Some trees carry history. The olive tree is one of them. It has been part of human life for thousands of years and belongs to the classic Mediterranean landscape, with dry summers, clear skies, and modest soils.

The good news is that you do not need to live on a Greek estate to have one. With a few basic care steps, you can grow it in your garden… or even in a pot at home. The key is understanding where it comes from and what it needs.

A Tree That Prefers Simplicity

The olive tree (Olea europaea) is not demanding, but it is very clear about its needs. It is used to tough conditions: heat, drought, and poor soils. In other words, it is easier to damage it by overcaring than by neglecting it.

Outdoors and over time, it can reach several meters in height. In a pot, however, it grows much more slowly and stays at a manageable size, perfect for patios or balconies.

Its elongated leaves, with their grayish, almost silvery green color, reflect the light and give it that elegant appearance that makes it so popular as an ornamental plant.

Light: the Factor That Defines Everything

If there is one non-negotiable, it is light. The olive tree needs full sun, at least six hours of direct light per day. Outdoors, it prefers open spaces, without shade from walls or other trees.

Indoors, a bright window is ideal. When it lacks light, growth becomes weak and uneven. It is like a person trying to live with too little energy: it survives, but it does not grow strong.

Watering: Less Is More

One of the most common mistakes is overwatering. The olive tree tolerates drought well. In fact, it would rather go a little thirsty than have its roots waterlogged.

In the ground, once established, it can live with occasional rainfall. In a pot, it is best to water only when the soil is dry a few centimeters below the surface.

A simple trick: stick a finger or a small wooden stick into the soil. If it comes out damp, it is better to wait. The olive tree comes from places where water is scarce. Its roots are made to look for it, not to swim in it.

Soil and Fertilization: No Luxuries Needed

The ideal soil is light and well-draining. It does not need rich soil or too many nutrients. In the garden, sandy soils or those mixed with gravel work very well. In a pot, a regular substrate mixed with sand or a cactus-style mix is a good option.

As for fertilizer, do not overdo it. A little compost once a year (outdoors) or a mild fertilizer (indoors) is enough. Too much nitrogen can produce many leaves… but few olives.

Growing an olive tree indoors is possible, but it is very rare for it to produce fruit. This is because it needs winter chill (a certain number of hours below 7°C / 45°F) to trigger flowering and then form olives.

Outdoors, if the climate is suitable — mild winters and dry summers — it can bear fruit. Even one tree can be enough, although having more than one often improves production.

Olives: When They Appear and What to Do With Them

And here comes one of the most anticipated parts. Because yes, having an olive tree can also mean having your own olives.

First, patience is necessary. A young tree can take several years before it starts producing. When it does, the cycle is quite clear:

• It blooms in spring, with small pale flowers
• If conditions are right, those flowers turn into fruit
• The olives grow during summer
• And they are harvested in autumn, when they change from green to darker shades

Now, there is one key detail that often surprises people: freshly harvested olives cannot be eaten straight from the tree. They are extremely bitter. This is due to natural compounds the plant produces as a defense.

To make them edible, they need to be cured, a process that can be done with brine or water, and it takes several days or even weeks.

After that treatment, the flavors so closely associated with Mediterranean cuisine emerge: intense, slightly salty, with that unmistakable touch that goes perfectly with bread, cheese, or a good glass of wine.

And there is something else: not all olive trees produce the same way. Some varieties bear larger fruit, others smaller, some are better for table olives and others for oil. In general, the olive tree does not cause major problems. It is resistant to pests and diseases, and it is not toxic to pets.

Growing an olive tree at home does not require previous experience, but it does require respecting its timing and conditions. With good light, moderate watering, and well-draining soil, it can grow without major complications. And if the climate cooperates, over the years it may also give you olives.

Have you ever heard the phrase that you can manipulate your dreams? This is known as lucid dreaming, an experience in which people are aware that they are dreaming while it is happening.

This regularly allows them to control the narrative, the environment, and the actions within the dream, such as flying or changing settings. It is an intermediate state between deep sleep and wakefulness.

Now, the International Sleep Foundation gives us some recommendations for taking control. Around 55 percent of people have realized they were dreaming in the middle of a dream.

People who experience lucid dreams spontaneously are often interested in finding ways to have them again. Those who have never had a lucid dream may be interested in experiencing one for the first time. Researchers have discovered several ways to potentially induce lucid dreams, although this practice carries risks.

Let’s Talk About the Possible Risks These Types of Dreams Could Cause

For example, they can cause sleep deprivation in people. Research indicates that lucid dreams generally occur during REM sleep (rapid eye movement), the stage of sleep in which most dreams occur.

REM sleep occurs in increasingly longer periods throughout the night, which means that lucid dreams are more likely to occur in the second half of a sleep episode.

Most people who have lucid dreams describe them as pleasant or even wonderful experiences. Sleep experts and lucid dreamers have also indicated that lucid dreams can help treat nightmares, reduce anxiety and depression, and make creative problem-solving easier.

How to Have a Lucid Dream

Researchers have discovered various techniques that may help some people induce lucid dreams, and these strategies appear promising:

Mnemonic Method for the Induction of Lucid Dreams

That is, it seems to be one of the most effective methods for triggering a lucid dream. The MILD technique consists of creating an intention to recognize when you are dreaming and carrying that intention into the dream state.

To use this technique, follow these steps:

• When you wake up during the night, try to remember what you were dreaming about or the details of a previous dream you would like to return to.
• Identify the dream signs that will help you recognize that you are dreaming if you fall back asleep and manage to reenter the dream.
• Repeat these words, or your own version of them: “When I begin dreaming, I will remember that I am dreaming.”
• Continue recalling the content of your dreams and repeating that phrase until you fall asleep.

Although the technique is usually more effective than many others, it only produces lucid dreams in fewer than one out of every five cases. Evidence suggests that the faster you fall back asleep after waking up, the more likely you are to have a lucid dream using this technique.

Senses-Initiated Lucid Dreams (SSILD)

The Senses Initiated Lucid Dream (SSILD) technique appears to have success rates similar to the MILD technique, although it is newer and less studied. This method consists of focusing on the senses, which could increase the likelihood of perceiving the transition into the dream world or prepare the mind and body for a lucid dream.

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon in which the surface waters of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean experience anomalous warming, leading to changes in weather patterns across the globe.

On average, it occurs every two to seven years and typically lasts between 9 and 12 months. Because El Niño can often be predicted several months in advance, and develops slowly following a relatively regular pattern, it is possible to plan preventive actions and emergency responses well ahead of time.

El Niño and agriculture

The climatic hazards caused by El Niño pose serious risks to food security. By disrupting rainfall and temperature patterns, it can have major impacts on agriculture and rural livelihoods.

Farmers, pastoralists, fishers and other small producers bear the most immediate and direct consequences, such as droughts and floods. Effective preventive actions must therefore focus on avoiding damage and losses to crops, livestock, productive land, water resources and infrastructure, in order to protect food at its source. This not only safeguards local food supplies, but also helps mitigate broader impacts on communities, local economies and humanitarian needs.

Here are some general examples of its impacts across regions.

Asia and the Pacific

In parts of Southeast Asia, El Niño typically brings below-average rainfall, particularly during the peak monsoon season from June to September across much of South Asia. The phenomenon can also cause drier conditions on some Pacific islands, threatening food and water availability. Conversely, in Central Asia, El Niño is often linked to above-average rainfall, which can trigger flooding and landslides, washing away seeds and destroying crops and livestock.

Africa

El Niño generally causes above-average rainfall between October and December in the Horn of Africa, which can lead to flooding and landslides, affecting agriculture and increasing disease risk. Between July and September, below-average rainfall is recorded in western unimodal areas of East Africa, including western Ethiopia, western Kenya, Sudan and South Sudan.

Across much of Southern Africa, El Niño has been associated with reduced rainfall between November and March, coinciding with the main agricultural season. This could affect crop prospects and livestock productivity, worsening food insecurity in already vulnerable countries. In West Africa and the Sahel, El Niño has historically caused below-average rainfall between July and September, again during the main growing season, potentially increasing reliance on food imports amid high global prices.

Latin America and the Caribbean

In northern South America, El Niño leads to below-average rainfall between June and May. In Central America, particularly in the Dry Corridor, it is associated with dry conditions between June and December, affecting the end of the first planting season and the performance of the second season between September and December. The first season represents the main maize harvest and overall agricultural cycle in most countries in the region.

Source: FAO

More than one in four UNESCO-designated sites could reach critical tipping points by 2050, with potentially irreversible impacts, according to a report by the UN’s heritage body.

