#Conservation

For many travelers, the iconic African safari conjures images of thundering wildebeest, golden savannas, and up-close encounters with elephants and lions. Over the years, the high season—those dry, chilly months from June through October—has become synonymous with classic safari experiences. However, recent insights from a leading travel advisor specializing in African adventures suggest that the best time for an unforgettable safari might be during the lesser-known “secret seasons,” offering both spectacular sights and significant cost savings (Travel + Leisure).

A dazzling 1,600-year-old Byzantine mosaic—hailed as one of the most beautiful found in Israel—was recently unveiled for public viewing in the Western Negev Desert, marking an extraordinary revival of ancient heritage for scholars and travelers alike. This remarkable work of early Christian art, known as the Be’er Shema (Birsama) mosaic, traces its origins back to 324–638 CE and now takes pride of place at the Merhavim Regional Council headquarters after decades of meticulous conservation efforts (ArchaeologyMag.com).

Archaeologists in Egypt have revealed the discovery of three ancient tombs in Luxor, believed to belong to distinguished statesmen from the New Kingdom era (1550–1070 BCE), a period acclaimed for its monumental architecture and flourishing Egyptian civilization. Announced by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, these findings shed striking new light on both the social hierarchy and religious customs of the time, offering the world a glimpse into the lives of ancient Egypt’s upper echelons.

In a major breakthrough that reshapes our scientific understanding of animal intelligence, a series of studies published in Science in early 2025 confirm that advanced intelligence on Earth evolved independently at least twice—once in mammals and once in birds. This finding, as reported by Quanta Magazine and summarized in Wired (wired.com), challenges longstanding assumptions about the origins of cognition in vertebrates and could hold profound implications for neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and the global search for intelligent life.

For generations, the vine known across Thailand as โคคลาน or “Koh Khlan” has been a wellspring of traditional healing. Behind this name are other local monikers—มะกายเครือ, มะปอบเครือ, กระเปี้ยะ, โพคาน, แนวน้ำ, เยี่ยวแมว, เยี่ยวแมวเถา—reflecting its widespread recognition in rural and forested communities from the northern hills to the heart of Isan. Scientifically catalogued as Mallotus repandus (Willd.) Müll. Arg., this robust member of the Euphorbiaceae family is best known in Thai traditional medicine for alleviating muscle, bone, and joint pains, often earning its place in time-honoured herbal mixtures for ailments that sap vitality and disrupt daily life.

In Thailand’s forests and herbal markets, the mystical power of krissana—internationally known as Aquilaria crassna—has echoed through centuries of folk healing, spiritual ritual, and cultural lore. Often identified by its evocative aroma and precious resin, this revered wood transcends mere material value, becoming a symbol of spiritual potency, healing, and Thai identity. But, in a modern era where evidence-based medicine prevails, krissana now faces the scrutiny of laboratories and clinical research, challenging ancient beliefs with the lens of science. What emerges is a poignant story at the crossroads of tradition and discovery: a fragrant journey of ancient healing, contemporary pharmacology, and rediscovered wisdom.