Articles for author: Annette Uy

Shamanism

Shamanism and Science: How Indigenous Knowledge Is Influencing Modern Medicine

Annette Uy

In a world where science and technology often dominate our understanding of medicine, an ancient practice is quietly making waves. Shamanism, a spiritual and healing tradition practiced by indigenous cultures around the globe, is beginning to influence modern medicine in surprising ways. Despite its mystical origins, shamanism is gaining recognition for its contributions to contemporary ...

10 Creatures With Secret Superpowers You've Never Heard Of

10 Creatures With Secret Superpowers You’ve Never Heard Of

Annette Uy

Nature has been playing the ultimate game of hide-and-seek with us for millions of years. While we’re busy marveling at the obvious champions like cheetahs and eagles, countless creatures are quietly performing feats that would make comic book heroes jealous. These aren’t the animals you see in documentaries or zoo exhibits – they’re the unsung ...

Caterpillars That Turn Into Goo Before Becoming Butterflies

Caterpillars That Turn Into Goo Before Becoming Butterflies

Annette Uy

Picture this: a plump caterpillar, happily munching on leaves, suddenly decides to wrap itself in a silky prison. What happens next sounds like something from a science fiction movie. That seemingly solid creature literally dissolves into a soupy mess of biological matter. Yet from this primordial goo emerges one of nature’s most breathtaking transformations—a butterfly. ...

Brine shrimp

The Brine Shrimp of Utah: Life in One of the Saltiest Places on Earth

Annette Uy

In the heart of Utah lies a vast, shimmering expanse known as the Great Salt Lake. This majestic body of water is not just notable for its beauty but also for its extreme salinity. Within its salty depths thrives a tiny crustacean that has captured the interest of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike: the brine ...

Skulls With Holes: Did Ancient Surgeons Perform Brain Surgery?

Skulls With Holes: Did Ancient Surgeons Perform Brain Surgery?

Annette Uy

Picture this: archaeologists carefully brush away centuries of dirt from a human skull, only to discover something that makes their hearts race. A perfectly circular hole, smooth around the edges, stares back at them from the ancient bone. The question that immediately springs to mind is both fascinating and terrifying: did someone drill into this ...

Vanilla Orchid

The Vanilla Orchid Mystery: Why Most Vanilla Is Still Pollinated by Hand

Annette Uy

Vanilla, an ingredient that graces everything from ice cream to perfume, has a secret that many are unaware of. This luxurious spice comes from a unique orchid, and its journey from flower to flavor is nothing short of miraculous. Unlike many plants that rely on natural pollinators like bees or wind, the vanilla orchid often ...

The Whale-Sized Fish That Swam Earth's Ancient Oceans

The Whale-Sized Fish That Swam Earth’s Ancient Oceans

Annette Uy

Picture this: a fish longer than a school bus cruising through ancient seas, its massive jaws capable of swallowing a great white shark whole. This isn’t science fiction – it’s the incredible reality of Earth’s prehistoric oceans. While today’s largest fish barely scratch the surface of what once ruled the waves, ancient seas teemed with ...

How Modern Birds Still Carry Ancient Dinosaur DNA in Their Feathers

How Modern Birds Still Carry Ancient Dinosaur DNA in Their Feathers

Annette Uy

Imagine a world where mighty dinosaurs roamed vast landscapes, their presence both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Fast forward millions of years to today, where the descendants of these colossal creatures flutter through our skies, delighting us with their vibrant plumage and melodious songs. Yes, modern birds are the living legacy of dinosaurs, and their feathers are ...

Sterkfontein Caves – The "Cradle of Humankind" With 3.5-Million-Year-Old Fossils

Sterkfontein Caves – The “Cradle of Humankind” With 3.5-Million-Year-Old Fossils

Annette Uy

Deep beneath the rolling hills of South Africa’s Gauteng Province lies one of the most extraordinary archaeological treasures on Earth. The Sterkfontein Caves have yielded more ancient human fossils than any other site on the planet, earning their place as the world’s most significant window into our earliest ancestors. These limestone caverns hold secrets that ...

Why Some Chameleons Glow Under UV Light

Annette Uy

Picture this: you’re walking through a tropical forest at dusk with a UV flashlight in hand, and suddenly, a chameleon on a nearby branch begins to glow like a living neon sign. This isn’t science fiction or your imagination playing tricks on you – it’s one of nature’s most mesmerizing secrets that scientists have only ...