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USM Biology Club - Green Warriors, University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato (2026)

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University Of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan

19/08/2026

𝗙𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘆: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗼𝗺

New research suggests breastfed infants carry a lasting, physical trace of their mothers inside their own bodies, and scientists are only beginning to map how far that trace actually reaches.

Breast milk was long treated as a simple recipe of fat, sugar, and antibodies engineered for a growing infant. That view collapsed in 2012, when scientists discovered that human milk carries genuine stem cells, capable of turning into several different tissue types, not unlike cells found in an embryo. A single milliliter of breast milk, it turns out, can hold anywhere from thousands to millions of the mother's own living cells. Even the fat in milk isn't released cleanly: mammary cells secrete each fat globule by an "apocrine" mechanism, pinching off a piece of their own outer membrane and a thin rim of cytoplasm around it, so nearly every droplet of milk fat leaves the breast wrapped in a literal fragment of the mother's own cell.

The scale of that transfer is larger than most parents realize. A nursing infant may take in somewhere between four million and seventeen billion viable maternal cells a day, a portion of them stem cells capable of settling permanently into the infant's own tissue. Some of those cells do not simply pass through and disappear; they persist for decades, embedded in organs scientists are still working to fully map.

The clearest evidence comes from mice. Researchers bred mothers whose cells glowed green under fluorescent light, then let them nurse ordinary pups. The maternal cells turned up not just in the pups' blood, but embedded in their brains, functioning as working neurons and support cells. A follow-up study found those cells persist into adulthood, and get actively recruited to help repair brain tissue after injury.

Researchers suspect the transfer serves a purpose well beyond nutrition. Maternal immune cells from milk have been traced directly into a nursing infant's gut-lining immune tissue, and milk-borne genetic signals appear to shape gene activity in the infant's liver, brain, and fat tissue. The leading theory is that this ongoing handoff trains a baby's immune system to recognize the mother's cells as part of itself, rather than a threat.

✍️: Rose Mae Cabingatan
💻: gray.cious

17/08/2026

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸: 𝗔𝗽𝗼 𝗠𝘆𝗻𝗮 𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗽𝗼 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴

Get to know today’s featured species, the Apo Myna (𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘢 𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢), a representative of Mindanao’s biodiversity. Apo Myna, also known as the Mount Apo starling or Mount Apo king starling, is a fairly large, long-tailed bird species that belongs to the starling family, Sturnidae. This species is endemic to the Philippines, found only in the high mountains of Mindanao. The Apo Myna is known for its glossy black plumage that shines with a hint of blue iridescence under sunlight, with white speckles on its lower back. The feathers on its head form a tall, wispy crest, one of its distinct characteristics. Around its eyes, extending across its cheeks is a patch of yellow shade that forms a prominent yellow mask.

Aside from its unique morphology, the Apo Myna can also be recognized by its sounds or calls. Its voice can be described as slurred, metallic warbles, and it also produces a sharp, falling “tsik”. When it flies, the beating of its wings can be clearly heard.

The Apo Myna inhabits the montane forests of Mindanao, specifically the Mount Apo, thriving in the area’s high-altitude ecosystem, which has a cool and humid climate. Apo Myna has a diverse diet, foraging on fruits and insects. Thus, its diet contributes to its ecological role: it helps regulate the pop**ation of insects and helps in seed dispersal.

However, due to prevailing habitat loss and degradation from logging and agricultural expansion, the Apo Myna pop**ation is declining. Unfortunately, it is now classified as a Near Threatened species. Hence, habitat protection and conservation is crucial for the survival of the Apo Myna and the preservation of the rich Philippine biodiversity.

✍️: Enoki
💻: Lalyzza Manoban

13/08/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗻𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀

Did you know? Before the mighty Philippine Eagle, a small, chestnut-colored bird was widely associated with the country's national bird—the Chestnut Munia, locally known as mayang p**a or mayang bukid.

The Chestnut Munia (𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘢 𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢) is a small bird commonly found in grasslands, agricultural fields, and other open habitats. With its chestnut-colored body and dark head, it became a familiar sight in Filipino communities. For generations, many Filipinos simply knew it as “maya”.

The maya was widely seen in rice fields and other open areas, making it a recognizable part of everyday Filipino life. Its widespread presence helped it become associated with the country and its national identity, leading many Filipinos to regard it as the national bird.

However, the maya was not always viewed positively. When large flocks gathered in rice fields, they could damage rice crops and were considered agricultural pests.

