Latest Stories from Sofia
Nature has officially become a musician
As part of a new campaign, nature has been recognised as an artist on major streaming platforms, including Spotify. Royalties will go towards supporting climate action initiatives across the globe. Temperatures are rising, habitats are diminishing, and glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate. As the climate changes, the Earth’s suffering continues to reach new heights, and the reality that we’re running out of time to do something about it becomes...
Is cloud seeding to blame for the Dubai floods?
Last week, approximately 25cm of rain – roughly twice the UAE’s yearly average – fell in a single day, leaving much of the city’s outdoor infrastructure under water. This has sparked a debate about weather modification. In parts of the Northern Hemisphere, April is known as the month of showers. This is due to the spring shift in weather patterns and is great for plant growth,
Science confirms touch alleviates anxiety amid spiking levels globally
As the world grapples with a mental health crisis post-pandemic and in light of findings that record numbers of people are now suffering from anxiety, scientists have been looking for new ways to treat the condition. According to a recent study, hugs are one such solution. The world is grappling with a mental health crisis. In Europe, antidepressant consumption has more than doubled in the...
What are ‘adult gap years’ and why are they on the rise?
Most commonly a pre-uni rite of passage for teens and people in their early 20s, putting everything on hold to travel the world is fast becoming a trend among older generations looking for a break from the relentless nature of life as a grown up. Typically associated with the brink of adulthood, a gap year is a period of development for those with the time and resources to travel, volunteer,...
Research reveals that higher IQ scores correlate with left-wing beliefs
A new paper has found a link between ‘being genetically predisposed to be smarter’ and being more liberal, suggesting that our political views may not solely be a product of our environment or upbringing, but could also be influenced by the genetic variations that affect our intelligence. According to a recent study, people with higher IQ scores are more likely to hold liberal views, which suggests that...
New study suggests that pregnancy can make you age faster
According to recent research, women who have been pregnant before are more likely to exhibit signs of accelerated biological ageing compared to women who have never been pregnant. While it may feel like common knowledge that pregnancy ages you, a new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has confirmed that growing a human being from scratch can make your body between two to 14...
Why young people are turning their backs on busyness
These days, without the promise of a home, a salary, and a future on a healthy planet, it makes sense that Gen Zers are quitting the rat race. Exhausted, overwhelmed, and on the brink of total collapse, the concept of ‘soft living’ has never seemed more appealing. Ever since the end of pandemic, there’s been a brewing backlash against hustle culture. Triggered by Molly-Mae’s controversial ‘we...
Is it time to reconsider how we feel about seagulls?
From overfishing to biodiversity loss, the seagull population is dwindling. Scientists are urging us to live alongside them, rather than shunning them as pests. If you live in the UK, it’s likely you’ve had at least one altercation with a seagull. Members of a larger family of seabirds, they’re most commonly found at the beach, where it’s unspoken knowledge to keep your chips covered. Notorious for stealing food, the seagull’s tendency...
NHS doctor facing backlash online following Easter egg health warning
As many of us don’t realise that just one of the chocolate treats contains about three-quarters of an adult’s recommended daily calorie intake, Dr Andrew Kelso is urging people not to eat the whole thing in a single sitting. Social media users are voicing their refusal to take his suggestions on board this weekend. It’s that time of year again. When, whether or not you’re religious, Spring’s arrival brings with...
The secondhand clothing market is exploding
As the cost-of-living crisis and concerns over sustainability drives consumers towards pre-owned garments, sales are on track to reach $350bn in 2028, according to ThredUp’s most recent report. Thrifting, repurposing, the trading of deadstock – you name it. They all come under the umbrella of resale fashion. Long before it became chic, rummaging through vintage markets was the best way to find original, often designer clothing without the hefty price tags. It’s...