Author: Andrew Rogers

Kate McLean-MacKenzie is creating an atlas to capture how cities smell.The researcher from the University of Kent says scent is a missing sense in how people share experiences. Her work maps “smellscapes” by asking participants to take guided smell walks.They record what they smell, how strong it is, how long it lasts, and what it evokes. McLean-MacKenzie turns the data into visual maps and cultural stories.The results are subjective, focusing on memory, emotion, and meaning. Since 2011, she has mapped 40 locations, including Paris, Glasgow, Kolkata, and Kyiv.The atlas captures fleeting moments, like impressionist snapshots of urban life. She believes…

Christmas offers plenty of chances to explore science without lab coats or equipment.Researchers say everyday festive moments can become experiments in biology, chemistry, and psychology. Matthew Cobb suggests testing how smell shapes taste using sweets or fruit.With your nose held, flavours fade until smell is restored, revealing how flavour truly works. Cracker jokes provide insight into human behaviour, says Sophie Scott.People are far more likely to laugh in company than alone, showing laughter’s social roots. The Christmas roast can also become a science lesson.Steve Brusatte recommends examining turkey bones to understand movement and flight. For chemistry fans, homemade ice-cream explains…

Declan Rice was released by Chelsea at 14 and faced doubts even after joining West Ham United.Coaches questioned his coordination and long-term potential, but Rice embraced direct criticism and constant improvement. Given “clean feedback” at West Ham, Rice responded by working harder rather than pushing back.He earned a scholarship, broke into the first team, and steadily developed into a leader. His technical growth accelerated under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.Rice evolved from a defensive midfielder into a powerful No 8 with set-piece threat. A standout Champions League performance against Real Madrid confirmed his elite status.Teammates and coaches now describe him as…

Fresno Yosemite International Airport has completed its largest expansion to date with a new $150 million terminal. The upgrade is designed to enhance the travel experience for both domestic and international flyers. The modern facilities aim to improve comfort, efficiency, and convenience for travelers passing through the California hub. The new terminal adds more gates, updated security checkpoints, and expanded passenger lounges. Travelers will find larger waiting areas, modern restrooms, and better food and retail options. Airport officials say the upgrades are intended to reduce congestion during peak travel periods. Technology improvements are a key part of the expansion. Self-check-in…

Researchers say parts of the Moon will be set aside as graveyards for defunct satellites.Lunar orbit is expected to become crowded as space agencies plan bases and mining projects. Unlike Earth, the Moon lacks an atmosphere to burn up old spacecraft.Most dead satellites will eventually be crash-landed on the surface. Uncontrolled impacts could damage scientific instruments and historic sites.High-speed crashes also create dust clouds and ground vibrations. Experts propose designated impact zones far from sensitive areas.International space agencies are now working to establish disposal rules.

Plans to stage a Serie A match between AC Milan and Como in Perth have been abandoned.The fixture would have been the first major European league game played outside its home country. Serie A said the proposal collapsed after last-minute and “unacceptable” demands from the Asian Football Confederation.President Ezio Simonelli cited rising financial risks and regulatory complications. Italian authorities had approved moving the game because the San Siro will host the Winter Olympics ceremony.UEFA also gave reluctant clearance earlier this season. Serie A viewed the Australia match as a chance to grow its global profile.However, AFC conditions, including control over…

The U.S. House has approved the SPEED Act, a new law designed to streamline permitting for energy and infrastructure projects. Lawmakers say the measure will accelerate construction, create jobs, and support economic growth across the country. The SPEED Act focuses on reducing bureaucratic delays that often slow down major projects, including roads, bridges, and energy facilities. By simplifying review processes and cutting red tape, the legislation aims to get projects off the ground faster while maintaining safety and environmental standards. Officials note that faster permitting can boost private investment and help communities access modern infrastructure sooner. Streamlined approvals for renewable…

Aston Villa strengthened their title challenge with a thrilling home win over Manchester United at Villa Park.The standout performer was Morgan Rogers, who scored twice to secure a seventh straight league victory. Villa dominated early and pressed United with intensity and confidence.After sustained pressure, Rogers opened the scoring with a superb curling strike before half-time. United responded quickly through Matheus Cunha, whose fine finish levelled the match in stoppage time. The second half remained high tempo, with both sides creating chances.Rogers struck again soon after the restart, drifting inside and finishing calmly into the far corner. The goal sparked wild…

Kylian Mbappé equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid scoring record with a late penalty against Sevilla.The goal sealed a 2-0 home win and lifted Real within one point of La Liga leaders Barcelona.Jude Bellingham opened the scoring before Sevilla went down to ten men.Thibaut Courtois preserved the lead with crucial saves late on. Juventus boosted their Serie A challenge by beating Roma 2-1 in Turin.Leverkusen also impressed, overturning a deficit to win 3-1 at RB Leipzig.Elsewhere, Freiburg edged Wolfsburg 4-3, while several Bundesliga matches ended level.

In the mountains of the southern Peloponnese, normally resilient Greek firs are turning brown and dying in vast patches. Forest researcher Dimitrios Avtzis was sent to assess fire damage this year but instead found hundreds of hectares of dead trees where flames had never reached. The scale of loss was so unusual that he immediately alerted the environment ministry. Experts say prolonged drought is the main trigger. Greece has seen steadily hotter, drier conditions and a sharp decline in winter snowfall, reducing the slow-release moisture fir forests depend on. Weakened by lack of water, trees are then attacked by bark…