On Friday, September 19, 2024 at 13.00-14.30 WIB, Gentalk 5 was held. The event was held at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. The event was aimed at Formasigen students and the general public.. Gentalk serves as a platform for active discussion and knowledge-sharing between alumni or seniors and Formasigen students, as well as the public, focusing on topics related to ongoing undergraduate thesis research. The speaker in Gentalks 5 are Karso Suryo Putro, S.Si. and Vida Rahma Latifah, S.Si., alumni of the Faculty of Biology UGM, class of 2020 and under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., as their undergraduate thesis supervisor.

The event began with an introduction by the MC, Thoriq Abdul Halim, who serves as the Head of the Scientific Division of the GenomCity 2024 Cabinet. The session continued with a presentation by the first speaker, Vida Rahma Latifah, S.Si., on her undergraduate thesis research topic entitled “Identification of Climacteric Behaviour in Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Based on The Expression of Ethylene-Related Genes.” Vida explained that study aims to study changes in phenotypic traits related to ripening in different melon cultivars, to investigate the expression profile of ethylene-related genes in different melon cultivars during fruit development, and to identify the type of fruit ripening behaviour in melon based on the expression profiles of ethylene-related genes and ripening-related phenotypic traits. The activity continued with a presentation by the second speaker, Karso Suryo Putro, S.Si, on her undergraduate thesis research topic entitled “Analysis of Carotenoid Biosynthesis Gene Expression Levels in Melon Plant (Cucumis melo L. ‘Gama Melon Parfum’).” Karso explained that to study aims to determine the gene expression of CmPSY, CmCRTISO, CmLCYB, and CmOR in GMP fruit under foliar K2SO4 in comparison to control; to determine the gene expression of CmPSY, CmCRTISO, CmLCYB, and CmOR in GMP fruit under soluble K2SO4 in comparison to control; and to determine whether there is any statistically significance difference in phenotypic productivity and quality characteristics of melon GMP among three treatments. The activity concluded with a question and answer session with the audience, followed by a documentation session. [Author: Formasigen]

Yogyakarta, September 25, 2024 – A student team from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada achieved remarkable success by winning 3rd place in the ALCOFE XVIII 2024 Scientific Writing Competition, organized by Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) in person at the Werkudara Hall of the UNS Library. This national-scale competition took place from June 27 to July 17, 2024, for registration and abstract submission, followed by the full paper submission phase from July 27 to August 17, 2024, in two waves. The finalists were announced on August 26, 2024, after the full paper submission, and the competition concluded with the Grand Final presentation on September 24, 2024, followed by a field trip, awarding session, and farewell on the next day, September 25, 2024.

The team, named “CIRCEL US” (Circular Economy of Edible for Us), consists of K. William Hendri Panjaitan (2021), K.H. Mahadhevy Ryrathna Vidhantyka (2022), and Adi Citra Prima Pranata (2022), under the guidance of supervisor Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D. They presented a research based paper titled “Potential of Edible Packaging Biofilm from Cocoa Peel Waste as a Substitute for Food Packaging Plastic.”

In their paper, the CIRCEL US team addressed the issues of 651 million tons of cocoa produced in 2022, which has become one of Indonesia’s important export commodities, contributing significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings besides oil and gas. Most cocoa fruit utilization focuses only on the seeds for chocolate production, leaving cocoa peel as waste. Cocoa peel waste (CPW) or LKK (in Indonesia: Limbah Kulit Kakao) is one of the plantation wastes that is rarely utilized. However, cocoa peel contains high levels of fat and complex carbohydrates (cellulose content) at 37%, making it suitable as a biomaterial for edible film, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The nutrient content of CPW is quite good, with dry matter at 88%, crude protein at 11.71%, crude fiber at 20.79%, fat at 11.80%, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) at 34.90%.

It is noted that plastic consumption in Indonesia can reach 22.5 kg per person per year (excluding the large total population), with most plastic waste coming from food and beverage product consumption in 2022. The application of edible biofilm or EPB using organic waste is one effort to promote a circular economy and environmental conservation by minimizing the addition of plastic packaging in nature. Edible Packaging Biofilm (EPB) can be utilized in various sectors, such as food wrapping. By processing cocoa peel waste into more valuable EPB, it is hoped to improve the community’s economy and create a green environment with environmentally friendly and easily degradable products, thereby reducing daily plastic packaging usage.

