Arsip:
Research and Publication
The 2024 Biology Open House and Research Topic Introduction (BIOENTRI) is an event organized by the Faculty of Biology UGM to introduce research topics led by faculty members to students. The purpose of BIOENTRI is to acquaint students with various research topics that faculty members are focusing on. The hope is that this event will inspire students for their thesis, facilitate the students to gather with supervisors whose research aligns with their interests, and enhance their understanding of research topics.
The event was attended by students of the Faculty of Biology UGM and lecturers from various subjects of interest as speakers. The event took place from Monday, April 22, 2024, to Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in Rooms 1, 2, and 3 (as scheduled ) and Lobby 1, Building B, Sinarmas, Faculty of Biology UGM. The event led by MC Alifiansyah Sutama and began with an opening ceremony and prayer, followed by the singing of the national anthem “Indonesia Raya,” the Universitas Gadjah Mada hymn, and the Faculty of Biology’s march. The event continued by a welcome speech from Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and a group photo session. Subsequently, the activities included presentation sessions by each thesis supervisor.
The event not only introduced a variety of research topics relevant to the advancement of science but also to directly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education. Through this event, students will also understand how the faculty members research positively impacts other SDGs goals, such as biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration (Goals 13, 14, 15), and enhancing community well-being through innovations in biotechnology and natural resource management (Goals 9, 11, 13).
The research on biodiversity and conservation status of freshwater biota, including fish and crustaceans, particularly in peat water ecosystems in East Kalimantan, is still insufficiently documented. Therefore, the Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation (YKAN) is planning a research activity on freshwater biota in Lake Siran, located in Muara Siran Village, Muara Kaman District, Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, involving lecturers, students, and alumni from the Faculty of Biology at UGM. The involved lecturers were Donan Satria Yudha, S.Si., M.Sc., and Rury Eprilurahman, S.Si., M.Sc., from the animal systematics laboratory. Engaged students in the research include Muhamad Afnisa’a Rozaqi (undergraduate student), Maula Haqul Dafa, S.Pd. (graduate student), and Hastin Ambar Asti, S.Si., M.Sc. (Faculty of Biology UGM Alumni), assisted by Mr. Susilo Irwanjasmoro from Wagleri Foundation. YKAN staff actively participating in field sampling were Eka Cahyaningrum, S.Si. (Faculty of Biology UGM alumni and serving as Biodiversity and High Conservation Value Specialist at YKAN) and Mohamad Arif Rifqi, S.Si. as Endangered Species Conservation Specialist at YKAN.
This activity was carried out because the landscape of Muara Siran had been the largest peatland ecosystem in East Kalimantan, covering approximately 30,000 hectares and provided livelihood for the surrounding community as well as habitats for numerous endemic species. However, Muara Siran was threatened by unsustainable farming practices and the unsustainable harvesting of aquatic biota. In relation to this, to support the development of a conservation action plan in the Muara Siran Village, a survey was necessary to understand the biodiversity of these aquatic biota and their role in the economic needs of the community.
The research was carried out for 6 days in the Muara Siran landscape, starting from the Kani River, known as blackwater due to its peat characteristics, leading to Lake Siran and then to the Siran River. Sampling of freshwater biota was conducted twice daily, in the morning and at night. Our data on freshwater biota was obtained through two methods: direct sampling using traps, recording the captured freshwater biota by fishers’ nets or traps, and the types of fish from the fish market in the Muara Kaman District. The data collected included 56 species of fish, 3 species of shrimp, 1 species of crab, 2 species of water snakes, 1 species of python, and 1 species of water monitor lizard. Further analysis is needed to understand the biodiversity of freshwater biota and comprehend the commercially significant types of fish and crustaceans, along with the catch quantities, in terms of their economic value.
Yogyakarta, 30 November 2023 – The Research Days 2023 were successfully held involving dozens of researchs, publications and community service titles as well as downstream products from the academic community of Faculty of Biology UGM. The annual agenda of the Faculty of Biology UGM was closed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs located in the hallway of Building B, Faculty of Biology.
