuously perfume the room, but simply brushing one of its leaves releases an intense, refreshing menthol scent.

It grows best in bright, indirect light, moderate temperatures and soil that never dries out completely. Bathroom humidity often encourages healthy growth, provided the plant receives enough light.

4. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

A close relative of mint, lemon balm gives off a fresh lemon-like fragrance whenever its leaves are gently rubbed.

It's a hardy, fast-growing plant that is easy to grow in containers. It tolerates humid conditions well, although it needs good light to maintain dense, aromatic foliage.

Harvesting a few leaves regularly encourages fresh new growth, helping the plant stay fuller and healthier.

One important note: because mint and lemon balm are outdoor plants, the bathroom should be well ventilated every day to prevent fungal diseases from developing on the leaves. As an added bonus, you can also use their leaves in teas and desserts.

5. Madagascar jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda)

Not all jasmine species are suitable for growing indoors, but Madagascar jasmine can thrive in a spacious, bright bathroom. This tropical vine appreciates humid air and produces highly fragrant white flowers.

That said, it requires significantly more light than the previous plants. If the window is small or the room is too dark, it may continue growing but is unlikely to flower—and its blooms are what provide the fragrance.

With a trellis or small support structure, it becomes a striking decorative feature.

What if your bathroom doesn't have a window?

No plant can survive indefinitely without natural light. Some species can tolerate very low light for a few weeks, but sooner or later they will exhaust their energy reserves and begin to decline.

If your bathroom has no windows, the best option is to keep the plants there for only a few days at a time before moving them back to a brighter location. Another solution is to install a grow light, which provides the spectrum plants need to stay healthy.

Choosing plants that are well adapted to humidity while meeting their light requirements is the best way to enjoy a greener, more inviting bathroom filled with natural fragrance—without relying on aerosol sprays or artificial air fresheners.

Growing flowers, herbs and vegetables on patios, balconies and in small gardens has become an increasingly popular hobby. One of the biggest challenges during the summer, however, is keeping plants consistently watered without wasting water or spending time watering them every day.

A simple solution is to install a DIY drip irrigation system, an affordable, easy-to-build and highly efficient option.

This type of irrigation delivers water directly to each plant's roots, reducing evaporation losses while maintaining even soil moisture. It's also an ideal solution for people who spend long hours away from home or travel for a few days during the summer.

Why choose drip irrigation?

Unlike watering with a watering can or garden hose, drip irrigation delivers small amounts of water slowly and directly to the root zone. This allows the soil to absorb moisture more efficiently while preventing both overwatering and underwatering.

Some of its main benefits include:

• Water savings of more than 40% compared to traditional watering methods.
• Fewer weeds, since only the root zone is watered.
• Lower risk of plant diseases caused by excess moisture on leaves and stems.
• Greater convenience, especially when caring for a large number of containers.
• More consistent plant growth.

For crops such as tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, herbs and lettuce, maintaining consistent soil moisture is essential for producing healthy harvests.

Materials you'll need

You don't need to spend much to build a drip irrigation system at home. The most common materials include:

1. A nearby outdoor faucet or water connection.
2. A watering timer (optional but highly recommended).
3. 16 mm polyethylene tubing for the main line.
4. 4 mm micro tubing.
5. Adjustable or pressure-compensating drip emitters (recommended).
6. Connectors, elbows and end caps.
7. A hole punch for piercing the tubing.

All of these materials are readily available at garden centers and irrigation supply stores.

How to install it step by step

Start by laying the main tubing along the path where your containers are located. Secure it in place so it won't shift.

Next, use the hole punch to make small openings in the main line where each micro tube will be connected. Install a drip emitter at the end of each tube and position it near the base of the plant.

Once everything is connected, turn on the water and make sure every emitter is working properly. If one delivers too much or too little water, most models can be adjusted with ease.

Adding an automatic timer allows the system to operate entirely on its own. Simply set the watering duration and frequency according to the season.

Adjust watering throughout the year

Not all plants require the same amount of water. During the hottest months, watering once or even twice a day may be necessary, especially for containers exposed to long hours of direct sunlight.

It's also important to check soil moisture regularly. Sticking a finger a couple of inches into the soil is a quick and easy way to determine whether your plants actually need water.

Extra tips to save even more water

In addition to drip irrigation, there are several simple ways to reduce water use even further.

• Add mulch or gravel on top of the soil to reduce evaporation.
• Group containers together to create a more humid microclimate.
• Water early in the morning or around sunset.
• Check regularly for leaks in tubing or drip emitters.
• Choose plants adapted to your local climate whenever possible.

A small investment with big rewards

Installing a DIY drip irrigation system on your patio is one of the most practical upgrades for anyone who enjoys gardening or growing food in containers.

In addition to saving water and reducing the time spent watering, it helps plants grow more consistently and better withstand periods of extreme summer heat.

The system is simple to install and requires very little maintenance, making it an excellent way to enjoy a lush, colorful patio without having to worry about watering every single day.

Two low-ice winters in 2025 and 2026 is where the recent slowdown disappears. There was an almost 6% drop between 2024 and 2025, which is the largest single season decline on record. The latest observations show a statistically significant downward trend which changed the entire outlook on Arctic ice.

Sea Ice in the Arctic

Sea ice is an important indicator of climate change in the Arctic. The planet is warming, and the Arctic is warming even faster. According to satellite observations, sea ice has declined every month of the year since the late 1970s. The greatest loss occurs at the end of the summer with the minimum ice coverage. Winter sea ice has also been shrinking.

Sea ice decline has not been straightforward. In the early 2020s, Arctic sea ice seemed to slow across the year. Compared to earlier decades with rapid loss, this trend didn’t seem as strong. This prompted scientists to wonder if the decline in Arctic sea ice had slowed or not.

Sea Ice Decline

The recent 20-year decline in winter sea ice extent until 2024 was not statistically significant. The data was consistent with no decline over the last 20 years. There was record low of ice in 2025 and a near-record low in 2026.

February to March average is the winter sea ice extent. 2025 saw the largest single-year decline in the satellite record. The 20-year trend in Arctic winter sea ice returned to a statistically significant decline once 2025 and 2026 were included. With a 6% drop in a single year, can Arctic winter sea ice drop this quickly with the current climate conditions?

Climate model simulations of Arctic climates were conducted with warming amounts similar to today to see if they produce a single-year winter sea ice drop as large as the one in 2025. Simulations where the Arctic has warmed by a similar amount to today (around 3ºC since 1980)found that one-year winter sea ice drop of this caliber occurred in 1 of every 100 simulated years. This means the 2025 drop was unusual but not impossible. This is consistent with a warming Arctic that experiences abrupt changes year-to-year.

If warming continues, winter sea ice is likely to rebound to higher levels seen in the early 2020s and fluctuate year-to-year. Arctic sea ice loss has not stopped. Spring weather, clouds, snow cover, winds, ocean heat and ice thickness all affect how much summer ice survives into the winter.

