Do you taste words or hear colours? Here's the neuroscience behind it

Synaesthesia is a fascinating neurological trait affecting 1 to 4 percent of people, where one sense triggers another—such as tasting words or seeing colors when hearing music. Synaesthetes experience spontaneous, consistent sensory blends they can't control: someone might always see the letter "A" as red, for instance. Scientists propose two theories: synaesthetes may have extra neural connections that weren't pruned during development, or they might have typical brain structures with stronger, more active pathways. Far from being a disorder, synaesthesia is simply a different way of perceiving the world. Many people don't even realize they have it, as these vivid cross-sensory experiences feel entirely natural to them.

Defying conflict to track the world’s rarest chimpanzees

In Nigeria's Gashaka Gumti National Park, dedicated local researchers are reviving efforts to study the world's rarest chimpanzee subspecies after years of forced absence. When conflict drove international scientists away in 2018, a few field assistants like Maigari stayed behind, driven by deep ties to the land and the animals. A 2018 co-management agreement brought new security, with over 180 rangers now protecting the forest. Using helicopters and camera traps, researchers are surveying the vast park and discovering previously unknown chimpanzee groups. With only 3,500 to 9,000 Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees remaining, Gashaka may harbor one of their most vital populations, offering renewed hope for conservation.

Artemis II astronaut records reunion with pet dog after Moon trip; WATCH

Astronauta da Artemis II grava reencontro com cão de estimação depois de viagem à Lua; VEJA

After returning from a ten-day mission aboard Artemis II, astronaut Christina Koch shared a heartwarming video of her reunion with her dog, Sadie. The footage shows Sadie's exuberant greeting—jumping, tail wagging, and unbridled excitement—as Koch enters their home. In her post, Koch reflected that she might have been the happier one in the reunion, noting how Sadie has taught her about emotional support. The moment resonates beyond typical pet reunions, highlighting the psychological demands astronauts face during space missions, where isolation and intense pressure make emotional grounding especially valuable.

Colombia’s main river redraws the map of little-known night monkeys

A childhood encounter with glowing red eyes in the Colombian forest sparked Sebastián Montilla's lifelong fascination with night monkeys—the Americas' only nocturnal primates. His recent genetic research suggests that Colombia's Magdalena River, rather than the Andean mountains, separates two nearly identical species of these elusive creatures. Night monkeys have evolved enormous eyes to navigate darkness and form rare monogamous pairs, yet they've remained largely unstudied due to the challenges of nocturnal fieldwork. Montilla's findings could reshape conservation strategies for Colombia's five night monkey species, which face threats from habitat loss and the pet trade. These cryptic species look identical across their range from Panama to Argentina, making genetic evidence crucial for understanding their diversity.

French Guiana: the awara, star of the seed season and Easter celebrations

Guyane : l'awara, vedette de la saison des graines et des fêtes de Pâques

In French Guiana, the awara fruit takes center stage during the "season of seeds" around Easter. This rich, sweet fruit with an unmistakable flavor forms the basis of a special traditional dish enjoyed during the holiday period. So valued is the awara that it has become the subject of university research exploring its numerous health benefits. The fruit represents an important element of Guyanese culinary culture, connecting seasonal rhythms with festive traditions. Its prominence during Easter celebrations highlights how food serves as a bridge between nature's cycles and community gatherings in this South American territory.

Backyard astronomer who helped to discover 100 distant planets awarded medal

From a backyard observatory in regional Victoria, Chris Stockdale has helped confirm up to 100 exoplanets by detecting tiny dips in starlight as distant planets pass in front of their stars. His childhood fascination with the Apollo program and comets evolved into a lifelong passion, leading him to collaborate with global science teams, including NASA-linked missions. Using a fully automated telescope system, Stockdale captures precise data that verifies planet candidates identified by space surveys—work that can take hours of painstaking analysis. The Astronomical Society of Australia recently honored his contributions with the 2026 Berenice and Arthur Page Medal, recognizing the vital role amateur astronomers play in modern space science.