Research Days will be held for 2 days, 29 and 30 November 2023 in the form of a poster exhibition of research results, publications, community service, and downstream products from collaboration between lecturers and students of the Faculty of Biology. This activity also serves as a forum for sharing between lecturers and students to increase collaboration and partnerships. During the two days of the exhibition, visitors can participate in voting for the best poster of their choice. Downstream products that were exhibited and sold also invited appreciation from visitors, including terrariums, microalgae research products, orchid culture seeds, and so on.
“Through these Research Days, it is hoped that new ideas and collaboration will emerge between students and lecturers,” said Dr. Eko in his speech at the closing of Research Days 2023, Thursday (30/11) afternoon. He also added his appreciation to the students who were enthusiastic during Research Days with comments about the very diverse student interest in research at the Faculty of Biology.
At the end of the event, the winner of the best poster in the Research Poster and Community Service Poster categories was also announced. In the research poster category, achieved by poster form Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi M.Sc.St., Dr.med.vet. drh. Hendry T.S.S.G. Saragih, M.P., and Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. Meanwhile, for the community service category were achieved by posters from Laksmindra Fitria, S.Si., M.Si., Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., and Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si. Dr. Eko as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs gave his appreciation for the prizes to the winners.
It is hoped that Research Days will trigger the enthusiasm of the Biology Faculty academic community in increasing research, publications and community service activities, in accordance with the commitment to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in improving inclusive education (SDG 4) through sustainable collaboration (SDG 17).See you at Research Days 2024!
Yogyakarta, 29 November 2023 – Research Day 2023 is officially opened. This activity is part of the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to implementing the tri dharma of higher education, especially research, publication and community service as well as supporting the Sustainable Development Goals through research results and publications by the academic community. The annual agenda of the Faculty of Biology UGM this time was held in the hall of Building B, Faculty of Biology, and was attended by the Director of Research Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Dr. Mirwan Ushada, STP, M.App.Life.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs Faculty of Biology, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., as well as all lecturers and students of the Faculty of Biology.
“This activity is carried out as a forum for sharing research and community service activities between lecturers and students as well as establishing partnerships,” said Dr. Eko in his speech Wednesday (29/11). He also conveyed the need for joint synergy to collaborate with foreign partners in increasing the recognition of the QS World University Ranking in terms of research and publications with foreign partners. Dr. Eko also reported that the number of participants in the 2023’ Research Days was 59 research posters, 17 community service posters, 7 posters from partners and 8 products downstream from Faculty of Biology lecturers and partners.
“Research day is expected to be a means of sharing between laboratories, between lecturers, and between students and partners so as to provide support for students to view research and publication as passion, not pressure,” said Prof. Mirwan in his speech. He also conveyed a message from the Vice Chancellor for Education and Learning of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, SS, M.Hum., DEA, regarding the big role of the Faculty of Biology in implementing SDGs points through research, publications and service activities which are expected to benefit the wider community. Next, Prof. Mirwan officially opened the Faculty of Biology’s Research Day agenda this year.
Students said they were enthusiastic about participating in Research Days. Various results of their research and community service together with Faculty of Biology lecturers were exhibited in Building B of the faculty for 2 days, 29 and 30 November 2023. Participants and visitors can vote to choose the poster they like and the winner will be announced at the end of the event.
It is hoped that Research Days will trigger the enthusiasm of the Biology Faculty academic community in increasing research, publications and community service activities, in line with support for improving inclusive education (SDG 4) through sustainable collaboration (SDG 17).
[MBKM] Microalgae is known for its benefits, typically used as an additional feed ingredient in aquaculture, microalgae plays a role in weight gain and enhancing disease resistance in fish. This particular topic was pursued by the MBKM Research Team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, consisting of Dimas Anggoro Putranto, Hardian Ridho Alfalah, and Rahmi Ramadhani Putri.
The research project was titled ‘In Silico Study of the Potential of Microalgae as an Immunostimulant Feed Source for Eel.’ This research aimed to explore the potential of microalgae: Chlorella sp, Nannochloropsis sp, and Spirulina sp. The MBKM research activities collaborated with INBIO to develop innovations and enhance students’ skills in the fields of bioinformatics and biomolecular studies. INBIO (Indonesia Bioinformatics and Biomolecular) is an institution specializing in bioinformatics and biomolecular analysis services in Indonesia. Apart from conducting research, the students also had the opportunity to intern at Inbio for one year. During the MBKM activities, the students identified microalgae and performed extractions using maceration methods for phytochemical content analysis using GC-MS. Additionally, they conducted research on target proteins in the PDB and ligand in PubChem. The students also prepared proteins and ligands, followed by docking processes, interaction visualization, and data analysis.