A lengthy marine heatwave in the North Sea played a significant role in intensifying the impacts of Storm Babet in 2023, according to new research.

The storm was one of the UK’s most disruptive storms that year, and brought exceptional rainfall to parts of eastern Scotland, with 150 to 200mm falling in some areas.

The marine heatwave lasted almost seven weeks, from 1 September to 21 October 2023, warming the seas by around 0.8-1 °C.

The unusual conditions resulted from persistent anticyclonic weather, allowing the ocean to absorb and retain excess heat, according to the researchers from the Met Office and the University of Reading.

Fast-moving wind jet intensified the storm

Their research found that the storm induced a low-level wind jet, a fast-moving stream of air close to the ground that helps storms grow stronger.

As this wind jet came from the east, it brought heavier rain than usual to many areas.

The warmer than average waters increased evaporation and added extra moisture to the atmosphere, contributing to around 5% heavier rainfall over eastern Scotland during the storm.

The marine heatwave also deepened the storm slightly, lowering central pressure by around 1-2 hPa compared to what would have happened with a cooler ocean, and boosted atmospheric instability.

High ocean temperatures were also responsible increasing river flows by 12-18%, making the storm surge 20% higher and strengthening wave power at the coast by around 9%.

Storm Babet caused five years' worth of erosion in coastal places, generated inland floods, threatened oil rigs to lose anchor, and stranded marine life.

High pressure over Scandinavia prevented the storm from moving east into the North Sea, leaving rain fronts stalled over eastern Scotland before shifting back across England and Wales.

This configuration also meant strong winds were blowing from Denmark to Scotland for three days across the North Sea, generating powerful waves and sustained tidal surge on the east coast of Scotland.

Marine heatwaves set to become ‘near permanent’

The study provides the ‘clearest evidence to date’ that marine heatwaves in the North Sea can amplify UK storm hazards, the researchers said.

The result is increased rainfall, river flows, storm surges and coastal wave energy.

Waters around the UK are currently experiencing widespread marine heatwave conditions.

Earlier in July, these reached up to Category 4, classified as “extreme”, a level rarely recorded in UK waters.

Recurring heatwaves have brought long-lasting sunny and calm conditions for the third time this year, giving sea surface temperatures little opportunity to cool.

Dr Ségolène Berthou, air-sea interaction specialist at the Met Office, and report author, explained that more than 90% of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions has been absorbed by the global ocean.

The upper layers alone store as much heat as the entire atmosphere, she added.

“This long-term warming is reflected in the rising occurrence of marine heatwaves, and the near disappearance of marine cold spells,” she said.

Without significant reductions in global emissions, near permanent marine heatwave conditions around the UK could emerge as early as mid-century, she warned.

This romantic destination, nestled in the heart of Guanajuato, is one of the state's most iconic places, recognized both nationally and internationally. Its architecture and the close spacing of its colorful facades have inspired countless legends and romantic landmarks, including the famous Alley of the Kiss.

The city's narrow streets and grand colonial homes, with their high ceilings, thick stone or adobe walls and impressive central courtyards, create a natural system of cross ventilation and a chimney effect.

This design, dating back to the colonial era, allows buildings—including homes and businesses—to maintain a pleasant indoor temperature. It is a natural way of replicating the cooling effect of modern air conditioning.

Accelerated air currents naturally form throughout its intricate network of streets. The contrast between the cooler air within the narrow streets and the warmer air exposed to direct sunlight further strengthens this airflow.

More than 5 miles of interconnected streets

These passageways were originally built to divert the river's flow and help prevent flooding in Guanajuato's tunnels. This colonial labyrinth is built primarily with stone walls, creating a sturdy and long-lasting structure.

The lack of direct exits along many sections of these passageways, combined with significant pressure differences caused by changes in elevation and temperature, as well as the way the air is funneled through them, creates strong, cool breezes that make visitors feel as if they are walking through a wind tunnel.

An ambitious project that began in 1963

Construction of this remarkable underground street system began in 1963. The ambitious project aimed to enclose the river and pave over it to improve the city's infrastructure. It was designed to solve Guanajuato's long-standing flooding problems.

Throughout the route, visitors and locals admire the city's massive stone arches, which have remained remarkably well preserved despite the passage of time and have become one of Guanajuato's signature attractions. These arches tell part of the story of the city's engineering and architectural heritage.

History, adventure and culture around every corner

Exploring Guanajuato's streets offers visitors an experience that blends adventure with history and culture. Walking through these picturesque streets feels as though time has stood still, transporting you to another era.

It is a unique place where visitors can enjoy a naturally cool atmosphere while discovering the city's authentic character, far from the bustle of wide avenues and busy roads. If you have the chance, it is well worth adding this destination to your next vacation—or escaping there for a weekend getaway.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has published an analysis of the potential public health impacts of the 2026–2027 El Niño event. The report examines how extreme weather events, including droughts, floods and heat waves, could affect population health, health services and other key determinants of health.

It also provides recommendations to strengthen countries' preparedness and response to possible climate scenarios. Meteored is bringing you this information firsthand so you can take precautions and help protect yourself and your family.

Experience from previous El Niño events, including the 2023–2024 episode, demonstrates the potential for significant impacts on food security, water availability, livelihoods, public health and critical infrastructure.

El Niño and vector-borne diseases

Climate anomalies associated with El Niño can contribute to a higher risk of vector-borne, waterborne and foodborne diseases, as well as heat-related illnesses.

They can also lead to respiratory impacts linked to wildfires, food insecurity, displacement and disruptions to health services, particularly among populations already affected by poverty, migration, displacement or limited access to essential services.

The analysis identifies the main public health risks associated with different climate scenarios, including cholera and other waterborne diseases, as well as vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, Zika and chikungunya.

Mental health is also addressed. The report notes that displacement, loss of livelihoods and other climate emergency-related impacts, including the aftermath of tornadoes, hurricanes and other extreme weather events, may increase the need for psychosocial support and mental health services.

Social and urban vulnerability

From the perspective of infrastructure and services, the report evaluates the vulnerability of healthcare facilities to structural damage. Specifically, it examines emergency hospitals that may be exposed to coastal flooding risks associated with rising sea levels.

It also calls for assessing and preventing disruptions to supply chains for medicines, medical supplies and other essential healthcare resources.

Maternal and neonatal health

Regarding the social determinants of health, the report also focuses on specific population groups. For maternal and neonatal health, it examines the risks pregnant women and newborns may face when extreme weather events limit access to safe drinking water, healthcare services and emergency obstetric care.

Regarding malnutrition, the analysis examines how crop losses, food insecurity and disruptions to livelihoods could disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including children under the age of five.

The Public Health Situation Analysis on the El Niño phenomenon (2026–2027) also recommends that health authorities and governments strengthen a range of preparedness and response measures.

The importance of a strong public health system

These measures include strengthening epidemiological surveillance to enable the early detection of climate-sensitive diseases and monitoring the nutritional status of vulnerable populations, while promoting the integration of climate and health information to improve the early identification of health risks.

