As part of its community service commitment, the Faculty of Biology UGM, in collaboration with the Indonesian Orchid Society (PAI) DIY, organized an “Orchid Cultivation Training” on September 11, 2024, at the RW62 Hall in Candi Gebang Permai, Sleman. The event targeted PKK members from Candi Gebang Permai Residential Jetis Village Sleman Regency. The training aimed to introduce orchid cultivation and care to participants, in line with the 2020-2024 National Development Goals (SDGs) related to gender equality (SDGs No.5), decent work and economic growth (SDGs No.8), responsible consumption and production (SDGs No.12), and life on land (SDGs No.15).

Over 54 enthusiastic PKK members participated, learning about orchid care, propagation, and cultivation management. The event was opened by Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., Head of the Tropical Biology Department, Faculty of Biology UGM, with presentations from Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti and Dr. Ixora Mercuriani. This training was guided by an orchid expert from the Faculty of Biology UGM, the Faculty of Mathematics and Science Yogyakarta State University, students, and the Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC) members.

The training emphasized orchid characteristics, seed selection, watering, fertilization, pest management, and efficient cultivation techniques. This initiative aims to empower PKK members, promote local resources, and potentially create new business opportunities. The training also demonstrated effective collaboration between academic institutions and local communities.

Cervical cancer ranked second most common cancer in Indonesia, with 36,633 reported cases in 2021, and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Current cervical cancer treatment is chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery with side effects that can significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, which produces E6 and E7 oncoproteins. These proteins interfere with programmed cell death (apoptosis), accelerate the cell cycle, and lead to cell immortality, resulting in cancer.

Combination Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Peel Waste has shown potential as an alternative cervical cancer treatment. This discovery comes from research conducted by UGM students in the Student Creativity Program for Exact Science Research (PKM-RE). The team, consisting of Aditya Latiful Azis (Biology 2022), Asy Syifa Paras Ceria (Biology 2022), Shabrina Farras Tsany (Medicine 2021), Rahmalia Diani Saffana (Medicine 2021), and Faqih Fikri Nuryanto (Pharmacy 2023), under the supervision of Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, M.Sc., Ph.D., has explored the potential of Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Peel Waste as an alternative therapy for cervical cancer.

Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds contain potent antioxidants including polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, while Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Peel Waste is rich in flavonoids and lycopene, which are cytotoxic to cancer cells. The herbal remedy derived from these two ingredients is predicted to have milder side effects.

“This research aims to utilize Indonesia’s natural resources for cervical cancer therapy. Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. peel wastes were selected due to their secondary metabolite content, which has potential anticancer properties. Additionally, the increasing production and consumption of Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. lead to organic waste issues. We hope this research offers an eco-friendly and milder side effect alternative treatment,” said Aditya, the team leader.

The research conducted for four months involved various tests, including phytochemical screening, in silico studies, anti-inflammatory activity tests, cytotoxicity and antiproliferative assays using the MTT method, inhibition of HeLa cell migration, and apoptosis tests.
The result showed the combination of Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Peel Waste could inhibit inflammation, halt cancer cell migration, and trigger cell death (apoptosis).

The results of this study are expected to pave the way for cervical cancer therapy that harnesses Indonesia’s natural wealth and supports zero-waste initiatives. [Written by: Aditya Latiful Azis]

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, Bioconnect BEM Biology UGM X Red Ant Tour HMPS Biology UIN Malang successfully held at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM with the theme “Expanding Relationships to Create Innovation in Organizations. The event attended by 59 members of BEM Biology UGM and 53 members of HMPS Biology UIN Malang.

Bioconnect BEM Biology UGM is a program organized by the Department of Public Relations and Networks, aimed at strengthening relationships and sharing knowledge with various organizations, both within and outside the Faculty of Biology UGM. This event served as a platform for both organizations to understand each other’s structures and work programs, evaluate performance, and foster camaraderie.

The event opened with speeches from Zulfa Mubarokatul Faiqoh, Chair of the Red Ant Tour HMPS Biology UIN Malang, and Rofina Rima Permatasari, Chair of Bioconnect BEM Biology UGM. Next were speeches from Muhammad Nurul Fathoni Adha, Chair of BEM Biology UGM, and Sherly Nafisa, Chair of HMPS Biology UIN Malang.

