1. Turning smog into diamonds. Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde will tackle Beijing’s air pollution problem by cleaning its air at a nano-level and turning carbon from smog into diamonds. World Economic Forum.
  1. New map of the brain. Using multiple MRI measurements, scientists have charted the cerebral cortex – brain’s outermost layer – into 180 separate parcels, 97 of which have never been previously described, offering greater insight into brain’s inner workings. Nature.
  1. Russia to pick new symbols for money. A competition is underway for cities and landmarks to be features on 200 and 2,000 ruble bills coming out in 2017. Several universities are in the running. ITMO.
  1. Nail-biting and thumb-sucking has benefits. Kids who engaged in these activities had fewer allergies, according to a new study in New Zealand, underscoring the benefits of early exposure to germs. Science News.
  1. Landscape-bending photography offers a different view. Enjoy a new perspective on Russian sights at Lestni.ca.