tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89116054478837235522024-02-16T12:33:52.936+08:00GENEWS ONLINEGENEWS ONLINE is the online edition of the official publication of The UPLB Genetics Society. The UPLB Genetics Society, also known as GeneSoc, is a duly recognized academic organization at UP Los Banos. The organization strives to promote and create awareness about the science of Genetics in the Philippines.The UPLB Genetics Societyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02014885714746684307noreply@blogger.comBlogger318125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-1312104215231763312023-11-17T15:47:00.002+08:002023-11-17T15:49:26.731+08:00GENEWS November Issue Flipbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBkF_lNOP_s80xq0HXS_PHL1nLISGJzEqpaXHf9BxIt05j_Pcz7JsDH7_xhPOF5e4w_6zSUs87fNopjLKNB8FOjX4OKZzMPUZutAPpCFrg185zd-rXFAfYilHy-L3-k3C2WyIoguCck_3e0xnUvOTOsLVo-_6VdaXNE8I1MletTO_oa12Vo4x6ccExsO5/s558/ksmd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="392" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBkF_lNOP_s80xq0HXS_PHL1nLISGJzEqpaXHf9BxIt05j_Pcz7JsDH7_xhPOF5e4w_6zSUs87fNopjLKNB8FOjX4OKZzMPUZutAPpCFrg185zd-rXFAfYilHy-L3-k3C2WyIoguCck_3e0xnUvOTOsLVo-_6VdaXNE8I1MletTO_oa12Vo4x6ccExsO5/s320/ksmd.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07GiKNNWK496kPBKzVDA0U6Ar7MSA8W3jKG3G3L-TOgaZ6lOMAmEfzmwapg9p2abU5Jr2JCERVeoOGo9JB6iy5F-AYr3AwIGZ0ezVQWtTi6M-DdZEGJ5QjwpiEVTYXXymd_UuvTbjgcUrJ3APelsZSEhNoQWJk85rLHpDwqRM0DDRqrNJxIUl-TPQZ_zw/s558/ksmd.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div><div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="fp-iframe" scrolling="no" src="https://heyzine.com/flip-book/e92d5f433c.html" style="border: 1px solid lightgray; height: 400px; width: 100%;"></iframe>
</div>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-524023655448410982023-11-17T15:32:00.002+08:002023-11-17T15:32:47.671+08:00Inside Out Emotions Explained: Decoding Feelings from a Genetic Perspective<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_aKfKgzM7Gvv4lshrf-NBdO1rMLYbe_zahC3-J1UQUY5cj3n_q7nekh53UBObyt_kc4j1Zf20sM7EweqLw4bMFabFbrIy6hG2l5U7vj35jVOElVSDennrJ_MUIcHQJ9gk8pxlTo_X6MyRe9ZUGpnbvFB7wUpJZpPviblm6fT_WWA1XEEufkRzfRQAXY7/s788/Screenshot%202023-11-17%20153157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="788" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_aKfKgzM7Gvv4lshrf-NBdO1rMLYbe_zahC3-J1UQUY5cj3n_q7nekh53UBObyt_kc4j1Zf20sM7EweqLw4bMFabFbrIy6hG2l5U7vj35jVOElVSDennrJ_MUIcHQJ9gk8pxlTo_X6MyRe9ZUGpnbvFB7wUpJZpPviblm6fT_WWA1XEEufkRzfRQAXY7/w640-h448/Screenshot%202023-11-17%20153157.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> A deeper meaning lies beneath the surface of the complex dance of human emotions. Our genetic composition has a significant role in shaping our feelings in addition to the experiences we have had. Known as "Genetics x Emotion," this exciting topic that combines genetics and emotion has the potential to completely transform our knowledge of human behavior and mental health. </b></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b787d1b9-7fff-b9c4-cd45-0e39cdd16268"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The essence of the human experience is emotion, which shapes how we react to the outside environment. The complex interplay between emotions and genetics has received much attention in research recently, despite the fact that these relationships have long been understood to be vital to human existence. Advances in research reveal that our genetic makeup intricately encodes our emotional experiences. Positive and negative emotions alike have hereditary roots; our genetic makeup contains traces of Joy, Disgust, Anger, Fear, and Sadness, among other emotions.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Joy</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is now established that there is a genetic component to joy, that bright and uplifting emotion. Positive emotions have been linked to a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs322931. This particular SNP is connected to microRNA (miR-181a) that is involved in drug addiction behavior in rodents and the reward system of the human brain</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">(Wingo et al., 2016). It was observed that individuals with the positive emotion-associated SNP reacted more to positive stimuli and startled less to fear while those with the negative emotion-associated SNP did not change their startle response to fear. It appears that joy is more than just a transient emotion and that it has a genetic signature that affects how we see the world. This newfound knowledge provides insight into the underlying molecular basis of happiness, indicating that experiencing happy emotions has unique genetic foundations.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Disgust</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Conversely, disgust is an emotion that is typically depicted as sensitivity to something unpleasant. Our aversion to pathogen-related stimuli and behavior has led us to avoid the contraction of diseases, which makes the emotion of disgust an evolutionary survival instinct in humans. In a twin study by Tybur et al. (2020), it was revealed that disgust proneness and contamination sensitivity are 34% and 40% genetic, respectively. Moreover, the two traits are correlated and have overlapping genetic and unshared environmental contributions of 54% (Tybur et al., 2020). Hence, this suggests that our inclination to feel disgust is also influenced by the ever-changing environment.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Anger</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Characterized as a strong and overwhelming negative emotion, anger is an adaptive emotion in response to environmental stimuli. There are three ways to express anger: (1) anger-in or concealment of anger inside oneself; (2) anger-out or aggressive expression of anger either by physical or verbal means; and (3) anger-control or preservation of calmness despite emotional distress. A twin study on anger expression conducted by Wang et al. (2005) suggests that genetics moderately influences the scale of anger and that unique environmental experiences also contribute to this emotion. Meanwhile, John Henryism is an active coping strategy against environmental and psychosocial stressors by expending high levels of effort at great cost to health; the trait is estimated to be heritable by 34%.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Fear</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Fear is another basic emotion essential to our survival as a species. It turns out that fear is a genetic feature shared by many organisms such as mice and humans. A complicated web of genes interacts to govern fear, with neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin playing a major role in this process. These chemicals function in nerve cell communication and greatly impact how our brains react to things that scare us. Because fear is such a complicated emotion, its genetic basis is not that simple but it may be possible to design treatment strategies for fear-related diseases such as generalized anxiety and specific phobias by having a better understanding of the genetic basis of fear.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Sadness</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Moreover, depression is tightly linked to sadness and has a strong inherited component. The genes that regulate neurotransmitters have a major role in controlling anxiety and depression. Variations in the neurotransmitter receptors that govern an individual's mood can influence the degree of depression and hopelessness they experience. An important neurotransmitter in the research of depression and melancholy is serotonin (Hasler, 2010). Individual differences in symptoms of depression and anxiety are strongly correlated with genetic variations in the serotonin-clearing receptors between neurons. The complicated web of genes that are associated with various types of neurotransmitters and their receptors explains the genetic aspect of depression. People who inherit specific gene variants from their parents may be more or less likely to experience grief in response to life's challenges. One particular gene variant that is associated with depression is </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">NEGR1</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> which functions as a neural growth regulator in the hypothalamus (Levey et al., 2021). Further, the same researchers mapped 178 genomic risk loci revealing the complex genetic architecture of depression.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nature vs. Nurture</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Through the exploration of hidden genes that underpin our emotions, scientists are learning more about how these potent emotions are inherited. Heredity can have a big impact on our tendency toward particular emotions; life satisfaction or propensity to be happy is heritable by 30-40% (Røysamb et al., 2018). However, genetics do not solely govern our feelings as the environment plays a substantial role in this dynamic interplay. For instance, the extent to which a person's life is impacted by their innate susceptibility to fear and anxiety largely relies on their unique experiences, including the quantity, intensity, kind, and length of traumatic events. Though the proportion of genetic and environmental influences over each emotion varies, our tendency to feel happy, sad, or any feeling in the spectrum of human emotion is both heritable and changeable – an important reminder as we make decisions and move forward in life.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In summary, the complex and sophisticated network known as the genetic code of emotions shapes our emotional reactions to the outer environment. Our understanding of how emotions arise is aided by knowing the genetic foundation of several emotions, including fear, anger, disgust, joy, and sadness. Though these genes are crucial, it is important to keep in mind that environment and heredity work together to build our emotional lives. Emotions are a hybrid of nature and nurture, a genetic symphony with life experiences acting as the director. Comprehending these genetic foundations of emotions enhances our understanding of human behavior and may lead to novel treatments in mental health and wellbeing. The complex tapestry of the human emotional experience, which blends old evolutionary legacies with new genetic insights, becomes more apparent as we learn more about the genetic makeup of emotions.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-71632203609609109862023-11-17T15:29:00.015+08:002024-02-14T13:19:10.458+08:00You’re my perfect DNA match: The genetics behind love<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DynVXnbH7Kl8MNV2wqhcWVmD8lx-9g4UshIcOyrarooKIeEVswFasDXjoIcfiG-j3nsG3kWZpPQC-kZybwLc5PAr6-dZtu2BG28Ny4OAAMPw1HPg72zOWokdiuOKdA_BiFDwpmrJ2iuYp_MWXNnexuzF9eHzZIFOrEKpnlc-SncfCzu_5U5BLPKdtI4o/s2989/Untitled%20design%20(8).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="2989" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DynVXnbH7Kl8MNV2wqhcWVmD8lx-9g4UshIcOyrarooKIeEVswFasDXjoIcfiG-j3nsG3kWZpPQC-kZybwLc5PAr6-dZtu2BG28Ny4OAAMPw1HPg72zOWokdiuOKdA_BiFDwpmrJ2iuYp_MWXNnexuzF9eHzZIFOrEKpnlc-SncfCzu_5U5BLPKdtI4o/w640-h322/Untitled%20design%20(8).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> As the proverb goes, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">falling in love changes people </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">– the way we burn and yearn and all things in between unmask distinct bits within us, and they say that in one way or another, we never revert back to the person we once were after we have loved. Through the years, the psychological facet of how brain chemistry is altered stood as the viewpoint in understanding the science behind the cathartic phenomenon called</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">love. It was established since then that every sensation throbbing in our chest is just neurotransmitters traversing our system. However, over time, such discourse has been glimpsed from different points of view, and it was found that love is tied not only to shifts in the mind but also to changes in one’s genetic makeup. That being so, as bizarre as it sounds, the use of DNA tests in pursuit of a match has been something people actually do and claim to be true. </span></div><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d7b386a7-7fff-3088-e89f-160a02191fb6"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">DNA Romance Test, for one, is a service hinged on genomics, as it works by examining the DNA bases in 100 locations on chromosome six, and dictates compatibility based on the presence of complementary bases between two people. Additionally, GenePartner matches partners by analyzing specific genes in their body. These love-matching tests built on the premise of genetics appear to be far-reaching and even ludicrous to some extent, but the stature of using the said science as the understructure of understanding love is not really new.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For instance, while it is true that neurotransmitters impact mood and behavior, genes also influence the expression of these chemical messengers. Psychology links romantic connections with changes in levels of oxytocin and vasopressin and associates the desire to have children with dopamine. Genetics reveals gene regulation affects hormone activity, occurring at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels via transcription factors and microRNAs. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Surprisingly, our physiology changes with feelings linked to immune responses influenced by gene regulation. Studies show that attraction for someone is substantially augmented by their scent, which in turn is dependent on the action of olfactory receptor genes affected by Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA). HLA comprises our major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) that function in recognizing potential health risks. Similarly, the study of Murray (2019) concludes that when people are in love, the transcriptional rate of genes coding for immune cells, namely monocytes, granulocytes, and dendritic cells, becomes modified. Furthermore, connecting with someone increases interferon production or proteins that fight against viral threats. One could instinctively think, given these, that love is perceived by the body as a threat, and although such could be said from a cognitive perspective, genetics reveals that these molecules are upregulated to accelerate attraction and facilitate reproduction, especially since they play parts in pathogenic defense during pregnancy.