Ecology

An architecture inspired by termite mounds: Eastgate Center in Harare, the bionic building that reduces consumption

An architecture inspired by termite mounds: Eastgate Center in Harare, the bionic building that reduces consumption

Eastgate Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe. Credit: David Brazier, CC BY–SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons Created by architect Mick Pearce in collaboration with the engineering firm Arup, theEastgate Centre of Harare is among the most important examples of applied biomimetic architecture to energy efficiency. In fact, the building demonstrates how the observation of natural systems – in particular that of African termite ...

From gymnastics to climbing: how chalk has become essential for improving athletes' grip

From gymnastics to climbing: how chalk has become essential for improving athletes’ grip

If you have ever watched an artistic gymnastics or sport climbing competition, you will have noticed a almost ritual moment: the athlete dips his hands into a white tray, rubs them together, and throws himself onto the apparatus or the wall. That substance is called chalktechnically magnesium carbonateand has become an almost indispensable tool in dozens of sports disciplines. But ...

Why Equatorial Guinea moved its capital from Malabo to Ciudad de la Paz

Why Equatorial Guinea moved its capital from Malabo to Ciudad de la Paz

There Guinea Equatorialmore correctly Republic of Equatorial Guineais one of the smallest African states overlooking theAtlanticin the central-western regions of the continent. After almost sixty years since independence, its capital has been moved, from 2 January 2026, from the city of Malaboon theBioko islandto the city of foundation of City of Paz. It is certainly not the first time that ...

When sets lasted forever: how the Rally Point System changed the rules of volleyball

When sets lasted forever: how the Rally Point System changed the rules of volleyball

The volleyball we know today, with quick sets to 25 points and matches of overall predictable duration, has not always existed. For much of its history the scoring system was completely differentand that change had a profound impact on the game, the tactics and the public’s perception of it. The “classic” system: the ball change For decades, volleyball has adopted ...

Study, work, resign: because in Italy it is still mothers who leave their jobs

Study, work, resign: because in Italy it is still mothers who leave their jobs

Study, work, resign. This seems to be the parable of thousands of Italian women who every year are forced to leave their jobs to dedicate themselves to their family and children. The annual report on the validation of resignations and consensual resolutions of working mothers and working fathers of theNational Labor Inspectorate speaks clearly: in the last year analyzed, 2024, ...