HELIX 22-23 Vol. 4 Issue 3

About the Cover

The cover art shows Peppered Moths (Biston betularia). It centrally focuses on the form typica, but also showcases form carbonaria surrounding it.

The case of Biston betularia prior, during, and after the Industrial Revolution has been a classic textbook example of allele frequency shifts in the context of population genetics, especially since such shifts have occurred within a relatively short period of time. This aspect of Biology is reflective of this issue’s theme of Journey, wherein it is evident in the evolutionary process that has contributed to the population’s history and continuous journey in the present time. Beyond the featured species, the cover also alludes to the fact that journeying should not always be synonymous to extraordinary and monumental forward progress; scientific advancement may also be found in the minute, mundane, or even in moving backwards. The emphasis of form typica, and slight camouflaging of form carbonaria, is a nod to how science tends to focus on what is apparent and seemingly “bright” or promising. In this light, we are reminded, enticed, and compelled to look beyond just the conspicuous in order to gain a more nuanced appreciation of the journey that we are all in.

Cover art designed and conceptualized by

Sophia Nicole Dumlao Chief of Creatives Associate Vice President for Creatives and Branding

A Letter from the Editor

When Anaximander first theorized that land beings were born off of water, it was disregarded. Centuries later, this developed thought would revolutionize the origin of life in the form of Darwinist thought.

When Aristotle first compared and classified life, it would only be centuries later that the inspired Carl Linnaeus came up with taxonomic systems that we still use today.

When it was accepted that life could spawn out of seemingly nothing—spontaneous generation—Redi, Spallanzi, and Pasteur would disprove it centuries later.

As humans, we view the past not to mock their idiocy, but to commend them for building the foundation of the future. That though peoples of the past might lack understanding, the mere attempt to explain or ponder on what would otherwise have been completely unknown is key to the point of science. We cyclically build and destroy our feeble understanding—scientific paradigms—of this highly sophisticated world based on what is amicable to our dynamic understanding.

Biology, therefore, is not static—it never has been—it is a story, or comprehensively put: a journey. From Anaximander and Aristotle, Linnaeus and Pasteur, to us, life comprises a myriad of these stories that we stack and amend at will with no regard for individualistic pursuit. Rather we use science as means to an end, to continuously expand the broad and compiled knowledge of science that we owe to every scientist that came before and will come after us.

In this issue, HELIX discusses fragments of this journey, discovering and promoting our current understanding of a world that continues to evolve. We value the stories that we, as scientists, continue to write from past, present, and onwards to the future. Therefore, in doing so, we might hope that we also continue to live in the seemingly unending journey of our Earth.

Alfonso A. Bello Editor-in-Chief, AVP for Publications

BOx takes a in 2023

Written by Raul Estrella / Photos by LEAP Documentation Team

The Ateneo Biological Organization (BOx) - eXplore. eXperience. eXcel. began its annual Leadership and Empowerment Apprenticeship Program (LEAP) last January 25, 2023 and has continued it throughout the second semester. The program gives participants an opportunity to take part in developing and training their skills to become future leaders of BOx.

The project was spearheaded by Project Head Allyson Cachola and PMO Project Head Rafael Gonzalez. Meanwhile it was supervised by VP for Training and Development Iris Castelo and AVP for Leadership and Empowerment Ysabel Mercado.

A leader’s adaptability

This year’s iteration of LEAP found itself undergoing changes in comparison to its predecessors. Mercado stated that the “timing and scheduling were planned during the semester to allow for maximum participation and engagement from BOx members.”

With that in mind, Castelo stated that the project team encountered various challenges for the onsite implementation of the program, taking into account “all the holidays, moratorium, and academic workload of all those involved with LEAP.” The shift to near-full onsite classes also played a part in the project’s implementation.

That being said, Castelo believed that the push for face-to-face workshops remained necessary as she felt that “it would be more effective in-person, as interactive activities would have more impact on the participants,” hence its shortened implementation.

Everything goes on

Despite the sudden change in pacing, LEAP continued to hold its series of workshops and activities that aimed to develop skills in communication and leadership, and gain experience as well.

“We planned this project with a theme of growth in mind, and really wanted

members to learn how to empower themselves and others throughout their journey towards leadership in BOx,” said Castelo.

LEAP held its two main workshops on January 27 and March 17 respectively, with the first workshop being merged with lessons on the project management system of BOx, as part of a newly-implemented inclusion of the Project Management Orientation (PMO) that previously consisted of a series of workshops.

The program still retained its inclusion of a Minor Task, Major Task, and Grand Task as the main member participations. Each of these tasks played a role to immerse participants in their interested departments.

Closing remarks

LEAP wrapped up its activities in a culminating activity on April 22. Despite the difficulties faced by the project team, the workshops and activities were still adapted and executed as part of its 2023 iteration.

Castelo noted the challenge of planning LEAP given the overwhelming number

of factors to take into account when scheduling, as well as the personal challenge of wanting the project to be as perfect as possible. Mercado added that there were also necessary changes to be made with marketing and participant retention, but still considered it a success nonetheless.

When asked what words she had for the readers, Castelo drew insight from her own experience as an officer of this project, stating “if there’s anything I’ve learned throughout LEAP… it’s that leadership is a journey where you will learn more along the way than beforehand. You could have all the necessary skills and experience before you take on a leadership position yet still learn so many more things once you’re actually in the EB.”

PBO finals celebrate young biologists, four IBO 2023 delegates chosen

Written by Vince Albarillo / Photos PBO Documentation Team

The finals round of the 6th Annual Philippine Biology Olympiad (PBO) 2023: LUNDAG, hosted collaboratively by the Ateneo Biological Organization (BOx) and Biology Department was held onsite last April 15 to 16 at the Ateneo de Manila University campus. Invited were the top 55 participants from the elimination round held last February 4.

After an extensive training and testing period, the top four delegates, Chiarra Bernadette Tan-Gatue (Saint Jude Catholic School), Andre Gerard C. Aw (MGC New Life Christian Academy), Carlos Manuel C. Eusoya (Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus) and Ayisha Madeleine Ong (Saint Jude Catholic School), were chosen to represent the Philippines in the International Biology Olympiad (IBO), to be held in the United Arab Emirates.1

A brief timeline of events

After the elimination round, the top 55 semi-finalists were announced on February 15.2 They were invited

to attend a series of synchronous masterclasses and workshops in Zoom that were held every Saturday, starting February 18.

These workshops were hosted by instructors from the Biology Teachers Association of the Philippines (BIOTA) and faculty from the Ateneo de Manila University Biology Department. Topics included Animal and Human Biology, Plant Anatomy and Physiology, and Biosystematics. These extensive activities were done in preparation for the semi-finals.

However, in light of events within campus, such as the Ateneo Employee’s and Worker’s Union (AEWU) strike during the last week of March, the organizing team deemed it too risky to hold the event. Thus, the semi-finals rounds was cancelled, and its activities merged with the finals round.

Lumundag Para sa Agham!

The finals were not just about selecting delegates for IBO, but also for building connections and

reinvigorating their passion for biology, according to Olympiad Co-Director Oona Barnes (3 BS BIO). “What better way [to do this] than to give them hands-on experience?” she adds.

Thus, the first day was focused on onsite workshops in the form of wet laboratory work in Botany, followed by dry laboratory work in Systematics with software such as R studio. Participants found it refreshing to handle the laboratory work themselves, following the pandemic and an online mode for PBO.

Afterwards, a non-competitive teambuilding activity called The Amazing Race topped off the first day. Participants from different schools were grouped together and bonded in various games planned out by the organizing team. One participant remarked that the events for Day 1 “calmed” their nerves for the upcoming tests.

The second day started with practical examinations focusing on laboratory

skills. Students were to rely on their abilities and training from the previous masterclasses and workshops to fill out various worksheets with the aid of a variety of software. This was held from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

After a brief lunch, theoretical examinations started at 2 PM and ended at 5:20 PM. Programs Co-Head

Andrea Peñaflor (2 BS BIO) noted that the high difficulty of the examinations eased the selection of the top 20 and the delegates.

Socials Night was held afterwards, starting at 6 PM all the way to 9 PM. The event was to allow the participants a relaxation period while examinations were being checked. Various booths were set up, including a photo booth and a dedication wall. VoiceBOx was also invited to perform, followed by a dance number by the PBO Core Team.

Near the finale of the event, IBO country coordinator Dr. Ronald Allan Cruz was called to announce the top 20 participants, followed by the delegates for the IBO; the top 4 finalists.

Unfazed by logistical challenges

Given the schedule changes, flexibility and commitment to the project became a priority, according to Peñaflor.

“It was really difficult to filter out which activities were of high priority,” she said in an interview. “[PBO is] not just about [the participants] taking the exams, workshops and lectures, but also about allowing them to experience a wide variety of activities that are not necessarily competitive.”

She emphasized the importance of remembering the reason for organizing the event in the first place. Barnes corroborated Peñaflor’s remarks stating that PBO wasn’t just about its label as the flagship project of the Ateneo BOx and the Biology Department but rather about the experience.

