Newsletter: New Study Finds Alarmingly Low Genetic Diversity in Philippine Eagle

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

This figure illustrates the exceptionally low genetic diversity of the Philippine eagle across threatened species (Panel A), compared with other raptors (Panel B), and at the individual level (Panel C). (Photo credit: Perdon et al., 2026)

The Philippine eagle, the country’s national bird, is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world. Susceptible to habitat destruction and fragmentation, it is currently listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, making it one of the most threatened birds globally. To help ensure its survival, scientists have carried out a captive breeding program in protected facilities for over 30 years as part of conservation efforts.

Newsletter: How Land Use Shapes the Viruses Mosquitoes Carry, UP Study Finds

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

Virome sequencing performed on Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus used in the study in 2018 revealed

sequences belonging to vertebrate-associated and insect-specific viruses (Asin et al,. 2025).

Mosquitoes such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are known to transmit diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, may carry more than just viruses that affect humans. They also host insect-specific viruses that do not infect people, some of which may even inhibit the multiplication of disease-causing viruses. This implies that mosquitoes can serve as valuable tools for detecting both known and emerging viruses that may impact public health.