The report highlights the importance of ensuring access to safe drinking water and sanitation services, particularly in areas exposed to flooding or prolonged drought. It also underscores the need to strengthen the preparedness of health systems to maintain the continuity of essential services during climate emergencies.

Our cosmic backyard is littered with dead stars, and astronomers from the University of Warwick and the University of Colorado Boulder have found four new ‘local’ white dwarf stars hiding right under our noses.

Hubble Space Telescope spotted the stars in a nearby region of well-studied space, showing that we can still find surprising in areas we thought we knew well.

Difficult-to-spot white dwarfs in local neighbourhood

Astronomers have been surveying the local neighbourhood of stars in detail for decades, but white dwarfs like these are difficult to find.They're orbiting in double star systems within around 65 light-years of Earth, accompanied by a red dwarf star companion. These larger, brighter stars make it look like these were single star systems.

As Dr Mairi O’Brien, Research Fellow at Warwick explained: “Nearby isolated white dwarfs are usually easy to find, but we couldn't see these four stars directly in visible wavelengths because their red dwarf companions were drowning out their light. It's a reminder that even in our own cosmic neighbourhood, we can still find surprises if we look in the right way, at the right wavelengths.”

These particular binary systems are of interest because they showed a substantial radial wobble, a phenomenon in which a star subtly wobbles backwards and forwards, indicating a massive companion object is orbiting.

Hubble’s ultraviolet spectrograph allowed researchers to take detailed observations of the four systems. White dwarfs typically stand out in ultraviolet observations, but intense flares from red dwarfs can mimic this signal, meaning the researchers had to use custom calibration techniques to confirm the presence of the white dwarfs

Updating the local census with new finds

One system of particular interest in G 203-47. It’s 25 light-years away, but it’s taken 27 years after its initial radial wobble observation to find its companion white dwarf.

G 203-47 is the ninth closest white dwarf to the Sun and is unusual because its red dwarf rotates once every 100+ days but orbits its white dwarf every 14.9 days. Gravitational forces would normally tidally lock them in sync – like the Moon and Earth – where the same face always points towards each other, but the red dwarf rotates too slowly for that to happen.

Dr David Wilson, Research Associate at University of Colorado Boulder, explained: "What's fascinating is that G 203-47 shouldn't be rotating this slowly if it formed the same way as similar systems. This suggests that these binaries have had very different evolutionary histories. Some underwent violent, prolonged interactions early on that locked them tidally. Others, like G 203-47, experienced gentler, briefer encounters that left them in this unusual state.”

The discovery of four new white dwarfs has allowed researchers to update the local white dwarf census within 20 parsecs or 65 light-years.

Importantly, earlier population models estimated that there should be about 4 to 5 pairs of white dwarfs and red dwarfs orbiting closely together, and the team discovered exactly 4, which aligns with the theoretical predictions.

Professor Pier-Emmanuel Tremblay, Astronomy and Astrophysics Group, University of Warwick said: “Only about 30% of red dwarfs within 20 parsecs have been systematically surveyed for hidden white dwarf companions. We think there could be as many as 9 or 10 additional binary systems in our local stellar environment that we haven’t found yet. If we put more targeted effort into observing red dwarfs, perhaps we will find more surprises like this.”

Researchers at the Institute of Economic Analysis (IAE), part of Spain's National Research Council (CSIC), have developed a platform capable of predicting how climate change could erode agricultural potential across the globe, with a resolution of 10km by 10km.

Named CADI (Climate-Driven Agricultural Decline Index), the platform estimates the decline in maximum agricultural production capacity caused by climate change and provides projections under different climate scenarios developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), assuming that no adaptation measures are introduced. CADI's projections are intended to help governments and policymakers make informed decisions and develop adaptation strategies.

The project was coordinated by Laura Mayoral and Hannes Mueller, researchers at the IAE-CSIC and affiliated with the Barcelona School of Economics. The Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), the UK government's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and the Reducing Conflict and Improving Performance in the Economy (CEPR–ReCIPE) initiative also contributed to the project.

CADI compares achievable crop yields – the maximum biophysical productivity of a location – under the climate conditions of different 20-year periods, using grid cells measuring around 10km by 10km. For each grid cell, productivity is calculated using the same crop mix observed in 2020 across all periods and climate scenarios, ensuring that any differences reflect changes in climate alone.

To provide a baseline against which future projections can be compared, CADI combines historical agricultural productivity data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) with historical climate data from the Copernicus Earth observation programme. This allows researchers to calculate changes in achievable crop yields between the periods 1981–2000 and 2001–2020, quantifying the differences observed over those two decades.

CADI then uses the observed data from 2001–2020 to model future agricultural productivity under a range of IPCC climate scenarios through to 2100. These projections assume that no adaptation measures are introduced and that the same crop types and farming practices remain in place throughout the century.

Tropical regions face the greatest losses

The research shows that climate change is already reducing food production for hundreds of millions of people. Around 16% of the world's agricultural land – roughly one in every six hectares – has already lost more than 10% of its potential productivity, based on changes observed between the periods 1981–2000 and 2001–2020.

The impacts on agricultural productivity are highly uneven. Tropical regions are experiencing the greatest losses, while some higher-latitude areas could see their potential productivity increase.

Across Europe, northern regions and higher-altitude areas – including Scandinavia, Finland, Scotland and the Alps – are projected to gain agricultural potential, while southern Europe, including the Iberian Peninsula, is expected to lose it.

According to Hannes Mueller, a researcher at the IAE-CSIC, Spain reflects the wider global pattern on a smaller scale. "The Cantabrian coast, Galicia and the Pyrenees are gaining productivity, while much of the country's interior and central-eastern regions are losing it, including areas where severe declines are concentrated."

The researchers also caution that the largest gains projected for higher-latitude regions begin from very low levels of agricultural production. While percentage increases may appear substantial, the actual increase in food production, measured in calories, is much more modest.

Key findings

At present, around 15% of the world's population lives in areas that have already lost at least 5% of their agricultural potential.

The researchers estimate that by 2041–2060, under a medium-to-high emissions scenario corresponding to around 2.1°C of global warming, almost 49% of the world's population could be living in agricultural regions where productivity potential is in decline.

The model also predicts that a relatively small number of critical hotspots will account for a disproportionate share of global losses. Just 5% of agricultural land in tropical regions already accounts for up to 35% of total global productivity losses. By the middle of the century, around 25% of countries are projected to account for between 85% and 90% of total losses worldwide.

The researchers say these inequalities are not limited to differences between countries, but also exist between regions within the same nation.

"This presents a challenge even where productivity increases," they explain. "The gains shift the centre of agricultural production towards new areas, requiring land, water resources and investment to be redistributed within national borders."

These "distributional tensions" – over who benefits, who loses and who bears the cost of adapting – could fuel conflict not only between countries but also within them.

The researchers also note that many of the countries that have contributed least to cumulative CO₂ emissions are among those most vulnerable to agricultural decline, with this imbalance expected to worsen over time.

