Real "flotsam and jetsam" is always exciting; what the sea washes up is diverse. And our water-related topics are just as varied here.
Enjoy reading and "collecting flotsam"...
Stress reduction, relaxation, strengthening of the immune system and better sleep - experience special moments while “forest bathing” and lower high blood pressure and sugar levels at the same time. The forest provides so much good. Now there are new training courses for a forest bathing companion who useful tips and interesting facts, for example to turn stress-stricken people into into enthusiastic forest walkers. Christine Hack from the Naturheilverein Echazaue Wannweil e.V. offers such training courses in southern Germany. Over three weekends, you will learn how to accompany people into the forest as a place of well-being. The training is recognized by the German Naturopathic Association.
Here you can find more information about the courses in the spring, summer and fall forest: www.naturheilverein-wannweil.de. The courses are offered regularly, so check the website of the Naturheilverein from time to time.
Imagine a green forest underwater, teeming with fish, crabs and starfish, while elegant seaweed leaves sway gently in the ocean currents. Kelp forests are not only an aesthetic wonder, they are also essential for life in our oceans. They provide shelter and food for countless species, support biodiversity and help to protect the coasts from erosion. Kelp forests are true climate protectors under water: they bind large amounts of carbon and thus make an important contribution to the fight against global warming. Their role as the ‘blue lungs’ of the oceans makes them an indispensable part of our global ecosystem.
The rough waters off the Scottish coast are home to this hidden treasure, which is both fascinating and valuable. The kelp forests here consist of towering brown algae such as Laminaria hyperborea and Saccharina latissima. Kelp algae are rich in bioactive compounds such as alginates, fucoidans, laminarin, minerals and vitamins. These components make kelp very attractive for industrial and cosmetic applications, as they are good for the skin and hair. Kelp extracts store water like a sponge and thus ensure optimum moisturisation of the skin. Thanks to their antioxidant properties, they protect against free radicals and give the skin a smooth, radiant appearance. The anti-inflammatory active ingredients make kelp algae ideal for sensitive or irritated skin and kelp supports the detoxification of the skin and makes it appear fresh and clear. Sounds great at first!
These natural ingredients are being used in more and more cosmetic products - from moisturising creams to regenerating hair masks. Kelp products are not only effective, but also sustainable: the algae are harvested from Scottish waters in an environmentally friendly way in order to preserve the sensitive underwater ecosystems.
Sebastian Henn has dedicated a criminal trilogy to his three favourite distillates: gin, rum and whiskey. It's all about whiskey and the eternal feud between ‘real’ Irish and Scottish whiskey, although this is only one of the themes in this drink-fuelled Dublin crime novel. The ‘Drunken Poets Society’ is a strangely motley group of (wannabe) authors who would like to cover almost every genre, from fictional poetry (Boomer) to children's books (Alice) to crime novels (Janus) - if only they could finally get their work down on paper and find a publisher. But suddenly, a real murder case - and not just one of their amateur murder scenes - is dropped into their cherished, talkative regulars' table - and the tide turns! A woman's body is floating in the waters of the Liffey. Now it's time to investigate instead of philosophising, if you value your own life, because the writers are suspected of murder. And the real murderer is still on the loose.... The main character Janus does everything in his power to find the solution to the murder cases in the Dublin pubs and the quarrelling Dublin whiskey distilleries. But then an assassination attempt hits an author from within his own ranks. From now on, all the authors in the writing group are in the scope... Exciting and convoluted right up to the last page, with numerous insights and drink recipes to recreate the Dublin pub scene and its whiskeys: fun to read, even if you're not (yet) a whiskey fan. After reading this book, you will certainly want to savour it!
Our edition: Carsten Sebastian Henn, Ein Schuss Whiskey, Dumont, 2022, 17 €.
Blyth appears quiet - a charming, somewhat sleepy and romantic harbour town in Northumberland. With its fascinating mix of history, modernity and nature, it invites travellers on a voyage of discovery. Once upon a time in the 19th century, its harbour by the sea was an important centre for coal exports and the timber trade. Over the centuries, it has reinvented itself time and again.
Blyth harbour is now a pioneer in the field of renewable energy. A visible, towering symbol is the large wind turbine at the harbour, which turns even when there is no wind. The secret: it is ‘powered’ for PR purposes. From ‘real electricity’ produced by the powerful wind turbines in the offshore park off the coast. At the same time, the wind turbines symbolise the city's progress and are always an impressive photo opportunity, especially at sunset. Blyth is at the forefront of the development of offshore wind farms and has a major wind turbine company on site.
And yes, the town also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine: Fresh fish, seafood and specialities to indulge in are on the menu in restaurants such as the popular The Commissioners Quay Inn with a harbour view (in the photo, the restaurant's legendary house burger! Like us, you simply have to try it on the spot).
The warmth and openness of the locals make Blyth particularly welcoming. For a moment, time seems to stand still as you stroll along the harbour promenade, listen to the seagulls and let your gaze wander over the trawlers to the North Sea.
In Martin Suter's crime novel from the popular Allmen series, we are once again immersed in the exclusive world of self-proclaimed detective Johann Friedrich von Allmen. This time his journey takes him to the beautiful island of Ibiza, where he is invited to a luxurious estate by a mysterious stranger. The reason? The spectacular theft of a koi. But this koi is no ordinary fish - it has a unique red spot on its forehead and is called “Boy” for a reason. Boy is a kind of “toy boy” with scales and a koi of special value: the noble aquatic inhabitant is worth a whopping one million euros; a sum that not only arouses the interest of koi lovers, but also the attention of brazen fish thieves.
Allmen, the refined detective with a penchant for an upscale lifestyle, moves in a world he knows well - the luxurious surroundings of wealthy society, villas, gardens and - in this case - a perfectly equipped koi pond with very special luxury water and its own koi pond keeper. Of course, Koi Boy is not only a special member of the family, but also a status symbol.
