Creative + Entertainment
Stories to Entertain and Inspire
In Brave New World, Aldous Huxley imagined a society perfected through science — one without pain, fear, or freedom. Nearly a century later, Sidnee Bell examines how that imagined world mirrors our own, where gene editing, pharmaceuticals, and even architecture quietly shape our choices. Blending literary analysis with modern science, Bell asks a haunting question: when innovation promises comfort and control, how much autonomy are we willing to surrender?
From rooftop star parties in the heart of Austin to the sprawling night skies of West Texas, astronomy student Prisha Desai invites readers on a journey through UT’s most awe-inspiring stargazing experiences. With firsthand stories from the PMA and Painter Hall telescopes to the legendary McDonald Observatory, Desai shows how anyone — student or not — can explore the cosmos. Whether you’re chasing Saturn’s rings or the Milky Way’s glow, her guide proves the universe is closer than you think.
Every semester brings a new aesthetic — ruffle socks, Stanley tumblers, Longchamp totes — but beneath the charm of coordinated chaos lies a deeper story about sustainability and status. In Microtrends, Major Impact, Brina Patel dissects how TikTok-fueled fashion cycles turn “eco-friendly” staples into fast-moving symbols of belonging. Through the shimmer of clover charms and the churn of trend culture, she asks: can sustainability survive in a world obsessed with the next new thing?
In this piece, Bhalla starts off a series of writing letters to UT’s future healthcare professionals. Read her piece to gain some insight into the reality of working in healthcare, a frequently emotionally draining field.
In this artful composition, Kakumani describes a beautiful predator-prey relationship that was preserved by history. Read his piece to gain a better grasp of the image you see in the cover photo!
Sometimes the best ideas come to us in our dreams, but it always sucks when we forget them after waking up.
As Biology student Mattis prepares for graduation, she crafts this heartfelt poem about the intersection between the humanities and science.
Carroll reflects on the sounds of nature, from her yard to the lab.
Mattis, a senior, spills the heartfelt truth about the phenomenon of leaving college behind in this poem.
Sadhukhan, a fermented drink enthusiast, invites you into the fizzy, and enchanting, world of homemade kombucha. Welcome to The Kombucha Diaries!
Chun pens a moving piece on looking back, as well as forward.
DeJong pens a heartfelt ode to her favorite room in Welch Hall.
A letter to women in science in honor of women’s history month.
Brianna Mattis shares a spoken word piece that is both beautiful and poignant.
A discussion on sustainable kitchen practices, as well as a fun recipe to try on your own!
A moving creative piece that examines “The Middle”.
Imagine being ten minutes late to lecture despite your previous class being in the same building. Welch will do that to you.
Risbud explores the science behind your favorite superhero flicks.
In our inaugural Human Beans comic, Tran answers the age-old question: What happens after you die?
Edwards analyzes how Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” reveals the intersection of science and fiction, where the clandestine forces of the human soul can be just as strong as empiricism.