UP Biologists Set Up First DNA Segments to Monitor In-demand Seafood

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One of the Sustainable Development Goals created by the United Nations is to “end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.” Aquaculture, the practice of farming aquatic animals and plants such as fish and seaweed, plays a critical role in achieving food security. The Philippines and the entire Indo-Pacific region are home to various fish species with significant aquaculture potential and increased seafood consumption, therefore requiring genetic monitoring to ensure their populations’ long-term stability.

Recognizing the need to develop sustainable management approaches for the country’s emerging aquaculture species, biologists from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) continued monitoring and conservation efforts for these fish species by generating their microsatellite markers.

Shenna Kate Torres, Verinna Charisse Mangonon, and Maria Theresa Tengco of the UPD-CS Institute of Biology (IB), and project leader Dr. Brian Santos of both IB and the Natural Sciences Research Institute (NSRI), developed microsatellite markers for Caranx ignobilis, locally known as maliputo or talakitok in some parts of the country.

The biologists chose maliputo for their study due to its high value as seafood. According to researchers from the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), the species’ relatively large body size and excellent meat quality have high market value, contributing significantly to the Philippines’ economic growth. Being a high-value species, maliputo has been cultured in captivity through the initiatives of the DA-NFRDI, through the Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center. “As it became a target fish, studying its biology is important to prevent overexploitation and to ensure sustainable aquaculture practices,” Torres added.

A microsatellite is a short segment of DNA that repeats multiple times in a row at a specific genomic location, as defined by the National Human Genome Research Institute. “Molecular markers, like microsatellites, act as tools to identify which populations are adapting well to their environment and to determine how different groups are related to each other," explained Torres.

The research results can enhance the aquaculture production of maliputo in the Philippines. “If we want to expand aquaculture practices for this species, genetic diversity studies can pinpoint seed stock populations or breeders with high genetic variation, or what we can call fit breeders,” Torres explained. “By selecting these diverse and fit breeders, we can enhance the resilience and growth rates of the farmed fish populations.” Maintaining a healthy fish population can also reduce environmental impact and lead to cost savings.

Apart from enhancing the aquaculture production of maliputo, the microsatellite markers can be used to analyze the population structure of the fish species, which can help infer whether distinct populations of maliputo exist in the Philippines. Knowing the population structure provides a basis for management strategies to conserve and sustainably manage the fish population.

The team of biologists aims to utilize microsatellites and other genetic markers to analyze wild and hatchery-grown populations of maliputo across the Philippines. Torres is also examining the genetic differences between marine and freshwater populations of maliputo. By understanding the genetics of maliputo populations and their environmental adaptations, Filipinos can develop better strategies for sustainable production and genetic marker-assisted breeding.

Their paper, “Development and Characterization of 12 Microsatellite Markers for an Economically Important Fish, Caranx ignobilis, in the Philippines,” was published in GENAQUA, a journal featuring research in the genetics and molecular biology on aquatic organisms.

Photo above is Caranx ignobilis, locally known as maliputo, became an economically important species in the Philippines due to its high value as a food fish. (Photo credit: Shenna Kate Torres)

Sustainable Living for the Modern Consumer

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As concerns about climate change, environmental degradation, and resource depletion continue to grow, more and more consumers are seeking ways to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Gone are the days when ‘going green’ was seen as an eccentric or impractical choice - today, sustainable living has gone mainstream, with a wealth of innovative products, services, and practices making eco-friendly choices accessible to the average person.

Whether you are looking hot Sydney Escorts to reduce your carbon footprint, minimize waste, or simply live a more conscious and ethical life, there are countless opportunities to integrate sustainable habits into your daily routine. Read this guest post further which explores some of the latest trends and strategies for sustainable living that any modern consumer can embrace.

Reducing Household Waste

Minimizing waste is another crucial component of sustainable living. From food scraps to packaging materials, the average household generates a staggering amount of trash that often ends up in landfills or the oceans. Fortunately, there are myriad ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle in order to lighten one’s environmental footprint.

Composting food waste, for instance, diverts organic matter from landfills and transforms it into nutrient-rich soil for gardening and landscaping. Many municipalities now offer curbside composting programs, while countertop composters make it easy to manage food scraps right at home.

