Behind The Science Podcast

This episode of Behind The Science Podcast features Engr. Harold Aquino and his research on quantifying the impacts of earthquake disasters on the building construction sector using a SARIMA-based counterfactual analysis. 📚Reference: Aquino DHM, Domingo N, Atapattu C. 2025. Evaluating the impacts of earthquake disasters on the building construction sector: a SARIMA-based counterfactual analysis ....

In this episode, we talk with Mr. Erlo Matorres about the realities of coral reef restoration in the Philippines. We discussed the challenges practitioners face, such as the limited understanding of the guidelines and necessary permits before implementing a restoration project. 📚Reference: Matorres DE, Fabinyi M, Horigue V, Novilla CT, Baria-Rodriguez MV. 2024. Institutional dimensions of coral r...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Justine Domingo about the pressing need to balance the Philippines’ rich mineral potential with the protection of its ecosystems in the context of climate change and natural hazards. The episode explores critical environmental research challenges in the mining sector, including the lack of baseline data and the limitations of current monitoring frameworks. We hig...

In this episode, Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos shares his journey as a fisheries scientist, the importance of scientific publishing, how to publish in The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and the challenges faced by local journals in reaching global recognition. 📚How to publish in The Philippine Journal of Fisheries: ► https://nfrdi.da.gov.ph/tpjf/ 🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Mar...

How long can rabbit meat stay safe without refrigeration? 🐇 In this episode of Behind the Science Podcast, we talk with Ms. Marielle Vergara about the changes in the bacterial load, pH, color, and other quality parameters of rabbit meat over time without refrigeration. The study determined how long the rabbit meat can be exposed to ambient conditions from the time of slaughtering until it is sold...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Leonila Bautista about her study that estimated the epicenters and magnitudes of 485 earthquakes that occurred in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period by analyzing more than 6,000 historical accounts.📚Reference: Bautista, M. L. P., & Oike, K. (2000). Estimation of the magnitudes and epicenters of Philippine historical earthquakes . Tectonophysic...

Mr. Zenon Richard Mateo explains how earthquakes from the Philippine Fault shaped the shoreline of Lingayen Gulf during the past 2,400 years.📚Reference: Mateo, Z. R. P., & Siringan, F. P. (2007). ⁠⁠Tectonic control of high-frequency Holocene delta switching and fluvial migration in Lingayen Gulf bayhead, northwestern Philippines⁠⁠ . Journal of Coastal Research, 23(1), 182-194.🤝Behind The Sci...

In this episode, Mr. Christian Lualhati talked about his research on methane emissions from carabaos and how probiotics can play a key role in improving ruminant nutrition and reducing environmental impact. 📚Reference: Lualhati, C. V., Managa, K. R. D., Castillo, C. I., Llantada, P. L. T., & Del Barrio, A. N. (2025). Effe cts of Probiotic Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digest...

In this episode, we explore marine natural products with Dr. Lilibeth Salvador-Reyes, a professor from UP Diliman. She shares insights into her research on cyanobacterial-inspired peptides, which are small molecules derived from cyanobacteria that could have biomedical applications.📚Reference: Casanova, J.R., Villaraza, A.J.L., & Salvador-Reyes, L.A. (18 March 2024). Synthesis and biological...

In this episode, we talk with Engr. Isaac Besarra about his study on flood risk in Carigara, Leyte under future climate change scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. 📚Reference: Besarra, I., Opdyke, A., Mendoza, J.E., Delmendo, P.A., Santiago, J., Evangelista, D.J., Lagmay, A.M.F.A., 2025. The Cost of Flooding on Housing Under Climate Change in the Philippines: Examining Projected Damage at the Local Sca...

Can hot weather really cause brain aneurysms? In this episode, neurosurgeon Dr. Juan Silvestre Pascual discusses his study on the meteorological factors affecting aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the Philippines. 📚Reference: Pascual JSG, Khu KO, Brillante EB, Te JT, Racoma BB, Ignacio KD, Legaspi GD. Meteorological Factors Affecting Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the Philippines . Phi...

Dr. Nia Santos shares how she used both genetics and morphology to identify the freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium spp.) in Cairawan River Antique. With 11 species identified, the highest number of species reported from a single river, this study highlights the ecological value of Philippine rivers and their potential for sustainable fisheries. 📚Reference: Santos MNM, Wowor D, Ikeda M, Padilla PI an...

