Ecology

What does “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” mean and who invented the Mary Poppins song

What does “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” mean and who invented the Mary Poppins song

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” (in English Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious) is a made-up word of 33 lettersfamous for being the protagonist of the most iconic song – written by the Sherman brothers – of the film 1964 Disney Mary Poppins. The term, apparently meaningless, is actually synonymous with something wonderful, surprising, extraordinary – just like the magical world created by Walt Disney. The word can be ...

The trick of making objects hang on the wall with friction really works - here's why

The trick of making objects hang on the wall with friction really works – here’s why

You know those videos that every now and then go viral on social media and show a trick in which someone rubs some objects (pens, remote controls, pencils) with decision and speed and these, in an apparently magical way, they remain attached to the wall overcoming the force of gravity? Well, unlike many things that go around on social media, ...

The deepest emission of gas hydrates on the planet discovered in the Greenland Sea: why it is important

The deepest emission of gas hydrates on the planet discovered in the Greenland Sea: why it is important

During the recent international research expedition Ocean Census Arctic Deep – EXTREME24were discovered on Molloy Ridgean underwater ridge in the Greenland Sea, the deepest gas hydrate emissions (mainly methane) known so far. They originate around 3640 m depths below sea level and are associated with conical deposits known as Freya Hydrate Mounds. The discovery published on Nature Communications is very ...

The Niscemi landslide continues, new failures in the red zone: the before and after video

The Niscemi landslide continues, new failures in the red zone: the before and after video

The comparison of Niscemi before the landslide (left) and after the landslide (right). Credit: Fire Brigade There Niscemi landslide continues to advance: the town in the province of Caltanissettain Sicily, is still in the midst of the emergency after the landslide event that began last January 25th, which led to over 1,500 displaced. In fact, over the last few hours, ...

Who is the Blackbird, symbol of the coldest days of the year?

Who is the Blackbird, symbol of the coldest days of the year?

The last three days of January are known as “the days of the Blackbird” and there are many traditions and legends linked to this period: for this reason it comes naturally to ask who the blackbird is. In a few words one could simply say that the blackbird is nothing other than the female of the blackbirdbut in reality there ...

What does "Candlemas Day" mean: origins and proverbs of the celebration of February 2nd

What does “Candlemas Day” mean: origins and proverbs of the celebration of February 2nd

There Candlemas celebrates, through the blessing of candles in churches, the presentation of Jesus at the templewhich took place, according to tradition, 40 days after birth. This is why it is celebrated 40 days after Christmas, that is February 2. Lighting candles, in this tradition, is a metaphor for the revelation of Jesus. The occasion also celebrates another event, the ...

94.5% of Italian municipalities are at risk of landslides or floods: the map of hydrogeological danger in Italy

94.5% of Italian municipalities are at risk of landslides or floods: the map of hydrogeological danger in Italy

Image generated with AI. While the Niscemi landslide continues, with new landslides recorded over the previous nights, media attention remains high on hydrogeological risks of our territory: according to the latest report from ISPRA (Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), 94.5% of Italian municipalities are exposed to risk for landslides, floods, avalanches and/or coastal erosion. Overall, approx 8 million ...

What are the main contraceptive methods: how they work and the most effective contraceptives

What are the main contraceptive methods: how they work and the most effective contraceptives

Contraceptives are methods used to prevent conception and unwanted pregnancies. There are barrier ones (like the condom), hormonal ones (like the contraceptive pill), intrauterine ones (coils) and surgical ones (like the vasectomy). Choosing the right contraceptive method is not just a matter of convenience, but of Health And awareness. Condom, pill, spiral, patch: when it comes to contraceptionthere are so ...