A student from the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada, Ronald Wihan Pradana (Biology 2021), has achieved a remarkable achievement by winning a Gold Medal at the Nusantara Science Olympiad (OSN). The 2024 OSN, organized by the PRESMANIA Foundation (Prestasi Maju Indonesia), is a prestigious national competition that saw participation from 1,000 students representing 100 universities across Indonesia.

Ronald’s success is a testament to the rigorous preparation and innovative approach he brought to the competition, which impressed the judges and brought great honor to his alma mater. His victory was attributed to the unwavering support of his mentors, faculty, and university. “This accomplishment proves that our students possess exceptional qualities and can compete at national and international levels” Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM stated.

Ronald began his preparation in January 2024, guided by Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc. He conducted in-depth research on “Biofertilizer as a Bioremediation Agent for Zinc (Zn) Residue in Chili Plant (Capsicum Annuum L.) Fields Post-Application of Inorganic Fungicides on a Field Scale.” In addition to his research, Ronald participated in various training sessions and seminars to enhance his skills.

“The journey to OSN was not easy. I faced difficulties in understanding some complex topics in biology, a fundamental and highly intricate science that encompasses multiple aspects, including humans, plants, animals, the environment, microbiology, and more. However, with the support of my friends and lecturers, I was able to overcome these challenges,” Ronald shared.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 149 million children worldwide suffer from stunting. This condition can lead to high mortality rates, low Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and immune system function, and an increased risk of various metabolic syndromes. One effort to prevent stunting is by providing beneficial macro and micronutrients for child development. These nutrients can be obtained through superfoods, nutrient-dense foods that support health derived from bioactive compounds found in fruits and vegetables. However, the availability of superfoods faced many challenges. Therefore an alternative to superfoods is needed.

Euglena is a candidate for superfood because it is safe for human consumption and can thrive in various environmental conditions. It produces essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and bioactive metabolites. Unfortunately, its metabolite production is lower than superfoods, necessitating a polyploidization to enhance metabolite production. Naturally, Euglena only produces about 44 micrograms/milligrams of polyunsaturated acid, 47% amino acids, and approximately 100 mg of paramylon.

Addressing this issue, five UGM students from different disciplines—Novia Noor Rachmawati (Biology 2020), Tiara Amelia Putri (Biology 2020), Haris Dwi Nugroho (Biology 2021), Sabrina Gita Pramesti (Chemistry 2021), and Tabina Amanda Aurelia Surya (Chemical Engineering 2022)—are exploring the potential of a stunting-preventing superfood from local Euglena sp. microalgae. They employ colchicine-induced polyploidy genetic breeding methods to alter the organism’s chromosome set. The students are part of UGM Student Creativity Program (PKM) in the Exact Sciences Research category, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc.

Novia explained, “We use the polyploidization process because it can enhance the expression of functional genes and consistently pass down its mutated characteristics to subsequent generations. Therefore, we analyzed the performance, ploidy level, and metabolomic study of colchicine-mutated local Euglena sp. as an alternative source of essential amino acids and value-added bioproducts.”

Haris revealed that the Euglena sp. model was sourced from Dieng, Central Java, with concentration variations from 0% to 5% and an induction time of 24 hours. The goal is to obtain polyploid Euglena with improved morphology, DNA concentration, ploidy level performance, and amino acid and metabolite profiles.

Sabrina, who comes from a different scientific background than the other members, explained that an effective treatment to induce chromosomal ploidy mutations in Euglena sp. at a 1% concentration increases ploidy levels, carbohydrate production, paramylon, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and three essential amino acids (L-lysine, L-leucine, and L-histidine).

