THURSDAY, 9 JUNE – Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation (IBTP), Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Dr. Takashi Kamada won the Gold Medal award at BioMalaysia 2016 in the medical Biotechnology category.

Held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre recently, the award given was through his research entitled ‘Novel anti-inflammatory drug from Bornean Red Alga Laurencia nangil’ edged other researchers from 12 other universities that competed in the said category.

Speaking to reporters, he said nature had always been a very good source and inspiration in the development of drugs, and the island of Borneo was always lucky to have a vast collection of biodiversity resources rich natural treasures.

“This on-going research will lead to the discovery of new anti-inflammatory agents,” he said, in relation to the study jointly conducted by the Director of IBTP, Professor Dr. Charles S. Vairappan and Chin-Soon Phan.

The award was presented by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau.

UMS also recorded notable achievements when it successfully won the BioPitch Award at BioMalaysia 2016 through two researchers under the Biotechnology Research Institute (IPB), Associate Professor Dr. Kenneth Rodrigues and Dr. Daisy Vanitha John.

The success was attributed to the production of ‘Lepto-AD’ Leptospira Antigen Detection Kit produced in collaboration with the commercial development and marketing by a company named Platcomm Ventures Sdn. Bhd.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director (Innovation), Centre for Research and Innovation (PPI), Dr. Azaze @ Azizi Abdul Adis was proud of the achievement.

“This strategic approach is important not only to produce high-impact research but at the same time to ensure that educational institutes and researches using public funds to develop scientific solutions to local problems effectively,” he said.  - SS (fl)

Source: Centre for Research and Innovation

THURSDAY, 9 JUNE – Two researchers from the Biotechnology Research Institute (IPB), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Associate Professor Dr. Kenneth Rodrigues and Dr. Daisy Vanitha John made a remarkable achievement when they won the BioPitch at BioMalaysia 2016 held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, recently.

Their product, “Lepto-AD” Leptospira Antigen Kit won the award for outstanding innovative solution factor in facing challenges on technical, social and environmental in medical analysis and diagnostics.

This innovative product produced by these two researchers along with their students, Mohd Iskander Ramzanah and Yuszniahyati Yaakob from the Public Health Laboratory Kota Kinabalu was based on a holistic approach in addressing the high cost of antigens which are commercially available for Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) application against leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted to humans and animals caused by Spirochaetes Leptospira, which are pathogenic microorganisms that could cause kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory problems and death in certain cases.

The research team used bioinformatics to identify important areas that exhibit high antigens against the spirochaete.

Lepto-AD Kit consists of a panel of three antigens tested together to achieve a higher level of accuracy in diagnosis, the accuracy of these kits had been confirmed by antigen detection using serum samples with leptospira positive obtained from local patients.

Production of this kit costs much lower; one tenth of the price of the commercially available product.

This product had been used by Platcomm Ventures Sdn. Bhd., a company that was funding the development of innovative products for market.

Lepto-AD product is now available for use in diagnostic laboratories involved in the detection of leptospirosis. – (fl)

Source: Biotechnology Research Institute

WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE – Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah expressed disappointment over a local newspaper, which printed inaccurate headline over the incident where a bus skidded inside the campus of UMS, yesterday.

He said, the newspaper printed on its front page today, “UMS bus lands on side: 34 hurt” did not reflect the real situation and could confuse readers, especially parents of those students involved.

“For the record, the bus involved in the incident was not UMS’ bus nor was it chartered from other companies.  It was an express bus from a private company that ferried 34 UMS students from 1Borneo Hyper mall to the residential colleges of in-campus students,” he said in a statement.

According to Harun, the contents of the news published in the said newspaper was correct, however the title was contrasting and this would invite negative perception of UMS by the public.

“A report should be accurate and authentic not only in its content but more so its title as a representation of the main story,” he added.

In the incident, the private bus skidded at the Mosque/Chancellery Junction; 23 students were sent to UMS Clinic, whilst 11 others were treated at Hospital Likas, before five of them were referred to at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for an x-ray to ascertain any internal injuries.

All 34 students were discharged on the same day and went back to their respective residential colleges. – (fl)

WEDNESDAY, 08 JUNE – Residential College E, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) recently held a dinner themed, “Aloha, Hakuna Matata” organised by the Art and Culture Exco of the Student Welfare Committee (JAKMAS) of the said college.

According to a statement issued by JAKMAS College E, the dinner show with a Hawaiian concept was more relaxing, and saw the attendance of 280 UMS students dressed in their own styles according to the concept set.

The statement added, the dinner was held to honour staff and students who had performed and conducted excellent services whilst being residents of the college.

The dinner was also seen as the right avenue towards providing space for students to relax and reduce their stress.

The staff and students  were presented with a variety of exciting performances from student clubs, Fellows and JAKMAS of the college.

The opening ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni, Associate Professor Dr. Ismail Ali. – SS (fl)