EPB from LKK can produce renewable food packaging that is free from plastic materials, significantly reducing plastic-dominated waste when applied sustainably. Support and supervision from environmental agencies and the government fully influence the production flow and consumption effects of EPB, as well as the changes in impact when returned to the environment. The large number of Indonesians replacing plastic packaging with EPB-based packaging will accelerate the sustainability cycle in reducing plastic waste. In this case, EPB can be modified over time so that it can be developed and officially recognized by the local government that natural packaging derived from organic waste meets safety standards for consuming food along with EPB packaging.

Based on reviewed research sources, it has been proven that EPB has the potential to replace plastic packaging and reduce individual dependency on contributing to plastic waste. The processing of EPB packaging is organically sourced and easily implemented through the utilization of cocoa shell waste (LKK). After the consumption of EPB products, it can be considered an important foundation as a reinforcing factor for the principles of a circular economy and in line with global efforts in developing new renewable energy to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) points 8, 12, and 15, namely obtaining decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and protecting terrestrial ecosystems.

This competition was participated by 84 teams from 51 public and private universities from all provinces across Indonesia. The achievement of the CIRCEL US team demonstrates our commitment to developing innovative and applicable research. This achievement also proves that the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada continues to strive to contribute to the development of sustainable science and technology, in line with UGM’s SDGs goals in building intersectoral synergy to face the challenges of the circular economy in the modern era. [Author: K William Hendri Panjaitan]

Yogyakarta, September 12, 2024 – A student team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has secured 1st Place in the Scientific Writing Competition at the New and Renewable Energy (NRE) Festival 2024, organized by the University of North Sumatra (USU). The grand final of this prestigious national competition was held on September 11, 2024, at the USU Student Center in Medan.

The team, named MY HEART, consists of K. William Hendri Panjaitan (2021), Firchamy Vuqi Aulia (2022), and Raja Steve Sudjatmiko Panggabean (2023), under the supervision of Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, M.Sc. Their winning paper, titled “Optimization of Carbon Absorption Based on Photosynthesis of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Through the PEPC1 Gene Approach to Increase Lipid Biomass as Renewable Biodiesel Raw Material,” presents an innovative approach to tackling global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions using genetically modified microalgae.

Their research highlights the alarming increase in CO₂ emissions, with global fossil fuel emissions rising by 1.1% in 2023 to 36.8 billion tons. The transportation sector, especially in Indonesia, is a significant contributor to these emissions. The team proposed a solution utilizing Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a microalga capable of absorbing CO₂ through photosynthesis and producing lipids, which can be used as a renewable raw material for biodiesel. By genetically modifying the PEPC1 gene in C. reinhardtii, the team demonstrated how the microalgae could enhance carbon absorption and increase lipid production, offering a more sustainable option for biodiesel production.

This research is a timely contribution to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and aligns with Indonesia’s goal of achieving Zero Emission by 2060. Furthermore, it supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7) and Climate Action (Goal 13).

The competition attracted 226 teams from 79 universities and polytechnics across 27 provinces in Indonesia, making the MY HEART team’s victory a significant achievement. Their success underscores the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to fostering innovative, applicable research in the field of new renewable energy. This accomplishment also demonstrates Universitas Gadjah Mada’s dedication to advancing sustainable science and technology, in line with its SDG initiatives. [Author: K. William Hendri Panjaitan]

Yogyakarta, August 28, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Rania Naura Anindhita, B.Sc. (Hons.), a 2019 student of the International Undergraduate Program. Rania was awarded the Outstanding Research accolade by the Faculty of Biology for her innovative research on “Eco Lindi.” Her groundbreaking work on Eco Lindi also earned her the “Trash Control Heroes” award from the Regent of Sidoarjo, recognizing her efforts in tackling waste management issues and promoting sustainability. The innovative findings from her research on Eco Lindi were converted into her thesis, leading to her graduation with an international Bachelor of Science (Hons.) degree.

