Ever been tantalized by the cinematic allure of a completely silent gunshot? Africa Nova dives into the world of “silencers” to decipher fact from fiction. The Sound of Silence (Or Not) Contrary to silver-screen portrayals, firearm “suppressors” or “silencers” don’t exactly mute the gunshot’s roar to a whisper. While they dampen the noise from...
Nature possesses a transformative quality. Evidence continues to mount that those recovering from substance abuse find substantial benefits from being in natural environments. This nature-based approach, commonly termed ‘eco-therapy’, has the power to facilitate genuine healing. How Does Nature Impact Recovery? In various care facilities across the globe, including South Africa, eco-therapy is now...
From playgrounds to competitive tournaments, Rock, Paper, Scissors has remained a timeless and widely enjoyed hand game. Surprisingly, its roots trace back to ancient hand games in China and Japan, revealing a rich history that transcends cultures and time. Hand-Based Games of Ancient Times The origins of Rock, Paper, Scissors are believed to be...
Did you know that the fortuitous creation of Super Glue, a household essential, was a double take? Yes, its discovery was a delightful accident – not once, but twice! The late Dr. Harry Coover, widely recognized for unearthing the magic of Super Glue (technically known as cyanoacrylate), initially stumbled upon this adhesive formula while...
Yoga is a powerful practice that can bring about significant changes in both the body and mind. However, as a beginner, starting your yoga journey can be overwhelming. Here are some valuable insights to help you ease into your practice and make the most of it. Choosing the Right Yoga Style for You Yoga...
It’s fascinating to learn that the origins of one of the most widely recognized hand gestures stretch back over two millennia. Unlike the high five, which boasts a more modern beginning, the middle finger’s history is entrenched in both culture and human anatomy. The symbolism behind the middle finger is tied to the phallus,...
In the realms of aviation history and survival tales, there are a few incredible stories of individuals surviving free falls from great heights. Between 1940 and 2008, the Geneva Aircraft Crashes Record Office recorded 157 individuals who made it through plane crashes without a parachute. Remarkably, 42 of these incidents occurred from altitudes surpassing...
Sleep, a precious and vital aspect of our lives, is often taken for granted until it’s disrupted. While many struggle with occasional sleeplessness, some face a rare and devastating condition that robs them of the essence of rest: Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI). This neurological affliction, a variant of the little-known prion diseases, unleashes a...
Most of us are blissfully unaware of the small moments throughout our day when our brain cloaks our vision. This phenomenon, known as saccadic masking, is our brain’s way of preventing us from viewing a world constantly in motion blur. Our eyes, when scanning any scene, don’t glide smoothly. Instead, they hop from point...