Vampire in the Wild

By: Kate M. Serrano

We’ve heard of vampire bats, catfish and moths. Here’s a new addition to the lineage that came even before Twilight made the scene – the vampire frog. Discovered in 2008 by Judy Rowley of the Australian Museum and her student Le Thi Thuy Duong from Ho Chi Minh City University of Science, vampire frogs (Rhacophorus vampyrus) are not necessarily blood suckers but were named as such because of the presence of black fangs in tadpoles used for feeding. 

This unusual frog has adapted for life in trees, using its webbed fingers and toes for moving and gliding hence it is also called the “flying frog.” They use water holes in trees to breed protect their young from all predators that lurk in rivers and ponds. The first vampire frog was discovered in the unexplored Langbian Plateau cloud forest of southern Vietnam in March 2008 but it wasn’t until 2010 that the scientist observed the fangs protruding from the underside of a tadpole’s mouth while examining it under a microscope. One cool thing about the frog? It changes color! In daylight it’s a pale tan, but at night it’s stunning brick red. Very little information is known about this creature in terms of life history, abundance, activity and special behaviours though. But one thing is certain: we would not want this red listed in the endangered species category.

  

Save our Planet

By: Felicitas Binan

Every time we hear the term “global warming” we cannot help but  feel alarmed and  disturbed about the carbon footprint of  anything and everything around us. First and foremost concern that came into our mind is the future of our children, grandchildren and the future generation to come. Where will they be if our earth will be devoid of fresh water to drink, pure air to breathe, rivers and oceans and perpetual land to dwell in. There is still hope for a brighter outlook if all the citizens of this world will embrace the preservation of the earth and its species.

Focus ourselves on latest news and current events in what is happening around us, particularly on ecosystem. If you have extra time, take a walk in public parks, animal sanctuaries and nearby national parks. We can help conserve indigenous wealth through science, developed technology and simply by word of mouth. We can achieve this through tasking and environmentally friendly adaptations within our everyday living.

Initiating a green perspective in our own means we can contribute to a healthier future within our own homes by conserving power and water, and unplugging unused appliances. Keep air passages open to let fresh air circulate within your home instead of using your air conditioning. Drive less, waste less, and you will be on your way of reducing your carbon footprint significantly.

Lastly we can connect with different associations within our community that focus on earth and its preservation. Join tree planting drives, groups that focus on picking up litter, carpooling, and a lot more. We need to find all the means to become productive and concerned citizens of this planet, and truly promote and look for best care.

We must focus on the preservation of  the earth.

Disabled Can Now Walk Again

By: Daniela Silva

New technology has caught us by surprise once again, 3D printing technology may now be a essential piece of modern medical technology for those who are incapable of walking unassisted. 3D printing is an affordable method of creating robotic exoskeletons, and not only is this a fantastic idea, but it is already being developed as you read!

Earlier this month, this technology proved itself as a worthy piece of equipment when it gave Amanda Boxtel a second chance at life since her skiing incident of 1992 thanks to two brilliant companies. A 3D printing company located in north Carolina and EskoBionics united together and created a exoskeleton that generated enough energy to complete the action the wearer pushes to establish. This means those who have no physical ability to walk can be given the aid they need on a daily basis to do things they need to do without the physical aid of another person; giving the person pure independence.