“It’s not just about [fueling the] participants’ love for biology, but [also for everyone else involved],” Barnes closed.

Logistical concerns aside, morale in the team was in high gear for the sake of respecting and acknowledging the hard work put in by the participants in one of their steps towards becoming fully-fledged biologists.

Beyond LUNDAG

Aside from internal engagements and planning for the next PBO, the core team now rests and can let the Biology Department and other educators handle the training of the delegates.

Despite the scale and intensity of the event, Peñaflor noted the importance of camaraderie and its role in guiding the core team towards a successful project.

“[Even] when we encountered [many problems and] last minute changes, we were not intimidated [because] we [had] reliable people in the team [who could get things done],” she added.

Barnes supports this statement, stating that “the team was more prepared because [of prior experience already] and knew what to consider.”

She hopes that lower batches show interest in participating in PBO or being part of its core team.

“It really is a fulfilling experience,” she continued. “When you are part of something this big, you are bound to really fall in love with what you do.”

To recognize their efforts, the Ateneo BOx congratulates the core team behind the project led by Olympiad Directors Oona Barnes and Isabelle Salazar.

The procurement of materials and venues from Logistics headed by Jurik Villaseran and Mia Agudo, partnered with the events from Programs headed by Andrea Peñaflor and Nicole Nuguid.

Creative activities from Entertainment headed by Natsumi Fukuda and Ysabel Mercado.

Tests and workshops from Lab Skills headed by Prince Soriano and Daniel Dela Pena, in coordination with Quiz Bee headed by Andrew Tumulak and IJ Abrenica.

Publication materials and photos from Documentations headed by Aki Banguis and Danni Casicas, together with Promotions headed by Katrina Soho and Maxine Robles.

External communications and form handling from Secretariat headed by Jenn Sampiano and Alfonso Bello, in constant collaboration with Communications headed by Anne Breechie and Maxine Rebadulla.

Lastly, monetary handling and partnerships from Finance headed by Kate San Mateo and Betina Briones, alongside Marketing headed by Julia Go and Joy Paler.

Behind Broken Beakers

Written by Anne Breechie De Jesus / Illustrated by Aki Banguis

Studying in a small public institution, I never understood why a considerably large portion of my high school’s identity remained tied to the repute of having a so-called “special science section”, when there endures an evident shortage of means to establish facilities and equipment fit for fulfilling such a science-centered curriculum. Owing to this experience, my foundation in science was quite literally on the verge of collapse before entering the collegiate level of the academe: a faulty substructure that is built on memorized concepts, defective microscopes, broken beakers, and an overall lack of experience in applied science.

Stepping out of the confines of our province and staring at the world with a wider perspective, I was wrong to readily assume that this apparent inadequacy of funding for scientific pursuits would remain within the confines of our high school alone. As it turns out, the insufficiency of science education support persists to be an ingrained problem in the present society, despite it being an integral player in every country’s quest for obtaining technological developments.

The short answer stands; there prevails an interminable irony between the insistent need for scientific progress and the monetary allowance allotted for such pursuits in the Philippine setting, that despite the apparent importance and urgency of the former, very little financial allocation is administered for its rightful procurement.

Impoverished and Ignored

The limits enforced on the monetary allowance reserved for the

sciences have always been included among the greatest challenges encountered by the 21st-century Philippines. In the face of the nation’s collective desire to attain financial independence, societal growth, and economic development–factors that can be easily driven to realization through the agency of scientific prospects–there lingers a scarcity in the support bestowed upon science communicators and scientists alike.

In the local context, science education is internationally perceived to be depicted by its inadequate scientific capacity and insufficient funding.1 This observation is explained by the various budget cuts imposed on the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)2, the Philippine Science High School (PSHS)3 system, and the University of the Philippines (UP)4: organizations and institutions that are considered to be among the country’s front-liners when it comes to spear-heading science-related initiatives.

For instance, according to then-DOST secretary Fortunato de la Peña, the ₱850 million budget cut from the 2022 DOST budget proposal had the potential to induce significant delays in the implementation of modernization programs and infrastructure projects, as this can impede the improvement of preexisting facilities and the recruitment of more personnel.2

This, in turn, inhibits the discovery of inventions and innovations which would have been instrumental in mitigating problems and alleviating the quality of life enjoyed by Filipinos in the present time.

Aside from the general issue of budget slashes, there is also a conspicuous disparity in the allocation of research and development (R&D) funds, since the vast majority of the allocated reserves are specifically concentrated in the NCR and its surrounding regions alone.5 This “regionally-inclusive” method of distributing funds has since given rise to adverse implications on the nation’s social development, thus, further emphasizing the need for better financial planning and budget allotment.5

Forcing unreasonable limitations on the proposed financial estimates of these managements is particularly detrimental to the attainment of onward progression in the field of science and technology, as not only does it heavily undermine the local perspective on research initiatives, but it also prevents the supposed procurement of resources that are integral to the completion of such projects. Hence, it is increasingly important to note that incentivizing ideas through sufficient and proper budget allocation positively augments the chances of generating societal advancements, which, ultimately, allows the production of social returns.6

Through the Locals’ Lenses

Despite the prowess of science, a vast majority of the Filipino populace still undervalues its worth and merit. Local perspectives on research are usually met with pronounced dislike, starting from the everyday high school setting, where the lack of a solid foundation on the subject has perpetuated unwarranted hate for the discipline, up to the more formal milieu of the Senate, where

one might recall Senator Cynthia Villar’s infamous outburst in 2019. In a hearing with the Department of Agriculture (DA), she notably berated the allocation of 150 million pesos to agricultural research, saying “Bakit parang lahat ng inyong budget puro research? Baliw na baliw kayo sa research. Aanhin ninyo ba ‘yung research? Ako, matalino akong tao, pero hindi ko maintindihan ‘yang research niyo”.7

These examples are readily indicative of the undervaluing of science: a phenomenon that is heavily rooted in the country’s substandard science communication and overall background knowledge in scientific research curriculums. Local science communicators actually recognize the inadequate science communication efforts pursued in the nation, emphasizing how there is an apparent challenge posed in imparting scientific expertise in the Philippines due to contrasting perspectives on the topic.8 This collective undermining, combined with the pessimistic prevailing outlook on the subject, explains why budget cuts in scientific pursuits persist in happening in the country.

When the field of science becomes widely underrated, so do the inventions that could have arisen from such pursuits. Note that without these novel schemes, inventive

solutions to modern-day problems cannot be secured. Hence, there is an urgent need to recognize and give importance to the educational and societal value of science, as it is only through this that the growth and productivity of knowledge-based communities can be fostered and rightfully sustained.

Repercussions of the Plunge

The plummeting budget for R&D has alarming implications for society as a general whole. Primarily, it results in a lack of means to acquire material resources that are essential for the accomplishment of research and scientific endeavors. Stemming from the government-based public institutions’ lack of equipment and learning materials,9 up to the budget slashes in research undertakings, the insufficiency of assets to cater to a conducive environment for the sciences has the propensity to hinder advancements because without the proper paraphernalia to conduct studies, research pursuits cannot be brought into fruition.

With very little monetary allowance allocated to scientific research and facilities, also comes a drastic decrease in the local scientific consciousness–an occurrence that eventually leads to increasingly unsatisfactory science communication channels. If left unchecked, this can further demean the current collective outlook of the Filipino populace on the field of science and research, thus, resulting in yet another instance of a brain drain.

Are our homegrown scientists and professionals deserving of this negligence and mistreatment? For their tireless diligence and hard work, all for naught when they decide to migrate to a different country upon the cognizance of a greener pasture much more suitable for their talents–a place where only are their ideas being rightfully funded,

but they, themselves, are also better compensated.

Lastly, the insufficiency of funds in this topic also brings about indirect implications on the state of the Philippine economy. Without the rightful allocation for scientific research ventures, an eminent decrease in innovations can be observed. This then considerably reduces the chances of discovering inventions that would have had the potential to improve a country’s economical output.

We, The Stewards of Science

Notwithstanding the declining budget for research and scientific pursuits coupled with the insistent financial cuts, there remain semblances of efforts being made to alleviate the problem at hand.

For instance, some Senators like Robin Padilla and Francis Tolentino have publicly expressed their intent to allocate more funds for the DOST, stating how “the only missing component [at play] is the financial support from the government”, and how the aforementioned departmental agency is “abreast with the latest technological developments”.9 However, while these sentiments come from a place with good intent, mere words are not enough–urgent action must be done to actually instigate a noticeable change in the grand scheme of things.

As stewards of science, we are endowed with the responsibility of seeking accountability, empowering the pursuits of local scientists, and shifting paradigms of research. There is a pressing need to act upon the insufficient budget allocations for scientific endeavors in the Philippines. The budget slashes and lack of funding from the government in line with scientific ventures are an indictment of undervaluing the prowess of science–an event that not only impedes the creation of innovations but also the forward progression of the country as a whole.

