The Rise and Reality of 3D-Printed Homes
3D-printing technology is reshaping the construction industry, offering faster build times, less waste, and more design flexibility than traditional methods. What once seemed experimental is now a viable solution for affordable housing, sustainable architecture, and even large-scale urban development. At its core, 3D-printed construction relies on giant robotic printers that layer a mix of concrete, …
Reelection Over Progress: the Immigration Impasse
Immigration reform in the U.S. has been stuck in a holding pattern for decades. The last major legislation addressing the issue was the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), signed by President Reagan. While that bill aimed to curb illegal immigration and grant legal status to millions, it failed to create long-term solutions. Since …
Swift, Shakespeare, and the Art of Staying Power
The notion that popularity diminishes the value of art has long been a point of contention. Modern icons like Taylor Swift, however, challenge this idea. Swift’s current Eras tour, which is on track to be the highest-grossing concert tour ever, defies the old-fashioned belief that popular art lacks substance. While some argue that commercial success …
Beneath the Games: Exploring Paris’ Underworld
While the 2024 Paris Olympics captivate the world above ground, there’s an equally fascinating world lying beneath the city streets—the Paris Catacombs. This vast underground ossuary houses the remains of over six million Parisians, a stark reminder of the city’s history. Originally created in the late 18th century, the catacombs were a solution to the …
Fighting Food Waste
In a move that’s both ambitious and essential, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have renewed their vows to tackle food waste and loss together—but this time, they’ve brought in reinforcements. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is joining the party, …
Cats and Coffee: a Purrfect Combo
Amid the hustle of everyday life, soothing purrs and wagging tails can be a whole lot more than just cute. Exploring the intersection of animal welfare and mental health reveals major implications for both humans and animals alike. As shelters across the country grapple with an overwhelming influx of animals, the reciprocal benefits of pet …
D.I.Y. Biology
A once niche subculture, “biohacking” has become a fast growing movement of people looking to optimize themselves. Through a combination of technology, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle choices, biohackers experiment with diet, exercise, sleep, and various other interventions in order to enhance physical and cognitive performance, improve health, and prolong life. While many biohacking practices are …
The Medical Tourism Trend: Patients Seek Healthcare Abroad
Medical tourism, once a niche sector, has burgeoned into a significant global industry, mobilizing over 21 million individuals annually and generating a market worth between $74 and $92 billion as of 2023, according to the latest data compiled by Patients Beyond Borders. This growth is propelled by the pursuit of cost-effective healthcare services combined with …
Space Mining: From Cosmic Prospecting to Galactic Property Rights
In the ongoing saga of space exploration, national flags on the moon are more symbolic than legally significant. Technically, no one owns any part of outer space, but space mining companies are on a mission to change that. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 established that no nation can claim land in outer space or on celestial bodies like …
Fare Free Public Transit
A growing number of U.S. cities are allowing public transit riders to hop on board for free. Proponents of the zero-fare movement argue that eliminating fares boosts ridership by removing cost burdens — particularly for lower-income passengers, who typically rely most on public transportation. Kansas City, Missouri, was the nation’s first large city to adopt …
