by Maryka Exconde — The beginning of the universe is perhaps one of the greatest mysteries of all time. People once believed that a huge tortoise vomited out our entire universe. Some also believed that the Earth was a flat plate resting on that tortoise’s back. …

by Michaela Barillos — This article is an exclusive first look at Hiraya Zine’s latest issue. Volume 2 Issue 1: Origin of Origins is arriving on January 26, through Gumroad. “Think big,” “think outside the box,” “think on your feet,” “I think, therefore I am” — these are perhaps some of the most overused…

by Rumeysa Yilmaz — Acting as Earth’s “sunscreen,” the ozone layer is what protects the planet from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. This barrier is located on the second layer of the atmosphere called the stratosphere, which is about 15 to 35 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. The ozone layer is made up of ozone…

by Lorraine Servano — From the ever-decreasing budget in research and technology until it had the lowest funding in the region, to the limited opportunities in higher education, it’s no surprise that these scientists decide to seek greener pastures, and in the end, never come home again. There has always been something so endearing…

by Anna Divinagracia — Note: This article was previously published in Hiraya Zine Volume 1, Issue 2: Science for Society last September 2020. It couldn’t get any worse, right? Every day, masked individuals roam the streets, some fearing for their lives, and others quite annoyed at the fact that they are mandated to don…

by Diane Jen Baliling — Light Has a Dark Side Too! Billions of people around the world have been ordered to stay at home to help curb the coronavirus pandemic. As a result of the strict protocol of ordering us to limit our movement, it has triggered an unprecedented demand for digital dependency and our focus on our devices has tripled…

by Sophia Freires — Trigger Warning: This article may contain distressing depictions of explosions and death. Note: This article was previously published in Hiraya Zine Volume 1, Issue 2: Science for Society last September 2020. We have seen this year’s share of mishaps, from facing a pandemic to experiencing natural disasters. The misfortunes the…

by Mary Liv Licardo — The Confusing Theory You’re scrolling through your social media feed when you see it — a social media group for flat-earthers or people who believe the Earth is flat. …

by Rumeysa Yilmaz — Microplastics, or plastic debris smaller than 5 mm in length, have increasingly been found in waterways and have been a major source of pollution for decades. These particles that enter the environment are so small they easily pass through water treatment processes, decreasing water quality and causing a threat to…