Microbial contamination of the classroom environment is a worry since it can create a variety of health problems and negatively impact kids' and teachers’ general well-being. To increase awareness of personal hygiene during a pandemic and post-pandemic, students can reveal to themselves the true state of their body parts, clothing and surrounding conditions that are exposed to the breeding of germs. Thus, an environmental microbiology classroom has been conducted with Biotechnology Club high school students for a screening of microbial growth and contaminations on students’ body parts, attire, and school’s selected area. Swabbing method of students’ hands, collar of the shirt (boys) and scarf (girls) and doorknob (classes, laboratory, toilet & management office) was carried out and subsequently swabbing onto the nutrient agar (NA) plate for microorganisms’ growth. After 24 hours incubation, the colonies of the growing microorganisms were observed, and their number of different colonies were counted. Through this experiment, it is suggested that the students can observe themselves how dirty their hands, clothes and even selected areas like doorknob can cause the spread of the microbial infections if not cleaned regularly. Several hygienic practices, mitigation activities and awareness were suggested to the students in preventing the spread of microbial infection by handing out pocket posters for students to read and paste in rooms or classes.

Pangium edule, locally known as ‘pangium’ or Malaysian called it as ‘kepayang’ is a tall tree native to the mangrove swamps of Southeast Asia. In this study, the functional groups such as phenolic and resin compounds contained in the extracts of Pangium edule were investigated. The fruits of this species were collected, dried, and grounded. The powdered samples were subjected to a solid-liquid extraction process using hot water for 4 hours at 80ºC and ethyl acetate as a solvent (100 g/L) for 48 hours. Phytochemical screenings and Fourier-Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were further carried out and the samples were found to have phenolic, flavonoid, resin and tannin, steroid compounds

Since prehistoric times, medicinal plants, often known as medicinal herbs, have been identified and employed in traditional healing practices. Because of the existence of phytochemical ingredients, medicinal plants synthesise hundreds of chemical compounds and are a key source of molecules with therapeutic qualities. Wild herb leaves were taken from the green region of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, specifically Peperomia pellucida, also known as 'sireh cina' in Malaysia. The dried wild herb leaves were crushed. For 48 hours, the powdered materials were treated to a solid-liquid extraction method utilising hot water and ethyl acetate as a solvent. For all examined samples, a phytochemical screening test of hot water and ethanolic leaves extract confirmed the presence of antioxidant chemicals such as flavonoid and phenolics. Meanwhile, resins were only found in ethanolic leaves extract, and steroid was not found in any of the studied samples. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to study the organic component in greater depth by evaluating the chemical ingredients in the crude extracted samples of ethyl acetate. The study of FTIR spectra revealed that the hydroxyl group, alkanes, alkyl groups, benzoic compounds, and phenols were the primary functional groups. The identification of functional groups indicates a possible source of antioxidants and highlights a potential prospect for the development of natural products from these wild plants in the drug discovery business.

Tabebuia rosea, locally known as ‘tecoma’ or ‘Malaysian Sakura’ is a popular planted trees along roadsides with beautiful pink and white flowers. In this study, the functional groups such as phenolic compounds containing in the extracted oil from T. rosea flowers were investigated. The fall flowers of Tabebuia rosea were collected, dried and grounded. The powdered samples were subjected to solidliquid extraction process using ethyl acetate as a solvent (100 g/L) for 48 hours to extract the oil. Fourier- Transfrom Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were furthered carried out and the sample were found to have phenolic and flavonoid compounds.

Marine invertebrates especially bivalve and gastropod are major organisms inhabit coastal areas. These marine organisms are also known as detritivores which filter sea bed component for food. The location of Peninsular Malaysia that surrounded by the sea such as Malacca Straits at the west coast and South China Sea at the east coast provide a good distribution for bivalve and gastropod. A study on distribution of bivalve and gastropod had been conducted at different coastal area which represent east and west coast. The studies areas are Pengkalan Balak, Melaka, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Tanjung Tuan, Negeri Sembilan, Telok Gong, Melaka and Penyabong, Johor. This study aims to identify bivalve and molluscs species at the study area. Beside to determine the diverse site of the species. West coast coastal line (Pengkalan Balak and Port Dickson) recorded the highest number of species compare than east coast coastal line (Mersing). Low species number of Bivalve and Molluscs are caused by the sandy coastline at the area which are not suitable for habitation. Furthermore, strong wave prevents the formation of muddy shoreline which unsuits for habitation. Thus, it is suggested that this study need to be extensively conducted in order to documents the species of bivalve and gastropod.