Rania’s success was greatly supported by the guidance and mentorship of Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc, Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, and Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng. The conversion of her research into a thesis was initiated by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc, in recognition of the significant impact her research on Eco Lindi had over the past 2.5 years. Her research not only gained widespread media attention but also fostered collaborations with seven waste disposal sites across various regions in Indonesia. Through her study, Rania discovered that Eco Lindi significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2 and methane, while also managing waste odor by decreasing H2S emissions.

The Faculty of Biology at UGM extends its heartfelt congratulations to Rania Naura Anindhita, B.Sc. (Hons.), on her outstanding achievements and hopes her success will inspire and motivate other students and researchers in their efforts to develop solutions for future environmental challenges. [Author: Aulia]

On Friday, June 14, 2024 at 13.00-14.30 WIB, Gentalk 4 was held. The event was held at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. The activity targeted towards Formasigen students and public. This activity was attended by Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as the Formasigen supervisor lecturer and Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. as lecturers from Genetics and Breeding Laboratory. Gentalk activities are a forum for active discussion and sharing between alumni or seniors related to the topic of the undergraduate thesis being worked on with Formasigen students and the public. The speaker in Gentalks 4 are Luisa Ramyahastri Paramatatya and Tazkia Mahsya Syavira, students of the Faculty of Biology UGM class of 2020 and under the guidance of Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. as their undergraduate thesis supervisor.

The event commenced with an introduction by the MC, Thoriq Abdul Halim, who serves as the Head of the Scientific Division of the GenomCity 2024 Cabinet. This was followed by remarks from Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., and Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. In their remarks, Mrs. Ganies and Mrs. Niken expressed their hope that Gentalk can become a forum for sharing research results with active participation from various parties, beyond just Formasigen. The activity continued with a presentation by the first speaker, Luisa Ramyahastri Paramatatya, on her undergraduate thesis research topic entitled “Detection of rs9939609 and rs1421085 Variants of the Fat Mass and Obesity (FTO) Gene in Patients with Obesity.” Luisa explained that the FTO gene is associated with obesity and affects the process of energy metabolism. This study aims to determine the presence or absence of rs9939609 and rs1421085 variants of the FTO gene in obese patients at Panti Rapih Yogyakarta and calculate the prevalence of these two variants. It is hoped that this research will provide an understanding of the potential of these variants in predicting the risk of obesity and the genotypic relationships that arise in obese patients at Panti Rapih Yogyakarta. The activity continued with a presentation by the second speaker, Tazkia Mahsya Syavira, on her undergraduate thesis research topic entitled “Detection of Filaggrin Gene (FLG) Polymorphism Variants Associated with Atopic Dermatitis.” Tazkia explained that the FLG gene affects the formation of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor. This study aims to detect the presence of the FLG gene polymorphism variant 3321delA and the percentage of individuals with this variant among patients with atopic dermatitis at Panti Rapih Hospital Yogyakarta. The study is expected to provide information on FLG gene SNP variants in patients with atopic dermatitis at Panti Rapih Yogyakarta Hospital and its potential use as a biomarker for detecting atopic dermatitis. The activity concluded with a question and answer session with the audience, followed by a documentation session. [Author: Formasigen]

On Friday, June 14, 2024, from 15:00 to 16:00 WIB, a Mid-Year Evaluation of the GenomCity Formation Cabinet 2024 was held. The activity was conducted in a hybrid manner, both at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM, and online using the Zoom Meeting platform. This activity was attended by Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., the Formasigen supervisor, as well as all administrators and members of the Formasigen 2024 GenomCity Cabinet. The aim was to monitor the work programs implemented by the GenomCity Cabinet Formasigen management, identify obstacles and challenges faced during the half-year period, provide constructive input and recommendations for improving work programs, and enhance the quality of planned work programs.

