Vieux Boulogne – the world’s ‘stinkiest’ cheese

The world is full of stinky cheeses, but a team of researchers from Cranfield University, say France’s Vieux Boulogne is the stinkiest of them all.

Known for its pungent aroma likened to “body odour and cow dung,” this unpasteurised, artisanal cheese was tested alongside 15 others, using both human sniffers and an electronic nose. Developed in 1982, Vieux Boulogne is banned on public transport in France due to its strong smell, which comes from its orange rind washed in beer during maturation. Despite its odour, the cheese boasts a smooth, mellow flavour. Vieux Boulogne has maintained its title since the initial test in 2004. n

Drinkable ramen revolutionises instant noodles

A Japanese company has introduced Boost Noodle, a unique Japanese instant ramen designed for easy one-handed consumption by sucking it from a pouch. It us targeted at gamers who want to snack without pausing their gameplay.

The concept, inspired by a young employee, took two years to develop, primarily due to challenges in preventing soggy noodles. The result is a pasteurised ramen that can be stored at room temperature for up to 90 days. Launched in July for 660 yen ($4.15), Boost Noodle has recently gone viral, appealing to anyone seeking a hearty, convenient snack.

Giant crocodiles invade Vadodara amid flooding

Vadodara, Gujarat, is facing an unusual crisis as giant crocodiles invade the city following record rainfall that caused the Vishwamitri River to overflow.

Videos on social media show crocodiles roaming the streets, lounging on rooftops, and swimming in flooded areas. Local officials warn that while sightings of crocodiles are common during monsoon season, this year has seen an unprecedented number entering residential areas.

Crocodiles have been reported attacking pets and livestock, prompting residents to remain cautious when going outside.

World record of reciting 14,000 digits of Euler’s Number

An Indian man named Deepu V recently set a world record by reciting 14,000 digits of Euler’s number in just 49 minutes. Known for his exceptional memory, Deepu previously set a national record by reciting 2,000 digits of pi. He prepared for four months for this challenge after learning about the record for memorising Euler’s number.

Using a unique ‘tabular’ method, he organised the digits into 10 columns and 20 rows on a page, allowing him to memorise 1,000 digits per page. During the record attempt, participants are blindfolded and monitored to prevent cheating; any mistakes or delays result in disqualification. Despite the strict rules, Deepu confidently surpassed the previous record of 10,122 digits, showcasing his incredible memory skills.

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 12th, 2024