Research

As the national university, we champion and support innovative research that addresses the country’s most pressing challenges.

20 Mar 2026

Scientists create the first draft genome of the endangered Visayan spotted deer, a species found only in the Philippines

The genus Rusa, native to South and Southeast Asia, lives in diverse habitats ranging from dense forests to grasslands. Among its...

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19 Mar 2026

A comprehensive study on the health and nutrition of older Filipino adults highlights the need for tailored interventions

Several local studies have been conducted among community-dwelling older Filipinos; however, data gaps in nutrition research exist. In particular, there...

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18 Mar 2026

Libraries not only promote discourse but are also subjects of discourse themselves

In the past, libraries primarily served as channels for disseminating discourse through books, magazines, newspapers, and other important documents. Today,...

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17 Mar 2026

A two-stage symptom detection model was developed to more accurately identify depression signs in social media posts

Depression is a health condition characterized by changes in mood, cognition, and behavior. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),...

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16 Mar 2026

E-cigarettes may have less impact on the development of tooth decay and periodontal disease than traditional cigarettes

Cigarette smoking is a known risk factor for numerous health problems, including respiratory infections and cancers. It is also associated...

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13 Mar 2026

“Halata” can now be used to refer to gay men who act straight, showing how the definition of kabaklaan in the Philippines is ever-changing

In the Philippines, representation of gays has long been dichotomous. There is the bakla, depicted as flamboyant, effeminate and low...

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10 Mar 2026

Study develops a baseline econometric model to estimate potential hydrogen demand in Tarlac and explore hydrogen as an alternative energy source

This study aims to establish a baseline econometric model to inform the possible development of green hydrogen production in Tarlac....

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09 Mar 2026

There is significant spatial clustering of traffic accident locations in Quezon City

The surge in urban vehicular traffic volume over the past decade has resulted in a rise in the occurrence of...

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06 Mar 2026

Taken together, the oral narratives of families left behind by Duterte’s drug war reveal a shared understanding of political struggle and resistance

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is infamous for his war on drugs campaign, commonly known as Oplan Tokhang, which killed...

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05 Mar 2026

Motherwork includes often difficult conversations as mothers try to regulate their adolescents’ social media use

This study rests on the premise that motherhood is composed of unaccounted invisible work. Moreover, motherhood is not a natural...

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04 Mar 2026

There are some cases where individuals can reasonably believe in claims of miraculous events

When people claim that a miracle has happened—like someone suddenly healing from an incurable illness or holy bread turning into...

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03 Mar 2026

Indigenous myths are closely connected to the lived experiences and ongoing struggle of the Lumad for self-determination

Myths that involve sacred spaces largely make up local knowledge among Indigenous Peoples across continents. Often, these myths are dismissed...

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Research

The genus Rusa, native to South and Southeast Asia, lives in diverse habitats ranging from dense forests to grasslands. Among its members is the Visayan spotted deer, also known as the Philippine spotted deer and Rusa alfredi, one of three endemic species in the Philippines. It is a highly rare and endangered species indigenous to the Visayan Islands, a region considered a top conservation priority due to its many threatened endemic species and the severe risks to its habitats. The Visayan spotted deer is characterized by its soft, dark brown coat and distinct nominal spots. It once played a crucial role as an herbivore in influencing vegetation dynamics. However, its disappearance from most areas makes it difficult to fully determine its historical ecological impact. R. alfredi has been classified as endangered in the Red List of Endangered Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature since 1988. It is estimated that only 700 mature individuals were in the wild as of 2016. More broadly, the genus Rusa is experiencing a rapid decline in biodiversity worldwide and is facing a high risk of global extinction.

Despite its importance to local ecosystems, little is known about the genetics of the Visayan spotted deer, which is crucial for understanding its survival and conservation needs. In this study, we created the first draft genetic map (or “genome”) for this species, providing a comprehensive set of its genetic instructions. This genome, named RusAlf_1.1, contains over 24,000 genes and encompasses more than 95% of the expected genetic material for mammals, making it a high-quality resource for researchers. By comparing this genome to those of other deer, we found that the Visayan spotted deer is closely related to species in the Cervus group, such as the Red Deer. This information will help conservationists track genetic diversity, identify unique adaptations, and improve breeding programs, ensuring a healthier, more resilient population. The genome is critical to protecting this unique species from extinction.

Authors: Ma. Carmel F. Javier (Philippine Genome Center Visayas, University of the Philippines Visayas), Albert C. Noblezada (Philippine Genome Center Visayas, University of the Philippines Visayas), Persie Mark Q. Sienes (Biology Department, Silliman University), Robert S. Guino-o (Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management, Silliman University), Nadia Palomar-Abesamis (Biology Department, Silliman University), Maria Celia D. Malay (Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman), Carmelo S. del Castillo (Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas | National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Visayas) and Victor Marco Emmanuel N. Ferriols (Philippine Genome Center Visayas, University of the Philippines Visayas | Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas)

Read the full paper: https://gigabytejournal.com/articles/150?fbclid=IwY2xjawIuIY5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXYBX6eGtjXnpIF2sKdnTWVtrVj_PK0M6MMFdtunoX2cT0wN-FYYcLpqaQ_aem_2rMyZCQgCZntaUlc7XyEow

You can read more about the research in this feature by the UP System Media and Communication Office: https://up.edu.ph/up-su-gene-scientists-share-groundbreaking-draft-genome-of-endangered-visayan-spotted-deer/

Image by Leandro Cabrera