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">On top of all that, like most cellular processes, these modifications are reversible. For example, when people fall out of love, it is because the once-elevated levels of immune cells and neurotransmitters return to normal, thus explaining why fondness and passion could grow faint, if not totally perish, over time. This challenges the psychological idea that we are never the same person twice after love, because in a physiological sense, we actually could be, all thanks to the switching on and off of the genes controlling these traits. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The questions then arise: </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">are these tests reliable in finding true love</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, and </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">should society transition into using genetics as the cornerstone for such</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">? Well, the answer lies in nowhere but in the ambiguity of love itself. Indeed, genes play parts in the somatic changes affecting the way we think and feel, but it goes without saying that it does not stand as the sole factor in finding our match. Certainly, physical attraction and compatibility in long-term goals, interests, and values also need to be considered in choosing partners, and these are determined not just by our genotype, but also by the environment surrounding us. Everything then somehow boils down to the never-ending debate on nature and nurture, and thus, to the notion that building wholesome connections is only possible when these two exist in harmony because, in a world where perspectives exist to blur the line between two polar things, it feels wrong to think that one is more essential than the other. Nevertheless, after everything that was touched upon, the gravity of genetics and its applications in love, and in real life on the whole, remains as astounding as ever.</span></p><br /><br /></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-75591768103140967982023-11-17T15:28:00.000+08:002023-11-17T15:28:00.958+08:00Embedding experiences in the genes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5T36k3gWgouIbYr4lkqL1PwYiRBTyh9PrrPxF9iLTDrr6_PQh8S3qFQr0mK8QTiJHJj2EGMX8nfOOgR_-1czBr-EFC4ikyxcx8Udzmp5RvnSZWPe7a4SSL26RAl3Y3gNPvH3panRCVsP11DEh31tB3G31qPWjBzKJSjI1vizglZzO_H52oJUiIieJ5qT/s1291/genome-infographic-dna-sequence-visualization-genetic-mapping-gene-barcoding-abstract-chromosome-map-diagram-genetics-analysis-vector-concept-circular-network-colorful-structure-2G7C624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1291" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5T36k3gWgouIbYr4lkqL1PwYiRBTyh9PrrPxF9iLTDrr6_PQh8S3qFQr0mK8QTiJHJj2EGMX8nfOOgR_-1czBr-EFC4ikyxcx8Udzmp5RvnSZWPe7a4SSL26RAl3Y3gNPvH3panRCVsP11DEh31tB3G31qPWjBzKJSjI1vizglZzO_H52oJUiIieJ5qT/s320/genome-infographic-dna-sequence-visualization-genetic-mapping-gene-barcoding-abstract-chromosome-map-diagram-genetics-analysis-vector-concept-circular-network-colorful-structure-2G7C624.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Source: alamy.com</i></span></div><br /> <p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">The classic nature versus nurture debate revolves around the idea that either genes or the environment make us who we are</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> But what if these two factors interact in a way that our experiences become embedded in our genes?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Biological embedding is a concept in medical and life sciences described in metaphor by Hertzman (2012) as “experience, ‘</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">getting under the skin</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">’ in ways that alter human biological and developmental processes.” Historically, this concept originated in population health upon observing that a socioeconomic gradient was correlated with the differences in health outcomes of individuals.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">One of the underlying mechanisms of biological embedding is epigenetics. Meaning “</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">on or above the genes</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">”, this subfield of genetics focuses on the study of DNA modifications that do not involve changes in the nucleotide sequence, but affect the level at which genes are expressed or silenced, and are heritable to cellular progenies.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">DNA methylation is a gene-silencing mechanism with astounding importance in the development of an organism. It refers to the addition of a methyl group at the 5’ position of cytosine in CG sequences of the DNA, known as CpG sites. Cytosine methylation is stable (due to covalent bonding) and reversible; thus, it is effective for the environmental programming of gene expression (Meaney & Szyf, 2005).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Research on animals shows that experience is associated with differences in DNA methylation. For instance, in rodents, high maternal licking and grooming of pups were associated with lower methylation at the promoter of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Nr3c1</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">), which is involved in stress coping response. Likewise, cross-fostering of pups from low to high maternal care reduced methylation at </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Nr3c1 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">(Weaver et al., 2004; McGowan et al., 2011). The induced DNA demethylation by maternal care increased the binding of the transcription factor NGFI-A (nerve growth factor-inducible protein A) to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Nr3c1 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">(Weaver et al., 2004). Therefore, changes to the epigenome served as a cellular memory of that early life experience.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">In humans, the social environment also induces DNA methylation changes. Past catastrophes resulted in negative metabolic and mental health outcomes in the later life of survivors. For example, a gene that plays a role in growth and metabolism was found to be hypomethylated among adults born to women who experienced famine during the Dutch Hunger Winter (Heijmans’s et al., 2008). Meanwhile, reduced methylation of the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">FKBP5</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> gene, correlated with reduced cortisol production, was observed among adult offspring of Holocaust survivors (Yehuda et al., 2016). However, it is important to note that because of the multifaceted environment that humans inhabit, it is difficult to isolate specific aspects of experience that induce epigenetic changes.</span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-0ec30627-7fff-9cf2-4131-4e534e587791"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">The interplay between genes and environment adds another layer of uniqueness to each individual. What previously seemed to be a competition between these two things is now viewed as a collaboration giving rise to the most elaborate gene regulatory mechanisms, revealing our genome to be etched with the traces of our life experiences. </span></p>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-71419406342200682082023-11-17T15:25:00.002+08:002023-11-17T15:25:48.392+08:00One Gene, One Child: 16 Years of Illuminating Hope for Inclusive Education<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5gtEl_wgf6j9Q6OJGANbGyUu-eTY0uSQEYJC4nNMxghJ-G8aRQetZPA3AQ2xs9b2DZ9br_tV50F71cBZ4B5_Upg_cb1EfKkBT4zk1Z12IfvzjgGxOxtrTh35gDBHUINdhP5K7sIy6DL-uqiBsHvmdRtaJB9czcfsFthxG7Ut-U_MntsdtW8bMFJpx2K8/s502/Screenshot%202023-11-17%20152520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="502" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5gtEl_wgf6j9Q6OJGANbGyUu-eTY0uSQEYJC4nNMxghJ-G8aRQetZPA3AQ2xs9b2DZ9br_tV50F71cBZ4B5_Upg_cb1EfKkBT4zk1Z12IfvzjgGxOxtrTh35gDBHUINdhP5K7sIy6DL-uqiBsHvmdRtaJB9czcfsFthxG7Ut-U_MntsdtW8bMFJpx2K8/w400-h255/Screenshot%202023-11-17%20152520.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In the Philippines, the path to education is fraught with challenges, and this struggle is only magnified for children with special needs. The nation's educational system, which is neoliberal in design and exclusionary to the underprivileged, already fails to adequately cater to the genuine educational needs of Filipino children. These challenges are even more prominent for special education centers as they are most vulnerable to neglect such as lack of budget allocation despite the already glaring shortage of such facilities. Special education centers also find difficulty in providing education for an overwhelming number of learners with disabilities, which leads to the placement of this burden on parents and faculty. On top of that, learners with disabilities are often faced with discrimination and indifference, which only highlights the need for better-supported education centers that cater to their needs while creating an environment for them to thrive in. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-1be04b2c-7fff-b337-8114-dfa599c0998b"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In a world where differences are often overlooked, there exists a ray of hope in the heart of Calamba, Laguna that embraces them. The Hope Intervention Center is the first special education center in CALABARZON for children diagnosed with autism and related developmental disabilities. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For almost 16 years, The UPLB Genetics Society, an organization that aims to promote the science of Genetics in the context of social relevance, has continued to express support for Hope Intervention Center through the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">One Gene, One Child </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">program. Initiated in 2007 by 24th Genesoc Outreach Head Dr. Mary Rachel Raventar, it is an outreach project dedicated to raising awareness about autism in the community through donation drives and hands-on activities. We envision a safe and happy space for students while fostering the appreciation of the hard work of the faculty, staff, and parents. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Conducted annually in December, the initiative consists of a donation drive, which include relief food items, learning kits, books and toys; and a half-day program filled with fun and creative activities for the children that aim to nurture the bond between the organization members and the children, and to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">From the eight students that it first welcomed during its establishment in 1998 as the Rotary Club of Calamba’s Centennial Project, the Hope Intervention Center has since then widened its doors to cater more students with special needs. Currently, they have 82 enrollees determined</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> to defy challenges and pursue their dreams. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 10pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We believe it is integral to initiate support in </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">the UPLB community and beyond toward institutions like Hope Interventio</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">n Center that provide rightful access to education for children diagnosed with autis</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">m and related developmental disabilities. We must also hold the administration accountable for the lack of budget allocation for such centers and ensure that Republic Act No. 11650 or the ‘Instituting a Policy of Inclusion and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Services for Learners with Disabilities in Support of Inclusive Education Act’ is being implemented strictly in all educational institutions. </span></p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This year, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">One Gene, One Child</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> will continue to illuminate its ray of hope, as it has done so for 16 years. In the spirit of community service, let the ray of hope become a beacon, and let us unite to advocate for the inclusive education of all children, ensuring that no child is left behind due to their unique needs. Together, we can actively support the mission of Hope Intervention Center, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">One Gene, One Child,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and similar initiatives to make quality education accessible to every child, regardless of their circumstances.</span></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-32232762711314398792023-11-17T15:23:00.003+08:002023-11-17T15:23:50.837+08:00‘Alexithymia’: Inability to express emotions as influenced by genetics<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-q3AJgretlTDN_2OLoTop9wnzbGYV0-e6wDUTYDi_p1hvL4U_HaMZdfCJCGauITbWSlb8SUFZsdHtsQSS3K_2oXyTIoE96HkRSH3P9LuZ4O79N7lI1nm3DZaZ-cYDuD8LEISKfpwUwEuP3Pp9tvgfygNIVg9MEK6cbcWpgQKIcaj8UQn9I7gJ0GrUKBm/s756/Screenshot%202023-11-17%20152318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="756" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-q3AJgretlTDN_2OLoTop9wnzbGYV0-e6wDUTYDi_p1hvL4U_HaMZdfCJCGauITbWSlb8SUFZsdHtsQSS3K_2oXyTIoE96HkRSH3P9LuZ4O79N7lI1nm3DZaZ-cYDuD8LEISKfpwUwEuP3Pp9tvgfygNIVg9MEK6cbcWpgQKIcaj8UQn9I7gJ0GrUKBm/w640-h362/Screenshot%202023-11-17%20152318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In the center of busy streets and cities, where the sound of people chattering and technology buzzing together make a tune, there is an invisible phenomenon that affects only a few. In our world today, emotional intelligence is something you need if you want to get anywhere in life. But for those with alexithymia, it makes the world much more complicated. It is an issue not talked about as much as it is experienced. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c769c161-7fff-1a87-b4f1-6bb20285801d"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Alexithymia is derived from the Greek words a = ‘lack’, lexis = words, and thymos = emotion, which means “no words for emotions”. Afflicted individuals have a hard time identifying how they feel, let alone describe it. For instance, we can think of it this way: when you wake up in the morning and open your phone to check what your friends texted last night, you’ll see tons of emojis or funny memes. For someone with alexithymia, they don’t understand how silly their friend thinks this dog video is—or even why there are tears on their face.