By Mikael Angelo Francisco with Johanna Son* Originally published on Reporting ASEAN MANILA -- Every weekday afternoon, Rolando gets into his e-trike to pick up his two teenage children from school, less than half a kilometre away from their home. He also takes his electric three-wheeler to buy groceries a ...
December 17, 2025 | 8 mins read
G.R.R. Martin/TIME/Colossal Biosciences/The New Yorker •U.S.-based Colossal Biosciences claimed that it resurrected the dire wolf, a canid that went extinct over 10,000 years ago, through de-extinction technology. •Many scientists criticized the company's announcement, noting that it produced gray wolves with edited genes, not true ...
April 22, 2025 | 9 mins read
Photo: Official Gazette (X) Dr. Juan Salcedo, Jr. is celebrated for his pioneering work in nutrition and public health. Born on September 23, 1904, he exhibited a keen intellect and a passion for science from an early age. His educational journey was marked by excellence and a drive to address the pressing ...
September 29, 2024 | 2 mins read
Photo: National Academy of Science and Technology via Presidential Museum and Library (Flickr) As a country whose roots run deep within the agricultural sector, the Philippines highly values the staple crops that sustain the tables of the Filipinos. For instance, based on 2023 projections from the United States Department of Agriculture (...
September 13, 2024 | 4 mins read
Photo: DA Biotech Program (Facebook) A leading expert in plant genetics, agronomy, seed production, and the management of tropical grasses and legumes, Dr. Emil Q. Javier has made significant advancements in tropical agriculture. His work has helped improve food security and production not only in the Philippines, but in other ...
September 11, 2024 | 3 mins read
Photo: National Academy of Science and Technology via Presidential Museum and Library (Flickr) Recognized as the "Father of Nuclear Medicine in the Philippines," Dr. Paulo C. Campos made groundbreaking contributions to medical science in the Philippines, particularly nuclear medicine. Born on July 27, 1921, in Dasmariñas, Cavite, Dr. Campos showed off ...
September 1, 2024 | 3 mins read
Project SARAi By Rainielle Kyle Guison, Amiel Earl Malabanan, John Gherald Navera, and Sophia Romilla Clear skies, humid air -- it’s a bright summer morning, and Mang Apollo Aguilar has just decided that it's that time of the season to plant rice again. Mang Apollo is a 58-year-old farmer ...
August 25, 2023 | 7 mins read
Pexels Despite years of collective efforts to overcome gender barriers, women remain wildly underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). According to UNESCO, as of 2018, women accounted for only one-third of all scientific researchers in 107 countries. Think that’s a bit stark? That's just the tip of the iceberg. ...
August 10, 2023 | 6 mins read
WB/Netflix The Rurouni Kenshin franchise’s final live-action installment comes in the form of, interestingly enough, The Beginning. Set during the final years of the Edo period, The Beginning is an origin story, revealing how titular character Kenshin Himura (formerly known as the infamous Hitokiri Battōsai) got his ...
July 31, 2021 | 3 mins read
IRRI Up to this day, widespread hunger remains a persistent challenge to our species. And it’s nothing new: For various reasons, it’s a recurring episode throughout human history. Unsurprisingly, we never stopped looking for solutions. One notable example happened in the 1960s, when scientists of different nationalities banded ...
June 30, 2021 | 5 mins read
Shutterstock First and foremost, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to announce that I am a COVID-19 survivor, that I am one of those included in the numbers in the Department of Health’s (DOH’s) graph of reported recoveries. I had severe flu symptoms in late April such as ...
June 24, 2021 | 5 mins read
If someone were to ask you about what makes a good economist, what’s the first thing that would come to your mind? Perhaps, it’s being a math wizard; after all, isn’t economics about numbers and mathematical models? For National Scientist and economist Dr. Raul Fabella, though, the ...
May 31, 2021 | 7 mins read
For some history buffs and enthusiasts, nothing is more frustrating than putting history in a box. To where should history go: to the sciences, or the humanities? For National Scientist Teodoro Agoncillo, however, the answer is both. The late historian's equal emphasis on rigorous scientific inquiry and creative imagination forever ...