Novia, the team leader, added that further testing of the concentrations of each treatment showed an increase in amino acids, particularly in the essential amino acids L-Lysine, L-Leucine, and L-Histidine, which had the highest concentrations. These essential amino acids play a crucial role in preventing stunting as they function in bone development, immune system enhancement, and red blood cell formation. “We hope this research will be beneficial and contribute to the development of genetic modification in Euglena sp., adding to the body of knowledge on microalgae biotechnology, and positioning Euglena sp. as a high-value alternative protein bioproduct,” concluded Novia.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a bone disease that affects various joints, including the knee joint, and is a leading cause of morbidity, physical activity limitations, and disability. OA caused by multiple factors, and current treatment for knee OA primarily relies on pharmacological drugs such as analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can cause side effects and dependency. Surgery is the most effective treatment method, but not all patients are eligible for this procedure.

Addressing these issues, under the guidance of Drh. Retno Murwanti, M.P., Ph.D., the PKM-RE Peek a Boo team, led by Rima Arvisya Natania Putri (Biology 2022) along with Regina Nilamsari, Reny Ras Ninta Br Tarigan, Widha Nur Yuliharjanti, and Felicia Averine, developed a therapy to prevent OA using nanoemulsions derived from fermented Kara Benguk bean (M. pruriens) extract.

Rima explained that Kara Benguk beans are an underutilized local Indonesian commodity. These beans contain flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, and terpenoids, which can help prevent the formation and progression of OA. Kara Benguk beans and tempeh collected from Kulon Progo Regency and processed into a control extract, a fermented Kara Benguk bean extract utilizing L. plantarum and L. casei, and a Kara Benguk tempeh extract. After testing for antioxidant activity and total flavonoid content, the Kara Benguk tempeh extract was selected as the raw material for the nanoemulsion.

Following organoleptic tests and effectiveness studies of the Kara Benguk nanoemulsion, it was found that concentrations of 100mg/mL, 200mg/mL, and 400mg/mL were significantly effective in preventing OA. The Team hopes that the results of this research will enhance the utility of Kara Benguk beans through the standardization and development of nanoemulsions for OA prevention and serve as the latest source of information on the use of Kara Benguk beans for OA therapy.

The prevalence of adverse drug reactions in Indonesia ranges from 0.9% to 99%, depending on the type of drug, duration, and therapeutic dose. Each individual can respond differently to the same medication due to varying genomic reactions. This concept is known as pharmacogenomics. However, the medical devices used in pharmacogenomics, such as sensors, often cannot reach certain areas within the body. Additionally, a significant challenge in genomic data classification is the vast number of individual genes, which can number in the tens of thousands. Meanwhile, medical devices are limited and often inadequate.

In response to these challenges, Feny, a biology student at UGM, proposed the development of an Integrated Machine Learning-Based Biosensor Pharmacogenomics System as an advanced treatment method for Indonesia under the guidance of Lecturer Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.Sc., Ph.D.. Her idea was presented at the National Student and School Essay Festival (Genesis) and won the Silver Medal. The competition held by the Fatepa English Community at the University of Mataram on July 6-7, 2024, featured 315 entries. The competition included several stages: submission of a full paper, creation of a presentation video, preparation of a PowerPoint presentation, and a live poster presentation before the judges.

Her innovation involves using biosensors to monitor molecular interactions in patient treatments real-time. These ingestible biosensors provide information about organs’ physiological parameters, allowing them to monitor the genetic profiles related to internal conditions and diseases. The approach employs a random tree classification model that predicts personalized drug responses, side effects, and the patient’s pharmacogenomic variants.

The combination of pharmacogenomic treatment systems with integrated machine-learning biosensors will enhance drug safety. Implementing this system in Indonesia will reduce adverse drug reactions and side effects. Healthcare professionals can quickly monitor patients’ drug intervention responses, enabling them to make the best treatment decisions promptly.
[Author: Feny Nur Nucifera]

The Averin team (Antivenom use Tamarind) from UGM discovered the potential of tamarind seeds (Tamarindus indica) as an alternative treatment for ground snake (Calloselasma rhodostoma) bites. This research was conducted by Oktaviani Nisa Hanafiah (Veterinary Medicine), Fauzela Azira Ainaya (Biology), Fani Nur Maftukhah (Pharmacy), Rahmadina Nur Azizah (Pharmacy), and Khansa Fortuna Putri (Veterinary Medicine). The research was funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) and Universitas Gadjah Mada. It hoped that this support will help address the issues of access and cost of snake bite treatment.