In this episode, chemical volcanologist John Michael Ausejo breaks down his study on primitive arc lavas from the Macolod Corridor. By analyzing the geochemical and mineralogical composition of igneous rocks, he traces the melt generation and magma storage conditions of primitive arc lavas in the Macolod Corridor 42 km beneath the Earth’s surface. ⌛ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Makulod Corr...

Is it safe to exercise while pregnant? In this episode, Dr. Clarissa Velayo shares the results from her clinical study on the effects of Sheng Zhen Gong, a traditional low-intensity exercise, on the wellbeing of both mother and child. ⌛Chapters 00:46 Podcast Introduction and Partners 04:02 Dr. Clarissa Velayo's Journey into Medicine 14:09 Review of Dr. Velayo's Study on Sheng Zhen Gong 16...

Are native chickens really antibiotic-free? In this episode, microbiologist Dr. Rina Opulencia breaks down her research on multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria found in healthy Philippine native chickens. Her team sequenced bacterial genomes and discovered antibiotic resistance genes in Philippine native chickens, which raises important questions about farm hygiene and food safety. Learn how resista...

Marine biologist Dr. Wilfredo Licuanan explains his team’s groundbreaking work in developing a new scale to assess coral reefs. The new letter-grade scale replaces the outdated standards and helps scientists, policymakers, and citizen scientists better understand reef health. This research has already influenced national guidelines and could reshape how we protect our reefs. #CoralReefsPH #MarineS...

Dr. Karmina Aquino reveals her groundbreaking study on geologic hydrogen in Zambales - a natural hydrogen gas released from rocks through water-rock interactions. Her research found one of the highest hydrogen outgassing rates ever measured globally. We also explore her path from geology to geochemistry, the role of ophiolites in hydrogen production, and the potential of geologic hydrogen as a fut...

Dr. Pamela Tolentino breaks down her decade-long research on sustainable river management in the Philippines. From river migration and sediment flow to flood risk and dike failure, she shares how new data, geomorphic insights, and nature-based solutions can reshape how we manage our waterways. We also talk about her journey from biology to geology to fluvial geomorphology, and the challenges of pu...

How do scientists make sure our weather radars are actually accurate? In this episode, climatologist Dr. Irene Crisologo explains how she used satellite data to calibrate ground-based weather radars in the Philippines and overcoming challenges like beam blockage from mountains and urban structures. We also trace her journey from physics to geology and climatology, and how she turned her love for d...

What happens to marine life when the ocean turns more acidic and hotter? In this episode, marine scientist Jerwin Baure shares the results of his experiments on sea cucumbers and top shells under warming and acidification conditions. He also explains why even “no significant results” matter, and how social media became a tool for science communication and activism. From his research journey at UP...

In this episode, we dive into the cultural and scientific story of Plumeria (Kalachuchi) with Filipino researcher Mr. Darel Antesco. Learn why this iconic flower is seen so differently in Hawaii vs. the Philippines, and discover the unique characteristics of 2 species of Plumeria found in the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Darel also shares his journey from Bukidnon to Los Baños to Hawai...

What’s the link between climate change and mental health? In this episode, Dr. Resti Tito Villarino breaks down post-traumatic growth, the mental health impact of disasters, and why local research in the Philippines matters. If you’re into mental health, climate issues, or stories of resilience, this one’s for you. #MentalHealthPH #ClimateChange #PostTraumaticGrowth ⌛Chapters 00:00 Understanding...

Mr. Clint Petilla discussed the unique characteristics of Typhoon Odette and its impacts on the Philippines. The research focuses on landfalling tropical cyclones from 1979 to 2020, and how these provide context for the uniqueness of Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai). ⌛Chapters 00:00 Analysis of Typhoons That Have Passed Through the Philippines 05:36 A Scientist's Journey 19:12 Studyin...

Dr. Licuanan discussed the current status of Tubbataha Reef, specifically the increase in microalgae and other organisms affecting the reef's benthic cover. He also discussed the possible causes of these changes such as increased nutrient levels from seabird guano. ⌛Chapters 00:00 Tubbataha Reef 12:27 Studying Tubbataha Benthic Cover 20:59 Changes in Coral Reefs 32:15 Analyzing Nutrient Input...

In this episode, Dr. Remika Gupana discusses her journey from her early experiences in science to her current research in remote sensing of water quality. She highlights the importance of phytoplankton and fluorescence in understanding ecosystems and the challenges and opportunities in using satellite data for environmental science. In this conversation, the main themes of remote sensing and fluor...