UNESCO designates sites for their cultural, historical, or natural value. Examples include the Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, China’s Great Wall and Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway.

They are home to some 75,000 plant species and over 30,000 mammal, bird, fish, and reptile species, including a significant portion of the world’s endangered wildlife, with around 40% of these found nowhere else on Earth, the report says.

More than 2,260 sites covering more than 13 million km² - an area larger than China and India combined - are designated under one of these criteria.

These sites also store an estimated 240 gigatons of carbon, equivalent to nearly two decades of current global emissions if released, and each year their forests alone account for approximately 15% of the carbon absorbed by forests worldwide.

UNESCO’s latest study examines the state of this land as a single network. It found that overall, wildlife populations within UNESCO-protected areas have remained comparatively stable, despite global declines of 73% since 1970.

“The findings are clear: UNESCO sites are delivering for both people and nature. Inside these territories, communities thrive, humanity’s heritage endures, and biodiversity is holding on while it collapses elsewhere,” said Khaled El-Enany, UNESCO director general.

However, by measuring the global value and contributions of these sites, the report reveals what humanity stands to lose if they are not prioritised.

UNESCO sites are facing multiple threats

Despite their global significance, these sites are under mounting pressure, the report warns.

Nearly 90% of UNESCO-protected sites face high levels of environmental stress, with climate-related hazards increasing by 40% in the past decade.

Without stronger action, risks include the disappearance of glaciers, coral reef collapse, species displacement, increasing water stress, and forests emitting carbon into the atmosphere rather than storing it, UNESCO warned.

“It is an urgent call to scale ambition, recognising UNESCO sites as strategic assets in tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, and investing now to protect ecosystems, cultures, and livelihoods for generations to come,” El-Enany said.

Nature and communities are highly connected in UNESCO environments, according to the report.

UNESCO sites are home to nearly 900 million people, roughly 10% of the global population, with some 10% of global GDP generated in these areas.

The report’s authors estimate that every 1°C of warming avoided could halve the number of UNESCO sites exposed to major disruption by the end of the century.

The ozone layer plays a major role in protecting Earth, and global efforts to restore it have been underway for decades. Its gradual healing has been seen as proof of how effective global action could be in protecting the environment. A new study found that there is one overlooked loophole that may be quietly slowing that progress behind the scenes.

Small Industrial Leaks Add Up

The team at MIT examined ozone-depleting chemicals still allowed under the Montreal Protocol for use as industrial “feedstocks,” which are chemical building blocks used to make plastics, coatings, and replacement refrigerants.

When the Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987, scientists believed only about 0.5% of these chemicals would leak into the atmosphere. New measurements now show leakage rates are much higher, closer to 3.6%, with some chemicals like carbon tetrachloride showing even greater losses.

Researchers say this exemption has become a “bug in the system,” allowing harmful gases to continue reaching the atmosphere long after most major ozone-damaging chemicals were phased out. These leaks may seem small, but over time, they can significantly slow recovery.

The study was published in Nature Communications and led by an international team of researchers including scientists from MIT, NASA, NOAA, and several global research institutions across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Ozone Recovery Could Be Pushed Back

Using atmospheric measurements from the AGAGE and NOAA monitoring networks, scientists compared different future scenarios through the year 2100. They looked at what would happen if leak rates stayed high, dropped back to earlier estimates, or were eliminated entirely.

If emissions were reduced closer to the original estimate, recovery could happen around 2066. That means current leaks could delay recovery by roughly seven years.

The main contributors include carbon tetrachloride and CFC-113, chemicals tied to products like nonstick coatings, plastics, and industrial manufacturing. Scientists say reducing leaks from these sources would make the biggest difference.

A Fixable Problem With Global Benefits

Researchers stress that many of these chemicals could be replaced, and better industrial controls could reduce emissions without major disruption. Solomon says the chemical industry has a long history of adapting to change.

Reducing these emissions could lower climate impacts and reduce harmful ultraviolet exposure linked to skin cancer and other health risks. Even shaving a few years off the recovery timeline could make a meaningful difference worldwide.

As countries continue reviewing the Montreal Protocol, closing these gaps in the ozone layer's recovery could help reduce future risks from UV radiation.

News references:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "MIT scientists just found a hidden problem slowing the ozone comeback." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 16 April 2026. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/04/260416071945.htm

Reimann, S., Western, L.M., Lickley, M.J. et al. Continuing industrial emissions are delaying the recovery of the stratospheric ozone layer. Nat Commun 17, 3190 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-70533-w

A meteorologist's job is to interpret huge amounts of atmospheric and ocean data, weigh up what matters, and turn it into something the public or mariners can actually use. The Met Office does that nearly 300 times over across its various text-based products and services.

So the question of whether AI could take on some of that heavy lifting was always going to come up eventually.

A recently completed project between the Met Office and Amazon Web Services has been exploring exactly that — using generative AI to pull information out of raw weather model data and write it up in plain English. They picked the Shipping Forecast as their test case, partly because of its strict format and also because it draws on multiple data sources, which makes it a decent stress test.

Teaching a model to watch the weather

The bit that stands out is how they actually got the AI to process the data. Rather than feeding it rows of numbers, the team encoded a full day's worth of hourly forecast information as video and ran it through Amazon's Nova Foundation Model, which combines computer vision with natural language processing.

"Essentially, using a combination of existing atmosphere and ocean model outputs — as well as an archive of manually generated and issued textual sea area bulletins — we taught the Foundation Model to watch videos of these data and write the forecast from that," said Dr Edward Steele, the Met Office's IT Fellow for Data Science and project lead.

According to the Met Office, it was the first time Amazon's Nova model had been custom fine-tuned for vision capabilities. A second approach, using a more conventional text-based pipeline, was also tested for comparison.

Results were mixed but promising. The text-based method matched the exact wording used by human forecasters 62% of the time, while the video-based approach managed 52%. while that might have been lower, the team reckons the video method has more room to grow and could eventually handle problems that trip up simpler automation.

Nobody's replacing the forecasters

The Met Office was keen to point out that this experiment wasn't about replacing meteorologists. The national meteorological service stressed there are no plans to use AI for the operational Shipping Forecast. And Professor Kirstine Dale, the Met Office's Chief AI Officer, explained the project was about something bigger than one product.

"We are exploring ways to deploy AI solutions in scalable solutions so that we can draw on massive volumes of raw data to deliver efficient, effective and scalable products and services for our customers," she said.

The idea, according to the Met Office, is that AI handles some of the grunt work so forecasters can spend more time where their judgement actually counts. Computers didn't replace forecasters in the 1960s, the agency pointed out — they just shifted what those forecasters spent their time doing.

News reference:

Met Office and AWS are pioneering how AI could shape the future of text-based weather services, published by Met Office, April 2026.

Do you know where the highest waterfall in the Iberian Peninsula is located? Some say it "looks like something straight out of Iceland," while others describe it as "a treasure worthy of admiration."

Still, here is one warning: if you are afraid of heights, it may be better not to visit it. Otherwise, there is no reason to miss a trip to this breathtaking place. Best of all, it is a getaway you can easily do over a weekend.

For many, this is the highest waterfall in Spain and in the entire Iberian Peninsula: the Salto del Nervión stands out for its grandeur and unique beauty. But beyond its height, is there anything else that makes it special? The answer is yes. In addition to being considered by many sources as the largest waterfall in the Iberian Peninsula, this incredible spot between the Basque Country and Castile and León offers landscapes that quite literally take your breath away. And yes, it is possible to enjoy them in person.

A Waterfall That Defies Geography

And the arguments do not end there. Naturally surrounded by the Nervión River, whose flow is fed mainly by rainfall and snowmelt, this waterfall plunges into a limestone gorge.

This creates a seasonal phenomenon: during dry periods, such as summer or autumn, it can dry up; by contrast, during the rainiest months, such as winter and spring, it returns with force, creating a truly stunning natural spectacle as it falls into a limestone gorge more than 200 meters deep.

It is precisely that unpredictability that makes it so fascinating. For many visitors, witnessing the moment when the waterfall “comes to life” is a unique experience.

"And here is one essential tip: check the official website before planning your visit to this magical place to make sure you will be able to see the waterfall at its most spectacular," advises MAGG magazine.

What to Do and How to Get There

The waterfall is about an hour’s drive from Bilbao. Once there, you will find parking areas near the main trails. From that point on, all you need is a comfortable pair of boots and the desire to explore.

One of the most popular routes starts in the Fuente Santiago area and leads to the viewpoint in about 60 to 90 minutes of walking, along well-marked paths surrounded by forests and meadows. Another option begins on the Monte Santiago plateau, and is slightly shorter and more accessible.