Following the opening session, a 90-minute Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was held, where participants exchanged ideas and experiences based on their respective organizational roles. The event continued with an ice-breaking session, tree planting at the UGM Biology Forest and an exchange of souvenirs between the two organizations. The event concluded with documentation.

The event ran smoothly without any obstacles, thanks to the hard work and collaboration of the organizing committees from both parties, ensuring the success of this collaborative event.

On Friday, August 16, 2024, the BEM Biology Cabinet Padma Birawa organized the BEM Skill Sharing Moment (MOBIL) #1. The event took place at 4:00 PM in Room 1, Building B, Faculty of Biology, guided by Aditya Latiful Azis and Rima Arvisya Natania Putri. A total of 40 young BEM Biology staff members attended the event. The theme for MOBIL #1 was “Synergy in Action: Achieving More Together,” covering two main topics. The event began with a prayer and opening remarks from Field Coordinator, Achmad Nadhmi Arfa, followed by seminars.

The first seminar session featured speaker Lara Ayu Oktaviani, who presented on effective communication, time management, work professionalism, and conflict management. The session was engaging, incorporating Mentimeter to enhance participant involvement and employing the “written memory” technique to aid participants in concentrating on the material. The next session was led by Aghniya Faza Kencana and Firchamy Vuqi Aulia, who discussed the importance of SWOT analysis and its role in organizations.

The event concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the speakers and a group photo session. It is hoped that this event could provide the young members of BEM Biology with new insights and skills.

On Saturday, August 24, 2024, the Entomology Study Group (Kelompok Studi Entomologi, KSE) from the Faculty of Biology at UGM held Exploration (Eksber) and Entotalk. These activities aimed to enhance KSE members’ knowledge of insects, both theoretically and practically.
Exploration is an insect sampling activity carried out by active KSE members. This year, the event occurred at Mina Sejati Fish Pond in Sleman, Yogyakarta. The participants were enthusiastic, working across three sampling areas: the citrus orchard, the cornfield, and the fish pond. The collected insects were then preserved through a mounting process by each group. The event concluded with presentations of the sampling and mounting results by the groups.

In the afternoon, the event continued with Entotalk, led by Rahma Amalia and Inaya Dwiandra from KSE’s 25th batch. Themed “Dragonfly Diversity: Exploring the Structure and Function of Dragonflies in Ecosystems,” the session featured speaker Puji Lestari, S.Pd. She presented material on dragonflies, one of the Odonata Order widely found in Indonesia, highlighting their vital role in ecosystems, followed by an interactive Q&A session. The event concluded with a certificate awarded to the speaker and a group photo, marking the end of the Joint Exploration and Entotalk activities.

On Saturday, August 24, 2024, the Graduate Student Association (KMP) of the Faculty of Biology UGM held a Graduate Student Gathering (TAKSA) at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM with the theme “Break Your Limit, Make Your Own Way” aimed to foster relationship among graduate students. The event commenced at 7:45 AM WIB with opening remarks from the MCs, Aryan Mustamin, S.Si., and Umu Intan Kinasih, S.Si., followed by the singing of the Indonesian National Anthem, the Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the Faculty of Biology March. Subsequently, opening speeches were delivered by Wahyul Fatwatulumam, S.Si., Chair of the KMP Faculty of Biology UGM; Dr. rer. Nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., Advisor of the KMP Faculty of Biology UGM; and Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The TAKSA event was preceded with a talk show led by Dini Iman Sari, S.Si., featuring Aryo Seto Pandu Wiranto, S.Si., M.Sc. as the speaker. He highlighted the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone to create new opportunities. He also stressed the value of recognizing one’s strengths, staying connected with close ones, and avoiding overthinking and unnecessary fear. Additionally, he urged the audience to embrace new experiences and take courageous actions, reminding them that achieving dreams requires hard work. The talk show concluded with a Q&A session.

The event then moved on to a sharing session and the presentation of the work programs and activities of each KMP division. Afterward, participants engaged in a game using the Quizziz app to determine the top three winners. That continued with a National Insight Test (TWK) game that involved three teams. The winner of the entire game round ends with the awarding of prizes. The closing of TAKSA ended with a prayer by Emi Suhaemi, S.Si., and photo documentation.[Author: KMP]