May 14, 2021 | 4 mins read
"Mang Caloy"/Vimeo (Updated on March 18, 2026) Around three decades ago, a businessman had an idea. Hermilo Ocampo had just purchased an abandoned building at the corner of Tomas Morato and Timog Avenue in Quezon City, along with the land it stood upon. It used to be filled with music and ...
March 18, 2021 | 8 mins read
•At the start of the COVID-19 lockdowns in the Philippines, the government encouraged rapid cremations of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 deaths. •While this did help address initial difficulties in procuring protective equipment for morticians and frontliners, there is no scientific basis for expeditious cremations as a means of curbing COVID-19 ...
January 20, 2021 | 7 mins read
At this point, what else can be said about the bizarre year that was 2020? It's a year that will go down in history as unique and unforgettable; a year that began with the threat of world war, and ended with an ongoing global pandemic. Understandably, scientists poured much of their ...
December 31, 2020 | 2 mins read
Corbis There are quite a few things Sir Isaac Newton is known for, including his experiments with prisms and light, his books that became pillars of modern science, and his status as the second scientist to ever be knighted. Oh, and he was a Christmas baby—and at the same ...
December 25, 2020 | 2 mins read
Wikimedia Commons/Edgenuity Look at your calendar. You might not immediately see it, but today, December 16, 2020, is a unique day. To be more specific, it's Pythagorean Theorem Day (also called Right Triangle Day)—and the next one won't be for another five years. How can you tell if it's Pythagorean ...
December 16, 2020 | 3 mins read
Eric Drass (shardcore) for Gizmodo The contributions of Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe to astronomy are undeniably significant and remarkable. A pioneering force in the field, Brahe developed instruments to accurately observe the stars, producing some incredibly precise astronomical observations years before the telescope was invented. His notes covered over a ...
December 14, 2020 | 2 mins read
•Born on October 29, 1866 in Binondo, Manila, Antonio Luna grew up to be a gifted scientist, particularly in chemistry. •Throughout his career, he conducted pioneering research on diseases, environmental science, and forensic science in the Philippines. •His path as a scientist ended when he joined the Philippine revolution, during which he ...
October 29, 2020 | 4 mins read
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October 5, 2020 | 8 mins read
Immanuel Maglasang Today’s topic: Formation of Light Elements. Teacher Immanuel Maglasang stands in front of the class, but instead of writing on the blackboard, words show up where he waves his hand. A few seconds later, four elements pop up before the opening billboard rolls in. Before the minute ...
July 31, 2020 | 3 mins read
Jason Pechardo Note: This piece was first published on Rappler. "COVID-19 DEFEATED" Imagine seeing this in the headlines, maybe 3 or 4 months from now. We can travel anywhere, get toilet paper in stores, and even meet our dates, friends, and loved ones again. Things will be back to normal, the way ...
July 29, 2020 | 8 mins read
Reginald Christian Bernardo; Getty (background) Very few people can say that they went through life knowing where they wanted to be from the very beginning. After all, life is less of a linear road and more of a series of twists, turns, and occasional dead ends. More often than not, ...
May 31, 2020 | 7 mins read
In April 2018, an idea hatched on a sandy shore in Morong, Bataan. "A thought occurred to me while I was walking along the beach at almost high noon, with a sack filled with trash I picked up along the way in tow," recounted environmentalist Mykey Cuento. At the time, Mykey ...
April 28, 2020 | 5 mins read
Recent global events have reminded us that science needs much more attention than it normally gets. So perhaps as you take a break from working at home, supporting ongoing COVID-19 efforts, and practicing our democratic right in monitoring our local and national government’s actions during this enhanced community quarantine, ...
March 25, 2020 | 2 mins read
The last 12 months of the 2010s proved to be yet another spectacular year for science. Indeed, so many amazing scientific discoveries and breakthroughs capped off this decade. FlipScience covered quite a few of those stories, and also featured Filipino science pioneers who certainly deserve the spotlight. Here are the ten ...
December 31, 2019 | 3 mins read
•The physics behind car crashes reveals exactly how dangerous they are--especially in ways that aren't immediately obvious. •Global statistics point to road traffic injury as the top killer of children and young adults aged 5 to 29. •To ensure a child's road safety, install the right type of car seat, depending on ...