According to Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., the supervising lecturer, this initiative marks the initial steps in further research on the potential of microalgae as an immunostimulant feed source for eel. This research endeavor aims to create innovations beneficial to society. ‘Through this MBKM research program, we hope students can broaden their perspectives not only within the campus but also beyond (related institutions), fostering an inclusive educational environment accessible to anyone, anywhere. This aligns with SDG number 4, which aims to enhance the quality of education,’ expressed Ms. Indah.”
[MBKM] The MBKM Team from the Faculty of Biology at UGM, consisting of Zildan Basara (Biology 2020) and Mia Fadilah (Biology 2020), under the guidance of Didik Huswo Utomo, Ph.D., as INBIO Supervisor, and Sari Darmasiwi, S.Si., M. Biotech., Ph.D., as MBKM Supervisor, examined the antibacterial activity of active compounds from the Russula aeurginea mushroom against opportunistic skin pathogens Staphylococcus spp. through in silico and in vitro studies. The research investigated two distinct titles: ‘In Silico Study of Antibacterial Activity of Russula aeruginea Compounds against Staphylococcus hominis using Molecular Docking via Alphafold Approach’ and ‘Analysis of Russula aeruginea Fungus Potential as Antibacterial against Opportunistic Skin Pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus hominis, and Staphylococcus epidermis through Reverse Docking Method.
Staphylococcus spp. bacteria are gram-positive bacteria that typically exist as normal flora on human and animal skin. However, certain strains of Staphylococcus spp. can cause infections in humans, including skin infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and central nervous system infections. One way to combat Staphylococcus spp. infections is through antibiotic use. However, excessive antibiotic use leads to antibiotic resistance in these bacteria.An approach to address antibiotic resistance involves discovering new bioactive compounds with antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, including harnessing fungi. Fungi are widely used in various fields such as food, medicine, and cosmetics. One intriguing fungal genus for research is Russula. Among numerous Russula species, Russula aeruginea remains understudied. R. aeruginea is a food fungus found in Indonesian forests.
The research revealed antibacterial compounds from Russula aeruginea through wet lab and dry lab methods. The wet lab employed GC-MS, yielding the dominant compound 8,11-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester. Meanwhile, dry lab results identified 21 active compounds, including russulanorol, 2,4,6-octatriyn-1-ol, ergosterol, lactarolide A, and SHCHC, showing antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus spp. Therefore, the molecular docking research concerning bioactive compounds from Russula aeruginea against Staphylococcus spp. plays a crucial role in developing new therapeutic potentials and discovering antimicrobial compounds for combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.”
[MBKM]- Plastic has become an inseparable part of modern human life, from clothing, food packaging, household tools, to building materials. Despite its various benefits, plastic poses a significant threat to the sustainability of life on Earth, with over 10 million tons of plastic waste released into the environment and oceans annually. Numerous efforts are ongoing to address this issue, one of which involves seeking alternatives to conventional plastic that are more eco-friendly and sustainable. One potential substitute is PHB or polyhydroxybutyrate, a biopolymer naturally found in various types of microorganisms. It’s believed to become the primary polymer for future plastic materials, replacing conventional petroleum-based plastic due to its biobased, biosynthesized, and biodegradable. Recognizing this challenge and opportunity, three students from the Faculty of Biology UGM, Azizah Tyas Nugrahanty, Bagas Alfian Dwiaryanda, and Lucia Arum Sekar Meysari, embarked on the Independent Learning- Independent Campus (MBKM), focusing on developing effective and efficient PHB-producing organisms by utilizing genetic transformation technology.