As always, Suter describes the ambience with a keen eye for detail, and as a reader you can literally feel the weight of the expectations that such an exclusive living space brings with it. The koi pond, up to 2.5 meters deep and equipped with high-tech filter systems, is a microcosmic image of the carefully cultivated façade of high society. Koi are demanding fish - their living conditions must be perfect: stable water with a pH value of 7.5 to 8, hardly any temperature fluctuations within the water, the right amount of shade over the water (to prevent algae formation) and constantly clean water thanks to a filter system that works day and night. All of this is not only for the survival of the precious fish, but also symbolizes the rigid standards and excellent taste expected in this closed society.
“Allmen and the Koi” is a thriller that convinces less with action than with atmosphere and stylish descriptions. Martin Suter once again succeeds in transporting his readers into a world that simultaneously fascinates and alienates. The story shows that maintaining an exclusive koi pond and cultivating social status can go hand in hand - both require patience, perfection and a great deal of effort.
And that is precisely what makes this thriller so exciting and worth reading: Suter's skillful blend of elegant social satire and fine detective story is simply infectious. Again and again.
Further information on the author and his works can be found on Martin Suter's website: www.martin-suter.com
Our edition: Diogenes Taschenbuchverlag, 2021, Verlag AG Zurich.
Climate change is exacerbating the problem of water scarcity in Germany, as a study published in 2024 shows. Persistent dry periods and increasing evaporation have cost the country around 15.2 billion tons of water from its natural reservoirs over the last two decades. This development is increasingly threatening the water supply in various regions.
The study, commissioned by the Federal Environment Agency, investigated where and to what extent critical water deficits occur. Researchers found that regions in the west and south of Germany are particularly affected by “groundwater droughts”. These prolonged dry periods lead to a drop in the groundwater level and endanger the local water supply. Models suggest that eastern Germany in particular will suffer from a lack of rain in the future.
Despite the anticipated wetter phases, which could provide some relief by 2100, the study warns of increasing conflicts of use: Agriculture, industry and drinking water supply will compete with each other. In North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony and the Upper Rhine Graben in particular, risks of overuse are emerging. The study points out that the growth of irrigated areas in these regions must be regulated in order to secure the water supply in the long term.
Frank Herrmann from Forschungszentrum Jülich summarizes the results of the water study: “Our simulations clearly show where water resources are already being used more than the environment can cope with.” The study on the precious liquid emphasizes that existing preventive measures may not be sufficient to prevent structural water shortages.
You can download the entire water study here free of charge (in German): www.umweltbundesamt.de/publikationen/auswirkung-des-klimawandels-auf-die
What does this crime novel have to do with water and our water (research) pages, apart from the fact that the now famous (and filmed) Commissario Montalbano is investigating on Sicily, a peninsula in the sea? Well, one of the central sentences in the crime thriller contains an interesting definition of water:
‘What shape is water?’
‘But water has no shape at all’, ..., ’it takes the shape you give it.’ (S. 157).
And this apt statement about water and its many properties and aggregate states is also characteristic of this criminal case. It gradually ‘unravels’ or ‘develops’ and the actual background to what initially appears to be a heart attack becomes a murder story.
Commissario Salvo Montalbano from Sicily is a real star among the homicide detectives of international crime fiction: a lovable loner with a penchant for beautiful women (Ingrid) and very good food, which his housekeeper Adelina keeps ready for him in the fridge or oven. And so he solves the Luparello case in peace, with his friend Gege from the ‘underworld’ and with many a glass of red wine - by the water, with red wine and in the sunshine.
Our edition: BLT and editionLübbe, 16th edition: April 2009.
In ecological science, the title of the exhibition ‘Desertification’ describes the far-reaching process of desertification and landscape degradation. Originally influenced by natural factors, the process is now largely the result of human intervention: progressive deforestation, overgrazing, climate change, unsustainable irrigation methods and political instability are accelerating these processes. Desertification is directly linked to other global challenges such as rising sea levels, increasingly frequent heat waves, floods and storms - phenomena that are fundamentally changing the ecosystem and the habitats of many people.
However, the transformation of landscapes through desertification not only harbours destruction, but also the possibility for social change and the emergence of new perspectives. Desert areas around the world, as different as they are in terms of climate and flora, share surprisingly similar social and cultural roles: They embody wastelands and retreats and act as starting points for speculative reflections on the future of the planet.
The curatorial team, consisting of Gloria Aino Grzywatz, Jan Nicola Angermann and co-curator Sadya Mizan from Bangladesh, brings together a group of artists who explore the complex connections between humans, water and landscape and reflect on the opportunities and challenges of desertification.
With: Jan Nicola Angermann, Lukas Bauer, Maan Barua, Beate Baumgärtner, Stella Covi, Kosmas Phan Dinh, Jan Forray, Moe Thet Han, Leila Hekmatnia, Barbara Karsch-Chaïeb, Andreas Mayer-Brennenstuhl, Sadya Mizan, Ahmed Rasel, Benjamin Stäbler, Georg Winter and Tatyana Zambrano.
Duration: 29.9. to 17.11.2024 at the Kunstverein Neuhausen, Rupert-Mayer-Str. 68 B, 73765 Neuhausen
Opening hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 6 pm. More information directly from the Kunstverein Neuhausen: kvnneuhausen.com.
“Inis” means island in Irish - and as we all know, no one is an island, but everything and everyone is connected. And that is why Inis is not only a special fragrance from Ireland, but the family company is also actively involved in marine conservation:
The fragrance "Inis the Energy of the Sea" is a refreshing unisex scent that captures the invigorating essence of the ocean. With top notes of citrus and marine it creates a light, clean, and uplifting fragrance that appeals to both men and women. This unique scent is inspired by the beauty and energy of the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland, evoking the feeling of a sunny day by the sea.
What sets Inis apart is not just its ocean-inspired fragrance but also the company's strong commitment to marine conservation. Since 2001, Inis has been the core funder of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), an organization dedicated to the protection, conservation, and research of whales and dolphins in Irish waters. This partnership aligns perfectly with the brand's oceanic inspiration, making each purchase of Inis products a contribution to preserving marine life.
