Environment

Soft corals, which are members of the class Octocorallia, are major components of marine ecosystems, including coral reefs. They are known to contribute to reef complexity and serve as habitats for many organisms. They also have potential economic benefits, such as being sources of compounds that can be used for making medicine, and due to […]

Tropical cyclones hundreds of kilometers away from the Philippines are often more responsible for heavy rainfall than those that hit the country directly during the annual “Habagat” or southwest monsoon season from July to September, according to new research. The findings undermine the widely-held public misconception that only tropical cyclones that directly hit the country

By Tessa R. Salazar July 14 is Shark Awareness Day, an annual event held to raise awareness about the importance of sharks in marine ecosystems and to promote their conservation. This day aims to dispel myths and fears surrounding sharks, highlighting their vital role in maintaining the balance of our oceans. We could also note

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is a process in which groundwater from land seeps into the ocean, transporting freshwater, nutrients, metals, and even pollutants into marine ecosystems. The diverse microbial communities in these SGD sites make them hotspots for biological and chemical activity, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Studying these microorganisms helps scientists

Near the eastern coast of Luzon, Philippines, located 50 meters below the sea surface, is Benham Bank, an underwater seamount taller than Mt. Apo. Benham Bank contains one of the richest mesophotic (or deep) coral ecosystems in the Philippines. One would not expect biodiversity to thrive here, considering the eastern coast of the Philippines is

Groundwater—water trapped beneath the Earth’s surface—is a resource that may be out of sight, but certainly not out of mind for many Filipinos. This invisible resource is vital for everyday life, especially in agriculture, where it provides the lifeblood for irrigation. However, as our demand for food grows and technology allows us to tap deeper

Box jellyfishes are known for their distinctive box-like appearance and potent venom, which can cause severe stings and fatalities. In the Philippines, many coastal communities are well aware of the dangers posed by box jellyfishes, but Filipino scientists noted that the government does not have a systematic plan to address this issue. Based on previous

Students and researchers from the University of the Philippines-Diliman recently participated in the “Commservation Workshop,” a 2-day event focused on the basics of science communication and conservation. The workshop was organized by the UPD College of Science (UPD-CS) in collaboration with the non-profit organization Save Philippine Seas (SPS). The workshop is designed to build the

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), in collaboration with Paralympic swimmer Ernie Gawilan successfully concluded the “Start Your Impossible” National Coastal Cleanup and Mangrove Planting Day last Dec. 14. The event, held in 33 locations across the Philippines, aimed to inspire communities to protect marine ecosystems and tackle coastal pollution, supporting Gawilan’s social commitment as a Global

MSI researchers collect sediment samples from coastal areas for laboratory analysis to detect the presence of microplastic particles (Photo credit: Microbial Oceanography Laboratory) A documentary featuring projects of the University of the Philippines-Diliman College of Science’s Marine Science Institute (UPD-CS MSI) received the best science and technology investigative story (audio-visual) trophy at the Department of