How long can rabbit meat stay safe without refrigeration? 🐇
In this episode of Behind the Science Podcast, we talk with Ms. Marielle Vergara about the changes in the bacterial load, pH, color, and other quality parameters of rabbit meat over time without refrigeration. The study determined how long the rabbit meat can be exposed to ambient conditions from the time of slaughtering until it is sold in the market. The findings provide critical insights for food safety, storage guidelines, and quality control, especially for farmers and processors in the Philippines.
📚Reference: Gamboa M, Santiago DM, Sulabo AS, Torio MA. 2024. Microbiological and Physicochemical Changes in Rabbit Meat During Ambient Storage. The Philippine Agricultural Scientist 107(2):89–101.
🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Leonila Bautista about her study that estimated the epicenters and magnitudes of 485 earthquakes that occurred in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period by analyzing more than 6,000 historical accounts.📚Reference: Bautista, M. L. P., & Oike, K. (2000). Estimation of the magnitudes and epicenters of Philippine historical earthquakes. Tectonophysics, 317(1-2), 137-169. 🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
Mr. Zenon Richard Mateo explains how earthquakes from the Philippine Fault shaped the shoreline of Lingayen Gulf during the past 2,400 years.📚Reference: Mateo, Z. R. P., & Siringan, F. P. (2007). Tectonic control of high-frequency Holocene delta switching and fluvial migration in Lingayen Gulf bayhead, northwestern Philippines. Journal of Coastal Research, 23(1), 182-194.🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
In this episode, Mr. Christian Lualhati talked about his research on methane emissions from carabaos and how probiotics can play a key role in improving ruminant nutrition and reducing environmental impact.
📚Reference: Lualhati, C. V., Managa, K. R. D., Castillo, C. I., Llantada, P. L. T., & Del Barrio, A. N. (2025). Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Enteric Methane Emission of Growing Dairy Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis L.).
🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
In this episode, we explore marine natural products with Dr. Lilibeth Salvador-Reyes, a professor from UP Diliman. She shares insights into her research on cyanobacterial-inspired peptides, which are small molecules derived from cyanobacteria that could have biomedical applications.📚Reference: Casanova, J.R., Villaraza, A.J.L., & Salvador-Reyes, L.A. (18 March 2024). Synthesis and biological evaluation of cyanobacterial-inspired peptides. SciEnggJ, 17 (Supplement), 43-88. 🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
In this episode, we talk with Engr. Isaac Besarra about his study on flood risk in Carigara, Leyte under future climate change scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5.
📚Reference: Besarra, I., Opdyke, A., Mendoza, J.E., Delmendo, P.A., Santiago, J., Evangelista, D.J., Lagmay, A.M.F.A., 2025. The Cost of Flooding on Housing Under Climate Change in the Philippines: Examining Projected Damage at the Local Scale. Journal of Environmental Management.
🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
Can hot weather really cause brain aneurysms? In this episode, neurosurgeon Dr. Juan Silvestre Pascual discusses his study on the meteorological factors affecting aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the Philippines.
📚Reference: Pascual JSG, Khu KO, Brillante EB, Te JT, Racoma BB, Ignacio KD, Legaspi GD. Meteorological Factors Affecting Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties, 80, 1, January – June 2025.
🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
Dr. Nia Santos shares how she used both genetics and morphology to identify the freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium spp.) in Cairawan River Antique. With 11 species identified, the highest number of species reported from a single river, this study highlights the ecological value of Philippine rivers and their potential for sustainable fisheries.
📚Reference: Santos MNM, Wowor D, Ikeda M, Padilla PI and Romana-Eguia MRR. 2024. Morphological and genetic diversity assessment of freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium spp.) in the Cairawan River, Antique Province, Philippines. The Philippine Journal of Fisheries 31(1). DOI:10.31398/tpjf/30.2.2023-0009.
🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
In this episode, chemical volcanologist John Michael Ausejo breaks down his study on primitive arc lavas from the Macolod Corridor. By analyzing the geochemical and mineralogical composition of igneous rocks, he traces the melt generation and magma storage conditions of primitive arc lavas in the Macolod Corridor 42 km beneath the Earth’s surface.
⌛ Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Makulod Corridor
00:45 Podcast Introduction and Partners
04:14 Research Experience and Education]
09:52 Studying Magma and Eruption Dynamics
15:47 Primitive Magma and Its Importance
21:59 Monogenetic and Polygenetic Volcanoes
27:55 Rock Analysis and Fieldwork
34:02 Research Challenges
39:56 Analyzing and Publishing Results
45:58 Tips for Aspiring Researchers
📚 Reference:
Ausejo JM, Perez AdC, Pasco JA, and Payot BD. 2024. Melt generation and magma storage conditions of primitive arc lavas in the Macolod Corridor, southwestern Luzon arc, Philippines. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 455(108206).