There lies a harrowing reality behind broken beakers–sometimes, these are not just mere fragmented pieces of glassware waiting to be thrown away in some forgotten landfill. Occasionally, these represent an aspiring scientist’s dream of achieving that ever-elusive notion of ‘greatness’ amid a world that pits them against all odds. The narrative on my junior high school experience is just one account out of the many innumerable cases which explicitly depicts the lack of government support for the scientific pursuits of public institutions. Had we had access to better laboratory equipment and resources, who knows what kind of opportunities might have opened up for us?

The point remains: scientific advancements and onward progression will only be made possible if sufficient support and proper funding in the discipline of science are met.

In the early 2000s, then-South African President Thambo Mbeki sent a letter to world leaders expressing his doubts about the link between HIV and AIDS. Despite numerous scientific evidence suggesting that HIV exclusively caused AIDS, he continued to say that AIDS was a disease caused by poverty, poor health, and malnourishment. Due to his doubt, policies he instituted denied thousands of AIDS patients of the antiretroviral drugs. The use of these drugs could have suppressed the spread of HIV in his country as an estimated 330,000 deaths could have been prevented.1

Science denialism is not a new or uncommon thing. It may even exist as far as the memory of man. There are many people out there who stand by their firm rhetoric and who are skeptical of every shed of evidence science produces. President Mbeki stands as a testament to this, the denialism shown by leaders like him gives a glimpse of the dangerous outcomes these opinions may have on a greater sphere.

This case of denialism may have affected one region of the world in particular, but the COVID-19 pandemic showed the entire world the widespread dangers science denialism can impose. It highlighted the gaps these opinions continue to make in the understanding of the true nature of the virus and has become a main issue in the vaccination. The anti-vaccination movements and other science denial groups have caused problems for public health in numerous countries.

Though, more than denial groups, the digital age has further exacerbated the problem of science denialism as claims become more accessible to a vast spectrum of people. Science

is being increasingly challenged by beliefs based on emotions and personal experiences. With that, we could say that science’s old enemy keeps finding ways to be innovative these days.

The Science Behind the Denial Science denialism has a clear-cut definition: it occurs when people argue the validity of an established scientific theory. The argument is not based on scientific merit but rather a subjective way of thinking. Organization and people deny scientific ideas as a rhetorical argument against issues that they greatly oppose.

Most may be familiar with the “Flat Earth Society” and their seemingly incredible beliefs to the centuries old abandoned idea of the Earth being a flat disk shape. The internet has found such theories amusing, but there continues to be opinions that hinder the proper proliferation of evidence-based conclusions. Science denialism extends from opposing lessons about evolution in public schools to doubting the link between anthropogenic activities and climate change. To understand where these opinions form, the three pillars of science denial were established.

There are three arguments that are generally used for every wild claim. The first argument attempts to discredit the evidence by saying that the research methods employed are flawed. The idea that scientific conclusions are not “absolute truths” creates doubt for non-members of the scientific community. Although, the absence of universal truths should not be equated with scientific uncertainty, equating them omits the fact that science is based on falsifiability; so scientists avoid imposing “universal truths” and use a language that involves uncertainty because they are aware that these ideas may evolve and change.

The second argument claims that scientists are not objective with their investigations and are generally motivated by an ideology. The argument is considered to be an ad hominem–targeting a person’s character rather than the merit of the scientific claim. For doubters, there is always a hidden agenda behind a scientific conclusion.

Lastly, the third argument demands an equal view of “two-sides of the coin.” Science deniers want to achieve the same coverage scientific

theories experience to provide an equal treatment for all types of claims.2

No Balancing Act

There is no room for the saying “respect my opinion” when it comes to dealing with scientific ideas because opinions are immediately left out when making evidencebased conclusions. The arguments made by deniers are obviously rooted on isolated experiences and false notions derived from their ideologies. Motives other than purely epistemic ones can definitely influence the way we interpret evidence, eventually leading to the rejection of scientific claims. Despite these, those who are firm in believing science should not simply remain passive with deniers.

An article by Schmid and Betsch looks into the effectiveness of different strategies rejecting denialist claims in discussions about issues like vaccination and climate change. A key finding of their study is that remaining passive to false claims does harm more than any good.3 When a science advocate rebuts a denialist argument and presents factual flaws in their arguments, the effects of denialism significantly

decrease, even amongst those whose beliefs or ideologies are being threatened by the advocate.

Although traditionally, pseudoscience is a niche within science denialism, we are seeing a change of public opinion, where denialist claims may be entirely autonomous from a semblance of evidence or logic. Claims of pseudoscience and the politicization of climate change are only a few examples of the influence of science denialism on various spheres of society.

A Step Forward

Allowing false claims to proliferate is worse than participating in them. This issue only highlights how it is important to invest in creating a strong body of science-advocacy strategies that holistically exposes logical flaws of absurd denialist claims. The public needs to accept essential scientific knowledge for society to continue to progress and thrive. Thus, the call for developing stronger Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) institutions has become stronger than ever. It starts with a higher allocation for STEM institutions and training more STEM-educated workers. Though more than this, it is important to recognize that in order for these solutions to be effective, STEM education needs to be available to all, not just in developed countries.

In order to address this gap, scientists need to work with policymakers; a step in their open engagement with the public.

Scientists need to be taught effective techniques when it comes to communicating their ideas to the general public. They may have a better grasp of the scientific principles and methods they are studying, but one cannot exactly expect the same mastery to be shown by a layperson. Evidence-based ideas need to be accessible and understandable for all. In this era of mixed opinions, we need to embrace and face the challenges posed by science deniers and do our part in mitigating the dangerous consequences they may inflict.

Fire in the Hole!

Written by Derreck De Leon / Illustrated by Cedric David Cortez

Is it just me, or is it burning in here? With how much the world has grown hotter1 each year, we may have spent lots of money for air conditioning, refrigerators, or anything that gives us that cool escape from the country’s tropical heat. Yet by making our rooms colder, have we made our environment even warmer?2

By simply cooling ourselves off, have we been committing a crime against nature? Well, that is just one of the many factors that have caused our world to be a harsher and rougher place to live in.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which was a widely-used refrigerant before its ban in 1987,1 caused a widespread depletion of the ozone layer. Now, its substitute, Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), may not be as harmful to the ozone layer but it possesses a higher potential than its predecessor to contribute to global warming, even worse than carbon dioxide!3

State of our Climate Address

To understand the situation of our world better, we must look at the Climate Clock—even nature has a deadline. It tells us how long we have to try and reduce emissions before global warming reaches 3 to 4 °C by 2100.4 As of writing, we only have over six years to make things right, or let the future generations suffer under a hotter world.

Many efforts have been made by environmentalists to try and counter this dangerous and unwanted trend. Initiatives such as the “Green New Deal” and the Montreal Protocol have been done, but it seems to be still insufficient because of the lack of support, funding, and implementation globally.

Our journey from the earliest detection of the connection of carbon dioxide

and global warming by Guy Callendar in 19385 up to the current structures we have such as the annual United Nations COP26 meeting is one for the books.

As fairy-tale-like as it may seem, this progress is not linear. There were many roadblocks along the way coming from opposition by corporations, uncooperative people, or even simply the lack of interest from country policymakers.

From conservative mindsets, antiscience stances, to simple corporate greed, varying factors have impeded attempts to kickstart nature’s healing. I personally find irony in how people fear the world ending, yet refuse to act on things that can directly cause it.

This poses the question: when will we ever learn? Should we perhaps make a Dhar Mann video on global warming and post it on social media? Maybe we could just double the responsibility and give it to the next person or generation then?

Regardless, we can only do so much. But if there is anything to be gleaned from this, it is the fact that this issue is grave and imminent. It is only through impactful initiatives that we are able to move towards meaningful change.

Ozone Layer to Oven Toaster?

At this point, I may sound like an environmental activist. I would be very flattered if you called me the David Attenborough of Ateneo. Our climate is a thing we must all fight for as it is the make-or-break factor of our planet’s future. What have we done over the past decades to give back to it?

Ever since the start of the first Earth Day in 1970,6 we have gone a long way in the field of environmental conservation efforts. We have set up many organizations, initiatives, projects, and research studies to combat the further deterioration of our world, but we never follow through or stay consistent.

In our cities, the use of single-use plastics is slowly being banned. Instead, sustainable alternatives such as eco bags, paper bags, and reusable options are used. Next time, when your Starbucks paper straw gets soggy, just think about how much such a shift contributes to the greater good!

Worldwide, there have been many calls to find safer alternatives to HFCs and other planet-damaging chemicals. The burning of trash in backyards, a common practice in the Philippines, is also banned and punishable by law.

We already have legislation such as the Clean Air Act of 1999 which aims to ensure good quality of air for everyone but if you look outside right now would you really say our air is clean? The problem lies in enforcement.

After seeing the work that we have done to combat the thinning of the ozone layer, many groups decide to call it a day and shift to other problems. Instead of using this as a fuel for change, they consider the issue to be fully resolved.

In the current administration’s National Priority Plan7 as well as their 2023 budget,8 environmental issues are ranked and mentioned last, sometimes they don’t even make the list at all. It is as if we live in a Bird Box-esque world— we are the people in blindfolds, and global warming are those Creatures that hunt us down. The only difference is that we can actually do something about it.