Traditional herbs represent one of the efforts that is the most accessible resources available for common ailment treatment among the communities of Northern Malay People at Langkawi. There are 28 type of plants are used for snakebite treatment such as Andrographics Paniculata, Impatient Balsamina and Tacca Palmata in Langkawi. This study aims to document the indigenous knowledge and practices of using herbs for snakebite treatment among them. Therefore, treatment for the snakebite using traditional herbs is one of the efforts of the scientists. These traditional knowledges are rural people and old folks' knowledge. It can be anytime for the knowledge to be erased from this world because the expecters of this field are slowly diminished due to the uninterested young people to study about these traditional knowledges. Thus, not to lose these knowledges, this study was made by interviewing the experts and jotted down the properties for each plant that are potential to treat the snakebite were meticulously noted. Then, the hypothesis was made based on the result recorded from the previous study. It shows that most of the plants used by the communities of Langkawi have the same properties which are antiinflammatory and antibacterial activities. This study presents the convenient knowledge of the snakebite treatment using traditional herbs and makes the valuable traditional knowledge is not disappeared in time. This can be a best reference for everyone especially for pharmacological studies in developingsnake anti venom.

Premna foetida is a species of traditional herb that usually eaten by old people in village as 'ulam' which indirectly benefited the health in general. This herb is quite rare to be found eaten by people nowadays because of its bitter taste eventhough it has health benefits. This research was conducted to extract and evaluate the phytochemical properties of this plant leaves extract. The extraction was carried out using hot water and cold- water extraction process. Qualitative phytochemical test exhibited that the leaves extract contained saponins, polyphenol, terpenoids, triterpenoids, phytosterol and reducing sugar. The results indicated that Premna foetida leaves are high with antioxidant compounds. This research was expected to introduce the benefits and uses of this plant as nutraceuticals that will help in pharmacology field.

Since prehistoric times, medicinal plants, often known as medicinal herbs, have been identified and employed in traditional healing practises. Because of the existence of phytochemical ingredients, medicinal plants synthesise hundreds of chemical compoundsand are a key source of molecules with therapeutic qualities. Wild herb leaves were taken from the green region of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, specifically Peperomia pellucida, also known as 'sireh cina' in Malaysia. The dried wild herb leaves were crushed. For 48 hours, the powdered materials were treated to a solid-liquid extraction method utilising hot water and ethyl acetate as a solvent. For all examined samples, a phytochemical screening test of hot water and ethanolic leaves extract confirmed the presence of antioxidant chemicals such as flavonoid and phenolics. Meanwhile, resins were only found in ethanolic leaves extract, and steroid was not found in any of the studied samples. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to study the organic component in greater depth by evaluating the chemical ingredients in the crude extracted samples of ethyl acetate. The study of FTIR spectra revealed that the hydroxyl group, alkanes, alkyl groups, benzoic compounds, and phenols were the primaryfunctional groups. The identification of functional groups indicates a possible source of antioxidants and highlights a potential prospect for the development of natural products from these wild plants in the drug discovery business. Disc diffusion analysis of antibacterial properties exhibited significant clear zone formation against Gram-positive and Gram-negative tested bacteria.

Diatoms, classified as photosynthesizing algae with siliceous skeleton frustules, can be found most in any aquatic habitat on earth, including fresh or coastal lakes, wetlands and almost everywhere humid. They can be classified in nine major classes which are Araphid, Eunotioid, Centric, Epithemioid, Monoraphid, Nitzschioid, Surirelloid, Asymmetrical Biraphid and Symmetrical Biraphid. Diatoms have precise ecological requirements, so they can also be sued as environmental indicators, it is telling us what is happening in the environment. The cell walls of diatoms may be preserved for long periods of time in sediments and provide a record of past changes in lake systems. This research aim is to identify the morphology of diatoms in lakes and reservoirs in USIM. The samples were collected by taking 250 ml of water from each lakes and reservoirs. Then, two drops of water sample were put on a cover slip and two drops of iodine were added. The samples were then observed under microscope and diatoms were identified by analyzing the types of morphology. Diatoms of symmetrical morphology were found in major lakes and reservoirs in USIM. The search for diatoms of other morphologies are still in progress. The morphology of diatoms can help us to know the water condition whether it is polluted or not. Therefore, this research is vital in environmental science as to provide information and support in the investigation to know the water condition.

