Features
Climate change causing more change in rainfall, fiercer typhoons, scientists say
Climate change is driving changes in rainfall patterns across the world, scientists said in a paper published on Friday, which could also be intensifying typhoons and other tropical storms. Taiwan, the Philippines and then China were lashed by the year's most powerful typhoon this week, with schools, businesses and financial… Read
Tough and simple, Kyocera’s rugged flip phones ideal for digital detox
Popular detoxes and cleansing programs have been favored by those pursuing physical health and well-being. Now, "digital detoxing" is rapidly growing for those who wish to improve their mental health by reducing stressors from constant online connectivity and, instead, enhance genuine connections with friends and family. To help encourage periodic… Read
Meet some of the world's cleanest pigs, raised to grow kidneys and hearts for humans
Wide-eyed piglets rushing to check out the visitors to their unusual barn just might represent the future of organ transplantation – and there’s no rolling around in the mud here. The first gene-edited pig organs ever transplanted into people came from animals born on this special research farm in the… Read
Starbucks Japan releases a Matcha Brulee Latte at supermarkets and convenience stores
In Japan, you don’t have to visit a Starbucks branch to try one of their limited-edition beverages, as the chain has been teaming up with beverage giant Suntory to produce a series of “chilled cups” that are sold at Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores. The latest limited-edition flavor coming our way is a… Read
Biden dropped out − is the news media to blame?
For weeks in July, a mix of journalists and academics lamented the news media’s relentless coverage of President Joe Biden’s age since his disastrous debate performance on June 27. “The New York Times et al wish Joe Biden would go gentle into that good night,” wrote Jeff Jarvis, the director… Read
Visit Bihoro Pass for stunning views of Lake Kussharo and to witness 'unkai' and stargazing
Summer in Hokkaido is synonymous with iconic spots such as the vibrant lavender fields of Furano, outdoor activities in Niseko, and the bustling Sapporo Beer Garden. However, at an elevation of 525 meters, Bihoro Pass offers a stunning vantage point on the northwestern border of Akan-Mashu National Park. This mountain pass and observatory… Read
Theme park's novel bid to fix South Korea youth unemployment
At a kids' role-playing theme park in Seoul, 23-year-old Park Woo-joo is on a very adult mission: the university-educated but unemployed South Korean is searching for his future career. Part of a Mexican-owned global chain, KidZania typically offers young children the chance to play at dozens of different jobs, from… Read
Japan’s Island of Sea Cats: A unique site you won’t find in tourist guides
A lot has been written about Japan’s cat island and rabbit island, but did you know there’s an island for sea cats? Called “Kabu Island” or Kabushima in Japanese, the site is located in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture. While it was once an island off the coast (shima is the Japanese word for… Read
Brazil to allow miles of selective logging in effort to preserve the Amazon
To combat ongoing destruction in the Amazon rainforest, Brazil has announced a plan to dramatically expand selective logging to an area the size of Costa Rica over the next two years. In Brazil, vast forest lands are designated as public yet have no special protection or enforcement and are vulnerable… Read
How sport is being forced to adapt to effects of climate change
In the unlikely event I ever run another marathon, I wouldn’t want to do it at night. But some famous global running events, including the world championships in Doha, are having to reschedule races to avoid participants having to run in extreme heat conditions. Midnight long-distance running is just one stark… Read
