GENEWS May 2023 Issue

GENEWS

30 Week Showcases the m of Insect Genetics

Soc Conducts BIO 30 rials for the Second Semester T Balik-Scientist and Soc Alum Dr. Benildo Delos

s Shares Expertise on Plant echnology and Epigenetics

roaches Get a Fantasy

eover: New Species Named r Lord of the Rings and Soc Junior Adviser a Discover ‘Em All: New Cockroach Species Named after a Pokemon

Genes Elucidate the Myste Fall Armyworm's Exocrine

The Buzz About Genetics: H Fruit Fly Became the MVP Genetics Research

Batch Reprimo: Priming th Synthesis of Unbreakable

Batch Amelogenin: Stronge

Together

Batch Resistome: Resisting Hardships, Persisting with Excellence

EDITORIAL

All Buzz, No Bite: The Good the Bad of Genetically Mod Mosquitoes

Insect Breeding: The Next Frontier of Food Productio

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE UPLB GENETICS SOCIETY

DOST Balik-Scientist and GeneSoc Alum Dr. Benildo Delos Reyes Shares Expertise on Plant Biotechnology and Epigenetics

By: Dane Christian Morena (Resistome) and Clara Ysabel Alumaga (Resistome)

Dr. Benildo Delos Reyes, DOST Balik-Scientist and The UPLB Genetics Society Charter Member, rendered Special Lectures on Plant Biotechnology and Epigenetics at the Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines - Los Baños on March to April 2023 which was attended by students, faculty, and researchers

With an exceptional background in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Dr Delos Reyes is a leading scientist in rice research He graduated from the UPLB BS Biology Program with a concentration in Genetics and obtained a Master's Degree in Genetics and Biochemistry from the same university. He finished his Doctorate Degree in Plant Science with a focus on Cellular and Molecular Biology at Oklahoma State University. Currently, he is the Bayer CropScience Endowed Chair of the Department of Plant and Soil Science and a Professor of g

Genetics at Texas Tech University.

The Special Lectures aimed to highlight the importance of Biotechnology and Epigenetics in navigating our rapidly changing environment and to spark interest among students and scientists in elevating plant genomics research in the Philippines.

“Could Biotechnology and Genomics Alone Carry the 21st Century Green Revolution?” This was the topic of the first lecture held on March 27 at the IBS Main Lecture Hall It highlighted Dr. Delos Reyes’ pragmatic insights on the 21st Century Green Revolution. He raised the need to revise our research paradigm and adopt new perspectives for agriculture and biotechnology research.

For the second lecture, Dr. Delos Reyes conducted a research seminar entitled "Adaptive Phenotypic Novelties in Plants: Does the Epigenome g

Matter?" which was held on March 29 at the same venue and was also streamed on Zoom and Facebook. He discussed the molecular interactions and network rewiring effects brought by genome shock and epigenome restructuring that results in stress-adaptive developmental and physiological novelties This discussion was influenced by the modern understanding of how DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling regulate gene expression.

Dr. Delos Reyes delivered the third and last lecture series on April 3, 11, and 12. This threeday onsite short course on Epigenetic Mechanisms covered various topics such as histones and chromatin, DNA methylation, non-coding regulatory RNA molecules, and transgenerational epigenetics and cellular memory Dr Delos Reyes gave an overview of the young field of Epigenetics that is rising to become the new frontier of Genetics He emphasized that there is more g

Courtesy of Dr Benildo G Delos Reyes

than what genes tell us because of the environment's role in influencing gene expression.

Each of the Special Lectures concluded with an awarding of a Certificate of Appreciation to Dr Delos Reyes for his valuable time and expertise shared throughout the event Through this learning experience, young scientists and researchers hopefully gained fresh ideas on how they will solve scientific problems in plants and pursue Genetics research in the country.

GeneSoc Conducts BIO 30 Tutorials for the Second Semester

By: Ivien Prinze Fetalino (Reprimo)

CCommitted to its goal of nurturing an appreciation of gggggggGenetics, The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc), in partnership with The UPLB Learning Resource Center, conducted the first installment of the BIO 30 Tutorials last March 15, 2023 in the Makiling Ballroom Hall, Student Union Building, University of the Philippines - Los Baños

The BIO 30 Tutorials was attended by UPLB students who were taking the course Introductory Genetics or BIO 30 and was taught by Asst Prof Ann Clarisse Siababa, a faculty member of the Genetics and Molecular Biology Division at the Institute of Biological Sciences - UPLB.

The activity commenced at 7:00 in the evening and Asst Prof Siababa discussed key points in the three topics of the first ggg

BIO 30 examination scheduled on the succeeding week: Genetics as the Science of Heredity and Variation; Chromosomal Basis of Heredity; and Gene Segregation and Interaction. After finishing half of the coverage, a short break was given and snacks were provided for both the lecturer and students ..

At the end of the BIO 30 Tutorials, a Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to Asst. Prof. Siababa and evaluation sheets were sent to the students via email. One of the comments stated, “Nothing is difficult. It just needs effort and the will to learn. The guest speaker made the first three lectures of Genetics so smooth and engaging ”

Aside from face-to-face tutorials, GeneSoc also opened its Genequiry Discord Server to all BIO 30 students for online consultation on Genetics throughout the semester. Resident members who already took BIO 30 attend to students' queries on the server ...