At the end of the route, you will find a viewpoint with a metal platform from which you can admire the waterfall and the stunning gorge.

To make your visit even more complete, you can also book guided hikes or sightseeing tours through platforms such as Turismo Vasco or Salto del Nervión. That way, you can make sure you are always in safe conditions while also learning about the historical background of the route.

Activities in the Surrounding Area

And since a weekend is not complete with just a walk, you will be glad to know that there is much more to see and do around the waterfall. In fact, as it continues to attract more visitors to the Basque Country, the area surrounding the Nervión waterfall offers a unique combination of nature, culture, and gastronomy.

You can take the opportunity to visit the city of Bilbao, famous for the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, or explore the small villages and natural landscapes nearby.

And of course, do not miss the local cuisine. The famous pintxos and traditional Basque dishes are ideal for recharging after a day of hiking.

To complete the experience, there are several rural lodging options and hotels in the region, perfect for extending your stay and enjoying everything at a more relaxed pace.

There are nights when the Moon shows not only its thin illuminated outline, but also a faint glow that traces its entire shape. That soft, almost cinematic shine is what is known as earthshine.

Far from being a simple play of light, it is a perfect demonstration of how Earth and the Moon interact constantly in a delicate balance of light.

A Double Reflection: From the Sun to Earth and From Earth to the Moon

The explanation is as simple as it is fascinating. Sunlight illuminates Earth, and part of that light is reflected back into space, and when the geometry is just right, that reflected light reaches the Moon and illuminates the side that is not directly lit by the Sun.

The result is that grayish or “ashy” tone that allows us to distinguish the Moon’s entire surface even when we only see a small bright crescent.

It is, essentially, the same phenomenon that allows us to see the Moon from Earth… but in reverse.

When It Happens and Why It Is Not Always Visible

Earthshine appears mainly at two points in the lunar cycle, just after the new moon (waxing phase) and just before the new moon (waning phase).

During these phases, the portion illuminated by the Sun is very small, which allows the faint glow coming from Earth to stand out more easily.

Also, when we see a very thin Moon from Earth, from the lunar surface our planet would appear almost fully illuminated. That means Earth acts like a “giant mirror” sending light toward the Moon.

A Phenomenon Linked to Earth’s “Albedo”

Not all light is reflected equally, since the intensity of earthshine depends on what is known as Earth’s albedo, that is, Earth’s ability to reflect sunlight. And that is where factors such as cloud cover, snow-covered surfaces, and the oceans come into play.

These are areas or surfaces that directly affect the brightness, and in fact the phenomenon can become more intense when large portions of the planet are covered by clouds or ice, which reflect more light.

How to Observe Earthshine

One of the best things about this phenomenon is that you do not need a telescope: all you have to do is look at the sky at the right time. Still, these astronomical observation tips can help you enjoy it even more.

• Observe just after sunset or before sunrise.
• Move away from light pollution.
• Let your eyes adjust to the darkness.

But the most important thing is to find a very thin Moon (waxing or waning), because as we have explained, that is what makes it easier to enjoy this natural spectacle.

Earth’s oceans and seas absorb more than 90% of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. This immense absorption acts as a vital climate buffer, preventing much more drastic atmospheric warming. But this has notable consequences for sea surface temperatures, SST.

Increasingly Warmer Seas: the Coming El Niño and Marine Heatwaves

With this in mind, it is clear that this is happening while the tropical waters of the equatorial Pacific continue to warm due to signals of the future El Niño event, which will likely develop at the beginning of the summer of 2026, and the heat stored in subsurface waters is beginning to rapidly emerge at the surface in that region of the planet.

As expert Ben Noll points out @BenNollWeather: "El Niño is rumbling like a freight train through the subsurface Pacific. Over the last two months, the warm pool has shifted east, with some areas reaching 5°C above average. The warmest waters will soon emerge at the surface, while a strong burst of westerly wind keeps this train moving".

This additional boost from El Niño’s warm waters will cause global sea surface temperatures in 2026 and even 2027 to reach very high, record-setting values.

On the other hand, a marine heatwave stretching about 8,000 km now extends from Micronesia to California, highlighting the enormous scale of record-warm water across the Pacific.

Earth’s oceans are exceptionally warm right now, and the likely trend in the coming months is for these anomalies to increase further. Mercator Ocean International noted in its March 2026 bulletin conclusions that point in the same direction:

March 2026 was the second-warmest March recorded in the global ocean (between 60°S and 60°N), with an average sea surface temperature (SST) of 21.04 ± 0.08°C.

In the Mediterranean Sea, March 2026 was the third-warmest March, with an average sea surface temperature of 16.13 ± 0.15°C, behind 2024 and 2025.

The 2024 record reached 20.75 ± 0.14°C. Record average sea surface temperatures were observed in northern Europe and in the subtropical region from the Caribbean to the center of the basin, in the North and South Pacific off the coasts of the Philippines, in large areas off the coasts of Chile and Peru, and in the Southern Ocean.

In March 2026, the average sea surface temperature was above average in 69% of the global ocean and in nearly the entire Mediterranean Sea (97%).

Sea surface temperature anomalies in the eastern part of the equatorial region reached 1.5°C, and although cool anomalies persist in this region, the positive anomalies show the continued decline of La Niña toward neutral ENSO conditions.

Marine heatwaves in the Mediterranean Sea were the third most extreme recorded in the month of March, with episodes that were less intense and shorter in duration than those of March 2024 and 2025.

On March 31, 23% of the global ocean (between 60°S and 60°N) was affected by marine heatwaves. Most of these marine heatwaves developed recently, with 17% of the global ocean (between 60°S and 60°N) affected by marine heatwaves less than 1 month old and 4% by events between 1 and 2 months old.

Widespread and persistent marine heatwaves have been detected in the subtropical North Atlantic, off the coast of Chile, and in the mid-latitude North Pacific, between 150°E and 160°W.

Finally, as expert Leon Simons points out @LeonSimons8, it is very likely that the global annual average sea surface temperature could surpass the previous record set before 2023.

There are Argentine destinations that do not usually appear among the mainstream spots, yet they never fail to surprise, even the most experienced travelers. Places that achieve such a particular aesthetic harmony that they prompt the immediate comparison: “This looks like Europe.”

And this could certainly be said of Luján de Cuyo (Mendoza), a place where endless vineyards, rural roads, snow-capped mountains, and even a river beach with amenities come together. It is no exaggeration to say that all of these postcard scenes make us feel as though we are in a kind of “Argentine Tuscany,” with corners that evoke this Italian paradise.

This destination in Mendoza has features that make it ideal for short getaways, couples’ trips, or family plans at any time of year. Its combination of nature, wine, gastronomy, and tranquility becomes a magnet for those seeking a different pace and a chance to disconnect.

Why Luján de Cuyo (Mendoza) Recalls Tuscany

Luján de Cuyo is just 20 minutes from Mendoza City, but it has an identity of its own. For decades, it has held the title of the “birthplace of Argentine Malbec” and is home to some of the country’s most important wineries. However, in recent years, its tourism transformation has allowed it to go beyond the wine industry.

From a scenic standpoint, the composition of rows of vines stretching as far as the eye can see until they meet the imposing Andes Mountains is a display of perfection. Added to this are fields that change color with each season, dirt roads lined with poplars, and the ever-present mountains.

That contrast between European-style vineyards and monumental mountains creates a unique visual scene. In autumn, the ochres, reds, and golds resemble the Italian countryside. In spring, the deep green makes everything more vibrant. In winter, snow on the peaks completes an almost cinematic picture. And in summer, outdoor life becomes the main attraction.

Wine, Nature, and Rest: The Perfect Combination

The tourist experience in Luján de Cuyo is built on three pillars: wine, nature, and disconnecting. And everything unfolds in perfect balance.

On one hand, the essential winery tours stand out, ranging from small boutique establishments to internationally renowned ones. There, visitors can enjoy guided tours, tastings, open-air samplings, and walks through the vineyards.

Another quintessential Luján must is lunch among the vines. High-level gastronomy, homemade products, clay ovens, charcoal grills and parrillas in full view, and wines served directly from the barrel room are the ingredients that make this option so special.

Bicycle rides along rural roads — bikes can be rented at the accommodations themselves — and nature tourism, with light hikes along rugged trails, are other attractions in Luján.

River and Beach Just Minutes from the City

Although Mendoza is most commonly associated with mountains, wineries, and wine, Luján de Cuyo also has a beach. How can there be beaches without the sea? In the Las Compuertas area, just minutes from the town of Luján, the Mendoza River forms a natural strip of sand and stones where a riverside resort operates with amenities, umbrellas, parking, and lifeguards.

