{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1595853,
        "msgid": "malaysian-researcher-outlines-the-insect-microplastics-relationship-at-unhas-1772906366",
        "date": "2026-03-07 23:50:53",
        "title": "Malaysian researcher outlines the insect\u2013microplastics relationship at Unhas",
        "author": "",
        "source": "ANTARA_ID",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Technology",
        "summary": "Researchers from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan discussed how insects interact with microplastics during an international lecture at Unhas in Makassar, noting that microplastics are found in both land and sea environments and can be ingested or accumulate in insects, potentially affecting ecosystems. A colleague from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu outlined work on stingless bee queens, pollination, and in vitro techniques, while a Unhas official urged students to minimise single-use plastics as part of a plastic-free programme.",
        "content": "<p>Researchers from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Norashikin Mohd Fauzi\nMSc PhD, presented the relationship between insects and microplastics\nduring an international public lecture at the Faculty of Forestry,\nHasanuddin University (Unhas) in Makassar, South Sulawesi. In a\nstatement from Makassar on Saturday, Norashikin said microplastics are\nplastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres that are increasingly found\nin various environmental compartments, both terrestrial and aquatic. She\nexplained that microplastics can originate from primary or secondary\nsources and have the potential to contaminate ecosystems widely. Several\nrecent studies indicate that insects can interact directly with\nmicroplastics through ingestion, accumulation in their bodies, and even\nthe potential for plastic degradation by certain species. Therefore, she\nsaid, further research and the development of more accurate\nidentification methods are needed to understand the impact of\nmicroplastics on ecosystems. A researcher from Universiti Malaysia\nTerengganu, Prof Dr Wahizatul Afzan Azmi, presented materials related to\nthe application of biological pollinators and in vitro technology on the\nstingless bee queen. She explained that the stingless bee queen plays a\ncrucial role in leading the colony and regulating its reproductive\nsystem. The research also discusses the larval development of the queen,\ndifferences in characteristics between worker bees, drones, and the\nqueen, and the selection process of high-quality drones that will mate\nwith the queen to produce a healthy and productive colony in the field.\nThe Deputy Dean for Partnerships, Research, Innovation and Alumni of the\nFaculty of Forestry at Unhas, Syahidah, conveyed to students a message\nto begin minimising the use of single-use plastics with simple steps,\nsuch as using a tumbler. This is part of supporting the faculty\u2019s\nplastic-free programme and reinforcing the commitment to the integrity\nzone.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/malaysian-researcher-outlines-the-insect-microplastics-relationship-at-unhas-1772906366",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}