UPD-CS scientists feted for pioneering genomics research in the Philippines

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UP Scientists feted for pioneering genomics work
(From L-R) PGC Executive Director Dr. Cynthia Saloma, DOST Undersecretary Dr. Leah Buendia, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato Solidum, DOH Director of Epidemiology Bureau Dr. Alethea De Guzman, and DA Biotech Program Office Director Dr. Claro Mingala discuss the latest developments in Philippine genomics. (Photo credit: Shedy Masayon, UPD-CS SciComm)

From shedding light on mythological creatures to helping fight crime, the Philippine-led study of the basic building blocks of life has come a very
long way. Ever since the inception of the country’s genomics program in 2009, scientists from the University of the Philippines Diliman – College of Science (UPD-CS) have been advancing the country’s genomics research in many surprising ways.


UPD-CS scientists lead the way

Major outbreaks worldwide, such as dengue, SARS, and H1N1, brought the Philippines to realize the vital role of genomic research in predicting, diagnosing, and treating diseases before they spread to a greater degree.

In the same year that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) set the country's genomics agenda, UP established the Philippine Genome Center (PGC), which aims to improve the quality of the lives of Filipinos through
genomics-focused multidisciplinary research. PGC was founded by four scientists, two of whom are from the UPD-CS: Dr. Gisela Concepcion of the Marine Science Institute (MSI) and Dr. Cynthia Saloma of the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB), who also currently serves as the Center’s Executive Director.

UPD-CS scientists also helm the PGC’s Executive Committee: Institute of Biology’s (IB’s) Dr. Neil Andrew Bascos, Director of the Protein, Proteomics, and Metabolomics Facility, and Dr. Michael Velarde, Director of the Biobank Core Facility; and Natural Science Research Institute’s
(NSRI’s) Dr. Maria Corazon De Ungria, Director of Biodiversity, Ethnicity, and Forensics.


Genomics in justice, mythology, and beyond

In DOST’s recent press conference, "From Labs to Lives: Impact of DOST-led Genomics Program in PH,” held on April 14 at the PGC, UPD-CS scientists presented and discussed the significant milestones and progress that the Philippines’ genomics program has achieved over the last decade.

In particular, Dr. De Ungria showcased the NSRI DNA Analysis Laboratory’s locally-developed sexual assault investigation kit (SAIK) that doctors can use to facilitate justice for victims. The event also highlighted advances in understanding and testing for dystonia parkinsonism, a rare genetic disease thought to be the basis for the “aswang” creatures of Philippine mythology. The speakers also touched on new studies in improving the breed and stock of Philippine cows implemented by the Philippine Carabao Center.

The event was capped by the unveiling of the PGC’s new Protein, Proteomics, and Metabolomics Facility (PPMF) that will enable the Center to further its research into the effects and end-products of genes’ functions in the body.

Filipino researchers have vastly expanded genomics applications in health care in the Philippines in various ways. Through their pioneering research studies and contribution to the genomics program of the country, UPD-CS
scientists continue to use science for national progress, embodying UP’s commitment to serving the Filipino people.

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact media@science.upd.edu.ph.

Have we stopped the spread of the Coronavirus?

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The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered virus. The outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and quickly spread to become a global pandemic. The virus has caused significant disruptions to daily life, and has resulted in millions of deaths worldwide. In this article, we will explore the coronavirus in detail, including its symptoms, transmission, treatment, prevention, and impact on society.


Symptoms:

The coronavirus primarily affects the respiratory system and can cause a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptoms include fever, cough, and fatigue. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, body aches, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the virus can cause pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and even death.

Transmission:

The coronavirus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can land on surfaces and objects, and other people can become infected by touching these surfaces and then touching their face. The virus can also be spread by people who are asymptomatic, meaning they show no symptoms but are still infected.


Treatment:

There is currently no specific treatment for the coronavirus. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care, such as oxygen therapy, for those with severe cases. Some antiviral drugs have shown promise in treating the virus, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is to practice good hygiene. This includes washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, wearing a mask in public places, and staying home if you are feeling unwell. Vaccines have also been developed to protect against the virus, and many countries have launched vaccination campaigns to immunize their populations.

Impact on Society:

The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on society, affecting nearly every aspect of daily life. Governments around the world have implemented measures such as lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing guidelines to slow the spread of the virus. These measures have had a major economic impact, causing job losses and business closures. The pandemic has also highlighted existing inequalities in healthcare and access to resources, particularly in marginalized communities. Despite the challenges, the pandemic has also spurred innovation in healthcare, education, and remote work, as people and organizations adapt to the new reality.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected the world in profound ways, and its impact will be felt for years to come. While the situation remains challenging, there is hope on the horizon with the development of vaccines and ongoing research into treatments. By continuing to follow public health guidelines and taking measures to protect ourselves and others, we can work towards a brighter future.

There are several vaccines that have been developed and authorized for use against the coronavirus. Here are some of the most common ones:

Pfizer-BioNTech: This vaccine is an mRNA-based vaccine that requires two doses, given 21 days apart. It has been authorized for use in many countries, including the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom.


Moderna: This vaccine is also an mRNA-based vaccine that requires two doses, given 28 days apart. It has been authorized for use in many countries, including the United States and European Union.


Johnson & Johnson: This vaccine is a viral vector vaccine that requires a single dose. It has been authorized for use in many countries, including the United States and European Union.


AstraZeneca: This vaccine is a viral vector vaccine that requires two doses, given 4-12 weeks apart. It has been authorized for use in many countries, including the United Kingdom, European Union, and India.