In addition to the signature cologne, Inis offers a range of products like hand creams, lotions, and diffusers, all designed to extend the fresh, oceanic experience to everyday life while supporting a meaningful cause. More information: inis.com.
Darwin is often quoted as saying ‘Survival of the fittest’. But what if it could mean: Survival of the cleverest? In his antique volume, Wilhelm Bölsche describes, among other things, the synergies that arise when animals of different species work together to survive. For us as aquatic researchers, pages 19 to 41 are particularly interesting: synoecia is the name given to the phenomenon when several organisms live together without harming the host animal. Barnacles, for example, which attach themselves to the shell of a mussel in the water, or small hermit crabs that put the empty shell of an aquatic snail over their heads to form a fine armour. If a sea anemone called Sagartis parasitica (nomen est omen) then attaches itself to the snail shell, the deal is perfect: the crab wanders happily around on the seabed looking for food - and the sea anemone fishes the crumbs out of the hermit crab's meal with its tentacles in the water vortex. In return, the sea anemone can use its special excretions to enlarge the hermit crab's shell at the mouth so that the crab has a larger home as it grows. The shell grows with the crab. This prevents the crab from moving to a larger snail shell and the sea anemone continues to be carried across the seabed by its own crab. In other words, a real win-win situation for both.
The antiquarian booklet also lovingly and knowledgeably describes other exciting synecdoches from the animal kingdom.
Our edition: Kosmos, Society of Friends of Nature, 1917.
Can a man with an “evil eye” look over 38 ships passing a lonely lighthouse island in such a way that they sink into the sea forever as they continue their journey? Nicholas Hamons was stationed as a lighthouse keeper on the tiny lighthouse archipelago to detect dangerous waters and rocks. Steep rocky coasts, inhospitality and loneliness can be a real challenge on the island, which is just 2 kilometers in circumference. But Nicholas Hamons carries out his duties diligently and thoroughly. Too thorough? Is he watching the ships too closely with an “evil eye” that causes his left eye to enlarge spookily? He notes down every sighting at sea in a worn, black, crumpled notebook, which is found after his disappearance. The first-person narrator wants to solve the mystery and sets off on a journey to the neighboring island of Sark to track down the clues to the story. Sark is located about 20 km from the lighthouse island of Inkhou at the extreme north-western tip of the Channel Islands, which also include Jersey and Guernsey. The Titanic once passed the diabolical gaze of Inkhou lighthouse keeper Nicholas Hamons before its final voyage - and sank. Is there any truth to the sinister legend or does the first-person narrator succumb to an “island fever” that fades away on the mainland? Read for yourself. The slim volume of stories contains five more tales by the Dutch author that blur the boundaries between reality and imagination.
Maarten Asscher, Der Leuchtturmwärter. Our edition: btb Taschenbücher published by Goldmann Verlag, 2nd edition April 1999.
Tucked away in the seaweed between the fragments of large mussel shells and small stones, these white, tiny circular shells lie by the water: only on closer inspection do some of them have pronounced symmetrical patterns reminiscent of starfish shapes. This is what the small sand dollars (Echinocyamus pusillus) look like, delicate calcareous sea urchin shells. When they are dead, they lie in shallow water or in the sand without their pointed spines as flat calcareous disks. Originally, this small sea dweller lives in water depths between 30 and 1000 m in the North Sea and Mediterranean. They grow to between 0.5 - 1 cm in size when found on the beach in Kattwyk/South Holland, for example. They are a real flotsam and jetsam with rarity value. They were first described and recorded as aquatic creatures by Otto Friedrich Müller in 1776. They may and can be collected on the beach, if they are discovered...
Jules Verne was a visionary - many of his ideas, which were almost considered “science fiction” at the time (1828 - 1905), are now part of our everyday lives. Of particular interest to us - and therefore mentioned in this book review of “The Propeller Island” - is the sequence where “electroculture” is mentioned: “Electroculture was used here, i.e. the growth of plants was accelerated under permanent electric currents. For example, radishes 25 cm long were grown here and carrots weighing 3 kilos were harvested.” (S. 32).
Is this possible? We are investigating the matter in our Stuttgart water laboratory with radish and cress seeds. Exciting!
But one thing at a time: The propeller island in the novel called “Standard Island” is a “steel wonder ship, an island of billions immune to storms and disasters, an oasis of calm, contentment, wealth, an artificial paradise...” (p. 103), which drifts across the sea around the equator, propelled by huge propeller machines, and deliberately seeks out pleasant climate zones and storm-free regions.
And the billionaires of Milliard City live on the island in the best climate and with all the corresponding amenities. The only thing missing was music, which is why it was decided without further ado to whisk a famous French string quartet away to the island. This novel revolves around the adventures of these four gentlemen, Yvernes (1st violin), Frascolin (2nd violin), Pinchinat (viola) and Zorn (violincello), on the steel island sensation.
But even a billionaire can't live in peace if his hostile neighbor doesn't like it. And even outside their own island, covetousness is growing regarding the almost legendary wealth of Standard Island. Jules Verne created a short, thrilling island epic about wealth, enclave and the arch-enemies of envy and greed - a novel whose theme never goes out of fashion.
Jules Verne, the Propeller Island. Our edition: Fischer Taschenbuch Verlag GmbH, 1975.
Blue Holes, such as the famous **Great Blue Hole** off the coast of Belize, are extraordinary geological structures whose formation can be attributed to a complex series of karst processes. These formations provide scientists with valuable insights into the geological and climatic history of our planet.
The formation of Blue Holes begins with the erosion of soluble rock, typically limestone, through the infiltration of rainwater and seawater. Over thousands of years, this water dissolves minerals in the rock, leading to the development of subterranean cave systems. During the last ice ages, when sea levels were significantly lower than today, these caves lay above the waterline. Continuous erosion and the pressure of the overlying rock led to partial collapses of the cave ceilings, creating large vertical shafts. With the end of the ice age and the rise of sea levels, these cave systems became flooded, evolving into the deep, water-filled depressions known today as Blue Holes.
