Articles for author: Trizzy Orozco

The Texas Flood That Almost Was: How Close El Paso Has Come to Disaster

The Texas Flood That Almost Was: How Close El Paso Has Come to Disaster

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine standing on the edge of a city, watching the skies darken and feeling the heavy weight of impending doom. This almost became the reality for El Paso, Texas, a city teetering on the brink of catastrophe. Nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert, El Paso is not a place you’d typically associate with floods. Yet, this ...

The Forgotten Border Dams: Where the U.S. and Mexico Work Together to Manage Water

The Forgotten Border Dams: Where the U.S. and Mexico Work Together to Manage Water

Trizzy Orozco

When you think of the U.S.-Mexico border, images of arid landscapes and political debates might flood your mind. But hidden within this vast expanse are remarkable feats of engineering and international cooperation—border dams that quietly manage water resources for both nations. These dams are not just concrete structures; they symbolize a rare partnership that transcends ...

Infected cassava plants.

The Cassava Mosaic Virus: A Hidden Threat to Food Security in the Tropics

Trizzy Orozco

In the lush, verdant landscapes of the tropics, cassava stands as a vital lifeline for millions. But beneath its leafy canopy, a silent enemy lurks—one that threatens the very fabric of food security in this region. The Cassava Mosaic Virus (CMV) is a formidable adversary, stealthily impacting the lives of those who rely on cassava ...

Pile of pyrite.

Preserved in Pyrite: How ‘Fool’s Gold’ Is Saving Ancient Biology

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine stumbling upon a glimmering rock, only to realize it’s not the gold you hoped for but something far more valuable to science. This rock, known as pyrite or “fool’s gold,” is revealing secrets from the ancient world, preserving biological treasures that have captivated scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. The allure of pyrite extends beyond ...

Two puffins in their habitat.

Puffin Day: The Fossil Story of Seabirds That Survived Ice Ages

Trizzy Orozco

Have you ever wondered how some of the most enchanting seabirds on our planet have managed to survive through the harshest of climates? Puffins, with their vibrant beaks and captivating eyes, have a story that stretches back through the ice ages, revealing a tale of resilience and adaptation. These birds are not just a delight ...

Hawaiian Monk Seal lying on rock covered with snow

Hawaiian Monk Seals: The World’s Most Endangered Seals

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine the quiet hush of a sun-drenched Hawaiian beach. The turquoise waves lap the sand, palm trees sway, and a rare, whiskered face emerges from the surf—an ancient creature fighting for survival in the only home it has ever known. The Hawaiian monk seal, with its soulful eyes and gentle nature, is not just any ...

Levee road near the Rio Grande, Rincon, NM.

Can These Levees Hold? The Aging Flood Defenses Along the Rio Grande, El Paso

Trizzy Orozco

Flooding is one of nature’s most powerful forces, capable of reshaping landscapes and impacting lives in profound ways. Along the Rio Grande in El Paso, the question on many minds is whether the aging levees can withstand the test of time and nature. These structures, designed to protect communities from devastating floods, are now facing ...

Sinkhole Guatemala.

The Real-Life Sinkhole That Swallowed an Entire Town

Trizzy Orozco

Imagine waking up one morning to find that your hometown has vanished into the earth. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Yet, for the residents of a small town in Guatemala, this nightmare became a reality. Sinkholes, often seen as mere geological phenomena, can have catastrophic impacts on human lives. This article ...

Yellow and black bees working on their hive.

The Mysterious Language of Bees: How They Dance to Communicate Directions

Trizzy Orozco

Have you ever wondered how bees, those tiny architects of our ecosystem, manage to find food and navigate their world with such precision? It’s not just their remarkable sense of smell or their ability to see ultraviolet light. Bees have a secret language all their own, a dance that speaks volumes without uttering a single ...