Author: OMN AI

Kate McLean-MacKenzie is on a mission to map how cities smell.The designer and researcher at the University of Kent says smell is the forgotten sense. While images and sounds are easily shared, smells are rarely recorded or communicated.That gap led her to create an atlas of urban “smellscapes”. Her work relies on guided “smell walks”, where participants record scents and their reactions.They note intensity, duration, emotions, and memories linked to each smell. McLean-MacKenzie then turns the data into visual maps and cultural narratives.She stresses the results are subjective and rooted in human experience. Since 2011, she has mapped more than…

The United States has carried out a series of airstrikes in northwestern Nigeria aimed at Islamic State–linked militants, intensifying international support for the country’s fight against extremist violence. President Donald Trump described the attacks as “powerful and deadly,” claiming they targeted militants responsible for brutal attacks on civilians, particularly Christians. Trump called the extremists “terrorist scum” and said the strikes were meant to halt their attacks on innocent people, highlighting the US commitment to assisting Nigeria in a conflict that has stretched the country’s security forces for years. Strengthening Nigeria’s Response to Militancy Nigeria’s military has long struggled to contain…

India’s rapid solar growth draws global praise. Yet beneath the success, a serious environmental threat is emerging. In just over a decade, India became the world’s third-largest solar power producer. Renewable energy now drives national climate goals. Solar panels cover vast parks and rooftop systems across cities, towns, and villages. Large utility-scale projects supply most solar electricity. Millions of rooftop systems also feed power into the grid. Government data show nearly 2.4 million households adopted solar under subsidy programmes. Solar growth reduced reliance on coal-fired power. Thermal and other non-renewables still supply over half of installed capacity. Solar now delivers…

Christmas offers easy chances to explore science without lab coats or specialist equipment.Simple experiments can turn festive moments into discoveries for friends and family. Professor Matthew Cobb from the University of Manchester suggests testing taste and smell.Hold your nose while eating a sweet and notice how flavour disappears.Release your nose and the flavour suddenly becomes clear. Neuroscientist Sophie Scott from University College London recommends testing laughter.Read cracker jokes alone, then read them to a group.People laugh far more often when others are present. Festive meals also offer lessons in anatomy.Palaeontologist Steve Brusatte from the University of Edinburgh advises examining turkey…

Declan Rice was released by Chelsea at 14 and rebuilt his career at West Ham United.Coaches there gave him what they called “clean feedback”, honest criticism without compromise. Rice responded by working harder rather than pushing back.Even at 16, his future was uncertain and a scholarship was debated. He accepted setbacks, learned quickly, and impressed with attitude and determination.Former staff admit they never predicted his rise to elite midfielder status. Rice made his debut under Slaven Bilić, initially seen as a reliable defender.His game later evolved into a dominant midfield role. A £105m move to Arsenal brought pressure and scrutiny.Criticism…

BP has completed a six billion dollar deal. The company sells a majority stake in its Castrol motor oil division. US investment firm Stonepeak acquires the holding. The buyer operates from New York. BP transfers 65 percent of Castrol. The brand produces lubricants for cars, motorcycles, and industrial vehicles. The deal values Castrol at 10.1 billion dollars. BP receives six billion dollars in cash. Management plans to reduce debt and strengthen its core operations. BP retains a 35 percent stake in Castrol. The group first gained control of the brand in 2000. Executives called the sale a strategic milestone. BP…

Across the United States, local projects are helping people reconnect with one another. In many towns and cities, small groups are creating simple ways for neighbors to meet, talk, and spend time together. These efforts are helping reduce loneliness and strengthen community life. Social isolation has become a growing concern in recent years. Many people live close to others but still feel alone. Long work hours, online habits, and busy schedules often limit face-to-face contact. Health experts warn that loneliness can harm both mental and physical health. It can raise stress levels and lower overall well-being. In response, local projects…

European intelligence agencies now spend as much time investigating suspected Russian interference as they do counterterrorism, highlighting how cyberattacks and sabotage have become a central security concern. The warning comes amid a wave of disruptions affecting critical French infrastructure, including the national postal service. Postal Service Targeted During Christmas Rush French prosecutors said Wednesday that the pro-Russian hacking group Noname057(16) claimed responsibility for a cyberattack that knocked La Poste offline during the peak Christmas period. Following the claim, the domestic intelligence agency DGSI assumed control of the investigation, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office. The attack began Monday as a…

The US economy picked up strong momentum in the three months to September as consumer spending rose and exports rebounded. Economic output expanded at an annual rate of 4.3%, well above expectations. Growth increased from 3.8% in the previous quarter, marking the fastest pace in two years. The report followed delays caused by a federal government shutdown. It showed an economy shaped by shifting trade policies, immigration changes, persistent inflation, and reduced public spending. These factors triggered sharp swings in trade activity. Despite the volatility, overall momentum remained strong and surpassed many forecasts. Economic resilience surprises experts Aditya Bhave, senior…

Researchers say parts of the Moon will be set aside as graveyards for defunct lunar satellites.The number of Moon missions is expected to rise sharply over the next 20 years. With no atmosphere to burn up debris, old satellites must be deliberately crash-landed.Uncontrolled impacts could damage scientific instruments and historic landing sites. Experts propose designated impact zones or deep craters to contain debris and dust.Dr Fionagh Thomson of University of Durham said planning is needed before traffic increases. More than 400 missions are planned, including projects led by NASA and the European Space Agency.International groups, including the UK Space Agency,…