Articles for author: Maria Faith Saligumba

red and gray moons

What Causes the Moon’s Phases? (Hint: Not Earth’s Shadow)

Maria Faith Saligumba

Look up at the night sky and you’ll witness one of nature’s most predictable yet mesmerizing performances. The Moon transforms from a brilliant full circle to a delicate crescent, disappearing entirely before beginning its celestial dance all over again. For centuries, humans have gazed upward in wonder, creating myths and legends to explain this monthly ...

gray concrete road between buildings during night time

7 Small U.S. Towns With Big Roles in Space History

Maria Faith Saligumba

When you think about America’s journey to the stars, your mind probably jumps to Houston, Cape Canaveral, or NASA’s sprawling facilities. But scattered across the American landscape are tiny towns that played absolutely crucial roles in humanity’s greatest adventure. These aren’t the places you’d expect to find space history. They’re the kind of communities where ...

Close-up of colorful abstract fluid painting with red, blue, and yellow patterns.

How Viruses Hijack Your Cells: A Molecular Heist Story

Maria Faith Saligumba

Imagine waking up one morning to find that someone has broken into your house, not to steal your valuables, but to turn your entire home into a factory for producing more burglars. They’ve rewired your security system, reprogrammed your appliances, and convinced your family members to help them manufacture thousands of copies of themselves. This ...

Faceless ethnic people in dirty clothes collecting sugar cane plants on sunny plantation in Asian countryside

Sugar Plantations and Lost Forests: The Price of Agricultural Expansion

Maria Faith Saligumba

The story of sugar plantations is a tale as sweet as it is bitter. A walk through the history of sugar cultivation reveals a complex relationship between human progress and environmental degradation. As swathes of verdant forests were sacrificed at the altar of agricultural expansion, the delicate balance of ecosystems was disrupted, giving rise to ...

Flock of birds.

Community-Led Conservation of Ireland’s Coastal Bird Species

Maria Faith Saligumba

Ireland’s breathtaking coastline is not just a sight to behold; it is a sanctuary for a myriad of bird species that call it home. These delicate ecosystems are teeming with life, vibrant colors, and the melodious calls of birds that flutter above the rugged cliffs and sandy shores. However, these avian inhabitants are facing mounting ...

The Importance of Native Forests

The Rise of Smart Forests: How AI Is Helping to Protect the World’s Trees

Maria Faith Saligumba

Forests, the Earth’s lungs, are under threat from deforestation, climate change, and human encroachment. The rise of smart forests represents a beacon of hope where technology meets nature to preserve these vital ecosystems. With artificial intelligence (AI) at the helm, our forests are receiving unprecedented protection, promising a greener and more sustainable future. Let’s dive ...

wildlife photography of tower of giraffes

Silent Conversations: How Giraffes “Hum” to Communicate at Night

Maria Faith Saligumba

Picture this: you’re standing in the African savanna at midnight, surrounded by what seems like complete silence. The towering silhouettes of giraffes move gracefully through the darkness, their long necks swaying like gentle giants in a moonlit dance. But what you can’t hear might shock you. These seemingly quiet creatures are actually engaged in deep, ...