Country diary 1976: A place where change has lain lightly

A 1976 diary entry from England's Lake District captures an April morning in St John's Vale, where daffodils shiver in cold air and sunlight illuminates bracken beneath Helvellyn's crags. The timeless landscape holds farms nestled beneath fells, curlews calling over sodden fields swollen with floodwater. Among ewes gathered for lambing, one independent sheep has delivered her lamb alone on a distant hillside shelf. A farm worker arrives with his tractor to bring the damp newborn and its mother back to safety, concerned the lamb might tumble into the stream. The scene reflects a place where traditional farming rhythms continue largely unchanged, human care meeting animal instinct in the fells.

Can AI replace a priest? Japan’s temples and shrines are testing the limits.

A Buddhist monk in Japan is experimenting with AI to manage temple schedules and communications, even as he questions whether technology can replace human presence in spiritual care. His temple has embraced innovation before—offering online meditation and tree burials—to survive amid declining membership. While the Vatican has issued formal guidance on AI, Japan's religious institutions show no unified response, reflecting how spirituality here is often woven into daily customs rather than strict doctrine. The monk demonstrates the tension by holding a visitor's hand: some moments of comfort and connection, he believes, require a human touch that machines may never replicate.

Nigerian artisans preserve handwoven fabric amid rising global demand

In Iseyin, a town in southwestern Nigeria, artisans continue the centuries-old tradition of handweaving aso-oke, a vibrant fabric integral to Yoruba culture. Despite surging global demand—amplified by Nigeria's diaspora and international fashion recognition—weavers deliberately resist mechanization, insisting that handcrafting preserves the fabric's authentic character. The craft has become an economic anchor, drawing young people, including university graduates and former nightclub singers, who learn the intricate process of threading wooden looms. Once made solely from cotton or silk, modern aso-oke often incorporates imported Chinese threads in diverse colors. The fabric now appears everywhere from traditional ceremonies to high-profile events, embodying both cultural heritage and contemporary style.

Volunteer clowns have brought humor to Belém hospitals for 20 years and help in patient care

Palhaços voluntários levam humor a hospitais de Belém há 20 anos e ajudam no cuidado de pacientes

For two decades, a volunteer group in Belém, Brazil has brought laughter to hospital patients through the art of clowning. Projeto Sorria brings together around 50 volunteers who visit public and private hospitals, using humor, music, and playful interactions to lift spirits. The volunteers undergo annual training in clown techniques and hospital humanization practices, learning how to engage sensitively with patients in different medical contexts. Healthcare professionals recognize the therapeutic value, noting that affecting a patient's mood directly impacts their well-being. The project reaches not just patients, but also their companions and medical staff, creating moments of joy in environments typically associated with illness and recovery.

Dog reunites with guardians at spay-neuter event after 4 months missing in SC: 'We had already lost hope'

Cão reencontra tutores em mutirão de castração após 4 meses desaparecido em SC: 'Já tinha perdido as esperanças'

A dog named Pipoca had been missing for four months when his guardians spotted him by chance at a spay-and-neuter event in São José, Brazil. The moment they called his name, he came running. During his time away, municipal workers had cared for him at the park, building him a shelter and naming him Pitoco. The dog, who had previously been abandoned and rescued, now goes by Pitoca—a blend of both names honoring his journey. While the workers felt bittersweet saying goodbye, they found joy in reuniting him with his family, who had nearly lost hope of ever seeing him again.

'It's a special thing to be on Planet Earth': Nasa's Artemis crew welcomed home

NASA's Artemis crew has returned to Earth following their lunar mission, marking a significant milestone in the agency's program to return humans to the Moon. The astronauts were greeted with celebration upon their homecoming, with crew members reflecting on the profound experience of viewing Earth from space. Their journey represents a step forward in NASA's broader goals of establishing a sustained presence on the Moon and eventually reaching Mars. The mission highlights both the technical achievement of modern spaceflight and the deeply human experience of space exploration.

Artemis II crew speak out at welcome home event: ‘Earth was this lifeboat hanging in the universe’

The four Artemis II astronauts received an emotional welcome home in Houston after completing humanity's first lunar journey in over 50 years. The crew traveled a record-breaking 252,756 miles from Earth during their nearly 10-day mission, surpassing Apollo 13's distance record and capturing unprecedented views of the moon's far side. Commander Reid Wiseman and his crewmates—Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canada's Jeremy Hansen—reflected on the profound experience of seeing Earth as a fragile "lifeboat hanging in the universe." Their successful mission marks a pivotal milestone for NASA's Artemis program, paving the way for future lunar landings planned for 2028.

