Culture

EU researchers are coming up with advanced technologies to spot early signs of fatigue and erratic behaviour in people behind the wheel. By Tom Cassauwers - When Carlo Polidori is driving and starts rubbing the back of his neck, he knows it’s probably time to take a break. The act is a sign that he’s getting tired behind the wheel. Polidori, who is president of the Italian Association of Road Safety Professionals, drove for decades without being aware of his habit. He spotted it in 2022 when joining an EU project...

Allan Steigleman, University of Florida and Elizabeth M. Hofmeister, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Cataract surgery is one of the most popular and commonly performed procedures in the world. The vast majority of patients...

Nora McDonald, George Mason University - Social media apps regularly present teens with algorithmically selected content often described as “for you,” suggesting, by implication, that the curated content is not just “for you” but also “about you” – a mirror reflecting important signals about the person you are. All users of social media are exposed to these signals, but researchers understand that teens are at an especially malleable stage in the formation of personal identity. Scholars have begun to demonstrate that technology is having generation-shaping effects, not merely in the way it influences cultural outlook, behavior and privacy, but also in the way it can shape personality among those brought...

Most cooks underestimate how a pinch can elevate a meal, and you can learn to use herbs and spices to turn ordinary dishes into memorable ones by mastering a few simple principles. Understand the difference: herbs are leafy parts of plants (basil, parsley, cilantro) and spices are seeds, bark, roots, or pods (cumin, cinnamon, turmeric). You should store dried spices in a cool, dark place in airtight containers and keep fresh herbs refrigerated or wrapped in a damp paper towel. Label jars with purchase dates so you use older spices first; whole spices last longer than ground ones. Use fresh versus dried wisely: a common conversion is 1 tablespoon fresh =...

It's the foundation of every great dish: when you control the blade, you control texture, speed, and presentation. You gain consistency and confidence by learning a few dependable techniques, and your time in the kitchen becomes more efficient and enjoyable. You should adopt a solid grip and stance. Pinch the blade between thumb and forefinger with the rest of your fingers wrapped around the handle; that pinch grip gives you precision. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, bring the cutting board close to your body, and use a damp towel underneath to prevent slipping. Your non-dominant hand forms a "claw" to guide ingredients and keep fingertips safe. You can master a handful...

Culinary foundations give you the language and confidence to...

With each bite you take in a new place,...

Jacobo García Queiruga, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela and...

Your cooking improves fastest when you build a reliable...