🤝 Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
Is it safe to exercise while pregnant? In this episode, Dr. Clarissa Velayo shares the results from her clinical study on the effects of Sheng Zhen Gong, a traditional low-intensity exercise, on the wellbeing of both mother and child.
⌛Chapters
00:46 Podcast Introduction and Partners
04:02 Dr. Clarissa Velayo's Journey into Medicine
14:09 Review of Dr. Velayo's Study on Sheng Zhen Gong
16:36 Understanding Shen Zhen Gong and its Benefits
21:00 Study Methodology and Results
24:01 Exercise Results in Pregnancy
29:48 Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy
34:58 Funding and Preparing for a Study
38:13 Challenges in Conducting a Study
43:48 Advice for Aspiring Doctors and Researchers
📚Reference:
Velayo C, Suplido SA, Sy AD, Tantengco OA, Caragay R, Zuniga M. 2024. Sheng Zhen Gong in pregnancy: The effects of a traditional low intensity exercise form on maternofetal health and wellbeing. SciEnggJ. 17:163–175.
Are native chickens really antibiotic-free? In this episode, microbiologist Dr. Rina Opulencia breaks down her research on multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria found in healthy Philippine native chickens. Her team sequenced bacterial genomes and discovered antibiotic resistance genes in Philippine native chickens, which raises important questions about farm hygiene and food safety. Learn how resistance spreads, what mobile genetic elements do, and what this means for farmers, consumers, and policy.
⌛Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Native Chicken and Antibiotics
00:35 Podcast and Partners Introduction
03:04 Scientific Journals and Publications
05:55 Dr. Rina's Journey into Science
08:46 Getting Started in Microbiology
11:56 Graduate School Training
14:53 Finding the Right School
18:09 U.S. Experience and Research
21:06 Study of Antibiotic Resistance
24:10 Introduction to the Study of Enterobacteria
26:57 Genetic Basis of Antibiotic Resistance
29:50 Importance of Philippine Native Chicken
37:10 Transmission of Microbes from Animals to Humans
40:54 Farm Management and Prevention of the Spread of Microbes
42:20 Antibiotic Resistance and Chicken Health
45:50 Concerns about Broiler Chickens and Bacteria
47:25 Risks to Farmers and Training
50:04 Funding and Support for Research
52:09 Laboratory Safety Standards
55:44 Study of Chickens and Microbes
01:01:04 Analysis of the Prevalence of MDRs
01:02:48 Tips for Those Who Want to Do Research
📚Reference:
Jimenez A, Buday GJ, Opulencia R. 2025. Antibiotic Resistome, Mobile Genetic Elements, and Virulence Profile of Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Healthy Philippine Native Chicken as Revealed by Analysis of Whole Genome Sequence. The Philippine Agricultural Scientist. 108(1):13–24.
🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
Marine biologist Dr. Wilfredo Licuanan explains his team’s groundbreaking work in developing a new scale to assess coral reefs. The new letter-grade scale replaces the outdated standards and helps scientists, policymakers, and citizen scientists better understand reef health. This research has already influenced national guidelines and could reshape how we protect our reefs. #CoralReefsPH #MarineScience #FilipinoScientist #EcosystemServices
⌛Chapters
00:00 Starting the Conversation on Marine Research
00:30 Podcast and Partners Introduction
04:01 Introduction to the Shore Center and Projects
07:47 Citizen Science and Coral Reef Monitoring
11:46 Introduction to the Monopod for Reef Surveys
17:57 Review of the Policy Brief on Coral Cover
30:04 Understanding Hard Corals and Coral Reefs
35:53 Understanding the Status of Coral Reefs
41:06 Changing Assessment Methods
46:15 Assessing Ecosystem Services
51:36 NAKER Program Projects
55:12 Research Challenges and Successes
01:01:05 Translating Science into Action
01:06:39 Advice for Beginning Researchers
📚Reference: Licuanan WY. 2020. New scales to guide the assessment of hard coral cover and diversity in the Philippines. The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, 27(2), 121-126.
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🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
Dr. Karmina Aquino reveals her groundbreaking study on geologic hydrogen in Zambales - a natural hydrogen gas released from rocks through water-rock interactions. Her research found one of the highest hydrogen outgassing rates ever measured globally. We also explore her path from geology to geochemistry, the role of ophiolites in hydrogen production, and the potential of geologic hydrogen as a future energy source for the Philippines.
⌛Chapters
00:00 Starting the Geologic Hydrogen Conversation
00:55 Podcast and Partners Introduction
04:10 A Scientist’s Journey
08:46 Geochemistry and Ophiolites Review
12:05 Understanding Geologic Hydrogen
15:08 Hydrogen Outgassing Review in Zambales
18:02 Zambales Study Results and Information
33:36 Geologic Hydrogen Studies
36:36 Hydrogen Applications in Energy
41:17 Fieldwork and Communication Challenges
51:16 Fieldwork Experiences
58:47 Ongoing Projects and Scholarships
📚Reference: Aquino, K. A., Juego, C. M. M., Tagle, Y. G. M., Leong, J. A. M., & Codillo, E. A. (2025). High hydrogen outgassing from an ophiolite-hosted seep in Zambales, Philippines. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 105, 360-366.
🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
Dr. Pamela Tolentino breaks down her decade-long research on sustainable river management in the Philippines. From river migration and sediment flow to flood risk and dike failure, she shares how new data, geomorphic insights, and nature-based solutions can reshape how we manage our waterways. We also talk about her journey from biology to geology to fluvial geomorphology, and the challenges of publishing, policymaking, and creating a national river database.
⌛Chapters
00:00 Starting the River Conversation
00:38 Podcast and Partners Introduction
03:50 Journey as a Scientist
09:56 PhD and Scholarship Review
15:04 Introduction to the River Project
18:49 Key Points in River Management
31:09 Technologies and Policies in River Management
37:55 Using Communication Technology
38:51 Introduction to Studies and Results
40:34 River Management and Strategies
43:35 Analyzing Historical Data and Flood Estimation
46:30 Studying Different Types of Rivers
49:50 Impact of Structures on River Management
52:43 Building a Community of River Practitioners
55:08 Reviewing Experiences and Challenges
01:00:55 Writing Research and Planning
01:07:22 Next Steps and Community Inclusion
01:10:25 Promoting River Awareness
📚Reference: Tolentino, P. L. M., Williams, R. D. and Brierley, G. J. (2025) Reconfiguring River Management in the Philippines. Project Report. University of Glasgow.
🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
How do scientists make sure our weather radars are actually accurate? In this episode, climatologist Dr. Irene Crisologo explains how she used satellite data to calibrate ground-based weather radars in the Philippines and overcoming challenges like beam blockage from mountains and urban structures. We also trace her journey from physics to geology and climatology, and how she turned her love for drawing into science communication. #RadarScience #ClimatePH #ScienceCommunication #PinoyScientist
⌛Chapters
00:00 Radar and Satellite Analysis of Rain
00:50 Podcast and Partners Introduction
04:00 Meet Our Guest
09:35 Moving from Physics to Geology and Climatology
13:20 Developing Radar Research and Science Communication
19:53 Understanding Beam Blockage and Radar Measurements
28:49 Introduction to Dr. Irene's Research
32:40 Analysis of Rain Measuring Instruments
34:44 Importance of Calibration in Radar Data
42:02 Analysis and Calibration Methods
48:49 Data Access and Research Challenges
52:31 Research and Analysis Experiences
58:06 Tips for Beginning Researchers
📚Reference:
Crisologo, I., Warren, R. A., Mühlbauer, K., & Heistermann, M. (2018). Enhancing the consistency of spaceborne and ground-based radar comparisons by using beam blockage fraction as a quality filter. Atmospheric Measurement Techniques, 11(9), 5223-5236.
🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
What happens to marine life when the ocean turns more acidic and hotter? In this episode, marine scientist Jerwin Baure shares the results of his experiments on sea cucumbers and top shells under warming and acidification conditions. He also explains why even “no significant results” matter, and how social media became a tool for science communication and activism. From his research journey at UP Marine Science Institute to his insights on mangroves, seagrass, and blue carbon ecosystems, this episode is packed with climate and coastal science insights every Filipino should hear. #OceanAcidification #ClimateSciencePH #MarineBiology
📚Reference: 1) Baure, J. G., Roleda, M. Y., & Juinio-Meñez, M. A. (2023). Short-term exposure to independent and combined acidification and warming elicits differential responses from two tropical seagrass-associated invertebrate grazers. Marine Biology, 170(9), 114.
2) Baure, J. G., Roleda, M. Y., & Juinio-Meñez, M. A. (2024). Benthic diatom response to short-term acidification and warming influenced by grazing and nutrients. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 208, 116956.
