Behind The Science Podcast

In this episode of Behind the Science Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Carlos Primero Gundran to talk about disaster preparedness and response in the Philippines. He shares insights on the role of simulation training in preparing agencies for emergencies, the challenges of limited resources, and overlapping mandates. Drawing from his background in emergency medicine, Dr. Gundran highlights practical solutions and lessons learned that can help agencies and researchers strengthen disaster preparedness and save lives.📚Reference: Gundran CPD, Lam HY, Tuazon ACA, Cleofas JV, Garcia FB, Puli TEM. 2023. Simulation Training Needs Assessment for Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Response among selected agencies in National Capital Region, Philippines. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 94(2023):103824. doi:10.1016/j.ijdrr.2023.103824.🤝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.

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Edjohn Aaron Macauyag about his research on developing a low-cost technique to synthesize Bst DNA polymerase —an enzyme for detecting diseases like COVID-19— and reducing costs by over 90% using home ingredients like egg whites and powdered milk.📚Reference: San Pedro VM, Cañas VA, Garcia JR, Lopez C, Zulueta M, Macauyag EA. 2025. A low-cost production method for Bst DNA polymerase (large fragment). SciEnggJ. 18(1):20–27.‌🤝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.

In this episode of Behind the Science Podcast, we talk with Dr. Melanie Villarao about her study “Reproductive Biology and Population Dynamics of Largehead Hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus Linnaeus, 1758) in Babuyan Channel, Philippines.” They analyzed nearly 2,600 specimens of T. lepturus to determine sex ratio, fecundity, spawning seasonality, length at first maturity, and key population parameters that are essential for the sustainable management of this important commercial species.📚Reference: Villarao MC, Gumiran E, Encarnacion AB. 2023. Population Dynamics of Shortfin Scad (Decapterus macrosoma) Bleeker 1851 in Babuyan Channel, Philippines. The Philippine Journal of Fisheries 30(2):212-228.🤝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.

In this episode of Behind the Science Podcast, we talked with Dr. Maria Victoria M. Sumagang about her study, “A P-graph Approach for Planning Sustainable Rice Straw Management Networks”, which received the 2025 Outstanding Scientific Paper Award by the National Academy of Science and Technology. The Philippines generates over 15 million tons of rice straw annually, much of which is still burned in fields or left to decompose—both major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Dr. Sumagang discusses how she applied the P-graph decision support framework to evaluate sustainable and profitable alternatives for rice straw utilization, including mushroom production, pellets, and fodder.📚Reference: Migo-Sumagang MV, Promentilla MA. 2024. A P-graph Approach for Planning Sustainable Rice Straw Management Networks. The Philippine Agricultural Scientist. 107(3):253–265. 🤝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.

In this episode, I talked with my twin brother Dr. Philip Flores about his research on developing a method to discriminate chiral molecules by shining a laser to the molecule and measuring the ejected electron's spin.📚Reference: Flores, P. C. M., Carlström, S., Patchkovskii, S., Ivanov, M., Mujica, V., Ordonez, A. F., & Smirnova, O. (2025). Enantiosensitive locking of photoelectron spin and cation orientation. arXiv preprint arXiv:2505.22433.⚛️ Learn physics with Pinoy Physicists at Liknayan Podcast🤝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.

This episode of Behind The Science Podcast features Engr. Harold Aquino and his research on quantifying the impacts of earthquake disasters on the building construction sector using a SARIMA-based counterfactual analysis. 📚Reference: Aquino DHM, Domingo N, Atapattu C. 2025. Evaluating the impacts of earthquake disasters on the building construction sector: a SARIMA-based counterfactual analysis. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction. 127:105695. doi:10.1016/j.ijdrr.2025.105695.🤝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.

In this episode, we talk with Mr. Erlo Matorres about the realities of coral reef restoration in the Philippines. We discussed the challenges practitioners face, such as the limited understanding of the guidelines and necessary permits before implementing a restoration project.📚Reference: Matorres DE, Fabinyi M, Horigue V, Novilla CT, Baria-Rodriguez MV. 2024. Institutional dimensions of coral reef restoration in the Philippines. Environmental Science & Policy. 156:103734.🤝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.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Justine Domingo about the pressing need to balance the Philippines’ rich mineral potential with the protection of its ecosystems in the context of climate change and natural hazards. The episode explores critical environmental research challenges in the mining sector, including the lack of baseline data and the limitations of current monitoring frameworks. We highlight potential research pathways such as catchment-scale characterisation, sediment transport modeling, water quality monitoring, and many more.📚Reference: Domingo JPT, Jenkin GRT, Quick L, Williams RD, Hudson-Edwards KA, Tortajada C, et al. Sustainable mining in tropical, biodiverse landscapes: environmental challenges and opportunities in the archipelagic Philippines. Journal of Cleaner Production. 468:143114–143114. 🤝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.

