By Ian Kim '27  • Nov 10, 2025 Tripolar fragmentation: The global economy increasingly split between the United States, China, and the European Union, as trade lines weaken across blocs. The global economy is shifting towards a fragmented structure where nations tightly align with one of three blocs: China, the European Union, or the United States. This tripolar framework has more severe consequences than the U.S.-China divide, since economic ties weaken across all three bloc

By Janice Yang ’26 • Nov 9, 2025 Fall in love with autumn in these stunning European destinations (© Euronews, 2023). When summer’s heat begins to fade and cool breezes arrive, trees quietly start their transformation. The lush green leaves that shaded our days slowly turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. This dazzling transformation draws tourists to forests and parks every autumn — but have you ever wondered why  it happens? Let’s look beneath the surface of tho

Emily Cho '27 • Nov 5, 2025 The demand for spice has grown exponentially global: reflected  in the long waiting lists at Haidilao, a renowned hot pot chain, as well as the viral “spicy noodle challenge” on social media spicy foods have evolved beyond a mere culinary trend. Korea, one of the biggest exporters of spicy instant noodles, namely Buldak Ramen which are now available in over 100 countries, have surpassed nearly $100 million in revenue every month. But why is spicy f

Min Sung Kim  ‘26  • Feb 5, 2024 Most students think watching TikToks or scrolling Instagram at night helps them “wind down.” But biologically, it’s probably the biggest reason so many of us wake up exhausted. Here is the science in one sentence: blue light from screens blocks your melatonin production. Melatonin is the hormone that tells your brain it’s nighttime. It starts rising naturally around 9–11pm. When blue light hits your eyes, it delays that rise. This isn’t a tiny

Moon Woo '25 • Feb 5, 2024 Energy Drinks on Campus: A Hidden Dependency? At Springfield, it’s not unusual to see students walking into morning classes with an energy drink logo peeking out of a backpack pocket. Some joke about “needing” it before first period. Others casually mention that they drink two cans during exam week. But science suggests this might be less of a harmless habit—and closer to dependence. Why so many of us rely on them. Energy drinks combine caffeine wi