Articles for author: Maria Faith Saligumba

Close-up of a Zapotec figurine held outdoors, showcasing ancient Mexican art.

Monte Albán: The Ancient Zapotec City in the Clouds

Maria Faith Saligumba

High above the Valley of Oaxaca, where morning mist clings to mountainsides like ancient memories, stands one of Mesoamerica’s most spectacular archaeological sites. Monte Albán rises 1,300 feet above the valley floor, its flattened mountaintop defying nature’s design. This wasn’t just any ancient city – it was a testament to human ambition, a place where ...

Palm trees near body of water.

Palm Trees and Lost Habitats: The Environmental Cost of Large-Scale Harvesting

Maria Faith Saligumba

Palm trees have long symbolized tropical paradise. Their swaying leaves evoke images of sandy beaches and warm breezes. However, beneath this idyllic image lies a troubling reality. Large-scale palm tree harvesting is causing significant environmental damage, leading to the loss of crucial habitats and threatening biodiversity. The impact of this industry is vast, affecting ecosystems, ...

The Concept of Invasive Species

The Unseen Impact of Invasive Species on Island Wildlife

Maria Faith Saligumba

In the delicate ecosystems of islands, every sound, scent, and shadow tells a story of life uniquely adapted to its environment. Islands, often isolated by vast expanses of water, are home to species that have evolved in splendid isolation. These species, however, face an insidious threat that is often invisible at first glance: invasive species. ...

mushrooms

Can Mushrooms Change Your Personality? The Long-Term Effects of Psilocybin on the Human Mind

Maria Faith Saligumba

The mystical allure of mushrooms has captivated human imagination for centuries. But beyond their culinary delights and mythical tales lies a fascinating question: Can mushrooms, specifically those containing psilocybin, alter our very essence—our personality? Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms, has been the subject of intense scientific scrutiny. Researchers are keen to understand ...

Brown and green grass field.

10 Everyday Changes You Can Make to Help Combat Climate Change

Maria Faith Saligumba

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, impacting ecosystems, weather patterns, and everyday life across the globe. While large-scale actions from governments and corporations are crucial, individual actions also play a significant role in this global challenge. Here, we explore ten simple yet effective changes you can make in your ...

Delicate white flowers of garlic mustard bloom in natural sunlight.

From Medicinal Cure to Ecological Curse: The Journey of Garlic Mustard

Maria Faith Saligumba

Picture this: a humble plant that once graced European gardens as a prized medicinal herb now terrorizes North American forests like an unstoppable green army. Garlic mustard’s transformation from healing ally to ecological nightmare reads like a botanical Jekyll and Hyde story. This seemingly innocent plant with heart-shaped leaves and tiny white flowers has become ...

Fossils

Can You Keep Fossils You Find? What the UK Law Says

Maria Faith Saligumba

Unearthing a fossil can be an exhilarating experience. Imagine standing on a rocky beach, feeling the salty breeze on your face, and suddenly stumbling upon a piece of history millions of years old. It’s a moment that connects you to the ancient world in a tangible way. But as you marvel at your discovery, a ...