This MBKM program was conducted under the guidance of Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, in collaboration with Raden Afif Pranaya Jati, S.P., M.Sc., from the Indonesian Bioinformatics Institute (INBIO-Indonesia). Throughout the research, the students engaged in various activities ranging from dry lab experiments to wet lab experiments. The study began with discussions regarding the selection of vectors and host microorganisms to be used. Subsequently, they designed plasmid vectors for genetic transformation and created primers to serve as markers for positive colony identification through colony PCR. The research then progressed to the wet lab phase at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory at Faculty of Biology UGM, involving the preparation of competent cells, genetic transformation using the electroporation method, colony PCR followed by electrophoresis to confirm positive colonies carrying the target gene. As of now, the team has successfully incorporated synthetic genes constructed within the plasmid into bacterial cells as candidates for naturally producing PHB microorganisms.
[MBKM] Yogyakarta, 9 November 2023, In efforts to support research and the development of Indonesia’s natural wealth, the MBKM research team has successfully completed further research in Mount Merbabu National Park (TNGMb) from June 2-4, 2023. The research led by Drs. Hari Purwanto, M.P., Ph.D., along with Aqil Abyan Rahman, Cornelius Devito Deva Pramana Atmaja, and Nadiva Adelia Nurdin. This research was also assisted by R. Hanindyo Adi, S.Si., M.Si., a Ph.D. student in the Entomology laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, UGM.
This research activity was a continuation of previous explorations conducted in November 2022, May 2023, and June 2023. The research team successfully identified three tribes of corbiculate bees, namely Bombini (mountain bumblebees), Apini (honey bees), and Meliponini (stingless bees), distributed in the TNGMb Pakis Resort area across 15 grids with an elevation range of 737-2496 meters above sea level. Morphological character analysis was conducted on the three tribes of corbiculate bees, revealing the species found to be Bombus rufipes, Apis cerana, and Tetragonula laeviceps. Based on molecular analysis using the 16s primer on samples from TNGMb, it was found that B. rufipes is closely related to B. eximius from Thailand, A. cerana is closely related to A. cerana from Japan, and T. laeviceps is closely related to T. laeviceps from Yogyakarta. Molecular analysis still requires more comprehensive comparisons. Morphometric-geometric analysis is currently being conducted on the samples to understand how differences in elevation affect bee adaptation, especially in wing size and shape.
The Merbabu Bee MBKM research team expresses gratitude to the Dean and Vice Dean for Research, Community Service,Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Faculty of Biology, UGM, for providing permission, facilities, and funding for this activity. We also thank Ir. Junita Parjanti, M.T., Head of TNGMb Office, Mrs. Ekowati, our guide at the Office of TNGMb, Mr. Wawan, Head of Pakis Resort, along with the team, and Mr. Jumari and the TNGMb Partner Community team who accompanied us during the exploration in Pakis Resort.
Ten students, members of the Microalgae Research Group in the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM, A. Najib Dhiaurhaman, Annisa Tsamara Faridah, Dwi Hardianti Luthfiana, Ghina Alyaa, Ismia Wulandari, Khalid Erlangga, Raihan, Samia Nasitatuz Zahra, Siti Mudrikah, and Tariq Akhdan Purnama has carried out research activities for Independent Students Learning for the Independent Campus (MBKM) at the Biodiversity Research Station II, Faculty of Biology, UGM for the Kedaireka Program. Under the guidance of Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc, they conducted research with the big title “Development of Flocculant Technology for Harvesting and Biorefinery Cultures of Spirulina and Euglena sp. at Nogotirto Algae Park, Sleman”.
Microalgae themselves have shown great potential in the field of biotechnology, so they are widely cultivated or cultivated. Among several microalgae that are currently widely cultivated, Euglena sp. is one of the microalgae that is very interesting to research because it produces many bioactive compounds and has a larger cell size compared to other types of microalgae, so it is hoped that it could produce large amounts of biomass and biological products. Euglena sp. used in the MBKM research this time were strains IDN22 and IDN33 which had been isolated and cultured at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM.
MBKM activities begin with preparation of tools in the form of arranging cultivation tanks and land preparation, as well as making growth medium for microalgae culture. During the MBKM activity, students carried out several activities such as testing metabolites including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and pigments. Apart from that, characterization of various metabolites that were tested was also carried out, as well as harvesting of Euglena sp. using bioflocculant and chitosan. The students also extracted samples for testing amino acids, fatty acids and monosaccharides using GC-MS. It is hoped that the experience gained during this MBKM activity can increase students’ experience and skills in carrying out their final assignments as well as preparations for them after graduating from college.