Articles

Museums worldwide are increasing admission fees due to rising operational costs, with major institutions like MoMA and the Metropolitan Museum in New York raising prices. Despite high fees, ticket sales cover only a small fraction of museum budgets, which rely heavily on donations and grants. While some advocate for free access, others argue that reducing costs may not significantly increase diverse audiences. The decline in museum attendance, especially among young people, poses a challenge for institutions dependent on public support.

Killer whales in Monterey Submarine Canyon off California use brutal, coordinated attacks to hunt grey whales, targeting mother-calf pairs and drowning the calves. Studies reveal distinct "ecotype" populations of killer whales with unique hunting cultures, including offshore, resident, and transient types. Transient killer whales have specialized strategies for larger prey, and a new population has been discovered hunting sperm whales and large dolphins. These findings highlight the importance of within-species biodiversity and the cultural knowledge passed down through generations in killer whales.

Moussaka, a rich dish of minced meat, potatoes, and aubergines, is considered Greece's national dish despite its late entry into Greek gastronomy. Nikolaos Tselementes, the godfather of Greek moussaka, popularized the dish in the 1920s by removing Ottoman influences and incorporating French gastronomy elements. Moussaka's evolution demonstrates the fluidity of culinary traditions and its adaptability to various cultures, proving that authenticity in food is an elusive concept.

Two new books advocate for policies to limit wealth accumulation, arguing that the rich negatively impact the environment, housing, and political systems. "Limitarianism" by Ingrid Robeyns suggests a cap of $10m in wealth and an ethical limit of $1m in savings. "Enough" by Luke Hildyard proposes no one should earn more than the top 1% of taxpayers. While they highlight the benefits of wealth redistribution, practical implementation challenges include tax avoidance, emigration of the wealthy, and reduced incentives for high productivity and entrepreneurship. Critics argue that global poverty has decreased and that high tax rates may not yield more revenue.

A curator’s battle to commemorate Germany’s forgotten genocide in Namibia

Fatal dog attacks are increasing, with XL Bully dogs, a large and muscular breed, responsible for 44% of attacks in the UK in 2023, despite making up less than 1% of the dog population. XL Bullies are a crossbreed of American pit-bulls and have been bred for aggression, leading to their high attack rate. The UK has banned XL Bullies, but registered dogs can still be kept with restrictions, while other countries have yet to implement similar measures.

Neuroscientists from the Universities of Zurich and Oslo have found that live music engages the brain's emotional centers more than recorded music. In their study, participants' brain activity was tracked while listening to live and recorded music. The results showed that live music had a greater emotional impact, with the pianist's dynamic playing generating more activity in the amygdala and other parts of the brain's emotion processing network. The study suggests that the ability of artists to adapt their performance to the audience's reaction is a key factor in the unique experience of live music.

A growing trend of Chinese citizens is seeking rural tranquility as a retreat from urban life, with the town of Dali becoming a haven for writers, political dissidents, and those weary of capitalist excess. This shift, termed fugu, reflects a questioning of China's development-focused values and a desire for a simpler, more fulfilling life, despite the challenges of living in an unfree state.

Leo Vardiashvili's debut novel, "Hard by a Great Forest," intertwines magical mystery with Georgia's troubled history. The story follows Saba Sulidze-Donauri as he searches for his missing family members, navigating a world of cryptic clues, corrupt police, and escaped zoo animals. Vardiashvili masterfully blends realism and surrealism, creating a thrilling and poignant narrative that resonates with themes of displacement and cultural reconnection.