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The Story Behind the Nobel Prize How one inventor’s reflection created the world’s most prestigious award π The Origin of the Nobel Prize The Nobel Prize traces its origins to Alfred Nobel , a Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor best known for inventing dynamite. Despite his scientific brilliance, Nobel was troubled by the destructive uses of his inventions. In 1888, a French newspaper mistakenly published Alfred Nobel’s obituary while he was still alive. The headline reportedly described him as the “merchant of death.” Shocked by how history might remember him, Nobel decided to change his legacy. In his will, he dedicated the majority of his wealth to create prizes honoring those who bring the greatest benefit to humanity . Thus, the Nobel Prize was born. “The prizes shall be awarded to those who have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” – Alfred Nobel π Nobel Prize Categories Physics Chemistry Physiology or Medicine Literature Peac...
Kefir: A Tangy Probiotic Beverage A glass of kefir being poured. Kefir is a cultured, fermented milk drink originally from the Caucasus Mountains of Eurasia. It has a tangy, slightly sour taste and a gentle fizziness from fermentation. In texture it’s like a thin, drinkable yogurt – usually made from cow, goat, or sheep’s milk. People add “kefir grains” (gelatinous clusters of bacteria and yeast) to milk and let it sit at room temperature; the microbes in the grains turn the milk sugar (lactose) into lactic acid, tiny bubbles of carbon dioxide, and a trace of alcohol. The result is a nutritious dairy beverage rich in protein, calcium and B vitamins, loaded with live probiotic organisms (beneficial bacteria and yeasts) that help maintain healthy gut flora. Today kefir is enjoyed worldwide – plain or flavored – and comes in many varieties (even non-dairy versions made with water or juice). Origins and Traditional Use Kefir has a long history as a health-promoting folk food. It l...