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Joanna Monigatti

Hi, I am Dr. Joanna Monigatti. From the world of AskADoc and StoryPlanet. Because sometimes the truth about the human body is stranger than fiction. Ever wondered what’s weirder — real medicine or science fiction? Join me for a weekly adventure through medical mysteries, bizarre biology, and the sci-fi ideas that might not be fiction for long. Smart, funny, a little dark — and always true (mostly).Welcome aboard AskADoc / StoryPlanet.

Storyplanet african folktales and sci-fi
Featured Post

Would You Trust an AI With Your Life?

Dear gorgeous readers, Imagine you're driving home late at night when your self-driving car suddenly has to make an impossible choice. A child runs into the road. Swerving could send the car into a wall. Braking may not be enough. Who makes that decision? You—or the artificial intelligence behind the wheel? It's no longer science fiction. AI already helps doctors diagnose disease, flies military drones, predicts crimes, manages power grids, and increasingly makes decisions that affect...

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Dear health-conscious friends, Have you ever wondered why one person can cuddle a cat without any problems while another starts sneezing within minutes? Or why some people can eat peanuts safely while others experience a life-threatening reaction? The answer lies in the fascinating—and sometimes misguided—workings of the immune system. What Is an Allergy? An allergy occurs when your immune system mistakes a harmless substance for a dangerous invader. Normally, your immune system protects you...

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Dear health-conscious friends, When most people think of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), they picture a young boy who can't sit still in class. But ADHD doesn't disappear when childhood ends. In fact, many adults are diagnosed for the first time in their 30s, 40s, or even later in life after years of wondering why everyday tasks feel so difficult. Understanding the signs of adult ADHD can be life-changing. 1. You struggle to stay organised Do you constantly misplace your...

Storyplanet african folktales and sci-fi

Dear gorgeous readers, Every great science fiction story has one invention that makes readers stop and think. In Attack on Planet Falrus, that invention is Line Desimak. At first glance, it seems like just another futuristic technology. But Line Desimak was never meant to be magic. It was designed around a simple scientific question: What if we could control gravity as easily as we control electricity today? Gravity is the weakest of the four known fundamental forces, yet it governs...

Storyplanet african folktales and sci-fi

Dear gorgeous readers, Every great adventure needs a hero. But sometimes, the person who saves the day isn't the strongest, fastest, or bravest. Sometimes it's the one who thinks differently. In Attack on Planet Falrus, that character is Professor Potty. At first glance, he seems completely ridiculous. He's a dancing robot professor who says strange things, invents bizarre gadgets, and often appears to be several steps behind everyone else. But appearances can be wonderfully misleading....

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Dear health-conscious friends, Why does a simple tablet make a headache disappear? Painkillers are among the most commonly used medications in the world, yet most people don't know how they actually work. Contrary to popular belief, they don't "switch off" pain. Instead, they interrupt the body's pain signalling system in different ways. Here's what really happens when you take a painkiller. First, What Is Pain? Pain is your body's alarm system. When you cut your finger, sprain an ankle, or...

Storyplanet african folktales and sci-fi

Dear gorgeous readers, Every world has a history. Some histories are written in books. Others are buried beneath the ground, waiting to be discovered. On Planet Falrus, the truth lies somewhere in between. To most people living on Falrus, the world seems ordinary enough. Cities rise beneath strange skies. Robots teach in classrooms. Children race through the streets, dreaming of adventures among the stars. But beneath this familiar surface lies a secret that few truly understand. Long before...

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Dear health-conscious friends, Have you ever noticed that depression doesn’t just affect your mood? For many people, it can also cause real physical pain. Headaches, back pain, muscle aches, stomach problems, and even chest discomfort are surprisingly common in people living with depression. If you've ever wondered why emotional suffering can hurt physically, the answer lies in the close connection between the brain and the body. Depression Is More Than Sadness Many people think depression...

Storyplanet african folktales and sci-fi

Dear gorgeous readers, Imagine if our ancestors had never asked, "What's over that hill?" No ships would have crossed oceans. No one would have looked up at the stars and wondered what they were. There would be no books, no vaccines, no internet, no stories about distant planets. Human progress has always begun with a question. Curiosity is often dismissed as childish—a phase we supposedly outgrow. Yet it may be the single trait that has shaped our species more than any other. Strength can...

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Dear health-conscious friends, Have you ever felt your heart racing and wondered, "Am I having a panic attack… or is this just anxiety?" You're not alone. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, they aren't actually the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you know when to seek help—and reassure you that what you're experiencing is more common than you might think. Anxiety: The Slow Build Anxiety is your body's response to stress or perceived danger. It tends to...