Behind The Science Podcast

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 publishing, policymaking, and creating a national river database.

⌛Chapters

00:00 Starting the River Conversation

00:38 Podcast and Partners Introduction

03:50 Journey as a Scientist

09:56 PhD and Scholarship Review

15:04 Introduction to the River Project

18:49 Key Points in River Management

31:09 Technologies and Policies in River Management

37:55 Using Communication Technology

38:51 Introduction to Studies and Results

40:34 River Management and Strategies

43:35 Analyzing Historical Data and Flood Estimation

46:30 Studying Different Types of Rivers

49:50 Impact of Structures on River Management

52:43 Building a Community of River Practitioners

55:08 Reviewing Experiences and Challenges

01:00:55 Writing Research and Planning

01:07:22 Next Steps and Community Inclusion

01:10:25 Promoting River Awareness

📚Reference: Tolentino, P. L. M., Williams, R. D. and Brierley, G. J. (2025) Reconfiguring River Management in the Philippines. Project Report. University of Glasgow.

🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.

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 drawing into science communication. #RadarScience #ClimatePH #ScienceCommunication #PinoyScientist

⌛Chapters

00:00 Radar and Satellite Analysis of Rain

00:50 Podcast and Partners Introduction

04:00 Meet Our Guest

09:35 Moving from Physics to Geology and Climatology

13:20 Developing Radar Research and Science Communication

19:53 Understanding Beam Blockage and Radar Measurements

28:49 Introduction to Dr. Irene's Research

32:40 Analysis of Rain Measuring Instruments

34:44 Importance of Calibration in Radar Data

42:02 Analysis and Calibration Methods

48:49 Data Access and Research Challenges

52:31 Research and Analysis Experiences

58:06 Tips for Beginning Researchers

📚Reference:

Crisologo, I., Warren, R. A., Mühlbauer, K., & Heistermann, M. (2018). Enhancing the consistency of spaceborne and ground-based radar comparisons by using beam blockage fraction as a quality filter. Atmospheric Measurement Techniques, 11(9), 5223-5236.

🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.

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 Marine Science Institute to his insights on mangroves, seagrass, and blue carbon ecosystems, this episode is packed with climate and coastal science insights every Filipino should hear. #OceanAcidification #ClimateSciencePH #MarineBiology

📚Reference: 1) Baure, J. G., Roleda, M. Y., & Juinio-Meñez, M. A. (2023). Short-term exposure to independent and combined acidification and warming elicits differential responses from two tropical seagrass-associated invertebrate grazers. Marine Biology, 170(9), 114.

2) Baure, J. G., Roleda, M. Y., & Juinio-Meñez, M. A. (2024). Benthic diatom response to short-term acidification and warming influenced by grazing and nutrients. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 208, 116956.

⌛Chapters

00:00 Global Warming and Ocean Acidification

00:45 Podcast and Partners Introduction

04:01 Meet Our Guest

06:38 Jerwin's Journey as a Scientist

09:13 Examining the Importance of Fisheries

11:29 Examining Social Media and Science

14:51 Connecting Ecology and Social Science

17:37 Introduction to Jerwin's Studies

19:50 Understanding Ocean Acidification

22:35 Impact of Ocean Acidification on Organisms

27:52 Importance of Sea Cucumbers and Top Shells

29:59 Experimental Setup and Methodology

34:52 Experimental Results

35:50 Studying the Impact of Acidification and Warming

42:32 Second Paper: Benthic Diatoms and Biomass

48:18 Challenges in Conducting Research

01:01:30 Publishing Results and Their Importance

01:08:43 Supporting Campaigns for the Environment

🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.