When it comes to recyclables, it's important to stay up-to-date on your local recycling guidelines, as the rules can vary considerably by region. Many communities including beautiful independent AU escorts now accept items like electronic waste, textiles, typical paper, plastic, and glass and even hard-to-recycle plastics through specialized recycling initiatives.

For those looking to take their waste reduction efforts to the next level, the ‘zero waste’ lifestyle encourages eliminating all non-biodegradable trash through a combination of reuse, recycling, and conscious consumption. While achieving a truly zero waste household may be challenging, adopting even a few zero waste practices can have a meaningful impact.

Embracing the Sharing Economy

The rise of the sharing economy has also opened up new sustainable living opportunities for modern consumers. Services that enable the collaborative use of goods and assets, rather than individual ownership, can dramatically reduce resource consumption and wastage.

Take transportation, for example. Rather than owning a personal vehicle that sits idle most of the time, many urbanites are opting to rely on car-sharing, bike-sharing, and ridesharing services. Not only does this reduce the environmental footprint associated with vehicle production and maintenance, but it also eases traffic congestion and the demand for parking space.

Similarly, the proliferation of peer-to-peer platforms for renting accommodations, tools, and other items has empowered consumers to access what they need without the burdens of individual ownership. By tapping into a shared pool of resources, we can maximize utility while minimizing waste.

Rethinking Consumption Habits

One of the foundational pillars of sustainable living is a shift in mindset around consumption. Rather than defaulting to disposable, single-use items, savvy consumers are increasingly favoring durable, reusable alternatives. Items like water bottles, shopping bags, food storage containers, and eating utensils made from recycled or compostable materials have become staples in many households.

Beyond rethinking the physical products people use, sustainable living also encourages a more intentional and thoughtful approach to your overall purchasing decisions. This might mean doing research to ensure the brands and companies you support align with your values around environmental protection, fair labor practices, and ethical sourcing. 

Apps like Good on You and Buycott make it easier than ever to access information about a company's sustainability credentials and make more informed choices as a consumer. As the demand for Oklute India escorts service transparency and accountability grow, people see a rise in direct-to-consumer brands that prioritize sustainability as a core part of their business model.

Investing in Renewable Energy

One of the most impactful sustainable living choices a consumer can make is transitioning to renewable energy sources for their home or business. Solar power, in particular, has become an increasingly viable and accessible option, with falling panel prices, improved energy storage solutions, and attractive government incentives making it a smart investment for many property owners.

Beyond rooftop solar, some utility providers now offer customers the ability to source their electricity from renewable wind, hydroelectric, or geothermal sources - a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint without any major home upgrades.

For renters or those unable to install solar panels, community solar programs provide an alternative path to renewable energy access. By pooling resources and sharing the benefits, these initiatives bring the advantages of solar power to a wider segment of the population.

As sustainable living continues to evolve, people are likely to see even more innovative products, services, and business models emerge to cater to the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions. By staying informed, making mindful choices, and inspiring those around us, each of us can play a role in building a more sustainable future. ___________________________________________

Converge Boosts Fighting Maroons with Team Shuttles

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Converge ICT Solutions, a solid supporter of the UP Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT), turned over two shuttles to the Fighting Maroons for their mobility needs.

Converge Brand and Marketing Head Orange Ramirez and Senior Marketing Services Specialist Joven Quintana handed over the keys to the shuttles to UP officials led by President Atty. Jijil Jimenez, UP Diliman Chancellor Atty. Carlo Vistan and UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development director Bo Perasol in a simple turnover ceremony. The event was also attended by nowheretogobutUP Foundation officials led by Chairman Jed Eva, the UP Fighting Maroons and their coaches.

UP Fighting Maroons assistant team manager Hyatt Basman expressed the team’s appreciation for Converge’s generosity.

“As always, we are grateful and appreciative of Converge’s support all through these years, especially during the pandemic,” said Basman. “This will not just be of great help to the basketball team, but to other UP varsity teams as well.”

UP OASD director Perasol also thanked Converge for their initiative and unwavering support.

“First of all, we want to thank Sir Dennis Uy and the Converge family for their support. But most importantly, for being there for us and with us during tough times while we were in the middle of the pandemic.”

Converge first entered into a partnership with the UP Fighting Maroons in 2020 when they provided free internet access to UP students during the days of distance learning only. The connectivity provided by Converge helped students weather the demands and difficulties of remote learning during that time, through Kaagapay UP.