A striking example is the Great Blue Hole, a nearly circular structure over 300 meters wide and up to 124 meters deep. It formed several hundred thousand years ago and today represents one of the deepest and largest Blue Holes globally. The structure is part of a reef system that developed during the Pleistocene epoch.
Divers exploring a Blue Hole encounter a unique and fascinating underwater environment. The conditions within these formations vary with depth, and the geological and biological characteristics offer valuable insights.
The clear water of a Blue Hole and its deep blue color are characteristic features of these structures. This optical appearance results from strong light absorption in the deep, oxygen-poor layers of the water. In some Blue Holes, distinct boundary layers hydrological stratification) can be observed between saltwater and trapped freshwater, a phenomenon known as a halocline. This stratification creates extraordinary visual effects and influences the chemical composition of the water.
As depth increases, light levels and biological activity decrease dramatically. Divers experience near-total darkness and remarkable silence. These areas are marked by an almost mystical atmosphere, making the dive a unique experience.
Blue Holes are of great scientific significance as they provide crucial information about the geological past and climatic conditions during the ice ages. Sediment and rock samples from the depths of these structures contain evidence of past sea-level fluctuations and global climate changes. Additionally, they offer valuable insights into the biogeochemistry and ecology of extreme marine habitats, where life exists only under highly specialized conditions.
In conclusion, Blue Holes like the Great Blue Hole exhibit a fascinating geological and biological complexity that captivates not only adventurers but also scientists alike.
Deep, blue and mysterious. TV-Documentary by Terra X in ZDF Mediathek and in “Welt der Wunder”, issue 9-2024
The coral reef off Sulawesi, one is surrounded by a breathtaking variety of life and color. The reefs around Sulawesi, one of Indonesia's largest islands, are part of the so-called Coral Triangle, a region considered the epicenter of marine biodiversity. This area is home to more coral and fish species than anywhere else in the world.
As I dive, I experience an underwater fairy tale: the corals themselves are a living artwork of various shapes, sizes, and colors. Table corals spread out like large platforms, while staghorn corals form delicate, branching structures. Brain corals, with their labyrinth-like patterns, appear almost surreal. The colors range from soft pastels to vibrant oranges, blues, and purples.
Among these corals, countless creatures thrive. Schools of brightly colored reef fish, such as angelfish and the shimmering wrasses, glide through the crystal-clear water. Everywhere, I spot the neon hues of clownfish seeking refuge in the tentacles of their anemones. Moray eels hide in the crevices and caves of the reef, their long, slender bodies almost invisible among the rocks. Suddenly, I catch sight of a turtle majestically gliding through the water — a hawksbill turtle, searching for food among the coral.
The variety of macro life is overwhelming: tiny nudibranchs, gliding across the corals in every imaginable color and pattern, seahorses clinging to seagrass, and colorful crabs hiding in cracks and crevices. During the night, the scene changes once again: coral polyps extend their tentacles to catch plankton, and bioluminescent organisms begin to glow, giving the night reef an almost magical appearance.
This coral reef in Sulawesi is a delicate ecosystem, where every species, every coral, and every creature plays a crucial role. It is a paradise for researchers and divers alike but also a fragile habitat threatened by environmental changes like climate change and human impact. Here in Sulawesi, one truly understands the incredible beauty and complexity of marine life — and how urgently we must protect it.
Coral reef wonderland: Sulawesi. Original title: Into the Blue: Las maravillas of the Triangulo de Coral; nature documentary series, Spain 2021, 55 min., episode 8. Viewed on WELT.
Want to take a quick stroll along the rough water before breakfast? Step out of the Hotel Noordzee and the wide, flat sandy beach awaits you; in the morning it is only shared with joggers and numerous dog walkers who are out and about early. The hotel is in the front row and has a view of the water: simply watch the sea from the breakfast room and make your first plans for the day. Marvellous!
Katwijk aan Zee is a charming coastal town in the Netherlands, known for its stunning beaches, rich history and picturesque surroundings. In addition to the incredibly wide, sandy beach, the town's positive sights include the Katwijk lighthouse, known as the 'Vuurbaak' and a characteristic landmark of the town. It was built in the 17th century and offers a great vantage point over the coast and the sea.
The historic centre of Katwijk aan Zee is rich in tradition and history. Visitors can stroll through the narrow streets, admire historic buildings and experience local life or visit the Katwijk Museum. The coastal promenade of Katwijk is ideal for strolling and offers a variety of restaurants, cafés and shops with sea views.
If you fancy a nightcap in the evening in the picturesque pedestrian zone, how about the quaint pub "In den Blauwen Bock"? This cosy, uncomplicated pub is somehow a mixture of daytime café, beer pub and in-burger bar. The speciality here is the mega-thick and delicious "Bockburger", the best way to satisfy hunger after a long day at the beach. Find out more here: www.blauwenbock.nl.
A dream come true: renovating an old house on the cliffs by the sea as a hideaway for dreamy weekends by the water. Just a few hours' drive north-east of London. But what Carl Anderson experiences here becomes his personal nightmare. His wife Linda unexpectedly goes missing and his perfect businessman's world collapses. Can his old friend John, whom he meets by chance in a pub, help him solve the mystery of the house by the water?
Published by Cambridge University Press for "English Readers", this slim volume can be read quickly in a beach chair on a day at the seaside and refreshes your English skills at the same time. This book series is an "exciting series of original fiction", written in different language levels "from starter to advanced". You can find out more about the book series at www.cambridge.org/de/cambridgeenglish/catalog/readers/cambridge-english-readers.
What can I find in the mudflats on the west coast of Scotland? "Velella velella", also known as the sail jellyfish or "St Peter's little ship", is a fascinating marine creature found in oceans around the world. The small light blue jellyfish is a member of the Hydrozoa, a group of cnidarians (Cnidaria) that live in the sea. This pretty sail jellyfish has a unique appearance, with an elliptical raft and a sloping, triangular sail attached above the raft.
"Velella velella" is a fascinating example of aquatic adaptations of marine organisms to their habitat. Their way of life is strongly characterised by the properties of the water in which they move.