What have we learned from all these? Apparently nothing much, given the government’s response. Despite all these, we still fight on. Initiatives by non-governmental organizations, international groups, or even youth-led projects are becoming our new front against our world’s damnation. NGOs, assemble.

Greenpeace, a prominent global NGO on environmental issues, campaigns for a peaceful and sustainable habitat for the future. Among other things, they are dedicated towards finding solutions for one of the biggest causes of climate change and global warming: human action.

Think of them as the nanny who looks after you and cleans up as you go. Due to human negligence, a lot of the unfortunate repercussions tend to affect our environment which starts a whole entire domino effect chain.

A local Filipino environmental organization, Haribon, aims to protect wildlife through safeguarding our forests, mountains, and seas; habitats of wild animals. They are your average, normal Filipino citizens, yet they leap bounds and take matters into their own hands like an actual government agency!

Even the Ateneo de Manila University, is taking steps forward towards establishing good integral ecology in line with Pope Francis’ Laudato Si encyclical. The Ateneo’s initiative towards making the campus more “ecofriendly” serves as a benchmark for other institutions to follow in terms of the pursuit of climate justice.

If there is one thing all these have taught us, it is that anyone can be a catalyst of change. The ozone layer problem would not have been resolved or even noticed if no one took the initiative in reporting it. The same goes with those who took the first steps towards finding solutions for the gaping hole in the sky.

As an act of protest towards our governments’ negligence, we must rise up. We must take matters into our own hands, especially during times wherein the people we elect do not meet expectations, let alone the bare minimum for a leader. If change is started from the ground up, it will have a strong foundation to grow on.

There is strength in numbers. Together, our collective efforts push us forward towards a safer and more sustainable environment for everyone to live in, even those who partly cause these phenomena in the first place.

Meep morp, beep, We r t4k1ng Over th3 WorLD. I’m just kidding. You probably read the title and imagined a white robot fashioned from metal scraps lounging on a chair typing out this article on a laptop. I wish that was how this article was written but this isn’t Star Wars and I’m sure that it’d be much more expensive to assemble a physical robot when you can create a digital version. Oh wait, we already have that! It’s called Artificial intelligence.

From industrial machines to computers to virtual assistants and self-driving cars, artificial intelligence has come a long way however, its evolution doesn’t stop there. The latest Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT) such as ChatGPT and Notion AI are in our midst, serving as one of the most powerful AIs proficient enough to mimic the human brain!

For instance, ChatGPT is basically your own personal AI buddy, kinda like having R2-D2 or BB-8, but without the cute beeps and boops. It’s a language model that’s been trained on a ton of text data, so it knows all sorts of things about all sorts of stuff.

On the other hand, you know how you’re always forgetting stuff, like where you put your keys, what you were supposed to do today, or what your own name is sometimes? Well, Notion AI is like the ultimate brain extension for people like us!

To amplify how amazing Artificial Intelligence is, the last two paragraphs you just read are written by ChatGPT itself! I just gave it the command to “Create a casual explanation for ChatGPT and Notion AI”, and it started typing a whole bunch of words. It seemed so convincing of a human’s that it could practically replace a journalist by itself.

Some might think it’s fascinating while others may find it scary. You may even surmise that they’re smarter than humans with their capability to practically answer every question, mimic conversational human language, and create ideas without a thought. However, can they give opinions, process human emotions, empathize, express a stand on a social issue, and most importantly, make ethical decisions? With the rising issue of increasing carbon emissions released into the environment, is artificial intelligence a good technological evolution that can co-exist with a good environmental state?

If machines can perform tasks for us, artificial intelligence can think for us! Now if you’ve watched the horror movie M3GAN, it will seriously shake you to your core. One might imagine that these robots are out to get us but they’re really not! Think of all the possibilities these digital machines can do for our own evolution!

ChatGPT draws knowledge from training and self-supervised learning methods through data collection, reprocessing, training, testing, and deployment created by the company OpenAI.1 Likewise, Notion AI performs a similar kind of training programmed by the start-up company Notion Labs Inc.2

The more training it undergoes, the greater the data that is powered, processed, and stored generating more accurate and human-like responses from the bot.

AI training costs an estimated amount of $1.4 million3 daily, allowing ChatGPT to write code and articles, solve arithmetic equations, translate sentences, generate ideas, and even as far as creating problem sets!4

On the other hand, Notion AI is gauged to be, quite possibly, the best virtual working assistant.5 It can perform several functions such as coming up with outlines, correct spelling, and grammar, summarizing long paragraphs, translating, explaining, brainstorming, and accomplishing a variety of other features beneficial to creating a productive work environment!

Artificial Intelligence with a Green Thumb?

Thinking With A Click

Before we dive deep into our question, we first have to get to know the two main characters we are dealing with. Two strong contenders of artificial intelligence: ChatGPT and NotionAI have fascinated the digital world with their powerful features which have redefined convenience in technology.

When people talk about how Artificial intelligence is made, the monetary cost of running the digital product is the primary concern of the conversation. People fail to consider the price the environment pays to run such a technological innovation. Therefore, the question we should be asking now is, can modernity and the environment meet eye to eye?

With the large amounts of data processed daily through artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT and NotionAI, its energy consumption is significantly larger than any other machine.

Although Artificial Intelligence does not emit carbon dioxide directly, its carbon footprint is garnered through the amount of electricity it consumes, the carbon intensity of this electricity, and its source.6

An estimate of 626,000 pounds of carbon dioxide is emitted daily just by training an AI model, 5 times more than the carbon emission of an average car, and is equivalent to a round-trip flight 125 times from New York to Beijing! How much more is the carbon impact when more GPTs are released in the market?

The lack of a standard measurement of the energy consumption and carbon emission of Artificial Intelligence is the main enigma in quantifying the issue. How much carbon footprint does it take to run Artificial intelligence exactly? Only by determining this can a solution be created.

Call me an optimist but I believe that our own inventions can solve our own problems. Just as stated by Lambert Hogenhout, the Chief Data Analytics for Partnerships and Technology Innovation at the Office for Information and Communications Technology, “The most urgent need in this context is not to have more powerful AI but to become smarter at where and how we use AI. There are so many unexplored opportunities.”7

In light of an AI’s proficiency in utilizing patterns, learning algorithms and performing calculations, it has the potential to assess present environmental problems such as extreme climate changes in various geographical locations, global warming, sources of carbon emitters as well as the socio-economic effects of these environmental conflicts.

Having this information in our hands allows leaders, environmentalists, and biologists to create laws, environmental policies, and copious solutions to our climate crisis. A good example of this is The Framework for Using AI in Combating Climate Change as developed by the BCG Project Experience which reiterates the uses of AI in mitigating Climate Change.8

The framework reiterates necessary steps in combatting climate change such as mitigation, adaptation and resilience, and fundamentals.

Mitigation recognizes small and largescale sources of carbon emissions and states important ways in which the effects of climate change can reduced which is through the removal of greenhouse gases environmentally and technologically.

Adaptation and resilience serve as a warning and defense mechanism for humans against climate change while fundmentals emphasizes the importance of education, finances, and research in crafting a solution to climate change.

Alongside this, the framework divulges the uses of AI within this action plan against

climate change with emphasis on the optimization of different kinds of data, planning and making decisions based on gathered data, and communication through sharing of information gathered from AI.

Recognizing the benefits of Artificial Intelligence in mitigating our climate crisis doesn’t erase the fact that it is still a contributor to the crisis itself. Therefore, we ask ourselves, can sustainable artificial intelligence be a thing of the future?

Don’t worry because the answer is yes! There have been numerous efforts to utilize green energy such as renewable energy sources: wind, solar and geothermal energy to power Artificial Intelligence and we’re here for it!

With the evolution of Generative Pre-trained Transformers, artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT and Notion AI, there’s no doubt that companies like Open AI would focus on releasing more sustainable digital products to minimize the carbon footprint left by ChatGPT itself.

As for us? We must learn to be responsible users of technology by respecting the policies and rightful purpose of the platform. Instead of treating AI as a replacement for the human brain, it must simply augment and serve as an extension of it.

We must utilize the data garnered from these artificial intelligence morally and ethically and it is only then can we truly utilize AI to its fullest potential.

FIGURE 1: Framework for Using AI to Combat Climate Change BCG PROJECT EXPERIENCE, CLIMATE CHANGE AI, GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP ON AI

With the dawn of the new century comes the ushering of new technologies designed to revolutionize our lifestyle. One such invention is microplastics—tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size, which originate from primary (polyethylene) and secondary sources (as residue from other plastics).1

Often found in different colors and sizes, these beads are used in many everyday items such as cosmetics, detergents, and napkins for their abrasive quality and ability to absorb liquid. Microplastics are from plastic and styrofoam degradation which leaves invisible residue. Despite its ingenuity, however, little is known about its long-standing effects on the environment and ecology. Presentday research studies suggest that its consequences far outweigh its benefits.

Invisible but ever present

Despite their minute size, microplastics pose significant effects for the environment, animals, and humans.