Members of The UPLB Genetics Society with Dr Delos Reyes in the middle Courtesy of The UPLB Genetics Society

BIO 30 Week Showcases the Realm of Insect Genetics

By: Jaka Rossengail Santos (Amelogenin)

On May 8 to 13, 2023, The UPLB Genetics Society plans to conduct its first face-to-face m

BIO 30 Week since the pandemic with the theme, "Gene-sects: Tiny Creatures as Paraphernalia for Big Discoveries," at the Institute of Biological Sciences, University of the Philippines - Los Baños (IBSUPLB) The week-long event will feature various activities such as the exhibit opening, BIO 30 Quiz Contest, GENEWS launching, followed by an educational webinar, and minor orientation for prospective applicants of the organization

The physical exhibit will be open to the public on May 8 at Wing C in

IBS The exhibit will showcase the resident members’ unique crafts that feature the diversity of insects and their relevance to genetics On May 10, GeneSoc will hold a minor orientation, where the organization will introduce its advocacy, activities, and achievements Students who have taken or will be taking BIO 30 will be encouraged to join the event ...

Moreover, a BIO 30 Quiz Contest, open to all students taking BIO 30, will take place at the IBS Main Lecture Hall on May 11 An intense competition will be expected as students, allowed to join in groups of three (3), showcase their knowledge of Genetics. The winners

of the quiz contest will take home cash prizes.

Meanwhile, May 12 will be allotted for the launch of GENEWS, the Official Publication of the UPLB Genetics Society. The organization will produce online and physical copies to increase awareness about the relevance of Insect Genetics in today's society

Lastly, on May 13, a webinar with the theme “Pagsulyap sa Kulisap: A Webinar on the Roles of Insect Genetics in Developing Novel Technologies for Agriculture and Industry , will be aired on Facebook Live to foster a fruitful discussion on one of the hidden gems of l Insect Genetics

the organization s wareness about the s, the organization engaging activities through a mix of online events This Week is much highlighting the insects like the fly Drosophila elucidating genetic

Cockroaches Get a Fantasy Makeover: New Species Named after Lord of the Rings and GeneSoc Junior Adviser

By:

Entomologist Cristian Lucañas has recently named a new cockroach genus after the populpopular fantasy series, Lord of the Rings and a new species, Hobbitoblatta lambioe after GeneSoc’s Junior Faculty adviser, Prof. Ivy Amor Lambio.

Mr. Lucañas, an entomologist at the University of the Philippines - Los Baños Museum of Natural History, has been studying cockroaches for several years His research focuses on the systematics and evolution of cockroaches specifically on the identification and classification of c k h i P tl h h d

described and co-described 14 new cockroach species, among other insects.

The species he discovered was originally under the genus Periplaneta before being assigned to the genus Hobbitoblatta. Mr. Lucañas explained that Periplaneta necessitates taxonomic revision as it has been considered a waste bin genus into which cockroaches have been grouped as they await further research for classification As the country's foremost and youngest cockroach expert, he can recognize differences in specimens from the UPLB Museum of Natural History's entomological collection The two new genera that Mr Lucañas named, which include Hobbitoblatta, were classified based on five morphological differences such as sexual dimorphism, from the representative species of Periplaneta – P americana

He coined Hobbitoblatta from a combination of two words: one, from the word Hobbits to pay homage to J R R Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, and two, from the term blatta, meaning cockroach. By naming it after a fictional race that has captured the hearts of millions of readers he wishes that cockroaches will be viewed in a new, more relatable light.

To describe the new genus, Mr. Lucañas designated a male holotype or representative specimen collected in 2016 from the UPLB Hortorium, which he named Hobbitoblatta lambioe. The species is distributed around Luzon such as in Mt Makiling, Laguna; Laguna-Quezon Land Grant in Siniloan, Laguna; and the Polillo Islands in Quezon. His fellow curator at the UPLB Museum of Natural History, Prof Ivy Amor Lambio, a botanist specializing in bryophytes and a fan of Tolkien's works, is the inspiration for the species H lambioe

Mr. Lucañas' research is a testament to the importance of taxonomic studies in understanding the diversity of life on Earth His work sheds light on the evolutionary history of cockroaches, and highlights the need for further research to uncover the secrets of these fascinating creatures .

Jhon Daniel Celebrado (Resistome), Gia Astor (Resistome)

GeneSoc Junior Faculty Adviser Prof Ivy Amor Lambio

Entomologist Cristian Lucañas of UPLB - MNH

Courtesy of University of the Philippines Los Banos -MNH

Courtesy of ZOOM Images

Gotta Discover ‘Em All: New Cockroach Species Named after a Pokemon

By: Gabriel Abrigonda (Resistome)

On February 2023, entomologists

Cristian Lucanas of th

the University of the Philippines - Los Baños Museum of Natural History (MNH) and Foo Maosheng of Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) both discovered a new cockroach species, Nocticola pheromosa, collected from the Bukit Nature Reserve of Singapore The new species was named after an Ultra Beast Pokemon called Pheromosa due to similar characteristics of the two .....

