Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 06/06/2026 15:39 · 51 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

Science & Tech

View all463 stories
Science & Tech

Slovak Universities Can Apply for Support to Develop AI Literacy Materials

Slovak universities can now apply for government funding to create educational materials focused on artificial intelligence literacy. The Ministry of Education aims to provide teachers with practical tools that will help systematically develop students' digital skills. The initiative represents part of Slovakia's broader effort to modernize education and prepare students for an increasingly digital economy where AI literacy is becoming essential.

TASR/Teraz
|
Science & Tech

Environmental Concerns Rise Over Unauthorized Drilling Plans in Slovak Region

Regional environmental tensions have emerged over planned drilling operations that allegedly lack proper consent from landowners, stirring controversy in affected communities. The dispute highlights ongoing challenges in balancing resource extraction activities with property rights and environmental protection in Slovakia. Meanwhile, environmental monitoring continues across the country, with winter temperatures reaching a low of -25.6 degrees Celsius in Vígľaš, and conservation efforts proceeding at various sites including invasive plant removal in the valuable Laskomero Valley biotopes and volunteer restoration work at the Molpír hillfort in the Little Carpathians mountains.

Aktuality
|
Science & Tech

NASA Plans Mars Mission in Two Years Using Nuclear Propulsion Technology

NASA is planning to launch a Mars mission within two years using nuclear propulsion technology, marking a return to a concept the space agency previously explored during the Apollo program era. The nuclear engine system is designed to enable more efficient travel to Mars compared to conventional chemical rockets. While NASA tested nuclear propulsion technology decades ago during the height of the Apollo missions, the current initiative represents a renewed effort to make interplanetary travel more feasible using this unconventional propulsion method.

Aktuality
|
Science & Tech

Snowy Owl from Harry Potter Films Gains Global Protected Species Status

The snowy owl, famously featured in the Harry Potter film series, has been granted global protected species status along with 39 other animal species. According to Helsinki's Korkeasaari Zoo, the snowy owl is considered critically endangered in Finland. The designation provides international legal protection for these species under global conservation frameworks designed to prevent extinction and preserve biodiversity.

SMETASR/Teraz
|
Science & Tech

Bird Migration Records Reveal Extraordinary Distances Equivalent to Three Round Trips to the Moon

Birds achieve remarkable migration feats, with some species traveling distances equivalent to three round trips to the moon during their lifetimes, according to research highlighting extraordinary avian capabilities. The findings showcase not only the incredible distances covered during seasonal migrations but also birds' remarkable intelligence and architectural abilities in nest construction. These discoveries continue to build on Slovakia's long ornithological tradition, which dates back to the Austro-Hungarian monarchy when Bird Day was first established as an annual observance that continues today.

Aktuality
|
Science & Tech

Environmental Groups Discuss Future Changes to Slovak National Park Zoning

Environmental advocates are debating potential revisions to Slovakia's national park zoning regulations, with some calling for changes that would better protect nature. The discussion centers on which parks might need zoning modifications and the timing of such changes, with environmentalists expressing both hopes and concerns about the risks involved. Meanwhile, exploratory work has begun on the Tarabova pumped-storage hydroelectric project. The debate reflects ongoing tensions between conservation efforts and development pressures in Slovakia's protected areas, as environmental groups consider what actions a future government might take regarding park management policies.

Dennik N
|
Science & Tech

Bird Songs Return to Slovak Parks and Cities as Conservation Efforts Show Success

Bird songs are returning to parks and urban areas across Slovakia, giving ornithologists reason to celebrate conservation successes this year. The return of various bird species to cities and green spaces marks a significant achievement for environmental protection efforts. A particularly notable success has been the comeback of the azure-winged magpie, a species that had previously declined in the region. The resurgence of bird populations in urban environments indicates improving ecological conditions and the effectiveness of wildlife conservation programs.

SME
|
Science & Tech

NASA Reports 'Event of the Century' as Object Strikes the Moon

NASA has described a recent lunar impact as an 'event of the century' after an unidentified object crashed into the Moon's surface. The space agency characterized the collision as a significant astronomical occurrence, though specific details about the nature of the impacting object or the precise location and extent of damage remain limited. The incident represents a notable development in lunar observation and space science research.

SME
|
Science & Tech

Apple Founded 50 Years Ago by Jobs, Wozniak and Wayne

Fifty years ago, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne founded Apple Computer Company with the vision of creating computers accessible to ordinary people. The company, established on April 1, 1976, has since transformed the world of personal technology and computing, evolving from a garage startup into one of the world's most valuable technology companies that revolutionized how people interact with computers, phones, and digital devices.

TASR/Teraz
|
Science & Tech

NASA Estimates 80 Percent Probability for Artemis 2 Mission Launch

NASA has assessed an 80 percent probability for the launch of its Artemis 2 mission, marking a significant milestone in the agency's lunar exploration program. The mission represents the next phase of NASA's ambitious plan to return humans to the Moon for the first time since the Apollo era ended in the 1972. NASA Director emphasized that astronaut safety remains the top priority and will not be compromised in the mission timeline, indicating that the launch probability reflects current technical readiness while maintaining strict safety protocols for the crew.

