Newsletter: Tenable Research finds that DeepSeek R1 can be tricked into developing malware

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When new technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) emerge, cybercriminals inevitably look for ways to exploit its capabilities for malicious purposes. While most mainstream GenAI models have built-in safeguards to prevent misuse, Tenable Research has found that DeepSeek R1 can be tricked into generating malware, raising concerns about the security risks posed by AI-powered cybercrime.

Newsletter: Taal volcanic ash can be used for radiation shielding, Filipino researchers find

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Researchers from the Ateneo de Manila University and from National University- Mall of Asia Campus have found a surprising new use for the copious amounts of volcanic ash scattered across the Philippines: it can be used to shield against harmful radiation. 

Blocks of geopolymer mortar made from Taal volcanic ash (TVA) freshly removed from their molds after being left to cure for 24 hours. It was found that the natural presence of iron-rich minerals in TVA give it strong radiation attenuation properties. CREDIT: Myris V. Supnad

Radiation shielding is essential for hospitals, industrial sites, and nuclear facilities. These places use ionizing radiation for beneficial purposes such as in helping doctors treat sick organs and broken bones; looking for structural weaknesses in buildings; or helping sterilize food for longer shelf life. Though useful, exposure to ionizing radiation can be harmful for prolonged periods—hence the need for shielding. However, currently available materials like concrete and lead can be expensive and environmentally hazardous. Construction materials made from volcanic ash offer a potential sustainable and lightweight alternative.

Newsletter: Acronis Data Privacy Survey Reveals 64% of Global Consumers Cite Data Breaches as Top Privacy Concern

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Acronis, a global leader in cybersecurity and data protection, has unveiled the findings of its inaugural report, Data Privacy in 2025: A survey to explore consumer views on cyber protection. Released in alignment with Data Privacy Day on January 28, the report provides insights into global consumer attitudes and behaviors regarding cybersecurity and data protection. The report is based on a wide range of survey questions posed to consumers about their top privacy concerns, awareness of cyber risks, and the security measures used to safeguard personal data. 

Newsletter: UPD Experts Determine the Optimal Model for Predicting Algal Blooms

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By Harvey Sapigao

Graphical abstract of the study (Photo credit: Pilario et. al. 2024).

Algal blooms, which occur when algae overgrow in bodies of water, can not only turn the water green but also kill fish and contaminate the water supply of nearby communities. Laguna Lake, one of Metro Manila’s major sources of bangus and tilapia, as well as drinking water, is particularly prone to algal blooms, especially during El Niño.

Newsletter: Ateneo scientists investigate bangus milkfish skin for treating severe burns

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Pioneering research from the Ateneo de Manila University could turn bangus fish skin—a common byproduct of the Philippine fishing industry, often discarded as waste—into an invaluable medical resource.

Skin samples from tilapia (top) and bangus (bottom) immersed in silver nanoparticle (AgNP) solution for sterilization in the laboratory. CREDIT: Bianca Patrice Go

The Ateneo scientists found that milkfish (Chanos chanos, better known as “bangus” in the Philippines) could give doctors an economical way to treat patients with massive burns and other major injuries.

Newsletter: Low adoption of solar tech not just due to cost

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Despite the immense potential for solar energy in urban areas of the Philippines, the technology’s upfront cost and a lack of public awareness of its benefits remain major hurdles to its widespread use. Government subsidies and promotional campaigns are seen to help boost its adoption. 

With some of the most expensive power rates in Southeast Asia, the Philippines stands to benefit immensely from rooftop solar power installations in urban areas like Metro Manila. However, adoption is hampered by a lack of public awareness and the need for more government support. CREDIT: Rosalina Palanca-Tan 

A new study from the Ateneo de Manila University highlights the persistent challenges preventing widespread adoption of rooftop solar power (RTSP) in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Conducted by Department of Economics Professor Rosalina Palanca-Tan and published in the journal, Challenges in Sustainability, the study surveyed 403 respondents to understand why households remain reluctant to invest in solar technology despite its undisputed economic and environmental benefits.  

Newsletter: Ateneo researchers probe mechanical properties of stardust

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New research from the Ateneo de Manila University could pave the way for more durable versions of silicon carbide (SiC), a semiconductive ceramic material found mostly in space that has applications in everything from computer chips to spaceships.

A long exposure of the night sky above Malita in Davao Occidental, Philippines, reveals a handful of meteors—possibly made of silicon carbide. PHOTO: Arman Alcordo Jr. / Pexels.com

Newsletter: New study rewrites decades of medical misunderstanding of saturated fat and heart disease

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Warnings against saturated fat on heart health need to be revisited as flaws were revealed in the seminal 1950s studies on which these warnings were based, according to new research coming out of the Ateneo de Manila University.

Outdated and unsupported research from the 1950s erroneously conflated the saturated fats found in meat and dairy with the harmful industrial trans-fats commonly used in margarine and shortening. PHOTO CREDIT: Felicity Tai / Pexels.com

In 1953, spurred by an apparent surge in heart disease in the US, physiologist Ancel Keys published a study that introduced the “lipid-heart hypothesis.” He claimed without evidence that high saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet raise cholesterol levels in the blood and contribute to heart disease. He developed what is now known as the Keys equation, where he sought to mathematically predict serum cholesterol levels based on saturated fat and cholesterol intake.