“Luján Playa” is the name of this place, which in the warm season is among the favorites of both Mendoza locals and tourists. With mate or a sandwich in hand — or perhaps tempted by grilled meat — it is a perfect spot to break away from the routine.

It is precisely this combination of beach, vineyards, and mountains that leads many visitors to compare this region of the Mendoza foothills with Mediterranean destinations. Add to that a pleasant climate, outstanding gastronomy, and sunshine that is almost guaranteed year-round.

How to Get to “Argentine Tuscany”

By Car (from Buenos Aires City)

• Take National Route 7 westbound.
• Continue along the same route until you reach Mendoza.
• Before entering downtown Mendoza, follow the signs toward Luján de Cuyo (first East Access, then South Access).

By Plane (from Anywhere in the World)

Direct flights to Mendoza. From the airport, it is 25 kilometers to Luján de Cuyo.

Astronomers at NOIRLab in the United States have identified an exceptionally ancient and metal-poor star in the dwarf galaxy Pictor II, which could serve as a "chemical fossil" of the early universe, providing crucial data about the first lights that illuminated the cosmos. Details of the discovery are summarized in a study published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

A Strange, Small, and Very Ancient Stellar System

The object, cataloged as PicII-503, shows the lowest concentrations of iron and calcium ever measured outside the Milky Way, with values more than 43,000 times lower for iron and around 160,000 times lower for calcium compared to the concentrations found in our Sun.

At the same time, it shows an overabundance of carbon more than 3,000 times higher than expected, a pattern that makes it a key element for understanding how the first stars enriched the cosmos.

According to a press release, Pictor II is an extremely small and ancient system, more than 10 billion years old. In this environment, where gravity is weak and chemical evolution occurs slowly, the remnants of stellar explosions can be preserved in a very different way from what is observed in larger galaxies.

According to the study’s authors, this makes Pictor II one of the most primordial and chemically poor systems known to date.

But the importance of PicII-503 goes beyond its statistical rarity or extreme characteristics. The team interprets its composition as the fingerprint of the Universe’s first stars, those composed almost exclusively of hydrogen and helium that forged heavier elements in their cores before dispersing them in explosions.

As the "Chemical Fingerprints" of the First Stars Are Revealed

In particular, the excess of carbon and the extreme scarcity of iron and calcium support the hypothesis that the star formed from material enriched by primitive supernovae, capable of ejecting elements without completely destroying the gas of the host galaxy.

Until now, this signal had been observed in stars of the galactic halo, but direct evidence was lacking in very ancient dwarf galaxies, where such objects are believed to have formed. PicII-503 provides precisely this missing link and supports the hypothesis that carbon excess is the signature of low-energy explosions from the first generation of stars.

Researchers also point out that this type of evidence is very difficult to obtain through observations of very distant and small galaxies, which are beyond the reach of current telescopes for studying the early universe. Pictor II acts as a time capsule: it allows us to reconstruct the physical processes that occurred when the cosmos was still young and the first luminous structures were shaping the chemical composition of the universe.

News Reference:

Chiti, A., Placco, V.M., Pace, A.B. et al. Enrichment by the First Stars in a Relic Dwarf Galaxy. Nature Astronomy (2026).

Carbon capture as a potential climate fix is nothing new, the basic idea being to grab CO2 before it ever reaches the atmosphere. The problem has always been the eye-watering cost of running the kit, which is why it hasn't really scaled the way people hoped.

Most existing systems lean on a process called aqueous amine scrubbing, which means heating huge volumes of liquid past 100°C just to release the CO2 it's captured.

That heating step is where the money disappears to. And it's the bit a team at Chiba University in Japan has been chipping away at, with a new kind of carbon material they're calling viciazites.

A material that lets go of CO2 at low heat

Solid carbon materials have already been on researchers' radar as a cheaper alternative to liquid scrubbing. They're affordable, they've got a big surface area for trapping gas, and when you add nitrogen-based functional groups they get even better at holding onto CO2. The catch, according to the researchers, is that traditional manufacturing scatters those nitrogen groups about randomly — which made it nearly impossible to figure out which arrangement actually worked best.

So the Chiba team, led by Associate Professor Yasuhiro Yamada, set out to control exactly where those nitrogen atoms sat. They built three versions of viciazites, each with nitrogen groups paired up next to each other in different configurations, with selectivity rates as high as 82% in some cases.

When tested, the differences were stark. The version with adjacent NH2 groups captured noticeably more CO2 than untreated carbon fibres — but the really interesting bit was how easily it gave it back up.

"Performance evaluation revealed that in carbon materials where NH2 groups are introduced adjacently, most of the adsorbed CO2 desorbs at temperatures below 60°C. By combining this property with industrial waste heat, it may be possible to achieve efficient CO2 capture processes with substantially reduced operating costs," said Dr Yamada.

Sixty degrees is the kind of heat that already comes off factories and power stations as waste. So instead of burning more fuel to release captured carbon, you could in theory just plug the system into heat that's already going spare.

Why the design matters beyond CO2

The team also tested a version using pyrrolic nitrogen, which needed higher temperatures to release CO2 but might hold up better over the long haul thanks to its sturdier chemistry. A third configuration, using pyridinic nitrogen, barely improved performance at all — useful information in its own right.

What the researchers seem most pleased about is the proof that you can place these nitrogen groups deliberately, rather than hoping for the best.

"Our motivation is to contribute to the future society," Yamada said, adding that the work offers "the molecular-level control essential for developing next-generation, cost-effective, and advanced CO2 capture technologies".

News reference:

This new carbon material could make carbon capture far more affordable, published by Chiba University, April 2026.

The nature of dark matter is one of the main open problems in cosmology, as it is not directly observed but only through its gravitational effects. Evidence includes galaxy rotation curves, the dynamics of stellar clusters, and patterns in the cosmic microwave background radiation. However, its microscopic nature remains unknown, since it does not interact with electromagnetic radiation. This prevents its direct detection with traditional instruments, making its observation dependent on indirect methods.

One of the most successful models is cold dark matter (CDM), which assumes that dark matter is composed of massive, non-relativistic particles. The CDM model is consistent with large-scale observations, such as the distribution of galaxies and cosmic microwave background data measured by missions like Planck. In addition, numerical simulations based on this model successfully reproduce the filamentary structure of the universe.

Despite the success of the CDM model, there are some discrepancies at smaller scales, such as the distribution of matter in dwarf galaxies, suggesting possible limitations. Therefore, a new study published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics proposes that dark matter is not composed of a single type of particle. The model considers multiple components with distinct properties, whose behavior may vary depending on the cosmological environment.

Cold Dark Matter

Cold dark matter (CDM) is a model in which dark matter consists of massive particles that move at non-relativistic speeds, meaning much slower than the speed of light. These particles interact primarily through gravity, without emitting or absorbing electromagnetic radiation. This characteristic allows small density fluctuations to grow over time. The dynamics favor the preservation of structures across multiple scales, reproducing patterns observed in the distribution of matter in the universe.

The main observables associated with the CDM model include galaxy rotation curves, gravitational lensing, and anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background. In addition, cosmological simulations based on this model successfully reproduce the formation of the cosmic web of filaments and voids. Despite some discrepancies at smaller scales, the model remains the most widely accepted due to its ability to explain most observational data.

Dark Matter Particles

In various dark matter models, it is assumed that it is composed of particles that can annihilate each other upon collision, releasing high-energy radiation such as gamma rays. This annihilation process is one of the main indirect ways to detect it, since dark matter does not emit light directly. Observatories like Fermi have identified an excess of gamma emission from dense regions, such as the center of the Milky Way.

Dark matter annihilation models predict different regimes depending on the cross-section and velocity of the particles. In simpler scenarios, the annihilation rate is constant, implying that similar signals should be detected in other dark matter-rich systems, such as dwarf galaxies. On the other hand, in models where annihilation depends on velocity, the low particle speeds in galactic halos make the process extremely rare, explaining the absence of signals in dwarf galaxies.

New Hypothesis

A new hypothesis proposes that dark matter is composed of more than one type of particle, rather than a single component. In this scenario, annihilation does not occur between identical particles, but between two different components that must interact with each other. This introduces an additional dependency related to the relative abundance of each particle type in different environments. Even if the annihilation probability is constant, the effective event rate then depends on the likelihood of encounters between these two populations.

As a result, regions with similar proportions between components would tend to exhibit stronger signals. This structure helps explain observational differences between systems such as the Milky Way and dwarf galaxies. In larger galaxies, where both types of particles may exist in equal proportions, the annihilation rate would be higher, producing signals such as an excess of gamma rays. In contrast, in dwarf galaxies, a possible difference in abundance would reduce the probability and result in weaker emission, consistent with current observations.

