Newsletter: UP Study Identifies Opportunities and Challenges for Advanced DNA Technology in SEA Forensics

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By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) is transforming the way humans are identified. (Photo credit: Christian Estrella)

Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) has transformed forensic DNA analysis by allowing scientists to examine multiple DNA markers at the same time and in much greater detail than older methods. Even so, MPS is still not widely used in Southeast Asian countries. Researchers from the University of the Philippines Diliman – College of Science’s Natural Sciences Research Institute (UPD-CS NSRI) reviewed the use of MPS in forensic DNA laboratories across the region to identify the key challenges to its adoption.

Newsletter: UP Scientists Identify Plant Boosting Bacteria in Bamboo and Corn

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By: Eunice Jean C. Patron

Farmers usually use chemical fertilizers to grow their crops, but these can be expensive and may harm the environment. A more efficient and cheaper alternative is the use of specific microorganisms called plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). PGPB help plants absorb more nutrients and produce growth hormones that boost crop production. Using PGPB as biofertilizers can provide the same benefits as chemical fertilizers—without the harmful effects.

Newsletter: UP Researchers Predict Antimicrobial Resistance Using AI Models

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By: Eunice Jean Patron

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common bacterium that lives in the intestines of animals and humans, and it is often used to identify fecal contamination within the environment. E. coli can also easily develop resistance to antibiotics, making it an ideal organism for testing antimicrobial resistance—especially in certain agricultural environments where fecal material is used as manure or wastewater is reused.