Arsip:
News Release
Organic waste processing is a method of managing waste derived from organic materials, such as food scraps, leaves, and other organic matter that can naturally decompose. The goal of organic waste processing is to reduce negative environmental impacts and utilize the potential energy or products that can be generated from organic waste. Managing waste is a positive activity to mitigate various negative impacts caused by waste, both on the environment and human health. Therefore, it is important to implement sustainable waste management practices, such as recycling, reducing plastic usage, and educating the community about the importance of environmental cleanliness. Additionally, governments, communities, and the private sector need to collaborate to create sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 12, which emphasizes sustainable waste management as a form of responsibility for consumption and production.
The Faculty of Biology at UGM once again received a visit from Kemantren Jetis, Yogyakarta, to learn about organic waste management using Bio Ferti 2023. “This activity aims to support the growth of family awareness in improving the quality of environmental sustainability, especially in Kemantren Jetis and in the Special Region of Yogyakarta in general,” said Mr. Joko Sularno, Chairman of the Kemantren Jetis Waste Bank Forum, in his remarks.
The event was summarized in the Strengthening Workshop for the Cadres of the Kemantren Jetis Waste Bank on Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Tropical Biology Auditorium and the Organic Waste Processing Area of the Faculty of Biology at UGM and was attended by 40 people, including cadres from the Kemantren Jetis Waste Bank and Waste Bank Groups at the RW level in Kemantren Jetis. The workshop was divided into two sessions: the first session included presentations and an introduction to organic waste processing at the Faculty of Biology at UGM, while the second session involved observing the practical process of organic waste processing by the UGM Faculty of Biology Waste Management Task Force.
Mrs. Zaenab, Acting Head of the Kemakmuran Office of Kemantren Jetis, expressed gratitude to Mr. Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto, S.Si., M.Kes., Chairman of the Waste Management Task Force at the Faculty of Biology at UGM, and to the leaders of the Faculty of Biology at UGM for granting permission and welcoming the group to learn about organic waste management using Bio Ferti 2023. She hoped that the participants would bring back useful knowledge after the visit.
On Friday, 10 November 2023 was held collection, identification, and culture of House Dust Mites (HDM), especially from the Dermatophagoides genus in the Laboratory of the Department of Parasitology at FKKMK UGM. The activity was attended by students from the Medical Program, including IUP class (5 students), Regular class (3 students), and 1 student from the Master’s Program in Medicine. The event was conducted with Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti, B.Sc., DAP&E, M.Biomed as the instructor, along with Rizkiani Amalia, S.Si., M.Sc, and assisted by Mrs. Kuswati. This activity was aimed to introduce the collection of HDM, perform identification, purification, and continue with cultivation.
House Dust Mites are microscopic and can be found in almost every dusty area in homes, especially in regions with a tropical climate like Indonesia. They belong to the Phylum Arthropoda, Class Arachnida, Order Acarina. These mites are known to trigger allergies on the skin and respiratory tract. Ths activity focused on differentiating between Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides ferinae, both in males and females.
This activity, especially the cultivation and differentiation of species, is expected to support research related to HDM. This includes testing food preferences, environmental suitability, density, reproduction, allergen proteins, and much more. Furthermore, this activity provides students with skills and motivation to develop research-based knowledge with HDM.
The Nusantara Capital (IKN) designated to be located in the Penajam Paser Utara and Kutai Kertanegara regencies, is designed to be built with the concept of a forest city. In this concept, the majority of the IKN area consists of green open spaces, including both city forests and city parks in the Core Government Center area and its surrounding areas. The implementation of the forest city concept, which is planned to be 75% green open spaces, even requires the establishment of district parks and village parks. In order to realize this concept, Universitas Gadjah Mada has been entrusted by the Nusantara Capital Authority to develop a forest management plan for the IKN region. The UGM team assigned to this task comes from various faculties and fields of study, including the Faculty of Forestry, Engineering, Law, and Biology.
The Faculty of Biology was represented by Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc., from the Plant Systematics Laboratory. The role of the Plant Systematics lecturer in the team is to determine the plant composition suitable for each type of green open space in IKN. The selection of tree, shrub, bush, and herb species that make up the vegetation in various types of green open spaces considers several aspects, including maintaining biodiversity by including endemic plant species from Kalimantan and plants with ecological and aesthetic functions. The UGM team carrying out these tasks held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in Balikpapan on November 9, 2023, followed by field surveys on November 10, 2023.