Sinovac: This vaccine is an inactivated virus vaccine that requires two doses, given 2-4 weeks apart. It has been authorized for use in many countries, including China, Indonesia, and Brazil.


Sinopharm: This vaccine is an inactivated virus vaccine that requires two doses, given 3-4 weeks apart. It has been authorized for use in many countries, including China and the United Arab Emirates.


Sputnik V: This vaccine is a viral vector vaccine that requires two doses, given 3 weeks apart. It has been authorized for use in many countries, including Russia and India.

Each of these vaccines has been shown to be effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from the coronavirus. However, the level of effectiveness may vary, and the safety and efficacy of each vaccine continue to be monitored and evaluated by regulatory agencies.

While the COVID-19 vaccines have been effective in reducing the spread of the virus and preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, they have not completely stopped the coronavirus.

It is important to note that the vaccines were developed to provide protection against the virus and to help slow the spread of the disease. They were not developed with the goal of completely eradicating the virus. While the vaccines have been successful in reducing the number of cases and hospitalizations, the virus is still circulating in many parts of the world, and there is still a risk of infection, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates or where new variants of the virus are emerging.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of the vaccines can be impacted by new variants of the virus that may be more transmissible or resistant to the vaccines. This underscores the need for ongoing surveillance and monitoring of the virus, as well as the development of new vaccines and treatments as needed.

Overall, the vaccines have been a crucial tool in the fight against the coronavirus, and widespread vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of the disease and reduce the impact of the pandemic. However, it is important to continue to follow public health guidelines, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing, particularly in areas with high transmission rates or low vaccination rates.

Cordyceps fungus causes zombie outbreak in The Last of Us

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The Last of Us is a popular video game that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the majority of humanity has been wiped out by a deadly virus.

“The Last of Us” on HBO envisions a pandemic with a twist: It's a fungus, not a virus that wipes out much of civilization with terrifying speed. The pathogen takes over the brains and bodies of infected people, turning them into violent monsters that sprout tendrils from their mouths.

The virus has transformed people into vicious, zombie-like creatures, who are referred to as the infected. The game follows the story of Joel, a smuggler, and Ellie, a young girl who is immune to the virus, as they try to survive and find a cure. But what caused the outbreak in the first place? In this article, we will explore the cause of the zombie outbreak in The Last of Us.

The cause of the outbreak in The Last of Us is a fictionalized version of the Cordyceps fungus. Cordyceps are a real fungus that infects insects, such as ants and beetles, and takes over their bodies. In The Last of Us, the Cordyceps fungus has mutated and can now infect humans, turning them into aggressive, zombie-like creatures.

The Cordyceps fungus in the game is highly contagious and is spread through spores that are released by infected individuals. Once a person inhales the spores, the fungus begins to grow and spread throughout their body, eventually taking over their brain and turning them into a "Clicker," one of the most dangerous types of infected in the game.

It is not entirely clear how the Cordyceps fungus mutated to infect humans in The Last of Us. However, it is suggested in the game that the fungus was originally developed as a biological weapon by the military to control populations. The weapon was supposed to target specific ethnic groups, but the fungus mutated and got out of control, infecting everyone in its path.

Another theory suggests that the fungus was spread accidentally by humans who were trying to study it. The fungus was being researched in a lab, and somehow, it escaped and infected the researchers. From there, it spread to the general population and caused the outbreak.

Regardless of how the outbreak started, the result was catastrophic. Within a short period, the world was plunged into chaos, and most of the population was wiped out. The few remaining survivors were forced to fend for themselves, living in fear of the infected and other dangers in the post-apocalyptic world.

In conclusion, the cause of the zombie outbreak in The Last of Us is a fictionalized version of the Cordyceps fungus. The fungus has mutated to infect humans, turning them into aggressive, zombie-like creatures that are highly contagious. While the exact cause of the outbreak is not entirely clear, it is suggested in the game that the fungus was developed as a biological weapon or spread accidentally through research. The outbreak resulted in the collapse of society and forced survivors to live in a world filled with danger and uncertainty.

When the Cordyceps fungus infects an insect, it takes over the host's body, manipulating its behavior to ensure the fungus's survival. For example, the fungus can cause the host to climb to a high location before dying, which increases the chances of spores spreading to other insects.

There are over 400 species of Cordyceps fungi, and they are found all over the world, particularly in tropical regions. The fungus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is believed to have various health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and improving energy levels.

While the Cordyceps fungus typically infects insects, there have been some documented cases of it infecting mammals, such as mice and rabbits. However, there has been no evidence to suggest that the fungus can infect humans.

In The Last of Us, the Cordyceps fungus has been fictionalized to infect humans, and the concept of a fungus taking over the human body is purely speculative. However, it is not entirely impossible for a fungus to infect humans, as there are many examples of fungi causing diseases in humans. For example, the fungus Candida can cause thrush and other infections, while Aspergillus can cause lung infections.

That being said, the idea of a fungus taking over the human body and turning them into a zombie-like creature is highly unlikely. The human immune system is incredibly complex and sophisticated, and it is designed to detect and destroy foreign invaders, such as fungi and viruses. While there have been cases of fungal infections in humans, the immune system is usually able to fight off the infection, particularly if it is caught early.

In conclusion, while the Cordyceps fungus is a real fungus that infects insects, there is no evidence to suggest that it can infect humans. The idea of a fungus taking over the human body and turning them into a zombie-like creature is purely speculative and highly unlikely. Nonetheless, the concept has provided an interesting and unique premise for The Last of Us video game.