Rodent and birds are the common hosts for parasites especially blood parasites and the important vectors in carrying diseases. Some of the parasites that carried by these rodents and birds that had significant importance such as triggering diseases are Babesia sp., Hepatozoon sp. and Trypanosoma sp. The study was carried out in a lake located in Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia campus. The rodents were trapped by using cage trap and baited with palm oil seed. Birds were captured using mist nets. The blood was extracted from the tail of trapped rodents and birds. Many thin layers of blood smears were obtained and brought for examination. The study reveals the presence of several blood parasites that commonly found in rodents that can be observed under microscopic observation. The findings show that the intensive documentation should be conducted for better campus landscape management.

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) had developed and covered in green areas during recent years as it covers around 40% of its total campus area. The green area began to evolves and develops their richness in biodiversity as the the composition, structure and function started to shape as an early secondary forest stands that led the community to find a sustainable lifestyle. In this research, two sampling methods, Direct Observation and Passive Sampling, were used to survey the flora and fauna. High numbers of animals, including some mammals, birds and some fauna, have been collected. These results highlight the potential for green areas to be built on the university campus as forests. This research therefore shows that the development of forests in USIM was achievable as ecological value can be used for nurturing future generations in the practice of sustainable lifestyle.

Termitomyces sp. mushroom is an edible mushroom that belongs to the family of Lyophyllaceae and exhibited growth associated with termites in a symbiotic environment. In this study, Termitomyces sp. mushroom was isolated from several places located in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia namely TM 1 (Senaling, Kuala Pilah, TM 2 (Batu Kikir, Kuala Pilah) and TM 3 (Rembau Negeri Sembilan). The collection process was conducted during the early rainy seasons within October to November in which these mushrooms were actively growing. The collected mushrooms fruiting bodies from the wild were further used in tissue culture for the growth of mycelium on the agar medium. Out of the three samples only TM 1 mycelium were successfully grown on the agar medium and subsequent optimization were carried out to enhance the growth of the TM 1 mycelium. The composition of the agar medium was manipulated, and it was observed that the combination of PDA (potato dextrose agar) + ME (malt extract) + YE (yeast extract) showed a thick full plate growth of mycelium in 14 days of cultivation. The mushroom mycelium of TM 1 was able to grow and produce polysaccharide in batch submerged liquid fermentation with a biomass of 8.55 g/L, intracellular polysaccharide (IPS CWE and IPS HWE) of 1.36 and 3.20 g/L respectively and extracellular polysaccharide of 1.44 g/L.

Murid pintar dan berbakat mempunyai kebolehan dalam mempertingkatkan potensi diri untuk memastikan prestasi yang cemerlang dan seterusnya memperoleh pencapaian tertinggi jika dibanding dengan murid lain seusia mereka. Sehubungan itu, murid pintar dan berbakat mendapati sistem pendidikan semasa berada pada tahap yang rendah atau sederhana selaras bedasarkan umur akal mereka. Satu kajian telah dilaksanakan tentang pemetaan kecenderungan sains dan hafazan Al-quran dalam kalangan murid pintar dan berbakat muslim di Malaysia. Soal kaji selidik telah digunakan sebagai penanda aras kecenderungan murid. Seramai 466 orang murid Kolej GENIUS Insan telah dikenalpasti sebagai responden dalam kajian ini. Tujuan kajian ini dijalankan adalah untuk mengenal pasti dan mengelaskan kecenderungan murid terhadap bidang sains yang memfokuskan pemikiran logik dan juga hafalan seperti Matematik, Matematik Tambahan, Fizik, Kimia dan Biologi melalui soal kaji selidik yang telah dijalankan di kalangan murid pintar dan berbakat muslim.

