ScienceThe good news
Before Venus, DAVINCI passes the furnace test
A DAVINCI model survived six heating cycles up to 465 °C on Earth, preparing for a future descent into Venus’s atmosphere.
From the archive: the edition of , with the original dates and sources for every story. Read the latest edition.
Edition of 25 September 2026
N° 018 8 stories to take with you
Perspectives.
Moving forward.
SocietyThe good news
Beinasco celebrates a school already full of small beginnings
The new Rita Levi Montalcini early-years centre invites the town to a celebration on 25 September. Children began attending on the 14th.
CultureThe good news
In the Philippines, rice terraces can help explain geometry
Ten ideas connect schools and communities. Classroom testing still needs to assess their usefulness.
EnvironmentThe bright side
In Mongolia, three cities plan for water and greener spaces
Local agreements start a new phase of a multi-year programme connecting water, nature and urban services.
Archive · Chongkian · CC BY-SA 4.0
SocietyThe good news
A garden joins everyday support in Crusinallo
Centro DO inaugurated its new outdoor space on 23 September. It adds to provision for disabled people and activities for older people.
A little more to discover.
Design · Philosophy · Plants · Curiosities · Words · Food · Cultures & peoples. Ideas worth a closer look.
01Design
Paul Rand: a small mark can do a big job
A mark needs to be recognisable. Paul Rand helps us explore simple shapes, visual play and the value of testing ideas.
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Diogenes: do I need it, or do I want to impress?
The Cynic philosopher tested everyday conventions. We can explore his question while keeping legendary stories separate from instructions for living.
Read the full story03Plants
The coast redwood: even a giant needs its landscape
Its height is striking, but the useful discovery is the relationship between a tree, moisture and the forest around it.
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A rainbow is a circle: we usually see only part of it
Sunlight, droplets and our viewing position produce the arc. The ground often hides the rest of this surprising optical phenomenon.
Read the full story05Words
Desiderio: check the word before reaching for the stars
Its Latin origin is documented. Telling the story well means separating the word’s history from the poetic images it suggests.
Read the full story06Food
Grainy honey: its sugar is changing arrangement
A jar can thicken without being spoiled. Crystallisation lets us observe an everyday physical change through a familiar kitchen ingredient.
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Día de Muertos: an offering can hold a story
Objects and foods on an ofrenda recall particular people. Mexican sources help us understand the meanings beyond the decoration.
Read the full storyOriginal illustrations made with AI assistance. Facts and sources stay in plain sight.
That is quite a lot of good for one day.
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