Newsletter: UP Researchers Investigate E. coli Levels in Urban Farm Vegetables

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By Eunice Jean C. Patron

Researchers gather samples of mustasa, or mustard greens (Brassica juncea), at New Greenland Farm in Bagong Silangan, Quezon City. (Photo credit: The Research Team)

A type of bacterium called Escherichia coli (E. coli), found in the feces of humans and animals, is often released into bodies of water such as streams. Although most E. coli strains are harmless, some can cause foodborne diseases such as gastroenteritis, typhoid fever, and dysentery. Feces are a major source of microbial contamination in fresh produce. With the rise of urban farming in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to monitor fresh produce from urban farms to recognize and address food safety issues immediately.

Newsletter: Milieu Insight cements global reach with latest enhancements to survey and market research platform, Canvas

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Leading survey software firm, Milieu Insight, released major product enhancements that will further efforts to ease consumer research processes and community management for brands, all within a single platform. 

Newsletter: “Making the Invisible Visible” with Bird Window Strike PH

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By: Maria Alexandra Marmol

Panels featured in the “Making the Invisible Visible” pop-up exhibit. Bird displays serve as an example of the harm caused by window collisions. (Photo credits: Bird Window Strike PH & Marmol, 2024)

“Making the Invisible Visible” pop-up exhibition of the citizen science project, Bird Window Strike Philippines. 

Newsletter: UK Recognizes UP Scientists’ Contributions to Philippine Research and Development

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By Harvey Sapigao

Students using VISSER, a portable learning device CS Dean Giovanni Tapang helped commercialize (Photo credit: making.technology)

Pamela Louise Tolentino of UP Diliman College of Science National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS) and CS Dean Giovanni Tapang are among the Filipino scientists highlighted by the UK in their decadal recap of joint scientific achievements with the Philippines.

Newsletter: Accelerating S&T in PH through Research: High-Impact Studies Led by UP Scientists in 2023

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By Eunice Jean Patron

Science and technology (S&T) play a vital role in Philippine development, providing innovative solutions to societal challenges faced by Filipinos. In that regard, the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) has been at the forefront of advancing S&T in the Philippines for decades, producing basic and applied scientific research of high standards and national relevance. Year after year, research spearheaded by UPD-CS scientists is published in various journals with high impact factors. The impact factor is a variable measuring a journal’s importance based on the average number of citations of its articles.

Newsletter: More intense typhoons to come this century, UP study warns

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Warming of sea surface in Asia-Pacific. Redder areas indicate a higher increase in temperature. (Photo credit: Delfino, R.J. et al. Response of damaging Philippines tropical cyclones to a warming climate using the pseudo global warming approach. Clim Dyn 61 (2023): p. 3506.)

The Philippines should brace for potentially stronger and more destructive typhoons due to climate change, warns new research coming out of the University of the Philippines - Diliman College of Science’s  Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (UPD-CS IESM).

Newsletter: Tañon Strait dolphins declining and in peril

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Researchers from the University of the Philippines - Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) are warning that unchecked ecotourism and overfishing are threatening the cetacean biodiversity of the famous and richly diverse Tañon Strait.

A lone spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) plies the waters of Tañon Strait. Whereas in previous years one might spot as many as 100 individuals in a single day, only no more than 90 were spotted over a recent four-day survey. (Photo credit: UPD-CS MMRCL)

Newsletter: Skin like butterfly wings: UP scientists investigate rare deadly disease

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by Eunice Jean Patron, UPD-CS SciComm

As rare and deadly as it is poetically named, “Butterfly’s Disease” (scientifically known as “epidemolysis bullosa” or simply “EB”) has no known cure. But a handful of Filipino scientists are working their way towards a treatment.

Newsletter: From Sea to Sky: UPD-CS scientists feted for pioneering research

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From the deepest stretches of the ocean to the farthest reaches of the sky, Filipino scientists are adding to humanity’s collective knowledge of the world. Their efforts have not gone unsung, as recent explorations by University of the Philippines-Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) researchers have earned acclaim from both national and international scientific and award-giving bodies.

Newsletter: Date or DAIte? Kaspersky Study Reveals Over Half of Single Men Would Use ChatGPT to ‘Deceive’ Potential Dates

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Think your online date might not quite be who they claim to be? New Kaspersky research published today reveals that it’s very possible that ChatGPT, the new generative AI tool that’s taken the world by storm in recent months, might be involved. Over half (54%) of single men surveyed said that they would be open to using ChatGPT to deceive a potential partner on a dating app in a bid to make themselves appear funnier or smarter when looking for love. 

Newsletter: Kaspersky unmasks active malicious campaigns targeting Android and iOS users in APAC

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Global cybersecurity company shares how to secure smartphones from “Anubis” mobile Trojan and the infamous “Roaming Mantis” campaign

Suguru Ishimaru, Senior Malware Researcher for Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) at Kaspersky

01 September 2022

With the continued uptick in the adoption of mobile banking in Asia Pacific (APAC), global cybersecurity company Kaspersky warns of more attacks against Android and iOS devices. Particularly, active monitoring shows the notorious Anubis Trojan now delivers a combination of mobile banking Trojan with ransomware functionalities to its target smartphones.

Kaspersky notices improvement in perception of gender equality, with 7 of 10 women more confident than ever

02/19/2021 12:03:44 PM

It's a good thing that perception of gender equality has improved in some ways in the past two years. Though, of course, there is always room for improvement as the direction moves forwards and further as Kaspersky has noted in their Women in Tech report Where are we now? Understanding the evolution of women in technology.