Animals
August 9, 2019

Pet Owners Turn Their Kitties’ Fluffy Fur into Tiny Hats for Cats

Most cat owners are probably familiar with the daily struggle of removing pet hair from clothes and furniture. While most discard it, Japanese photographer Ryo Yamazaki and his wife Hiromi see their cats’ shedded fur as the perfect material for their unusual craft—felted cat hats. From tiny berets to statement headpieces, Ryo and Hiromi craft a wide variety of feline fashion for their adorable three Scottish Folds; Nya, Maru, and Mugi.

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Travel
August 8, 2019

This Saharan Village Is Home to Thousands of Ancient Texts Preserved in Desert Libraries

Nestled in the Sahara, the medieval village of Chinguetti in Mauritania is an incredible jewel of Berber culture. Once an important outpost on trade and pilgrimage routes, the desert village contains wonderful examples of Berber Saharan architecture. It is also an important center of learning thanks to its desert libraries, which are filled with scientific and Qur'anic texts dating to the Middle Ages.

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Photography
August 7, 2019

Photographer Transforms 20-Year-Old Computer into Functioning Camera

Inspired by ideas of recycling and reusing, Iranian photographer Alireza Rostami created a very special camera. By combining old computer parts with the lens and back of a large-format camera, he was able to build a functional “Frankenstein” camera. This ingenious use of materials is part of Rostami's bigger message about living without waste and finding new meaning in old technology. The project started with Rostami's very first computer, which he purchased in 1999.

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Science
August 6, 2019

Research Shows the Incredible Way Trees Help Each Other Survive in the Forest

When you're walking through the forest and see a tree stump, you might think you're looking at a dead organism. But researchers have reason to believe there's more to tree stumps than meets the eye. In fact, thanks to the help of other trees in the forest, they may still be alive. Researchers in New Zealand have recently published a study on the phenomenon, which they call hydraulic coupling.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.