RESEARCHERS from the Central Luzon State University won an award at the 45th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Department of Science and Technology National Academy of Science and Technology.

The team bagged the best scientific poster award under the Agricultural Sciences Category for their project “Isothermal Amplification-based Biosensor for Early-Warning Intervention Against Rice Blast.”

“This remarkable breakthrough in developing an isothermal amplification-based biosensor features a cutting-edge technology that allows rapid and accurate detection of rice blast pathogens for early-warning intervention, thus enabling farmers to take timely action and prevent the widespread crop losses,” CLSU wrote on Facebook.

The group was led by Dr. Rubigilda Paraguison-Alili and Dr. Maria Excelsis Orden.

The members were Jeshua Paul Antonino, Renmar Dela Cruz, Aldrin Corpuz, Dan Charlie Joy Pangilinan, and Carl Vincent Gapasin.

Alili said the team is exploring opportunities for further development and collaboration with industry partners and government agencies to ensure the adoption and possible commercialization of the biosensor.