Explainers
The context behind the headlines, explained.
Explainers Page 2 of 5
What used to take 2 hours from Manila to Tiaong, Quezon will now take 30 minutes once TR4 expressway opens
The Tagaytay-Nasugbu-Batangas Expressway segment known as TR4 is set to open by December 2026, slashing travel time from Manila to Tiaong in Quezon Province from two hours to just 15 to 30 minutes, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy”…
The Merck/Moderna cancer vaccine: How does it work and what are potential barriers to wide use?
The personalized cancer vaccine being developed by Moderna (MRNA.O) and Merck (MRK.N) has boosted hopes that mRNA technology could open up a new avenue of treatment, but the available evidence is still limited. Interim data from a large trial showed the experimental vaccine, when combined with…
What scientists know so far about Nepal’s deadly floods
Lethal surges of mud and water that hit “like liquid concrete” are nearly impossible to predict and can’t be outrun. The cause of the deadly landslide and flood along the Nepal-Tibet border isn’t yet certain, but experts say the risk of such events is compounded by the extreme topography of the…
How typhoon-induced class suspensions affect students’ learning, study explains
Two weeks of heavy and persistent rains that triggered severe flooding across parts of Luzon in the Philippines forced local government units to suspend classes to ensure the safety of students. However, a study published in the International Journal of Educational Development highlights the…
How the ‘CREATE MORE’ Law is making the Philippines a top destination for foreign capital under the Marcos administration
Republic Act No. 12066, or the “CREATE MORE” law, has expanded investment incentives to make the Philippines more competitive against regional peers including Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia in attracting foreign direct investment, with the resulting job creation keeping unemployment relatively…
WHO calls for urgent action: Global cancer cases may hit 35 million by 2050
The World Health Organization has sounded the alarm over a projected surge in global cancer cases, warning that annual diagnoses could reach nearly 35 million by 2050, up from 20.6 million today, unless governments take immediate action to strengthen care systems. In its Global Status Report on…
Is ‘sugar addiction’ real? Study reveals why sugar hits the brain differently than nicotine, other drugs
A 2026 scientific review examined the concept of “sugar addiction,” finding that while interest in sugar withdrawal and detox timelines is growing, existing research remains inconsistent. Published in Behavioural Brain Research, the review analyzed both preclinical animal models and human clinical…
How garlic ‘kills the mood’: mosquitoes stop mating, laying eggs due to garlic’s chemical compound
A new study has found that garlic, a common kitchen staple, may prevent mosquitoes from mating and laying eggs. The research, conducted by scientists from Yale University, found that garlic contains a naturally occurring compound that acts like a “birth control” for winged insects. The study, led…
Air conditioning: Is it a necessity, a luxury or an ecological threat?
As extreme heatwaves scorch different parts of the world, people are increasingly turning to cooling systems such as air conditioning. But the debate over whether air conditioning is a necessity, a luxury, or an ecological threat remains unresolved. A commentary by Chelsea Follett for the Cato…
The Dunning-Kruger Effect: Why do incompetent people think they’re the best?
A landmark 1999 psychological study explains why some people who perform poorly tend to overestimate their abilities. The research, conducted by Justin Kruger and David Dunning of Cornell University, found that individuals with low performance in tasks such as humor, grammar, and logical reasoning…
How extreme heat affects milk quality and production, a European study explains
As global temperatures continue to rise—driven by intensifying heatwaves and the looming threat of a strong El Niño—agriculture is among the sectors bearing the brunt of extreme heat. Within the industry, a new study has found that soaring temperatures can significantly affect dairy farms…
How the DOJ under the Marcos Jr. administration is overhauling the PH corrections system
For years, the Philippine corrections system was synonymous with overcrowding, poor food, paper records that went missing, and persons deprived of liberty who waited far too long for releases they were legally entitled to, a system that punished people not just with imprisonment but with…
WHO declares cruise ship hantavirus outbreak over
GENEVA, Switzerland — The World Health Organization on Thursday declared an end to the deadly hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship which sparked international alarm, after the last person left quarantine. There were 12 confirmed and one probable case stemming from the MV Hondius, including three…
Do not open until 2276: US burying time capsule to mark July 4
Americans living in 2276 will get a taste of what their ancestors today think best represents the nation thanks to a time capsule to be buried this July 4. The 900 pound (400 kilo) stainless steel cylinder will go into the ground Saturday, as the nation marks its 250th birthday, not far from where…
Is there still hope against climate change? Filipino scientist warns window for action is already narrowing
The world has not yet reached the point of no return on climate change, but the window for meaningful action is narrowing with every passing year, Filipino physicist and Manila Observatory Executive Director Fr. Jose Ramon “Jett” Villarin said Saturday, offering a message of cautious hope nearly…