Preparing for adaptation

The CADI projections can help identify the regions that are likely to be most severely affected and where adaptation efforts will be needed most.

Adapting to these changes will be a challenge for every country, requiring new technologies, different crop varieties and, in some areas, a relocation of agricultural production.

However, the capacity to adapt varies considerably. Small-scale farmers and lower-income regions may have far fewer options available, placing food security and rural livelihoods at greater risk where resilience is weakest.

"When yields decline, the impacts spread in every direction," the researchers explain on the project's website. "Food insecurity increases, rural incomes fall, and communities face difficult decisions about migration and changing livelihoods."

They conclude that identifying areas at risk of agricultural losses will help governments target resources more effectively, develop smarter agricultural policies and implement climate justice measures to support the communities most exposed to the impacts of climate change.

Source: CSIC Cataluña

The period immediately following the Big Bang remains shrouded in mysteries that modern cosmology is still trying to unravel. On one hand, cosmologists develop hypotheses about the characteristics of the early universe and the objects that may have populated it. On the other, observational astronomers constantly search for evidence that could confirm those ideas.

Among the mysterious objects that may have existed in the early universe are primordial black holes. Modern cosmology has proposed their existence, but no observational evidence has yet been found. What exactly would astronomers need to observe to confirm that they exist?

Once again, the question falls to theorists, who are trying to imagine scenarios involving primordial black holes that could produce observable evidence.

Hawking stars: how a star could capture a primordial black hole

The renowned British cosmologist and theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking proposed a possible scenario that could help confirm the existence of primordial black holes.

This scenario involves a “Hawking star,” meaning a star contaminated by a primordial black hole that, if observed, could confirm that such objects exist.

A recent study by an international team led by Ore Gottlieb of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Physics focused on the possible formation of a Hawking star and how it might evolve, suggesting several observable signs that could reveal the existence of primordial black holes.

A star consumed from within: the fate of Hawking stars

These objects would have formed shortly after the Big Bang through a process very different from the one that creates stellar black holes. Stellar black holes form after very massive stars explode as supernovas, marking the final stage of their evolution.

By contrast, primordial black holes may have formed from the collapse of dark matter and could have started with a mass far smaller than the Sun’s, perhaps even comparable to that of an asteroid.

Gottlieb and his colleagues focused on low-mass primordial black holes.

If a primordial black hole passed through a star, the encounter would most likely have no consequences for either the star or the black hole.

However, if the star had a companion, either a planet or another star, the black hole could be captured by the gravitational field of the binary system and repeatedly pass through the same star.

With each passage, the black hole would lose kinetic energy through friction with the stellar gas. Its orbit would gradually tighten until it eventually sank toward the center of the star, turning it into a Hawking star.

Why these stars could reveal the nature of dark matter

There are two possible scenarios for the star after it captures the primordial black hole.

In the first scenario, the black hole slowly grows by consuming the star’s gas from within. Over time, it would devour the star completely, leaving behind a black hole with a mass smaller than the Sun’s.

Because the laws of physics indicate that stellar black holes must have masses greater than the Sun’s, the discovery of a subsolar-mass black hole would confirm that black holes can form through an unconventional process, such as the collapse of dark matter.

The second scenario is more violent. Inside the star, the black hole could develop its own accretion disk. Its rotation, combined with the release of relativistic jets, could tear the star apart before consuming it completely. The rapid and violent destruction of a Hawking star could produce an ultraviolet or blue flash lasting about a day, followed by radio emission, as well as a brief X-ray burst or a faint gamma-ray burst. These extreme signals could be detected by space-based observatories and are exactly the kinds of signs observational astronomers are searching for.

For now, Hawking stars remain theoretical objects that have yet to be observed directly. However, studying them opens a new path in the search for traces of primordial black holes. If a star being consumed from within by one of these objects were ever identified, it would provide extraordinary evidence of processes that began in the earliest moments of the universe.

Just a few minutes after midnight, on the night of Sunday, July 19, into Monday, July 20, Spain was crowned champion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Argentina 1-0. The historic result gave Spain its second World Cup title and prompted millions of people to celebrate the victory.

Across Spain, as well as abroad—in Italy, from Rome to Milan, thousands of Spaniards celebrated the result—the excitement surrounding the victory was enormous. When a national soccer team wins the World Cup, it sparks a celebration unlike any other.

According to Spain’s National Geographic Institute, known as the IGN, the seismic sensor at Madrid’s Royal Observatory recorded the two key moments of the match between Argentina and Spain that literally made the city vibrate. It cannot be described as an earthquake, as we will explain shortly, but the jumping, shouting and movement of thousands of people celebrating enthusiastically were detected by the sensitive seismic sensors.

Spain’s World Cup victory recorded by Madrid’s seismograph

The graph published by the IGN clearly shows the accelerogram of seismic activity during the winning goal, when Ferran Torres put Spain ahead in the 106th minute, and later when the referee blew the final whistle, confirming Spain’s victory.

This is not the first time that scientific institutions responsible for monitoring seismic activity have informed the public that they detected the euphoria triggered by victories in major sporting events. In Italy, for example, the INGV, or National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, detected the excitement of Italian fans after the national team won the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany on the night of July 9, 2006.

It was not an earthquake, but intense ground vibration

This phenomenon has been dubbed a “football quake,” but it is not a real earthquake.

An earthquake, as we know, is caused by a rupture along a fault or at a specific point deep underground. That rupture generates seismic waves that travel toward the surface, producing much stronger shaking.

At major sporting events attended by large crowds, the excitement of thousands of people jumping and shouting at the same time can generate strong vibrations. These have nothing to do with the seismic waves produced by an earthquake, but they can still be detected and recorded by seismic sensors.

Seismometers are highly sensitive instruments capable of detecting even vibrations of this kind. However, this was not an actual earthquake.

In their new book, How to Think Like an Ecologist, biology professor Amy B. McEuen suggests there is a way to stop widespread loss of animals and plants on Earth – protecting ‘umbrella’ species like apes and monkeys.

Over the planet's history, there have been five mass extinction events, and human activity is sending us towards a sixth, with the potential to see a loss of 75% of all life on Earth. So far, we have already lost or almost lost 25% of all mammals.

What is an umbrella species?

The umbrella species Professor McEuen names are large-bodied vertebrates, such as primates like gibbons, langurs, lorises, macaques and snub-nosed monkeys.

In the book, Professor McEuen elaborates on a 2025 study from Yunnan Province, China, where they discovered strong evidence that protecting primates as umbrella species helped safeguard other plants and animals too. The research team used datasets of 16 primate species and found that if 30% of Yunnan’s land was designated for primate conservation, 52% of its annual carbon sequestration, 52% of water conservation, and 54% of its soil retention would also be protected. They also found that where there were primates, there were also many other animals. So by protecting its primates, it could protect its overall biodiversity.

The same theory could be applied to other umbrella species such as big cats, bears, marine mammals and large birds. It works because large animals need large areas to support their populations, and in turn are habitats for other animal species.