Why Is Dark Matter So Difficult to Understand?

The nature of dark matter is still not explained by existing physical models and remains one of the greatest mysteries. Models like CDM successfully reproduce some observations. However, some attempts at indirect detection, such as searching for annihilation signals in gamma rays, face difficulties in matching theory. Therefore, the lack of direct observation makes it challenging to validate any specific model.

In addition, new theoretical proposals, such as the possibility of multiple components, further increase the complexity of the problem. These models introduce environmental dependencies and additional parameters, making predictions more flexible. Observational differences between systems like the Milky Way and dwarf galaxies can be interpreted in multiple ways, without a single clear solution. Instrumental limitations and astrophysical uncertainties also contribute to this mystery.

News Reference

Berlin et al. 2026 dSph-obic dark matter Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics

Scientists have discovered a new species of glassfrog in Ecuador, which they have named the Dajomes glassfrog after Neisi Dajomes, the first woman from Ecuador to receive an Olympic gold medal. Mylena Masache, a biology student from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador and her colleagues describe the frog in a paper published in the journal PLOS One.

What is a glassfrog?

Glassfrogs are a group of 167 species of frogs that live in the trees of tropical forests in Central and South America, most of which are green on top and have transparent skin covering their undersides and bellies. The see-through skin can sometimes reveal internal organs, including the heart, in great detail.

The research team discovered the Dajomes glassfrog in 2017 and 2018 during biological surveys being conducted in El Quimi Nature Reserve in southern Ecuador. The new species has a uniform green skin with a pebble-like texture across its top. Its underside is a white membrane lined with light-reflecting cells covering the heart, stomach, kidneys, and oesophagus, but the other internal membranes are clear. When its DNA was compared with that of related species, Masache’s team estimated that the Dajomes glassfrog originated during the Pliocene, around 4.5 million years ago.

It is currently unknown whether the species is endangered or threatened, as the first glassfrog was discovered a few miles from an agricultural region and a large-scale mining operation. Mining in this area has caused declines in local amphibian populations and could threaten this frog species in the future.

Possible future research

During the two expeditions to El Quimi Nature Reserve, during which the Dajomes glassfrog was discovered, more than 85% of the amphibian species observed were unknown. The research team thinks this region could be a "lost world of amphibian diversity" and encourages further research, biodiversity surveys, and species identification efforts in this location, as well as in southeastern Ecuador and across the border in northeastern Peru.

The authors add: “We were astonished by the high number of new species found at the site. Few places in the tropical Andes harbour amphibian assemblages as novel as the one found at El Quimi.”

Author Dr. Diego Cisneros said: “It is especially meaningful that this discovery is led by a young woman scientist and honours an Ecuadorian Olympic champion—this species becomes a symbol of how science and society can recognise and celebrate women shaping the future.”

News reference:

A secret from a hidden world: A new glassfrog of the genus Nymphargus (Anura: Centrolenidae) from Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador | PLOS One. Masache-Sarango, M.V., Cisneros-Heredia, D.F. and Ron, S.R. 8^th April 2026.

Morocco is a country worth visiting and, despite being so close to Spain, it offers a complete contrast. In just over an hour by plane, you can reach another continent (Africa) and find an exotic destination that is as vibrant as it is welcoming.

In this country you will find deeply rooted ancestral traditions, historic monuments, and the opportunity to enjoy adventure activities, both along the coast and inland. This is something you can experience when exploring imperial cities such as Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, or Ouarzazate, as well as more exotic beach destinations like Agadir.

Chefchaouen, Morocco’s “Blue Pearl”

But among all Moroccan cities, there is one located in the Rif Mountains in the north of the country that has gained prominence over time thanks to its distinctive aesthetic, which makes it visually striking and unforgettable: Chefchaouen (also known as the Blue City), because its streets and houses are painted in this color.

There is no single explanation for this. It is said that in 1492, when Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition were welcomed in this city, they brought with them the tradition of painting buildings blue. Another hypothesis suggests that houses are painted this color to repel mosquitoes.

To reach Chefchaouen, you can travel from different cities either on an excursion or by road trip. Some of the possible routes you can take, according to various travel sites, include:

• Departure from Tangier: a two-hour trip, with transportation and a guide included in the price.
• Departure from Tetouan: about one hour and fifteen minutes of travel, with van transport and a guide included.
• Departure from Fez: an 11-hour excursion, including about three and a half hours of travel from Fez. Starting from around 25 euros.

What Can You Do in Chefchaouen?

The interior of the “Blue Pearl” hides many attractions, from the medina, the Spanish quarter, and Uta el-Hammam Square to the Grand Mosque and the Kasbah, as well as the old gates in the city walls. Walking through the streets lined with blue houses is an unforgettable experience.

If you have more time, immerse yourself in Moroccan culture and enjoy some of the workshops and experiences created for visitors. Try a leather workshop and discover the tradition of leather craftsmanship, from its history to the tools used. You can even go a step further and make a bracelet, a bag, or even sandals.

In this city in particular, and throughout the country, gastronomy is one of the main attractions. To fully enjoy Moroccan cuisine, you can take a food tour in Chefchaouen, sampling specialties from street stalls and restaurants, or go even further and immerse yourself in the local culinary culture through a cooking class, where you will learn how to prepare a tagine or couscous, along with salads and appetizers.

Finally, let yourself be captivated by the region’s most natural and wild side: Talassemtane National Park. It offers several options, including riding a quad bike to Akchour or admiring its beautiful waterfalls.

News References

This town is one of the most beautiful in Morocco and you can reach it on an excursion from the main cities. 20minutos.es. February 14, 2026.

With the arrival of spring, the garden once again fills with new crops, and among them, the tomato takes center stage. This vegetable stands out for its extraordinary variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, ranging from tiny cherry tomatoes to large beefsteak varieties.

Planting is usually done between late April and early May, once the risk of frost has passed. From that point on, the plant grows quickly, offering its first fruits from mid-summer onward. However, to grow truly vigorous and productive plants, many experienced gardeners turn to an advanced technique: grafting.

What Is Grafting and Why Use It?

Grafting is an agronomic technique that consists of joining two different plants so they grow together as a single organism. Specifically, it combines:

• The aerial part (known as the “scion”), chosen for the quality of its fruit.
• The root system (known as the “rootstock”), selected for its strength and resistance.

Both the aerial part and the root system come from two different plants, specifically selected for their respective fruit and root characteristics.

The aerial part is obtained by making a clean cut to isolate a bud, sprout, or scion, while the underground part is obtained by separating the aerial section from the root system, again with a clean cut, although in this case positioned above the root collar.

The success of grafting mainly depends on two factors:

• Botanical compatibility: It is essential that the two plants are botanically compatible; that is, they must belong to the same botanical family. This means they share similar structural characteristics, which allows their tissues to fuse.

• Precision: high-quality execution is required, both when making the cuts on both plants and when bringing the plant tissues into contact. The fusion of these tissues is facilitated by applying a strip of flexible and breathable material at the contact point between the scion and the rootstock, specifically where tissue fusion must occur.

This technique is widely used in woody plants, both in fruit cultivation (such as apple, pear, and citrus trees) and in the ornamental sector (for example, roses and maples). However, it is also applied to certain herbaceous plants, including various vegetables.

In the field of horticulture, a typical example is that of the Solanaceae, a family that includes tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. Within this group, it is possible, for example, to graft tomatoes onto selected tomato rootstocks and, in some cases, even onto eggplants.

Another very common example involves the Cucurbitaceae: watermelons and melons are often grafted onto squash, while cucumbers can be grafted onto zucchini or squash, thus taking advantage of stronger root systems.

In recent years, vegetable grafting has found increasingly wider application, mainly to enhance resistance to soil-borne diseases and improve adaptability to difficult growing conditions.

Tomato Grafting: Techniques and Advantages

In the case of tomatoes, grafting is performed on young seedlings, using selected hybrid varieties as rootstocks, characterized by a vigorous and resistant root system.

Among the most commonly used techniques is cleft grafting, which consists of cutting the rootstock and making a small vertical incision into which the scion (the tomato variety intended for cultivation), shaped like a wedge, is inserted. This technique is relatively simple and ensures a stable graft union.

Clip grafting (or splice grafting) is also widely used: in this method, the rootstock and scion are cut at the same angle, fitted together perfectly, and then secured with a small clip. It is a fast and precise technique, suitable even for those with limited experience.

Finally, approach grafting involves initially keeping both plants with their own root systems intact. The stems are cut and brought into contact; only after the graft has successfully fused is the scion’s root system removed. This method reduces plant stress and increases the likelihood of successful establishment.

