Central Luzon State University (CLSU) researchers won the best scientific poster under the Agricultural Sciences Category during the 45th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Department of Science and Technology National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST) held last July 12-13, 2023 at The Manila Hotel, Manila.

The research team who worked on the "Isothermal Amplification-based Biosensor for Early-Warning Intervention Against Rice Blast," was led by Dr. Rubigilda Paraguison-Alili and Dr. Maria Excelsis M. Orden, with Jeshua Paul P. Antonino, Renmar M. Dela Cruz, Aldrin M. Corpuz, Dan Charlie Joy Pangilinan, and Carl Vincent D. Gapasin as members.

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.

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