Professor McEuen says: “The good news is humans have not yet caused a sixth mass extinction. The bad news is the rate of biodiversity loss is at the pace of past mass extinction events. We are in a critical window of opportunity, where our work to stop extinctions may be able to prevent a mass extinction.

“With millions of species to protect, we don’t have time to protect one species at a time. Luckily, there are more efficient ways of preserving biodiversity, including using an umbrella species approach.”

Can nature recover?

Professor McEuen reassures that nature is adept at recovering. Populations of humpback whales have bounced back in recent years, and now number tens of thousands following the whaling ban and conservation work. So, between animals' abilities to adapt and conservation efforts, nature can recover.

However, nature recovery is the rule, not the exception, Professor McEuen said, citing a study reviewing rates of ecosystem restoration across a range of different seascapes and landscapes. They discovered that 72% of ecosystems at least partially recovered in a matter of decades and around one third made a full return.

Professor McEuen said: “To prevent extinction, species need to have large populations. Specifically, we want to avoid what biologists call the ‘extinction vortex’. When population numbers dwindle, several factors interact to drive their population further down in size, like a whirlpool sucking a species to eventual extinction.

After an online shopping delivery, cardboard boxes usually end up straight in the recycling bin. However, more and more home gardeners are discovering that corrugated cardboard is a surprisingly useful material for maintaining garden beds. The reason is simple: it blocks sunlight from reaching weeds, protects the soil, and eventually breaks down completely.

This method is becoming especially popular in natural gardens. Instead of relying on chemical weed killers or labor-intensive digging, many gardeners are turning to a simple approach that saves resources while preserving the soil's natural structure.

How cardboard stops weeds from growing

Weeds need sunlight to thrive. Covering the ground with a thick enough layer of cardboard blocks almost all light from reaching the vegetation underneath. As a result, grasses and many common weeds gradually weaken and die off.

Unlike plastic sheeting, however, cardboard does not remain in the soil permanently. Moisture, microorganisms, and earthworms gradually break it down, allowing it to return naturally to the soil.

Creating new garden beds without digging—just a little patience

Anyone looking to turn a patch of lawn into a flower bed or vegetable garden doesn't necessarily need to reach for a shovel. Instead of removing the grass by hand, simply cover the desired area with cardboard, then add a layer of mulch, compost, or wood chips on top.

While the vegetation underneath gradually dies, a biological transformation begins at the same time. Within a few months, the area develops into loose, humus-rich soil that's ideal for new plantings. This can save a great deal of work, especially over larger areas.

The soil benefits in several ways

The advantages go well beyond weed control. The cardboard layer shields the soil from direct sunlight and reduces water evaporation.

In addition, the moist conditions beneath the cardboard create an ideal environment for earthworms and beneficial soil organisms. They break down organic matter, improve soil aeration, and help increase long-term soil fertility.

It can also protect pathways and raised beds

The method isn't limited to flower beds. Under garden paths, cardboard can help prevent unwanted plants from eventually growing through joints or gravel surfaces.

Cardboard is also increasingly being used when building raised beds. In this case, it serves as a natural barrier that prevents weeds from emerging through the soil. As it decomposes, the layer disappears completely without leaving any residue.

Not all cardboard is suitable

If you plan to use cardboard in the garden, untreated corrugated cardboard is the best choice whenever possible. Coated surfaces, heavily colored printing, and plastic components are less suitable.

Before using it, remove all tape, labels, and metal staples. The more natural the material, the more easily it will decompose in the soil.

Where the method has its limits

Despite its benefits, sheet mulching with cardboard isn't ideal in every situation. Plants that prefer very dry conditions may struggle in consistently moist soil. Likewise, crops with very shallow roots should be mulched with care.

In addition, adequate moisture is essential. If the cardboard stays dry for long periods, the decomposition process slows considerably.

A trend that combines sustainability and gardening

At first glance, the idea may seem unusual: used shipping boxes could be more useful in the garden than in the recycling bin. In practice, however, the method offers several advantages. According to its supporters, it "reduces waste (albeit modestly), cuts the effort needed to prepare new garden beds while supporting the soil's natural processes."

As a result, an everyday packaging material becomes a practical gardening tool for anyone looking to create a more sustainable, nature-friendly garden.

Summers are increasingly characterized by periods of intense heat. In this context, choosing leisure activities is no longer just a matter of comfort, but also a way to protect your health.

Fire departments and civil protection agencies constantly remind the public that high temperatures increase the risk of dehydration, fainting, and heat stroke, especially during prolonged physical exertion.

When adapting leisure activities becomes essential

Given these conditions, it is advisable to limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours, generally between noon and 4 p.m., or even later during heat waves. Activities that require little physical effort and take place in cool or air-conditioned environments are the best option.

Museums, libraries, and cinemas: summer refuges

When temperatures soar, cultural spaces often become the best allies. Museums, media libraries, public libraries, and cinemas offer air-conditioned spaces where people can enjoy their free time while staying safe from the heat.

These places offer a double benefit: they encourage cultural discovery while also reducing exposure to extreme temperatures. In fact, they often have air conditioning or ventilation, at least in larger cities. However, it is advisable to call the establishment beforehand to ask about its ventilation system and avoid unnecessary trips.

In fact, experts recommend that people who cannot keep their homes cool spend several hours a day in air-conditioned spaces, such as libraries, museums, or cinemas.

Other wonderfully cool places (without the need for air conditioning!) are churches and cathedrals. These naturally cool spaces, which are free and open to everyone, offer a peaceful and relaxing environment, along with comfortable temperatures.

Water activities: a safe bet

It is impossible to talk about summer leisure without mentioning water. Swimming, whether in a pool, lake, or the sea, remains one of the best ways to combat intense heat, as long as proper safety and sun protection recommendations are followed.

Water parks, aquatic activity centers, and recreational lakes also provide opportunities for moderate physical activity while minimizing heat-related risks. However, it is important to remain cautious: even in the water, prolonged sun exposure can cause heat stroke or sunstroke.

Rediscovering leisure at home

Heat waves also provide an opportunity to slow down. Reading, playing board games, doing creative activities, preparing cold meals, or watching documentaries are excellent ways to stay cool.

For families, these activities have the advantage of limiting travel and avoiding prolonged exposure to potentially dangerous temperatures.

Homeowners could consider installing a pool or water feature. Meanwhile, both children and adults can have fun with water guns or water balloons, cooling off while playing.

Hiking, cycling, and sports: yes, but at the right time

Nature lovers do not necessarily have to give up outdoor activities. However, timing becomes a crucial factor. It is recommended to go out early in the morning or at sunset, when temperatures are more manageable.

Hiking, cycling, or even walks through the forest can remain enjoyable activities, as long as shaded routes are chosen, enough water is carried, and intense exertion is avoided during the hottest hours. In fact, the Ministry of Sports recommends reducing the intensity of physical activity and choosing gentler activities during heat waves.