In 1995, then-President Fidel V. Ramos signed Proclamation No. 615, officially declaring the Philippine Eagle (𝘗𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘨𝘢 𝘫𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘪) as the country's national bird. Unlike the Chestnut Munia, the Philippine Eagle is found naturally only in the Philippines. It is also critically endangered, making its survival closely tied to the protection of the country's forests. As the national bird, it has become a symbol of the Philippines' unique wildlife and the need to protect it.

From the Chestnut Munia of the rice fields to the Philippine Eagle soaring over the forests, the story of our national bird shows how a species can become part of a country's identity—and how that symbol can also remind us of the wildlife we must protect.

✍🏻: Cole Aban
💻: Rairai

10 Most common urban birds – wild bird club of the Philippines. (2013, July 2). Birdwatch.Ph. https://birdwatch.ph/2013/07/03/10-most-common-urban-birds/

Chestnut munia lonchura atricapilla species | BirdLife DataZone. (2024). In BirdLife DataZone. https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/chestnut-munia-lonchura-atricapilla/

iNaturalist. (n.d.). Chestnut munia (Lonchura atricapilla). https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/68324

Proclamation no. 615 - declaring the philippine eagle as the National Bird of the Philippines - Supreme Court e-library. (2019). Judiciary.Gov.Ph. https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocs/10/56755

Tababa, J. (2023, August 26). Ten strategies for protecting rice from birds. Agriculture Monthly. https://agriculture.com.ph/2023/08/26/ten-strategies-for-protecting-rice-from-birds/

12/08/2026

𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀

The Philippine eagle (𝘗𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘨𝘢 𝘫𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘪) has long been one of the country's hallmarks of Filipino heritage and is recognized as the Philippines' national bird.

Despite its importance, the Philippine eagle is now facing a greater risk of extinction. A study conducted by scientists from the University of the Philippines Diliman, led by Dr. Cynthia Saloma, found that the critically endangered species has exceptionally low genetic diversity, leaving it genetically fragile and less capable of adapting to environmental changes.

The findings add to the growing concern over the species' declining pop**ation. Data suggest that no more than 400 adult pairs remain in the wild. Endemic to the Philippines, the Philippine eagle is found primarily in the forests of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao and is considered one of the world's rarest birds of prey.
The species continues to face numerous threats, most of which are caused by human activities. Habitat loss due to deforestation remains the greatest threat, as it destroys the eagle's nesting and hunting grounds. Illegal shooting, accidental capture, and other forms of human disturbance have also contributed to the decline of its pop**ation.

"The danger is that when there's little variation, the species struggles to adapt to changes. For example, if a new disease appears or the environment shifts, most eagles would react the same way and have the same capacity to adapt—and if they're vulnerable, the whole pop**ation could be wiped out," the researchers said.

The researchers said the findings underscore the importance of strengthening conservation efforts, including habitat protection, pop**ation monitoring, and genetic research, to improve the Philippine eagle's chances of long-term survival.

✍️: Kim Joshua Jorca
💻: gray.cious

References:
Cebu Daily News. (2025, July 30). Philippine eagle’s low genetic diversity raises extinction risk. https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/741950/philippine-eagles-low-genetic-diversity-raises-extinction-risk

Philippine Eagle Foundation. (n.d.). Philippine eagle. https://www.philippineeaglefoundation.org/philippine-eagle

The Peregrine Fund. (n.d.). Philippine eagle. https://peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/eagles/philippine-eagle

Whitley Fund for Nature. (n.d.). Conserving the Philippine eagle on Mindanao Island. https://whitleyaward.org/winners/conserving-the-philippine-eagle-on-mindanao-island/

12/08/2026

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗗𝗔𝗬 | 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟮

Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth and are known as keystone species because their activities help shape and maintain their habitats. They create pathways, spread seeds, and help other animals access food and water. However, they continue to face threats such as habitat loss, human wildlife conflict, and poaching.

On this day, we celebrate World Elephant Day and appreciate these gentle giants that are an important part of our ecosystems. Their presence helps keep nature balanced and supports many other species.

Let us stand tall for elephants by spreading awareness and supporting their conservation. Together, we can help ensure that these magnificent giants continue to roam freely for generations to come

✍🏻: Tenshi
💻: Kudi

10/08/2026

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸: 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗴𝗼𝗻 (𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝘀 "𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺")

When we think of cherry blossoms, we often picture the famous pink landscapes of Japan. But did you know that the Philippines has its own native tree that can create the same breathtaking display of pink blooms?

Meet the Salinggogon (𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘹𝘺𝘭𝘶𝘮 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘶𝘮), a native Philippine tree belonging to the family Hypericaceae. Often called the “𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺”, the Salinggogon is known for its delicate pink, white, and purplish flowers that cover its branches during its blooming season. During this period, the tree may temporarily lose much of its foliage, making its flowers stand out against the surrounding greenery.

