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In Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand, a quiet night was interrupted by a rustling among the plants. It wasn’t the wind, nor a thief. It was a young elephant, determined to treat himself to a sweet midnight snack.

Drawn by the inviting aroma, the calf had wandered away from the herd to explore a nearby sugarcane field. As he snapped the stalks with his trunk and ate them one by one, local farmers began to hear strange noises. They stepped outside with flashlights in hand — and found themselves in front of a scene they would never forget.

Once discovered, the little elephant did what his instincts told him: he tried to hide. But, perhaps unaware of his own size, he crouched behind a thin electric pole, convinced — with all the innocence in the world — that he had become invisible.

Half his body sticking out, eyes wide open, perfectly still like a statue. He truly believed no one could see him. The neighbors held their breath… and then burst into laughter. That disarming innocence could soften even the hardest heart.

Fortunately, no intervention was needed. Local authorities confirmed that the young elephant, after his sugary escapade, returned safely to his herd later that same night.

And in that field, among the broken sugarcane and a few lingering laughs, remained the trace of a moment that felt as if it had stepped out of a fairy tale.

The Philippines has long been known as the nation of 7,107 islands, but modern mapping technology has rewritten that number. According to the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, the country now officially has 7,641 islands after an update made possible by high-resolution satellite imaging and advanced geographic information systems. The newly identified islands are mostly small, remote, and uninhabited, yet they remain part of the country’s territory and contribute to the archipelago’s natural richness. This discovery highlights how improved scientific tools continue to expand our understanding of geography and national boundaries.

Beyond the numbers, the update reinforces the extraordinary diversity of the Philippine landscape. From world-renowned beaches to untouched islets that remain hidden from the public eye, the country’s expanded archipelago showcases its unmatched beauty and ecological importance. While many of these islands may never host communities, they are vital habitats for wildlife and serve as reminders of the Philippines’ vastness and natural splendor. The new count not only sparks national pride but also invites curiosity about the many undiscovered gems still waiting across our seas.

Science Department |

A remarkable discovery in Masungi Georeserve has drawn national attention after conservationists confirmed the presence of rare prehistoric plants that date back to a time long before dinosaurs walked the Earth. These plants, known as cycads, are among the oldest seed-bearing plants in existence, with ancestors that first appeared more than 200 million years ago during the early Permian period. Flourishing through the Jurassic era, cycads have survived mass extinctions and dramatic shifts in Earth’s climate, making them some of the most resilient and ancient living species known to science. Their presence in Rizal highlights the Philippines’ extraordinary biodiversity and the ecological value of protected sites like Masungi.

One particular species, Cycas riuminiana, is endemic to Luzon and thrives within the limestone landscapes and forested areas of Masungi Georeserve. Conservationists emphasize that these plants are living witnesses to Earth’s deep history, offering insight into prehistoric ecosystems that once shaped our planet. Their survival today underscores the importance of safeguarding threatened habitats from development, mining, and deforestation. As these Jurassic survivors continue to grow quietly in Baras, Rizal, they serve as a powerful reminder of the ancient natural heritage the Philippines is responsible for protecting.

Science Department |

Esophagus, esophagus, parang may iba sa moon? 🌕👸

Don’t miss your chance to catch 2025’s last full moon up close at the UP Sunken Garden on December 4, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM! Enjoy free telescope viewing, light painting, and get the chance to take home exclusive AstroSoc merch as a keepsake of the night!

📅 4 December, 2025
🕘 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 UP Sunken Garden
🎟 FREE Admission

Image by Czarina Belarmino

There’s something heartwarming about the way sea otter moms wrap their pups in kelp to keep them safe while they hunt. This act of care and protection speaks to the deep bond between mothers and their young. It’s a beautiful example of how, in the animal world, survival often depends on cooperation and the unbreakable ties that bind families together.

The fact that otter mothers use kelp as a blanket to keep their pups from drifting away while they dive shows a level of ingenuity that we sometimes overlook in the animal kingdom. It’s a small but significant act that allows the family unit to thrive despite the challenges of their environment.

Nature is full of lessons about love and protection—lessons that remind us of the importance of caring for one another. 🌊🦦

Akala ko sa Singapore lang meron neto... meron din pala dito sa pilipinas! #BossRDR #RDRTalks #rdrvlogs #Plastimer

A Swedish startup called Corvid Cleaning has found a clever way to fight litter using wild crows. According to The Guardian, the company developed a device that rewards crows with food when they drop cigarette butts into it. The machine uses a simple system of operant conditioning, and the crows quickly learned how to trade trash for treats.

The pilot project took place in Södertälje, Sweden, where cigarette butts make up nearly half of the city’s street litter. This approach could save the city millions in cleanup costs while reducing environmental harm. According to CNN, the device is still in the testing phase, but early results are promising.

The crows have shown remarkable intelligence and adaptability, and the startup hopes to expand the program to other cities. By turning one of nature’s smartest birds into a cleanup partner, Corvid Cleaning is showing how innovation and animal behavior can work together to solve real-world problems.

Disclaimer: Image was generated using AI and is intended for illustration purposes only.

✅️Project E.S.S.E.N.C.E.2025
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2025

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Powerful.