Nature

October 30, 2025

Storm Chasers Venture Into Hurricane Melissa and Capture Its Eerie Eye Wall on Video

The destructive Hurricane Melissa hit the Caribbean, dramatically affecting Jamaica and Cuba. News reports say the storm has ravaged towns, left millions without power, and killed dozens of people. The catastrophic nature of the storm was forecasted days before it touched down, prompting storm chasers to fly right into the hurricane when it took shape.

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September 1, 2025

Japanese Art of Shinrin-Yoku, or “Forest Bathing,” Is Beneficial for Us All

In the 1980s, Japan was facing a significant crisis in the workplace. Employees were experiencing record levels of burnout and stress, but luckily new studies suggested a possible—and timeless—solution. By 1982, the Forest Agency of Japan introduced the practice of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” arguing that phytoncides, a chemical released by trees and plants, could boost the immune system. Now, decades later, it’s a well-known fact that spending time in nature can help alleviate stress.

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May 26, 2025

Learn About the Japanese Technique of Relocating—Rather Than Cutting Down—Trees

Given their tremendous size, trees often seem stationary, with no chance of vanishing unless cut down. In Japan, a traditional technique proves otherwise, as long as patience and precision are both exercised. Roughly translated to “laying the groundwork,” the nemawashi approach reconsiders how we interact with trees, especially when we’re tasked with transporting them. The practice involves meticulously sifting through soil to locate a tree’s root system, which is then wrapped and bound by hand.

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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.