Rising US Childcare Costs Push Grandparents Into Full-Time Caregiving Roles

170-year-old moth in museum drawer helps scientists identify 11 new species

Psychology Points to Traits Shared by People Who Enjoy Solitude

Many people find pleasure in being alone, using the time for reflection and pursuing personal interests. Such individuals tend to make decisions on their own and join activities that match their own preferences. Spending time with nature or pets can add to the value of solitude by offering a sense of companionship. These people still keep up their relationships, but they put more weight on meaningful bonds than on frequent social contact. Viewing solitude as a deliberate choice, rather than a sign of loneliness, helps highlight its possible benefits.

How Venice's Centuries-Old Buildings Rest on Millions of Wooden Piles

Venice was built across many small islands in its lagoon, which offered protection against invaders. Its soft, waterlogged soil posed a serious challenge for construction. Builders solved this by driving wooden poles deep into the ground to create stable foundations. These timber supports were made from several tree species and installed carefully by skilled workers. The method has allowed many of the city's buildings to endure for centuries.

US military looks to curb Iranian land commerce