Endangered Plants and Hawaiian Forest Evolution

Endangered Plants and Hawaiian Forest Evolution

Grace Klein

Although Hawai`i is home to many diverse species of plants, it is also known as the endangered species capital of the world (Rare Plant Program, n.d). “Hawai`i has 272 plants considered endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act [...]” (Hawaiian Plants, 2023). When the islands were first formed, plants were brought over by birds, wind, and ocean currents. Although they originated elsewhere, those plants are considered native since they came to Hawai`i before people arrived. Many of the native plants are classified as endemic, meaning that they are found only in Hawai`i (Hawaiian Plants, 2023). “This means that after their arrival, as these plants adapted to their new environment, they changed so much from their original ancestors that they transformed into a new species” (Hawaiian Plants, 2023). Because of this, they are sensitive to changes in their environments. Human activity, land development, climate change, and non-native plants and animals have all chipped away at Hawai`i’s ecosystems. But how exactly has the flora and fauna of the islands changed over the years? This article aims to provide an introduction to endangered Hawaiian plants by examining the evolution of Hawaiian forests. 

Welcome to Cancer Alley

Welcome to Cancer Alley

KaraLeigh Eva Loya

A sleeping couple shuts their blinds. Although it’s the dead of night, the fire burning above the neighboring refineries casts near daylight through their window.  On her daily commute, a school teacher holds her breath past the seven miles of chemical plants to avoid their stench.  A blue-collar man gets a cancer diagnosis at age 42.

1.6 million people live and work in Cancer Alley, a 100–mile stretch of Louisiana from New Orleans to Baton Rouge (Ellis, 2024). In Cancer Alley, there’s no border between industrial and residential, and the citizens pay dearly.

Cuteness I: How Feeling Fuzzy Helps Your Mind

Cuteness I: How Feeling Fuzzy Helps Your Mind

Valeria Li
Science & Nature

The concept of “cute” is highly dependent on the cultural context. In essence, the concept can be defined as anything that seems appealing in a pretty or endearing way. Cuteness has long been a subject of research, even before a dedicated field was developed. Psychologists, neurologists, and anthropologists have all observed the way that cuteness as a concept is embedded into the human species.

Behavioral Economics in Policy Making

Behavioral Economics in Policy Making

Elsa Blease
Economics

To put it simply, the field of behavioral economics evolved as an increasing number of economists acknowledged the contributions of psychologists, who revealed that individuals do not act as traditional economic theories assumed—namely, as rational agents who consistently make decisions to maximize their expected benefits. While traditional economics recognizes decision-making based on rational economic theory, where individuals assumingly balance the benefits and costs of different actions, behavioral economics focuses on the concept that people lack self-control, make inconsistent choices over time, show selective attention, and respond unconsciously to an array of influences (Moffitt et al., 2023). People's decisions tend to be influenced by the social context in which they are made; they typically respond unconsciously to how a choice is framed and presented, and they cannot effectively navigate logistical challenges that hinder the best possible decision.

Extinction By The Bowl

Extinction By The Bowl

Caroline Foltz
Science & Nature

To this day, a threat to our ocean and to our future lurks beneath the surface of global waters. Sharks—de-finned and slowly descending to the seafloor. Unable to move oxygen through their gills. Unable to escape an excruciating death. Familiar species, such as the Great Hammerhead, are already nearing extinction (Rigby, C.L. et al., 2019). The culprit is a long-established practice known as shark finning. The motivation is a bowl of soup.

Aesthetics in the 21st Century: Why and how do they matter?

Aesthetics in the 21st Century: Why and how do they matter?

Valeria Li
Current Events

“Aesthetics” traditionally refers to the principles (and often the philosophy) of beauty and art. Lately, however, the term has taken on an additional meaning referring to a particular visual theme, as well as taking on the meaning of simply being beautiful or otherwise visually appealing. “What’s your aesthetic?” and “That’s so aesthetic” are phrases commonly heard in the last five years or so. 

The Role of Quantum Computing in Drug Discovery

The Role of Quantum Computing in Drug Discovery

Timothy Kilimo
Science & Nature

Quantum computing is an emerging field that promises to revolutionize numerous industries, particularly those involving complex computational problems.

One such industry is pharmaceuticals, where drug discovery involves sifting through vast chemical spaces to identify potential therapeutic compounds.

Traditional computational methods, while powerful, often fall short in handling the complexity and scale of these problems efficiently.

This analysis explores the potential impact of quantum computing on drug discovery, highlighting its advantages, current challenges, and future prospects.

The Significance of Moss

The Significance of Moss

Grace Klein
Science & Nature

When it comes to plant species, many vibrant plants catch the eye. Many plants are overlooked but are vital to ecosystems. One such species is moss. The soft, lush growths that carpet forest floors and tree bark are essential for the environment. While easily ignored, mosses provide many benefits to the world around them. Not only are they a source of food and shelter for vertebrates and invertebrates, but they also aid in carbon sequestration and support multiple ecosystem services. 

What to Make of the Bullish AI Market

What to Make of the Bullish AI Market

Michael Ferrito
Technology

Approaching the end of Q2 2024, the economy and stock market are holding steady and surprisingly strong. Most economists through Q1 and Q2 2023 forecasted a surefire recession for the U.S. economy, however, this looming threat was eliminated by the AI-fueled stock market rally taking charge in late 2023. The U.S. economy carried this strong financial finish through Q1 and Q2 of 2024. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq are up double-digit points YTD and talks of a recession have been stopped amid slowing inflation and continued bullish investing. 

Solar Energy: What, Why, and How

Solar Energy: What, Why, and How

Aidan O'Leary
Technology

In 2021, the United States "consumed 100.53 quadrillion BTUs (British Thermal Units) worth of energy, with about 79% coming from fossil fuels" (ENERGY). With that said, applying clean energy research is extremely important if we aim to combat the global climate crisis. One way many individuals can take part is by using solar panels/cells to power their homes, but how do they work, and to what efficiency?

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