Society

The Kermode bear lives in a temperate rainforest on the Pacific coast of British Columbia and is a litmus test for the future of the entire ecosystem. Kamila Kielar

From glass balls to ancient skulls, the transparent variety of the mineral quartz was for centuries believed to be imbued with mystical powers. Tomasz Wichrowski

For those that enjoy a good relationship, the bond between grandparent and grandchild can change the way that they experience the passage of time. Wojciech Bonowicz

Some animals grow old, slowly deteriorating physically and mentally, whereas others can seemingly regenerate their bodies time and time again. Adam Zbyryt

White Tara is a mother deity who represents love and compassion—and can grant believers health and longevity. Aleksandra Woźniak-Marchewka

White is a reflection of all the colors of the rainbow. This is probably why it is so difficult to find it in a perfect, unblemished form. Szymon Drobniak

Some unsolved mysteries—especially those made from flour, sugar, butter, and eggs—can end up being remarkably delicious. Matthew Coachinger

Nobel Prize laureates Esther Duflo and Abhijit V. Banarjee suggest that in order to address pressing world issues such as poverty, scholars must steer clear of generalization. Paulina Wilk

On the existential despair of a supercomputer, which is forced to play tournaments again and again—and never lose. Matthew Coachinger

The Syrian capital—built as a social network of streets and souks—was torn apart by the civil war. Yet slowly, the city is opening up once again. Paulina Wilk

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Germany addressing its colonial legacy, a sand battery in Finland—2022 was full of shocks and surprises. Przekrój 

Krzysztof Karauda—a trainee Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) trainer—explains how the body uses movement to release tension after stressful experiences. Maria Hawranek

On this day in 1863, a certain French author published his first novel, about three Brits taking a balloon trip over Africa. Jules Verne’s debut was a hit, and guaranteed his legacy. Adam Węgłowski

Our eternally pessimistic correspondent gives his historical highlights for the month of January. Adam Węgłowski

The capital of West Bengal is a young city that appears unable to escape the memory of a more prosperous past. Yet slowly but surely, Kolkata is changing. Paulina Wilk

In Western culture, touch is often relegated to the lowest tier—in spite of the important role it plays in all areas of human life and existence. Maciej Topolski

The Hindu spiritual teachers of the subcontinent play an important role in everyday life, acting as exemplary guides. Yet they are not without their controversies. Maciej Wesołowski