November 28, 2019 | 5 mins read
•Filipino students bagged three silver medals, a bronze medal, and two awards at the 13th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO) held in Daegu, South Korea. •This year, the Philippine team's selection process included a week-long camp that honed their skills before the competition. •The 13th IESO coincided with the Daegu ...
September 18, 2019 | 3 mins read
•Born on June 10, 1928, National Scientist Dr. Mercedes B. Concepcion is widely regarded as the "Mother of Asian Demography." •She has conducted pioneering research on Asian population composition and trends, as well as their impact on socio-economic development. •Her findings have resulted in the formulation and implementation of significant population policies ...
August 22, 2019 | 3 mins read
•Born on June 3, 1892, National Scientist Dr. Francisco O. Santos was a firm believer in nutrition's crucial role in Philippine society. •He devoted his life to studying the nutritional value of Filipino food and the connection between social class and dietary patterns. •He also initiated and led what is now known ...
August 19, 2019 | 3 mins read
(Updated on March 26, 2021) We humans love trivia. In fact, here are a few fun facts for you: Three out of five people are likely to share a piece of trivia they found on their social media feed. One in three will find some way to bring it up in a ...
July 27, 2019 | 4 mins read
•Born on November 30, 1924, Dr. Teodulo M. Topacio significantly contributed to the improvement of animal production and animal health in the Philippines. •He conducted pioneering and meticulous research on various animal diseases, eventually publishing an extensive guidebook for professional use. •He also played a key role in preparing and advocating for ...
July 16, 2019 | 4 mins read
•Four students from the Philippine Science High School will represent the country in the 51st International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO). •The annual chemistry competition will take place in Paris, France from July 21 to 30, 2019. •This will be Team Philippines' third time to participate in the IChO, after winning two bronze medals last ...
July 11, 2019 | 2 mins read
•Four high school students will be the Philippines' representatives at the 2019 International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). •This year marks the 50th year of the IPhO, which will take place in Tel Aviv, Israel from July 7 to 15, 2019. •Last year, the Philippine team bagged a silver medal and two bronze medals, ranking 34th ...
July 6, 2019 | 2 mins read
•Six high school students will represent the Philippines at the upcoming 60th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). •The IMO will be held in Bath, United Kingdom from from July 11 to 22, 2019. •The Philippine team ranked 38th out of 107 countries last year, bringing home a gold, a silver, two bronzes, and two honorable ...
July 2, 2019 | 2 mins read
•Born on May 19, 1942, Dr. Lourdes J. Cruz is lauded for her research on Conus geographus, a marine snail found in the Philippines. •Working alongside fellow experts, she studied the properties of the snail's venom, which were largely unknown at the time. •Their research paved the way toward finding practical uses ...
June 27, 2019 | 4 mins read
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June 24, 2019 | 5 mins read
•Born on March 25, 1908, National Scientist Dr. Julian A. Banzon made significant contributions to food science in the Philippines. •He was a pioneer in exploring alternative sources of fuel in the Philippines, with a particular focus on coconut and sugarcane. •His work as both a scientist and an educator greatly influenced ...
June 21, 2019 | 3 mins read
•Born on August 15, 1900, Dr. Alfredo C. Santos was a Pinoy pioneer in phytochemistry and plant-based medicine. •He studied a wide variety of Philippine medicinal plants, focusing on the alkaloids (naturally occurring organic compounds with basic nitrogen atoms). •His vast body of work continues to guide today's researchers, students, and medical ...
June 17, 2019 | 3 mins read
Politicians are known for saying, claiming, and promising things. Lots of things. And while we’d like to hope that most of the things they say are true, it's not unheard of for a politician to tout far-out claims in support of their agendas. Unfortunately, in some of these cases, ...
June 11, 2019 | 4 mins read
•Born on March 15, 1940, Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, S.J. paved the way towards transforming science and math education in the Philippines. •Fr. Nebres played a key role in the foundation of many major science and math education initiatives in the country. •His efforts emphasized the importance of nation-building through high-quality and ...
May 27, 2019 | 3 mins read
The winners of the 2019 Philippine senatorial elections have been officially proclaimed. Upon the shoulders of each new senator falls the responsibility to craft and pass new laws for the duration of their term. Here's a closer look at their platforms and promises during the campaign season--specifically, the policies related to ...