Recent taxonomic reviews have stated the possibility of Bengal Slow Loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) presence in the Northern part of the Malay Peninsula. This study aims to confirm the presence of the Bengal Slow Loris in Malaysia by sequencing the mitochondrial COI gene from samples collected from Langkawi Island, Peninsular Malaysia, and Borneo. Phylogenetic analyses produced tree topologies that support the grouping of slow loris samples by their localities. The tree topologies further show that slow loris samples from Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia form two distinct clades. The clade from Peninsular Malaysia was divided into two subclades, Langkawi and Selangor. The Langkawi slow loris subclade includes sequences from GenBank representing N. bengalensis, supported by a high bootstrap value. This mitochondrial DNA finding has a significant contribution to indicate the presence of the Bengal Slow Loris in Malaysia.

A species complex exists in all groups of organisms where two or more organisms that are closely related have similar appearance and are not completely differentiated between one another because of the lack of evidence and data. The latest discovery of a new species of tree frogs, Polypedates discantus in Thailand proves that further research is needed to uncover and unveil certain species complex under Polypedates leucomystax. This would ultimately avoid local and global species diversity from being underestimated. The aim of this study was to determine whether Polypedates discantus of peninsular Malaysia can be separated from Polypedates leucomystax of Malay Clade by using morphometric analysis. Samples of adults Polypedates leucomystax were collected from several locations in peninsular Malaysia particularly Perak, Kelantan and Pahang. The samples were then preserved in 70% ethanol solution and its morphological measurements were measured using a vernier caliper. Data collected is analyzed using PAST analysis software version 3.25 where it undergoes data confirmation, multivariate analysis and species conformation according to the discriminant function analysis chart given. The expected results of this finding will produce different clusters between the two species population of Perak, Kelantan and Pahang. Thus drawing a dividing line between the two species which will have a huge impact on conservation biology.

Island ecosystem is a fragile ecosystem affected by an ocean climate, which resulting different microclimates, floristic composition and unique habitats. The island’s insularity resulted in the unique composition of animal species, especially reptiles which depend most on the microclimate. Hence, a study on reptile diversity was carried out in Pulau Tinggi, Mersing, Johor from February to October 2019. A previous survey of reptile diversity in Pulau Tinggi was conducted in 2003 and 2006, which recorded 13 and 17 species, respectively and there is an urgent need to update these data. This study used the Visual Encounter Survey (VES) and drift-fenced pitfall traps as the primary sampling methods. 21 species were recorded, which comprise eight families. The Scincidae family recorded the highest number of species, which is five. Meanwhile, Viperidae and Varanidae reported the lowest number of species recorded, one species, respectively. 13 species were reported as new records for Pulau Tinggi, resulting in updated reptile diversity in Pulau Tinggi currently to 32 species based on a comparative literature review with previous studies. These new records indicate that extensive and intensive studies are needed to determine the reptilian diversity in Pulau Tinggi for conservation and management purposes.

Synthesis of metal nanoparticles using a green synthesis method has received much attention due to their cost effective and environmental-friendly method. In this work, we aim to synthesize metal nanoparticles such as silver nanoparticles by using ethanolic plant extract of Striga Asiatica(Jarum Mas). Recent works have shown that extract of Striga Asiaticaand Polygala Paniculata contains phytochemical compounds such as carbohydrate and flavonoids that may act as reducing agent for synthesis of silver nanoparticles. For the preparation of ethanolic plant extract, 6 g of fresh Striga Asiaticawas dried and grinded before being subjected to Soxhlet extraction. Later, the ethanolic plant extract will be mixed with water before being added to silver nitrate solution to allow the synthesis of silver nanoparticles to occur. Any observable colour change to the reaction mixture will be observed. The experimental procedure was repeated for preparation of Polygala Paniculataethanolic extract and synthesis of nanoparticles. Nevertheless, it is also very interesting to explore the potential of the collected these ethanolic plant extract as reducing agent for synthesis of other metal nanoparticles such as gold or copper nanoparticles using the same reaction procedure in future.