“Plastics that pollute the environment are naturally torn down by physical processes until they are very small and not easily detectable by the human eye, but these fragments are never completely degraded. Instead, they accumulate in water and soil and have become integrated into food webs through bioaccumulation.” says Dr. Ronald Cruz, a marine

biologist and professor at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Plastic is a potential biohazard that was born from the “catastrophic effects” stemming from industrial revolutions. As a contaminant, pollution caused by microplastics is present in land, water, and air. It is highly brittle in the face of UV radiation, mobile, and effortlessly transported by the wind or waves; microplastics can easily break down into smaller and smaller pieces until they become invisible to the naked eye. Coupled with the fact that they take 20 to 200 years to decompose fully, it is no surprise these pollutants have become a part of our environment.2

In addition, microplastics alter soil concentrations by increasing pH levels thereby decreasing microbial activities needed for the growth, development, and survival of plants.3 Because of this, invisible plastics can disrupt the natural environment by out-competing pure organic matter.

As hard as it is to believe, we are exposed to millions of plastic particles. Microplastics are found in nearly every environment, both terrestrial and aquatic, they are far more prominent in the latter where all

marine species are subject to some kind of exposure. As Cruz explains: “Ocean currents carry microplastics, and gyres concentrate them. For example, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a concentration of plastics within the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre.”

Because of how microscopic these particles are, they take up the necessary space for zooplankton, the basis of marine food webs.4 These microplastics are often ingested by fish species and are absorbed into their internal tissues, causing organ damage. Since these particles hardly remain stationary, marine animals have been found to have regular interactions with microplastics which lead them to undergo premature death. This causes an imbalance of in the overall structure of marine food webs.5

With both the environment and animals greatly affected, the way we

live our lives comes into question. Plastics are a man-made novelty— celebrated as a feat of human genius. However, this “genius invention” may serve to be our very own undoing.

In a groundbreaking study about microplastics and human health, it was found that plastics can now be found inside our bloodstream: polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS); compounds found in disposable water bottles, styrofoam, and plastic packaging.6 Not only that but, small plastic fibers can also be absorbed into our bodies.7 Little is known about the potential health effects this may have on humans, but it does not change the fact that we are regularly subjected to an alarming amount of plastic.

The last frontier

With the rising amount of microplastics in the ocean, there is increasing concern over the protection of marine habitats. Islands closer to water are at a greater risk of plastic contamination—this much is clear with microplastics found in water sources and dams. The Philippines is often referred to as the last frontier because of the high biodiversity found in our waters. Multiple river banks of Manila Bay have begun to house more plastic particles than fish seen in plastic found in five river mouths,8 showing just how easy it is for plastic debris to travel between bodies of water.

The DOST has already issued a warning regarding the growing threat of microplastics to our natural habitats—as it was recently discovered that microplastic sediments were found in various fishes and corals in Northern Mindanao, specifically on the shores of Lanao del Sur and Surigao.9 Several responses have been made to combat the plastic problem in the Philippines such as small-scale beach clean-ups.

However, just as Cruz points out, these are short-term solutions to a bigger problem. Thus, the only effective solution to the issues posed by microplastics is one found in

biotechnology and nanotechnology.

“Since microplastics pollute the environment, negatively affect marine animals, and potentially harm humans, then it might be a One Health problem that requires One Health solutions,” remarks Cruz, “By that time, we will probably have bioremediation solutions like genetically engineered microorganisms that can digest plastics. But hopefully, plastic use will have significantly been reduced by then.”

In light of issues posed by microplastics, its ecological relation can be found in the disruption of environmental processes. As indicated in the One Health principle, wherein the spheres of the environment, human health, and animal health all intersect in determining the overall conditions of life, interventions for detrimental practices should be put into place. “Holistic approaches require the synergy of efforts from environmental, fisheries, ecological, and health experts.” Cruz emphasizes.

What happens now?

At present, the state of our world is drastically altered by anthropogenic factors, an even greater effort should be given to address environmental issues that impact communities. With the rise of misinformation in the environmental field, the problem of microplastics is deemed more challenging as the prevalence of unreliable information generates inaccurate and widespread notions on the matter.

In this regard, there is a need for collective action in closing this gap of misinformation and establishing a greater system for managing microplastics. With the collective effort of the community, as well as governmental participation and intervention, this problem can be resolved by establishing effective systems for managing plastic pollution.

More awareness would be incited in other prevalent environmental issues

that are continuously influenced by the technological endeavors of humans—it has and will continue to pose ethical issues regarding our advancement versus the diversity of life.

Therefore, technological development is arbitrary in the sense that modernization has been built on the foundation of progression— guiding man through various ages of development and enabling advanced technologies—but remains detrimental to the state of the environment. As various ecosystems are depleted in the process of modernization, this deems such technological advancements redundant as it is at the expense of irredeemable resources.

“If the technological mindset is not balanced with an ecological one, we will stand to lose more and more of our connection with nature and become less concerned about its well-being, which will ultimately be disastrous for us,” Cruz notes when imagining the generations left behind with our plastic wastes.

With the increasing demand for profit and globalization, modernization has become more rapid and widespread. Technological advancement, while responsible for more lives saved and convenience becoming a norm, serves more as a double-edged sword rather than a tool made for our own benefit.

Written by Matthew Gorospe / Illustrated by Lynelle Daryl Ringor

A recent study published by the Science journal has excited the scientific community, and with good reason—a group of researchers has managed to engineer plantanimal hybrids, to a certain extent.1 Specifically, they have created immune system proteins called pinkobodies, derived from animals, and integrate them with the plant’s immune system for the purpose of fending off and killing pathogen-infected cells.2

Plants have a relatively simple immune system compared to higher animals such as vertebrates. We, for example, have an immune system consisting of many specialized parts from the rapid immune response of neutrophils, a type of leukocyte, to the adaptive immune response of antibody-generating B cells, another type of leukocyte. On the other hand, the immune system of plants is not adaptive and not mobile, with the immune response largely left to individual plant cells.3

With this, the development of pinkobodies becomes much more commendable—a plant with an adaptive immune system. The advent of this technology could be used to directly tune crops to be resistant to not only specific pests but also certain pathogens.4

While the development of an adaptive immune response in plants is certainly a novel discovery, the ability to modify the genetics of flora and fauna has been around for quite some time— and with this, the genetically modified organism–the GMO.

Nova vita

“Genetically modified organisms [are] transgenic organisms. When we say transgenic […] we get a gene and transfer it to another organism.” said Ateneo Biology Instructor Irvin Rondolo.

As the name suggests, a GMO is a plant, animal, or microorganism that has been genetically modified.5 In recent years, this is done through genetic engineering by directly editing genes with methods such as recombinant DNA technology.6 However, one can argue that GMOs have existed as far back as 11,000 years ago in the Neolithic period.

Futurist Alvin Toffler describes this as the First Wave of Technology—the Agricultural Revolution.7 During which, human societies have just begun establishing permanent settlements and abandoning the nomadic lifestyle with the advent of agricultural practices such as farming and domestication of wildlife.

However, over the course of time these humans were somehow able to select distinct traits in crops and domesticated animals that are more favorable to them, even without the knowledge of genes and inheritance. This process of artificial selection eventually gave rise to many recognizable biologies in society such as the production of sweet corn in crops and the emergence of various dog breeds in animals— breakthroughs that have allowed the onset of significant progress in the field of genetics.8

The Third Wave of Technology for Toffler came in the form of digital technology, computers, and mass media.9 Such advancements in technology were not lost with biologists, as genetic engineering and biotechnology have been advancing since the molecular structure of DNA was revealed by Watson and Crick.10

By 1973, the first genetic engineering experiment would be performed by Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen by transferring bacterial DNA from one to another.11 These pursuits of genetic modification eventually led to the development of GMOs, and other biotechnology such as gene therapy.

Exempli Gratia

DNA biotechnology has achieved many things that were previously thought to be unimaginable. For instance, scientists were able to engineer DNA containing genes to produce human insulin, to be combined with bacterial DNA, before it is introduced to a bacterium, ultimately giving rise to a population of insulinproducing bacteria.12 The resulting insulin output is used to treat patients that have problems in insulin regulation, such as both types of diabetes.

The process of DNA recombination is further expounded in this example from Ateneo Biology Professor Dr. Vivian Panes: “So first of all I need to extract DNA from the healthy individual […] Once I have extracted DNA from his tissues, I can actually isolate the insulin gene [...] After I have isolated the insulin gene using restriction enzymes, then I can introduce the gene to a vector, for instance to a plasmid and once the gene has been introduced, the plasmid can be introduced to a host cell…And then eventually you can let them proliferate or divide further and then you can actually extract the insulin from there.”

Prior to this innovation, insulin had to be extracted and purified from slaughtered cattle or pigs.13 However, as the hormone comes from a nonhuman source, it tends to cause an allergic reaction in patients such as lipoatrophy, an immune response resulting in fat-loss, and lipohypertrophy, which can hinder the absorption of the injected insulin.14 This narrative is readily indicative of the integral role biotechnology plays in furthering the onward progression of the field of medicine.