In practice, tomatoes are almost always grafted onto hybrid tomato rootstocks or onto particularly resistant related species, such as Solanum habrochaites.

In general terms, the advantages are numerous and tangible:

• Greater disease resistance, particularly against soil-borne pathogens such as Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt.
• A more developed root system, capable of absorbing water and nutrients more efficiently.
• More vigorous growth and greater adaptability.
• Increased productivity, resulting in more abundant and longer-lasting harvests.
• Improved tolerance to stressful conditions, such as drought or depleted soils.

These aspects make grafting particularly useful in intensively cultivated gardens or in soils that have previously hosted solanaceous crops in recent years.

A Balance Between Technique and Nature

Grafting represents one of the most fascinating expressions of gardening: a practice in which knowledge, manual skill, and observation are deeply intertwined.

Consequently, applying grafting to tomato plants not only means increasing garden yield, but also tuning into the deepest mechanisms of plant life, transforming cultivation into an even more conscious and rewarding experience.

Pitahaya, also known as dragon fruit, has become one of the most attractive plants to grow at home. This is due to its exotic appearance and the fact that we are talking about a cactus that can adapt very well to small spaces, even in pots. That said, not everything you see on social media is as simple as it seems.

Interest in growing pitahaya has grown significantly in recent years, mainly in urban areas where there is not much land available. This has led people to try growing it in pots, but without really understanding its needs.

The first thing you need to understand is that not all pitahayas are the same; some adapt better than others to different controlled conditions. That is why choosing the right variety makes all the difference between success and frustration.

In addition, although it is a cactus, pitahaya has specific requirements that are often overlooked. It needs support, vertical space, and a different watering approach than other succulents, which makes it unique within this group of plants.

Which Pitahaya Should You Choose and How Should You Grow It in a Pot?

For container growing, the best options are species from the Hylocereus genus, especially Hylocereus undatus (white flesh) and Hylocereus costaricensis (red flesh). These varieties adapt better to urban areas and respond better in controlled spaces.

Choosing the right pot will save you a lot of headaches later on. It is recommended to use one with at least 40 to 60 liters of capacity, because even though pitahaya develops a moderate root system, it still needs stability.

As for the substrate, it must drain water well. Regular garden soil sold at nurseries is not suitable for this kind of growing. The ideal option is to make a mix of different substrates using materials such as coconut fiber, perlite, and mature compost, achieving a balance between moisture retention and aeration.

Pitahaya is a climbing plant, so it will need a firm vertical structure at least 1.5 meters tall. This will allow it to grow in an orderly way and develop good production. In terms of light, a space that provides 6 to 8 hours of direct sun will be ideal.

Watering, Nutrition, and Management: What Really Determines Whether It Produces Fruit

Although it is a cactus, pitahaya does not behave like a typical desert cactus. It needs moderate and consistent watering, especially during growth and flowering stages. The most common mistake is watering too little, thinking it is just another succulent.

To stimulate production, you will need to pay special attention to the plant’s nutrition. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer but with a higher available amount of phosphorus and potassium during the reproductive stage. Too much nitrogen encourages vegetative growth, but not fruit.

As with all fruiting plants, pruning is essential. Pitahaya needs management to direct its growth. Weak or poorly positioned shoots should be removed, favoring strong structures capable of supporting flowers and fruit. Good pruning improves aeration and productivity.

Growing pitahaya in a pot is absolutely possible, but it is not just a matter of planting it and waiting. There are details that, if ignored, will leave the plant with foliage only. But if you give it good support, properly managed watering, and enough light, it will respond very well.

In autumn, when temperatures begin to drop and humidity increases, the garden enters a delicate phase where fungi and pests become more active and many plants slow their growth.

What almost no one realises is that in your cupboard there is an ingredient that not only adds flavour to desserts and infusions, but can also be an excellent remedy for plants.

We are talking about cinnamon, that fine and aromatic powder used in cooking. Cinnamon is obtained from the inner bark of trees of the genus Cinnamomum, native to tropical regions of Asia. This bark is dried and rolled into the familiar sticks, or ground into the powder stored in kitchen cupboards.

Cinnamon contains natural compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, which are beneficial for the garden. It is not an industrial pesticide or a strong fungicide, but it works as a preventive aid in everyday situations.

That is where its value lies. It is accessible, easy to use and does not introduce aggressive chemicals into the environment. It does not replace all plant care or act as a miracle solution, but when used properly, it helps.

A natural repellent without chemicals

One of its best known uses is as a repellent. Sprinkled around the plant, cinnamon acts as a protective barrier, and its scent and compounds can be unpleasant for certain insects and small animals.

It can help deter ants, aphids, mites and fungus gnats from the soil. It does not eliminate them completely, but it can discourage their presence near the plant, especially when used preventively.

An ally against fungi, especially useful in autumn

Excess moisture is one of the biggest issues at this time of year, and where there is moisture, fungi often appear.

Here cinnamon acts as a mild fungicide. Sprinkled over the surface of the soil, it can help prevent mould and diseases such as mildew, botrytis and leaf spotting.

It can also be mixed with warm water and applied to leaves or stems.

However, it should not be used as the sole treatment if the problem is already advanced. It works best as prevention or in early stages.

A “plaster” for plants

After pruning, a plant is left exposed, much like an open wound. In these cases, cinnamon can act as a natural antiseptic, helping reduce the risk of fungi or bacteria entering.

It is applied very simply, by sprinkling directly onto the cut area or using a dry brush.

Another useful application appears when propagating plants. Cinnamon can encourage root development in cuttings by keeping the environment cleaner and reducing pathogens.

In practice, a small amount can be sprinkled at the base of the cutting or lightly mixed into the soil. It is an inexpensive and easy method to try, especially for indoor plants.

How to use it and what to avoid

As with many home remedies, the key lies in the dosage. It is not necessary to apply large amounts, as excess can compact the soil or slightly alter its pH over time. It is also important to remember that it washes away with watering and rain, so its effect is not permanent.

Cinnamon does not replace basic gardening care, but it can be a useful complement in specific situations. Used in moderation, it helps prevent common problems without resorting to harsher products.

In autumn, when humidity and pests can complicate plant development, adding simple solutions like this can make a noticeable difference.

Nature tourism is experiencing one of its best moments. More and more travelers are seeking sustainable destinations away from mass tourism, where they can reconnect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. This trend is reflected in growing interest in national parks, natural enclaves that combine biodiversity, spectacular landscapes, and unique experiences.

Europe has a network of protected areas that range from glaciers to Mediterranean coasts, which makes it possible to find destinations for every taste. And best of all, most of them are well prepared to receive visitors without compromising their conservation.

5 Popular Natural Spaces in Europe

If you still are not sure where to go this summer, here are five of the most spectacular national parks in the Old Continent, perfect for an unforgettable summer getaway.

Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia)

Leading almost every popularity ranking, this Croatian park—a 295-square-kilometer forest reserve—is famous for its 16 lakes connected by crystal-clear waterfalls.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice Lakes National Park offers a network of trails and wooden walkways that allow visitors to explore a fairytale-like landscape.

In summer, the contrast between the intense green vegetation and the turquoise tones of the water creates a unique visual experience. It is undoubtedly a perfect destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.

Krka National Park (Croatia)

Also in Croatia, Krka National Park, named after the river basin it spans, stands out for its spectacular waterfalls, especially the famous Skradinski Buk and its traditional watermills.

As an added attraction, this site combines nature and history, featuring monasteries, archaeological remains, and river routes.

Unlike other European parks, swimming is allowed here—but only in designated areas such as Roški Slap, Stinice, and Pisak, and only from June 1 to September 30. This makes it an ideal destination to cool off during the summer while enjoying a privileged natural setting.

Peak District National Park (United Kingdom)

The oldest national park in the United Kingdom, the Peak District, offers a landscape of rolling hills, picturesque rural villages, and stunning views such as those of the Hope Valley. A must-do is exploring the Speedwell Cave (450 meters underground) by boat and learning how miners worked 200 years ago.

This is an ideal destination for those seeking peaceful surroundings and gentle hiking routes suitable for all levels, along with relaxing stays in charming villages of central and northern England.

Beyond its natural value, this park also has a strong cultural component: it inspired writers such as Jane Austen and remains one of the favorite weekend getaway destinations for people in the UK.

Thingvellir National Park (Iceland)

This list would not be complete without one of the most unique parks in the world: Thingvellir National Park in Iceland, where it is possible to observe the separation between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, a unique geological phenomenon, as well as fissures like the Almannagjá fault.