May 24, 2019 | 4 mins read
•The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) will hold its first-ever Project STAR International Conference at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay. •DOST-SEI aims to bring together educators and policy makers from across Asia to improve science and math education in the Philippines. •Science and math ...
May 14, 2019 | 2 mins read
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April 30, 2019 | 15 mins read
Welcome to #AskFlipScience, where we answer even the strangest, silliest questions with science! This week's question: What causes sudden headaches? Have you ever been working--just minding your own business, basically--only to suddenly feel a sharp headache, seemingly out of nowhere? The last time I experienced this, I pretty much freaked ...
April 27, 2019 | 3 mins read
This 3-part series highlights the science backgrounds and advocacies of the senatorial candidates in the upcoming 2019 Philippine elections. Hey there, Filipino voter! How well do you know the 2019 senatorial candidates' science-related advocacies? These article cover the following areas of each candidate's recent accomplishments and advocacies related to science policies: education, ...
April 26, 2019 | 7 mins read
This 3-part series highlights the science backgrounds and advocacies of the senatorial candidates in the upcoming 2019 Philippine elections. Hey there, Filipino voter! How well do you know the 2019 senatorial candidates' science-related advocacies? These article cover the following areas of each candidate's recent accomplishments and advocacies related to science policies: education, ...
April 25, 2019 | 11 mins read
Welcome to #AskFlipScience, where we answer even the strangest, silliest questions with science! This week's question: Why do some people "night owls"? For the longest time, I was convinced that I was a morning person, because the freshest pan de sal is typically made in the morning, and it's more ...
April 20, 2019 | 2 mins read
•Born on March 23, 1895, Dr. Encarnacion Alzona was a pioneering educator and suffragist. •Dr. Alzona was also the first Filipina historian, as well as the first Filipina to earn a Ph.D. •She took the lead in fighting for the Filipina's right to vote--a battle that she and her colleagues won ...
April 15, 2019 | 3 mins read
Welcome to #AskFlipScience, where we answer even the strangest, silliest questions with science! This week's question: Why does heartbreak hurt? I was watching Starting Over Again the other day, and I was doing pretty well until the movie reached that pivotal (and very meme-worthy) moment of Marco talking with Ginny. ...
April 13, 2019 | 2 mins read
It has been 150 years since Dmitri Mendeleev showed the world his Periodic Table of Elements. It's the version of the tool that pretty much everyone is familiar with, or has used at least once. There's just something so strangely appealing about the way the Periodic Table presents the elements; a ...
April 4, 2019 | 2 mins read
Sparkling crystals are beautiful, but often fetch a high price. Thus, when a cute, catchy video pops up showing how you can easily make crystals out of items in your kitchen, you can almost count on it to go viral. After all, these activities look like harmless fun, don't they? ...
March 28, 2019 | 3 mins read
•Born on March 1, 1929, Dr. Angel C. Alcala has worked tirelessly on studying marine species and promoting reef conservation. •He identified 50 new species of reptiles and amphibians over the course of his decades-long career as an accomplished biologist. •He also played an instrumental role in establishing the Philippines' first artificial coral ...
March 27, 2019 | 3 mins read
Welcome to #AskFlipScience, where we answer even the strangest, silliest questions with science! This week's question: Are plastic dinosaurs technically made of real dinosaurs? Spend enough time around the internet, and you'll likely find all sorts of interesting images, thought-provoking questions, and observations that will make you question even the ...
March 24, 2019 | 2 mins read
•Enacted into law on June 15, 2018, the Balik Scientist Program provides improved incentives and benefits for Filipino scientists, inventors, and researchers. •The Balik Scientist initiative seeks to inspire Filipino science professionals to return to the Philippines and use their skills for the betterment of the country. •At a press conference, Balik ...
March 22, 2019 | 4 mins read
•Born on March 3, 1928, Dr. Gelia T. Castillo was a pioneer in agriculture and sociology. •Dr. Castillo conducted valuable research to enhance rural development and improve the lives of farmers. •She also closely examined the dynamics of the Filipino family, while championing the rights of women in Philippine society. “Ethics is ...
