The Megastructure Built for Eternity and Still Standing 1,700 Years Later
Fundacion Rapala – Jetavanaramaya doesn’t behave like a ruin. On a full moon day in Anuradhapura, pilgrims in white walk barefoot along dusty paths. At dawn, saffron-robed monks chant as incense drifts through the air. Meanwhile, visitors from Taiwan, Canada, and beyond join rituals that have continued for more than 2,000 years. Because of that
Rafah Reopens: A Fragile Gateway Between Gaza and Egypt After Nearly Two Years
Fundacion Rapala – After nearly two years of closure, the Rafah border crossing partially reopened on Monday, marking a rare moment of movement for Gaza’s isolated population. According to Israeli security officials, the reopening allows a limited number of Palestinians to exit and enter the enclave for the first time since Israel closed the crossing
Inside Trump’s ‘Crazy World’ of Milk Bottles, Sled Dogs, and Threats to Bomb Iran
Fundacion Rapala – Donald Trump’s leadership is marked by unpredictability. His decisions often spark confusion, as he governs more by instinct than by strategy. While his supporters see his erratic style as a strength, it raises questions about the stability of U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s approach has shaken both allies and adversaries. His unpredictable moves
Walking Into Angola’s Past: Inside the Slavery Museum That Honors Pain, Memory, and Resistance
Fundacion Rapala – On the edge of Luanda, a small white house tells a huge story. This building, now the National Angola’s Museum of Slavery, once belonged to Álvaro de Carvalho Matoso, a powerful Portuguese slave trader. Many visitors come here to understand how deeply the Atlantic slave trade shaped Angola and the world. Between
Rare Cannibal Jellyfish Invades Texas Beaches, Visitors Issued Warnings
Fundacion Rapala – Texas beaches have recently reported an unusual surge of jellyfish sightings, specifically the rare “pink meanie.” This species, known for its painful sting, can grow up to 22 kilograms with tentacles stretching as long as 21 meters. The phenomenon has drawn attention from marine scientists and beachgoers alike, raising concerns about safety
Giant but Boneless: Whale Sharks Have No Hard Bones Like Humans
Fundacion Rapala – With a length that can reach up to 18 meters, the whale shark holds the title as the largest living fish in today’s oceans. However, did you know that despite its massive body, the whale shark does not have a single hard bone? Interestingly, this unique fact doesn’t apply only to whale sharks—it’s
Exploring Reef Resilience Through the Science of Coral Adaptation
Fundacion Rapala – Coral reefs are among the most breathtaking and valuable ecosystems on Earth. They harbor a quarter of all marine life and sustain over a billion people by providing food, income, and protection from coastal erosion. But these colorful underwater cities are under siege. Climate change, overfishing, and pollution are pushing them to their
Genetic Barcoding: How DNA Helps Protect Fish Species
Fundacion Rapala – Genetic Barcoding is a revolutionary technique that uses a short DNA sequence to identify different species, similar to how a product barcode works. It relies on a standardized region of mitochondrial DNA—often the COI gene—which varies between species but remains consistent within one. This allows scientists to match DNA samples to a global database
The Role of Marine Protected Areas in Restoring Depleted Fish Populations
Fundacion Rapala – Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are vital tools in the global effort to restore degraded marine ecosystems and reverse fish population declines. With oceans facing unprecedented stress from overfishing, climate change, and pollution, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) offer a beacon of hope. When properly designed and managed, they not only protect biodiversity but also serve
Innovative Catch‑and‑Release Tools: Reducing Mortality through Design
Fundacion Rapala – Catch‑and‑Release fishing is often promoted as a sustainable practice, especially among conservation-focused anglers. However, improper tools and techniques can still cause significant stress and even death to the fish. Thankfully, modern innovations in catch-and-release gear have introduced new ways to improve fish survival rates while preserving the thrill of the sport. Barbless Hooks: A