The event commenced with an introduction by the MC, M. Sena Budiman, who serves as the Vice Chair of the GenomCity 2024 Cabinet. This was followed by remarks from Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., who expressed hope that this activity would lead to even better future plans. The activity included presentations by the head of each division to convey the work programs carried out over the past six months, along with evaluations and suggestions for improvement. The presentations began with the Chairman, followed by the Secretary and Treasurer, and continued with the heads of the PSDM division, Scientific division, Household division, Public Relations and Networking division, and concluded with a presentation from the head of the Media and Information division. The activity concluded with a documentation session and a closing. [Author: Formasigen]

On Wednesday, Mei 8, 2024 at 13.00-14.30 WIB, Gentalk 3 was held. The event was held at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. The activity targeted towards Formasigen students and public. Gentalk activities are a forum for active discussion and sharing between alumni or seniors related to the topic of the undergraduate thesis being worked on with Formasigen students and the public. The speakers in Gentalks 3 are Lucia Arum Sekar Meysari and Azizah Tyas Nugrahantyi, students of the Faculty of Biology UGM class of 2020 and under the guidance of Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as their undergraduate thesis supervisor.

In this Gentalk 3, the participants who attended had very high enthusiasm. The event commenced with an introduction by the MC, Thoriq Abdul Halim, who serves as the Head of the Scientific Division of the GenomCity 2024 Cabinet. The activity continued with a presentation on Primary Design by the speakers. In Gentalk 3, the participants were invited to collaborate in designing primers. The discussion went smoothly with various explanations from the speakers and questions from the participants. Some of the topics discussed included primer target selection, PCR condition optimization, and the use of bioinformatics software for data analysis such as Bencling and IDT. Participants and speakers interacted actively with each other, creating a productive atmosphere. This discussion was very helpful in deepening the understanding of bioinformatics. Gentalk 3 participants felt that they received significant benefits, especially in making primers, which was the topic of the discussion at this event. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session with the audience, followed by documentation. [Author: Formasigen]

On Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 13.00-14.30 WIB, Gentalk 2 was held. The event was held at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. The activity targeted towards Formasigen students and public. This activity was attended by Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. as lecturers from Genetics and Breeding Laboratory. Gentalk activities are a forum for active discussion and sharing between alumni or seniors related to the topic of the undergraduate thesis being worked on with Formasigen students and the public. The speaker in Gentalks 2 is Mulyadi, students of the Faculty of Biology UGM class of 2020 and under the guidance of Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. as their undergraduate thesis supervisor.

The event commenced with an introduction by the MC, Thoriq Abdul Halim, who serves as the Head of the Scientific Division of the GenomCity 2024 Cabinet. This was followed by remarks from Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc., a lecturer at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory and the undergraduate thesis supervisor of the speaker. Dr. Niken expressed her hope that Gentalk could serve as a platform for sharing research results and engaging in journal discussions. The main presentation was delivered by Mulyadi, who presented his undergraduate thesis research on “Hematology Discrimination Index as a Differentiator of Beta Thalassemia Trait and Iron Deficiency Anemia.” Mulyadi discussed his research process, from background information to the results obtained, and shared insights from his thesis journey, including research tips and tricks. The presentation aimed to enhance knowledge on the topic discussed and motivate further research endeavors. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session with the audience, followed by documentation. [Author: Formasigen]

On Friday, March 1, 2024 at 13.00-14.30 WIB, Gentalk 1 was held. The event was held at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. The activity targeted towards Formasigen students and public. This activity was attended by Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as the Formasigen supervisor lecturer. Gentalk activities are a forum for active discussion and sharing between alumni or seniors related to the topic of the undergraduate thesis being worked on with Formasigen students and the public. In the first Gentalk activity this year, there were 2 speakers. The speakers were Bernadetha Erdha and Delvira Sari. Both are students of the Faculty of Biology UGM class of 2020 and under the guidance of Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D. as their undergraduate thesis supervisor.