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Though alexithymia is often associated with depression, autism, and other conditions, alexithymia is not a mental health disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the standard classification of mental illnesses in the United States. Viewed more as a symptom of mental disorders, alexithymia affects approximately 10% of the general population in varying degrees.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The genetic roots of alexithymia are linked to that oft-heard happy hormone: serotonin. A neurotransmitter associated with mood stabilization, low serotonin levels are thought to play a role in depression, anxiety, and other health conditions. In the human brain, 5-HT1A is one of the most abundantly expressed serotonin receptors. For the case of alexithymia, the genetic polymorphism of serotonin receptor genes 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A control the amount of serotonin available in the brain, and ultimately modulates characteristics of alexithymia. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Pursuing a wider perspective on understanding alexithymia, a population-based study of twins suggests that genetic factors have a noticeable impact on the facets of alexithymia, whereas a moderate influence of shared environmental factors between twin pairs was found. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Acknowledging that a genetic part is linked to alexithymia promotes understanding and acceptance of this common symptom of mental disorders. This is the first step to pursuing interventions in order to address this phenomenon. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Alexithymia-targeted approaches such as training for improved awareness of bodily sensations and emotions and group therapy sessions, have demonstrated success in decreasing alexithymia prevalence. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We must live in a society where being emotionally open is praised. Accepting the fact that there are people who can’t open up so easily can not only help them mentally but also give way to practical benefits. Personalized therapy approaches or support systems in educational and professional environments could all change the lives of those affected by this condition for the better.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Furthermore, it is crucial to provide environments where different ways of thinking and feeling are acknowledged and respected. Through this, we improve the emotional environment for everyone while also providing accommodations for those who have alexithymia. The genuine beauty of our species, after all, rests in the diversity of human experience.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-69961827412676787162023-11-17T15:21:00.003+08:002023-11-17T15:21:15.046+08:00The Geography of Happiness<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZWK8rKGWxE1d7VqgQZYa6a1lbOPqf3m34oNIEs6ML_QxcZ-6fnZ6Aew3A6VvkZzv8arpFgQnLP_aCBwFpK6r7xo9BOlxo-Jsa-J9_2xy5hBaLqdpFQ1JGKGzrkYgdWu819H6SGYBXnR2e8Bb4HWzzg5xeU2PRsUQX1hT6lYjGHcIHsJ5jYBJ74k5UTPG/s537/Screenshot%202023-11-17%20151920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="537" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZWK8rKGWxE1d7VqgQZYa6a1lbOPqf3m34oNIEs6ML_QxcZ-6fnZ6Aew3A6VvkZzv8arpFgQnLP_aCBwFpK6r7xo9BOlxo-Jsa-J9_2xy5hBaLqdpFQ1JGKGzrkYgdWu819H6SGYBXnR2e8Bb4HWzzg5xeU2PRsUQX1hT6lYjGHcIHsJ5jYBJ74k5UTPG/w400-h220/Screenshot%202023-11-17%20151920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Happiness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"> — the state of being happy</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">. This feeling is something most people, if not all, wish to attain. Contrary to its simplistic definition, being happy is much more complex since there is no single blueprint for happiness. For many people, wealth or socioeconomic status are precursor to being happy. But what if there were a map of happiness, where people inhabiting a certain country, from a genetic standpoint, are supposedly happier than the rest? If happiness is simply a matter of geography, then the complicated road to happiness just might be resolved. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This is the proposition that Michael Minkov and Michael Bond made in their 2016 study, where they found a genetic component related to the overall happiness of a nation. Citizens present with the A allele in the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene variant rs324420 usually described themselves as happy. This allele moderates the degradation of anandamide, a substance responsible for the enhancement of sensory pleasure and the reduction of the feeling of pain. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Individuals of Amerindian and Euro-American descent had the highest A allele prevalence, who are also citizens of Euro-American countries that dominate the list of the ‘world’s happiest countries’. Conversely, Arab and East Asian nations who were least likely to report themselves as ‘very happy’ had the lowest A allele prevalence in the nation. Aside from genetic heritage, climatic stressors that are experienced by nations such as extreme climate variations were also associated with the presence of the A allele and thus, happiness.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">These findings seemingly laid out the secret to happiness as a matter of genetic heritage, geographical location, or even worse, that happiness is only limited to some nations. But when aspects such as the political and economic climate of the nations are accounted for, the affirmation of happiness is not solely dictated by genetic basis. Other countries skew from the study trend like East European Nations and Estonia which, despite being European and having high amounts of A allele, were reported to be unhappy. This observation was attributed to the economic and political unrest these nations are experiencing. Moreover, the A allele was abundant in citizens of Ghana and Nigeria hence, disproving that happiness is limited to Euro-American countries. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">More to the fact, life satisfaction – the primary metric of happiness used in the study – is only a part of the bigger picture that paves the way to happiness. In a different study conducted by Richard Burns in 2018, only life satisfaction varied significantly among the 11 well-being indicators measured in different countries. This may well be connected with the government and policies being employed in each country. The aforementioned claim also agrees with Meike Bartels & colleagues' study in 2022 which states that based on populations of European descent, happiness is only dictated by genetics by 40%. This leaves 60% to other factors and their interactions.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In the context of the Philippines, the exploration of happiness and the A allele in different Filipino populations is an untapped area. Even with the gap in research, it is without a doubt that Filipinos are known for their happy disposition. Even when it’s pouring, Filipinos continue on the bright side and remain resilient. Although genes serve as blueprints for our bodies, happiness is a blank canvas where one can draw inspiration from different blueprints to create a unique and colorful picture. From what we know, happiness is less a matter of where we are than the conditions we are surrounded with. A large part of happiness comes from other factors, may it be intrinsic or extrinsic. Fostering a supportive community and having policies that increase the capabilities and opportunities of individuals will pave the road for the complex journey to happiness.</span></p><p><br /></p>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-18256896018156545392023-11-17T15:17:00.002+08:002023-11-17T15:17:25.629+08:00Achieving Anxiety Relief: Is Gene Editing the Answer?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4T6XARkrKv9488xI7gETP658sfNqwzrE-o3005glMw7c_gS2AytZWGqD6ocjOPUlmzv6x3ucbDJ3y6axpqv4qRdh210-OBcWLq94iqz89qI2RF2cXVdHTuhHfULRnbAkwO9OSgciQEu2cuUIB8SaKelYOaYeTQf4ToRxcO_vhChhgwh_NKN2DmnvYYcTl/s1026/n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="198" data-original-width="1026" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4T6XARkrKv9488xI7gETP658sfNqwzrE-o3005glMw7c_gS2AytZWGqD6ocjOPUlmzv6x3ucbDJ3y6axpqv4qRdh210-OBcWLq94iqz89qI2RF2cXVdHTuhHfULRnbAkwO9OSgciQEu2cuUIB8SaKelYOaYeTQf4ToRxcO_vhChhgwh_NKN2DmnvYYcTl/w640-h125/n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Do you ever wish you could edit out bad parts of your genes?" For millions of people living with anxiety disorders, this may soon become a reality. Researchers have developed a revolutionary method to tackle anxiety by editing specific genes in the brain. While this technique has been successfully tested in mice, it holds the promise of opening new doors in the treatment of anxiety, especially for those who do not respond to traditional medications.</span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-28739f70-7fff-b455-297a-45d6a342c0ae"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Anxiety disorders affect a significant portion of the global population, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue. Traditional treatments often involve daily medication, but they come with their own set of side effects and may not provide relief for everyone.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The breakthrough lies in the use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. This system, guided by a specific RNA, can precisely edit genes, removing problematic sections that contribute to diseases. However, one significant challenge has been the blood-brain barrier, which acts as a protective shield, preventing many therapeutic agents from entering the brain.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The researchers behind this study opted for an ingenious noninvasive method: intranasal delivery. By administering an inactivated virus into the noses of mice, they successfully reached neurons in the brain. This approach allowed them to target the serotonin receptor gene (HTR2A), known to influence mood regulation and is linked to anxiety and depression.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The implications of this study are profound. It demonstrates that gene editing, once thought impossible within the central nervous system, is not only feasible but also effective. The success in modifying the HTR2A receptor gene opens doors to innovative therapeutic strategies for a wide range of neurological disorders, including anxiety, and cognitive dysfunction.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">While the results are groundbreaking, it is crucial to note that this research is still in its early stages and has only been tested on mice. Transitioning this technology to human trials will take time and careful consideration to ensure safety and effectiveness; hence, it may be a while before this treatment is available to the general public.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The question of whether we can add good emotions like happiness through gene editing is an intriguing one. While this study focused on removing genes associated with anxiety, the potential to modify genes related to positive emotions is theoretically possible. However, it comes with complex ethical and practical considerations. The study opens the door to exploring the possibilities and limitations of gene editing in the realm of emotions, a fascinating frontier in scientific research.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This breakthrough in gene editing for anxiety is a game-changer for mental health treatment. While there are still challenges to overcome and ethical questions to address, the study marks a significant step toward a future where we can, to some extent, edit our emotional experiences for the better. It offers hope to those who have struggled with anxiety, showing that science is on the cusp of new and innovative solutions for mental health.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-25811655025503991782023-11-17T15:08:00.003+08:002023-11-17T15:08:35.438+08:00Dr. Katalin Kariko: The Scientist Who Defied All Odds <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTVvKVeUeeq2GxBUy6zrN9W-PychRDP4PUaD-wB34Qdd2zBDZO5RHk9O_KGf1lSRdERH1SKydJvOpMG54PZdAFZ8JxMaI6vSh-uGjXCwbU0ljvkpc1nH4WpAQuUZnHOH4W8kspaXCR-0Ao-uJ2-p3i7Qkx7JPaFFVuTQgXtD86Xy2PeMdwfqWUieSHVjh/s891/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="891" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTVvKVeUeeq2GxBUy6zrN9W-PychRDP4PUaD-wB34Qdd2zBDZO5RHk9O_KGf1lSRdERH1SKydJvOpMG54PZdAFZ8JxMaI6vSh-uGjXCwbU0ljvkpc1nH4WpAQuUZnHOH4W8kspaXCR-0Ao-uJ2-p3i7Qkx7JPaFFVuTQgXtD86Xy2PeMdwfqWUieSHVjh/w640-h310/a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The annals of scientific history contain several tales of brilliant minds overcoming adversity before their revolutionary discoveries changed the world. Dr. Katalin Kariko, a Hungarian-born scientist and molecular biologist, is one such individual. Her amazing path from a little-known researcher to the 2023 Nobel Prize winner in Medicine highlights the importance of ingenuity and tenacity. Dr. Kariko's groundbreaking work on messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, in collaboration with Dr. Drew Weissman, has revolutionized global health and medicine. <p></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The story of Dr. Katalin Kariko starts with her challenging early years as an academic. Working as a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania in the early 1990s, Dr. Kariko was met with skepticism from peers for her unorthodox idea—utilizing mRNA to make vaccines. At the time, vaccine production was heavily based on either whole virus, protein, or vector, which required large-scale cell culture. Producing mRNA without cell culture or </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">in vitro </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">was not only an unstable process but also one that caused inflammatory responses. Given these constraints, her proposal was initially shunned, and she also missed the opportunity to attain a professorship at the university. Her subsequent research pursuits were constrained by a lack of assistance from research grants and meager salaries. Amid setbacks and skepticism, she remained steadfast in her resolve to broaden the scope of mRNA research. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Dr. Kariko’s perseverance paid off when she met Dr. Drew Weissman, a fellow scientist with similar views on the application of mRNA in medicine. Together, they found a method to lessen the tendency of immune reaction in </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">in vitro mRNA </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">by including base modifications. The novel technique crossed a significant barrier to creating mRNA-based clinical therapies. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The study of mRNA vaccines by Dr. Kariko and Dr. Weissman has had a profoundly revolutionary impact not only on mRNA research but also on medicine and global health. Their efforts paved the way for the creation of vaccinations that have the potential to combat a wide range of diseases. It usually takes years, if not decades, for traditional vaccine development techniques to culminate in a vaccine. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, pharmaceutical firms like Moderna and Pfizer developed and released COVID-19 vaccines at record speed owing to the innovative mRNA technology of Dr. Kariko and Dr. Weissman. These base-modified mRNA-based vaccines are essential weapons in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 due to their flexibility to combat future variants. Moreover, mRNA technology has far-reaching effects beyond immunizations as it can reinvent treatments for cancer and genetic abnormalities.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The journey of Dr. Karikó from an underappreciated researcher to a Nobel Prize laureate is an inspirational narrative about the power of perseverance and steadfast faith in one's work. The future of medicine will continue to be shaped by the contributions of Dr. Kariko, providing hope to both researchers and patients. Future generations of scientists will continue to be inspired by the legacy of Dr. Kariko — a testament to persistence in the face of adversity for the sake of significant progress. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-f8acd561-7fff-fa28-25b9-cc1c46e8d0e8"><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-30974473910959130892023-11-17T15:06:00.003+08:002023-11-17T15:06:42.920+08:00BATCH INOSINE: Genetic Renegades Redefining the Code<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTctBniDSCrOwJNBK0yNIA8GIS_EuBCsto-c6QYNAuOXxElANAAUakGnJQ6KcylIzumNEDxETJYuHxJ3-tOtGiA22-Gh2b_vWIojzCVKp3FmdUTPN7Ib1M7ZKo44Jyef6GNDnJMenDKQpd3e2ShmNm5Ttsjv2JLt6IBPoE5vAkTm3kT4FgP6ljs8nF31QG/s458/Screenshot%202023-11-17%20150555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="420" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTctBniDSCrOwJNBK0yNIA8GIS_EuBCsto-c6QYNAuOXxElANAAUakGnJQ6KcylIzumNEDxETJYuHxJ3-tOtGiA22-Gh2b_vWIojzCVKp3FmdUTPN7Ib1M7ZKo44Jyef6GNDnJMenDKQpd3e2ShmNm5Ttsjv2JLt6IBPoE5vAkTm3kT4FgP6ljs8nF31QG/w366-h400/Screenshot%202023-11-17%20150555.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Inosine</b>, an altered nucleoside, is not a typical DNA building block, although it does find a home in RNA. Generated from the deamination of adenosine, the bioactive molecule acts as an essential intermediate for purine biosynthesis, as well as serving a crucial role in the proper gene translation of wobble base pairs, and modulation of the fate of RNA. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-54bccd70-7fff-c949-f35b-168d6780ae90"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Just like how inosine connects and influences various genetic elements within a genome, the members of Batch Inosine share their diverse talents and embrace their new journey. Batch Inosine is composed of three BS Biology students – Lia, Bolim, and Rei; three BS Nutrition students – Samuel, Marcaux, and Miguel; and one BS Agricultural Biotechnology student – Tisha. These seven striking individuals find their new home in the collective dynamic that is GeneSoc.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Tisha Badon</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Born in the green city of Muntinlupa, Tisha is an inspiring and courageous girl who fearlessly embraces and expresses her true gender identity. Her affinity for tattoos and piercings shows her inimitable sense of self. With her unwavering self-confidence, Tisha's unapologetic authenticity is a testament to the importance of living openly and proudly in one's own skin, inspiring those around her to follow suit. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Leana Lazo</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Lia exudes a unique blend of creativity and intellect. With a passion for both makeup artistry and voracious reading, she beautifully balances her love for self-expression and her intellectual curiosity. While she thrives on the thrill of spontaneity, she also values a well-organized and deliberate approach to life. Lia embodies a captivating mix of independence and a penchant for adventure, rendering her a truly fascinating and dynamic person to be in the company of.</span></p><b><br /></b><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Samuel Daluz</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Meet Samuel Daluz, a man whose strength of character and unwavering determination define his approach to both work and play. In the professional arena, Samuel's strong willpower is evident as he diligently pursues his career goals with tenacity and grit. He believes in the value of hard work, while his love for sports and competition serves as an outlet for his boundless energy and enthusiasm. Samuel easily harmonizes work and play, while keenly embracing the challenges of both. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Patrick Limbo</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With his love for Crocs, you would surely know he brightens every room that he enters. Patrick Limbo, affectionately known as Bolim, is a remarkable individual whose innate kindness and infectious sense of humor make him the heartbeat of any social gathering. Whether it's through his witty anecdotes, his lighthearted spirit, or his knack for perfectly timed jokes, Patrick never fails to create an atmosphere filled with laughter and joy. With his genuine kindness and unending humor, Bolim is the type of friend that everyone longs to have by their side. </span></p><b><br /></b><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Marcaux De Gala </b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">When it comes to achieving his goals, Marcaux leaves no stone unturned. His unwavering focus is nothing short of remarkable. Marcaux’s ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life is equally impressive, owing to his innate charisma and will to treasure life-long friendships. In his downtime, Marcaux enjoys the world of sports and video games. </span></p><b><br /></b><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Miguel Guido</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> A man of few words but profound wisdom, Miguel appreciates life's simple pleasures. Known to succumb to slumber whenever the opportunity arises, he values rest as an essential part of the process of achieving his goals. In his spare time, he channels his creativity into crafting intricate food models and playing the enchanting tunes of the kalimba.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Reina Olavario</b></span></p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Reina treasures her moments of quiet introspection and personal space, finding solace in solitude where her creativity thrives. An air of sophistication wafts around her, as she holds an undying love for refined cuisine, art, music, and literature. She also possesses quirks and charms on top of her captivating sense of grace and refinement, making her a multifaceted personality with boundless charisma.</span></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-12955626767856042752023-11-17T15:01:00.004+08:002023-11-17T15:01:34.098+08:00Secrets of GeneSoc Revealed!: Unearthing the Fears of Resident Members Within the Organization<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUlHP6I0siSXseaIHnAQrEGDArE5OvSH6P3wLl9W7eWudUm9x6QALedOi73kA1lawMH44AMc2qus0RseXTEPglY2GmW540Ytfs_orhfPXQt4wcMSXPDSlsiqBRVlU-Prxyka8rnLUJZjPhyphenhyphen8GYVuVX5oA7TXx996wJ1O2J8aeSRBRtrhoDaVViXunzpdd/s2048/370115084_293383017007002_6757451616538137190_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUlHP6I0siSXseaIHnAQrEGDArE5OvSH6P3wLl9W7eWudUm9x6QALedOi73kA1lawMH44AMc2qus0RseXTEPglY2GmW540Ytfs_orhfPXQt4wcMSXPDSlsiqBRVlU-Prxyka8rnLUJZjPhyphenhyphen8GYVuVX5oA7TXx996wJ1O2J8aeSRBRtrhoDaVViXunzpdd/w400-h300/370115084_293383017007002_6757451616538137190_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b31a212f-7fff-ec74-3d6e-a19fa8c87ff3"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In the captivating realm of genetics, where we delve into the mysteries of our DNA, we uncover an unexpected connection to one of our most basic human emotions: fear. Genetics, at its core, is the study of heredity, tracing how traits are passed from one generation to the next, and revealing the secrets hidden in our genetic code that define our very existence.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">You might be wondering how this links to fear. The answer lies in the intricate dance between genetics and our emotional journeys. While genetics can influence our inherent tendencies, it's also about the bonds we create and the dreams we share. Within The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc), these fears move beyond biology to touch the essence of what it means to be part of this unique community.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In GeneSoc, the fears we are about to explore are not tied to our genes, but to shared experiences, dreams, and human connections. Though these fears may seem daunting at first, they are, in reality, the seeds of positivity and growth that drive this academic organization to flourish.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Now, let us dive into what some of our resident members, fondly known as </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Genes</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, fear:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For Gia (Batch Resistome), her greatest fear is graduating without making a lasting impact on the organization. Witnessing the outstanding efforts and significant contributions of her fellow members and alumni has heightened her sense of duty to leave her mark. Instead of feeling pressured, this fear inspires her, as she draws motivation from the collaborative spirit that unites GeneSoc. Together, they support each other academically and emotionally, fostering a deep sense of belonging.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Meanwhile, Justin (Batch Crypton) grapples with a different fear, one rooted in the inevitability of goodbyes. Over his nearly four years in GeneSoc, he has forged deep connections with incredible people. Yet, the fleeting nature of undergraduate years often leads to farewells. His fear isn't merely about parting, but about the hope of reunions with friends and the desire to bid farewell with smiles instead of tears. This fear underscores the lasting impact of the connections cultivated within GeneSoc.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">On a related note, Jaka's (Batch Amelogenin) fear revolves around not fulfilling her responsibilities as a resident member and falling short of others' expectations. Her initial doubts about joining GeneSoc and navigating its array of activities have transformed into a beautiful journey. The warm embrace and unwavering support from fellow resident members proved her initial misgivings wrong, offering a profound sense of belonging and guidance. This fear has evolved into a wellspring of strength and determination.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Lastly, Igna's (Batch Resistome) fear centers on the idea that her time with senior resident members will be cut short. She was warmly welcomed into the GeneSoc family by senior members, swiftly feeling at home. Her fear is that, as the senior members graduate, she will lose her first GeneSoc family, the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ate's </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Kuya's </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">who have provided unwavering comfort and support. Rather than succumbing to this fear, she draws inspiration from it, committing to becoming a source of warmth and support for future GeneSoc members.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In GeneSoc, fear isn't a barrier to overcome; it's a driving force for personal growth, unity, and shared aspirations. These fears, even though they may appear negative at first, are the very energies that keep the organization vibrant and thriving. They symbolize the strength, unity, and resilience of GeneSoc members and offer a powerful lesson for all of us in confronting our own fears with courage and determination.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Through shared experiences, dreams, and the positive transformation of these fears, GeneSoc exemplifies not only scientific excellence but also the spirit of a close-knit community. When these fears are unveiled, they reveal the camaraderie that propels its members forward, embodying the moral purpose, sound reasoning, and influential power that define the heart of the UPLB Genetics Society.</span></p><br /></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-31181127646979628012023-11-17T14:59:00.005+08:002023-11-17T14:59:48.384+08:00Balik Scientist Program: The Final Plug to Brain Drain?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRFoVqngDv8uJuv4tZKfagcbloF1fbEoLqadycIuxgmA3dzW0W3BsRJiMHbAmiFCJWL0SrCXXZtBu2uFYKECHtdYe-Lx8TMfmqs_ERk3M_bmxTlQLnaDxD_TbV3fn8ncNe4o0wPEExaRNPR3nfge2mGCrogXwrSV6NSH0gA-ZWaN5DyB6l8T33rRCuKT7/s3058/Editorial%20Cartoon%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2480" data-original-width="3058" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRFoVqngDv8uJuv4tZKfagcbloF1fbEoLqadycIuxgmA3dzW0W3BsRJiMHbAmiFCJWL0SrCXXZtBu2uFYKECHtdYe-Lx8TMfmqs_ERk3M_bmxTlQLnaDxD_TbV3fn8ncNe4o0wPEExaRNPR3nfge2mGCrogXwrSV6NSH0gA-ZWaN5DyB6l8T33rRCuKT7/w640-h520/Editorial%20Cartoon%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Illustrated by Brian Alfred Mortera (Crypton)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>“Ibalik natin ang galing ng Pilipino sa Pilipinas.”</b></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-33f977b3-7fff-01c7-fb17-6235b76cc842"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">These are the crux of the speeches of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the past year concerning the brain drain of Filipino researchers. A “frustrated scientist” as he once coined himself, Marcos Jr. has spared no moment in expressing his advocacy for the development of science and technology for the sake of nation-building. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">One of the projects dedicated to curbing the brain drain is the Balik Scientist Program. First introduced in 1975 to reverse the emigration of Filipino scientists and S&T professionals, the Balik Scientist Program was institutionalized into law in 2018 under Republic Act 11035 or the Balik Scientist Act. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Balik Scientist program offers allowances and medical insurance to returning experts, who shall then share the expertise they honed abroad. In the past year, 44 scientists returned under the program, bringing the total number of returning scientists to 631 since 1975. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Throughout its run, the government takes pride over (or overly romanticizes, as some science advocate-critics have argued) the accomplishments of the program, but we must hold our applause. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">While the experts’ homecoming breathes new life into addressing the problem of emigration of S&T professionals, does the program truly reverse brain drain or perpetuate it?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The brain drain issue stems from a harsh reality: there is no job security for scientists in the Philippines. A DOST study using data collected from 1990 to 2015 showed that most graduates of S&T courses work outside their field of study. Even when they land jobs in research and development (R&D), most local scientists are only paid a fraction of what they would make abroad; they aren’t paid what they’re worth.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Even Balik scientists themselves hesitate to work in the Philippines. While the program offers glimmering benefits, the prospect of work overload, delayed wages, and rundown facilities hound all researchers working in the country. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Moreover, navigating the bureaucracy of scientific institutions in the country as a researcher is toilsome, made even more difficult by our crippling infrastructure for research and development. The country’s gross expenditure on research and development stands at only 0.1 percent, which is much lower than the 2 percent global average.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The frustrations of scientists pile up in a manner that not even Marcos Jr. can single-handedly reverse with the Balik Scientist program. The project itself is marred with glaring caveats for researchers planning to return to the country, which can be traced back to the crises in our bureaucratic and education systems. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">To properly entice young Filipinos to pursue careers in R&D and stay in the country, the government must improve the resources for S&T education, and provide job opportunities with competitive wages for S&T graduates. Well-equipped and functioning R&D laboratories and funding for projects indicate the government’s willingness to retain talent and manpower within our shores.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hence, the alarming budget cuts faced by DOST agencies and academic institutions in 2024 must be imminently revisited. In the proposed 2024 expenditure program, the Philippine Science High School System is facing a whopping Php329-million budget cut and the Science and Technology Development Program with a Php8.47-million decrease.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Meanwhile, 117 state universities and colleges will suffer from a Php6.2-billion decrease in budget, with the University of the Philippines bearing roughly half of the grunt. The forthcoming budget cuts hinder the provision of quality education to STEM students, the pursuance of research ventures, and the continuation of S&T programs that build toward our scientific infrastructure. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If we do not address these chronic challenges faced by the Filipino scientific community, the Balik Scientist program could become an inevitable step in the cycle of emigrating scientists who eventually return to the country and find it buried under the same problems that compelled them to leave in the first place. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Until sufficient job security and financial support in scientific and cultural infrastructures are provided, our budding scientists will continue to seek greener pastures in other countries better equipped to cater to the horizons of their scientific minds. The Balik Scientist Program, albeit a noble cause in rectifying the exodus of scientific manpower, is only a band-aid solution to the decades-old brain drain in the country.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-23231243515102116692023-11-17T14:58:00.000+08:002023-11-17T14:58:06.203+08:00Cheating is in the genes? or They Just Can't Help It<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXbjazovXWZQR5fIOrDP-x75Xea_XcDILpkx2N7GWYsUdWe3luDmnc8pY8nRseXoADB1fE1fNuHxLhgDTz8P4db83HjKSynBE1KEsW9MRs6zn9IwGWi_OogTDWF_RGTkLAbr-LxELXO6YS_MWlePcSpSQ3DXG_d8Q2lD7XBKBjxLmF2Qn1mQ0UQ1jBbrk/s704/p067zwzw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="704" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXbjazovXWZQR5fIOrDP-x75Xea_XcDILpkx2N7GWYsUdWe3luDmnc8pY8nRseXoADB1fE1fNuHxLhgDTz8P4db83HjKSynBE1KEsW9MRs6zn9IwGWi_OogTDWF_RGTkLAbr-LxELXO6YS_MWlePcSpSQ3DXG_d8Q2lD7XBKBjxLmF2Qn1mQ0UQ1jBbrk/w640-h360/p067zwzw.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Source: bbc.co.uk</i></span></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Sexual infidelity is often associated as a symptom of unhappy and deteriorating relationships. This maladaptive behavior may stem from a history of unstable relationships or having a philandering parent. Alternatively, genetics could be a key player that we could blame for predisposing individuals to cheating.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">In the animal kingdom, sexual monogamy in animals is rare due to evolution favoring promiscuity. Males are believed to possess a genetic and evolutionary impulse to seek multiple partners because it increases their chances of producing more offspring. While there is no clear evolutionary advantage for female infidelity, a hypothesis suggests that due to their investment in bearing and nurturing the offspring, they are driven to look for better or more diverse males in pursuit of genetic variability.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Despite substantial evidence linking genetic factors to sexual behavior in pair-bonding animals, there are still many unknowns surrounding the etiology of human sexual infidelity. Vasopressin and oxytocin are among the most studied hormones associated with sexual behavior in mammals and rodents.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Experiments involving vasopressin injections in the brains of monogamous male prairie voles have revealed its role in promoting social bonding while blocking vasopressin signaling inhibits monogamy. Specifically, Arginine Vasopressin receptor 1A (AVPR1A) has been linked to male pair-bonding behavior in voles. Findings in rodent experiments have shown that differences in the promoter regions of the genes for these hormones and their receptors are crucial in behavioral effects. Prairie voles tend to exhibit monogamy, while montane voles are promiscuous. It turns out that the vasopressin receptors in monogamous voles are closer to the ventral pallidum, or reward center, of the brain. Whereas, in the philandering montane voles, the same receptors are found in the amygdala, a center for processing fear and anxiety. Coupling in prairie voles stimulates the reward circuitry and promotes attachment and the formation of lifelong bonds. For bond-eschewing montane voles, sexual activity has minimal impact on attachment; any female vole can be a partner.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Further experiments on rodents involving overexpression of the AVPR1A gene via viral vector transfer in promiscuous male montane species revealed increased partner preferences. In contrast, oxytocin appears to play a significant role in monogamous behavior in females.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">We start to question whether a similar mechanism applies to humans. A twin study by Cherkas et al. (2004) tested the genetic linkage between the AVP receptor gene, and infidelity and the number of sexual partners in females. They evaluated that 41% of variation in infidelity and 38% of variation in the number of sexual partners are accounted for by genetic factors; however, statistical tests did not find significant genetic linkage for either behavioral trait. In contrast, Zietsch et al. (2014) have shown that AVPR1A was significantly associated with extra-pair mating in women but not in men. A study by Walum et al. (2008) revealed an association between one AVPR1A polymorphism, called RS3, and traits reflecting pair-bonding behavior in men. In a related yet different measure, Zietsch et al. have displayed that RS3 was not significantly associated with extra-pair bonding in men or women. Furthermore, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) candidates of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) also did not show significant associations with extra-pair mating in either sex.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Another gene suspected of being associated with cheating tendencies is the dopamine receptor gene D4 (DRD4), also known as the 'thrill-seeking' gene. Cheating can be pleasurable because it involves a lot of hormonal excitement and a sense of novelty. In a survey conducted by researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), students were questioned about their sexual activity, and buccal samples were collected for DNA testing. They discovered that those with a long 7-repeat allele of the DRD4 gene reported a higher rate of promiscuity, that is, engaging in one-night stands and being prone to acts of infidelity. However, the researchers also stressed that not all individuals with this certain variant of the DRD4 gene will necessarily exhibit cheating behavior.</span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c852555f-7fff-5ed0-2763-ddda26ef37d0"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">The proliferation of sensational studies on the correlation between genes and behavioral patterns ended up with contradictory findings and replicability problems. At this point, we cannot confirm a cause-and-effect relationship between specific genotypes and sexual behavior. Nevertheless, biological factors remain a significant aspect governing our sexual behavior. It is essential to recognize that infidelity is likely influenced by various complex factors, and our behaviors are shaped not just by our genes but also by environmental factors. Ultimately, despite any genetic underpinnings, we always have the ability to exercise our free will and make conscious decisions about our actions.</span></p>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-66771900664945054152023-11-17T14:55:00.003+08:002023-11-17T14:55:14.416+08:00GeneSoc Alumni Help Uncover Potential of Long Chain PUFAs to Battle COVID-19<p style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWH21uGA8vv3GDhl4L9p44pU0CK-HhczWEZMwAzpPaiKMRRSJFajERsfICZ3nPbqlW90UBLjPspBrKT6cEcMAB8KWOstsOqDnI8ZBeoz1dAeAaVcf68Ff_L_ACnFxXcqhPlSh4a9usEWMEVtOz2ngHIohf8xkQD2mBBsZ7hofuTfd9FFTKtXmffCZi4Qx/s900/s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="900" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWH21uGA8vv3GDhl4L9p44pU0CK-HhczWEZMwAzpPaiKMRRSJFajERsfICZ3nPbqlW90UBLjPspBrKT6cEcMAB8KWOstsOqDnI8ZBeoz1dAeAaVcf68Ff_L_ACnFxXcqhPlSh4a9usEWMEVtOz2ngHIohf8xkQD2mBBsZ7hofuTfd9FFTKtXmffCZi4Qx/w640-h258/s.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"><b><span style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Recently this year, four Genesoc alumni, John Dane Valdez (Allosyndesis), Rosel Francheska De Grano (Polyplex), John Nicolas Olitin (Isochore), and Leodevico Ilag (Charter), together with Joan Christine Adajar-Deriquito, Princess Imee Dellosa, Jimwel Bryan Cristopher Ferrer published their scientific paper entitled “Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Role in COVID-19 associated Inflammation and Dysbiosis” in SciEnggJ, the official journal of the Philippine-American Academy of Science & Technology. They hypothesized that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) control COVID-19 inflammation by regulating the human microbiome.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Their study highlighted that COVID-19-related deaths are primarily caused by excessive immune response often leading to a cytokine storm. Omega-3 fatty acids have the potential to regulate this imbalance in the body. Particularly, Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in these fatty acids, can serve as precursors to anti-inflammatory compounds, which in turn reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and lower the risk of uncontrolled immune response to the infecting virus SARS-CoV-2. Consequently, omega-3 fatty acids support the human microbiota which helps the body fight infections better. Therefore, people who have recovered from COVID-19 may benefit from Omega-3 supplements with a reduced risk for cardiovascular diseases after infection.</span></p><p style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Moreover, they hypothesized that by modulating the microbiome using polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), COVID-19 complications could be prevented, and taking Omega-3 PUFA supplements may reduce the chance of developing ‘long COVID’. This hypothesis aligns with previous findings on the role of PUFAs and the microbiome in managing immune responses thereby suggesting that a general model based on PUFAs and the microbiome could be applied to other inflammatory diseases as well.</span></p><p style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This major feat presents an avenue for potential COVID-19 therapies. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to play a pivotal role in regulating the immune response, potentially preventing severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Moreover, these findings could advance our understanding of inflammation due to COVID-19 and the possible management of these symptoms. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5090c3c5-7fff-ae27-f67a-150b66b2f8d5"><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-39423216289850212922023-11-17T14:51:00.001+08:002023-11-17T14:51:04.589+08:00Puzzle Solved: Complete Y chromosome sequence finally assembled<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiam0la6_LsNw2qNPi4QGlhG4tL6PoNGd-3_f4cR6F5Rv0VbCyOk-08DGiWh-BapFL845lOzEFPqsHhNYQn5H7zfWkPIJOqR8sFclz6_ccVLF8rgYtvKtyfcWuTExGIcb_JghAvUBRnEO5hdCfZj_DTjyEZgbOsQ8TjwSluP7DSPQO-RJ8qhacWiIyACm/s1200/64edb3ae92253_VDPWyceau.