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.

🤝Follow the DLSU Br. Alfred Shields FSC Ocean Research Center on Youtube and Facebook.

🤝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

The Philippine Journal of Fisheries

SciEnggJ

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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