Astronomers John Cromwell Mather and George Smoot were awarded the Nobel Prize in 2006, one of the largest prizes in science, for their research on radiation. Thanks to these two scientists, today it is possible to see to the bottom of the cosmos since its inception.  They discovered microwave radiation, which are a relic of the birth of the universe. This discovery represents an important test for the Big Bang theory.

The scientific investigation of John Mather and George Smoot is  fascinating because it could give clues to how the universe began and how it has been transformed, i.e., to what extent the chemical elements have changed. This gives us the opportunity to perhaps find answers to some questions that have plagued humanity since the beginning: how was the Earth was formed, where do we come from, and where are we going?

The chemical composition of the earth has led to the development of life as we know it; however, thanks to the discovery by these two scientists we can investigate if there are other places in the universe with a similar chemical profile, which therefore, may allow other forms of life, apart from ours.

This is perhaps one of the most important questions of modern astronomy, and thanks to innovative telescopes such as the “Kepler” and the discovery of multiple planetary systems; scientists already know where to find those planets with characteristics similar to Earth. However, we still need tools powerful enough to measure and detect these features. But John Mather is convinced that it is not impossible to build these instruments, and so in the near future, we may know if there extraterrestrial life out there. To do some relaxing star-gazing, why not rent apartments in Marrakech, where the stars seem to shine stronger than in other areas of the world.



At this point it seems that for any ailment or “problem” the right pill exists. Looking more closely at the “trends” in the pharmaceutical industry, however, sometimes the medical equation seems to be reversed, as more and more new drugs are patented for which the ideal patient must then be found by marketing teams.

One such product is what many call “the social pill”, a substance that can influence our social behaviour. It is not news that “intellectual doping” is in vogue in academic circles, and it is estimated that 7 to 15% of students and scientists Americans take drugs that enhance mental efficiency regularly. However, social doping goes a step further. It not only makes us more effective, but it has substantial influence on our character, makeing us kinder, more tolerant and cooperative. A study by Swiss psychologist professor Beate Ditzen conducted at Zurich University examined the behaviour of couples in times of conflict after they had taken oxytocin, also known as “trust hormone” and an indispensable substance in the mother-child relationship. The surprising result was that couples tended to be less critical of each other and more respectful after they had taken a dose of the potent drug.

These impressive results are on the table with other ethical issues regarding the rights and place of the individual and the inherent dangers of behavioural control that exist with this type of “social” drug. While the production of these drugs is not yet approved, many experts agree it will be very difficult to control their social and legal implications once they are on the market. Luckily, there are still healthy and natural ways to socialize with people. Rent apartments in Marrakech and enjoy a great vacation with your loved ones.



Music has the capacity to generate stronger feelings than  almost any other form of artistic expression. A melody can transport us immediately to other places and moments in our life, and allow us to relive precious or painful memories.

An extremely interesting and surprising art form, music always generates the most visceral responses, as if it has direct access to the deepest depths of our emotional life. The moment we hear a melody, our brain starts looking in the acoustic signals for their emotional meaning, an extremely complex reaction that sets in motion all of our cognitive functions with the sole aim of forging a feeling.

This extraordinary ability has attracted the attention of scientists and psychologists for many years to uncover and understand these mysterious processes triggered by music. Among them, Emmanuel Bigand, neurologist at the Université de Bourgogne, has carried out interesting studies to verify that music, however abstract it is, reacts with a chain of cognitive operations, which generate positive or negative feelings.

The music researcher Patrik Juslin says that music, especially rhythm, speaks directly to the evolutionarily ancient part of our brain, called the “reptilian brain”, causing an immediate reaction, which goes unnoticed by our conscious brain. So there are sounds to which we not only react emotionally, but physically as well: for example, music can accelerate heart rhythms or relax us.

Beyond these instinctive processes, music also appeals to that part of the brain where we store memories, so we find it so easy to relive an experience by playing a song that we associate with it. But the capabilities of music are not limited to these simple effects. Music can also play with our expectations and our desires, serving as means of transport to take us to delicious imaginary places in the future.

If you want to feel the pulsating rhythms of a good session of music and get caught up in their melodies, rent apartments in Marrakech, where you will find a rich musical culture, which will surely inspire you.