by Christian Velasco | Reprimo
The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc) celebrates the annual Genetics Week with this year’s theme: “The Missing Link: Binding Genetics and Law to Investigate Unresolved Mysteries”. The organization held a hybrid of virtual and face-to-face events from November 26 to December 2, 2022. Face-to-face events, including the posting of the physical exhibit, were held at the Wing C, Institute of Biological Sciences at the University of the Philippines - Los Banos.
To commence Genetics Week, a webinar was conducted last November 26 with the theme: “Forensic Science: The Role of Genetics in Solving Mystery Investigations” via Zoom. Dr. Maria Corazon De Ungria, who is an honorary member of the organization, served as the lecture speaker. She is currently the head of the DNA Analysis Laboratory of the National Science Research Institute at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP-DAL) and the director of the Program on Biodiversity, Ethnicity, and Forensics at the Philippine Genome Center (PGC).
Dr. De Ungria expounded on the power of DNA as a tool for identification and profiling, and how it provides objective evidence that unveils cases with the help of molecular technology. She emphasized the challenges of forensic science in the country such as the lack of a national criminal DNA database, the high cost of DNA testing, the insufficient compliance with standards on the collection of biological samples, among others. Dr. De Ungria supported the passing of laws that would provide awareness and advancement to forensic science and allocating funds that would strengthen the country’s forensic technology in solving a variety of cases.
GeneSoc also posted a physical exhibit at Wing C IBS which features posters and illustrations that showcase the principles and applications of forensics genetics. Other relevant topics include next-generation sequencing technology (NGS), forensic genetic genealogy, and the genetics of criminal behavior which can be found in the exhibit.
Aside from the webinar and exhibit, GeneSoc also opened a major application process for prospective applicants or "geneterns." It is a week-long process that evaluated the geneterns' determination to join the organization and their interest and passion for genetics.
GeneSoc, with its goal of increasing awareness about the science of genetics in the country, released the December 2022 Issue of its official publication GENEWS on the first day of December both at the physical exhibit and online at Blogger.
The successful celebration of Genetics Week would not be possible without the dedication and support of the organization’s resident members, the Genes.
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