✍️ Submit your research:The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The Philippine Journal of Fisheries

SciEnggJ

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 Hawaii to Japan and the urgent need for more agricultural research in the Philippines. #Plumeria #AgriculturePH #FilipinoScientist #Kalachuchi

⌛Chapters

00:00 Importance of Plumeria in Culture

01:00 Partners

03:50 Sir Darrell's Journey into Science

05:47 Getting Started in Agriculture

09:56 Importance of Agriculturists

15:53 Differences in Agriculture in Other Countries

19:48 Importance of Agricultural Research

25:07 Study on Plumeria and Results

30:03 Importance of Morphological Characterization

33:39 Study on Plumeria

40:33 Importance and Use of Plumeria

43:59 Invasive Species and Environment

44:15 Research Methodology

55:08 Results and Implications of Research

01:00:11 Advice for Those Who Want to Do Research

📚Reference:

Antesco DK et al. 2025. Morphological Characterization, Pollen Viability, and Germinability Evaluation of Two Plumeria Species in the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The Philippine Agricultural Scientist 108(1): 91-99.

► https://doi.org/10.62550/FD28036024

🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, The Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The Philippine Journal of Fisheries, and SciEnggJ.

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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 Post-Traumatic Growth

03:06 Dr. Villarino's Journey

05:59 Importance of Mental Health in the Age of Climate Change

08:56 Differences between Mental Health and Physical Health

11:46 Stigma and Misconceptions in Mental Health

14:55 Importance of Cultural Context in Mental Health

18:03 Analysis of Mental Health Disorders

20:52 Help-Seeking and Resilience

23:59 Expanding Knowledge on Mental Health

26:49 Analysis of the Relationship between Climate Change and Mental Health

29:39 Importance of Health in Climate

32:48 Mental Health and Climate Change

37:31 Impact of Disasters on Mental Health

41:05 Post-Traumatic Growth vs. Post-Traumatic Stress

45:22 Research Analysis Strategies

48:53 Tips for Beginning Researchers

52:28 Promoting Local Research

📚Reference:

Villarino, R. T., Hozhabri, K., Saint-Onge, K., & Bernard, P. (2024). A systematic review of mental health and climate change in the Philippines. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 101, Article 104191.

🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, and Liknayan Podcast.

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 Studying the Unique Characteristics of Typhoon Odette

30:21 Findings on the Typhoon

34:03 Data Analysis and Quality

40:46 Challenges in Typhoon Analysis

45:30 Importance of Observational Data

52:23 The Study Publishing Process

56:27 Future Research

59:33 Advice for Aspiring Researchers

📚Reference:

Petilla, C. E. R., Olaguera, L. M. P., Cruz, F. A. T., Villarin, J. R. T., Fudeyasu, H., Yoshida, R., & Matsumoto, J. (2025). The unique features of Typhoon Rai (2021): an observational study. Natural Hazards, 1-25.

🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, and Liknayan Podcast.

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 Inputs

39:30 Research Challenges

44:24 Advice for Young Researchers

📚Reference:

Cadiz MM et al. 2024. Recent Changes (2018–2022) in Benthic Cover in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Sulu Sea, the Philippines. Philipp J Sci 153(6B): 2209–2239.

🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, and Liknayan Podcast.

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 fluorescence in aquatic research, challenges in coastal and inland waters, and the process of doing a PhD are discussed.

⌛Chapters

00:00 Starting a Scientific Journey

02:54 Studying and Researching Remote Sensing

06:05 From Geology to Aquatic Sciences

09:05 Erasmus Mundus and Experiences Abroad

11:56 ESA's Fluorescence Explorer Mission

14:54 Understanding Chlorophyll A and Primary Production

18:12 Importance of Phytoplankton in Ecosystems

20:54 Remote Sensing and Traditional Methods

24:00 Challenges and Opportunities in Remote Sensing

37:11 Analyzing Remote Sensing and Fluorescence

43:47 Challenges in Coastal and Inland Waters

48:09 Behind the Scenes of Research

52:02 Challenges of Doing a PhD

57:44 Writing a Review Paper

01:01:19 Future Research Plans

01:03:53 Advice for Aspiring Researchers

📚Reference:

R. Gupana, D. Odermatt, I. Cesana, C. Giardino, L. Nedbal, and A. Damm, "Remote Sensing of Environment Remote sensing of sun-induced chlorophyll- a fluorescence in inland and coastal waters : Current state and future prospects," Remote Sensing of Environment 262(April), 112482 (2021).

