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Maya CivilizationThe Maya were an ancient Mesoamerican civilization, first documented as a distinct people around 2000 BCE. Their society reached its peak during the Classic Period, roughly 250 to 900 CE. At that height, the Maya occupied dozens of major cities—some with populations of nearly 50,000—across present-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Honduras. The term “Maya” refers to a collection of related peoples rather than a single empire. Cities were built on low plains and organized around pyramids that served religious and political functions. Agriculture structured daily life, with corn as the primary food source and a central element of Maya creation myths. The Maya developed an advanced writing system in the Americas and the concept of zero. Their base-20 numerical system supported precise calendars for agriculture and ritual life. Although many cities declined after about 900 CE, the Maya people endured, with about 7 million descendants living in the region today.Explore Maya Civilization

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BNPL may be adding a layer of debt that doesn't show up in economic dataGiven somewhat limited regulation in the space, data about BNPL usage is limited—many BNPL firms have resisted sharing information about user purchases, finances, and more thus far. As more people begin using buy now, pay later services, experts are concerned about whether BNPL is adding a new layer of "hidden leverage" to the economy. Spotify A psychiatrist warns that chasing happiness can lead to miseryRafa Euba, a retired consultant psychiatrist, argues that happiness is a vague and abstract concept that is hard to quantify. He suggests accepting that suffering and pain are a normal part of life. An attainable goal for one's life is to attempt to minimize pain, and pursue balance and contentment rather than a false ideal of permanent bliss. Psyche Blindfolded people could identify objects by touch alone a week after encountering themThese touch memories are more complex and durable than previously thought. In research published in 2018, blindfolded volunteers touched over 150 household objects for about 10 seconds each, and afterward correctly identified the objects more than 90 percent of the time when presented with the object and a similar one. Participants still knew most of the objects a week later with about 85 percent accuracy. (Some users may experience a paywall.) Scientific American A researcher thinks she knows why people keep touching museum exhibitsA museologist who studied unauthorized touch at the British Museum concluded that people may feel it's difficult to learn about things "unless you handle them" and that people are trying to connect with the past, viscerally. Her work has included interviewing British Museum visitors who committed unauthorized touches and spending extensive periods observing people touching prohibited items across 2004 and 2005. Atlas Obscura A stand-in 'nose' may help people with anosmia to smell certain odorsIn a 2025 paper, researchers reported they'd created a proof-of-concept device that bypasses typical olfactory pathways and instead exploits an alternative—the trigeminal nerve in the nose—to detect a few strong scents. The nerve typically helps detect the temperature of inhaled air or the presence of irritants. (Some users may experience a paywall.) Science Neglected tropical diseases affect more people than the population of EuropeThis group of conditions, which includes hookworm, sickens roughly one in seven people on the planet—a tally which dwarfs Europe's population of roughly 450 million. International cooperation and donations are helping to control some of these illnesses, which can be caused by parasites, viruses, and bacteria. They're all treatable or preventable, but primarily occur among poor, isolated communities that may not receive adequate care. Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell Land use changes in Connecticut may have helped to enable Lyme's leap into humansForest clearing and fragmentation, alongside suburban development, may have contributed to the emergence of Lyme disease in humans in the 1970s. Those changes brought mice, carriers of the disease, into greater contact with people. Climate change is also facilitating Lyme's spread as tick populations survive milder winters and move northward. Mongabay More than 1 in 7 people worldwide have had Lyme diseaseResearch published in 2022 suggests that 14.5% of the world's population has contracted Lyme disease. Researchers arrived at that estimate by analyzing the presence of Lyme disease antibodies (indicating prior infection) across 89 studies conducted between January 1984 and December 2021. The works collectively included blood samples from more than 150,000 people. (Some user may encounter a paywall.) New Scientist People who take out payday loans often know they are a bad dealDespite common criticism that payday lenders take advantage of uninformed borrowers, some people who take out payday loans know they are usually a bad deal, but often feel like they don't have any other options. Payday loans are often considered a