A new way of looking at Payatas
By Christine Joyce S. Placino, Contributor
manilatimes.net
Monday, May 12, 2008

The mere mention of Payatas invites thoughts of shame and despair. On the infamous dumpsite is disposed Metro Manila’s solid waste. Payatas may not be a source of pride, but it might soon be known for something innovative.

The Payatas-based internationally recognized Biogas Emission Project will create an alternative source of energy by converting methane gas, More A new way of looking at Payatas

Ateneo scientists working on algae as biodiesel source
ABS-CBNNews.com
05/09/2008

Scientists at the Ateneo de Manila University are now working on the mass production of algae to produce alternative biodiesel.

Dr. Teresita Perez, chairwoman of Ateneo's Department of Environmental Science, heads the research on algal mass production to source out oil that can be a good alternative source of fuel.

Perez said the study still has a long way to go. She, however, said that scientists have already isolated potential algal species in the Philippines. More Ateneo scientists working on algae as biodiesel source

9 scientists, NGO get biotech awards
By Rudy A. Fernandez
Philstar.com
05/08/2008

Nine scientists and researchers have been conferred awards for their significant contributions to the national effort to broaden the frontiers of biotechnology in the country.

Also cited was the Palawan Center for Appropriate Rural Technology (PCART), a non-profit, non-government organization (NGO) in northern Palawan.

The nine scientists were cited as the “Most Inspiring Biotech Entrepreneurs” while PCART was conferred the “Most Inspiring Biotechnology Community” award by Hybridigm Consulting Inc., a biotechnology consulting firm, in partnership with Go Negosyo, an advocacy group of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE). More 9 scientists, NGO get biotech awards

RP sci-tech ‘brain drain’ nears critical level
manilatimes.net
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
 
DESPITE the relentless exit from the country of graduates in science and technology, the Philippines still maintains a critical mass of science and technology human resource, and its mass of science specialists is still below the critical level of brain drain.

According to the soon-to-be-published “Emigration of Science and Technology Educated Filipinos (1998-2006),” More RP sci-tech ‘brain drain’ nears critical level

'Malunggay' answer to raging food vs fuel debate, DA says
By Amy R. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:16:00 05/04/2008

MANILA, Philippines--The propagation of malunggay is seen as the best solution to ending the heated food versus fuel debate, according to a senior agriculture official.

Alicia Ilaga, director of the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program Office, said the so-called miracle plant is the only plant that can provide both biofuel and food at the same time. This versatile tree, in fact, is already attracting a slew of local and foreign investors because of its various uses.More 'Malunggay' answer to raging food vs fuel debate, DA says (Photo:nipahutgardens.net)

Sea sponge, snail study get P129-M grant
By Tessa Salazar
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:55:00 05/02/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Science and Technology, recognizing the medical potentials of one of the highest biodiverse seas in the world, has granted an initial P129 million to fund a group of marine scientists’ search for anti-pain and anti-infective agents from marine life.

The project, known as the Philippine Pharmaseas Drug Discovery Program, involves studying sponge-associated microorganisms for anti-infective agents, and turrid snails for anti-pain agents. More Sea sponge, snail study get P129-M grant

‘Leapfrogging’ the tricycle technology for a cleaner environment
STAR SCIENCE By J.B. Manuel M. Biona, Ph.D.
Thursday, April 24, 2008

Researchers at the Queen’s College-University of London last year could not hide their amusement at the sight of a tricycle with 10 people on board in one of my presentation slides. Tricycles are living testaments to Filipino ingenuity and have become an indispensable figure in day-to-day life for most of us. For a long time, two-stroke engines dominated the tricycle sector for their superior muscle and simplicity compared to their four-stroke counterparts. These engines, however, are designed to allow 15 to 40 percent of the fuel charge pumped to the cylinder to escape to the exhaust port, thus their significantly higher and toxic emissions. This phenomenon is more commonly referred to as “short-circuiting” and is the major culprit behind their poor fuel economy. More ‘Leapfrogging’ the tricycle technology for a cleaner environment