Male samples of the new species were obtained in 2016 as part of a comprehensive biodiversity survey in the Bukit Nature Reserve of Singapore. The collected specimens were stored and preserved in the LKCNHM at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Mr. Lucañas and Mr Maosheng found no record of the species in Singapore, which suggested it was a new species that needed documentation N pheromosa is the first member of the Nocticola genus ever recorded in Singapore and will be added to the genus with 32 other species

...

N pheromosa is said to have a similar external morphology as another species of the same genus s

– Nocticola adebratti

However, it was found that the obtained samples had different genitalia structure and wing venation patterns compared to other known species, confirming that it was actually a new and undiscovered species With this, the two researchers have made it their next step to find a female counterpart of the same species to further compare and contrast the two sexes.

As avid fans of Pokemon, Mr Lucañas and Maosheng took inspiration from the video game series in naming the species. They named the cockroach species after the Ultra Beast Pokemon Pheromosa due to the resemblance in appearance between the two The fictional and non-fictional Pheromosa, and the other members of the genus Nocticola, all have elongated appendages, reduced coloration, and outstanding speed

...

By naming the new species after a Pokemon, Mr. Lucañas, and Mr. Maosheng aim to highlight these cockroaches diversity and ecological significance amidst their infamous identity of being pests in comparison to many other insects

Pheromosa is an Ultra Beast pokemon that resembles a feminine anthropomorphic cockroach It is primarily white with a thin build Artwork Courtesy of Bulbagarden Archives

Entomologists Cristian Lucanas of the University of the Philippines - Los Baños Museum of Natural History (bottom left) and Foo Maosheng of Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (bottom right) Courtesy of Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum | National University of Singapore

Genes Elucidate the Mysteries of Fall Armyworm's Exocrine Glands

By: Donna Joy Trapani (Amelogenin)

Verson ' s glands are the exocrine glands of insects and are postulated to play a ppivotal role in their life cycle due to their specialized functions However, the exact mechanism has not been completely clarified yet. Recently, Koo, Chen, & Palli (2023) investigated the expression of genes in the Verson's glands of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda They identified these glands essential role in molting and immunity and highlighted the importance of genetic techniques in determining the functions of these glands.

Recent scholarly research employed advanced genetic techniques to uncover the importance of Verson's glands in molting and immune system responses The functions of these glands were investigated by the researchers using advanced molecular techniques, with transcriptomic analysis as a crucial aspect of their methodology By identifying genes that exhibited differential expression within the

glands, the researchers gained valuable insights into their respective functionalities The validation and confirmation of the findings were carried out by employing quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and RNA interference (RNAi) methodologies

The study's results indicate that several genes, such as chitinase, chitin synthase, and juvenile hormone esterase, that are linked to cuticle formation and molting were highly expressed in Verson's glands The discovery mentioned above presents supportive evidence for the assertion that these glands play a pivotal role in the molting process of the fall armyworm Moreover, the detection of genes associated with antimicrobial peptides, lysozyme, and other immunity-related proteins implies a potential role in the insect's immune response The current investigation offers noteworthy insights into the complex operations of Verson's glands in S. frugiperda and has broader

implications for the discipline of entomology. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms of these glands, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the biology of other insects This may lead to the discovery of more precise and successful pest management strategies.

The utilization of genetic methodologies in this study has resulted in new revelations regarding the multifaceted roles of Verson's glands in S frugiperda

The findings emphasize the importance of the glands in the mechanisms of molting and immunity, offering noteworthy insights that could inform future strategies for pest management

The study of the Verson's glands of the fall armyworm demonstrates the efficacy of genetics in elucidating the mysteries of insect biology As research advances in this field, genetics will remain an essential tool for understanding insects and conceptualizing effective strategies for pest control

Typical adult female fall armyworm Courtesy of Lyle J Buss | University of Florida

“Look up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane!” No! It’s Drosophila melanogaster! Beyond the microscope lens of genetics research, a minuscule yet mighty hero has emerged: Drosophila melanogaster, the fruit fly. This buzzing bug may be small in size, but its role in scientific breakthroughs has been nothing less than gigantic and revolutionary.

What is it about the humble fruit fly that has made it such an important model organism for genetics research? For one, its genome has been thoroughly sequenced and annotated, providing researchers with a vast database of genetic information to work with This treasure trove of data can be used to modify specific genes and observe the effects on the fly's phenotype, shedding light on the function of those genes and their role in development, behavior, and disease

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

MANAGING EDITOR:

CREATIVE EDITOR:

CREATIVES:

CONTRIBUTORS:

IVIEN PRINZE FETALINO (Reprimo)

CHRISTY ANN GO (Crypton)

FRANCISCO ESCALA III (Reprimo)

ELAISSA PUA LEFRIZ DAYTO PAULINE ROXAS (Resistome)

LOIS JIANINA ALARIN (Ikirara) ERIK AZCOITA (Hachimoji)

LORIEJOICE ANNE MANALO (Polyplex)

ANGEL REIGN CASIPE, BHEA ANGELICA BANAWAN, CHRIS

ANGELO BARTOLOME, CLARA YSABEL ALUMAGA, CYAN

SOMBILLA DANE CHRISTIAN MORENA GABRIEL ABRIGONDA

GIA ASTOR, GIANA KRISHA BATURIANO, HANNAH CORRINE

CANTAROS JHON DANIEL CELEBRADO JORLIE NICOLE

ESGUERRA MARION MAGDAMIT SPES JACELA (Resistome)

DONNA JOY TRAPANI, JAKA ROSSENGAIL SANTOS, MARK

ALBERT SUNDO (Amelogenin) IVIEN PRINZE FETALINO (Reprimo), CHRISTIAN

However, the fruit fly's contributions to genetics research go far beyond simply being an organism that can be genetically manipulated In fact, some of the most fundamental principles of genetics were first discovered in Drosophila In 1910, Thomas Hunt Morgan and his colleagues first showed that mutations in fruit flies could be linked to specific genes, demonstrating the existence of chromosomes and the principles of genetic linkage. This groundbreaking discovery laid the foundation for modern genetics and opened the doors for further breakthroughs in the field.