Its volcanic landscapes, fissures, and crystal-clear lakes make this place a must-visit destination for lovers of geology and adventure. In addition, together with Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area, it forms part of the famous “Golden Circle”, one of the country’s most popular tourist routes.

Thingvellir is also famous for hosting the Alþing, the site where Iceland’s parliament met from the 10th to the 18th century. It is also home to the historic Þingvellir Church, built in 1859 out of wood.

Cinque Terre National Park (Italy)

We finish with one of Europe’s most iconic landscapes: Cinque Terre National Park, located along the Ligurian coast in Italy. Its five villages perched on cliffs—Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso—create an unforgettable scene.

This park combines nature and culture, with hiking trails overlooking the sea, hidden coves, picturesque fishing villages bathed in crystal-clear waters, and local cuisine not to be missed, making the visit a complete experience. In addition, its accessibility by train makes it easy to explore in just a few days.

This means of transportation allows you to avoid the hassle of finding parking (which is very limited for tourists) and navigating the narrow, winding roads along the cliffs by car.

Turkmenistan is, for many travelers, one of the most enigmatic destinations on the planet. Located in Central Asia, bordering Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, and known for its political secrecy, this country sparks curiosity precisely because of how difficult it is to visit. Even so, it is possible to travel to Turkmenistan if you know how to do it and what to expect.

In this guide, we explain everything you need: from visas to restrictions, along with practical tips for organizing your trip.

Can You Travel to Turkmenistan?

The short answer is yes, but with conditions. Turkmenistan, a presidential republic under an authoritarian and hereditary government, maintains one of the most restrictive entry policies in the world, similar to other countries with strong state control.

This means you cannot simply buy a ticket and travel freely around the country. Most travelers must meet specific requirements and accept certain limitations during their stay.

The main filters? To enter Turkmenistan, you not only need a visa. You also must have a letter of invitation (LOI) approved by the country’s authorities. This letter is usually arranged through an authorized travel agency or a local organization. Without it, you will not be able to obtain a visa or enter the country.

This process can take several weeks and is not always approved, even if all requirements are met. In addition, once in the country, you must register with the authorities within three days.

Is It Mandatory to Travel on a Tour?

In practice, yes. Most travelers enter Turkmenistan through organized tours with an official guide.

This involves fixed, pre-approved itineraries, constant accompaniment by a guide, and defining in advance the hotels you will stay in and the transportation you will use.

It is possible to travel independently, but it is extremely difficult and uncommon. Only some travelers opt for a transit visa (short-term), but it comes with many limitations.

Restrictions Within the Country

Turkmenistan is a country with great tourism potential. Many of its cities were once major trading centers along the Silk Road, which connected Eastern and Western civilizations.

However, foreign tourists are often deterred by the rules and restrictions imposed by the Tourism Committee, which must be strictly followed:

• You cannot access certain areas without special permission.
• It is forbidden to photograph official buildings, police officers, or sensitive infrastructure.
• Movement is usually controlled according to the itinerary.
• Internet access is limited, and many social media platforms do not work properly.

This level of control is one of the reasons why Turkmenistan is considered one of the most closed countries in the world.

How to Organize the Trip Step by Step

If, despite everything, you decide to become one of the 10,000 tourists who visit Turkmenistan each year, this is the typical process:

1. Hire a specialized agency. It will handle your letter of invitation and organize your itinerary.
2. Apply for the visa. With the approved LOI, you can request your visa at the embassy or, in some cases, obtain it on arrival.
3. Prepare documentation and payments. You should carry cash (usually in U.S. dollars) for fees, tourist taxes, and possible additional charges.
4. Follow the approved itinerary. During your stay, you must comply with the program established by the authorities.

Is It Worth Visiting Turkmenistan?

Despite the challenges, Turkmenistan offers unique experiences. The capital, Ashgabat, known for its futuristic architecture and white marble-covered buildings, is one of the must-see stops.

The Karakum Desert offers vast and almost unexplored landscapes that define much of the country’s territory. Here you can find small nomadic settlements and a sense of isolation that is hard to experience in other destinations. It is the ideal place to understand the most authentic and remote essence of Turkmenistan.

In this desert lies one of the country’s most iconic sites: the Darvaza crater, popularly known as the “Door to Hell.” This enormous crater has been burning for decades and is undoubtedly the most famous image of Turkmenistan. Spending the night in a nearby camp and watching it under the stars is one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.

And for those interested in history, the ancient city of Merv is a must-see. This archaeological complex, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once one of the most important cities along the Silk Road. Today, its ruins allow visitors to imagine the grandeur of a key commercial and cultural past in Central Asia.

Some volcanoes erupt with such violence, expelling more magma than could fill all of Central Park to a depth of 12 kilometers, that what remains is a wide and relatively shallow crater known as a caldera. Examples of these super volcanoes include the Yellowstone caldera, the Toba caldera and the largely submerged Kikai caldera in Japan, whose last eruption occurred 7,300 years ago, in what was the largest eruption of the current geological epoch, the Holocene.

We know that these volcanoes can erupt again, but we know very little about the processes that precede an eruption and therefore we are not prepared to make predictions. “We must understand how such large volumes of magma accumulate in order to understand how giant caldera eruptions occur,” says geophysicist Seama Nobukazu from Kobe University.

The fact that the Kikai caldera is largely submerged is actually an advantage for addressing these questions. Seama explains: “Its underwater location allows us to conduct large scale systematic studies.” For this reason, the Kobe University researcher collaborated with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology and used arrays of air guns that generate artificial seismic pulses, together with ocean bottom seismometers that record how these waves propagate through the Earth’s crust, in order to understand its current state.

In the journal Communications Earth & Environment, the team has now published its findings. They discovered that there is a region composed largely of magma directly beneath the volcano that erupted 7,300 years ago, and they characterised the size and shape of the reservoir. Seama states: “Because of its extent and location, it is clear that this is the same magma reservoir as in the previous eruption.”

However, this magma is unlikely to be a remnant of that eruption. Researchers observed that a new lava dome has been forming at the centre of the caldera over the past 3,900 years, and chemical analyses showed that material produced by this and other recent volcanic activity has a different composition from the material expelled during the last major eruption. “This means that the magma currently present in the reservoir beneath the lava dome is likely newly injected magma,” summarises Seama. This allows researchers to propose a general model of how magma reservoirs beneath caldera volcanoes are refilled.

“This magma reinjection model is consistent with the presence of large shallow magma reservoirs beneath other giant calderas such as Yellowstone and Toba,” says Seama, expressing hope that his team’s findings will contribute to understanding magma supply cycles following giant eruptions. He concludes: “We want to refine the methods that have proven so useful in this study in order to better understand reinjection processes. Our ultimate goal is to improve the monitoring of key indicators of future giant eruptions.”

Source: Universidad de Kobe

Reference

Nagaya, A., Seama, N., Fujie, G. et al. Melt re-injection into large magma reservoir after giant caldera eruption at Kikai Caldera Volcano. Commun Earth Environ 7, 237 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-026-03347-9

The hype surrounding NASA’s late-March Ignition event was primarily focused on newly-outlined priorities and timelines for the next phase of lunar missions. The announcements on March 24th most notably demonstrated a shift in focus towards a surface lunar base, with crewed and uncrewed missions in the coming years supporting the infrastructure necessary for such a feat.

During the event, NASA announced a new request for information (RFI) for atmospheric microwave radiometry observations. According to NASA, they are “seeking low-cost, commercially operated microwave radiometer concepts to fly in formation with NASA’s FALCON constellation.”

FALCON Flies for Atmospheric Research

NASA's Fleet for the Atmosphere Linking Commercial Observations, or FALCON, has a targeted launch window of sometime later in 2029. The effort is designed to support atmospheric science operations as part of NASA’s Earth Venture program. The RFI indicates the fleet developed by NASA will likely be rounded out with contributions from private companies.

Dr. Nicky Fox, Associate Administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, notes that the FALCON fleet, outfitted with lidar and radar instrumentation, will focus specifically on the relationship between clouds and aerosols. Observational data analyses will also lead to a deeper understanding of atmospheric convection.

The complex relationship between clouds and aerosols is riddled with feedback mechanisms that underpin a large chunk of climate science. A precise understanding on a more granular level will be critical in our understanding of the evolution of climate change. Fox notes that lessons learned will also translate to critical site selection and hazard evaluation for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

Atmosphere Observing System Replaced

FALCON formally replaces the planned Atmospheric Observing System (AOS) objectives of the Earth System Observatory (ESO). While the FALCON initiative’s objectives are similar to AOS, costs on the original project were ballooning significantly, prompting a shift.