The most remarkable characteristic of "Velella velella" is the high water content of its body, which is between 95-98%. This high water content is crucial to their ability to float in the open ocean and passively drift with the ocean currents and winds.
The elliptical raft serves as a buoyant body and is supported by a chitinous structure. This raft is light to deep blue in colour and consists of concentric air-filled chambers that keep it afloat. The mantle tissue of "Velella velella" is criss-crossed with a network of endodermal canals, which helps to maintain its buoyancy and allows it to sail on the water.
The small sail jellyfish feeds on planktonic organisms such as water fleas, copepods and krill while foraging in the water. Despite its small size and simple anatomy, it is able to catch and digest food. "Velella velella" is common in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, and occasionally they are also found on the coasts of regions such as the British Isles and Ireland, where I discovered them in their habitat. They live on the surface of the high seas and are driven by the wind. During storms they can be washed ashore in large numbers, leading to sightings on beaches.
2024-01-13: The "Museum of Illusions" has an interactive museum design that fascinates visitors with optical illusions and illusions.
It offers a variety of exhibits and displays based on visual illusions, perception and geometry. Visitors can experiment in various rooms and installations and challenge their senses. Mirror tricks, perfidious geometric prints, films with colour changes, "crooked" rooms and the large rotating tunnel (in which almost every visitor loses their balance) make visitors think about the connections between perception and the processing of information in the brain. In around an hour, you will have seen and tried everything, but the impressions will stay with you for a long time: Don't relay on illusions - use your brain!, could be the motto after visiting this experience.
Unfortunately, there are no exhibits and installations in the "Museum of Illusions" in Stuttgart that deal with water or use optical illusions with water as a theme. Such water exhibits could, for example, use streams of water or reflections to create visual effects that surprise or confuse visitors. Perhaps in the future it would be possible for water to play a role in some exhibits? We, with our water team, could provide excellent advice...
Museum of Illusions, Mailänder Platz 27, 7017 in Stuttgart/Germany
Every snowflake is a greeting from heaven.
Snowflakes form when water vapour in the atmosphere passes into the solid phase transitions and this happens in several steps.
The origin of this phenomenon lies in the existence of water vapour in the atmosphere, which is produced by evaporation from water sources on the earth's surface.
In order for the water vapour to turn into snow, the air must be cooled. This usually happens when rising air masses, which are warm and moist, cool down at higher altitudes. The cooling causes the air to reach the dew point, at which the water vapour condenses into microscopically small water droplets. These water droplets serve as nucleation centres for the formation of snowflakes and attach themselves to particles in the atmosphere.
The condensed water droplets freeze at temperatures below freezing point and form ice crystals. The specific structure and shape of the snowflake depend on various factors such as temperature and humidity. The ice crystals can continue to grow by accumulating water vapour from the surrounding air on their surface. This process can be repeated several times, resulting in more complex snowflake structures.
Finally, the full-grown snowflakes fall to the earth's surface when they have reached a sufficient size or when atmospheric conditions make this possible.
Hoar frost, unlike snowflakes, is formed through a process called resublimation, where water vapour turns directly into ice without passing through the liquid state. The formation process of hoar frost requires very cold temperatures below freezing, which typically occurs on clear nights when the air is particularly cold. Hoar frost forms on various surfaces or objects such as grasses, leaves, branches, fences and other surrounding objects. Water molecules in the air attach themselves to the surface of the cold object and form ice crystals. These crystals gradually grow by attaching more water molecules to their surface. Over time, more and more ice crystals accumulate on the surface and form a thin, shiny layer of hoar frost.
Snowflakes are formed by condensation and crystallisation of water vapour into liquid water droplets and then into ice crystals. Hoar frost, on the other hand, is formed by the direct resublimation of water vapour into ice. Snowflakes have a sixfold symmetrical shape with many branched arms and can appear in various shapes and patterns. Hoar frost forms a thin, flat layer on surfaces and usually has a less complex structure.
Snowflakes fall from the atmosphere onto the earth's surface, while hoar frost is formed on surfaces such as grasses, leaves and fences.
Overall, both snowflakes and hoar frost are amazing examples of the complex interaction between water and the atmospheric conditions that lead to their formation. Each of these phenomena displays its unique beauty and science based on the fundamental properties of water.
Water-storing forest gardens instead of stone gardens of horror - a new trend is focusing on greening in small spaces. Forest gardens are deliberately planted gardens modeled on the forest. Seemingly chaotic (you will look in vain for an English lawn), plant levels of different heights are planted - from ground cover plants to perennials and herbs to shrubs and bushes, with smaller and larger trees providing protection and shade for the lower plant levels. A reservoir of moisture and water in an urban space.
When planning a woodland garden, the first step is to take a very close look at the planned location of the garden. Is it more of a shade garden? Then completely different plants, shrubs and trees are selected than for a sun garden. Everything has to be coordinated just like in a real forest, even if a "real forest" always looks a bit chaotic to the untrained eye. It is not! Forest gardens are deliberately planned by landscape gardeners and, for example, permaculture designers.
Forest gardens are small ecosystems and they improve the air quality, microclimate and water retention in their surroundings. In the city and in the countryside. Like a real forest, forest gardens store moisture and lots of water - and they enable biodiversity in the smallest of spaces.
Forest gardens are also an exciting subject of scientific research and funding: the project "Urban Forest Gardens: Perennial, Multi-layered, Multifunctional" is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (Federal Agency for Nature Conservation) as part of the Federal Biological Diversity Program.
In this 6-year funded project, a total of three new forest gardens will be created in urban areas in Berlin and Kassel (from 2021). In addition, the maintenance and operation of the gardens is to be made possible by a joint operation. In this way, forest gardens will become exemplary places for environmental education and research.
More information at: urbane-waldgaerten.de oder derwaldgarten.de.
