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The subtlety of microplastics: an invisible threat

The ubiquity of microplastics in our environment presents a growing concern.  Such is the breadth of the issue that microplastics have now reached Mount Everest, one of the most remote places on Earth. These miniscule particles can now be found even inside the stomachs of animals and consequently, humans. Though tiny plastic particles are one…

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Open wide! Are vegan diets viable for children?

Veganism and vegetarianism are popular dietary choices that have been gaining popularity over the last decade. The rationale behind many of these choices ranges from activism—for animal and environmental rights—to health, religion, or culture. Because of the increasing number of adults going vegan over the past decade, the plausibility of passing down this diet to…

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Powerhouses of the future: Comparing the RISC and CISC processor designs

With the launch of the Apple M1 processor in November last year, the pedestal occupied by x86 processors, such as those from Intel and AMD, may soon be put into question. As Apple’s first ARM-based processor, the M1 has gained traction in the tech community for its significant claims on power efficiency and performance in…

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Beyond ones and zeroes: Skills for the modern age

Coding involves a versatile set of skills that contribute to the development of logic and abstract thinking. It is a process of optimization that seeks to solve unique problems by converting data into a language that is understood by computers and hand-held devices, and it is this language that continues to innovate the ways information…

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DLSU Syntax hosts engineering webinar on new and sustainable technologies

To “keep up with the trends”, DLSU SYNTAX hosted the Shift in the Engineering Practice (STEP) webinar series on January 16 and 23 via Facebook Live. Aside from discussing the role of engineers, the webinar also tackled current developments in engineering.  A forward-looking mindset What is the role of engineers in the future of production?…

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Highlighting the DLSU professors listed among the top two percent most-cited researchers of 2019

For the longest time, mankind has pondered upon the circumstances of our world. The answering of these questions through the use of systematic methodological processes—scientific research—has led to the rapid advancement of science, technology, and human living conditions. Last November, Engineering professors Dr. Aaron Don Africa, Dr. Kathleen Aviso, and Dr. Raymond Tan and Psychology…

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Testing the limits: Integrating Physics lab classes with online learning

Several months into the COVID-19 pandemic, schools and universities have adapted a module-based online learning system. Students are probably used to going online to attend classes via Zoom, Google Meet, and other video conferencing platforms—even for physical education classes.  But where does that leave the laboratory classes? This question is particularly salient for students of…

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Exploring the ergonomics of WFH, online learning setups

“Man will work better if he feels better,” states Dr. Alma Gutierrez—an associate professor from the Industrial Engineering Department. Workspaces are best designed to cater to the needs and capabilities of their users, necessitating that we have the proper environment and equipment to fulfill our tasks. Everything, from the chairs we sit on to the…

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Saving skin: Demystifying the organic-synthetic divide in cosmetics

From skin dryness to acne, many people use cosmetic products with varying ingredients and formulations to address different skin conditions. But as cosmetic chemists develop new solutions for skin care, the debate on whether average consumers should consider “organic” over “synthetic” products continues to ensue. It is no secret that the organic cosmetics industry is…

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How quarantine impacted environmental conditions and where we go from here

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has left a large impact on the Philippines. Months of quarantine have resulted in job losses, limited human mobility, and a huge dip in the country’s economy.  With news honing in on the struggles of the country, scientists and researchers have been observing another aspect that the pandemic has affected: the…