A webinar hosted by the Program on Biodiversity, Ethnicity, and Forensics of the Philippine Genome Center and the Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman Focusing on Philippine Biodiversity: The Philippine BioGenome Project The Philippine BioGenome Project (PBGP) is a research initiative headed by the PGC Program on Biodiversity, Ethnicity, and Forensics (PBEF). The […]

Challenges on the Development of Biodiversity Biobanks: The Living Archives of Biodiversity
In this review, we highlight the necessity for biodiversity biorepositories by presenting their significant role in health, biodiversity, linking of big data, other translational research, and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Characterization of the Biosynthetic Potential of the β-proteobacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans Strain ISP2-142-O-2-A Using Microbiological, Chemical, and Genomic Approaches
This study characterized the biosynthetic potential of the bacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans strain ISP2-142-O-2-A associated with the sponge Haliclona sp. nov. Chemistry- and bioactivity-guided purification of extracts from A. xylosoxidans afforded three compounds (1–3).

Using DNA barcodes against the wildlife black market
While recent news of giant clams (Tridacna gigas) being harvested in the disputed Scarborough Shoal drew massive outrage online, it was only the latest low point in the dark history of wildlife exploitation in the region. A poignant series of cases also happened here in 2013 and 2014, this time involving pangolins or “scaly anteaters,” which have been described as the most trafficked animals in the world.

Gisela P. Concepcion, PhD
PhD in Chemistry, University of the Philippines
Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of the Philippines System
Areas of Current Research: marine biodiversity, marine natural products, biomedical research

Arturo O. Lluisma, PhD
PhD Biology, Dalhousie University (Halifax, Canada)
Research Professor, Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines
Research Areas: Marine genomics, molecular genetics, and bioinformatics; phylogenetics and genetic diversity; algal and microbial biotechnology

Ian Kendrich C. Fontanilla, PhD
Ph.D. Genetics, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, 2010
Research Areas: Molecular phylogenetics; Malacology
Go to Dr. Fontanilla’s webpage at the Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman.