Professor K. Sudesk's report on "Improving biopolymer production by genetic engineering" raised the issue of global plastic waste pollution, which needed to be solved by bioplastics. Using bacteria capable of producing PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) plastic particles, the advantage was using available carbon sources such as palm oil (Malaysia), waste fish oil from fish processing (Vietnam) and using mealworm in the plastic particle purification process. The results of research on PHA synthase engineering by N-terminal truncation that changed the properties of PHA plastic particles were also reported. Many discussion questions included product cost, cheaper alternative carbon sources, purification methods, product color. Students also asked questions about the requirements for a candidate who wants to have the opportunity to study and research at prestigious laboratories around the world.

Dr. Trieu Anh Trung with the topic 'Role of non-contiguous operons in regulation of gene expression in bacteria' presented the results of basic research on the model of non-contiguous operons in bacteria on Staphylococcus aureus. This was a common model found in Gram positive bacteria. The research question was how this operon model affects the regulation of gene expression in bacteria. The results of the research with the Moco biosynthetic pathway studied in S. aureus with noncontiguous operons of moaC. The significance of the research could be the premise for finding ways to control pathogenic bacteria strains such as S. aureus. This was also an issue of interest to discuss with the speaker, as well as issues related to the techniques used in the research, the feasibility of applying these techniques in Vietnam.

Report of Dr. Tran Lan Dai “Improved bacterial leaf blight disease resistance in major elite TBR225 rice cultivar using CRISPR/Cas9 system”  was the newly published. With the results of applying CRISPR/Cas9 system, the research has reported an increase in resistance to bacterial leaf blight disease in rice. The discussion revolves around whether the use of CRISPR/Cas9 system for food crops was acceptable in Vietnam or not.

Asso. Prof. Tran Duc Hau, representative of Board of Directors of Faculty of Biology, expressed the desire for cooperation between the Universiti Sains Malaysia and Hanoi National Unversity of Education for academic exchange activities in the near future.

The seminar not only opens up connections between members of the Staff Youth Union, but also provides an opportunity for international connections in upcoming research activities of the members, as well as arousing the passion for research in students.

Some pictures of the seminar:

1. Presentation of Prof. K. Sudesh Kumar

2. Presentation of Dr. Trieu Anh Trung

3. Presentation of Dr. Tran Lan Dai

4. Vice Dean of Faculty of Biology exchanges information and wishes for cooperation

5. Group photo

Writer: Le Thi Tuoi