ICTS – Innovation Center for Tropical Sciences
When people talk about durian, they usually mean the big, spiky fruit with the strong smell—Durio zibethinus—the one you either love or can’t stand. But did you know there’s a wild cousin of durian that’s been hiding in Indonesia’s forests for decades, and it might just be the future of durian itself? Say hello to […]
Meet the “Forgotten Durian” That Could Change Everything Read More »
Have you ever wondered how farmers manage to harvest crops at the perfect time each year? One of the key secrets lies in controlling when plants flower—and modern science is now giving us powerful tools to fine-tune this process. Flowering is the gateway to fruit, seed, and the next generation of plants. But it’s also
Bloom on Demand: How Scientists Are Engineering Plants to Flower When We Want Them To Read More »
In Indonesia and many other countries, access to affordable and nutritious animal protein remains a serious challenge, especially for low-income families. But a tiny insect—the black soldier fly (BSF) maggot—may hold the key to transforming food waste into a valuable protein source for fish farming. A recent study led by researchers from Jakarta State University
As climate change intensifies, threatening global agriculture, biodiversity, and human health, scientists are exploring innovative solutions. Among the most promising approaches is genome editing—a revolutionary biotechnology tool that allows precise, rapid modification of genes in plants, animals, and even microorganisms. But how exactly can tweaking the genes of living organisms help combat the escalating impacts
Editing the Future: How Genome Technology Could Help Us Combat Climate Change Read More »
Bamboo is more than just a fast-growing plant—it’s a cornerstone of sustainable development, supporting ecosystems and economies around the world. Yet, identifying bamboo species has long been a headache for scientists. Traditional methods based on physical traits like leaf shape and culm structure are often unreliable because many species look alike. Now, a new study
Cracking the Bamboo Code: How DNA Barcoding is Transforming Bamboo Research Read More »
In the world of skincare, nature continues to surprise us with its incredible potential. One of the latest discoveries is tamanu oil (Calophyllum inophyllum), a natural oil extracted from seeds commonly found in Indonesia. Traditionally known for its wound-healing and moisturizing properties, tamanu oil is now making waves for its ability to brighten skin naturally.
Tamanu Oil: A Promising Natural Ingredient for Skin Brightening Read More »
In the highlands of Lembang, West Java, researchers have explored an innovative method to enhance shallot cultivation by introducing beneficial fungi known as dark septate endophytes (DSE). These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, potentially improving growth and yield. The study focused on a hybrid of shallots and bunching onions (Allium fistulosum L. x Allium
Enhancing Shallot Growth with Beneficial Fungi: Insights from West Java Research Read More »
Have you ever wondered why mangoes flood the markets during certain months, and then suddenly disappear? It turns out that temperature plays a huge role in when and how mango trees bear fruit. But what if farmers could control the harvest time? That’s exactly what researchers in Situbondo, East Java, are working on! The Science
How to Grow Mangoes Year-Round: Unlocking the Secret of Temperature! Read More »
Recent studies have highlighted an innovative method for recycling organic waste into sustainable fertilizer, utilizing black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae and yeast-based fermentation processes. This approach not only promotes eco-friendly agricultural practices but also enhances plant growth, specifically for crops such as water spinach (Ipomoea reptans). The process involves feeding BSF larvae with organic
Have you ever wondered how scientists identify and discover new species in the wild? Thanks to a groundbreaking tool called DNA barcoding, the world of taxonomy has been revolutionized! Over the past 15 years, DNA barcoding has become a hot topic in the world of science, with around 3,700 studies published exploring the wonders of
Unlocking Nature’s Secrets with DNA Barcoding Read More »