SME
|
Science & Tech

Apple's MacBook Neo Shakes Up Laptop Market with Lower Pricing

Apple surprised laptop manufacturers with the launch of its more affordable MacBook Neo, causing some competitors to reduce their prices in response. The tech giant aims to attract new customers to its cloud and digital services through the lower-priced device. Apple has traditionally been synonymous with luxury products, with its premium smartphones and computers generating enviable profit margins that other electronics manufacturers couldn't match. However, the company's strategy has shifted in recent years, moving beyond hardware as its primary revenue source toward expanding its services ecosystem.

Dennik N
|
Science & Tech

Slovakia Launches Perun Supercomputer Into Full Operation

Slovakia's Perun supercomputer has been launched into full operational status, marking the completion of a project funded by European Union resources. The Slovak Academy of Sciences announced the successful conclusion of the initiative, which represents a significant advancement in the country's computational capabilities. A ceremonial launch event for the Perun supercomputer is scheduled to take place in April this year, according to academy officials.

SMETASR/Teraz
|
Science & Tech

Slovak Academy of Sciences Launches Perun Supercomputer Into Full Operation

The Slovak Academy of Sciences has launched the Perun supercomputer into full operational capacity. The supercomputer, which represents a significant technological advancement for Slovakia's research capabilities, is now actively running computational tasks. A formal ceremonial launch of the Perun system is scheduled to take place in April of this year, marking an important milestone for the country's scientific computing infrastructure.

TASR/Teraz
|
Science & Tech

Common Marigold: Healing Properties and Risks of a Medicinal Plant

The common marigold, a member of the aster family known for its distinctive flattened flower heads with yellow to orange blooms, has been used as a valuable medicinal plant for centuries despite often being perceived as a weed due to its widespread distribution and expansive growth. The plant's therapeutic applications have made it a significant component in traditional herbal medicine practices.

Aktuality
|
Science & Tech

Slovak University of Agriculture Establishes Innovative Agricultural Technology Laboratory

The Slovak University of Agriculture has established a new Innovative Laboratory of Agricultural Technology, providing students with access to cutting-edge machinery and diagnostic equipment. The laboratory features the most modern agricultural technology provided by member companies of an industry association, allowing students hands-on experience with advanced equipment used in contemporary farming operations. The facility represents an effort to bridge the gap between academic education and practical industry needs in Slovakia's agricultural sector.

TASR/Teraz
|
Science & Tech

Slovak Tech Talent Helps Protect Millions Worldwide Through Disaster Response Technology

Slovak technological expertise is playing a crucial role in global disaster response, particularly in helping insurance companies quickly assess damage from natural catastrophes. When Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina in 2024, destroying or damaging 73,000 homes, hundreds of thousands of people depended on rapid insurance claim processing that was made possible by sophisticated data models developed with Slovak technical talent. These advanced analytical systems can instantly compare pre- and post-disaster conditions to determine what has been damaged, enabling insurance companies to process claims much faster than traditional methods would allow. The technology represents how Slovak expertise in data analysis and modeling is contributing to humanitarian efforts worldwide, helping disaster victims receive critical financial assistance more quickly when they need it most.

Aktuality
|
Science & Tech

New Research Challenges Link Between Estrogen and Breast Cancer

Growing evidence is challenging the long-held belief that estrogen directly causes breast cancer, according to recent medical research. While the hormone has been considered the primary suspect in breast cancer development for decades, new studies suggest estrogen alone does not trigger the disease. Multiple observations are now directly contradicting this popular theory, potentially reshaping understanding of breast cancer risk factors and prevention strategies.

Aktuality
|
Science & Tech

Study Finds Eight Out of Ten People Obey AI Even When It's Wrong

A new study by researchers at Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, found that eight out of ten people will follow artificial intelligence recommendations even when the AI is incorrect. The research examined how people make decisions when they have access to an AI assistant and discovered that confidence in delivery matters more than accuracy. The study suggests that people tend to trust AI systems that sound self-assured, regardless of whether their advice is actually correct. This finding raises important questions about human-AI interaction and the potential risks of over-reliance on artificial intelligence systems in decision-making processes.

Dennik N
|
Science & Tech

Study Links Difficult Childhood to Different Helping Behaviors in Adulthood

People who experienced negative childhood experiences are more likely to help strangers but less willing to support their closest family and friends, according to new research from the University of Warsaw. The study found that adults who had difficult childhoods show a pattern of extending assistance to unfamiliar people while being less inclined to provide support within their immediate circle. Researchers also discovered that trust in others during adulthood is strongly correlated with positive childhood memories, suggesting that early life experiences significantly shape how people form relationships and offer help later in life.

Aktuality
|
Science & Tech

Wildlife Conservationists Challenge Official Animal Population Counts in Poloniny National Park

Wildlife conservationists are questioning the accuracy of official animal population figures used to justify hunting policies in Slovakia's Poloniny National Park. A large carnivore specialist described the situation in the Poloniny region as absurd, criticizing what appears to be a preference for shooting animals rather than implementing preventive conservation measures. The dispute highlights broader tensions between traditional hunting practices and modern wildlife management approaches in Slovakia's protected areas. Poloniny National Park, located in northeastern Slovakia along the borders with Poland and Ukraine, is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its pristine forests and diverse wildlife including bears, wolves, and lynx.

SME
|