Articles from ‘elocal magazine’

Often described as the Nostradamus of the modern age, Baba Vanga was a Bulgarian mystic whose alleged prophetic abilities first brought her to public attention in the midst of World War II. · Blind since childhood, yet apparently able to see far into the future, she soon became a highly feted figure, with important individuals like Bulgarian tsar Boris III and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev reportedly consulting her in person. She has since been…

Many Icelanders have been on edge in recent weeks, as magma moving underground in the country’s southwest threatens to breach the surface and begin flowing across the landscape. If it does, the volcanic eruption could threaten the coastal community of Grindavík, home to more than 3,000 people, as well as a geothermal power plant that supplies energy to tens of thousands of houses. · Scientists are tracking every aspect of the geological unrest,…

The 100 best cities in the world have been ranked for 2024 based on livability, lovability and prosperity.  · In 2018, a UN study suggested that 55% (4.2 billion people) of the world’s population lived in urban areas. · This proportion is projected to increase to 68% by 2050. Wherever the world’s expats, digital nomads and remote workers choose to relocate, chances are it will be in a city. · With this in mind, Canadian consultancy…

Brown bears are 'on the clock' like humans, but don't suffer the same negative health impacts. · Confirming what observational studies have long thought, a genetic study has shown that a grizzly bear’s body clock ticks away routinely, even when the animal is deep in hibernation. What’s more, proof of their circadian rhythms mirrors our own, except these bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) can hibernate in the dark for four to seven months and…

Gamma rays can be produced from the two steams of jets formed when supermassive stars collapse into themselves at the end of their lives. · Earlier this year, it was reported that the Earth was hit by the brightest gamma-ray bursts seen since the dawn of civilization. Now, a team of astronomers has assigned a value to the energy contained in those blasts and it's staggering to say the least. · The gamma-ray burst (GRB) reported in April of…

The deadly 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel, and Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, have upended lives — including those of researchers throughout the region. · People in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank are reeling from the repercussions of the 7 October attacks on Israel by the militant organization Hamas. Hamas members killed around 1,200 people, including at least 28 children, according to data being compiled by the newspaper Haaretz. Some 240…

Researchers in China have developed a robot chemist powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that might be able to extract oxygen from water on Mars. The robot uses materials found on the red planet to produce catalysts that break down water, releasing oxygen. The idea could complement existing oxygen-generating technologies or lead to the development of other catalysts able to synthesize useful resources on Mars. · “If you think about the…

The researchers analyzed recycled plastic pellets like these and found a shockingly high amount of chemical compounds that call the material's use into question · The researchers analyzed recycled plastic pellets like these and found a shockingly high amount of chemical compounds that call the material's use into  question. · While the use of recycled plastics is normally considered a noble endeavor, a new study says it's time to think…

Ducati has a new motorbike, and it's celebrating this fact with a series of photos and videos so flagrantly ribald and saucy they'd be pixelated out in Japan. I mean, look at them. In fact, forget the bike, can I buy some of this guy's talent? · If you're gonna name a bike "Mono," you'd better deliver – but we'd expect nothing less from Ducati. It's nearly 20 years since Ducati decided what the heck, let's make a supermotard with a massive…

Teaming with former GT1 world champion Andrea Bertolini, Maserati has crafted a blacked-out, nighthawk version of the MC20 supercar, only 50 copies of which will be made. · Always inventive with the names, Maserati is calling the limited-run vehicle Notte, which means "night" in Italian. About as inventive as calling its four-door luxury sports sedan the "Quattroporte," which translates to "four doors." But at least the lack of imagination ends…