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="1200" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiam0la6_LsNw2qNPi4QGlhG4tL6PoNGd-3_f4cR6F5Rv0VbCyOk-08DGiWh-BapFL845lOzEFPqsHhNYQn5H7zfWkPIJOqR8sFclz6_ccVLF8rgYtvKtyfcWuTExGIcb_JghAvUBRnEO5hdCfZj_DTjyEZgbOsQ8TjwSluP7DSPQO-RJ8qhacWiIyACm/w400-h196/64edb3ae92253_VDPWyceau.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Source: bionity.com</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In August 2023, a major breakthrough marked the completion of the human Y chromosome's genetic sequence, making it the last human chromosome to be fully sequenced. A collaboration of researchers known as the Telomere-2-Telomere Consortium (T2T)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> utilized new DNA sequencing technologies and existing knowledge gleaned from generating the first gapless sequences for the other 23 human chromosomes. </span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">The Y chromosome, primarily known for its role in sexual development, is found in individuals who are assigned males at birth. Despite its prevalence, for many years, more than half of the Y chromosome’s DNA sequence remained unknown. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">The Y chromosome long arm contains highly repetitive DNA regions called satellite DNA, which exist in high copy numbers at multiple genomic locations that make it challenging to accurately sequence. This led to the speculation that the composition of the missing sequence was chaotic, but their findings have been quite the contrary, much to the surprise of the researchers. Adam Phillipy, one of the leaders of T2T Consortium, said that “</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">nearly half of the chromosome is made of alternating blocks of two specific repeating satellite DNA sequences forming a beautiful, quilt-like pattern”.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Throughout the 20th century, studies of the Y chromosome were tainted by eugenics and led to stigmatizing beliefs of the general public. Individuals with two Y chromosomes were labeled as "subnormal" due to Double Y Syndrome or Jacobs syndrome, which affects about 1 in 1,000 male individuals. Moreover, the generalization of genetic basis to aggression and violence, particularly rooted in the Y chromosome, added to the stigmatization.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Hence, the complete sequencing of the Y chromosome not only brings us one step further away from the misconstructed understanding of the elusive chromosome but also propels us toward clinical advancements in reproduction and fertility.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">Medically relevant reg</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">ions were also discovered in the complete sequence of the Y chromosome. One of which is the azoospermia factor region, a stretch of DNA containing a set of inverted repeats or “palindromes” known to be involved in sperm production. These loops accidentally get cut off and create deletions in the azoospermia factor region, which is known to disrupt sperm production. Studying these palindromes in the Y chromosome allows a deeper understanding of sperm and production and helps in designing better diagnostics on fertility.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">In addition to the completion of the Y chromosome sequence, the T2T Consortium also reported the sequence of 43 diverse human Y chromosomes, which revealed an extensive diversity in size and structure. Half of the male-specific euchromatic region contained large inversions at a recurrence rate more than twice compared with all other chromosomes. The completion of the Y chromosome sequence is a significant scientific milestone that unraveled our deep </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; white-space: pre;">misconceptions about human biology and opened new horizons in the study of genomic medicine.</span></p>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-53974795112804657572023-11-17T14:42:00.007+08:002023-11-17T14:45:54.784+08:00Genesoc Alumni and Members Bag Prestigious Awards<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimtbG4gQgYLRs14sWnKXBO7xnYJ6AGKuaB-uFQ3llCMT8JnKHOkHxwDW41BlBSWXS_QZgHEgQLdeWCr2OrDRydEykHbMwmg6pvkiWEZgyBVHNH29msmDOiHgcScEdjUmXzzv-c96vSUo0XKrVHUyt9elwQdJ_pUwqApW2W8btVjGB_bOKAQHPk2Ji_r2B/s512/pleto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimtbG4gQgYLRs14sWnKXBO7xnYJ6AGKuaB-uFQ3llCMT8JnKHOkHxwDW41BlBSWXS_QZgHEgQLdeWCr2OrDRydEykHbMwmg6pvkiWEZgyBVHNH29msmDOiHgcScEdjUmXzzv-c96vSUo0XKrVHUyt9elwQdJ_pUwqApW2W8btVjGB_bOKAQHPk2Ji_r2B/s320/pleto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Assistant Professor John Vincent R. Pleto (Replisome)</span></i></span></div><p></p><p><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The members and alumni of The UPLB Genetics Society, including Assistant Professor John Vin</b><b style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">cent R. Pleto (Replisome), Asst. Prof. Jickerson P. Lado (Integrons) and resident member Alyssa Mae L. Santos (Hachimoji), alumna Alyana Nicole Hidalgo (Ikirara), and resident member Nelieza Tubieza (Polyplex) exemplified passion and excellence as they amassed several prestigious awards at various research conferences and conventions in the duration of the academic year (A.Y.) 2022-2023. </span></b></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ef827be4-7fff-fb16-9b6d-b1480a74ef43"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Pleto received the distinctive 2022-2024 One UP Faculty Grant Award in Environmental Science (Freshwater Ecology) for Outstanding Teaching and Research. His previous publications focused on water quality assessment, environmental impact assessment, and remediation in ponds and lakes across Luzon.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This recognition highlights his exceptional contributions to the field, underscoring his dedication to both research and teaching.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Lado and Santos clinched the Best Oral Paper in Biological Sciences in the Non-Professional Category during the 15th UPLB-CAS Student-Faculty Research Conference and 1st National Student-Faculty Research Conference in Arts and Sciences.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Their presentation showcased their remarkable research titled “Cellular Morphology and Cell Wall Pectin Content of the Solid Endosperms of Three Coconut (</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Cocos nucifera L.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">) Variants (Laguna Tall, Makapuno Tall, and Philippine Lono Tall)”</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hidalgo was honored as the Best Oral Presenter (Undergraduate) at The Philippine Society of Parasitology International Conference 2023, held at Ateneo de Manila University last June 9 to 10, 2023. Her study titled "Seroprevalence of Meat-borne Parasites using ELISA in humans and swine in selected rural communities in CARAGA Region, The Philippines".</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Tubieza, co-author of the innovative study entitled, "Serotyping, Antibiogram Profiling, and Whole-genome Sequencing of </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> H3-X1 from Eggshell Rinsate from Select Egg Retail Stores in Barangay Batong Malake, Los Banos Laguna, Philippines," received the Best Paper award for the Non-Professional Category at the 52nd Convention on Microbiology hosted by the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc., last July 17-21, 2023. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The alumni and members’ exemplary work in various fields has been recognized by leading organizations, bringing pride to the organization and to the university. Their outstanding accolades serve as a testament to the commitment of The UPLB Genetics Society to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and fostering excellence through their multidisciplinary contributions to scientific research. </span></p><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-84939956196705164182023-11-17T14:41:00.002+08:002023-11-17T14:41:21.307+08:00GeneSoc Alum Fides Z. Tambalo, appointed as new BIOTECH-UPLB Director<p><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWVb8goar0rl2ukQoSIIphjYQ9SusmvgcPTGgvWyPsKFhwM4KCra31DlBeVu5DbNT8m3NwRgGncqAE5hxp_nGjEJMwkTDj5VgMOUhPRmFF3OrsW9OimwpHPSmRDqEyGSzCYyn8urW3aWGLsvzwmPNfPQj-KV07zE3EFVcWx2zyI0HaiIaNxZDzahgftxO/s2560/dr.%20tambalo%20meeting%20with%20UPLB-biotech%203%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWVb8goar0rl2ukQoSIIphjYQ9SusmvgcPTGgvWyPsKFhwM4KCra31DlBeVu5DbNT8m3NwRgGncqAE5hxp_nGjEJMwkTDj5VgMOUhPRmFF3OrsW9OimwpHPSmRDqEyGSzCYyn8urW3aWGLsvzwmPNfPQj-KV07zE3EFVcWx2zyI0HaiIaNxZDzahgftxO/s320/dr.%20tambalo%20meeting%20with%20UPLB-biotech%203%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><p></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><span data-canva-clipboard="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"></span></i></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Fides Z. Tambalo, newly appointed BIOTECH Director</i></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In pursuit of the development of biotechnological research and education in the country, Ms. Fides Marciana Z. Tambalo, MSc (Operon) was appointed as the new director of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH-UPLB) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) during the 1383</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">rd</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Meeting of the UP Board of Regents last August 24, 2023.</span></b></div></b><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c1e64720-7fff-7929-5305-ca5c4bb0a57e"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Previously an Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, Tambalo has dedicated her career to research, training, and practical applications in the fields of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As a university researcher at the institution, she formerly headed the Enzyme Laboratory under the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Biotechnology for Food, Feeds, and Specialty Products Program (BFFSPP)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> wherein one of her research contributions involved the creation of an all-natural colorant known as the MONASCUS RED</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">®</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. It is a red colorant derived from fungi </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Monascus purpureus</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> MTCC 25436 created as a safe alternative to synthetic red coloring used for food, cosmetics and pharmaceutics. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Tambalo was also recognized as one of the leading researchers in the development of eco-friendly agricultural products across the country, such as the use of waste cassava leaves as a potential protein and nutrient source. With her contributions to agricultural research, she was also named one of the 2023 UPLB Outstanding Researchers (Natural Sciences Category) in the Extension Program for Biotechnology for Agriculture and Forestry (BIOTECH-OVCRE) during the 114</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">th</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Foundation Day held at the Charles Fuller Baker Memorial Hall last March 6, 2023.</span></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Established in 1979, BIOTECH (formerly National Institutes of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology) has been at the forefront of biotechnological advancements in the Philippines, located inside the </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Agricultural and Life Sciences Complex at UP Los Baños</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">. The institution is one of the leading research and development hubs for cutting-edge biotechnological research, training, and extension, in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. </span></div></span></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-74096511250928512712023-11-17T14:35:00.004+08:002023-11-17T14:35:29.937+08:00Dr. Dolores Ramirez, celebrated BIO 30 mentor, graces Vogue cover<span id="docs-internal-guid-458b73e4-7fff-1ce8-3566-283191a36c59"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo-j4RRq4xEgIEe_uIe4VjymgBu-B0PCLcII3oajILcZvMfrGzi48RDxyFQkFRBFuR8tKg1NZiXKFXRZ5nY-4kvLx7all2Mq-ustAJAGLTvXq6fj_B4EAMfR86csGUGyLHYTzcxjWslDdZKpT3swbYeAP8rRHwhgXNu2vcLSTa0qy02tKAcxA9bB1gJYk/s2000/dr.%20ramirez%20vogue%20photo%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1600" height="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUo-j4RRq4xEgIEe_uIe4VjymgBu-B0PCLcII3oajILcZvMfrGzi48RDxyFQkFRBFuR8tKg1NZiXKFXRZ5nY-4kvLx7all2Mq-ustAJAGLTvXq6fj_B4EAMfR86csGUGyLHYTzcxjWslDdZKpT3swbYeAP8rRHwhgXNu2vcLSTa0qy02tKAcxA9bB1gJYk/w324-h405/dr.%20ramirez%20vogue%20photo%202.jpg" width="324" /></a></div><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">National Scientist and renowned Filipina geneticist Dr. Dolores Ramirez was featured on the cover of Vogue Philippines’ August 2023 issue, titled: “Ladies who Launch: A Craft Issue”. This issue celebrated five Filipino women who have made groundbreaking advancements in their fields, extending across the realm of the sciences, arts, and culture. </b></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Dr. Ramirez was featured for her exceptional contributions and obtained achievements related to the sciences, specifically to the fields of genetics and plant breeding through her years in research and the academe.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Known as the “Mother Cell” of the country, Dr. Ramirez has been known to provide quality teaching of genetics at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) spanning decades. She is one of the first authors of the “Lectures in Genetics” BIO 30 manual, which is the central teaching material used in the genetics course of UPLB. With this manual, she was able to advance the instruction of introductory genetics to students since 1968. At 91 years old, Dr. Ramirez has nurtured the talents of her students who have, by now, applied their knowledge in forging broader paths in genetics and other fields. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKwzkO4DsIMWE3ReySIOlA_aNDmyhLrHb2hoLtrVWhVEJcvRpP4AkXnfOG1xntOtQrueJ99FPm8KW9f-Wgd0XhR-6kMVrJe_uWUjM4xk7-yU2Y5ZBfhYZ6SFI23iaS0Urn87Wsrksb_uzd3pkhSyEZgt3CmEqPxxJzzEqzaX2J8gQzfi1cmyz5Ar_5hK5/s630/dr.%20ramirez%20teaching%20bio30_%20genetics%20classes%20about%20central%20dogma%20in%20molecular%20biology.