Author: OMN AI

Kate McLean-MacKenzie is on a mission to document how the world smells.The designer and researcher at the University of Kent is creating an atlas of global “smellscapes”. Her project began after noticing that images and sounds are easily shared, while smells are not.To fill that gap, she invites volunteers to take guided “smell walks” through cities. Participants record scents, their strength, duration, emotional impact, and personal associations.McLean-MacKenzie turns this data into visual maps and cultural narratives. Since 2011, she has mapped smells in 40 locations worldwide.These include Glasgow, Paris, Kyiv, Kolkata, and Amsterdam. The maps capture fleeting moments rather than…

The United States has carried out multiple airstrikes against Islamic State–linked militants in northwestern Nigeria, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s involvement in the country’s ongoing security crisis. US President Donald Trump announced the strikes on Thursday, describing them as “powerful and deadly” operations. In a post on social media, he said the militants targeted were responsible for brutal attacks on civilians, claiming they were “viciously targeting and killing, primarily, innocent Christians.” The US action comes as Nigeria’s military continues to struggle with widespread insecurity, fighting several armed groups across different regions while grappling with limited resources. A boost for…

Christmas is full of chances to explore science using everyday festive moments.Researchers say curiosity, not equipment, is all you need. Matthew Cobb from the University of Manchester suggests testing flavour by eating sweets while holding your nose.Most people taste only sweetness until smell is restored, showing flavour depends heavily on scent. Cracker jokes also offer science lessons.Sophie Scott of University College London says laughter is mainly social, not about joke quality.People laugh far more in groups than when alone. Festive meals can become anatomy lessons.Steve Brusatte at the University of Edinburgh recommends examining turkey bones to understand movement and flight.Sue…

Declan Rice was released by Chelsea at 14 and nearly overlooked again at West Ham United.Coaches questioned his coordination, but Rice embraced honest feedback and focused on improvement. At West Ham, his attitude and work ethic gradually set him apart.Managers saw reliability rather than stardom, initially viewing him as a future defender. Rice learned quickly, adapted tactically, and earned his Premier League debut.His leadership and consistency eventually made him West Ham captain. A £105m move to Arsenal brought scrutiny and expectation.Criticism of his goal output pushed him to expand his attacking game. Under Mikel Arteta, Rice evolved from a holding…

Recent research shows that Americans are experiencing positive cultural trends. Areas such as religion, community engagement, and shared societal values are growing. These trends highlight how people are coming together and strengthening social connections. Community engagement is a major focus. Many Americans participate in local projects, volunteer programs, and neighborhood activities. These initiatives foster trust and collaboration. People involved report feeling more connected to their communities and neighbors. Religion is also playing a role in positive trends. More Americans see faith as a source of guidance and support. Religious communities provide social ties, volunteer opportunities, and emotional assistance. This contributes…

European intelligence agencies say investigations into Russian interference now consume as much time and resources as counterterrorism, underscoring how cyber and sabotage threats have become a central security concern across the continent. That warning gained new urgency this week after a pro-Russian hacking group claimed responsibility for a cyberattack that disrupted France’s national postal service at the height of the Christmas rush. Postal Service Hit During Peak Holiday Period Pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16) said it carried out a cyberattack that knocked La Poste’s central computer systems offline on Monday, according to French prosecutors. The Paris prosecutor’s office said France’s domestic…

Researchers say parts of the Moon will be designated as spacecraft graveyards for defunct satellites.Lunar orbit is expected to become increasingly crowded as missions, bases, and satellite networks expand. Unlike Earth, the Moon has no atmosphere to safely burn up old spacecraft.As a result, many satellites will need to be deliberately crashed into the surface. Scientists warn uncontrolled impacts could damage historic sites and sensitive instruments.Designated impact zones would limit debris and protect areas of scientific importance. More than 400 lunar missions are planned, including projects led by NASA and the European Space Agency.Space agencies are now working on international…

Precious metals rank among the strongest-performing assets of the year, driven by heightened geopolitical risk, expectations of looser monetary policy and lingering concerns about global economic stability. Gold prices surged to record highs in 2025, climbing to as much as $4,481 (€3,797) per troy ounce in recent trading. That move represents an estimated 55–70% increase year on year and marks one of the most powerful annual rallies in decades. Silver, long viewed as gold’s quieter counterpart, outperformed in percentage terms, posting gains of roughly 130–140% and reaching record levels near $69 (€58) per ounce by late 2025. Safe Havens Return…

Recent global polling indicates that a growing share of Americans believe their country is heading in the right direction. Analysts say this marks an increase in public confidence compared with last year. The poll surveyed citizens across multiple regions, revealing that optimism is rising not only in the U.S. but also in other parts of the world. Experts suggest that domestic economic and political developments are influencing Americans’ positive outlook. Many respondents cited improvements in employment, economic growth, and government policy as reasons for their optimism. Analysts note that tangible progress in daily life often shapes public perceptions of national…

Plans to stage a Serie A match between AC Milan and Como in Australia have been cancelled.The game was due to be played in Perth and would have been the first major European league match held abroad. Serie A said the decision followed last-minute and unacceptable requests from the Asian Football Confederation.Those conditions created financial risks and logistical complications that made the match impossible. The fixture was moved because the San Siro is unavailable while hosting the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics ceremony.Italy’s football federation approved the relocation, and Uefa had reluctantly cleared the plan. Serie A viewed the match as a…