Articles for author: Maria Faith Saligumba

High-resolution macro shot of cracked and weathered tree bark surface.

Bark, Smoke, and Ritual: Ancient Healing Practices That Still Work

Maria Faith Saligumba

Picture this: a healer’s hands gently press tree bark to a wound, the smoky swirl of burning sage dances through a crowded hut, and the rhythmic chant of voices fills the air with hope. Long before hospitals and pharmacies, humanity turned to nature and ritual for healing. Astonishingly, many ancient practices—once dismissed as superstition—have stood ...

A robot monitoring a coral reef.

The Role of Deep Sea Creatures in Maintaining Oceanic Ecosystems

Maria Faith Saligumba

The mysterious depths of the world’s oceans hold a wealth of life forms that many of us rarely consider. These deep-sea creatures, often residing in habitats characterized by extreme conditions such as high pressure, frigid temperatures, and complete darkness, possess extraordinary adaptations that allow them to not only survive but thrive in such environments. Beyond ...

Explore a vibrant underwater coral reef teeming with colorful marine life and tropical fish.

Why Are Coral Reefs So Colorful — And Why Are They Losing It?

Maria Faith Saligumba

Imagine drifting underwater, sunlight pouring through crystal blue waves, and suddenly—an explosion of color. Neon purples, fiery oranges, electric blues, and soft pinks swirl together in a living kaleidoscope. This isn’t the set of a fantasy film; it’s a coral reef, one of the most magical and mysterious places on our planet. But here’s the ...

areial photography of yacht docked on calm body of water

The Indigenous Stewards of Australia’s Reef: Traditional Knowledge Meets Modern Science

Maria Faith Saligumba

The ocean’s heartbeat pulses through the Great Barrier Reef, a living tapestry stretching over 2,300 kilometers along Australia’s northeast coast. But what most people don’t realize is that long before scientists ever dipped their toes into these turquoise waters, Indigenous Australians were already the vigilant guardians of this wondrous ecosystem. For tens of thousands of ...

evolution of human

The Strange Evolution of Bipedalism Why Humans Walk on Two Legs

Maria Faith Saligumba

Bipedalism, or the ability to walk on two legs, is one of the most distinctive features of humans, setting us apart from our primate relatives. The journey to upright walking is a complex story woven from millions of years of evolutionary changes. But why did our ancestors forsake the knuckle-walking of great apes to stand ...

A protest sign that says there is no planet b

10 Ways Climate Change Is Affecting Ecosystems Around the World

Maria Faith Saligumba

Climate change, a pressing global issue, is having significant impacts on ecosystems around the world. These changes are altering habitats, affecting species diversity, and influencing the balance of natural environments. Understanding how climate change is affecting ecosystems is crucial for implementing effective conservation strategies and mitigating negative impacts. Below are ten significant ways in which ...

A whirling dervish dances in the mystical caves of Cappadocia, Türkiye.

The Hidden Cave Cities of Cappadocia: Nature, Tuff, and Ancient Ingenuity

Maria Faith Saligumba

Imagine a world sculpted by volcanoes, where entire cities are carved into soft stone, and secrets lurk beneath the sun-baked hills. Welcome to Cappadocia—a land where fairy chimneys pierce the sky, and ancient hands transformed a harsh landscape into a masterpiece of survival. Here, the air shivers with tales of ingenuity, resilience, and the relentless ...