Art and Historical Object Conservation

A sign of a healthy community is its simultaneous ability to preserve and invent its culture – to look back in history while developing new expressions for the present time. Much of our history is contained in artworks, documents, artifacts and other cultural heritages. As these objects are of utmost significance, preserving them has become a science-based discipline that entails meticulous cleaning, repairing, re-assembling as well as toning to blend with the original object. Further research and analysis are also done to identify material composition, effects of aging, and extent of damage caused by environmental pollution.

The Agilent Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer is used to analyze organic substances in valuable sculptures and artefacts without introducing significant destruction to the material. With innovative sampling technology, it can analyze objects that are too large, too valuable or too remote to measure with conventional spectrometers. Overcoming these challenges further preserves the integrity and authenticity of these historical objects; thus enriching the country’s heritage for future generations to come.

Translating Research Into Breakthroughs

The Philippines is home to the swamp water buffalos, locally referred to as carabaos. The carabaos mainly help farmers plow the field, carry heavy loads of crop produce, and provide an alternative source of food. However due to the advancement of technology, carabaos were easily replaced by machineries for farm work. Our scientists have found ways to improve the characteristics of our locally bred carabaos and increase their potential as sources of meat and dairy.  Native carabaos and dairy type buffalos are crossbred to produce an offspring that is meatier, heavier, and have higher milk production while retaining its draft ability.

Thermo Scientific’s Axiom Buffalo Genotyping Solution helps breeders identify and choose buffalos with superior traits for milk production, meat marbling, feed conversion efficiency and others; thus maximizing the offspring’s genetic value. Through the use of carabao genomic information, scientists now help rural farmers establish various enterprises from the products derived from optimally crossbred carabaos. This among other research works of our carabao scientists ultimately contributes to the total agricultural economy of the country.