In the years since Morgan's work, researchers have continued to use Drosophila to investigate a wide range of genetic phenomena, including gene regulation, embryonic development, and the genetics of behavior and aging Christiane NüssleinVolhard and Eric Wieschaus's groundbreaking study in the 1980s identified a set of genes, known as the " gap genes, " that control the formation of segments in the developing fly embryo This study helped establish the field of developmental genetics and led to the discovery of homeobox genes, which are now known to be critical regulators of gene expression in all animals

NATANAUAN (Ikirara)

The fruit fly's small size and rapid generation time make it an ideal organism for studying the genetics of behavior, including courtship and mating behavior, learning and memory, and circadian rhythms This has allowed researchers to observe changes in behavior over multiple generations and identify the underlying genetic factors with ease Through the use of the fruit fly, researchers also bypass some of the ethical issues in research involving human subjects.

In the realm of medicine, the fruit fly has soared to new heights, providing insights into the genetic underpinnings of cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. By unraveling the intricate genetic pathways that control cell growth and proliferation, researchers have developed targeted therapies that aim to stop cancer in its tracks without the destructive side effects of conventional chemotherapy.

But the fruit fly's potential doesn't stop there - it has also shown its mettle in the industrial sphere Through genetic engineering, researchers have turned Drosophila into a veritable workhorse, producing everything from silk fibers to valuable chemicals and materials. It seems that when it comes to biotechnology, the possibilities are truly limitless with th

continues to be a wingman for researchers in a variety of fields, from neuroscience to agriculture. By unveiling the secrets of behavior and development in this tiny creature, scientists have uncovered the mechanisms that govern life itself, making it a critical tool in the pursuit of knowledge Who knew that such a small fly could soar to such great heights?

The contributions of Drosophila to genetics research have been nothing short of remarkable and became the start of the domino effect in the boundless possibilities in the science community From the foundational discoveries made by Morgan to the groundbreaking work of NüssleinVolhard and Wieschaus, the fruit fly has paved the way for many of the most significant discoveries in genetics With continuous research, we can expect to uncover even more valuable insights into the genetic basis of life and disease, all thanks to this tiny but mighty insect. So the next time you see a fruit fly buzzing around your kitchen, remember the tremendous impact these tiny creatures have brought on scientific discovery and the countless lives that will be impacted by their ongoing research.

As the years fly by, Drosophila

Batch Reprimo: Priming the Synthesis of Unbreakable Bonds

By: Ivien Prinze Fetalino (Reprimo)

The Reprimo (RPRM) gene family is a group of single-exon

genes that is unique to vertebrates. From the last common ancestor of vertebrates, Reprimo genes diverged and diversified after two rounds of whole genome duplications between 676 and 615 million years ago. In humans Reprimo is a potential tumorsuppressor gene that regulates the Cdc2-cyclin B1 complex activity and the p53-mediated cell cycle arrest at G2 In the advent of modern science and technology, the Reprimo gene family becomes a hotspot of genetic discoveries

Seven enthusiastic individuals come together to join the GeneSoc family that keeps getting bigger and brighter! Batch Reprimo is composed of five BS Biology studentsJanet, Mark, Ivien, Cisco, and Len; one BS Agriculture studentGeromn; and one BS Mathematics and Science

Teaching studentChanny Their unbreakable bond stems from the unique and charming personalities of each member harmonizing well with one another .........

Janet is the ultimate “ mom ” in the batch She looks after her batchmates and ensures that everyone is having a good time. Close friends adore her homey aura that makes you feel comfortable whenever you talk to her She is that friend who never runs out of chikas and likes to bring fun into the room. She loves to party and travel - making lots of new friends and awesome memories

Ivien is a ray of sunshine on a carefree Saturday morning. She loves to stroll around and observe nature and people A certified sleepyhead, she cannot survive allnighters and rarely stays awake during road trips One of her hobbies is reading fiction novels while listening to the sound of rain; and someday she dreams of writing a novel that portrays love and life. As a student, she is eager to learn everything about Genetics and to finish college with no regrets

Len makes a dull moment burst into laughter with his refreshing and upbeat personality. He is the happy pill we all need during tough times. His stories are just so relatable that you always look forward to chatting with him Like a soft and fluffy pillow, Len makes sure to give you a comfortable space where you can express your true emotions He also loves to meet new people and form unexpected friendships

Channy is like a summer breeze that embraces your soul with comforting warmth He is a very genuine person who loves to meet new people and listen to their stories. His cheerful and kind personality is reciprocated with love from his family and friends. As an aspiring educator Channy makes sure to bring science closer to his students.

