Japan just made a big jump in silicone production. Scientists wrapped iron particles in a thin layer of silicone resin. That tiny shield lets the iron work as a catalyst without breaking down in air. Before this, iron catalysts lost power after just half an hour of exposure. Now they stay strong for
For years, Starbucks employees have faced tough times trying to organize unions across the U. S. Since 2021, reports claim workers supporting union efforts have dealt with threats, harassment, and even police calls during protests. These actions worry human-rights experts who say they might break in
When we look in the mirror, we instantly know it’s our face staring back. But why does that happen? Research suggests it isn’t just about what we see—it’s also about what our heart is doing. Studies tested how people reacted to their own face versus a stranger’s face while performing two different t
The U. S. Justice Department recently raised concerns about how Yale University’s medical school picks its students. Officials claim the school favored Black and Hispanic applicants over others with stronger academic records. This follows a government review that found Black and Hispanic students we
Sitting around too much is quietly becoming one of Morocco’s biggest health threats. As people spend more time parked in chairs—whether at work, in cars, or at home—health experts worry about the rise of long-term illnesses that don’t spread from person to person. These illnesses, called noncommunic
The largest business group in Portland is ready to sue the city council if it moves forward with a plan to change the city’s arts tax. In a letter sent to all 12 council members, the Chamber said that lawmakers cannot alter taxes without voters’ consent. The warning is stronger than before; it sp
Valley fever is a lung disease caused by spores from the fungus Coccidioides, which thrives in dry soil across parts of the southwestern United States and south‑central Washington. The illness can be fatal, with up to 1, 000 deaths reported each year. A study in Phoenix showed that the risk of infe
The French Riviera is back on guard as the 2026 Cannes Film Festival opens its gates with a fresh set of dress‑code rules. First, no nudity is allowed on the red carpet or anywhere else at the event because of “decency reasons. ” Second, very wide outfits and long trains that could block guest
A recent study looked at how Chinese college kids feel physically and mentally when they spend time on screens, eat emotionally, or stay active. Researchers handed out a questionnaire to 1, 800 students from three universities in Southwest China. The survey asked about screen time, how much they exe
The study looked at whether having less muscle can raise blood pressure. Researchers examined many adults and measured their lean body mass, which is the weight of muscle and other non‑fat tissues. They also recorded each person’s blood pressure. They found that people with lower lean mass tended t