March 18, 2019 | 4 mins read
Welcome to #AskFlipScience, where we answer even the strangest, silliest questions with science! This week's question: How does your phone “lose” signal? When the mobile phone made its debut into our hands and pockets, it changed everything. Gone were the days of hand-mailed letters and paging beepers. Suddenly, we had ...
March 17, 2019 | 2 mins read
Welcome to #AskFlipScience, where we answer even the strangest, silliest questions with science! This week's question: Why does bread go stale? Piping hot pan de sal. Glorious slices of white bread. Deliciously sweet Spanish bread. There’s no doubt about it: Filipinos have a soft heart for baked goods. We’...
March 10, 2019 | 2 mins read
Pop culture often depicts scientists as lanky, labcoat-clad dudes mixing chemicals in a laboratory. In celebration of International Women's Day, let’s shatter that ridiculous stereotype by getting to know five of the many Pinay scientists who are making waves in STEM today. Aletta Yñiguez Even at a young ...
March 8, 2019 | 2 mins read
Welcome to #AskFlipScience, where we answer even the strangest, silliest questions with science! This week's question: How do tap-to-pay cards work? If you’ve ever commuted in Metro Manila, sooner or later you’ll find yourself taking the train. You may also find yourself (naturally) needing to buy a ticket ...
March 3, 2019 | 2 mins read
•Paper cuts are caused by the rough, jagged edges on paper sheets. •With sufficient pressure, these edges can rip through skin, usually on fingertips. •Paper cuts are quite painful because our fingers have a lot of nerve endings. It's an all-too-familiar pain. Heck, even Linkin Park knows about it. If ...
February 28, 2019 | 2 mins read
In about a week's time, Marvel fans will flock to theaters to watch Captain Marvel, the newest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (And if you're one of them, we're sure that you’re ecstatic to see how Carol Danvers will help the Avengers beat Thanos for good.) In the ...
February 27, 2019 | 5 mins read
Welcome to #AskFlipScience, where we answer even the strangest, silliest questions with science! This week's question: What are moles, and why do we have them? Call them blemishes, beauty marks, or weird things on your skin. Moles are something that everyone’s wondered about at least once. And while they ...
February 24, 2019 | 3 mins read
•Born on February 4, 1916, Dr. Jose R. Velasco was a pioneer in rice and coconut research in the Philippines. •Dr. Velasco's research on rice photoperiodism and weeds paved the way for better planting strategies and weed control. •He also played a vital role in understanding cadang-cadang, a disease that has killed ...
February 22, 2019 | 4 mins read
Welcome to #AskFlipScience, where we answer even the strangest, silliest questions with science! This week's question: Why does orange juice taste weird after brushing? Picture this: It's a Monday morning, you’ve just finished dressing up, and you're ready to leave for work. Before heading out, you decide to grab ...
February 17, 2019 | 2 mins read
Are you the type who believes that their zodiac sign will help them get a date? Astronomers would like to have a word with you. This is the second installment of our two-part series on Valentine’s Day. So Valentine's Day has passed, and you still don’t have a ...
February 15, 2019 | 3 mins read
Feeling lonely this Valentine's Day? Attract the right romantic energy with a physics lesson from an unlikely love guru: Isaac Newton. This is the first installment of our two-part series on Valentine’s Day. It’s the middle of February, which means it’s Valentine’s season. Around you, couples ...
February 14, 2019 | 3 mins read
Welcome to #AskFlipScience, where we answer even the strangest, silliest questions with science! This week's question: Why don't we run out of blood after donating it? Ever donated blood or given a sample for testing? You may have looked at the tube and thought: “Wow, that’s a lot.” Since ...
February 10, 2019 | 2 mins read
•The house mouse (Mus musculus) may be an annoying pest at home, but it is tremendously useful in the lab. •Because of the genetic similarities between mice and humans, scientists use the tiny mammals in medical research. •However, ethical guidelines do exist for the use of mice in studies and ...
February 7, 2019 | 3 mins read
Welcome to #AskFlipScience, where we answer even the strangest, silliest questions with science! This week's question: Does grape ice cream exist? With Baguio’s temperature plummeting at a freezing 9.8 degrees Celsius (just as low as the heart of your crush/ex-girlfriend/romantic interest who is completely oblivious to the happy ...