Mark is best described as a well-rounded person - a student, peer tutor, chess player, and musician He loves bits and pieces of science, philosophy, and art Often, you will find Mark immersed in meaningful conversations wherein he confidently shares his honest thoughts He also shows great passion for life operating at the molecular level As someone who is not afraid to step out of his comfort zone, Mark definitely carves a bright future ahead

Cisco is probably the coolest member of the batch He loves to eat out with friends and have a good time. A serious face matched with incredible humor is his biggest asset - making lasting impressions on everyone As an artistic and thoughtful person, Cisco generously lends his time and talent to the organization He spends his free time playing video games and watching movies with friends.

Geromn is the most popular member of the batch, known for being approachable and outspoken He is a spontaneous person who loves to celebrate after a long tiring week at school He pours out his heart while singing his favorite songs at the videoke. He also loves to play Mobile Legends and go on hikes with friends. Even if he has to walk from CAFS to IBS everyday, Geromn makes sure to spend some time with resident members at Wing C and support the organization in all its activities.

Janet Faith Villanueva

Mark Cyril Mercado

Ivien Prinze Fetalino

Francisco Escala III

Christian Velasco

Geromn Gabriel Dacquil

Allen Malabayabas

Batch Amelogenin: Stronger Together

By Mark Albert Sundo (Amelogenin)

Hailing from Antique in the small barrio of San Remigio Liling was born on the 6th of July 2001 As charming as her signature pink outfits, she is a lovely gal who makes everyone s day brighter with her curious mind and adventurous personality. Trekking up mountains or walking long distances is a manifestation of the lengths she would go to accompany her friends while staying true to her passion for the outdoors. Truly, her desire to become a wildlife biologist is like no other.

Jaka claims the title of the batch’s “maknae” or the popularized term for the youngest in the group, as she was born on the 12th of February 2002 in Bay Laguna She is an allrounder who excels in both academics and extracurricular activities Previously a varsity player and now aspiring to get into showbiz, this diva is characterized by a free-spirited personality that makes her a friend to all Whether it be singing, dancing, or acting, Jaka proves that the sky’s the limit when it comes to showcasing one s talents

Amelogenin is a gene that encodes proteins in the

enamel substance that is essential for normal tooth development In humans, it is found in the X and Y chromosomes and can be used for sex determination in forensic science and prenatal diagnosis.

Similar to how enamel forms a sturdy and protective layer in the tooth, Batch Amelogenin is an assemblage of BS Biology students that aims to safeguard and support others as they become part of the gene pool Albert Donna Gene Jaka, Gene, and Liling are steadfast individuals who aspire to cement their place in this new journey.

In Barangay Anos, Laguna resides Albert who was born on the 19th of January 2001 As the oldest of the batch, he acts as the pillar who is always ready to support others with his charisma and intelligence His caring personality is a demonstration of his love for animals and other living things as a zoology major Through his diligent lifestyle and balanced work-life ethic, Mark is well on his way to becoming an individual who can contribute to the field of Zoology as a researcher in the academe

Born on the 4th of October 2001, in the city of Sta Rosa, Laguna, Gene is characterized by his upright personality He is the most athletic among his batchmates which is evident in his interest in outdoor activities like enjoying a nice workout at the gym or participating in the activities of the Reserve Officers Training Program (ROTC). On tranquil days a captivating tune would be heard originating from his guitar as he serenades those close to him. Honoring his name Gene is an aspiring geneticist who would like to pursue his dream of teaching this Genetics in academia.

Donna, born on the 23rd of September 2001 in San Isidro, Bay, is one of the hidden gems that stands out above the rest. She is known for her contagious and gorgeous smile that lightens up the mood of her peers In her spare time, she unwinds by making crochets while listening to the different music genres. As a Genetics major, she is determined to become a doctor someday which is why you will always see her around the campus, completely immersed in her notes.

Maria Luisa Rizalina Atienza

Zuriel Gene Micor

Jaka Rossengail Santos

Donna Joy Trapani

Mark Albert Sundo

Batch Resistome: Resisting Hardships, Persisting with Excellence

By: Hannah Corrine Cantaros

Resistome is a set of genes that confer antibiotic resistance to bacteria

Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) are integral to bacteria’s metabolism and growth in the gut and through gene transfer, these microbes can acquire new sets of ARGs to overcome the environmental pressure they are exposed to

Sixteen BS Biology students and 1 MS Agronomy student congregate to create a resistome Cla, Gia, Chris, Ja, Bhea, Een, Igna, JD, Lef, Jo, Spes, Marj, Merc, Elai, Janine, and Siyan are from BS Biology and Gab is from MS Agronomy. Just like the different ARGs within a resistome, each member is equipped with a unique mix of charms and personalities that helps them to resist hardships and to persist with excellence

Cla can be associated with her own room: a little messy, filled with stories, and has more space for new discoveries She makes time to express her own creativity - one of which is through fashion Cla may look unapproachable, but when seen over her facade, she is a caring and sweet person She puts importance on enjoying her own company by going on self-dates, and can still be there for others when needed ...