The FGD on the IKN Biodiversity Master Plan, held in a hybrid format, was attended by representatives from government agencies managing forests, academics, and non-governmental organizations that have interacted with the community in the IKN region. The input from these stakeholders gathered through the FGD will be taken into consideration in the preparation of documents for forest management planning and guidelines for green open space landscapes in IKN. During the field survey, several areas visited included mangrove areas, land designated for the forest city, and the Bukit Bangkirai Natural Tourism Park as a reference ecosystem.
Kombucha is one of the fermented beverages containing acetic acid bacteria with probiotic properties, beneficial as both a traditional and herbal drink. The presence of acetic acid bacteria with probiotic properties in kombucha makes it functional for the human body, including maintaining digestive health, enhancing the immune system, and supporting overall immunity. During storage, the quality of kombucha products may deteriorate due to improper conditions and duration of storage.
The Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) Research Team from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, led by Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M. Eng, along with Audy Syavanova, Khilin Shafa Nisa, and Virsandhita Althafio Ribowo, conducted research activities on testing the fermentation product of lemon tea kombucha “Kopi Oemah Martani” from August 28 to October 23, 2023. The quality of kombucha products stored at room temperature and in the refrigerator, each for 0, 7, and 14 days, was compared based on the observation of several test parameters. The analyzed test parameters included pH value, sugar content, acetic acid content, the amount of acetic acid bacteria, yeast, and coliform bacteria.The test results indicated that lemon tea kombucha products stored in the refrigerator for 7 days exhibited the best quality, with a taste and aroma preferred by the respondents.
The MBKM Thalassemia Research Team from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, consisting of four students Angeline Stefanny, Anisa Muliana, Mulyadi, and Veny Wulansari has undertaken a series of activities under the Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) research program with the topic of Profiling and Genotyping Mutant Variants Causing Thalassemia in Family Members of the Thalassemia Parents Association (POPTI) in Magelang. This program collaborates with POPTI Magelang as an MBKM partner and involves Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc., as the academic advisor, and Dr. Woro Triaksiwi Wulansari, M.Sc., Sp.A., the chairperson of POPTI Magelang and the Deputy Director General and Financial Manager of RSUD Tidar Magelang.
Thalassemia is a genetic disorder resulting from mutations in the synthesis of α and β-globin chains, causing a reduction or absence of one of the chains, leading to an imbalance in the synthesis of these two chains. The prevalence of this disease is increasing in Indonesia due to the relatively high rate of population migration. Therefore, molecular identification of mutant gene variants causing thalassemia in patient populations is necessary as a step towards screening thalassemia carriers within patient families to reduce the incidence of thalassemia carriers and births in the future. Currently, thalassemia carrier screening in patient families is limited to those with the means and understanding of thalassemia genetics. Hence, the MBKM Thalassemia Team is initiating a carrier screening program based on mutant variants causing thalassemia in these patients.
In implementing this program, observations were made regarding the conditions of thalassemia patients who are members of POPTI Magelang at RSUD Tidar Magelang. Data on the first-degree relatives or siblings of patients were collected as potential screening participants. The students also conducted an analysis to select the optimal or sensitive discrimination index (Mentzer, Matos and Carvalho, England and Fraser, King and Green, RBC, Shine and Lal, and Srivastava) for thalassemia screening in the Indonesian population. Additionally, they prepared for the optimization of the DNA sample isolation method and received training in bioinformatics before molecular data processing. Furthermore, a Family Gathering event was organized for POPTI Magelang members to strengthen family ties among members, accompanied by education on thalassemia and the importance of carrier screening by the UGM Thalassemia Research Team. This activity is expected to serve as an initiation in detecting thalassemia carriers within the patient families. However, there is still a need for education among the siblings of patients about the importance of undergoing thalassemia screening to determine whether they are carriers or not. Dr. Niken Satuti encourages and invites the community not to be afraid to undergo thalassemia screening but to fear not knowing whether one carries the thalassemia allele or not.