symptom of poverty. (Some users may experience a paywall.) The Wall Street Journal Hearing loss can affect balance and make falls more likelyFor reasons that are not yet fully understood, hearing loss seems to increase the risk of falls. One explanation is that reduced environmental awareness due to hearing loss may put people at greater risk. Another theory is that the brain has to work harder to process sound with hearing loss and that cognitive load may also boost the chances of falls. One study found that for every 10 decibel increase in hearing loss, there was a 1.4 fold increased odds of falling in the preceding 12 months. National Institutes of Health The psychological aspect of deflation makes it difficult for policymakers to stabilize the economyThat psychological aspect is referred to as "the deflationary spiral." When prices start decreasing, people tend to hold on to their money to pay the lowest prices. But as prices start stabilizing, people resist increasing prices. (Some users may experience a paywall.) The Atlantic The dietary market is worth more than $60BListen to this question and answer session with the US Food and Drug Administration about dietary supplements—vitamins, minerals, probiotics and similar products people may buy in liquid, pill, or powder form. They are categorized legally as a category of food and can be legally brought to market without the FDA even knowing about it, though consumers can tell FDA about issues with the products and FDA can take action to remove dangerous or unlawful items after they're available. US Food and Drug Administration Notch music therapy may filter out some tinnitus frequenciesResearchers in Germany have developed a smartphone app-based therapy for individuals with tinnitus associated with hearing loss. Some people with tinnitus can use this Notch app with their hearing aids to at least partially block sound frequencies matching their tinnitus pitch—turning down the volume of their tinnitus. Karolinska Institutet Most people with East Asian ancestry are genetically predisposed to be less smellyA gene variant found in 80%-95% of individuals with East Asian ancestry reduces armpit bacteria and related odors. People with this nonfunctioning ABCC11 gene variant lack a protein that transports molecules, including sweat, across cellular membranes, so their armpits are starved of sweat that bacteria may have metabolized to help them multiply. BBC World Service On average, people smell worse if they're sickFor a small 2014 research study, a panel was tasked with sniffing the smelly t-shirts of people who had been injected with a compound known to activate the immune system and those of controls without the shot. It found that those who were acting as if unwell (due to the injection) generally smelled worse. Subsequent work found that those who sniffed unpleasant odors had a mild immune response of their own—perhaps to protect them from disease. (Some users may experience a paywall.) CNN Aphantasia involves a lack of mental images—but doesn't affect behaviorThe condition, generally known about for over a century, first received its name in 2015 by researcher Adam Zeman. An estimated 4% of people lack this ability to perceive mental images, and research suggests this deficiency does not have any practical impact on behavior. Nature Transplant organs don't always last a lifetime—that's where retransplants come inHow long a transplanted organ lasts depends on a variety of factors including the type of organ and the health of the recipient. Sometimes organs can last many decades, but other times people may need retransplants, which means another transplant following a previous one. Retransplants are most common with kidneys. The Ohio State University Lengthy incubation periods are why it’s tough to link foodborne illness to specific foodsPeople may not get sick from a foodborne pathogen for several days after consuming it, making it a challenge to link the illness and its cause. Factors influencing when a person starts feeling sick—even as the pathogen is multiplying in the gut—include individual variations in immune systems and gut microbiomes, what other foods are in the person’s body, and how much of the pathogen was consumed. Stanford School of Medicine Global xenotransplantation market may already be valued at more than $13BWith more than 100,000 people on the waiting list for organs at any given time in the United States, there's a known demand for organ transplants. Some estimates put the value of the global xenotransplantation market above $13B in recent years—and project the market to continue growing. National Institutes of Health Brain conditions and surgery can cause some individuals to feel no fearFear is a survival mechanism that originates in the brain's amygdala, triggering the body's fight-or-flight response. However, in modern society, without the same natural dangers, fear can lead to anxiety and mental health issues when unnecessarily triggered. Understanding individuals without fear may help identify new methods to treat anxiety disorders. ZME Science Certain vaccinations may be more effective when given around the middle of the dayA 2023 analysis of the health records of more than 