⌛Chapters
00:00 Global Warming and Ocean Acidification
00:45 Podcast and Partners Introduction
04:01 Meet Our Guest
06:38 Jerwin's Journey as a Scientist
09:13 Examining the Importance of Fisheries
11:29 Examining Social Media and Science
14:51 Connecting Ecology and Social Science
17:37 Introduction to Jerwin's Studies
19:50 Understanding Ocean Acidification
22:35 Impact of Ocean Acidification on Organisms
27:52 Importance of Sea Cucumbers and Top Shells
29:59 Experimental Setup and Methodology
34:52 Experimental Results
35:50 Studying the Impact of Acidification and Warming
42:32 Second Paper: Benthic Diatoms and Biomass
48:18 Challenges in Conducting Research
01:01:30 Publishing Results and Their Importance
01:08:43 Supporting Campaigns for the Environment
🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
✍️ Submit your research:The Philippine Agricultural Scientist
In this episode, we dive into the cultural and scientific story of Plumeria (Kalachuchi) with Filipino researcher Mr. Darel Antesco. Learn why this iconic flower is seen so differently in Hawaii vs. the Philippines, and discover the unique characteristics of 2 species of Plumeria found in the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Darel also shares his journey from Bukidnon to Los Baños to Hawaii to Japan and the urgent need for more agricultural research in the Philippines. #Plumeria #AgriculturePH #FilipinoScientist #Kalachuchi
⌛Chapters
00:00 Importance of Plumeria in Culture
01:00 Partners
03:50 Sir Darrell's Journey into Science
05:47 Getting Started in Agriculture
09:56 Importance of Agriculturists
15:53 Differences in Agriculture in Other Countries
19:48 Importance of Agricultural Research
25:07 Study on Plumeria and Results
30:03 Importance of Morphological Characterization
33:39 Study on Plumeria
40:33 Importance and Use of Plumeria
43:59 Invasive Species and Environment
44:15 Research Methodology
55:08 Results and Implications of Research
01:00:11 Advice for Those Who Want to Do Research
📚Reference:
Antesco DK et al. 2025. Morphological Characterization, Pollen Viability, and Germinability Evaluation of Two Plumeria Species in the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The Philippine Agricultural Scientist 108(1): 91-99.
► https://doi.org/10.62550/FD28036024
🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
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In this episode, Dr. Villarino discussed the impacts of impacts of climate change outcomes on Filipinos’ mental health and well-being.
⌛Chapters
00:00 Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth
03:06 Dr. Villarino's Journey
05:59 Importance of Mental Health in the Age of Climate Change
08:56 Differences between Mental Health and Physical Health
11:46 Stigma and Misconceptions in Mental Health
14:55 Importance of Cultural Context in Mental Health
18:03 Analysis of Mental Health Disorders
20:52 Help-Seeking and Resilience
23:59 Expanding Knowledge on Mental Health
26:49 Analysis of the Relationship between Climate Change and Mental Health
29:39 Importance of Health in Climate
32:48 Mental Health and Climate Change
37:31 Impact of Disasters on Mental Health
41:05 Post-Traumatic Growth vs. Post-Traumatic Stress
45:22 Research Analysis Strategies
48:53 Tips for Beginning Researchers
52:28 Promoting Local Research
📚Reference:
Villarino, R. T., Hozhabri, K., Saint-Onge, K., & Bernard, P. (2024). A systematic review of mental health and climate change in the Philippines. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 101, Article 104191.
🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, and Liknayan Podcast.
Mr. Clint Petilla discussed the unique characteristics of Typhoon Odette and its impacts on the Philippines. The research focuses on landfalling tropical cyclones from 1979 to 2020, and how these provide context for the uniqueness of Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai).
⌛Chapters
00:00 Analysis of Typhoons That Have Passed Through the Philippines
05:36 A Scientist's Journey
19:12 Studying the Unique Characteristics of Typhoon Odette
30:21 Findings on the Typhoon
34:03 Data Analysis and Quality
40:46 Challenges in Typhoon Analysis
45:30 Importance of Observational Data
52:23 The Study Publishing Process
56:27 Future Research
59:33 Advice for Aspiring Researchers
📚Reference:
Petilla, C. E. R., Olaguera, L. M. P., Cruz, F. A. T., Villarin, J. R. T., Fudeyasu, H., Yoshida, R., & Matsumoto, J. (2025). The unique features of Typhoon Rai (2021): an observational study. Natural Hazards, 1-25.
🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, and Liknayan Podcast.
Dr. Licuanan discussed the current status of Tubbataha Reef, specifically the increase in microalgae and other organisms affecting the reef's benthic cover. He also discussed the possible causes of these changes such as increased nutrient levels from seabird guano.
⌛Chapters
00:00 Tubbataha Reef
12:27 Studying Tubbataha Benthic Cover
20:59 Changes in Coral Reefs
32:15 Analyzing Nutrient Inputs
39:30 Research Challenges
44:24 Advice for Young Researchers
📚Reference:
Cadiz MM et al. 2024. Recent Changes (2018–2022) in Benthic Cover in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Sulu Sea, the Philippines. Philipp J Sci 153(6B): 2209–2239.
🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, and Liknayan Podcast.