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="630" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKwzkO4DsIMWE3ReySIOlA_aNDmyhLrHb2hoLtrVWhVEJcvRpP4AkXnfOG1xntOtQrueJ99FPm8KW9f-Wgd0XhR-6kMVrJe_uWUjM4xk7-yU2Y5ZBfhYZ6SFI23iaS0Urn87Wsrksb_uzd3pkhSyEZgt3CmEqPxxJzzEqzaX2J8gQzfi1cmyz5Ar_5hK5/w501-h244/dr.%20ramirez%20teaching%20bio30_%20genetics%20classes%20about%20central%20dogma%20in%20molecular%20biology.png" width="501" /></a></div><p></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i><span data-canva-clipboard="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"></span></i></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Dr. Ramirez or Ma’am DR, as called by her students, during one of her famous BIO 30 Lectures.</i></span></p></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As a researcher, her contributions to agriculture mainly stem from her investigations on the genetics surrounding a variety of crops, including macapuno, rice, mungbean, legume crops, and so on. Two flowers are named after her – the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hibiscus rosa-sinensis</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> ‘Dolores A. Ramirez’ and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Mussaenda </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">‘Dolores A. Ramirez’ – in recognition of her remarkable feats in the sciences.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Aside from being conferred with the National Scientist title by the National Academy of Science and Technology in 1998, she was also the recipient of the 1976 Gregorio Y. Zara Award in Basic Research, the 1981 Rizal Pro Patria Award for Outstanding Achievement in Science (Biochemical Genetics), and the 1985 UP Professional Achievement Award in Agriculture, among other notable achievements. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Dr. Ramirez has been and will continue to be one of the pillars of genetics in the Philippines due to her passion for promoting the science of genetics in the country. Her dedication to serving the country through research proves to us that Dr. Ramirez truly is a Filipina to be celebrated.</span></p><p> </p>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-38992758841913585252023-11-17T14:29:00.006+08:002023-11-17T14:31:26.545+08:00Dr. Carmencita Padilla, GeneSoc honorary member, conferred National Scientist rank<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-284838fa-7fff-43c9-e46f-98a9e91dfa3f"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1r5nVg3MGv-ZRFjaphxBPGnCgQ_6GLYKVsyZ1Bsbo8XgbXdoCi-pnNCuP1lberDGmWtDWJMmh7DoTNdczWznX0Ga28b51kBzky8yuTz726uCaJ_Vy-qcNv1UNrSbYdmZvxZg3rsy-UI8ritOzLvJXIjAmuMh6yzsZ5RnD4URxIRbwZi2Zz0QeqQjJoki/s1024/dr.%20padilla%20with%20award.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1r5nVg3MGv-ZRFjaphxBPGnCgQ_6GLYKVsyZ1Bsbo8XgbXdoCi-pnNCuP1lberDGmWtDWJMmh7DoTNdczWznX0Ga28b51kBzky8yuTz726uCaJ_Vy-qcNv1UNrSbYdmZvxZg3rsy-UI8ritOzLvJXIjAmuMh6yzsZ5RnD4URxIRbwZi2Zz0QeqQjJoki/s320/dr.%20padilla%20with%20award.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>GeneSoc Honorary Member and National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) Academician Carmencita D. Padilla, MD, MAHPS, was granted the Order of National Scientist on August 31, 2023, at the Malacañang Palace for her pioneering work on human clinical genetics and genomics in the Philippines.</b></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">National Scientist (NS) Padilla joins the ranks of 42 other National Scientists in the order, while also claiming the first NS recognition in the field of Medical Genetics. </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As a world-renowned and multi-awarded pediatrician and geneticist, NS Padilla’s outstanding and significant contributions to the field of clinical genetics in the Philippines were seen through her research, which became the basis for the enactment of vital Philippine healthcare laws. She is the proponent of two laws: Republic Act 9288 or the Newborn Screening Act of 2004 and the Republic Act 10747 or the Rare Disease Act of 2016. Her national screening program saved countless Filipino newborns from mental retardation and death from certain congenital disorders, while the law for orphan diseases continuously promotes the right to medical care for individuals with rare diseases. </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">NS Padilla is also credited for the establishment of the Philippine Genome Center, a multidisciplinary research unit that was at the forefront of the COVID-19 research efforts. She was appointed as the Executive Director from 2011 to 2016.</span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">NS Padilla assumed leadership positions and notable titles in various organizations and institutions– including prominent roles, such as being an academician under the Health Sciences Division of the NAST, serving three terms from 2014 to 2023 as the chancellor of the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila, became the founding director for both the Newborn Screening Reference Center and the Institute of Human Genetics of the National Institutes of Health at UP Manila, and acted as the founding chairman of the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders, Inc.</span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">NS Padilla is also the Founding and National Program Adviser of the Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines (VYLH-Philippines), where GeneSoc is the only student organization among the four founding organizations.</span></p><br /></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-87564134447606918172023-11-17T14:26:00.004+08:002023-11-17T14:26:27.987+08:00GeneSoc conducts 1st BIO 30 tutorials for A.Y. 2023-2024<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjagpej4UbjropENY-JQzVakbNMWQdTyLi9gvneEb-I4yG2VawJh6UBecMO-Rgkx7TjXwfyjseKnQyp7YtiaXZ0Ym6qZlvd6_9gaZtJ-T9n61T8Ghv5z5kB382V5UQWSvTiJpMrxcm72GB-G5ZNpX4J7OBxjj1YAoqj5Spt2qISyiMywHi7Eww9vz4Aacy/s4032/marj%20nagtuturo%20with%20students%20(1).HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjagpej4UbjropENY-JQzVakbNMWQdTyLi9gvneEb-I4yG2VawJh6UBecMO-Rgkx7TjXwfyjseKnQyp7YtiaXZ0Ym6qZlvd6_9gaZtJ-T9n61T8Ghv5z5kB382V5UQWSvTiJpMrxcm72GB-G5ZNpX4J7OBxjj1YAoqj5Spt2qISyiMywHi7Eww9vz4Aacy/w400-h300/marj%20nagtuturo%20with%20students%20(1).HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><span> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Education Committee Head Marion Magdamit Jr. leads the BIO 30 Tutorials discussion</i></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><i><span data-canva-clipboard="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"></span></i></span></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-8412d0d0-7fff-5834-d668-4122c0fa9043"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Steadfast in its goal of fostering the appreciation of Genetics, The UPLB Genetics Society conducted its first BIO 30 (Genetics) tutorials for Academic Year 2023-2024 last September 26, 2023, from 7 to 9 PM, in partnership with the UPLB Learning Resource Center (LRC) at the LRC Learning Hub, Student Union Building in UPLB.</b></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Education Committee Head Marion Magdamit, Jr. and Education Committee member and Genetics Camp Steering Head Hannah Corrine Cantaros headed the BIO 30 tutorials, in which they reviewed the first to the third lesson of the course material in order to help students excel in their upcoming first lecture exam in BIO 30. Among the topics covered are the science of heredity and variation, the chromosomal basis of heredity, and gene segregation and interaction.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">At the end of the two-hour session, participants of the BIO 30 tutorials were handed electronic certificates and learning materials. Evaluation sheets of the tutorials were also distributed online.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">One of the attendees, BS Biology student Clarence Ong, shared her experience during the event: “The tutorial was a big help in my review for the upcoming Genetics exam. It is quite a challenging subject, but the discussion by the lecturers and review materials provided in the event managed to ease my worries about the exam”.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Since the resumption of face-to-face classes, the BIO 30 Tutorials is conducted in person every semester to aid students currently taking the genetics course in reviewing for their upcoming BIO 30 examinations.</span></p><div><span style="color: #434343; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-52194769007180408352023-11-17T14:14:00.001+08:002023-11-17T14:14:22.054+08:00NEWS | GenWeek 2023: Diving Into Our Emotions<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLWVFGyP5tefXzi5hx6nz793JZPVB9qcDA8R8-GFOxj_BCn-7TxJO-bMuZQmiZjhlXy-yeEQJhbGlfXjMPlXa3WMmoc2licdr-smj4vzSLsbeRSmRVtclh6IUdW5Y-T1nPZad9hm4LYnWwcqgNLCWJkZiLLPVyw2twI2GKXm_whK7_wkoJWTh9VbX3OOm/s2659/IMG_6414.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="2659" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLWVFGyP5tefXzi5hx6nz793JZPVB9qcDA8R8-GFOxj_BCn-7TxJO-bMuZQmiZjhlXy-yeEQJhbGlfXjMPlXa3WMmoc2licdr-smj4vzSLsbeRSmRVtclh6IUdW5Y-T1nPZad9hm4LYnWwcqgNLCWJkZiLLPVyw2twI2GKXm_whK7_wkoJWTh9VbX3OOm/w640-h238/IMG_6414.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-indent: 0.546799pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">From November 13 to November 17, 2023, The UPLB Genetics Society will be celebrating its annual Genetics Week (GenWeek) at the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-indent: 0.546799pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Institute of Biological Sciences</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-indent: 0.546799pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (IBS) Building, University of the Philippines Los B</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-indent: 0.546799pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">años (UPLB)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-indent: 0.546799pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. With the theme, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-indent: 0.546799pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Geneside Out: The Genetics of Emotions”, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-indent: 0.546799pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">GenWeek 2023 will highlight the fascinating interplay of genetics and emotions, aiming to impart knowledge through a series of exciting activities.</span></b><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-2e9d395d-7fff-9475-87ef-fdd04bb75f2e"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.11999893188476562pt; margin-right: 1.491241455078125pt; margin-top: 19.00933837890625pt; text-indent: 0.5467987060546875pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">About the theme and exhibit: Genetics of emotions</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.3149986267089844pt; margin-right: 1.69049072265625pt; margin-top: 18.4949951171875pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The genetic study of emotions is an emerging<br /> area of science that seeks to understand and explain how our emotions are affected by the genes that influence how we think and feel. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is known</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> that gene expression is a combination of regulations of various chemical compounds within our body, which result in expressions that revolve around the emotions we experience.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0.3149986267089844pt; margin-right: 1.69049072265625pt; margin-top: 18.4949951171875pt; text-indent: 0.2550010681152344pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Inspired by the movie ‘Inside Out,’ various key elements of the film can be observed throughout the exhibit at Wing C, IBS Building. The exhibit’s centerpiece features the main console seen in the film as a vital centerpoint that dictates Riley’s, the main character, behavior, showing her memories related to those emotions, and how her emotions play a role in how she sees the world.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 0.99688720703125pt; margin-top: 18.501007080078125pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Aside from exploring the physical exhibit, Genetics Week will also feature the following activities: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 4.32720947265625pt; margin-right: 0.3153076171875pt; margin-top: 24.036376953125pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">GENEWS Launch</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. The Official Newsletter of the UPLB Genetics Society, GENEWS, will proudly present a new Issue in line with this Genetics Week theme. Articles written by the resident members will be featured, and copies will be given to faculty and students for them to catch up with the latest trends in genetics.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Special Orientation. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The UPLB Genetics Society continues to seek out fellow students who are interested in being a part of the organization in furthering its goals and activities. A Special Orientation will be organized by the Membership Committee to orient prospective students about the organization. Joining GeneSoc </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">only</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> requires a student to take, are taking, or will be taking BIO 30 or Genetics in their academic curriculum. Students may contact the current Vice President / Membership Committee Head, Christian Allan D. Natanauan, or through the official Facebook page of the organization to set a time and date for an orientation by reaching out through the following contact details:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Christian Allan D. Natanauan</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">FB: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cdnatanauan" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">facebook.com/cdnatanauan</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> or </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GeneSoc1983" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">facebook.com/GeneSoc1983</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 0.3153076171875pt; margin-top: 24.036376953125pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Aside from these activities, stickers and donuts will be available for purchase online by contacting Finance Committee Head Gia Astor. More sticker designs can be expected, sold starting at Php20.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 0.3153076171875pt; margin-top: 24.036376953125pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 241px; overflow: hidden; width: 241px;"><img height="241" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/e5wBMRthhH4aiW481wlzUaZxJvNTLrgxAMf4sKQ8eJukvKyTYBMLEm63mQLYrE7GQTFIKhgT7bo54RdvJaFUxk5Z0i6epvcGFDCaQM7HnAmWgM0cndS8dIlCMthVl_YhiqFdbUIFasC8MalnC7k2nQU" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="241" /></span></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Gia Astor</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">fb:</span><a href="https://facebook.com/giackpot" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> facebook.com/giackpot</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The organization has once again shared its passion for becoming an avenue for students to discuss trends and ideas in the science of Genetics through a more immersive, interactive setting. We hope this Genetics Week will inspire students and faculty alike to further their knowledge in Genetics and its related sciences.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-71657552016397035722023-10-23T14:54:00.008+08:002023-10-23T14:58:41.339+08:00NEWS | GeneSoc joins celebration of 105th UPLB Loyalty Day<p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">UPLB, LAGUNA -- Last October 8, 2023, the members of the UPLB Genetics Society participated </span></b></span><b style="font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">in various activities for the celebration of the 105th Loyalty Day of the University of the Philippines - Los Baños. </span></b></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-32a46181-7fff-e036-f947-d03900a82d6d"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The event was celebrated with theme “UPLB Alumni Moving Towards Sustainable Stewardship of Natural Resources.” Several GeneSoc alumni were recognized in a series </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">of events for the 105th Loyalty Day.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 352px; overflow: hidden; width: 624px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img height="361" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/gJvxgpVD2QDyk0a2gxF7U5mc2y_W-kD-DPdv2_1a6tppxRFV-l-MWKA4WJX1XobtELiyv2cy5q6Fq5xFAcOqUYDgHae6ctfGQ0kdG2IOXwCJwR_XCES9quwygC5mYJKpYGszTNGsUlmlFc8D5xvT0OE=w640-h361" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Resident members strike a pose with (left to right) GeneSoc Junior Adviser Prof. Ivy </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Amor F. Lambio, GeneSoc alumni Sir Jose Alden O. Arellano (Batch Snurps)</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, IBS Deputy Director Dr. Walter A. Laviña (Batch Polysomes), Asst. Prof. Neilyn O. Villa, PhD. (Batch Polytenes) and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">GeneSoc Senior Adviser Dr. Charina Gracia B. Banaay.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Dr. Benildo G. Delos Reyes, DOST Balik-Scientist and GeneSoc Charter Member, </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">received the prestigious Outstanding Alumni Award given by the University of the </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Philippines - Los Baños Alumni Association (UPLBAA) during the Awards Ceremony </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">at the Charles Fuller Baker Hall.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The award is conferred in recognition of the alumni’s exceptional contributions to their respective fields that bring prestige and honor to the University. With his exceptional background in molecular biology, Dr. Delos Reyes is a leading geneticist specializing </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">in plant research.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 468px; overflow: hidden; width: 624px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/dItlAnViGQ1_sG_3j5ERTdxcKzJnvM1gCYkpZZ9DE23xsUcJoHfeNVjSFVspyaraf0e9o6kM1vKVvBKbgMQ_QUmdmaufxZOPb6D3eLLZzf4KAxY9kKCCpkUH4qfuVxZpoqUNM3hx86dApfU86B0Is1s=w640-h480" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="640" /></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology specializing in genetics from </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">UPLB and his master's degree in genetics and biochemistry from the University of the Philippines - Los Baños and the International Rice Research Institute. He obtained his </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ph.D. in plant science with a concentration in cellular and molecular biology at Oklahoma State University. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Currently, Dr. Delos Reyes serves as the Bayer CropScience Endowed Chair in Plant Genomics and a Professor of Genetics within the Department of Plant and Soil Science </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">at Texas Tech University.</span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Meanwhile, Sir Jose Alden O. Arellano (Batch Snurps), President of the Institute of </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Biological Sciences - Alumni Association (IBS-AA), spearheaded the Alumni Association Plaza Groundbreaking Ceremony at the IBS Open House earlier that day. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 468px; overflow: hidden; width: 624px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img height="493" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ur_CthD0sCFxcC23tvn0TxjnVsD4i7XyJO0CvHeJdbEvErYZT0VrszrZWNe139gNiB7TNIKT0jWcUIWhhnwb6H43Ku0ov16SdN3iQZoeHvBHKwCr2fEhRCn6SIFf4-enWPkB-b7CJDrPihIFV2fneCc=w657-h493" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="657" /></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">IBS Alumni Association President Jose Alden O. Arellano (Batch Snurps) and IBS Director Dr. </span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-style: italic; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Vachel Gay </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-style: italic; white-space-collapse: preserve;">V. Paller led the groundbreaking for the construction of the Alumni Association </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-style: italic; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Plaza (IBS Student Pavilion). </span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Alumni Association Plaza or IBS Student Pavilion is a project by the IBSAA intended </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">as a learning space for IBS students. The target date of completion is by the second</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">quarter of 2025.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“The mission of the Alumni Association is to create a network among IBS alumni and to encourage their involvement and support for the projects of IBS. The construction of the Alumni Association Plaza is one of the many steps that we can take to help catalyze that mission into fruition,” Sir Arellano said.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">GeneSoc alumni and resident members also participated in the Loyalty Day Parade, </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">which began at the CEC Carillon and ended at the DL Umali Hall.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The UPLB Loyalty Day is celebrated annually in recognition of the University alumni’s achievements and in remembrance of the students and faculty members from the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">University who volunteered to serve in the Philippine National Guard during World War I.</span></p><div><span face=""Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-20860754958476280242023-10-09T13:13:00.000+08:002023-10-23T14:56:39.446+08:00GeneSoc alum named as UP Scientist for the third time<p><span style="color: #1c2b33; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VOpHlOTMqwC6SHdvZASzRSV_DSnyQ3kGkmS3Je6SIPomqlXlWiM6-URpCjmsiMb-MxnqpooFBvmBV36HuwW7MsDUj1pE9Zxj77PZFZwsckEfAsbjH71EK6oLU1PEvhHdsWn_WqR6qJPcF-bkBNY1iA-axBYWRLWd8T6eKiL1egV5QzG2mBuIUE4e71rt/s4000/7.%20Diaz.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="4000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0VOpHlOTMqwC6SHdvZASzRSV_DSnyQ3kGkmS3Je6SIPomqlXlWiM6-URpCjmsiMb-MxnqpooFBvmBV36HuwW7MsDUj1pE9Zxj77PZFZwsckEfAsbjH71EK6oLU1PEvhHdsWn_WqR6qJPcF-bkBNY1iA-axBYWRLWd8T6eKiL1egV5QzG2mBuIUE4e71rt/w400-h400/7.%20Diaz.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><b style="color: #1c2b33; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Dr. Maria Genaleen Q. Diaz (Batch F1), professor of the UPLB Genetics and Molecular Biology Division (GMBD), was conferred once more as UP Scientist I (2022-2024) in the UP Scientific Productivity System (SPS) last September 29, 2023, at the Dioscoro L. Umali Hall.</b><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b3e4f410-7fff-1cad-e881-13edfd6e7b08"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1c2b33; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Established in 2005 by the UP Board of Regents, the UP Scientific Productivity System confers the rank of UP Scientist to UP faculty members in recognition of their outstanding contributions to scientific productivity in the University. The conferment lasts for three years and is subject to renewal based on the evaluation of scientific publications and professional standing in the scientific community of the nominee.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1c2b33; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The UP SPS recognized Dr. Diaz for her exemplary work in enriching the field of genetics through her scientific publications and ceaseless involvement in the scientific community. This marks the third time that Dr. Diaz received the award, as she was first conferred the title from 2014-2016, and a second time from 2019-2021.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1c2b33; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For more than 25 years, Dr. Diaz has imparted her expertise on genetics to numerous graduate and undergraduate students of the University. Specializing in molecular and biochemical genetics, her research work has elucidated the diversity and compatibility among Philippine crops through genetic analyses. She has conducted transcriptomic studies on essential crops such as coconut and abaca and QTL analyses of rice associated with abiotic stress tolerance. Much of her work has been dedicated to aid in the continuous development of genetic improvement of crops.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1c2b33; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Dr. Diaz previously served as the Head of the UPLB - COVID-19 Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (UPLB-CMDL) in 2020. A university researcher with numerous publications in her name, she was also awarded as an Outstanding Young Scientist in Genetics by the National Academy of Science and Technology in 2006.</span></p><br /></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-21584461884333506572023-10-08T21:41:00.005+08:002023-11-17T15:39:19.299+08:00GENEWS November 2023 Issue<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="fp-iframe" scrolling="no" src="https://heyzine.com/flip-book/e92d5f433c.html" style="border: 1px solid lightgray; height: 400px; width: 100%;"></iframe>
</div>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8911605447883723552.post-52781511398568708592023-10-04T17:37:00.005+08:002023-10-23T14:56:30.226+08:00 NEWS | GeneSoc alumni, honorary member newly elected as NAST-PHL members<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Legzux_Quk8DEDwWQ4IP6vYf8fSWW0wEkF6ckSexD07zGH20LQLrDeZd-myUI6VuasYaaGNgR1bBPKW9nKTa85wU5mw7wzGRte6C2PdliqAQGcHuzf3cRLxGUap89cxp5aICVNUYYALWK3hqjpk6w6uouiwjMkzjLARmtsZAtoUMLUdIzynC8-7iXk9H/s1640/Untitled%20design%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Legzux_Quk8DEDwWQ4IP6vYf8fSWW0wEkF6ckSexD07zGH20LQLrDeZd-myUI6VuasYaaGNgR1bBPKW9nKTa85wU5mw7wzGRte6C2PdliqAQGcHuzf3cRLxGUap89cxp5aICVNUYYALWK3hqjpk6w6uouiwjMkzjLARmtsZAtoUMLUdIzynC8-7iXk9H/w640-h360/Untitled%20design%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Dr. Leodevico L. Ilag and Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria were recognized as newly elected members of the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines (NAST-PHL) during the 45th Annual Scientific Meeting held last July 13, 2023, via Zoom. Dr. Ilag (Charter) and Dr. De Ungria (Honorary Member) were honored as Corresponding Member and Academician for their outstanding contributions to agriculture biotechnology and forensic science, respectively.</b></span></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-3e3d5573-7fff-1ea4-5f12-192f879d8f80"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">NAST Corresponding Member Dr. Ilag holds a doctoral degree (PhD) in Microbiology and Immunology, dedicating more than 25 years of research work towards their applications in biotechnology. His extensive research led to the development of biologics and dietary ingredients with major applications in addressing cardiovascular and infectious diseases. As a virologist for more than two decades, Dr. Ilag has several patents under his name and has authored more than thirty publications on virology and immunology in peer-reviewed international journals.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">NAST Academician Dr. De Ungria has a doctorate (PhD) in Microbiology and is well-known for her pioneering research in forensic DNA technology in the Philippines. Her scholarly works served as a tool for human identification in criminal investigation and aided in the promulgation of the Supreme Court Rule on DNA evidence that is now enacted by all trial courts in the country. Dr. De Ungria holds the rank of Career Scientist IV in the Scientific Career System of the Department of Science and Technology and the Civil Service Commission. Currently, she is the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> director of the Program on Biodiversity, Ethnicity, and Forensics at the Philippine Genome Center. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">About NAST-PHL</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Established in 1976, the NAST-Philippines is mandated to recognize exemplary achievements and innovations in science and technology and to serve as the highest advisory body to the President on policies concerning science and technology in the country. Members of the Filipino scientific community forward nominees for membership to NAST-PHL. Current NAST-PHL members deliberate on the membership of a scientist to enter the Academy. </span></span></p><br /></span>GENEWShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03911693737542229690noreply@blogger.com0