Articles for author: Maria Faith Saligumba

A man cutting a tree with a Chainsaw Tree Cutter in the forest Forest deforestation by human

Biodiversity in Peril: The Impact of Deforestation on Philippine Wildlife

The Philippines, an archipelago brimming with natural beauty, is home to a wealth of biodiversity. However, this vibrant ecosystem is under threat due to increasing deforestation. The rich tapestry of life found in the Philippines is being unraveled, with countless species facing the risk of extinction. This article delves into the intricate relationship between deforestation ...

A diverse collection of vibrant succulents showcasing natural beauty and texture.

The Plants That Survive Inside Volcano Craters — Against All Odds

Imagine standing at the edge of an active volcano crater, feeling the scorching heat radiating from below while toxic gases sting your eyes. The last thing you’d expect to see in this hellish landscape is life – yet incredibly, some of the most resilient plants on Earth call these deadly environments home. These botanical survivors ...

a red planet with a black background

The Moon vs Mars: What Planetary Samples Reveal About Habitability

Two worlds hang in our sky like ancient riddles waiting to be solved. One silver and familiar, the other rust-colored and mysterious. For decades, scientists have been collecting pieces of these celestial neighbors, bringing them back to Earth in sealed containers and spacecraft holds. What these samples tell us about life’s possibilities beyond our blue ...

Detailed close-up of a globe showing parts of Europe and the Atlantic Ocean.

How Long Could Earth Survive Without the Moon?

Imagine looking up at the night sky and seeing nothing but stars. No silvery disk watching over us, no gentle glow illuminating our evenings. The Moon has been Earth’s faithful companion for over 4.5 billion years, but what would happen if it suddenly vanished? This isn’t just a question for science fiction – it’s a ...

Feral Cats: Independent Residents of Urban Areas

Rats, Cats, and Goats: The Silent Threats to Island Biodiversity

Islands, with their unique ecosystems and diverse species, are often compared to jewels in the crown of our planet’s biodiversity. However, beneath their picturesque landscapes lies a profound threat: invasive species. Among these, rats, cats, and goats stand as some of the most notorious culprits, silently eroding the delicate balance of island ecosystems. These animals, ...

a body of water with a blue sky and clouds

There’s a Hidden “Heartbeat” of Earth Beneath the Oceans

Picture this: you’re standing on a beach, watching waves crash against the shore, completely unaware that beneath those waters lies one of the most extraordinary phenomena on our planet. Deep below the ocean floor, Earth itself is pulsing with a rhythm so mysterious and powerful that scientists have only recently begun to understand its profound ...

A breathtaking view of the Milky Way galaxy sparkling in the night sky over Punta Ballena, Uruguay.

What the Universe Looked Like Before Galaxies Existed

Picture a universe so alien that it would be completely unrecognizable to anyone living today. No stars twinkled in the endless void, no planets orbited distant suns, and no galaxies swirled in cosmic dance. This wasn’t science fiction – this was reality for hundreds of millions of years after the Big Bang. The early universe ...