Louelle Sheryl V. Go, Veronica C. Sabularse, Florinia E. Merca and Mary Ann O. Torio Institute of Chemistry College of Arts and Sciences UP Los Baños Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Carboxymethylated Starch from Carabao Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Seed. Philippine Agricultural Scientist, 98 (2): 25-36, June 2015. Mango seed kernel contains a relatively large amount of starch. Starch was isolated from ‘Carabao’ mango (Mangifera indica L.) seeds and converted to carboxymethyl starch (CMS). The physical, chemical and functional properties of mango seed starch (MSS) and CMS were different. Conversion of MSS to CMS changed the characteristics of the native starch. […]
USAID STRIDE exhibits UP research projects
Seven UP projects were part of the research showcase organized by the United States Agency for International Development–Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (USAID STRIDE) Program on 10 March 2016 at the Peninsula Manila in Makati. With the theme “Attracting Young Graduates into Careers in Science, Technology and Innovation,” the exhibit sought to promote the research capabilities and innovations of scientists and engineers from the different universities in the Philippines. Participants included the USAID STRIDE proponents, business sector, media, US-affiliated organizations and students. The projects from UP represented different fields. Dr. Agapita Salces from the UP Los Baños Animal and Dairy Science Cluster developed a sustainable breed […]
Study predicts dengue mosquito abundance in PH schools
With the rise of dengue cases especially among children, a local study has pioneered in the development of a statistical model that readily predicts the threat of dengue outbreaks in public elementary and high schools in the Philippines. Supported by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the “School-based Mosquito Abundance Model (SMAM)” study offers a predictive model based on actual data estimating the mosquito density in schools without having to do active vector surveillance. Led by Dr. Lilian A. De Las Llagas of the College of Public Health, UP […]
Researchers ‘fascinated’ by works outside their fields
The OVPAA Symposium for CWRG and ECWRG Recipients last March 1 and 2 was nothing less than a medley of specializations. From malaria detection and allopurinol to terahertz emissions and Ruthenium complexes, and from begonias and red frog crabs to acts of plagiarism and territorial disputes, the wide range of topics surely took the participants on an enjoyable ride of discovery. Where else would one find, under one roof, scholars in the technical fields interacting with their artistic counterparts? The natural scientists were curious about Jose Rizal’s portrayal in films, Shakespeare’s presence in Philippine literature, and the writing of the Palawan epic Dumaracol. The geologist […]
IPA Recipients for March 2016
Jonathan P. Guevarra, Maribel G. Oidem, Josue Antonio G. Estrada, Arlene G. Bertuso, Maridel P. Borja, Ernani R. Bullecer, Teresita S. de Guzman, Lydia R. Leonardo, Victor B. Molina, Ma. Susan T. Yanga-Mabunga, Eleanor C. Castillo, Paul Michael R. Hernandez, Ma. Socorro E. Ignacio, Richard S. Javier, Paul Adrian V. Pinlac and Evalyn A. Roxas College of Public Health UP Manila Partnership for Health Development through the Field Practice. Acta Medica Philippina, 48 (3): 79-83, 2014. This article describes the partnership between the College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila and the province of Laguna in the context of […]
UP names top scientists based on h-index and citation count
Dr. Antonio Dans of the College of Medicine in UP Manila and Dr. Arnel Salvador of the National Institute of Physics in UP Diliman have the most number of citations and the highest h-index values in UP. This is according to the latest rankings generated by UP for its own pool of scientists and researchers as of 4 March 2016. A total of 111 scholars were in the two lists that included those with at least 100 citations and an h-index value of 5 or higher. The figures were based on their Google Scholar profiles. Early in December 2015, Vice President for Academic Affairs […]
UP hosts the Philippines’ first Asian Conference on Ultrafast Phenomena
For the first time, the Philippines played host to the Asian Conference on Ultrafast Phenomena. The 9th edition of the conference was held from 22 to 24 February 2016 at the National Institute of Physics in UP Diliman. It was supported by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs through the Office of International Linkages. With 23 plenary talks and a poster session, the gathering allowed scientists and engineers to update each other on the latest advances in ultrafast optics and their various applications. It was also an opportunity for students in physics, chemistry, biology, material science and engineering to know more about the field. […]
Australia-ASEAN Council grants to support collaborative activities
The Council will prioritize funding for activities which: Increase people-to-people linkages between Australia and South-East Asian countries, particularly between people and institutions that have the capacity to influence others; Increase knowledge and understanding in Australia of South-East Asian countries, and the opportunities they present; and Enhance awareness and understanding in Australia and South-East Asia of each other’s cultures, values and traditions. In 2016-17, the AAC priority countries are: The Philippines (70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations with Australia, 2016), and Malaysia (60th Anniversary of Independence and Diplomatic Relations with Australia, 2017). Knowledge development is the overarching theme for the AAC. Funding […]
OVPAA symposium to showcase creative work and research accomplishments
Researchers from different UP constituent units will present their creative work and research outputs in a symposium to be convened by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) on March 1 and 2. To be held at the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM) Auditorium in UP Diliman, it will feature 40 oral presentations from the basic sciences, mathematics, social sciences, arts, literature and economics. The featured projects were funded by the Enhanced Creative Work and Research Grant program (formerly known as the Creative Work and Research Grant) under the OVPAA. ECWRG aims to encourage members of the faculty and REPS to undertake research that […]
UP biologists discover new giant flower found only in the Philippines
A new species of Rafflesia, with an average diameter of 9.73 centimeters has been discovered by a team of UP biologists near the Pantabangan Masiway Hydroelectric Power Plant (PMHEP) in Nueva Ecjia. This amazing new discovery now holds the world record of being the smallest among giant flowers. Named Rafflesia consueloae, this new species has been published in the open access journal Phytokeys last (date of publication). The Rafflesia consueloae is found only in the Philippines and so far thrives in only two sites in the Pantabangan watershed area. The Rafflesia is a parasitic plant which can reach up to 1.5 meters […]