Aside from the health sector, GMOs have been prominent in agriculture as well. For starters, the development of the genetically modified Coho salmon has incited the onset of salmon species which have the capacity to mature at a faster rate and grow larger

compared to normal.15 As of 2022, these genetically modified salmon have been sold in Canada, the U.S., and Brazil.16

Perhaps, in an agricultural country like the Philippines, more well-known are the numerous examples of genetically modified crops. The Bt talong, for instance, is a genetically modified eggplant that produces Cry proteins naturally expressed by the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (hence Bt). This allows it to be resistant toward pests, the eggplant fruit and shoot borer, which is responsible for an annual loss of up to 73% in eggplant production.17

Another genetically modified crop, which this time is the subject of heated controversy, is the golden rice developed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Unlike the conventional rice, this GMO contains more β-Carotene extracted from other organisms, which is converted by the body to vitamin A upon consumption. The genetic modification this time around aims to provide additional nutrients, instead of combating pests, as it is originally formulated to address vitamin A deficiency among marginalized communities.19

Bona fide or Mala fide?

In recent years, reception for GMOs entering the market has observably engendered mixed reactions. However, it seems as if sentiment against its use and production is becoming more noticed. The legalization of golden rice in the Philippines for commercial use in 2021, in particular, has reignited the discourse on whether GMOs should be promoted or banned. For many organizations such as the Stop Golden

Rice! Network (SGRN), SIKWAL-GMO, and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), the answer is clear.20

In fact, the latter two organizations, in their protest against golden rice, ravaged a field growing the GMO back in 2013 when it was still in development; as the article writer Kai Kupferschmidt puts it: “...the vandals are unfairly attacking the public sector project as if it is a multinational company producing genetically modified plants for profit.”21

In this discourse on GMOs, plenty of claims have been made for and against their use. Like with other scientific advancements (e.g. vaccines), some of them carry no validity for many, especially among scientists. A popular

one in this field is the claim that GMOs are poisonous and can be detrimental to one’s health.

“…So yung mga claims kasi ng iba, nagke-claim sila na masama yung mga GMOs pero wala naman silang proof. They lack evidence. So bago magsabi na masama yung effect ng GMO dapat some clinical or field trials should be first conducted to determine if there is a detrimental effect on the health of the organism,” said Panes.

For Rondolo, much of the unfounded claims against GMOs underlies a deeper problem of misinformation, or lack of information available on the matter.

“Yung concern na nakikita ko kasi talaga from them [is that] they are not aware of the benefits of this technology…yung advancement ng science. Kasi, in all aspects naman, if you are not aware [or] if you are not informed, hindi mo siya talaga tatanggapin. I-re-reject mo lang siya ng i-re-reject,” he said.

Despite this, legitimate concerns over introducing GMOs exist. The most obvious and glaring concern would be the unintended consequences they will have on altering the balance of

the natural environment—for humans in particular, consumption might develop new allergic reactions and even increase the possibility of making opportunistic bacteria in the gut resistant to antibiotics.22

Concerns for local farmers competing against GMO farmers were also raised. “…If we look at the negative side…yung mga farmers na hindi gumagamit ng GMO at yung gumagamit ng GMO pag masyado silang magkalapit, yung mga peste hindi pumupunta sa GMO, pumupunta sila sa non-GMO na maliit lang. So ang tendency noon nasisira ang palayan niya, siya ang walang kakainin, siya ang walang dadalihing pera sa pagkakainan nila. Yan lang yung parang isang factor,” said Rondolo.

Ius Naturale

Despite being a relatively new phenomenon, GMOs have already embedded themselves in the public consciousness. On one hand, we humans have always had the ability to manipulate our surroundings since the beginning—for better or for worse, as part of a global ecosystem. In this light, the advent of GMOs seems like a natural progression forward. On the other hand, though, we are directly tinkering with the mechanisms of life

itself—while we may be able to theorize, the actual application remains to be an entirely different thing.

To what extent this falls under natural law depends on how reasonable the public is willing to view GMOs. On a personal note, I will remain open to the prospects it will bring, as seen in the success of public GMO projects such as golden rice and Bt talong, but will remain cautious as seen in the accidental mishaps of Bt corn.23 For scientists such as Rondolo, however, the journey of GMOs still has a long way to go.

“I always want to tell my students about the story of GMOs kasi…kapag sinabi ko ‘to sa class and then of course natuwa ang students naintindihan niya and nakita niya ang value of having these benefits. It will spread kasi siguro kung kasama kumakain ang student with their families ‘di ba, so pwede nila mapagkuwentuhan…” he said.

ACGT and AI: Breakthrough Codes

Written by Kyle Victoriano / Illustrated by Savio Aquino

Despite being at the brink of fully embracing a tool that has the potential to revolutionize the way genetics and genomics research are currently approached and having virtually extinguished the fueled misconception of AI robotics one day conquering the world, controversies and echoes of tirade surrounding its use remained rife in numerous social media platforms due to its perceived ethical violations in the proliferation of misinformation present in synthetic media such as deep fakes, especially, in its recent strife with the art industry12. AI, once again, had been marked with great stigmata, acquiring itself universal odium for its propensity to completely remove the industrial drudgery that likewise provides human labor.

Genetics has always been an increasingly abundant and complex field of study that is generated by the necessity of understanding the intricate mechanisms and complicated interplay of each gene with the environment, for the purpose of successfully identifying patterns, as well as the generating causal relationships that may help in the prevention of diseases. However, with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), analyzing large-scale genomic data with its computational tools and algorithms made a process that was once far too tedious and demanding to perform manually through human effort, achievable with great ease.

Just as our DNA illustrates the genetic code of our very being, AI represents the sets of algorithms that contain the lines of code, which, when compounded with genetics research, could accelerate scientific discovery, further expand our already vast storage of knowledge, and bring

forth innumerable benefits in the field of genetics and health care.

From Peas to Precision of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a broad field of computer science that is centered on the creation of computer systems that can simulate human cognition. It is characterized by its unsupervised and automated learning capabilities through the detection of patterns and data. AI systems use a variety of techniques that operate under progressive learning algorithms13, including machine and deep learning, among others, to learn from experience.

Early AI techniques employed in the field of genomics involve the use of rudimentary Deep Learning (DL) methods and neural network models in the late 1950s.5 The Rosenblatt Perceptron was the first neural network architecture capable of “having an original idea”.9 Its implementation permitted the processing of significant amounts of information through the performance of mathematical operations and layers of interconnected nodes. Despite its limited processing power, it still saw a functional use in largescale genomic datasets; thus, significantly enhancing the early understanding of translational and transcriptional initiation sites and mechanisms among E. coli samples in 1982.16 In line with this, a similar feat was eventually achieved in 2002 when advanced computational analysis using machine learning in drosophila genomes was discovered.10

Fast track to the present time, burgeoning demands in additional computing power for advanced AI8 necessitated advancements in electronics and computer engineering to drastically improve the processing capabilities of obsolete hardware. The dramatic increase in computational resources of modern hardware, by extension, enabled compute-intensive methods that see profound utility in today’s genetics research.

Rapid, iterative processing, and intelligent algorithms, in this day and age, heralded a deeper understanding of biological markers that signal changes in an individual’s

health. AI algorithms now bear the ability to analyze multiple broad factors and scrutinize overall patient data with relative ease, creating a new era of effective genomic medicine11. Genome interpretation is greatly simplified and expedited by the integration of predictive methods apparent in various software such as Fabric GEM, a new, AI-based, clinical decision support instrument. By utilizing this tool in the field of medicine, genetic disease diagnosis is effectively hastened while preserving its accuracy7,14.

Through AI’s advanced computation and inference-making proficiency, valuable insights based on large datasets of patient information may be produced. This then allows the efficient recovery of industrial and clinical practicality by fundamentally enhancing a physician’s decisionmaking abilities and aiding in their clinical diagnoses.

Up to and out of date

Being among the most promising beneficiaries of artificial intelligence integration, genetics, and its other sub-disciplines’ future developments continue to carry an optimistic outlook.

Current breakthroughs in AI applications evident in genetic disease diagnosis only represent a small fraction of its contemporary applications and conceivable potential in the field, as many of its prospective benefits are still yet to be uncovered. AI algorithms may still be leveraged to further refine gene editing tools such as the CRISPR system, accelerating its development3 for an efficient identification of defective genes and, possibly, the eventual manipulation of the entire human genome over the course of time.

Beyond this, opportunities in AIdriven gene therapy research and development stand relatively unbroached. Given this, AI is then poised to progress gene therapy by assisting in the identification of the most effective gene targets and delivery methods.2

Although AI can satisfy both research and industrial needs in a myriad of ways, its extensive use is ultimately

constrained by indiscernible risks and ethical considerations that are, nonetheless, inclusive to all new technologies.

Primarily, despite the clear merits of AI usage, it can still be subjected to data selection bias.6 If data used to train AI algorithms fail to operate on information that is representative of the entire population or is biased towards certain racial profiles because of underrepresentation due to limited data coverage,15 inaccurate and discriminatory genetic analyses may be the outcome of the algorithm. Skewed genetic results can then lead to inaccurate predictions of disease risk or discriminatory practices based on genetic profiles, simply due to a negligence in considering quality data.