Three jaguarundi kittens born at veterinary hospital in Uberaba; see the video

Três filhotes de gato-mourisco nascem no Hospital Veterinário de Uberaba; veja o vídeo

A female jaguarundi, an endangered wild cat species, gave birth to three healthy kittens at a veterinary hospital in Uberaba, Brazil, after being rescued from a roadside in early April. The mother was found injured near a highway, though examinations revealed no fractures. Veterinarians discovered she was in late-stage pregnancy during her evaluation. Now under careful monitoring, the feline family remains in isolation while the mother recovers. Experts emphasize the case highlights growing concerns about how roads and human activity affect Brazilian wildlife. Once stable, the cats will be transferred to a rehabilitation center for assessment before a possible return to their natural habitat.

VIDEO: 'Little cowgirl' fulfills dream of being picked up from school by pet bull in rural São Paulo

VÍDEO: 'Boiadeirinha' realiza sonho ao ser buscada na escola por touro de estimação no interior de SP

Eight-year-old Isabelly from Ibaté, Brazil, experienced a dream come true when her parents arranged for her pet bull, Tizil, to pick her up from school. The girl and the bull have shared an extraordinary bond since before she was born—her father bought Tizil as a calf just months before Isabelly's mother discovered she was pregnant. The family describes their connection as remarkable and almost unbelievable. Though Isabelly had long wished to bring her unusual pet to school, it seemed impossible until her father coordinated the surprise visit. Classmates and parents were amazed to see the gentle giant waiting at the school gates, though the family assures everyone that despite his size, Tizil is exceptionally docile and trustworthy.

Asha Bhosle: The sound of Bollywood dies aged 92

Asha Bhosle, the legendary Bollywood playback singer whose distinctive voice defined Indian cinema for eight decades, has died at 92 in Mumbai following a heart attack. With more than 12,000 songs to her name, Bhosle brought bold, dynamic energy to everything from romantic ballads to upbeat numbers, becoming a cultural icon whose music touched generations worldwide. Her groundbreaking partnership with composer RD Burman, whom she married, revolutionized Bollywood's soundscape. Tributes poured in from across India, with Prime Minister Modi praising her "extraordinary musical journey." From classics like "Dum Maro Dum" to international collaborations with artists like Boy George, Bhosle carved a unique path distinct from her sister Lata Mangeshkar, leaving an indelible mark on music history.

Knowledge as Critical Digital Infrastructure: A Call to Action for a Resilient Future

The Open Knowledge Foundation and Wikimedia Foundation are collaborating on an initiative to recognize knowledge systems as critical digital infrastructure — as essential as water or electricity. The partners argue that political crises, climate change, and the expansion of AI are creating urgent challenges: cultural assets are being lost without documentation, and underrepresented languages and regions risk becoming invisible in AI training datasets. A working session in Brasília brought together government and civil society representatives to explore how "open knowledge by default" policies could protect institutional memory, ensure equitable access, and give communities sovereign control over their cultural heritage in the digital age.

At Ueno Station, ‘Freedom’ restored

A postwar mural at Tokyo's Ueno Station has captured renewed attention after a restoration sign sparked millions of online views. Created in 1951 by artist Genichiro Inokuma, the nearly 27-meter painting titled "Freedom" has watched over travelers for more than seven decades. The work was commissioned to brighten the station's atmosphere during a difficult period when Ueno served as a hub for returning soldiers and war-displaced people. Installed above the Central Gate—known as the "Doorway to the North"—the mural represents a gesture of hope for a nation rebuilding itself. It remains one of the few Inokuma murals still in its original location.

Love story: 'It's not my kidney now, it's yours. I'm just holding it for you'

Brothers Sajarn and Codey Stow, who share Aboriginal cultural heritage from north Queensland, have always been close despite their ten-year age gap. When Codey was diagnosed with degenerative kidney disease and his kidney function declined, Sajarn immediately volunteered as a donor. The transplant journey brought the family closer together and gave Codey renewed energy and freedom. For Codey, the gift represents far more than an organ—it's a second chance at life from someone who has been brother, friend, and father figure. Their story reflects the depth of familial love and the profound impact of living organ donation on both recipient and donor.