February 3, 2019 | 2 mins read
• Despite advancements in modern science, cultural myths--beliefs based on religion or culture regarded as general truths--persist across the globe. • In the Philippines, some continue to rely on myths in addressing seemingly mysterious illnesses. • Science not only debunks pseudoscientific myths, but also gives hope to patients who have already accepted their "...
January 23, 2019 | 3 mins read
• Born on January 15, 1894, National Scientist Dr. Hilario D. G. Lara was a trailblazer in the public health movement in the Philippines. • Dr. Lara devoted years of research to preventing the spread of cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery, measles, and diphtheria in the country. • He also helped establish some of the Philippines' ...
January 15, 2019 | 5 mins read
•In 2018, Spix's Macaw was officially declared extinct in the wild, with three other species possibly extinct. •The Philippines has a number of rare and endemic species that, while not as popular as the Philippine eagle and the tamaraw, certainly deserve attention. •Each species, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, ...
January 10, 2019 | 4 mins read
•Beginning on May 20, 2019 (World Metrology Day 2019), scientists will no longer base the standard weight of the kilogram on an object called "Big K," but on a universal concept in quantum mechanics called Planck's constant. •This redefinition of the kilogram won't disrupt the everyday lives of regular citizens. •However, it does ...
January 9, 2019 | 4 mins read
• Born on January 8, 1933, Dr. Ricardo M. Lantican is an internationally recognized pioneer in plant breeding. • Dr. Lantican received the title of National Scientist in 2005 for developing over 20 enhanced mungbean, soybean, and peanut varieties. • He and his co-authors were also the first to shed light on the Southern maize leaf blight ...
January 8, 2019 | 4 mins read
• The United Nations (UN) officially declared 2019 as the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements (IYPT2019). • This coincides with the 150th anniversary of Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev's pioneering version of the Periodic Table. • Initially consisting of 63 known chemical elements, Mendeleev's version served as the foundation for the Periodic ...
January 1, 2019 | 5 mins read
2018 was certainly a big year for science. (If you read our article yesterday on the year's biggest science stories, you're probably nodding your head right now.) Over the last 12 months, FlipScience covered a wide range of topics. Interestingly, our most-read articles weren't about global headline-grabbers... and unsurprisingly, nearly all of ...
December 31, 2018 | 4 mins read
As 2018 comes to a close, let's look at some of the year's biggest science stories, both on our planet and beyond. A rover -- and water? -- on Mars This year saw the successful launch and touchdown of the InSight lander, which was built to study Mars up close. The ...
December 30, 2018 | 3 mins read
December is definitely the season to be eating, especially with all the parties set during the month. But before you dive into that juicy cut of crispy lechon skin, ask yourself: Are you sure your teeth are ready for that one big bite? Cracked teeth? Tough luck Admittedly, it is ...
December 24, 2018 | 2 mins read
• Superstitions and myths abound in Filipino culture, and rarely with any basis in scientific fact. • These beliefs are meant to explain phenomena or warn against undesirable practices. • Many of these are treated as conventional wisdom, passed on from generation to generation regardless of veracity. Humans are curious by nature, which ...
December 11, 2018 | 3 mins read
• Holiday weight gain is a common problem all over the world. • Studies have shown that the key to effectively fighting it is smart eating, coupled with exercise. It's a common joke that gym membership rates in the Philippines tend to spike in January, what with all the holiday feasting we ...
December 4, 2018 | 4 mins read
• US missionary John Allen Chau sought to bring Christianity to the Sentinelese, an isolated tribe known for their vehement dislike of outsiders. • As a result, the American was slain, and his body has yet to be recovered from North Sentinel Island. • This tragic incident illustrates the numerous reasons why it ...
November 30, 2018 | 4 mins read
November 23 (11/23) is Fibonacci Day, a special day in honor of the European mathematician who discovered the numerical sequence that manifests itself (rather spectacularly) all throughout nature. As far as dates go, 11/23 happens to be of particular significance to mathematicians and number nerds. It's widely recognized as Fibonacci Day, because the ...