Moreover, the application of genetic engineering for the artificial modification of human genomes is only restricted to extreme cases and has yet to be deliberated under rigorous ethical discussions, thereby remaining to be largely ethically impermissible.1 The very same CRISPR system that has the capacity to remedy genetic diseases by correcting defective genes, may be used for nefarious purposes such as unjustifiably enhancing human performance, when placed in the possession of unscrupulous individuals.

Moreover, privacy concerns and breaches in consent when collecting highly personal genetic data are likewise considered to be among the primary ethical concerns faced in genetics research4 as they can reveal sensitive information about an individual’s health, ancestry, and familial relationships. The lack of protective measures safeguarding valuable genetic data then impedes its use in altruistic genetics studies.

Evidently so, thorough discourse in the formulation of regulatory policies and revision of outdated ethical guidelines have not kept pace with the rate at which AI technology is being developed and incorporated into diverse fields. For instance, the current legislation is left bereft of policies ensuring strong data

security, as well as ones concerning human genetic engineering, whether intended for treatment or enhancement,1 which may perhaps inhibit AI-enabled genetics research from exhibiting in full bloom. The resolution of these pitfalls depends on the initiatives of these legislators and policymakers as they serve as the conduits of ethical clarity.

Embracing boundless potential

There is no question that artificial intelligence has recently become a victim of vitriolic internet commentary for preconceived notions on human labor supplantation. It is, nevertheless, important to keep in mind that AI functions as a tool that reaches its fullest potential when in conjunction with human accompaniment.

The current benefits AI-use provides serve as a mere prelude to the forthcoming possibilities that it can hold. The unreasonable denial of such conferred benefits that extends to streamlined human genome analyses and genetic disease identification may lead to either a slow progression or even a regression in genetics research, with accompanying economical ramifications observed in increased experimentation costs.

At the dawn of the 4th industrial revolution, it would be unwise to underestimate the importance of AI as it can be an impetus that drives the accelerated advancements of knowledge in the spheres of the academe and industry. In the collective interest of truncating unnecessary human-driven processes, artificial intelligence precisely fulfills the primary rationale of developing new technologies: easing operations and making forward progressions for better quality human lives. Rather than demonizing AI’s transformative power, its potential to favorably alter our world’s destiny must be embraced while working towards ensuring its ethical and responsible use. So, let us bask in the splendors AI has bestowed, and in the future marvels it will still unfold!

Microevolution Making Macrochanges: A Bite-Sized Analysis

Written by Bienne Montaller / Illustrated by Pia Therese Paat

I was letting time pass by on Tiktok and there was this particular video that caught my eye. Apparently, there are babies now being born without wisdom teeth.1 In a turn of events, I just recently found out I am actually one of those babies. I found it odd because I always thought it comes around when you get older and that everybody has them—rather, used to have them.

Third molars or wisdom teeth are teeth that are in the posterior part of the oral cavity. They are the very last set of teeth to erupt into the mouth and often come at the onset of young adulthood. This is why they were named ‘wisdom teeth’ because you acquire more wisdom in the late teens and early adulthood.

However, with wisdom comes severe pain. As third molars emerge, discomforting pressure is put into the gums and the adjacent teeth, potentially leading to dental decay and difficult cleaning conditions.

So, it’s time to pay a visit to the dentist! Because of the increased likelihood of inflammation or an already-existing infection within the oral cavity, it is common to have them extracted prophylactically or therapeutically as a preventative or treatment measure.

The loss of wisdom teeth has a pretty big impact on our everyday lifestyle. In order to properly assess its importance, it is necessary to first understand the science of it.

Genetics Drive Microevolution

Recent generations of humans not possessing the third molars is a good example of a microevolution. Microevolution is the adaptive

modifications that occur in the frequencies of genetic makeup within a particular species over a relatively short period of time.2 This usually involves changes in the mean value or allele frequency and phenotypes used to describe the passing over of genes.

Microevolutions are supported by Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection which states that organisms’ traits adapt to their environment in order to increase their chances of survival.3 In essence, microevolution is the adaptation of natural populations to their environment but on a smaller scale and a shorter amount of time.

Natural selection also acts as a factor in the process of microevolution. There are other factors that also contribute to this phenomenon. Some of these include mutation, migration, and genetic drift.

Mutation is characterized as the random changes in the genetic makeup of an organism.4 This can be caused by the natural consequence of an error in genetic replication during cell division where new copies of a gene are produced. These mutations are then passed on to the next generation to the next generation. More often than not, a microevolution is a culmination of a sequence of random evolutionary events that lead to a single great event of mutation.

Migration, also known as gene flow, can be defined as the introduction of new alleles from a new population to the gene pool. Migration may impact microevolution by bringing new genes into a population or deleting existing ones. It is also theorized that the absence of third molars was caused by migration.5 Humans met diverse climatic circumstances and nutritional patterns when they traveled from one region to another.

Genetic drift can be defined as the unpredictability that influences the frequency of alleles in a population. This process happens when random occurrences, such as natural catastrophes or migrations, force organisms to leave or die in a population. As a result, the genetic composition of the remaining individuals becomes more prominent in the population.

Hunters to Farms to Foodies: The Modern Human Diet

Considering all of these factors that affect microevolution as a whole, we can then apply these concepts to the evolution of molars in humans. There are many factors that may have contributed to this progressive loss. The modern human diet has transitioned from a hunter-gatherer type to a sedentary agricultural lifestyle since the development of agriculture.6

Before the discovery of fire, our human ancestors ate rough, fibrous foods that required a lot of chewing, which resulted in the development of bigger jaws and teeth. Cooking food over fire, on the other hand, softens the texture of difficult meals, making them simpler to chew and digest, and reducing the mechanical strains exerted on the jaw and teeth.7 This resulted in a steady decrease in jaw size and the loss of wisdom teeth over time, which may still be seen in modern humans.

From there, urbanization has moved people towards a more refined and processed diet that is rich in soft foods. This has led to a reduction in the need for more robust teeth, including wisdom teeth.

Survival of the Toothless Microevolution is essential for the survival of species. It enables organisms with favorable genetic traits to pass those traits on to their children, resulting in a progressive shift in a population’s gene pool. Microevolution has resulted in a variety of adaptations in humans, one of them being the loss of molar teeth.

One sure benefit of this is preventing the pain and discomfort associated with infected molars which will also save you money and a painful few weeks. This would also eliminate more possible dental problems in the future. Furthermore, humans are able to consume a wider variety of foods,8 and because of this, it would no longer have a detrimental effect on our ability to get the nutrients we need from our diets.

Lastly, this is a good sign that humans are well-adapted to their environment. While wisdom teeth were once important, they may no longer give an evolutionary advantage in the present day. If humans developed

without the need for wisdom teeth, it may be viewed as a good adaptation to changing environmental and dietary conditions.9

This notion of an evolutionary advantage offers an intriguing viewpoint on the potential benefits of humans developing to be toothless. I found it exceptionally fascinating that this evolutionary event is currently taking place at a speed fast enough for it to be noticeable in only just a few generations—we are literally seeing it happen in real-time!

A ThroughJourney Animal Coloration

Written by Gabby Alindogan / Illustrated by Maxine Mendoza

:

Imagine a chameleon perched on a branch, its body transforming before your eyes from a lush green to a fiery orange. Picture a male peacock, strutting and displaying his magnificent feathers in a dazzling array of colors. From the brilliant hues of tropical fish to the muted tones of Arctic foxes, the coloration of animals never ceases to captivate us. Welcome to the world of animal coloration, where nature’s living canvas is shaped by evolutionary processes that have led to a diverse range of patterns and hues!

Colors All Around

As with all things in nature, animal coloration has evolved over time in response to environmental pressures and the forces of natural selection.1

Through this process, a wide range of coloration patterns and hues have emerged, each with its own unique story to tell.

Let’s take a journey to the savannas of Africa, where a herd of zebras roam freely. Their black and white stripes are a marvel of natural engineering, providing them with effective camouflage against their predators. However, their stripes also serve another evolutionary purpose - managing heat and insulation. The stripes help them blend into the tall grasses, making it harder for predators like lions to spot them, while also allowing them to cool off in the hot African sun.

Moving on, we travel to the rainforests of South America, where we encounter a

group of poison dart frogs. Their bright colors are a warning sign to predators, indicating that they are toxic and should be avoided. In contrast to the muted tones of their surroundings, the frogs’ colors stand out, making them easy to spot. Again, we see the power of natural selection at work, as advantageous traits are passed down through generations.

As we continue our journey, we encounter many other examples of coloration in action. From the courtship displays of birds to the patterns of butterflies’ wings, different organisms developed their unique attributes. Behind each story lies a complex web of genetics and environmental factors that have shaped their appearance over time.