The Dean of Faculty Biology UGM Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, S.Si.,M.Agr.Sc.,Ph.D., served as keynote speaker in Training on Polyploidisation Technique and Cultivation to Enhance Shallot Production. This training was organized by Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Islam Madura on Wednesday, November 6 2023 from 09.00 – 12.00 WIB at At the Agricultural Extension Center (BPP) Kostratani Guluk-Guluk, Sumenep Regency, East Java. This training activity is part of the 2023 Social Collaboration Program for Community Development (Kosabangsa) with the theme “Optimizing Shallot Production and Marketing through Bio-Polyploidization Technology, Pyramid-Type Solar Dryer, and Digital Marketing as Efforts to Increase Income for Shallot Farmers in Guluk-Guluk District, Sumenep Regency.” This training is intended for farmers, with the main goal of developing and disseminating simple and effective polyploid technology. In addition to enhancing shallot production , this training also supports the flagship commodities of Madura Island.
Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, S.Si., M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., as a biology expert, attended the training as a speaker and delivered a presentation focusing on Polyploidization Techniques and Shallot Cultivation. The material provided aimed to give insight and skills to farmers in their efforts to increase shallot production. After the presentation, the event continued with a question-and-answer session. In this session, the audience actively participated in the discussion, making the event interactive and engaging.
The existence of this training demonstrates support for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in realizing decent work and economic growth as well as promoting well-being (SDG 8 and SDG 3). The collaboration between the Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM and the Faculty of Agriculture at the Islamic University of Madura is expected to strengthen relationships and have a positive impact on both parties. This training is also anticipated to enhance shallot cultivation yields, aligning with efforts to support sustainable development and partnerships to achieve goals (SDG 17).
Yogyakarta, 7 November 2023 – Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from a delegation from National Central University (NCU), Taiwan, Prof. Adam Huang from the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, and Prof. Fu-Guo Robert Liu from the Department of Life Sciences. The visit was received in the KPTU Meeting Room, Faculty of Biology UGM by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Finance, Assets and Human Resources Affairs, Sukirno, Ph.D. as Head of the Undergraduate Study Program, Nur Indah Septriani, Ph.D. as Head of the Office of International Affairs Faculty of Biology, and Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, Ph.D. as Secretary of the Office of International Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM.
NCU’s visit to Universitas Gadjah Mada this time was aimed at recruiting UGM students for interview sessions for their international programs in collaboration with UGM. During his visit to the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Adam and Prof. Fu-Guo explained regarding their respective departments and the collaboration that could be initiated with UGM, especially with the Faculty of Biology.
The Faculty of Biology has collaborated with NCU through student interviews and a mini symposium which was held last Tuesday (12/9), together with the National Health and Research Institute (NHRI), Taiwan. This meeting specifically discussed the initiation of Double Degrees for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs, especially with the NCU Department of Life Sciences. The Faculty of Biology also conveyed the potential for collaboration in International Conference (ICBS) activities and International Summer Courses which are routinely held by the Faculty of Biology. Prof. Fu-Guo welcomes the initiation of this collaboration and hopes that it can become a good bridge in improving education at both institutions.
The collaboration between the Faculty of Biology and NCU in implementing the Mini Symposium and Scholarship Interview shows the commitment of the Faculty of Biology in its role in sustainable development in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely healthy living (SDG 3), inclusive quality education for all groups (SDG 4), and partnership in achieving sustainable goals (SDG 17).
Proposing an idea entitled “Smart Integrated Education System of Agrotourism Community Services”, lecturer at the Faculty of Biology UGM, Ganies Riza Aristya, Ph.D., got the Outstanding Flagship Project award at the 2023 RCE Awards for Innovative Projects on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The RCE Awards are appreciation award for programs and projects that focus on education for sustainable development. This contribution is a concrete manifestation of overcoming the challenges of sustainable development in the region. Recognized programs are programs that involve the transformation of teaching and research and demonstrate active contribution of society, including the involvement of partners and stakeholders.
Focusing on the development of Sendangsari Village and Sidomulyo Village, Pengasih, Kulon Progo, Ganies and the KKN (Community Service) Team UGM that she coached highlighted the agricultural potential of these two villages in building a Tourism Village based on sustainable agriculture. This potential is also a challenge, where potential local products, in terms of quality and quantity, have experienced a decline after the COVID-19 pandemic. Technology and educational support and the development of MSME products are in the spotlight in developing villages whose communities still depend on the agricultural sector. This is in line with sustainable development goals (SDGs) in increasing decent work and community economic growth (SDG 8). Ganies also highlighted the involvement of Women Farmer Groups (KWT) which play an active role in processing and managing agricultural products, supporting gender equality in village economic development (SDG 5).