In this episode, Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos shares his journey as a fisheries scientist, the importance of scientific publishing, how to publish in The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and the challenges faced by local journals in reaching global recognition.📚How to publish in The Philippine Journal of Fisheries: ► https://nfrdi.da.gov.ph/tpjf/🤝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 long can rabbit meat stay safe without refrigeration? 🐇In this episode of Behind the Science Podcast, we talk with Ms. Marielle Vergara about the changes in the bacterial load, pH, color, and other quality parameters of rabbit meat over time without refrigeration. The study determined how long the rabbit meat can be exposed to ambient conditions from the time of slaughtering until it is sold in the market. The findings provide critical insights for food safety, storage guidelines, and quality control, especially for farmers and processors in the Philippines.📚Reference: Gamboa M, Santiago DM, Sulabo AS, Torio MA. 2024. Microbiological and Physicochemical Changes in Rabbit Meat During Ambient Storage. The Philippine Agricultural Scientist 107(2):89–101.‌🤝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.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Leonila Bautista about her study that estimated the epicenters and magnitudes of 485 earthquakes that occurred in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period by analyzing more than 6,000 historical accounts.📚Reference: Bautista, M. L. P., & Oike, K. (2000). Estimation of the magnitudes and epicenters of Philippine historical earthquakes. Tectonophysics, 317(1-2), 137-169. 🤝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.

Mr. Zenon Richard Mateo explains how earthquakes from the Philippine Fault shaped the shoreline of Lingayen Gulf during the past 2,400 years.📚Reference: Mateo, Z. R. P., & Siringan, F. P. (2007). ⁠⁠Tectonic control of high-frequency Holocene delta switching and fluvial migration in Lingayen Gulf bayhead, northwestern Philippines⁠⁠. Journal of Coastal Research, 23(1), 182-194.🤝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.

In this episode, Mr. Christian Lualhati talked about his research on methane emissions from carabaos and how probiotics can play a key role in improving ruminant nutrition and reducing environmental impact.📚Reference: Lualhati, C. V., Managa, K. R. D., Castillo, C. I., Llantada, P. L. T., & Del Barrio, A. N. (2025). Effects of Probiotic Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Enteric Methane Emission of Growing Dairy Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis L.).🤝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.

In this episode, we explore marine natural products with Dr. Lilibeth Salvador-Reyes, a professor from UP Diliman. She shares insights into her research on cyanobacterial-inspired peptides, which are small molecules derived from cyanobacteria that could have biomedical applications.📚Reference: Casanova, J.R., Villaraza, A.J.L., & Salvador-Reyes, L.A. (18 March 2024). Synthesis and biological evaluation of cyanobacterial-inspired peptides. SciEnggJ, 17 (Supplement), 43-88. 🤝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.

In this episode, we talk with Engr. Isaac Besarra about his study on flood risk in Carigara, Leyte under future climate change scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5.📚Reference: Besarra, I., Opdyke, A., Mendoza, J.E., Delmendo, P.A., Santiago, J., Evangelista, D.J., Lagmay, A.M.F.A., 2025. The Cost of Flooding on Housing Under Climate Change in the Philippines: Examining Projected Damage at the Local Scale. Journal of Environmental Management. 🤝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.

Can hot weather really cause brain aneurysms? In this episode, neurosurgeon Dr. Juan Silvestre Pascual discusses his study on the meteorological factors affecting aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the Philippines.📚Reference: Pascual JSG, Khu KO, Brillante EB, Te JT, Racoma BB, Ignacio KD, Legaspi GD. Meteorological Factors Affecting Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Surgical Specialties, 80, 1, January – June 2025.🤝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. Nia Santos shares how she used both genetics and morphology to identify the freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium spp.) in Cairawan River Antique. With 11 species identified, the highest number of species reported from a single river, this study highlights the ecological value of Philippine rivers and their potential for sustainable fisheries.📚Reference: Santos MNM, Wowor D, Ikeda M, Padilla PI and Romana-Eguia MRR. 2024. Morphological and genetic diversity assessment of freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium spp.) in the Cairawan River, Antique Province, Philippines. The Philippine Journal of Fisheries 31(1). DOI:10.31398/tpjf/30.2.2023-0009.🤝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.

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.

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.‌

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.