A summer of adaptation

Due to global warming, heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense. Adapting leisure activities to these new conditions is now a matter of common sense. Prioritizing cool places, water activities, and outings during the coolest parts of the day allows people to enjoy summer while protecting their health.

Far from being a limitation, this adaptation can even become an opportunity to discover new ways of traveling, enrich the mind, or enjoy nature.

For many people, summer is the perfect time to travel at a slower pace and avoid the crowds. And when exploring Europe, few options are as comfortable and enjoyable as traveling by train.

Instead of dealing with packed airports or spending long hours behind the wheel, rail travel makes it possible to admire spectacular scenery from the window while connecting historic cities, small villages and natural landscapes that remain far from mass tourism.

Beyond the continent’s most popular train routes, such as those linking Paris with Switzerland or Venice with Vienna, Europe is home to lesser-known journeys that offer an authentic and, in many cases, unforgettable experience. Ancient forests, Alpine lakes, rugged coastlines and dramatic mountains all form part of the scenery.

5 train journeys you should not miss

For travelers looking for a different kind of summer getaway, these are five of the best train routes for discovering some of Europe’s lesser-known corners.

The Rauma Line, Norway: Between fjords and mountains

Norway is famous for its fjords, but many travelers are unfamiliar with the spectacular Rauma Railway, considered one of the most beautiful train routes not only in Scandinavia, but across Europe. The journey connects Dombås and Åndalsnes over roughly 71 miles and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes, passing through some of the country’s most impressive landscapes.

Along the way, the train crosses stone bridges, winds alongside the Rauma River and passes beneath towering rock walls, including the spectacular Trollveggen cliff, before reaching the Atlantic coast. One of the most photographed moments is the crossing of Kylling Bridge, suspended above a deep gorge.

During summer, the nearly endless daylight makes it possible to enjoy the scenery for hours, while waterfalls rush down the mountainsides thanks to melting snow. One interesting fact: this railway was used as a filming location for “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”

The Carpathian Railway, Romania: Nature at its most pristine

Romania is home to some of Europe’s best-preserved natural landscapes. One excellent way to explore them is by traveling by train between Brașov and Vatra Dornei, crossing the heart of the Carpathian Mountains over a distance of about 118 miles.

The route passes through endless forests, green valleys and small villages where the pace of life has changed very little in decades. It is not unusual to spot deer, foxes or even bears in the more mountainous areas. Many of the stations also retain much of their traditional architecture, turning the journey into an experience filled with history and authenticity.

One detail to keep in mind: the average train journey between these two Romanian cities lasts 14 hours and 13 minutes, although the fastest service takes 10 hours and 20 minutes.

The Cinque Terre Line, Italy: Much more than beaches

Although Cinque Terre is a well-known destination, traveling along this stretch of coastline by train offers a completely different perspective. The railway connects its five famous villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore—on a short but spectacular route.

The train travels through tunnels carved into the rock and brief stretches beside the Mediterranean Sea, making it easy to visit each village without using a car. Beyond the beaches, the journey offers access to terraced vineyards, historic trails, small fishing harbors and a local cuisine centered on fresh seafood.

As a practical detail, trains between the villages run every 20 minutes. A single adult journey between two stations on the Cinque Terre Express costs between 5 and 10 euros, depending on whether it is low or high season. Children ages 4 to 11 receive a 50% discount.

The Bohinj Railway, Slovenia: A hidden gem in the Alps

Slovenia is often overshadowed by other European destinations, even though it is home to one of the continent’s most remarkable railway journeys. The Bohinj Line connects Jesenice with Nova Gorica, crossing the Julian Alps and the Soča River Valley through 28 tunnels, five galleries and 65 bridges.

Among its main attractions are the Bohinj Tunnel, which opened in the early 20th century, and the impressive Solkan stone bridge, considered one of the largest railway arch bridges built entirely from stone.

The intense turquoise color of the Soča River accompanies much of the journey, especially during the summer months, when the landscape is at its most striking.

The Highland Line, Scotland: Castles, lochs and wild landscapes

Scotland is home to some of Europe’s most spectacular railway routes, but the line connecting Inverness with Kyle of Lochalsh remains relatively unknown outside the United Kingdom.

Along the way, passengers can admire dark-water lochs, vast moorlands, vegetation-covered mountains and beautiful castles that appear to emerge from the mist.

This train crosses one of the country’s least populated regions, where travelers may spot golden eagles, deer and sheep grazing freely. At the end of the journey, upon arriving in Kyle of Lochalsh, passengers find themselves facing the Isle of Skye, considered one of Scotland’s most impressive natural destinations.

The property that served as the setting for the series Yellowstone continues to spark interest among fans even after production has ended. Located in Darby, Montana, in the United States, Chief Joseph Ranch is a working cattle ranch that gained international fame as the home of the Dutton family, the protagonists of the drama starring Kevin Costner.

Contrary to what many people imagine, the ranch was not built exclusively for filming. It is a century-old property, surrounded by mountains and landscapes typical of the American West, used for both rural activities and tourism. While the main mansion is not open to the public, guests can explore other areas of the ranch and stay in the cabins featured in the series.

Aired between 2018 and 2024, Yellowstone became Paramount+'s most-watched production, captivating audiences with stories of land disputes, family conflicts, and the natural beauty of Montana. The ranch's surroundings played a key role in the show's visual identity and became one of the production's most recognizable symbols.

The ranch preserves history and tradition

Since 2012, Chief Joseph Ranch has belonged to businessman Shane Libel. The property covers approximately 2,500 acres, equivalent to just over 1,000 hectares, a size much smaller than the massive fictional ranch featured in the series, which is said to span more than 300,000 hectares.

The area also has historical significance. Before settlers arrived, the territory was inhabited by the Salish and Nez Perce Indigenous peoples. The ranch's name honors Chief Joseph, an Indigenous leader who traveled through the region in the 19th century during his people's resistance. The first official records of the property date back to 1884.

The main house, which appears as the Dutton family's residence, was built between 1914 and 1917 and measures approximately 600 square meters. According to the series' production design team, much of the original structure has been preserved, including wood and stone details. One of the roof beams, about 46 meters long, was made from a single tree trunk.

Agritourism attracts visitors from around the world

In addition to cattle ranching, Chief Joseph Ranch is investing in agritourism. Access to the property is only allowed for guests who make reservations in advance and stay in cabins inspired by the characters Lee Dutton and Rip Wheeler from the series.

During their stay, visitors have the opportunity to explore filming locations, go horseback riding, fish, and participate in typical ranch activities, such as cattle handling and hay production. The property is also known for its scenery, crossed by the Bitterroot River and Fern Creek, at the foot of the Bitterroot Mountains.

In interviews, Shane Libel has said he is proud to see his property transformed into one of the most famous television sets. The owner often jokes with fans of the series, assuring them that despite the similarities with fiction, no one is branded with a hot iron or taken to the famous "train station," a reference to some of Yellowstone's most memorable episodes. Meanwhile, the ranch continues to combine rural tradition, historical heritage, and the legacy of one of the most successful television series of recent years.