November 23, 2018 | 3 mins read
The Disgusting Food Museum in Sweden is showcasing 80 of the world's most gut-wrenching foods. Some of them are from the Philippines. In the Philippines, balut (a boiled duck egg with a fetus inside) is a delicious (if mildly unsettling) snack. Crack one open and serve it up to a foreigner, ...
November 12, 2018 | 3 mins read
I remember how, when I was younger, we used to visit our relatives who lived in rather ancient-looking houses. You know, the ones that would typically have a hallway of little statues of the Mother Mary (and at least one Sto. Niño). I also remember wanting to close my ...
October 29, 2018 | 4 mins read
Time is running out. This warning sits at the heart of the recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report Global Warming of 1.5°C, released early October and penned collaboratively by almost a hundred of the world’s leading minds on climate change and global warming. As it is, the ...
October 26, 2018 | 4 mins read
We are in the midst of a blazing information age. These days, data and information sources are more ubiquitous and accessible than ever. We have online news websites, journal publications, blogs, video streaming websites, government information websites, and even porn sites. All of these are available to any person with ...
September 6, 2018 | 3 mins read
Two strangers in lab coats stand in the middle of a crowded mall. Behind them are a full set of laboratory reagents and a gigantic, cartoony Albert Einstein mascot. One of them pulls a random shopper out from the crowd and lights her arms on fire; amazingly enough, the person ...
August 24, 2018 | 3 mins read
The 2018 National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) took place at the Le Pavillon Metropolitan Park in Pasay City last August 14 to 16. Put together by the Department of Science and Technology's Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), it showcased some of the best creations from Pinoy innovators across the country. From ...
August 21, 2018 | 4 mins read
To facilitate progress, a country must strive to make the most out of its human capital. This means providing ample employment opportunities to the working population. According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Philippines had an unemployment rate of 5.7% in 2017, falling short of its 5.1-5.4% target. However, ...
August 9, 2018 | 6 mins read
(Updated on December 5, 2019) Science has been defined in a plethora of ways since the scientific revolution, dating back to the 17th century. In fact, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2018) hosts a multitude of its conceived definitions, including "the state of knowing which distinguishes from ignorance," "a departmentalized and systematized knowledge as an ...
August 3, 2018 | 9 mins read
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July 15, 2018 | 1 min read
While technology enables us to ditch lead and ink for keyboards, there has been a renewed interest in fine writing materials. Descending from the quill (featured heavily in Jose Rizal illustrations and movies), the ballpen’s ancestor, the fountain pen, is alive and kicking (or leaking) in the digital age. ...
July 9, 2018 | 3 mins read
As humans, we have always challenged the boundaries of nature and the universe around us. Compared to our fellow living creatures - which are still held under the ropes of nature for their survival - our species had a different approach. We shaped the world around us in order to ...
June 11, 2018 | 6 mins read
(Updated on July 30, 2019) If you’re one of those bright-eyed, ambitious students eyeing higher studies and a full-time career in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM), you might want try your luck and smarts at the country’s premier science scholarship program. The Department of Science and Technology - Science ...
May 3, 2018 | 4 mins read
Decades ago, the Pasig River was one of the most important bodies of water in Manila, and one of the most important river systems in the country. As far back as records go, the river was a busy trading post, linking Manila with the rest of the Philippines as well ...
April 8, 2018 | 3 mins read
Who says that scientists and mathematicians don't know how to have fun? As a matter of fact, they devote one day a year toward celebrating irrationality. In the mathematical sense, that is. Constant holiday Make no mistake: Despite its delicious-sounding name, Pi Day isn’t about pizza or fruit-filled pastries. ...
March 14, 2018 | 2 mins read
Somewhere within the realm of magical interplanetary schoolgirls, blond-haired monkey-aliens, and basketball players making episode-long 3-point-shots exists a fictional world where the rules of science can be simplified with the principle of equivalent exchange. In the made-up European setting of popular manga and anime Full Metal Alchemist, alchemy is key. ...
March 13, 2018 | 3 mins read
Marvel Studios To the uninitiated, King T’Challa may seem like a well-rounded but ultimately superfluous addition to the Avengers. A cursory glance at the Black Panther’s powers and abilities could understandably make anyone think that T’Challa doesn’t really offer anything unique to the table. Besides, the ...
February 14, 2018 | 5 mins read