“This research aims to provide a theoretical foundation and preclinical data on the effectiveness of T. indica seed extract against C. rhodostoma snake bites. The results of this study could contribute to alternative treatments, reducing mortality rates from C. rhodostoma bites in Indonesia,” said Oktaviani.

Oktaviani emphasized the importance and urgency of this research. “According to WHO data, Indonesia experiences around 135,000 snake bite cases annually, with a mortality rate of 5-10%. The C. rhodostoma snake is a significant cause of death in Java. However, the Antivenom Serum (SABU) for these snake bites is not widely available and remains expensive,” Oktaviani added.

The tamarind seed extract was tested in vivo against C. rhodostoma venom, showing that in the group treated with tamarind seed extract, the hemorrhagic area was significantly smaller compared to the group treated with snake venom alone. Therefore, T. indica shows promise as a new treatment for snake bites, especially for C. rhodostoma. Our dedication to this research drives us to continue exploring nature’s potential to enhance human life, Oktaviani stated. These findings were presented at the National Seminar on Tropical Biology (SNBT) on July 20, 2024. [Author: Fauzela Azira Ainaya]

The rapid advancement of technology has caused significant concern among the residents of Kampung Terban, particularly in RW 5, due to the rise in juvenile delinquency. Addressing technological advancement requires anticipation and preparation to mitigate its negative impacts. One such negative impact is sexual violence, proven by easy access to pornography on the internet, cases of cybersex, and promiscuity among children and teenagers. Even though Kampung Terban RW 5 is close to Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), sexual education has not yet reached the residents of Kampung Terban RW 5. The societal taboo on sex education is a reason sexual education is rarely taught by parents or teachers in schools. However, sexual education is a crucial foundation for reducing cases of sexual violence.

Based on the issue the team from UGM consists of Hafifah Nur Ainiyah (Biology 2022), Aulia Robiatul Adawiyah (Biology 2022), Diyan Ulsa (Psychology 2022), Danila Nur Rahmawati (Environmental Geography 2022), and Alma Puska Falasyifa (Biology 2022), under the guidance of Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si conducted community service program titled “SCASE: School of Sexuality Education through Smart Snakes and Ladders Game as a Character-Building Medium for Kampung Terban Residents,” focuses on delivering age-appropriate sexual education, as recommended by WHO, through an interactive Snakes and Ladders game. This method ensures that the material is both well-understood and engaging.

Through the SCASE program, Hafifah and her team aim to enhance the welfare of the local community by empowering Desa Mitra. They use socialization, education, and training with the youth organization Karang Taruna Kampung Terban RW 5 (R05TER). Adina, a member of R05TER, stated, “There is a desire among the community to learn about sexual education, but they are still confused about where to start because it is considered a taboo topic, and there has never been a sexual education outreach program in this village.”

Supriyanto, the head of RW 5 Kampung Terban, said, “This program greatly assists the community, especially parents, who are unsure how to start discussions on sexual education with their children. It has had a very positive impact, particularly on children, who now understand which parts of their bodies should not be touched by others and know how to protect themselves to prevent sexual violence.”

The program expected to provide proper sexual education for residents Kampung Terban RW 5, and the community will be better prepared to face potential cases of sexual violence. It also hoped that the program would inspire other initiatives focused on sexual education, whether by the government or other community empowerment organizations. Author: Hafifah Nur Ainiyah.

The rapid advancement of technology has caused significant concern among the residents of Kampung Terban, particularly in RW 5, due to the rise in juvenile delinquency. Addressing technological advancement requires anticipation and preparation to mitigate its negative impacts. One such negative impact is sexual violence, proven by easy access to pornography on the internet, cases of cybersex, and promiscuity among children and teenagers. Even though Kampung Terban RW 5 is close to Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), sexual education has not yet reached the residents of Kampung Terban RW 5. The societal taboo on sex education is a reason sexual education is rarely taught by parents or teachers in schools. However, sexual education is a crucial foundation for reducing cases of sexual violence.