This crime novel gets going slowly, very slowly - like Bene's father's green vintage Jaguar limousine. As a second-generation classic car mechanic, Bene searches for his late father Alexander's legacy after losing his own workshop. A bottle of gin is Bene's only material legacy, apart from numerous memories. But the recipe for this exceptional gin should be worth its weight in gold, he thinks. As good as this gin in the old brown apothecary bottle tastes. Bene sets off on a search for clues, which takes him from tranquil southern Germany to the rugged gin distillery town of Plymouth. Here in the mild harbor town, he meets the tough Cathy and her quaint Bed & Breakfast, where Bene's father used to stay when visiting the classic car fairs in Plymouth. I wonder why? The walls of Cathy's reading room are papered with recipes, drawings and information about gin - and soon the two of them are not only connected by their interest in gin, but perhaps even more....
Main topic: Everything revolves around the distillation of gin, the best recipes and the preparation of gin enjoyment (no tonic water, please!) in this thriller. And the right recipe for the crystal-clear to bluish shimmering alcohol also seems to be worth a murder. A well-known homeless man in Plymouth is found dead: in Cathy's garden behind her bed and breakfast, of all places!
The gin recipe: the reader is left wondering what goes into this exceptionally good gin from Plymouth, the old naval base? What makes it taste so special? It's the special botanicals: Juniper berries, coriander seeds, zircon and orange peel and a little secret.
Surprisingly, no importance is attached to water as the basis for alcohol in crime fiction, which surprised us greatly. Just think of the various types of beer on the market, which are well aware of their water sources, often even attribute the taste of their beer to pure spring water and are happy to mention these sources in their public relations work.
Nevertheless, you learn a lot about the production of gin in this book; the author Carsten Sebastian Henn is an expert in culinary crime novels.
Our favorite parts of the book are the quotes about gin before each chapter. "Gin has saved more English men's lives than all the doctors in the Empire," Winston Churchill is quoted before chapter nine (page 249). Readers smile and sip the well-chilled gin - and do so much more consciously and with more mindfulness than before reading the book. That's for sure.
Culinary Gin Journey from the Dumont publishing house for €16.00
New ideas are needed if we want to feed around 10 billion people on Earth by 2050. Protein-rich and sustainable food sources are being sought. There are many resources lying dormant in the ocean that we have not yet even noticed as food. Sugar kelp, for example. You can recognise it by its shiny brown colour. It grows on buoys and ropes in the water and takes about six months to harvest. Then its arms can grow up to 2 m long in the water. The algae need neither fertiliser nor pesticides, neither fresh water nor soil. Heat waves and insect plagues cannot harm the underwater farms either. And the large farms in the sea also form a temporary water biotope for many creatures in the sea, such as small fish that live in the sugar kelp arms.
In aquacultures, the species Alaria esculenta and Himanthalia elongata are currently preferred. And there are more and more professional farms in the sea. For example, the algae farms of the Norwegian start-up "Seaweed Solutions" near Trondheim (http://www.seaweedsolutions.com ). The biomass of all algae in the oceans is about nine times greater than that of all plants on land. Algae bind huge amounts of the greenhouse gas CO² and form oxygen at the same time. They are easy to grow on underwater farms if you know how - and they can be processed in many ways. Here in Germany, algae are still rarely found on our plates. We know them as a green-gloppy garnish for sushi. However, it has been used for a long time, for example as a binding agent in pudding and yoghurt or as a stabiliser in cheese and margarine.
A start-up from Berlin wants to expand these applications: "Betta F!sh" and sister company "Oceanfruit" take the algae from Trondheim, Norway. They use them for vegan alternative spreads & co. Conventional meat or fish substitutes usually come from pea or soy proteins and thus from environmentally harmful monocultures. Algae are much more sustainable. And so the clever food designers develop vegan sea bread spreads, tuna paste without tuna and sea-flavoured pizza. The new foods from the water are supposed to be tasty AND healthy. Some species even contain more protein than meat and more calcium than milk. Seaweed is particularly rich in omega fatty acids, micronutrients (magnesium, iron, calcium, iodine) and vitamins (A, B, C). They contain natural iodine and dietary fibre. New products made from algae, so-called impact food, also have a positive effect on the oceans: tuna and by-catch do not end up in fishing nets, but are simply left alone. The populations and shoals in the sea can recover.
Algae are a raw material with a future, because they grow faster in the water than any land plant. There are about 400,000 different species of algae, 650 of which are currently used as a food source for humans worldwide. So should we shift some of our food production to the oceans? Tasty product tips and information on how to get started with algae food that has a good impact on protecting the oceans can be found here at bettafish.co/de and at oceanfruit.de.
Yes, we all have crises, some of them even existential. But what about the "quiet crises" that hardly announce themselves and yet paralyse us in our activity every day? This is how the protagonist of the book feels paralysed when she has to go on the desired holiday with her friends on a German holiday island alone, because her friend Isa has an important professional project that interferes with her holiday plans at short notice. What to do with the free time at the beach - while her husband and two almost grown-up children rock the daily routine at home alone? Am I still needed at all? asks the protagonist of the slim 171-page volume. Then she finds a message in a bottle in the sea and ponders about the author of the message. This is by no means a new literary motif; we are reminded of Nicholas Sparks' bestseller "Far as the Sea". But in the end, this message in a bottle from the waves leads to an encounter with the self-confident Lene, a somewhat freakish-looking, self-contained New Islander at first glance, from whom the protagonist can take a few more slices of her life experience.
Who am I and where do I want to go? - Questions that can be clarified especially wonderfully by the sea during a meditative walk on the beach. And so the purifying and clarifying effect of water plays an important role in this slim narrative. A meaning-seeking parable worth reading with water and waves that conjures up a bit of sea and beach holiday on our couch. And makes us think about the profound things in life - but not too deeply, because that is not what the language and presentation of the booklet are meant for. It's more of a teaser to the themes of the middle-age life section. The protagonist of the book, “The Sea and I”, ultimately finds her perfect 45th birthday and a new exciting life by the water... The sea and the cleansing power of water are important building blocks for this narrative - and triggers for something new.... More about the German author at www.tessarandau.de.
