Richelle Antonythasan

Protein or Poison: The Rise of the Glorified Candy Bar

Protein or Poison: The Rise of the Glorified Candy Bar

Marketed as a convenient source of nutrition for busy and health-conscious individuals, protein bars have sky-rocketed in popularity on the global market. Although initially intended to boost post-workout recovery for physically active individuals, the abuse of protein bars as low-carbohydrate meal replacements or snacks by all consumers has become prevalent (Jovanov et al. 2021). However, Read the full article…


Beyond Bioinvasion: Uncovering the Mutualistic Benefits of Human-Ornamental Plant Relationships

Beyond Bioinvasion: Uncovering the Mutualistic Benefits of Human-Ornamental Plant Relationships

The symbiosis between humans and ornamental or “domesticated” plants should be studied for insight regarding mutualism and the negative effects of exploitative relationships. Mutualism, as defined by modern ecological scientists, provides evolutionary fitness benefits and increases the likelihood of genetic transfer (Herre et al. 1999). Since the Neolithic period from around 8000 BC to 3000 Read the full article…


Sleep Deprivation: Voluntary Biological, Neurochemical, and Psychological Starvation

Sleep Deprivation: Voluntary Biological, Neurochemical, and Psychological Starvation

Although not commonly named alongside food, water, and shelter, sleep is a basic need that many misclassify as a neglectable desire. From maintaining immunological function and hormonal balance to emotional and neurological health, sleep optimizes the efficiency of biological processes (Stickgold, 2015). In the realm of psychology, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is an anthropological theory Read the full article…


The Dangers of A Broken Heart: “Takotsubo” Syndrome

The Dangers of A Broken Heart: "Takotsubo" Syndrome

Love can be thought of as the act of giving one’s heart, wholly and unshielded, to another and willingly losing emotional control. Although love has a temporary nature due to the temporality of life and the unpredictability of psychological changes associated with human growth, grief is the permanent remnant of love. In the extreme sense, Read the full article…