In today's news, with Nancy and Paz:

Pingxi lanterns, gas stoves and asthma, and the secret behind ancient Roman concrete.

All that and more, coming up next!

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平溪天燈節將釋放數百個天燈

Hundreds of Lanterns to be Released at Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

Many travel websites say the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is a "must-see".

Some say the world-famous event originated (源自) from a local tradition.

They say a long time ago, there were robbers who plundered (搶奪) the village after harvest.

The villagers would hide in the mountains, and leave behind their strong men to defend the village.

When it was safe to come home, the men would release sky lanterns to tell the villagers.

Therefore, a sky lantern means peace and safety.

Over time, people start writing their wishes on the lanterns.

They believe that the lanterns could bring their wishes to the heavens.

This year, the festival starts on February 5th.

Hundreds of sky lanterns will be released at Shifen Sky Lantern Square on February 5th, and at Pingxi Junior High School on Feb 11th, both from 6 to 8:30 pm.

「2023新北市平溪天燈節」分別是2月5日在十分廣場，和2月11日在平溪國中舉行大型天燈施放活動。

There will also be tours which include sky lantern DIY and major attractions.

The mountain town of Pingxi has charming railway scenery, nostalgic (懷舊) mining history and culture.

It also has local delicacies and snacks that are worth savoring (仔細品嚐).

If you want to experience a special event…

Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival might be the place to go.

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兒童氣喘疑與瓦斯爐有關?

Asthma Study Sparks Debate Over Safety of Gas Stoves

Can you cook?

If you do, what kind of cooking stove do you have at home?

In Taiwan, it's usually a stove that uses natural gas.

New research has linked cooking with natural gas to 12% of childhood asthma (氣喘) cases in the U.S.

新研究顯示使用瓦斯爐做菜和美國12%左右的兒童氣喘案例有關。

The researchers suggested that 650,000 U.S. children would not have developed asthma if their homes had electric or induction stoves (電磁爐).

However, other researchers do not agree.

They say a definite link between asthma and pollution from gas stoves hasn't been proven yet.

But one thing is for certain… using a range hood (抽油煙機) is necessary when you're cooking.

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羅馬帝國建築物的秘密

The Secret Behind Ancient Roman Buildings

Greek fire, Damascus steel, and Roman concrete (混凝土)…

They used to be the lost techniques of the ancient world.

Thanks to modern technology and hardworking scientists, many of the techniques have been recreated.

The buildings of ancient Rome have survived thousands of years.

Studies have shown that Roman concrete lasts longer than modern concrete.

Originally, researchers believed that the key ingredient to Roman concrete is volcanic ash (火山灰).

But now, another key component (主要成分) has been discovered.

They found white chunks (白色塊狀物) that had been previously overlooked in Roman concrete.

These white chunks were thought to come from sloppy (草率) mixing, or poor-quality ingredients.

The scientists called it "lime clasts" (石灰屑).

But an experiment proved that the lime clasts helped to "heal" cracks.

羅馬帝國使用的混凝土中含有被稱為「石灰碎屑」的白色碎塊，專家發現這些碎屑使裂縫能夠「癒合」。

They say lime clasts can dissolve into cracks and recrystallize (重新結晶), sealing off the cracks.

Researchers say that this could be the key to producing more long-lasting concrete.

Or it could even be the beginning of self-repairing buildings.

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So, in today's News Bites:

This year, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival starts on February 5th.

Hundreds of sky lanterns will released at Shifen Sky Lantern Square and at Pingxi Junior High School.

There will also be tours which include sky lantern DIY and major attractions.

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New research has linked cooking with natural gas to 12% of childhood asthma cases in the U.S.

Gas stoves burn natural gas, which produces nitrogen dioxide.

The WHO says nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant linked to asthma and other respiratory conditions.

But some researchers say a definite link between asthma and pollution from gas stoves hasn't been proven yet.

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And,

Researchers now think lime clasts in Roman concrete may help to "heal" cracks.

They say lime clasts can dissolve into cracks and recrystallize, sealing off the cracks.

Researchers say that this could be the key to producing more long-lasting concrete.

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And that's today's episode of News Bites!