Based on the issue the team from UGM consists of Hafifah Nur Ainiyah (Biology 2022), Aulia Robiatul Adawiyah (Biology 2022), Diyan Ulsa (Psychology 2022), Danila Nur Rahmawati (Environmental Geography 2022), and Alma Puska Falasyifa (Biology 2022), under the guidance of Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si conducted community service program titled “SCASE: School of Sexuality Education through Smart Snakes and Ladders Game as a Character-Building Medium for Kampung Terban Residents,” focuses on delivering age-appropriate sexual education, as recommended by WHO, through an interactive Snakes and Ladders game. This method ensures that the material is both well-understood and engaging.

Through the SCASE program, Hafifah and her team aim to enhance the welfare of the local community by empowering Desa Mitra. They use socialization, education, and training with the youth organization Karang Taruna Kampung Terban RW 5 (R05TER). Adina, a member of R05TER, stated, “There is a desire among the community to learn about sexual education, but they are still confused about where to start because it is considered a taboo topic, and there has never been a sexual education outreach program in this village.”

Supriyanto, the head of RW 5 Kampung Terban, said, “This program greatly assists the community, especially parents, who are unsure how to start discussions on sexual education with their children. It has had a very positive impact, particularly on children, who now understand which parts of their bodies should not be touched by others and know how to protect themselves to prevent sexual violence.”

The program expected to provide proper sexual education for residents Kampung Terban RW 5, and the community will be better prepared to face potential cases of sexual violence. It also hoped that the program would inspire other initiatives focused on sexual education, whether by the government or other community empowerment organizations. Author: Hafifah Nur Ainiyah.

The UGM Biology team, consisting of Irfan Agus Nugroho (Biology 2021), Laila Nurul Ilma (Biology 2021), and Fika Zulfiani (Biology 2021), successfully earned a Bronze Medal Quartile nomination in the Scientific Paper competition at the Agritech Research and Entrepreneurship Innovation (AGREETION) 2024. The subtheme of their entry was “Environmental Sustainability Innovation.” AGREETION 2024 is an international scientific paper and business plan competition organized by the Agritech Research and Study Club (ARSC) of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya. This year’s theme was “Accelerating Agriculture and Agro-Industry Towards Sustainable Welfare with Eco-Friendly and Clean Production Principles.” Forty-two universities from 3 countries participated in this competition that was held online from April 20 to June 1, 2024.

The team presented an essay titled “Algae Screens: Eco-friendly Sunscreen Based on Red Algae (Palmaria palmata) as an Effort to Prevent Damaged Coral Reef Ecosystems.” The paper was inspired by Indonesia’s abundant coral reefs, which are threatened by degradation, partly due to sunscreen chemicals dissolving in the water. Chemicals in conventional sunscreens, oxybenzone and octinoxate can lead to coral bleaching. As a result, research conducted to develop eco-friendly sunscreen from natural ingredients. The natural compounds focused in this research were Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids (MAAs), abundant in red algae like Palmaria palmata. The research employed a literature study and molecular docking methods between MAA compounds (mycosporine glycine, porphyra-334, and shinorine) as ligands and the target protein Procollagen C-endopeptidase 1 (PCOLCE1). PCOLCE1 is a protein involved in regulating skin aging due to UV exposure, while the three MAA compounds used are known to possess the best antioxidant properties among MAA compounds. The research found that all three MAA compounds could bind to the target protein PCOLCE1, with porphyra-334 being the most effective. Therefore, the Algae-Screen product has the potential to be an effective natural sunscreen alternative to prevent photoaging while being safe for coral reef ecosystems. However, further research is needed to develop and refine the Algae-Screen formulation.

