THIS WEEK IN SCIENCE
Words By: Anika Gaw and Jianna Wee
The College of Science shows its pride in the achievements of its students and teachers embodying the #GalingScience motto.
The past few weeks in science are no exceptions as several individuals acquired significant achievements in scientific studies.
IMPACT FACTOR: FACULTY PUBLICATIONS
Prof. Thomas Edison E. dela Cruz, Dr. rer. nat. and Asst. Prof. Aimee Caye Chang, PhD
Prof. Thomas dela Cruz, Asst. Prof. Aimee Chang and their co-authors published an article entitled “Full-length 16S rRNA and ITS Gene Sequencing Revealed Rich Microbial Flora in Roots of Cycas spp. in China” last January 27 in the Evolutionary Bioinformatics Journal.
The article discussed the discovery of diverse microbes in the roots of cycads, which potentially interact together to support cycad survival.
Dr. Pia Marie Albano and Dr. Maria Christina Ramos
Dr. Pia Marie Albano, Dr. Maria Christina Ramos, and their co-authors published an article entitled “Discrimination of malignant from benign thyroid lesions through neural netrowks using FTIR signals obtained from tissues” last January 18, 2021 in the Springer Nature Journal.
The article discussed the use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy to detect the malignancy of thyroid lesions.
Mr. Kristan Bryan A. Simbulan, MS
Mr. Simbulan and co-authors recently published two new articles, entitled, “Selective Photoexcitation of Finite-momentum Excitons in Monolayer MoS2 by Twisted Light” published on February 10, 2021 in the ACS Nano Journal and “Room temperature negative differential resistance in clay-graphite paper transistors” available online last February 8, 2021 in the Carbon Journal.
Prof. Marc Eric S. Reyes, PhD
Prof. Reyes and co-authors recently published two articles in psychology entitled, “Negative emotions about climate change are related to insomnia symptoms and mental health: Cross-sectional evidence from 25 countries” made available last January 14, 2021 in the Current Psychology Journal, and “Me, Myself, & I: Narcissistic Personality Trait and Selfie Behavior Among Selected Filipinos” in the North American Journal of Psychology.
GALING SCIENCE: FACULTY AND STUDENT ACCOLADES
Prof. Cecilia Banag-Moran, Dr. rer. nat.
Prof. Banag-Moran and her team of researchers at the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) discovered several plant and animal species located in Del Carmen, Siargao, proving the region’s rich biodiversity.
They were found in Del Carmen, Siargao, which is currently under a request to be listed as a new Ramsar site in the Philippines. Wetlands are assigned under this designation in accordance with the Ramsar Convention of 1971 signifying their status as protected for their international and ecological importance.
The article entitled “Surfing Capital of the Philippines — A Home to Hundreds of Fauna and Flora”, by Jenny Leigh A. Daquioag can be read at the National Research Council of the Philippines website.
Ms. Carmela Vicera, MSc and Dr. Mary Ann G. Santos, PhD
Ms. Carmela Vicera and Dr. Mary Ann Santos received the coveted Tonolli Memorial Award for their report on “Chitinoclastic Aeromonas sp. from planktonic copepods in Lake Taal, Philippines”
The Tonolli Memorial Award is given to provide assistance to young limnologists in developing countries. Awards from the Tonolli fund generally are in the amount of $1000 to $1500 for a period of one year.
The article can be read at Issue #77 of SIL News at Limnology.org.
Zoe Ciesli Capule, Patricia Denise Crisostomo, and Rominna Pia Angela Sebastian
Zoe Capule, Patricia Crisostomo, and Rominna Sebastian, third year BS Microbiology students of the Department of Biological Sciences, were recipients of the UNILAB Manufacturing Network Scholarship last February 3, 2021.
This scholarship is given to deserving third and fourth year students who are pursuing Pharmacy and Chemistry courses in the Philippines.
SALIKSEEK: SCIENCE RESEARCHERS IN ACTION
The following individuals recently acquired research grants for their ongoing projects and programs.
Prof. Gina R. Dedeles, PhD
Project 1 of their program, “Revisiting Industrially important Marine Microorganisms in Philippine Mangroves” funded by NRCP.
Asst. Prof. Jonathan Carlo A. Briones, PhD and Mr. Elfritzson Peralta, MS
Project 1 of their program, “Taal Post Eruption Ecological Research Program” funded by NRCP.
Assoc. Prof. Maureen B. Sabit, PhD
Project entitled, “Seasonal Distribution and Allergenicity of Airborne Pollen in Ilocos Norte, Philippines” funded by DOST-PCHRD.
Asst. Prof. Kim Hazel V. Arafiles, PhD
Project 2, entitled, “Bioprospecting Industrially Viable Oleaginous and Carotenogenous Philippine Protists (Thraustochytrids)” funded by NRCP.
Prof. Rey Donne S. Papa, PhD
1. Project 2 entitled, “Zooplanktivory in the Endemic Sardinella tawilis (Herre, 1927) and its relationship with limnetic zooplankton dynamics in Lake Taal under altered limnological characteristics post-eruption” funded by NCRP.
2. Project entitled, “Methane dynamics in lake ecosystems under changing climates: latitudinal comparison toward understanding of global methane” funded by DOST-JSPS Joint Research program.
Prof. Karen S. Santiago, PhD and Asst. Prof. Jolleen Natalie L. Balitaan, MS
Project entitled, “Chemical Synthesis and Characterization of Conducting Polymer/Metal Nanoparticles Composites, and their Application as a Chemiresistive Gas Sensor Array” funded by DOST-PCIEERD & EDC.
Prof. Bernard John V. Tongol, PhD
Program entitled, “Center for Advanced Materials for Clean Energy Technologies Based on Indigenous Materials (CAMCET)” funded by DOST-GIA through NICER (Niche Center in the Region for R&D).
Prof. Christina A. Binag, PhD and Asst. Prof. Felicidad Christina R. Ramirez, PhD
Project 3, entitled, “Plant-derived Biochar as Fabric-based Electrode Materials for Supercapacitor Devices” funded by DOST-GIA through NICER (Niche Center in the Region for R&D).
Asst. Prof. Nikki Heherson A. Dagamac, Dr. rer. nat.
Project entitled, “Multidisciplinary Approaches for Tamaraw Protection Against Threats (MATAPAT) in Mt. Calavite Wildlife Sanctuary, occidental Mindoro Philippines”, funded by DOST-PCAARRD.
PARASCIYO: SCIENCE FOR THE FUTURE
The following individuals received the approval of their grants for upcoming projects in 2022.
Prof. Allan Patrick G. Macabeo, Dr. rer. nat.
Project entitled, “One Strain, Many Compounds (OSMaC) Approach for the Discovery of Antimicrobial Agents from Endophytic Fungi associated with Philippine Annonaceae and Zingiberaceae Medicinal Plants” funded by NRCP, which is expected to run through January 2022 to December 2024.
Asst. Prof. Nikki Heherson A. Dagamac, Dr. rer. nat.
Program entitled, “Integrated FLORistic ASsessment (INFLORAS) in vulnerable coastal vegetations in San Fernando City La Union: Implications for policies and recommendations for sustainable ecotourism and risk disaster management” funded by NCRP. The first project is expected to occur from 2022–2024.
Prof. Cecilia B. Moran, Dr. rer. nat.
Project entitled, “VIVA (Vegetation Inventory and Valuations)” funded by NRCP for the duration of 2022–2024.
Mr. Reuel C. Bennett, MS
Project entitled, “PRICE (PRotist in Coastline Environment)” funded by NRCP from 2022–2024.