As warm as the feather color of parrots, Gia radiates warmth in people’s lives with her soft heart She brings comfort through her words and actions, especially to her close ones. Despite being the warm person that she is, Gia actually enjoys thrillers and horror movies/series She enjoys playing RPG games and spending time with her pets. Gia fervidly looks forward to a world where having a soft heart is not considered weak

While he displays a welcoming vibe, Chris describes himself as an introverted person who loves watching Korean dramas and listening to K-pop music He enjoys playing various mobile and computer games. He is fond of online shopping, sneakers, and thrifting clothes. Despite his inferiority complex he wants to become a confident model someday. As a passionate person, he dreams of becoming a medical doctor, having a stable life, and helping those who are in need

Giana Krisha Baturiano

Despite Ja s mysterious aura she gives off a smile that brightens the mood of everyone. She treasures the people around her and she is equally loved by them. She loves to hoard mundane things cry out of

fear or nostalgia when watching movies, and eat spicy foods All her life she resisted the idea of becoming a doctor but this pursuit keeps pulling her back In the future, she imagines herself sitting on a cozy chair and living her best life

Serving the underserved fuels the passion of Bhea, the batch s adrenaline junkie, who strives to become a physician. Bhea sees themself as someone who helps many people in the future –perhaps even making significant changes in their lives Bhea is your one-call-away friend who takes you around the city for a drive and comforts you with a cup of coffee Despite their clinical anxiety, she enjoys activities that compel it, ..

Batch Resistome continued on Page 12

(Resistome) Angel Reign Casipe (Resistome) Jorlie Nicole Esguerra (Resistome)

Clara Ysabel Alumaga

Gia Marie Astor

Chris Angelo Bartolome

Bhea Angelica Bawanan

whether it be extreme park rides or horror houses

Hannah Corinne Cantaros

Fueled by perseverance, Een has a strong desire to reach her goals no matter the circumstances. However, when she needs a little breather, she resorts to movie watching Her cravings are usually satisfied by her own creations through baking and cooking. Een is a deliberate person who cherishes every moment and forms lasting relationships with other people.

Igna describes herself as a sentimental person and loves to collect things from her hobbies and interests, which they tend to hyperfixate on for a period of time. She strives to step out of her comfort zone by involving herself in unfamiliar things She values the people she meets, as she believes she is made up of bits of their personalities. Igna finds comfort in her two cats and even plans to adopt more Despite being expressive, they have internal battles that inspire them to pursue psychiatry.

JD has a keen eye for animals at a very young age and brings this interest to the Major field of Wildlife Biology that he is currently taking. Through his strong will and passion, he is on his way to achieving his younger self’s dream As laid-back as his three cats, JD prefers to stay indoors while practicing his flute recorder But he gets energetic when he is with

Lefriz Dayto

fancies having Blackpink’s and Taylor Swift s music in the background Jo always displays dedication to her craft– from showing off her talents and expressing aesthetics She appreciates the company of people and enjoys creating clips to keep as memories. Having a tender heart she can also be your go-to person if you are in need of life and love advice ..

Marion Magdamit Jr.

comfort and a sense of peace Spes enjoys being around living creatures–plants, farm animals, and her cats The day starts early in the life of Lef, as she considers herself as a morning person Before the day ends, she makes sure that there is today’s journal entry alongside the photos she took Having quality time as her love language, Lef goes out with her friends to eat, even when it is beyond the day s budget She believes in the concept of manifestation–when she thinks that everything will work out for her, then it surely will happen Just

With her luxurious style and personality, Jo brings the limelight to herself wherever she goes. She is a coffee person who

With one look you would know that Spes is filled with vibrant energy. She is the very definition of a well-rounded individual, excelling not only in academics but also in showing off her talents in sports and arts Having a vast interest in things, Spes can be a partner for spontaneous activities Her accommodating personality can give

Marj can be there in different situations, may it be in making jokes that make everyone laugh until they are breathless, or in encouraging you with productivity He values consistency and organization in his work and does things passionately His thoughts are as bright as his love for greens, and expresses them through writing Despite his dream of becoming a surgeon, he also envisions being a teacher as he excels in simplifying complex concepts.

...Batch Resistome continued

Jhon Daniel Celebrado

Jorlie Nicole Esguerra

close friends.

Angel Reign Casipe

Jorlie Nicole Esguerra

Spes Jacela

..Batch Resistome continued on Page 13

Dane Christian Morena

Growing up in Mindoro, Merc was exposed to wildlife conservation, particularly tamaraws It became his fuel for pursuing his degree program. In 2021 and 2022, he completed internships on wildlife conservation He is also interested in experimenting with new recipes, playing table tennis and volleyball, and growing herbs in his garden In contrast to his bright personality, Merc loves black and sad ballad songs. He is also an adventurous person, always ready for exciting activities.

Elai is your ultimate buddy when it comes to loving fluffy objects, may it be having fluffy pets or owning fluffy blankets and toys She may be a little shy but she silently cheers for you on the sidelines Elai likes to listen to any chikas you may have and would reciprocate with understanding She always tries her best to empathize with situations. Her hobbies may be eccentric for her personality, but Elai enjoys horror games, series, and movies.