The UGM Biology team, consisting of Irfan Agus Nugroho (Biology 2021), Laila Nurul Ilma (Biology 2021), and Fika Zulfiani (Biology 2021), successfully earned a Bronze Medal Quartile nomination in the Scientific Paper competition at the Agritech Research and Entrepreneurship Innovation (AGREETION) 2024. The subtheme of their entry was “Environmental Sustainability Innovation.” AGREETION 2024 is an international scientific paper and business plan competition organized by the Agritech Research and Study Club (ARSC) of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya. This year’s theme was “Accelerating Agriculture and Agro-Industry Towards Sustainable Welfare with Eco-Friendly and Clean Production Principles.” Forty-two universities from 3 countries participated in this competition that was held online from April 20 to June 1, 2024.

The team presented an essay titled “Algae Screens: Eco-friendly Sunscreen Based on Red Algae (Palmaria palmata) as an Effort to Prevent Damaged Coral Reef Ecosystems.” The paper was inspired by Indonesia’s abundant coral reefs, which are threatened by degradation, partly due to sunscreen chemicals dissolving in the water. Chemicals in conventional sunscreens, oxybenzone and octinoxate can lead to coral bleaching. As a result, research conducted to develop eco-friendly sunscreen from natural ingredients. The natural compounds focused in this research were Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids (MAAs), abundant in red algae like Palmaria palmata. The research employed a literature study and molecular docking methods between MAA compounds (mycosporine glycine, porphyra-334, and shinorine) as ligands and the target protein Procollagen C-endopeptidase 1 (PCOLCE1). PCOLCE1 is a protein involved in regulating skin aging due to UV exposure, while the three MAA compounds used are known to possess the best antioxidant properties among MAA compounds. The research found that all three MAA compounds could bind to the target protein PCOLCE1, with porphyra-334 being the most effective. Therefore, the Algae-Screen product has the potential to be an effective natural sunscreen alternative to prevent photoaging while being safe for coral reef ecosystems. However, further research is needed to develop and refine the Algae-Screen formulation.

The CEREALGAE team from The Faculty of Biology UGM, led by Hana Salwa (Biology 2022) along with Irfan Agus Nugroho (Biology 2021), successfully won a Silver Medal Quartile at the Agritech Research and Entrepreneurship Innovation (AGREETION) 2024 competition. The AGREETION 2024 is an international scientific paper and business plan competition organized by the Agritech Research and Study Club (ARSC) of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, with the theme ‘’Accelerating Agriculture and Agro-Industry Towards Sustainable Welfare with Eco-Friendly and Clean Production Principles.’’ Forty two universities from 3 countries participated in this competition that was held online from April 20 to June 1, 2024.

The team presented an essay titled “CEREALGAE: Cereal Formulation Based on Brown Algae (Sargassum sp.) Fortified with Moringa Leaves as a Food Diversification Strategy to Prevent Stunting.” The essay was motivated by the high stunting incidence in Indonesia. Aligned with the government’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition, along with the “Gerakan Nasional (GerNas)” program, food diversification can be a preventive measure to ensure that toddlers receive proper nutrition. One approach to achieving this goal is to optimize the utilization of natural ingredients, such as Sargassum sp. and moringa leaves, as functional food ingredients.

Sargassum sp. is a type of brown algae with high abundance and contains macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and several micronutrients. The protein in Sargassum sp. can aid in cell regeneration during growth and repair, making it recommended for children’s growth phases. Fortifying food with moringa leaf powder can increase the protein, zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium content. Moringa leaf powder contains about 27.1 g of protein, making it an excellent alternative to animal protein. A study indicates that moringa leaf fortification can significantly increase toddler weight and reduce acute nutrient deficiencies two months after consumption. The Indonesian society’s tendency to consume instant or fast food prompted the biology student team to create a functional food innovation in the form of cereal made from Sargassum sp. and moringa leaves. This innovation is expected to be one solution to reduce the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia through functional food diversification utilizing natural ingredients. Author: Kamilia Hana Salwa.