The event commenced with an opening by the MC, Thoriq Abdul Halim, the Head of the Scientific Division of the GenomCity 2024 Cabinet. Furthermore, there were remarks by the Formasigen supervisor, namely Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. From these remarks, Mrs. Ganies hopes that this Gentalk activity can be carried out regularly and get better in the future so that it can become a forum for knowledge for students of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The presentations began with Bernadetha Erdha discussing her undergraduate thesis research topic, titled “Genetic Diversity of Glodok Fish (Boleophthalmus pectinirostris Linnaeus, 1758) from Mangkang Mangrove Forest, Semarang, Central Java Based on Mitochondrial COI Genes”. Delvira Sari followed with her presentation on “Genetic Diversity of Glodok Fish (Periophthalmodon schlosseri Pallas, 1770) from Wonorejo Mangrove Forest, Surabaya, East Java Based on 16S Mitochondrial Genes”. Both presentations provided insights into the research stages undertaken by the speakers, including sampling, DNA isolation, amplification, electrophoresis, purification, DNA sequencing, and data analysis using various software tools. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session with the audience, followed by documentation. The successful implementation of the first Gentalk activity of the year sets a promising precedent for future sessions, serving as an engaging and informative discussion platform to showcase student research conducted under the guidance of lecturers at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM. [Author: Formasigen]

On Saturday-Sunday, February 24-25, 2024, Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC) organized three consecutive events: the Work Meeting, Anniversary Celebration, and the BiOSC 2024 Fellowship Night. On Saturday (24/02), the activities commenced with opening remarks from the chairperson of BiOSC 2024, Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc., as the advisor of BiOSC, and Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., as the Head of the Undergraduate Biology Program at UGM. During this momentous occasion, congratulations were extended to BiOSC, which has dedicated 18 years as a platform for students interested in developing and exploring knowledge related to orchidology. Additionally, best wishes were conveyed for the success of the new cabinet in 2024. The event continued with a joint rice (Tumpeng) cone cutting ceremony, symbolizing the 18th anniversary of BiOSC, which was established on February 1, 2006. This was followed by the screening of congratulatory videos and wishes for BiOSC from active members and demissioners.

The subsequent event was the official Work Meeting, introducing the new Gastrodia Bambu cabinet for BiOSC in 2024. The meeting included the introduction of the management structure, strategic plans, cabinet direction, and the presentation of the daily management work plan by Bella Marcha, the Chairperson of BiOSC in 2024. The cabinet chose the Gastrodia bambu flower, an orchid holomycrotropic found on Mount Merapi, DI Yogyakarta, as its symbol. This flower symbolizes BiOSC’s sensitivity to the needs and dynamics of orchidology development, with the youthful spirits supporting the cabinet’s direction and commitment to making a positive impact on the surrounding community. This aligns with the 2024 strategic plan, focusing on strengthening the scientific knowledge of its members.

The presentation during the Work Meeting continued with the elaboration of the work plan by the daily management, starting with the Chairperson, Salma Dwiyanti as the Secretary, Ainu Lifah Windia Sari as the Treasurer, Akmal Bunyamin as the Knowledge Coordinator, Farhan Kesawa Mukti as the Research Division Coordinator, Anida Safriyani as the Cultivation Coordinator, Nindya ‘Aisyah Cahyaningrum as the Conservation Division Coordinator, Ristya Nadaa Shabrina as the Entrepreneurship Coordinator. This was followed by a question and answer session. The second session continued with the presentation of the work plan by Haris Dwi Nugroho as the Organizational Coordinator, Nadisya Putri Prihandini as the Head of PSDM Division, Sasi Dian Mutia Rahmawati as the Head of Public Relations and Networking Division, Fadilla Nur Hidayat as the Head of Household Division, and Astrid Rayna Afandi as the Head of Media and Publication Division, followed by another question and answer session. The event concluded with the expression of hopes for the upcoming year from the participants, including active members of the Basic Training (Diksar) and guests, followed by a shared meal.

Following the Work Meeting and Anniversary Celebration, a Family Gathering in the form of Fellowship Night was held on Saturday (24/02) evening at Wisma Sejahtera 3 in Kaliurang. The Fellowship Night adopted the theme “BONITA: Exciting Bonding Trip with BiOSC (Bonding Seru Trip Bareng BiOSC)” The evening was filled with various interactive games serving as a warm introduction between active AD members and demissioners. This Family Gathering not only forged close relationships among the participants but also provided a platform to invigorate the spirit of togetherness in a positive and energetic environment. Through this activity, it is hoped that the bonds among BiOSC members will be strengthened, establishing a robust foundation for productive collaboration and unforgettable camaraderie in the future. BiOSC! Growing, Developing, Sustaining! [Author: BiOSC]