Janine is a shy but friendly person who enjoys watching lifestyle vlogs that allow her to embrace her femininity and boost her confidence. She plays Genshin Impact to relieve stress. She is an avid fan of Taylor Swift and Kathryn Bernardo and aspires to be passionate about her future career. Janine likes

Cyan

Kobe Sombilla

Siyan's sense of humor is like a breather on a stressful day and makes everyone laugh with her

Japanese food, but cannot handle spicy dishes She loves re-watching Barbie movies to feel carefree as well as thrillers She wants to inspire others and create a comfortable environment around her .. effortless jokes She is a freespirited woman who loves listening to positive affirmation s on YouTube and is a fan of Jorja Smith. Despite having a

sweet personality, her love for sour foods is irresistible She is fond of making friendship bracelets and is invested in watching K-dramas, crime documentaries and classic romantic movies Siyan is definitely someone that you can hang out with all day without getting bored

Gab can be described best as an explorer who loves to go to remote places. Aside from hoarding books from the library, he also enjoys cooking his favorite dishes, watching anime shows, and singing passionately He is at peace when there are no remnants of loudness in the atmosphere Likewise, he prefers deep and meaningful conversations with people over lunch rather than meeting them at huge parties ......

...Batch Resistome continued

Elaissa Faye Pua

Jan Pauline Roxas

Gabriel Abrigonda

All Buzz, No Bite: The Good and the Bad of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

By: Christian Natanauan (Ikirara)

For hundreds of years, the Aedes aegypti mosquito has conreacccontinued to plague the global populace, reaching an astounding estimate of 23 million cases from 1980 to 2017 from A aegyptiborne dengue alone. The humble yet deadly stinger-killer is a primary vector of arboviruses most commonly dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses, and is native to African, Asian, and South American countries

With recent efforts and breakthroughs in the control of A aegypti and the prevention of its related diseases, one such fascinating method was the use of mosquitoes genetically modified to “kill” its own kind The project, streamlined by biotechnology company Oxitec, has been initiated through field trials as early as 2009, leading to its peak in 2021 through the release of said GM mosquitoes into selected research areas

The genetic basis involves the insertion of two genes that contribute to the production of the OX513A strain in A aegypti eggs: a self-limiting tTAV (tetracycline repressible transactivator variant) gene that prevents the maturation of female offspring, and a red fluorescent marker gene for the detection and identification of genetically engineered species and their offspring. The resulting OX5034 modified male wrigglers would then grow and are allowed to mate with normal female A aegypti, the main biters and transmitters of viral infections. The death of consequent female offspring indicates successful genetic modification of male mosquitoes, leading to an expected result of a decreased total in the adult mosquito population after a certain period of about 10 generations.

The abovementioned system was patented by Oxitec

Oxitec as the “Release of Insects carrying a Dominant Lethal” or RIDL system, which is envisaged to control mosquitoes with zero to little use of chemical insecticides, wherein repeated use has led to the development of resistance by modern generations of mosquito species in certain regions. Following the release of transgenic A aegypti into selected areas, significant reductions in mosquito populations have been reported, reaching an approximately 79% decrease in a field test held in Indaiatuba, São Paulo, Brazil last 20182019 The 2021-2022 openair study in the Florida Keys, USA, was also reported to exhibit positive results, though official findings have yet to be published as of writing

Multitudes of appraisals from the scientific community have since been garnered due to the success of the project based on statistics and nusdf

numerical data alone, but a plethora of concerns have also been constantly raised against the widespread release of genetically modified A aegypti.

Before the release of the OX5034 mosquitoes in the Florida Keys, numerous setbacks have arisen due to apprehensions of the local citizens since its announcement in 2011 Despite having no risk of causing genetic modification in humans, the lack of education in genetically modified mosquitoes and other organisms has led to worries about residents getting bitten. Ultimately, the project was approved by state and federal authorities last 2020, though being limited to the Florida Keys area instead of the larger portion of Southern Florida.

The earliest field trials were held in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands in 2009, but has since ceased operations in 2018 due to various issues. Foremost of these concerns are with regards to cost-benefit analyses, wherein an enormous amount of 2.8 million modified adult males needs to be released per week for them to only lead to a reduction of 20,000 wild-type mosquitoes in the area Moreover, constant funding would also be required for maintenance and control since a decrease in release in the main field site has led to the eventual resurgence of mosquito populations— thus, a delineation from the project’s main goal Adding to these concerns are the limited number of results being published and made available for peer assessment

( continued on page 15 )

Similar concerns have also been faced in the nowabandoned field test in Malaysia, wherein only a small number of about 6000 modified mosquitoes have been released. Therefore, results were not publishable due to the lack of significant results of population suppression due to an inadequate amount of transgenic A aegypti adult males.