Europe continues to explore new ways to increase renewable energy production by making use of existing infrastructure. One option gaining traction involves installing photovoltaic panels between railway tracks, a solution that avoids using additional land and has already completed an initial testing phase in Switzerland.

The results recorded during the first year of operation have attracted interest from other countries. One of them is Italy, which is already preparing a similar project following an agreement between Swiss company Sun-Ways and an Italian partner that is holding talks with Rete Ferroviaria Italiana to assess its potential implementation.

Solar panels on railway tracks: the Swiss trial serving as a model

The first installation of its kind began operating last year in the Swiss town of Buttes, within the municipality of Val-de-Travers. The experimental section covers 100 meters of service track and includes 48 solar panels with a combined peak capacity of 18 kilowatts (kWp).

The project was initially planned to last only three years. However, the results recorded during its first months exceeded the estimates made by the company behind it, which is now considering keeping the infrastructure in place permanently.

During its first year of operation, the installation produced around 16,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh). That amount is roughly equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of a fully electrified home. At this stage, the power generated is fed into the electricity grid.

Italy prepares its own solar railway project

The project developed in Switzerland has drawn interest from the Italian railway sector. Sun-Ways has reached an agreement with a business partner in Italy, which is in contact with Rete Ferroviaria Italiana to define a future pilot project.

Further details about the initiative are expected to be announced in the coming months. If the project moves forward, Italy would become the second European country to test this technology on its own railway network.

The goal is to use thousands of miles of existing railway tracks to produce renewable electricity. According to Sun-Ways estimates, installing the system across Switzerland’s 5,317 kilometers of railway lines would cover an area comparable to 760 soccer fields and generate close to one terawatt-hour (TWh) per year, equivalent to around 2% of the country’s energy consumption.

The technical challenges of the railway system

The panels must be installed completely flat between the rails, a layout that slightly reduces their efficiency compared with tilted photovoltaic installations. The company estimates that output is around 10% lower, a difference it considers acceptable given the large amount of available space.

The next phase of the project aims to stop sending all the electricity exclusively to the general grid. The plan is to supply power directly to railway substations and even feed the traction line used by trains.

Safety was also taken into account when designing the system. Following initial warnings from the International Union of Railways about possible microcracks, fires or glare affecting train drivers, Sun-Ways introduced stronger panels, anti-glare surfaces, continuous monitoring sensors and an automatic cleaning system using brushes installed beneath the trains.

The Netherlands officially declared a water shortage on Thursday after weeks of persistent drought, prompting authorities to raise the national drought response level.

Water rationing and low river levels

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management raised the response to Level 2 following advice from the National Water Distribution Coordination Committee, as the shortage is expected to continue in the coming weeks.

Under the measures, priority will be given to protecting flood defences and drought-sensitive dikes, followed by drinking water supplies and energy production. Regional authorities will reportedly decide whether additional restrictions are needed, while Limburg has already restricted the use of surface water for purposes including farmland irrigation.

Rijkswaterstaat, the executive agency of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, said there is no risk to public drinking water supplies but urged people to use water responsibly during the dry period. River inflow into the Netherlands has fallen to its lowest level since 1976 at Lobith.

The National Water Distribution Coordination Committee said the current shortage is more severe than usual and warned that the risk of drought has increased over recent decades because of climate change.

The last time the Netherlands raised its drought response to Level 2 was in August 2022. The highest alert level, Level 3, was last declared in 2003.

How climate change influence droughts

The increased frequency in declaring water rationing over the last 20 years indicates the seriousness to tackle the issue of climate change and country preparedness to answer the key infrastructural questions to mitigate further drastic reactions.

With the projected more hotter, drier weather in the summer and wetter in the winter on the rise in the warmer climate, the western European countries desperately need more resilient solutions. A prolonged drought followed by deluge is not necessarily a key to end the drought effectively.

The awareness of a warmer world is to realise the alternation in the hydrological cycle and the disruption of established weather patterns, implying that once when it rains, it now pours more heavily and does not equate to the need of the land to cancel the deficit.

Stronger rain bursts in a short period of time are not the cure for the drought, as it increases runoff, not soaking mechanism. We need to collect each droplet and to raise the awareness that the broader, warmer future window equals to more frequent summer heatwaves and droughts across western Europe with more adverse socioeconomic impacts if the infrastructure remains under the climate that de facto no longer exists

Not every fast-growing plant is classified as invasive or considered a weed. Some are prized for their flowers, attractive foliage, or low-maintenance nature, but under the right conditions they can spread far beyond what most gardeners expect. As they gradually take over, nearby plants are left with less room to grow and must compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Before adding them to your garden, it's worth knowing which species spread the most and what you can do to keep them in check.

Plants that can spread more than expected

Each of these plants spreads in a different way. Some expand through underground rhizomes, others constantly send up new shoots, while some reseed themselves with remarkable ease. These are some of the species most likely to become a headache when planted directly in the ground.

Bamboo

Bamboo is one of the best-known examples. Running bamboo varieties produce underground rhizomes that can emerge several feet away from the original plant. Without a root barrier to contain them, they can quickly spread into areas where they were never intended to grow.

Japanese honeysuckle

Once established, Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) quickly climbs fences, pergolas, and trees, taking over more and more space. Before long, it can form a dense tangle of stems and leaves that leaves nearby plants with little room to grow.

Flag iris

Flag irises gradually form larger and larger clumps thanks to their underground rhizomes. Over time, they can fill an entire flower bed unless they are divided regularly.

Mint

Few plants have a reputation for spreading as quickly as mint. Its underground stems constantly produce new shoots, allowing it to pop up well beyond where it was originally planted. That's why many gardeners prefer to grow it in containers instead of directly in the ground.

Passionflower

Passionflower is admired for its striking blooms, but it's equally known for its vigorous growth.

Once established, it quickly gains ground, climbing fences, pergolas, and walls while also sending up new shoots from its roots, creating new plants nearby.

Bear's breeches

Bear's breeches (Acanthus mollis) stands out for its bold ornamental foliage. Removing it isn't always enough to solve the problem, as even small pieces of root left in the soil can sprout again and produce new plants.

Why aren't these plants recommended without a plan?

Once one of these species begins to spread, the balance of the garden starts to change. Nearby plants have less space and fewer resources to thrive, while more delicate varieties may gradually lose ground or disappear altogether.

They also demand more maintenance. New shoots need to be removed regularly, clumps divided as they expand, and rhizomes kept in check to prevent them from spreading into new parts of the garden.

If you want to enjoy these plants without letting them take over your garden, growing them in containers, installing root barriers, or giving them a dedicated space where they won't crowd out other species are some of the best ways to keep them under control.

Do you have wine corks sitting in a drawer? Creative recycling and home gardening come together in this eco-friendly project, perfect for adding small touches of greenery to compact spaces.