1.5 million people in Israel suggests that COVID-19 vaccines may be more effective when received around the middle of the day. Separate early research also suggests there may be similar trends for influenza vaccines. Washington University in St. Louis Home allergy tests don’t work well and experts urge cautionDoctors do not recommend at-home allergy test kits because their results may be inaccurate and confusing, and lead people to make lifestyle changes that are not warranted. Tests that require sending in a hair sample, for example, will not be helpful because hair does not have the relevant antibodies that blood testing would detect. Cleveland Clinic Gut microbiome rewrites may help reduce allergiesResearchers are investigating different strategies to determine if one day they could give people a combination of gut microbes to set them up for fewer allergies. In animal research, scientists have already prevented severe allergic responses in allergy-prone mice—supplying them with gut microbes from healthy, non-allergic human babies. Knowable Magazine Goose bumps may play a role in hair growthResearch in mice suggests that the same muscles that contract to create goose bumps act as the bridge for the sympathetic nervous system’s connection to hair follicle stem cells. This raises questions about how this knowledge could be used to reactivate the sympathetic nerves in hair follicles to boost hair growth in people. National Institutes of Health Wikipedia openly displays edit history and editorial disputes to assess trustworthinessUnlike a journal article, which may be reviewed by up to three people before publication, popular Wikipedia pages may be reviewed thousands of times by editors, potentially enhancing their reliability. Less reviewed articles still require reliable third-party sources and remain subject to verification by bots and administrators who can undo edits. The Conversation One theory claims the retinae of SAD patients may fail to adjust to less light in winterMost people’s eyes become more sensitive to light in the winter months, but some do not. This failure to adjust causes ripple effects on those individuals’ biological clocks. This Ted-ED video provides a clear, brief, narrative explanation of the condition in six minutes. TED-Ed Psychology research shows that conspiracy theorists tend to have a desire to be uniqueWhile conspiracy theorists are often understood to have feelings of powerlessness in their lives, research suggests they may also be inclined to set themselves apart from the masses. Aeon Type 1.5 diabetes is typically found in adulthoodClinically referred to as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults, or LADA, this condition is often diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. However, it’s an autoimmune disease that eventually requires insulin, just like Type 1 diabetes. Misdiagnosis can result in uncontrolled high blood sugar and a slew of other serious health issues. SELF Modern media exposure may impact whether people dream in color or black and whiteA 1942 study found that 70.7% of college sophomores rarely saw colors in their dreams, while a similar survey in 2003 showed that only 20% reported the same. The prevalence of color television and films may make color dreams or the recollection of color features easier to remember. Live Science Defiance is choosing to act in line with your values under pressureCompliance often arises from insinuation anxiety and social pressure, making defiance critical in protecting personal integrity and, in turn, strengthening institutions. Practicing defiance may be achieved through the Defiance Compass framework and can lead to a more values-driven society. The Conversation This Harvard philosophy professor suggests we should rethink our relationship with animalsChristine Korsgaard, a professor of philosophy at Harvard, wrote a book arguing that humans are not more important than other animals and that we should improve our treatment of them. In her view, we have a duty to value the life of our fellow creatures not just for their utility, but for their existence as sentient and conscious beings. Harvard Gazette Sleep is often viewed individually, when its impact and meaning may be more communalAt any given point, roughly 2 billion people may be asleep on Earth. The typical scientific description of sleep focuses on its individual impact, but the phenomenon shapes whole cultures and eons. This essay prompts a fresh rethinking of the importance of sleep for humanity. Aeon Annual flu shots remain the best defense against influenzaFlu vaccination typically reduces the risk of medical visits by 30 to 60% and lowers hospitalization rates by around 40%. Between 2023 and 2024, in the US alone, vaccines prevented an estimated 120,000 hospitalizations and nearly 7,900 deaths. CDC The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza virusesUnlike the common cold, influenza attacks suddenly with fever, body aches, and fatigue. Seasonal strains circulate worldwide, infecting up to a billion people each year and causing hundreds of thousands of deaths despite vaccines and treatments. Cleveland Clinic AI may help the 1.4 billion people worldwide who lack