ICTS – Innovation Center for Tropical Sciences
Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic country, may appear as a static chain of tropical islands, but its origin tells a far more dramatic story — a story forged by fire, pressure, and time. Beneath its dense forests and fertile rice fields lies a deep geological history, one that began far below sea level. In fact, […]
Rising from the Deep: How Indonesia Emerged from the Ocean Floor Read More »
Indonesia’s estuaries—where rivers meet the sea—are not just scenic coastal zones. They are rich with life, from shrimp farms and mangrove crabs to flocks of migratory birds. But a new study has sounded the alarm: a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids, widely used in rice farming, is quietly contaminating these vital ecosystems. In a first-of-its-kind
Silent Poison in the Estuary: Insecticides Threaten Indonesia’s Coastal Waters Read More »
Mangrove forests are not just trees by the sea—they’re natural fortresses that protect coastlines from erosion, provide homes for marine life, and even have ecotourism potential. Unfortunately, these fortresses are weakening in Mojo Village, Ulujami District, Pemalang Regency, Central Java. A recent study reveals the alarming condition of mangroves in this area. Researchers from Jenderal
Saving Mojo’s Mangrove Forest: The Forgotten Coastal Guardians 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 »
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
Imagine a place where nature’s diversity and ancient stories come together in a fascinating blend – that’s Jambi Province. This region is blessed with lush forests and a unique peatland habitat that houses a variety of plant and animal species. In the heart of this natural wonder lies Koto Mahligai Temple, a site that carries
Exploring the Beauty of Koto Mahligai Temple: Where History Meets Nature Read More »
Genome editing refers to the process of making precise and intentional changes to the DNA sequence of an organism. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the field of medicine by allowing scientists to cure genetic diseases, create genetically modified crops, and eradicate pests that spread disease. However, genome editing is not without its challenges
Genome Editing: Challenges and Controversies Read More »
Indonesia is home to an abundance of natural resources, including a large number of tree species, with the Forestry Research and Development Agency listing 4000 species of trees. Although the use of forestry resources has traditionally focused on wood, there are other materials in wood that can be extracted using solvents that do not damage
Hidden bioactive of caryophyllene inside Keruing wood Read More »