Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Chapters.
Fallen Tree
The bookstore had appeared more spacious for the first fifteen minutes. Jasper was busy trying to unlock the door and began to feel frustrated by the lack of help from his companion. But frustration wasn't in his nature, he muttered. It was one of Them, not well-received in his mind. It was this that made him sound calm when he turned to the old man.
By Alessandro La Martina3 years ago in Chapters
Chapter 2 of Memoirs of the In-Between
When you’re alive, you have no idea what happens to you when you die. It was one of my many thoughts and regrets. I always wondered what happened to a person when they died. I sent so many people to their afterlives, that it seemed like a fair question. I had no idea what I believed, and to be frank I was scared to think too deeply about it. Only when my worst guilt, fresh after a job well done, did I dare to venture into that dark corner of my mind. I eventually convinced myself that nothing happened. There was no heaven, there were no gods, there was nothing but a deep dark sleep that you never wake up from.
By Hope Martin3 years ago in Chapters
The Genetic Fossils Hidden in Our DNA
Introduction In 1972, geneticist Susumu Ohno made an insightful observation: "The earth is strewn with fossil remains of extinct species; is it a wonder that our genome too is filled with the remains of extinct genes?" Little did he know that he was uncovering a fascinating aspect of our genetic heritage. Inside our genomes, we carry molecular fossils - fragments of DNA that have become non-functional over time. One such pseudogene, GULOP, found on the 8th chromosome, once played a vital role in our primate ancestors' ability to produce vitamin C. However, around 61 million years ago, a mutation turned GULOP into a pseudogene, a non-functional relic. This genetic transformation marked a crucial moment in our evolutionary journey, and it was not the last.
By Japneet Kaur3 years ago in Chapters
The Lucrative World of Golden Kiwis
Introduction: The golden kiwi, a delightful variant of the conventional green kiwi, has taken the global fruit market by storm. Renowned for its exceptional sweetness and distinct flavor, this unique strain of kiwi has become a symbol of New Zealand's horticultural excellence. However, what makes golden kiwis truly stand out is their astonishing value. In recent years, their rarity and exclusivity have led to incidents of smuggling, copyright disputes, and skyrocketing prices. In this article, we'll delve into the captivating world of golden kiwis, exploring the factors that make them so expensive, their journey from orchard to supermarket, and the fascinating story behind their cultivation.
By Japneet Kaur3 years ago in Chapters
Sri Lanka's Coconut Industry
Introduction: Sri Lanka, known for its lush landscapes and serene beaches, is also home to a thriving coconut industry. This tropical paradise produces over 30,000 metric tons of coconuts annually, but surprisingly, most of this bounty does not remain within the country. Instead, Sri Lanka exports its coconut products to eager markets in Europe, the United States, and Canada. The demand for coconut-based products has skyrocketed in recent years, driven by the perception of coconuts as a superfood. Notably, U.S. consumption of coconut oil alone has surged by nearly 30 percent since 2018. In this article, we delve into the complexities of Sri Lanka's coconut industry, exploring the challenges faced by local farmers and the global consequences of the West's insatiable thirst for coconut products.
By Japneet Kaur3 years ago in Chapters
"The Promising but Pricey World of Maglev Trains"
Introduction: Nestled deep within a Japanese mountain pass lies one of the world's most advanced and rarest transportation technologies: a 43-kilometer-long magnetic levitation (Maglev) train track. This cutting-edge track is poised to be part of the world's first inter-city Maglev train, connecting the bustling metropolises of Tokyo and Osaka. With the mesmerizing power of superconducting magnets, these Maglev trains defy gravity, hovering just 10 centimeters above the track, all while hurtling along at a breathtaking speed of 500 kilometers per hour. What sets them apart is their unique levitation mechanism, which eliminates physical contact with the track, enabling operation in any weather condition and significantly reducing maintenance costs due to minimal friction and fewer moving parts. Despite the remarkable advantages offered by Maglev trains over traditional high-speed trains, the commercial deployment of these magnetic marvels remains limited, with only one operational high-speed Maglev line, spanning 30 kilometers, connecting Shanghai Airport to the city. The discrepancy between the promise of Maglev technology and its real-world application raises intriguing questions. Why does a technology that seems poised to revolutionize transportation face such restricted implementation? In this article, we will explore how Maglev trains work, delve into the reasons behind their constrained deployment, and investigate the economic challenges they confront.
By Japneet Kaur3 years ago in Chapters
Chapter Two: The Nine Hades Snake Venom
A serene, verdant river meandered gracefully through the landscape, its clear waters rippling gently downstream. Along the riverbank, a slender youth with long hair cascading to his waist stood. In his left hand, he held a book, and in his right hand, a fishing rod. The melodious sound of his reading echoed, harmoniously blending with the tranquil nature surrounding him. The soothing flow of the river added a poetic touch to the scene. Suddenly, the youth's right wrist flicked lightly, and a foot-long grass carp was effortlessly lifted from the water and landed in a basket a short distance behind him. Then, with another flick of his wrist, the fishing line gracefully arched through the air, the baited hook returning to the river. Throughout this process, the youth's eyes never left the book in his left hand.
By Germaine D Ray3 years ago in Chapters