These little gooey granules, these granules that can look like large sugar crystals, could become the water supply and irrigation of the future? The new hydrogels are made from lignin, a wood raw material, among other things. The granulate is added to the plants in the root ball area and stores an enormous amount of water. The plants can then suck the nourishing water out of the hydrogels as needed, thus reducing the need for external irrigation. This saves labour and valuable water resources. Mixed with soils, the hydrogel can absorb up to 95 per cent of incoming water, saving up to 40 per cent on irrigation. The use of hydrogel could change agriculture worldwide. Even soils that were previously quite inhospitable, such as sandy soils, could be cultivated with it. Up to now, three quarters of the world's farmers have been completely dependent on rainfall. However, global warming is putting their livelihoods at great risk due to irregular rainfall patterns, droughts, desertification and loss of arable land. Hydrogels could enable some independence from weather events and water demand in agriculture because they can store water for long periods.
There are various methods of producing these hydrogels. The wood-based variant is not only used to irrigate plants in agriculture, but also to fertilise and improve soil quality at the same time. The Tulln research team around Gibson Nyanhongo (chemistry professor and head of the Biomaterial Technology research group) developed this. Nyanhongo and his team invented a special hydrogel that can be made solely from leftover untreated wood. Almost "organic", so to speak. It is said to be suitable for the field in the countryside as well as for the vegetable patch in the city. It can also be used in desert areas. Until now, however, hydrogels have mostly been made of plastics. In general, hydrogels are not really new; they are also used, for example, in nappies or in medicine.
The water-storing granules are worked into the soil like fertiliser or seed. If water is added to it or if it rains, it turns into a slippery but dimensionally stable water-hungry gel in the soil. Like a sponge, the hydrogel not only binds the coveted water in the soil, it is also supposed to absorb nutrients. Water and nutrients benefit the roots of the plants. The lifespan of hydrogels with this application is currently five to ten years. It then gradually decomposes into fertilising humus - and water.
These water storage granules are now offered by various hydrogel companies for horticulture and agriculture, including:
Not far from the Ligurian beach, at a depth of 6 to 10 m below the surface of the sea, a daring experiment is being launched: Nemo's Garden. These are spherical greenhouse domes made of Plexiglas, anchored on stilts on the seabed under water. Inside the underwater domes is an air bubble. Inside, the diving gardeners can briefly remove their oxygen masks and observe the plants in their pots. Many small sensors monitor the growth phases of the seedlings and shoots in the sea. Down here there is no need to water, because the sea all around is very warm, so the seawater evaporates at the surface in these plexiglass spheres and then condenses on the plexiglass walls. From there it is collected in a container and pumped to the plants in the various plant containers.
The plants also get enough light under the sea, because up to 70 % of sunlight still reaches the Plexiglas spheres below the water surface. Pesticides are unnecessary under water, because there are no plant pests here. So everything is organic.
The plant pots are all numbered and monitored daily. The diving researchers have now experimented with more than 150 plant species under water. Herbs like thyme, lemon balm and oregano grow well below sea level - protected in the transparent domes; cucumbers and tomato plants also do well in the underwater greenhouse. The whole thing is monitored from the beach by a monitoring station that records all relevant data underwater, such as humidity, oxygen content and temperature. A biologist monitors the small Plexiglas houses under water and dives down to them every day; and there is even a livestream for those interested directly in Nemo's Garden. Solar power and wind energy are of course used for the direct broadcast from the biosphere.
This unique concept is the brainchild of Sergio Gambarini. In 2012, he combined two of his passions: horticulture and diving. The result was an underwater agricultural paradise called "Nemo's Garden".
So far, the effort and costs for underwater agriculture are still high, to be sure, in order to harvest his favourite plant, basil, on the nutrient substrate under the surface of the water. And the concept is not yet really scalable, but universities and institutes are interested in Nemo's Garden and are using the underwater greenhouses for scientific purposes. Important findings for a possible agriculture from the sea...?
Cover story on water: in its 9-2023 issue, "Dein Spiegel" (a magazine from Der Spiegel) writes about the world's most important raw material. The cover story "Too much, too little, too dirty - water determines life on earth" is ten pages long. Every human being, every animal, every plant needs it. But our drinking water is under threat" and provides well-prepared knowledge about water for schoolchildren. It explains not only the basics like the water cycle and how much "virtual water" is hidden in the production of our food, i.e. the water that is needed to ripen a banana or a tomato. Or the water that is used to produce 250 grams of beef. 1260 liters are supposed to be "in" a pizza Margherita - that inspires kids to ask questions and discuss! Articles about a water-friendly city and why not all wastewater is the same round off the reading fun, along with many other entertaining and interesting topics. More info at www.deinspiegel.de.
Money is spent on everything, but outdoor pools in the countryside have to close. So that kids & co. can continue to have their swimming fun and also in rural areas have a meaningful sports and leisure offer during the summer vacations, active citizens get involved in voluntary associations for the preservation of the regional, small swimming pools. Painting and cleaning at the start of the season, maintaining the green areas and cashiering: without the volunteers, the fun of swimming would have long since ceased. City/municipalities and volunteer clubs work hand in hand. Club fees and highlights of the bathing season - the colorful swimming pool festival - ensure financial support. The adventure event "Swimming until midnight" as well as culinary delicacies such as homemade cakes for the coffee buffet, an evening cocktail bar or the sale of grilled sausages all benefit the maintenance of the swimming pool on a 1:1 basis. We (as a small research group "World in a Drop") are sponsors for the first time in 2023 and hope that many will follow our voluntary and/or financial commitment. Even in rural regions, cultural and sports facilities must be maintained and cared for: with cleverly thought-out water management and active treatment, as well as the use of solar systems for water heating, they also become justifiable for the ecological and water balance.
Have you already seen it? The exciting physical state of water, light ice, is the basis for an application newly discovered in the first gyms in America: ice bathtubs filled to the top with clinking ice cubes. This has nothing to do with an ice bucket challenge. Under supervision, you can slip into the cool bucket of water here for a maximum of 3 minutes after your workout: this is supposed to relax the muscles and at the same time you are wide awake for the rest of the day due to the cold shock from the ice-cold water. With the right breathing technique, which calms the organism and helps it to get used to the cold water, the ice-cold bath in the ice cube water should be endurable and even healthy.