Agrotourism is a concept that combines agricultural activities with environmentally friendly tourism and contributes to the economy of the local community within it. Ganies applies the Smart Integrated Education System in agrotourism development, seeking to raise the potential of local communities through various education and training programs (SDG 4), community and stakeholder involvement, and the use of innovative technology. In addition, this concept also supports awareness of environmental conservation and preservation and sustainable agriculture, both for local communities and tourists (SDG 14 and 15).
It is hoped that this idea can create a sustainable agrotourism sector, increase awareness of environmental conservation while promoting local culture and providing economic benefits to local communities.
The Team of Biology students from Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada collaborated with PT Pagilaran on the development of herbal tea made from the leaves of Aquilaria malaccensis, an agarwood species. This collaboration, conducted from March 2023 to November 2023, was part of the Independent Learning Independent Campus Program (MBKM). The team consists of Atikah Nurunnissa’, Damar Nirma Wati, and Listia Dewi Amaliawati, under the guidance of Drs. Tri Rini Nuringtyas, S.Si., M.Sc., and Tri Wahyuni, S.TP. from PT. Pagilaran.
The herbal tea development activities commenced with a discussion at the PT Pagilaran Kotabaru headquarters, located at Jl. Faridan M. Noto, No. 11, Kotabaru, Kec. Gondokusuman, Yogyakarta. Subsequently, the students visited the PT Pagilaran Samigaluh branch on 13-14 March 2023, focusing on the production of green and black tea. During the visit, the team were guided by Mr. Waridi through the entire tea-making process, starting from harvesting, withering, fermentation, to drying. Following the visit, the team formulated agarwood leaves with other ingredients to create various herbal tea blends: 1) Agarwood leaves, black tea, red ginger; 2) Agarwood leaves, green tea, lemon; and 3) Agarwood leaves, green tea, rosella. Each formulation had different concentrations, such as Agarwood leaves: Black tea / Green tea: Natural ingredients (1: 0.75: 0.25), (1: 0.75: 0.5), and (1: 0.75: 0.75). Subsequently, the students conducted organoleptic tests to determine the preferred formulation and concentration of herbal tea. They also performed extractions using 80% ethanol, followed by UV-Scanning to identify the compound profile of agarwood herbal tea with antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiobesity activities.The UV-Scanning results and bioactivity analysis using PASS Online revealed that all three formulations possessed potential bioactivity, making them suitable for health-supporting beverages.
It is anticipated that this collaboration will provide valuable insights for the students throughout their research process, expanding possibilities for drug development from natural resources, particularly agarwood leaf extracts. This activity is expected to strengthen public understanding of Indonesia’s natural wealth and its potential in pharmaceutical development, inspiring the creation of innovative solutions to enhance human health and well-being. [Author: Damar Nirma Wati]
One of a series of activities in the PkM-MBKM program at the Faculty of Biology UGM was held on Saturday, November 4 2023 at Kampung Satwa, Kedung Banteng, Sumberagung, Moyudan, Sleman. This activity was carried out by Microalgae Research Group, chaired by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. with three student members, Aulia Setyo Nurul Hida, Wildan Hilmi Azharul Hakim, and Muhammad Naufal Azzamrafif. This activity takes place from 15.30 to 17.00 WIB. This activity is a follow-up activity after carrying out an evaluation of the service program that ran in the previous year. This year’s Microalgae Research community service program has the big theme “Development of Microalgae-Based Animal Feed in Animal Villages (Phase III)” with the focus no longer being on large-scale product harvesting, but focusing on introducing microalgae to ordinary people with an interesting cultivation and maintenance system. The easy one.
This visit was carried out with the aim of introducing a simple photobioreactor as an installation for culturing microalgae as well as direct practice of culturing microalgae in a photobioreactor. Microalgae cultivation in a photobioreactor was applied using the Spirulina sp. using inoculant derived from the stock culture of the Faculty of Biology UGM Biotechnology Laboratory. After carrying out direct cultivation practices, it is hoped that people will be able to continue cultivating microalgae independently. Apart from aiming to introduce photobioreactors to the community in Kampung Satwa, this activity also aims to increase interest and understanding of the general public, both residents of Kampung Satwa, and tourists who visit Kampung Satwa regarding microalgae culture and its various benefits. It is also hoped that this photobioreactor can become an icon to attract tourists to the Animal Village.