Ramkhamhaeng International Journal of Science and Technology

Low impacts of coral bleaching in 2024 on the underwater pinnacles from Krabi Province, the Andaman Sea

Makamas Sutthacheep — 2024-08-31

Coral reefs are confronting some of the most severe and immediate dangers due to climate change, which is resulting in coral bleaching. Citizen science has emerged as an innovative data source that can be integrated into the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. The objective of this study was to assess impacts of coral bleaching in 2024 on underwater pinnacles in Krabi Province, the Andaman Sea, by incorporating local citizen scientists. The results showed that the underwater pinnacles displayed a coral bleaching prevalence of only 13-18%, which was lower at the Hin Chao Mae compared to the Hin Chorakhe. Nine coral species experienced bleaching, with Montipora aequituberculata, Acropora hyacinthus, and Porites lutea found bleached at both study locations. This information reflects the high resilience and potential refuge of coral populations on Hin Chao Mae and Hin Chorakhe. Effective management strategies, particularly marine protected areas, resilience-based (RMB) and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), are crucial for protecting the underwater pinnacles studied. These approaches can support policies to conserve 30% of the world's oceans by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Community structure of underwater pinnacles in Mu Ko Si Chang, the Upper Gulf of Thailand

Thamasak Yeemin — 2024-08-31

Underwater pinnacles serve as critical habitats, support coastal protection, and contribute to human livelihoods through tourism and fishing. Coral communities on underwater pinnacles in the Upper Gulf of Thailand are important marine ecosystems that provide similar ecosystem services as coral reefs. This study aimed to examine community structure of underwater pinnacles in the vicinity of Mu Ko Si Chang, Chonburi Province in the Upper Gulf of Thailand. Four coral communities on underwater pinnacles, namely Hin Sampayu, Hin Kong Nok, Hin Kong Nai and Hin Ta Sin were studied in 2023-2024. The highest percentage of live coral cover was found at Hin Tasin (28.2%) while the lowest one was found at Hin Kong Nai (12.1%). The most dominant coral species were Porites lutea and followed by Plattygyra sinensis. The highest species diversity index was observed at Hin Kong Nai. The most dominant macrobenthic invertebrates were Diadema setosum and followed by Bequina semiorbiculata. The most abundant reef fish were Neopomacentrus cyanomos and followed by Chromis cinerascens. The two-dimensional non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) plots of study sites based on the species compositions of corals, macrobenthic invertebrates, and reef fish exhibited two different groups. The present study underscores the ecological importance of the underwater pinnacles in the Mu Ko Si Chang, and emphasizes the necessity of conservation efforts to safeguard and maintain these valuable ecosystems, which face threats from climate change and other factors.

Is vaping harmful to your body?: A short communication

Sirin Saranyutanon — 2024-08-31

The increasing use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vaping among youth and young adults has become a significant global public health concern. E-cigarettes, introduced as smoking cessation aids in 2007, have gained popularity due to their appealing flavors and perceived safety. However, evidence suggests that vaping can lead to serious lung injuries and other health issues due to hazardous chemicals. This review examines the prevalence of vaping, its health effects, and provides recommendations for users. E-cigarette use has surpassed traditional cigarette use among US youth, with a notable rise in vaping marijuana and CBD. In Asia, e-cigarette use has also increased significantly. Despite the absence of many toxins found in traditional cigarettes, vaping still poses health risks, including respiratory, cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, and oral diseases. The variability in contaminants and user behaviors complicates the assessment of e-cigarettes’ negative effects. High vaping usage, particularly with nicotine, can lead to addiction and long-term health issues. Comprehensive research and policy regulation are essential to mitigate these risks and protect public health.

Advancements and Emerging Molecular Technologies in Plant-Pathogen Interaction Studies

Jirachaya Yeemin — 2024-08-31

Pathogens employ various strategies and produce multiple virulence factors to successfully infect plant hosts and complete their life cycle. Conversely, plant hosts are equipped with a range of immune responses to defend against these attackers. This interplay between plant and pathogen results in dynamic interactions involving the activation of biological processes and the production of molecular signals at the cellular level. Significant progress has been made with recent technologies, advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions. In this review, we explore the current knowledge of the biology of foliar plant pathogen infections and host immunity. We emphasize the molecular technologies, including genetic manipulation techniques and omics approaches, that are currently available and applied in the study of plant-microbe interactions, addressing multiple aspects of this expanding field.