Unlike Japan’s cherry blossoms, the Salinggogon is naturally adapted to the tropical climate, growing as a large forest tree that can reach over 30 meters. It is native to the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia and thrives in lowland to mid-elevation primary and secondary forests. Salinggogon is also valued beyond its beauty—its young leaves, shoots, and flowers are traditionally eaten as vegetables in Thailand and neighboring countries, often appreciated for their sour, slightly astringent flavor.

It may be compared to Japan’s cherry blossoms, but the Salinggogon carries a beauty uniquely its own. It blooms not to imitate the sakura, but to remind us that something beautiful has been ours all along.

✍️: 𝔓𝔲𝔩𝔞𝔫𝔤 𝔊𝔲𝔫𝔞𝔪
💻: 𝔏𝔞𝔩𝔶𝔷𝔷𝔞 𝔐𝔞𝔫𝔬𝔟𝔞𝔫

10/08/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

On August 10, the world celebrates Panthera leo (italicized) — but the science tells a more urgent story than the symbolism suggests. Lions are the only truly social big cat, living in prides bound by cooperative hunting, shared cub-rearing, and roars that can carry up to 8 km across open savanna. Yet this apex predator, once ranging across nearly all of Africa and into Asia and Europe, now survives in roughly 6–7% of its historical range. Fewer than 23,000 remain in the wild, and the IUCN lists the species as Vulnerable, with some regional pop**ations critically endangered.

As keystone predators, lions do more than command awe — they regulate herbivore pop**ations and shape entire grassland ecosystems from the top down. Lose the lion, and you don't just lose an icon. You lose the ecological architecture an entire biome depends on.

This World Lion Day, let's make sure the roar outlasts the silence closing in around it.

✍️: Rose Mae Cabingatan
💻: gray.cious

09/08/2026

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝’𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬!

Today, the USM Biology Club joins the world in celebrating the diverse cultures, traditions, identities, and stories of Indigenous Peoples.

Every Indigenous community carries a distinct heritage — each one a meaningful fragment of a greater whole. Together, these cultures, histories, and voices form a rich collective identity that connects generations and strengthens the tapestry of Indigenous Peoples.

May we continue to honor our roots, preserve our heritage, amplify our voices, and carry our cultures forward for generations to come. 🌿

Each culture is a piece.
Each voice is a part of our story.
Together, we form a legacy.

✍🏻: Kim Joshua Jorca
💻: Benn Philip Napila

09/08/2026

𝗨𝗦𝗠 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗔.𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲-𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳

The USM Biology Club (USM BC) held its 1st Regular Meeting on August 7, 2026 at the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) Building with its advisers, officers, committee members, and class officers in attendance.

The meeting covered the proposed amendments to the club’s Constitution and By-Laws, the financial and liquidation report, and discussions on upcoming programs, projects, and activities.

According to the revised CBL of the organization, they will be conducting its regular meetings every first Friday of the month to discuss important matters and to keep the organization’s plans on track. Other concerns and matters from the members were also discussed.

✍️: tenshi
💻: Abdulhamid Kudi

06/08/2026

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗚𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗕𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝘃𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱

When people usually think of guard animals, dogs are what first comes to mind. Yet for centuries, geese have loudly honked for many facilities earning them a reputation as nature’s alarm system. With razor-sharp eyesight, powerful territorial instincts, and unmistakably loud honks, geese can detect unfamiliar people or animals long before humans notice anything unusual.

Then why are geese an effective alternative to traditional guard animals? This is because they are naturally alert, highly territorial, and quick to react to unfamiliar activity. Their sharp eyesight, constant awareness, and strong flock instincts allow them to quickly find intruders, while their loud honking, wing-flapping, and aggressive behavior serve as reliable warning signals.

Furthermore, history and modern events demonstrate their effectiveness, from the sacred geese that alerted Roman defenders during the Gallic attack in 390 BC to guard geese in China's Xinjiang Province that woke police officers during an attempted break-in. As prison guards said, geese are naturally distrustful of strangers and cannot be easily bribed, making them dependable and low-maintenance guardians.

In a world where high-tech security systems and trained guard dogs often steal the spotlight, geese prove that sometimes the best security comes with feathers instead of fur. And if you're ever choosing between sneaking past a sleeping dog or an alert goose, just remember that the dog may let you pass for a treat, but the goose has already called its owners, the police, and even a few more murderous friends, ready for a wild goose chase, like literally.

✍️: Trex Ice Perez
💻: Rairai

USM Biology Club - Green Warriors

19/08/2026

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