Features
Even frozen Antarctica is being walloped by climate extremes, scientists find
Even in Antarctica — one of the most remote and desolate places on Earth — scientists say they are finding shattered temperature records and an increase in the size and number of wacky weather events. The southernmost continent is not isolated from the extreme weather associated with human-caused climate change,… Read
Women over 70 risk breast cancer overdiagnosis with screening, U.S. study finds
A new study is raising fresh questions about the value of breast cancer screening in older women, finding that those 70 and older who underwent mammograms were more apt to be diagnosed with tumors posing no threat to their health than those who did not screen. The study by researchers… Read
'Barbie' has put the phrase 'toxic femininity' back in the news
As the “Barbie” movie’s worldwide box office passes the billion-dollar mark, and some conservative pundits push back against its popularity with negative hot takes, the phrase “toxic femininity” is back in the news. On National Public Radio’s “It’s Been a Minute,” panelists discussing “Barbie” speculated about whether toxic femininity exists… Read
Burger King Japan’s new Crown The One Pounder is like a cheeseburger on steroids
In recent years, Burger King Japan has been releasing a series of “One Pounder” burgers containing a whopping four beef patties, and now there’s a new one coming our way. Called “Crown The One Pounder“, this monster of a burger is billed as a “new era double cheeseburger“, with extra slices of cheese added… Read
Keya Kurotatsu Shrine in Fukui Prefecture was built to protect Japan in ancient times
You won’t need to venture far from Fukui station to visit one of the most significant shrines in Japan. Keya Kurotatsu Shrine has a rich history and is a popular power spot in Fukui Prefecture today. Many visit to pray for success in business, ward off evil spirits and enjoy special events. Going through… Read
Dusit to open 2nd hotel in Japan in September
The Thai hotel and property development company will open a luxury Dusit Thani hotel in Kyoto’s vibrant Hanganji Monzen-machi district, only 850 meters from Kyoto Station, a popular tourist attraction and a major transport hub that handles over 200 million travellers a year, connecting the city to many parts of… Read
Survey responds to most important factors when deciding which izakaya to go to
Stopping by an izakaya is a fun item to add to any traveler’s list when visiting Japan. Usually casual joints that come in many shapes and sizes, izakaya offer all manner of small bites (similar to tapas in that sense), drinks (beer and Japanese sake at the forefront), and are typically packed with… Read
Re-imagining democracy for the 21st century, possibly without the trappings of the 18th century
Imagine that we’ve all – all of us, all of society – landed on some alien planet, and we have to form a government: clean slate. We don’t have any legacy systems from the U.S. or any other country. We don’t have any special or unique interests to perturb our… Read
New neurotechnology is blurring lines around mental privacy
Neurotechnologies – devices that interact directly with the brain or nervous system – were once dismissed as the stuff of science fiction. Not anymore. Several companies are trying to develop brain-computer interfaces, or BCIs, in hopes of helping patients with severe paralysis or other neurological disorders. Entrepreneur Elon Musk’s company… Read
Lost and laughing: 5 embarrassing stories of tourists in Japan
Nara’s Toshodaiji is an eighth-century temple founded by the Chinese monk Ganjin, one of the greatest influences on Buddhism in Japan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toshodaiji is an iconic and historically significant temple. Among its treasures are its golden hall, Ganjin’s preserved living quarters and sacred text, wooden statues over… Read