access to basic financial servicesArtificial intelligence is fuelling a financial technology transformation in some countries where an outsized number of residents lack access to basic financial services, including Brazil and Nigeria. World Economic Forum The beer mile blends running and drinkingThe event requires competitors to drink a 12-ounce beer for every lap around the track. It may sound like fun (or a nightmare, depending on your disposition), but for some it's a serious business, with an annual world championship. Serious Eats Humans were forced to adapt to survive a supervolcano eruption 74,000 years agoThe Toba supereruption ejected 2800 cubic kilometers of ash, resulting in global cooling from blocked sunlight and acid rain. Archaeological sites show that humans developed bow-and-arrow technology to survive in arid conditions by fishing in seasonal waterholes. The Conversation Internet domain names can be worth millions of dollarsAnd yet, the mysterious man who owns Milk.com likely isn't selling his valuable site any time soon. Planet Money Humans need vitamins, but research is mixed on taking supplementsWhen an organism needs an organic molecule to survive, but cannot synthesize enough of it itself, that molecule is called a vitamin. Typically, we consume vitamins through food, but many resort to supplements—a common and mostly unregulated practice. BBC 'Rocky Road' was designed to help people cope with the stock market crashIn 1929, ice cream maker William Dreyer marketed Rocky Road as a sweet treat intended to distract consumers from the poor state of the economy. (Some readers may experience a paywall.) The Atlantic The reason some people love exercise may be because of their microbiomeCertain gut microbes in mice trigger dopamine release and drive motivation to exercise more. Scientists are investigating whether humans carry similar microbial patterns that influence our natural inclination towards movement, exploring how unseen microbial ecosystems may shape mammalian fitness behavior and reinforce innate reward pathways. (Some users may experience a paywall.) National Geographic LaMarcus Thompson wanted roller coasters to save people from Satan’s temptationsThe inventor and businessman who is known as “the Father of the American roller coaster” was also a religious Sunday school teacher who wished to distract the public from indulging in popular sinful amusements of the time like saloons and brothels. Smithsonian Magazine Some people may be genetically predisposed to loving roller coastersRecent studies indicate that individuals with higher levels of dopamine may be more prone to thrill-seeking behaviours like riding roller coasters or even doing drugs or shoplifting. Scientific American A UN-led treaty may establish rules to phase out plastic globallyWith support from more than 175 nations, a treaty led by the United Nations is being negotiated to establish enforceable global rules for plastic production and pollution by 2025. Negotiations come as the total amount of plastic in the ocean has increased by 50% from 2017 to 2022. World Wildlife Fund Microplastics may cut crop yields and worsen global hungerA major study found that microplastics disrupt photosynthesis in plants and algae, potentially putting an additional 400 million people at risk of starvation within 20 years. The damage from microplastics to crops may already rival the impact of climate change on food supplies. The Guardian Hurricanes may kill 300 times more people than officially reportedA recent study suggests that, since 1930, more than 3.5 million people have died due to hurricanes. This incorporates the long-term effects of storms on people's health and economic well-being, contributing to thousands of premature deaths each year. NPR While annuities can guarantee an income for risk-averse investors, they may play it too safe for othersWhether or not an annuity is the right investment option depends on the buyer’s unique needs. People who plan to retire soon are more likely to opt for the lower-risk investment, but there may be opportunity costs for people seeking higher returns. U.S. News & World Report Maya civilization explainedThe Maya built vast jungle cities that could accommodate up to 50,000 people, developed advanced mathematics—including the concept of zero—and created one of the Americas’ earliest writing systems. Though many cities later declined, their scientific and cultural achievements continue to shape our understanding of the ancient world. 1440 View the ten deadliest tornadoes in US historyThe Tri-State Tornado touched down in Shannon County, Missouri, on March 18, 1925, and killed 695 people as it traveled through Illinois and Indiana, making it the deadliest tornado in US history. The deadliest 21st-century tornado was in Joplin, Missouri, on May 22, 2011, killing 158 people and injuring over 1,000. NOAA The coronavirus pandemic sparked theories about the dangers of 5GCOVID-19 spreading around the same time as the rollout of 5G sparked conspiracy theories and outrage that the new wireless technology was harming people and the environment. (Some users may experience a paywall.) The Atlantic

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