Berlin is experiencing its fifth drought summer in a row and groundwater resources are becoming scarce. This also has consequences for the business location of the metropolitan region. In order to minimise the negative effects of climatic and structural changes on the economy, the four chambers of commerce and industry from Berlin, Potsdam, Cottbus and East Brandenburg want to work together on the topic of water use. As an initiated company survey in the region shows, a third of the companies already actively involve employees in water-saving measures and a quarter have already made optimisations in heating, sanitation and air conditioning. The results of the joint survey by the Chambers of Industry and Commerce and the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU) also revealed that greater awareness and investment promotion for water conservation is needed to ensure a secure supply of drinking water and economic water use in the future. To promote exchange and networking between academia and businesses, the IHK Berlin and the HWR offer an Innovation Challenge for efficient water management: university teams, institutes and start-ups brainstorm together with businesses to develop future-oriented solutions for water-saving measures. Contact: Larissa Scheu, IHK Public Affairs Manager Energy and Climate Protection Policy, IHK Berlin. You can find the entire article in the IHK magazine 7/8-2023 or online.
Water has inspired artists since the dawn of human culture. One of the most influential musicians in music history, combining elements of rock, pop, world music and electronic sound experiments, is Peter Gabriel. He wrote songs such as Red Rain, Mercy Street and Here Comes the Flood - and these have to do directly or symbolically with the effect or powerful properties of water. Peter Gabriel's profound song lyrics also deal with man's position in his world, our connection to nature, and the manifold possibilities of communication within it. His quote aptly expresses this:
"In some ways I do think we are part of everything and we probably have means to connect and communicate with everything that we often shut off. We only want to see and listen to the things that seem important and relevant to us and shut out the noise of everything else when, probably, hidden in that noise there are all sorts of things that can help us realize our place in this future world." Feel free to follow him with his monthly newsletter: petergabriel.com.
How harmful are the radiations of mobile phone networks and WLAN for the human organism and nature? An ever smouldering debate between electrosensitive people and e.g. the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bfs) has been rekindled, as "Die Welt am Sonntag" reported in its article "Der ewige Streit über die Strahlung" on 6.8.2023: the city of Wangen in Upper Swabia has switched off parts of the public WLAN network at night between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., street by street, because the citizens' initiative "Bündnis Verantwortungsvoller Mobilfunk Deutschland" (Alliance for Responsible Mobile Communications in Germany) suggested to "relieve" electrosensitive people from the nightly radiation of the network. Unfortunately, only the thermal effects of mobile radio have been scientifically proven so far, i.e. that certain regions in the head are heated differently when using a mobile phone. A direct conclusion from this heating of the tissue to the excitation for the development of brain tumours has not yet been scientifically proven. More studies are therefore needed. We in the research "World in a Drop" can make the effects of mobile phone radiation, X-rays & Co. visible in the (water) drops under the dark field microscope. Already after a three-minute (wordless) phone call with a mobile phone, the inner droplet structure in a human saliva droplet changes. This change occurs in every human being and regenerates in a few minutes or only in hours, depending on the state of health of the person. What is interesting in our studies is that mobile phone radiation affects the human body and body water such as saliva, blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, etc., independently of thermal heating. The human body consists of up to 70% water, i.e. our corpus reacts sensitively to these influences. More info on this free of charge on these research pages at Frequencies and Lettuce + mobile phone.
Water shapes our existence as well as the face of the earth in rivers, lakes, seas and oceans.
Water is a substance capable of change - this applies not only to its aggregate states, but also to its ability to shape and influence the earth's surface.
More than 70% of the earth's surface is covered by water. Around 1.4 billion cubic kilometres of water are on earth, of which around 3% is available to us as usable fresh water.
Artists love the creative power of water and capture it in impressive photographs. For example, the Canadian artist Edward Burtynsky. He is one of Canada's most respected photographers, and his photographic representations are represented in the collections of over 60 major museums worldwide. His photographs have won numerous awards. Very apt is his quote at the beginning of his photo book "Water": "I realised that we are really dependent on water as opposed to oil. Without water we die." You can find his small book of photos in our own Water Online Shop. Or the artist Bernhard Edmaier, who is showing his photos in the exhibition "Water - How it shapes our Earth" in the Natural History Museum in Reutlingen until 22.10.2023, deals with the shaping effect of water. In his photos, mainly the geological formations of water on earth are sensitively and powerfully documented. Be inspired by the works of art created by water or its use in global industrial landscapes.
For many years we have been supporting the "Whale and Dolphin Conservation gGmbH" in Munich (WDC) by sponsoring a dolphin (his name is Speedy).
In this way, we help to support the conservation of the marine ecosystem.
Among other things, the WDC works to ensure that humpback whales, pilot whales and all dolphin species such as orcas can continue their lives in the world's oceans in a protected way. Whales live in complex social groups and form close bonds with their family members. These fascinating behaviours, among others, are part of the research. You can read about all this in the climate-neutral printed member magazine or directly on the website at www.whales.org.
Here in the "inland" of Stuttgart, the sea seems far away from us; but the seas, oceans and also rivers and lakes make up more than 70 % of the earth's surface,
i.e. even if we (unfortunately) cannot see the sea directly, we are firmly connected to it in the areas of climate, food and transport. And even the rivers - like the Neckar near Stuttgart - lead into the sea at some point, as is well known...
Everyone would like to read a new book that has not yet been coughed into or "grasped". After all, a book is a personal object that you carry with you wherever you go during the reading process: sofa, bed, favourite place....
Until now, bookshops and mail-order companies offered protection in the form of a welded plastic cover, which at best ended up in the yellow bag after purchase.
But this is outdated: in shipping, we use blue "tissue paper" to protect our book "The Secrets of Water", in which each book is lovingly wrapped before it goes through the post.
And big publishing houses that don't afford this manufacturing work like we do rely on small stickers that deny unauthorised persons access to the inside of the book.
Only the buyer removes the small label (see photo), which is a minimum of the protective film used in the past. The publishing house Ullstein is setting a good example! May many more publishers follow!