The FALCON fleet will consist of two NASA satellites: the lidar built by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and Langley Research Center. The cloud-sensing radiometer will be tasked to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Included in the constellation will also be the Precipitation Measure Mission, to be constructed in conjunction with Japanese (JAXA), and French (CNES) space agencies. The Precipitation Measurement Mission consists of radar instrumentation as well as multi spectral radiometers to measure water and precipitation rates and cloud particle properties.

While the Ignition event heavily focused on future missions to the Moon and Mars, NASA was adamant that Earth science remains a high priority. FALCON will be critical in the next phase of understanding of the atmosphere, extreme weather events, and climate change.

Artemis II is marking a milestone in space exploration as the mission that sent humans back to orbit the Moon after more than 50 years, and achieved a record with the humans who have travelled the furthest from Earth. However, despite the success it has represented for NASA, the agency’s space research is at risk due to potential budget cuts.

If approved, this would represent a 47 percent drop in the agency’s resources, which, according to various scientific organisations, would be the largest annual cut to science funding in its history.

New attempt to cut funding

This Monday, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, told the astronauts of the Artemis II mission that during his first term he had to decide whether to shut down NASA or not. “And I did not hesitate for a second. It is great to have someone like Jared (Isaacman, the agency’s administrator), because it makes it much easier for me. I did not even consider it,” he said.

However, although his administration has allocated more resources to the human spaceflight programme, it has also consistently attempted to reduce overall spending. In 2025, they proposed a 24 percent budget cut, which was ultimately rejected by Congress, which approved 24.4 billion dollars for that year.

According to The Planetary Society, an organisation founded in 1980 by Bruce Murray, Carl Sagan and Louis Friedman, a significant reduction in the budget could delay or cancel projects such as the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, scheduled for launch later this year, planetary missions such as Dragonfly, which aims to explore Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, or near Earth object surveys (NEO), which search for asteroids.

More cuts in science, more budget for defence

In addition to NASA, the US government’s proposed cuts include other federal agencies that fund or conduct research on health, space and the environment, such as the National Science Foundation and the Environmental Protection Agency.

According to Nature, if the proposal is approved, the budgets of both agencies would be reduced by more than 50 percent by 2027 compared to current levels, while funding for the National Institutes of Health would decrease by 13 percent.

The White House has indicated that it intends to maintain funding for research in quantum information and artificial intelligence to ensure that the United States remains at the forefront in these areas, although it also proposes cuts of 37 percent and 32 percent respectively.

The only area that would benefit so far is Defence, which would receive 1.5 trillion dollars, 40 percent more than this year. However, the final decision will be made by Congress, potentially as late as October.

References of the news

Declaración The Planetary Society: The Planetary Society urges Congress to reject historic cuts to NASA, again.

The Guardian: Trump tells Artemis II crew he saved Nasa despite trying to slash agency’s budget.

Nature News. Massive budget cuts for US science proposed again by Trump administration.

Gobierno de EE.UU. Presupuestos generales del año fiscal 2027.

From basic education, we learn that Venus and Earth could be considered twins because of their similar size. New research suggests there are much deeper links, revealing a very similar geological past during the early stages of our Solar System.

The analysis of data obtained by the Magellan probe has made it possible to study vast Venusian plateaus, such as the enormous mountainous region known as Ishtar Terra, discovering that they formed through processes strikingly similar to Earth’s ancient continental cratons.

Despite this remarkable shared past, the two planets now show opposite realities. While ours hosts oceans and life, Venus is completely inhospitable, with dense toxic clouds, crushing atmospheric pressure, and extremely hot surfaces with no sign of active plate tectonics.

This absence of plate tectonics was crucial to its runaway climate evolution. However, far from the surface, some scientists have begun looking toward the upper layers of its atmosphere for conditions where microscopic life forms might have found some refuge.

A Temperate Oasis Among Deadly Clouds

At an altitude of 50 to 60 kilometers above the Venusian surface, the climate changes dramatically. There, the pressure matches Earth’s and temperatures hover around thirty degrees Celsius. This atmospheric band offers a potentially habitable environment floating above an utterly desolate hellscape.

Interest in this upper zone grew exponentially in 2021, when astronomers detected signals of phosphine. On our planet, this gas is usually closely associated with biological activity, which sparked intense debate about its mysterious and completely unknown origin.

Researchers at Cardiff University indicated that geological sources did not explain this gaseous presence. Although later analyses drastically reduced the estimated amount of phosphine, the mystery remains and is driving new observations to determine whether it is truly a biological signal hidden in the heights.

These clouds, composed mainly of sulfuric acid, are an apparently lethal environment. However, certain microorganisms on Earth survive easily in these kinds of settings. This raises the possibility of extremophile bacteria that could adapt to survive and thrive suspended in this very unusual atmosphere.

The Fascinating Journey of Life

There is a scientific theory that could explain this possible biology: panspermia. Recent models show that meteorites ejected from Earth by violent impacts could have carried the seeds of microbial life to the distant clouds of Venus over a very long time.

Using an analytical framework known as the Venus Life Equation, researchers broke down the probabilities of cellular survival. To work, the organic material must withstand the initial impact and survive the hostile vacuum of space while traveling toward its new planetary destination.

Upon entering Venus’s dense atmosphere, the rocky fragments undergo ablation and break apart. Simulations show that these bolides explode in the air, dispersing small horizontal particles that form a suspended cloud, so they do not immediately fall to the ground, which is completely sterilized by heat.

Only microscopic particles can remain floating for several days in this temperate layer. During this time, surviving Earth cells would have the unique opportunity to find protective liquid droplets, adapting and colonizing a cloudy environment before sinking into inevitable thermal death.

Continuous Interplanetary Exchange

Calculations estimate that, millions of microbial cells may have traveled from Earth to Venus over the last 3.5 billion years. Roughly one hundred viable cells are dispersed annually in its clouds through these spectacular and frequent meteorite bombardments.

Although this seems like a small amount compared with our biosphere, it shows that lithopanspermia is a physically viable mechanism between rocky planets. If any future space mission manages to detect floating life there, there is a strong probability that its ancestors originated on our planet.

Studying these dynamics and similarities helps us understand how both worlds evolved from their origins. Understanding why our neighbor lost its surface habitability is essential to appreciating the delicate climate balance that sustains life on our own world.

And although Venus remains a mystery, the search for life in its clouds is not only trying to answer whether we are alone, but also revealing astonishing interplanetary connections, turning its beautiful hellish sky into a unique and incredibly promising biological laboratory.

News Reference:

Guinan, E. & Austin, T. & O’Rourke, J. & Izenberg, N. & Silber, Elizabeth & Trembath‐Reichert, E.. (2026). A Panspermia Origin for Venus Cloud Life. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets. 131. 10.1029/2025JE009296.

Scientists have unveiled new technology they hope will be a ‘breakthrough’ in stopping the world’s third‑biggest driver of deforestation.

Agricultural expansion remains the biggest driver of tropical forest loss, with 3.7 million hectares of tropical forest lost in 2023 alone, while 71.6 million hectares were lost between 2001 and 2015.

Soy, primarily produced for pig and poultry feed, accounts for around 11.5% of commodity-driven deforestation.

The crop is the third-largest driver of tropical deforestation, behind cattle and oil palm. It is causing particular problems in South America, where production is rapidly expanding to meet global demand.

However, tracing where soy was grown is difficult because shipments are often mixed and traded across multiple countries.

Scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew worked with traceability experts at non-profit World Forest ID and the University of Sheffield to develop a new technique that can identify where soybeans are grown to within roughly 200 kilometres.

How does the technology work?

The new tool combines chemical ‘fingerprinting’ of soybeans with advanced geospatial machine learning to estimate where crops were harvested.

More than 250 soybean samples were analysed for stable isotope ratios and trace elements to develop the machine-learning model to within around 200 kilometres.

Up to now, methods to estimate the origin of soybeans could only classify by country or broad region.

Deforestation risk varies dramatically over short distances, sometimes even between neighbouring farms, so the method could help regulators, scientists and companies verify the origins of commodities that are often traded through complex international supply chains.

Jade Saunders, executive director at World Forest ID said: “By making it possible to verify where soybeans are grown with unprecedented precision, this innovative tool gives companies and regulators a powerful new way to turn deforestation-free commitments into real-world accountability."

The innovative method could also help trace the origins of other high-risk commodities including cocoa, timber, palm oil and rubber.

Companies who import soy comply will be able to use it with new environmental legislation such as the EU Deforestation Regulation, due to come into force in December 2026.

This legislation requires companies importing certain commodities to prove they were not produced on recently deforested land.

Similar legislation is expected to follow in the UK under the Environment Act’s Forest Risk Commodity regulation.