While having received the most successful results in the project conducted in São Paulo, Brazil, professionals have criticized Oxitec due to issues regarding poorquality risk assessments and public transparency. Risk assessment documents were submitted three years later than the implementation of the open field test in 2011. Independent field tests have also revealed the occurrence of genetically modified females that have survived maturation and thus contain genomic information from the transgenic mosquitoes, further leading to more biological concerns that have failed to be accounted for in initial risk assessments. Despite having no data to affirm or disprove the effectiveness and dangers of these GM adult female mosquitoes to the bitten humans, authors of Oxitec research studies have since published speculative inferences regarding the results, misleading readers towards positive conclusions without reputable data to support such statements

Moreover, the lack of transparency leads to the failure of communicating the risk factors to participants and local citizens, adding to the ethical problems that surround the OX5034 mosquito project

The environmental release of a genetically modified organism is also sure to create a huge impact on an experimental area ’ s ecosystem. The drastic reduction in wild-type mosquito populations could disrupt the local food web, affecting organisms that rely on mosquitoes as an important food source. The hypothetical eradication of mosquitoes also cannot ensure the overall transmission of mosquito-borne diseases since the mosquitoes may conveniently migrate into areas that neighbor a specific field test site

With all points made, this begs the question: is the release of genetically modified A aegypti worth it for the eradication of mosquito-borne disease While prelimina numerical data point positive impacts on publ health, such projects mu first take in consideration the vario biological, ethical, an environmental spher before kickstarting the fruition

In a local context, th Oxitec mosquito proje may provide a hug benefit for lessenin dengue and oth arbovirus cases in th Philippines, but the cost-

effectiveness and ecological impact of its implementation would just lead to more issues that a third-world country may not yet afford. Following the World Health Organization’s position statement regarding the matter, once a stepwise approach involving the conductance of risk assessment, application for regulation by authorities and appropriate regional surveying; the engagement, education, and communication with local communities regarding the impact of genetic modification and GM-related projects; and proper procurement of funding and manpower for the execution of the project has been attained

it is only then that the benefits of genetically engineered mosquitoes can be reaped, a goal that currently seems far to reach. Genetically modified mosquitoes are surely a testament to the progression of biological research and a step forward toward the advancement in the lessening of mosquitoborne disease cases What proves to be a buzzing challenge to the research teams is the proper execution of these projects that lessen their risks to humans and the environment, heeding the calls and concerns of the scientific community to move towards more inclusive and sustainable efforts toward global public health response

Aedes aegypti

© 2007 by Muhammad Mahdi Karim | Wikimedia Commons

Once released male GM mosquitoes mate with wild females to pass the gene on to the next generation reducing the local female population and eventually the number of wild male mosquitoes Courtesy of Victor Moriyama | Getty Images

Oxitec mosquitoes are raised in a lab and then released in areas with a high concentration of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes Courtesy of Nelson Almeida | Getty Images

Insect Breeding: The Next Frontier of Food Production

By: Gabriel Abrigonda (Resistome)

Last February 2022, Ynsect a French company, announced t that they will be investing five million dollars in an industrial insect breeding facility as the world's first largest initiative in breeding beetle larvae, specifically yellow mealworms, Tenebrio mollitor, among other insects The insect breeding facility will utilize genetic engineering to incorporate genes coding for novel traits such as high reproduction rate and feedstock conversion

Meanwhile, its neighboring country, Switzerland, also aims to enhance insect breeding technologies

Switzerland’s Bühler Group developed the Insect Technology Center, which helps in setting up industrial breeding facilities for insect farming They conduct production trials, feedstock evaluation, sample product development, and employee training In France, Switzerland, and other developed countries, insect breeding is considered a major milestone contributing to attainment of food security

However, in some countries, the production of insect breeding facilities may be an impending threat to environmentalists detesting genetic modification of organisms – may it be insects, animals, or plants In April 2023, The Philippine Supreme Court issued a Writ of Kalikasan to stop t

the commercial release of genetically modified rice and eggplant as petitioned by Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIKAP) The intention of this petition is beneficial to indigenous people and common farmers rendering the government or private companies responsible for any damage the technology may possess through the establishment of liability measures

Nevertheless, the main purpose of creating these genetically engineered and modified products must not be neglected As a saying by Andrew Smith, “People fear what they don t understand and hate what they can’t conquer ” In this regard, the public’s complete turning away from these developments is a great loss of knowledge and a hindrance to hundreds of years of scientific progress

Just in the country, several genetically modified products have been created in the past years. The Golden Rice was generated to fortify normal rice with VitaminA

through a gene coding for beta-carotene sourced from corn, which can serve to prevent malnutrition among marginalized communities. The Bt eggplant contains the gene of Bacillus thuringiensis, which helps in controlling pests such as fruit borers and fruit flies This helps reduce economic stress on farmers and environmental degradation due to less pesticide use The digestive tract of fruit flies and their larvae contains the specific receptor of the Bt gene, enabling them to be toxic to insects and not to humans

In relation to these advances, insect breeding aims to provide alternative sources of protein for people and provide inputs to agriculture such as fertilizers, feeds, and feed ingredients which will have a great impact on food security in the next decades According to the World Resources Institute, it was estimated that there will be a 70% human calorie gap in 2050 Thus, an alternative source of sustainable protein

protein production, which includes insect protein, is being considered to address this global issue, as supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Some scientists have been addressing these problems, with some researchers using black soldier flies, Hermetia illucens, as their chosen insect that could be utilized for human consumption. These scientists used genomic selection for breeding and selection of desirable traits These black soldier flies are just among a number of insect species that are eyed for rich protein content that may help in the concern of food security.

Thus, while industrial insect breeding may be a technology ahead of its time, it is an inevitable course of future food production and a potential aid to the widening gap in food security and looming environmental crisis. Scrupulous regulation of insect farms, alongside extensive research on insect hybrids, would lead to a safe adoption of this technology to benefit the human race.

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