Ep72 - Inside the Macolod Corridor: Where is the Magma Coming From?
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.⌛ Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Makulod Corridor00:45 Podcast Introduction and Partners04:14 Research Experience and Education]09:52 Studying Magma and Eruption Dynamics15:47 Primitive Magma and Its Importance21:59 Monogenetic and Polygenetic Volcanoes27:55 Rock Analysis and Fieldwork34:02 Research Challenges39:56 Analyzing and Publishing Results45:58 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.
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Ep71 - Can you exercise during pregnancy?
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.⌛Chapters00:46 Podcast Introduction and Partners04:02 Dr. Clarissa Velayo's Journey into Medicine14:09 Review of Dr. Velayo's Study on Sheng Zhen Gong16:36 Understanding Shen Zhen Gong and its Benefits21:00 Study Methodology and Results24:01 Exercise Results in Pregnancy29:48 Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy34:58 Funding and Preparing for a Study38:13 Challenges in Conducting a Study43:48 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.
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Ep70 - Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Found in Native Chickens
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.⌛Chapters00:00 Introduction to Native Chicken and Antibiotics00:35 Podcast and Partners Introduction03:04 Scientific Journals and Publications05:55 Dr. Rina's Journey into Science08:46 Getting Started in Microbiology11:56 Graduate School Training14:53 Finding the Right School18:09 U.S. Experience and Research21:06 Study of Antibiotic Resistance24:10 Introduction to the Study of Enterobacteria26:57 Genetic Basis of Antibiotic Resistance29:50 Importance of Philippine Native Chicken37:10 Transmission of Microbes from Animals to Humans40:54 Farm Management and Prevention of the Spread of Microbes42:20 Antibiotic Resistance and Chicken Health45:50 Concerns about Broiler Chickens and Bacteria47:25 Risks to Farmers and Training50:04 Funding and Support for Research52:09 Laboratory Safety Standards55:44 Study of Chickens and Microbes01:01:04 Analysis of the Prevalence of MDRs01:02:48 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.
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Ep69 - A new grading system to measure the health of coral reefs
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⌛Chapters00:00 Starting the Conversation on Marine Research00:30 Podcast and Partners Introduction04:01 Introduction to the Shore Center and Projects07:47 Citizen Science and Coral Reef Monitoring11:46 Introduction to the Monopod for Reef Surveys17:57 Review of the Policy Brief on Coral Cover30:04 Understanding Hard Corals and Coral Reefs35:53 Understanding the Status of Coral Reefs41:06 Changing Assessment Methods46:15 Assessing Ecosystem Services51:36 NAKER Program Projects55:12 Research Challenges and Successes01:01:05 Translating Science into Action01:06:39 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.
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Ep68 - Geologic hydrogen: a possible renewable energy source in Zambales
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.⌛Chapters00:00 Starting the Geologic Hydrogen Conversation00:55 Podcast and Partners Introduction04:10 A Scientist’s Journey08:46 Geochemistry and Ophiolites Review12:05 Understanding Geologic Hydrogen15:08 Hydrogen Outgassing Review in Zambales18:02 Zambales Study Results and Information33:36 Geologic Hydrogen Studies36:36 Hydrogen Applications in Energy41:17 Fieldwork and Communication Challenges51:16 Fieldwork Experiences58:47 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.
Every research paper holds more than just data. It carries years of dedication, sleepless nights, and setbacks. Behind The Science Podcast takes you beyond the published pages and into the real stories of discovery.
In partnership with the UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.
New episode every Thursday at 7:00 PM.