Astronauts returned to Earth 'happy and healthy' after Moon mission: 'Most special thing I've been through'

Astronautas voltaram à Terra 'felizes e saudáveis' após missão à Lua: 'Coisa mais especial que passei'

The Artemis 2 crew has returned safely to Earth after a historic nine-day journey around the Moon, traveling farther from Earth than any crewed mission before. Commander Reid Wiseman, Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego following a dramatic reentry that subjected their heat shield to temperatures half as hot as the Sun's surface. All four astronauts are reported as "happy and healthy" after medical evaluations aboard a Navy recovery ship. The successful mission paves the way for Artemis 3, which aims to land humans on the lunar surface and eventually establish a permanent Moon base.

'This was not easy': Artemis II crew's first comments

The four Artemis II astronauts received a warm welcome at NASA's Houston facility after completing humanity's first crewed journey toward the Moon in over 50 years. Commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen traveled more than 405,000 kilometers from Earth, breaking Apollo 13's distance record set 56 years ago. The crew described their mission as transformative and emotional, with Koch reflecting on Earth appearing as a solitary lifeboat in the vast darkness of space. Their successful return, enduring re-entry speeds of 40,000 kilometers per hour, paves the way for future Artemis missions—though NASA acknowledges the need to fix a malfunctioning space toilet before longer voyages.

The 90-day swim that united New Zealand behind ocean conservation

Marathon swimmer Jono Ridler completed the longest unassisted staged swim in history, covering 1,367 kilometers over 90 days along New Zealand's North Island coast. Thousands gathered in Wellington to celebrate his arrival, captivated not just by the athletic feat but by his mission: advocating against bottom trawling, a destructive fishing practice that damages ocean habitats. The swim highlighted a striking imbalance—while New Zealand controls the world's fourth-largest maritime zone, only 0.4 percent is protected, compared to 30 percent of its land. Ridler's journey united the nation around ocean conservation, blending personal passion with urgent environmental purpose.

The doomsday seed collectors fighting to save Wales' native species

Two conservationists in Wales are racing to preserve the country's botanical heritage by collecting and freezing wild plant seeds. Ellyn Baker and Kevin McGinn maintain a genetic library at the National Botanical Gardens, storing native species in case of environmental disaster. Wales hosts about 60 endemic plant species found nowhere else on Earth, with one-sixth of all Welsh plants threatened with extinction. The seed bank has already proven its worth, restoring Shore Dock after a landslide wiped out one population. Beyond catastrophe preparation, the work addresses "plant blindness"—society's tendency to overlook plants' vital roles in supporting pollinators, crop resilience, and ecosystem health. With only 11% of Wales' 15,000 species currently banked and climate change accelerating, the duo faces a challenging race against time.

Sea turtle nesting recorded with thermal sensor and AI in unprecedented project on Paraíba coast; understand how

Desova de tartaruga é registrada com sensor térmico e IA em projeto inédito no litoral da Paraíba; entenda

Researchers in Brazil have captured the first thermal signature of a sea turtle nesting using drone-mounted sensors and artificial intelligence. The innovative project, led by Federal University of Paraíba and Associação Guajiru, detects the heat difference between the turtle's body and beach sand, creating an "invisible image" that helps locate nests even at night. Flying at a safe 40-meter height, the drone feeds data to AI software that recognizes patterns in real time. This gentle monitoring approach avoids disturbing the sensitive turtles, which can abandon nesting if they sense light or movement. The technology may significantly improve protection efforts for these threatened marine creatures along Paraíba's coastline.

Doug Allan, wildlife cameraman who filmed animals in extreme environments

Doug Allan, a Scottish wildlife cameraman, spent decades capturing intimate footage of animals in some of Earth's harshest environments. Starting as a marine biologist and diver, he shifted to filmmaking after meeting David Attenborough in Antarctica in the early 1980s. His work on landmark BBC series like The Blue Planet and Frozen Planet brought remote polar and underwater ecosystems to global audiences through patient observation and remarkable proximity to wildlife. Allan's approach combined scientific training with fieldcraft, often spending weeks in extreme cold or darkness waiting for fleeting moments. He died on April 8th at age 74, leaving behind a legacy of footage that balanced intimacy with respect for the natural world.