As animal coloration is driven by genetics, scientists have studied the genes responsible for producing pigments and controlling their distribution in the body. Mutations in these genes may lead to new coloration patterns or variations over existing ones. Gene expression analysis and genome sequencing are among the methods used to study the genetic basis of coloration.2

I Will Survive

As seen in the examples, coloration plays a crucial role in animal behavior and survival. In many species, it is used for courtship displays and mate selection–males usually display bright and vibrant colors to attract potential mates.4 For instance, male peafowls (peacocks) showcase an impressive display of iridescent feathers that they use to attract females during mating season. Similarly, male birds such as the bowerbird create elaborate structures and decorate them with colorful objects to impress females.

Though coloration isn’t just used to attract mates. It also plays a crucial role in predator avoidance. Many species have evolved patterns and hues that allow them to blend into their environment and avoid detection by predators.5 This is particularly important for animals that live in open habitats, where there is little cover to hide from predators. Up north, the Arctic Fox’s elegant white fur conceals itself with the snowy landscape, making it less visible to predators such as wolves and polar bears.

Environmental factors also play a significant role in the development of coloration in different species.

For example, the amount of sunlight an animal receives can impact its coloration.6 In some species of frogs, individuals receiving more sunlight may develop more vibrant colors than those in shadier areas. Temperature is another major influence of coloration. For example, the Siamese fighting fish, also known as bettas, changes color depending on the temperature of their environment.7

Humidity may also impact coloration, particularly in reptiles.8 For example, chameleons can change color to match their surroundings, but their ability to do so is influenced by the humidity of their environment. In addition, the temperature of their environment can also impact the speed at which they change color.

The Future of Animal Coloration Research

In recent years, new technologies and methods of animal coloration have emerged, paving a way for researchers to gain a deeper understanding of how their coloration had evolved with them. One exciting area of research involves the study of the nanoscale structures found in butterfly wings.9 These structures are responsible for the vibrant and iridescent colors seen in many butterfly species, and scientists are using this knowledge in the material sciences to develop new materials that can reflect light and change color.

This then may be applied in the development of advanced sensors and displays. By mimicking the structures found in butterfly wings, scientists are manufacturing materials that can reflect light in specific ways, allowing for the creation of displays that can change color and brightness depending on the ambient lighting conditions.

Another area of research is focused on the genetics behind coloration development. Scientists are using genetic analysis to study the genes that control pigmentation in different species, with the hope of uncovering new insights into how coloration evolves over time.10

Additionally, researchers are investigating the role of coloration in mate selection.11 For example, some studies have suggested that certain colors and patterns in male birds may signal their genetic quality to potential mates. By studying the relationship between coloration and

mate selection, researchers are gaining a better understanding of how coloration influences the reproductive success of different species.

Animal coloration is a fascinating and complex aspect of the natural world that has captured the attention of scientists and laypeople alike. Through evolutionary processes and environmental pressures, animals have developed an incredible array of coloration patterns that serve a variety of purposes, from attracting mates to avoiding predators. However, it is important to note that animal coloration, while beneficial, may also bring consequences. For instance, bright and conspicuous coloration may attract predators, while drab and camouflaged coloration may hinder mate attraction. Additionally, certain coloration patterns may result in a greater susceptibility to climate change or habitat loss.

The study of animal coloration has come a long way since its early days, with advancements in genetic analysis, field observation techniques, and imaging technology allowing researchers to better understand the mechanisms driving coloration evolution. Still, there is much more to learn, and new technologies and methods are constantly being developed to help us unravel the mysteries of this captivating phenomenon.

By delving deeper into the world of animal coloration, we gain not only a greater understanding of the natural world but also a deeper appreciation for its beauty and diversity. As we continue to explore the intricacies of coloration evolution, we can hope to uncover even more fascinating insights into the ways in which animals adapt and thrive in their environments.

Ultimately, the study of animal coloration serves as a reminder of the incredible complexity and interconnectedness of life on Earth and the importance of preserving the natural world for generations to come.

Features

The Herds Softly Heard: The Culturalization of the Tamaraw

Written by Gerald Louis Roldan / Illustrated by Cedric David Cortez

When the cows moo and the cattles gallop, the meadows are filled with sounds so familiar that even children can act them out. However, in a gold mine, a little mina de oro, there thrive herds that are softly heard – not due to its light strides which, believe me, are not to be taken lightly, but because these strides dwindle in number over the years.

Aside from being an island of its own, Mindoro is considered to be one of the several biogeographical regions found in the Philippines.¹ It shelters a whole picnic basket of endemic species ranging from the eye-catching Mindoro bleeding-heart pidgeon (Gallicolumba platenae)² to the little peculiar Mindoro Warty pig (Sus oliveri).³ At the forefront of this string of endemism is the everrenowned Bubalus mindorensis4 or more commonly known as the Tamaraw.

The Tamaraw, or dwarf water buffalos, had once thrived in the 1900s at 10,000 heads, yet by the dawn of the 21st century, their population had dwindled to less than 200 heads.5 Ironically, this drove the

poor land mammal to a spiraling journey as the lost heads were replaced not with baby Tamaraws but by with symbols, emblems, and university sports teams.

By the Numbers

Contrary to general perception, Tamaraws are smaller than the carabao – about half its size.6 However, it still remains as the largest wild land animal in the Philippines standing at around 100 centimeters from the shoulder and weighing 180-220 kg.7 It’s usually mistaken for a carabao but can be differentiated through its V-shaped horns which slopes upward from its head, short limbs, and stocky build.8 Seeing as it’s a dwarf species, this should come as no surprise.

Still, don’t let the dwarf get to you because they are nowhere close to Snow White’s cuddly ones. They are normally not prone to aggression but, as every teenager reacts now, they will keep their guard up once threatened and they will defend their lives – however short and mysterious it might be.

Steadily, today’s Tamaraw population increased to around 600 in March 2022 with 480 heads found in the Mounts Iglit-Baco National Park.9 This decline from 10,000 heads in the 1900s is attributed to habitat loss as a result of infrastructure development, illegal logging, and deforestation. Interestingly, the dwarf buffalo does not thrive in dwarf habitats as well. Still, one major contributing factor to this decline is the deadly outbreak of rinderpest, also known as cattle plague, caused by widespread cattle ranching plummeting below 100 cattles in 1969.10

On top of this, there are several initiatives to stop this decline and repopulate the disappearing bovine. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) launched the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP) in 1979 as the flagship initiative to protect the lone wild bovine in the island and its habitat.11

Since then, several movements have emerged to help bring back these dwarf mammals in the mountains of Mindoro. In fact, since 1996, the Philippines has conducted a Tamaraw Population Habitat and Viability Assessment (PHVA) workshop to better assess the situation. The DENR also launched an annual population count, using a standardized multi-vantage point count method to bridge the data gaps which focused within Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park, where the largest subpopulation of Tamaraws are located.12 These one-of-a-kind bovines are getting their numbers bumped up. What a sight.

The journey of the Tamaraw is well off towards repopulation steadily growing around 100 heads a year. However, it’s still not quite sustainable yet. As they repopulate in the mountains, they also have been repopulating down the slopes in a different form – as a cultural symbol.

More than Just a Symbol or Product

If one is to survey the locals in the island, whether they have already seen a tamaraw, some would say yes. However, it’s just the head that they have seen attached in almost every cultural product – in provincial and school seals, in poster-making contests, and even in the Mall of Asia Arena, in time for the newest season of the UAAP. This representation is ironic and misleading on the conservation of Tamaraws.

For instance, the carabao is the goto symbol of strength, hard work, and patriotism in semantics as evident in provincial and school seals and poster-making contests. Then again,

those are carabaos, not Tamaraws. Although these Tamaraws convey the same symbolism with the addition of the Mindoro and endemic pride, not all can tell the V-shaped horns are of a Tamaraw, a little specific than the common carabao.

This goes beyond telling everyone to be a zoologist and distinguish representative species of a family from each other. Emphasis should be on how we move forward after crafting these heads and displaying them. For instance, not brown but green and yellow Tamaraws thrive in Morayta as Far Eastern University brandishes the endangered bovine as their mascot.13 These Tamaraws pay tribute to the endemic mammal with the TAMworld Roving Exhibit aiming to boost public awareness and appreciation for the Tamaraw, the bovine.

With the number of heads in posters and seals surpassing the actual heads roaming in the mountains of Mindoro, we ought to do more than these exhibits and showcases. It’s a little counterintuitive to display Tamaraws and not know what Tamaraws are and what they’re for. After all, we owe these Tamaraws not just the cultural relevance but the biodiverse biogeographic region of Mindoro.

A Reflection of Us

At the end of the day, we are all for art and culture. Still, their journey must not stop there— endangered species are not just displays for conservation. These species tell a lot about our journey as a society. They are more than symbols of nationalism, they are signs of where we are in our biodiversity conservation—if we are caught with the poster-making or if we are actually doing something beyond it.

The journey of a Tamaraw from our mountains to our emblems and posters is a manifestation of what, why, which, and how we value our natural resources. These herds are already softly heard. Let’s not make them completely silent as they keep dangling from provincial seals as mere decor.

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Microevolution Making Macro-changes: a Bite-Sized Analysis

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The Herds Softly Heard: The Culturalization of the Tamaraw

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ACGT & AI: Breakthrough Codes

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LEGO for Biologists

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