Instead of throwing them away, you can transform them into tiny planters for your plants. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also make unique gifts or party favors.

Here's a practical step-by-step guide to creating your own miniature landscapes, along with the best succulent varieties to ensure your project is a success.

Step 1: Hollow out and stabilize the cork

Start by hollowing out the center of the cork. You can use a craft knife, a carving gouge, or a hand drill. Aim for a cavity about halfway down the cork. Once it's ready, decide how you'll use it:

• Desktop decoration: Glue a small coin to the bottom of the cork. The added weight will help it stand upright on flat surfaces.

• Refrigerator magnet: Attach a small magnet to one side of the cork using strong contact adhesive.

Once the adhesive has dried, fill the cavity with cactus and succulent potting mix. A small spoon works well for this step.

Add the soil loosely, without packing it down too tightly. This allows the future roots to breathe properly.

Step 2: Choose and plant your succulents

The key to success is proportion. The cutting or offset should be no more than half the length of the cork. If the plant is too large or heavy, the soil won't hold it securely and it will eventually dry out.

Best succulent species for this project

Because the growing space is extremely limited, it's important to choose slow-growing plants. Look for varieties that tolerate drought well and have compact root systems. Some of the best options include:

Sedum album or Sedum morganianum: Their tiny leaves form compact, ornamental clusters and thrive in very small containers.

Crassula ovata (mini jade plant): Very young cuttings of this species are remarkably resilient and develop strong roots with very little moisture.

Haworthia retusa or Haworthia fasciata (zebra plant): These species prefer partial shade and tolerate confined root spaces, making them excellent choices for indoor environments.

Small Echeveria rosettes (such as Echeveria prolifica): These produce tiny offsets that sit neatly on top of the cork without becoming too heavy for the support.

Gently insert the stem into the potting mix. Add a little more soil around the base to secure the plant, pressing lightly around the edges to keep it in place.

You can mix different textures and colors in the same display, but avoid overcrowding the opening. This prevents the plants from competing too aggressively for the limited nutrients available.

Step 3: Basic care and personalization

To keep your mini planters looking their best, follow these simple care tips:

Watering: Be extremely conservative with water. Use a dropper or syringe to add just a few drops directly to the soil every 7 to 10 days. Always wait until the potting mix is completely dry before watering again.

Light: Place the cork planters in bright, indirect natural light. Strong direct sunlight can quickly overheat the tiny root zone and dehydrate the plant within hours.

If you prefer something other than the cork's natural rustic appearance, you can customize the exterior. Paint it with acrylics, wrap it with decorative washi tape, or cover it with small pieces of burlap.

Think caring for live plants in such a tiny space sounds like too much work? Don't worry. You can recreate this exact project using miniature artificial succulents instead. The finished result is just as charming—without any maintenance.

Fifteen years after the devastating earthquake and the tsunami that followed, an international team of scientists has found a key piece of evidence that helps explain why the disaster reached such an extraordinary magnitude.

The finding, published in the journal Science, identifies a thin layer of clay beneath the ocean floor as the element that allowed the fault rupture to reach the seafloor, multiplying the size of the tsunami.

This discovery not only helps explain one of the worst natural disasters of the 21st century, but also opens a new path toward improving forecasts of future megathrust earthquakes and the tsunamis they may trigger in other parts of the world.

A layer of clay hidden beneath the Japan Trench

The study focuses on the Japan Trench, a vast underwater depression located off the country’s northeastern coast. Scientists took part in an expedition aboard the research vessel Chikyu, which is equipped to drill at depths never previously reached.

The mission succeeded in extracting sediment samples from nearly 8,000 meters below sea level, setting a world record for this type of deep-sea drilling.

It was in those samples that scientists found the thin, 30-meter-thick layer made of extremely fine and highly slippery clay that had slowly accumulated over millions of years.

The “tear line” that triggered the tsunami

When a major subduction earthquake occurs, the seismic rupture usually remains at considerable depth and loses energy before reaching the seafloor. In the March 11, 2011, magnitude 9.1 earthquake, however, something completely different happened.

Studies indicate that this thin layer of clay acted as a true slip surface, allowing the rupture to advance all the way to the edge of the ocean trench. As a result, the seafloor underwent an extraordinary displacement of between 40 and 60 meters in just a few minutes, generating the massive tsunami that struck the Japanese coast with waves exceeding 40 meters in some areas.

A discovery that could change seismic risk assessment

Scientists believe that other subduction zones around the world may contain very similar sediment layers that have not yet been identified.

This raises a clear concern because, if other ocean trenches contain these characteristics, they could generate tsunamis far more intense than current estimates suggest. Locating these clay layers has therefore become a priority for modern geology and seismology.

Vacations are the perfect opportunity to step away from your routine and explore places that often get overlooked. If you're looking for inspiration for your next adventure, these six states are home to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the country.

Each offers a different way to experience nature, proving that venturing beyond the usual routes can lead to truly extraordinary places.

New York: More Than Skyscrapers

When most people think of New York, Manhattan’s skyscrapers, Times Square, or Central Park usually come to mind. But the state extends far beyond the city that shares its name. Several hours away lies one of North America's most breathtaking natural landmarks.

From the overlooks, you can take in the full scale of the falls. Out on the water, the thunderous roar and constant mist create an entirely different experience. Beyond the viewpoints, trails, green spaces, and boardwalks invite visitors to explore every corner of the park.

Hawaii: A Land of Volcanoes and Cliffs

Every island in Hawaii has its own character. Two places, however, capture the diversity of the archipelago better than any others: the towering cliffs of the Nāpali Coast and the volcanic landscapes of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

On Kauaʻi, the Nāpali Coast is defined by towering, vegetation-covered cliffs that plunge directly into the Pacific Ocean. Many of its beaches have no road access and can only be reached by boat, kayak, or hiking trails that wind through tropical valleys.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park preserves ancient lava fields, massive craters, and two of the world's most active volcanoes. Here, volcanic activity continues to reshape the landscape, showing that the islands are still evolving.

Colorado: Home to North America's Tallest Sand Dunes

Colorado is known for far more than snow-covered mountains. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve protects a landscape shaped by wind over thousands of years, where North America's tallest sand dunes rise. Just beyond them stand the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, creating an unusual contrast.

Visitors can explore the dunes on foot or by sandboarding and sandsledding, although some rise more than 750 feet. After dark, the park's exceptionally low light pollution makes it one of the best places to observe the night sky.

Alaska and Arizona: Two Completely Different Worlds

Few places illustrate the diversity of the United States better than Brooks Range in Alaska and Antelope Canyon in Arizona.

Comparing these two places is one of the best ways to appreciate just how diverse the landscapes of a single country can be.

Kentucky and the Magic of the Moonbow

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is home to one of the best-known waterfalls in the eastern United States, where the Cumberland River drops about 68 feet.

It is an exceptionally rare phenomenon that can only be seen regularly in a handful of places around the world, and Cumberland Falls is one of them. Every full moon draws visitors and photographers hoping to witness it.