► https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2021.112482

🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, and Liknayan Podcast.

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Cloud physicist Marco Polo A. Ibañez shares his experience in weather modeling and his research on raindrop size distribution during the Southwest Monsoon in Western Luzon. He also shares the importance of measuring the raindrop size in better understanding atmospheric processes.

⌛Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Weather Modeling

03:00 Experience at the Manila Observatory and NASA

06:07 Growing Interest in Atmospheric Science

09:01 Analysis of Raindrop Size Distribution

12:08 Instruments and Technical Aspects of Research

15:03 Findings on Raindrop Size Distribution

17:55 Practical Applications of Research

20:45 Challenges in Conducting Research

23:54 Experiences and Lessons from Research

27:06 Future Plans and Aspirations

30:06 Advice for Aspiring Researchers

📚Reference: Ibañez MP, Pura AG, Sajulga RA, David SJ. 2023. Raindrop size distribution characteristics during the Southwest Monsoon period in Western Luzon, Philippines. Philipp J Sci 152(S1):1‐16.► https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/publication/special-issues/meteorology/121-vol-152-no-s1-meteorology/1823-raindrop-size-distribution-rsd-characteristics-during-the-southwest-monsoon-period-in-western-luzon-philippines

🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, and Liknayan Podcast.

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Marine biologist Marivic Pepino discusses her research on deep sea precious corals in Japan. She explores the ecological significance of these corals, their use in jewelry, and the challenges posed by overexploitation. Marivic shares insights on her work involving artificial fertilization, coral restoration, and genetic analysis to help sustain coral populations. This in-depth conversation offers valuable knowledge on coral conservation and marine science. Watch to learn more about precious coral research and restoration efforts.⌛Chapters00:00 Introduction to Precious Corals02:59 Starting a Career in Science05:46 Research and Field Work Experiences08:52 Choosing a PhD and Scholarship in Japan11:59 Researching Gene Expression of Precious Corals15:01 Research Methodology17:52 Challenges in Precious Coral Conservation21:02 Economic Importance of Precious Corals23:52 Understanding Deep Sea Corals26:58 Effects of Overexploitation30:04 Research Closure and Evaluation31:06 Laboratory Setup for Corals32:41 Studying Precious Corals34:18 Cruise and Research Experience36:37 Research Funding and Support39:08 Challenges in Conducting Research41:00 Precious Experiments Corals44:46 Research Experiences and Experiments49:24 Planning for the Next Step52:21 Advice for Aspiring Researchers📚Reference: Pepino MMC, Manalili SE, Sekida S, Mezaki T, Okumura T, Kubota S. (2024). Gene expression profiles of Japanese precious coral Corallium japonicum during gametogenesis. PeerJ, 12, e17182.► https://peerj.com/articles/17182/🤝Behind The Science Podcast is presented to you by Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub, UP Resilience Institute, and Liknayan Podcast.🌊Follow Marine & Earth Science Learning Hub on @marineearthscience ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marineearthscience► Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marineearthscience► Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marineearthscience🎙️Follow Behind The Science Podcast on► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/btspodcast23► Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg3GZRd-UMScYpWlDj5T3eklUF75XPeLD&si=rg8Qf1i8k4zPnlcp► Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4NTLrSfceKjpFvZWflzBJj?si=dbf094cba38746a0► Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/behind-the-science-podcast/id1753464681🦖Join our science community► https://www.facebook.com/groups/scienceenthusiastsph⚛️Learn physics with Pinoy Physicists►https://youtube.com/@liknayan.podcast