Jurnal Biolokus : Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Biologi dan Biologi
Nationally Accredited based on the Decree of the Minister of Research, Technology and Higher Education of Indonesia, No. 72/E/KPT/2024 as a SINTA 2 journal. Jurnal Biolokus : Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Biologi dan Biologi, pISSN 2621-3702; eISSN 2621-7538, is a peer-reviewed journal managed by Biology Education Department, Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara Medan, collaborates with Himpunan Pendidik dan Peneliti Biologi Indonesia (HPPBI). The journal published scientific papers on the results of biology and biology education research, twice a year, on June and December. The journal aims to bridge the gap between research and practice in biological education and biological science, examines advances in biology research and teaching.
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Project-based learning in biotechnology: A profile of senior high school students’ 21st-century 4Cs in South Labuhanbatu Regency
Twenty-first-century education requires students to develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication (4Cs) to address increasingly complex scientific and societal challenges. This study aimed to profile senior high school students’ 21st-century skills in South Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra, through the implementation of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in biotechnology instruction. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed involving 157 twelfth-grade students. Data were collected through self-assessment questionnaires, peer-assessment questionnaires, observation rubrics, and documentation of PjBL activities. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to examine students’ 4Cs. The findings revealed that the overall mean score of students’ 4Cs was 67.33, indicating a moderate level of proficiency. Self-assessment results showed mean scores of 67.73 for critical thinking, 64.25 for creativity, 65.76 for collaboration, and 67.74 for communication. Similarly, peer-assessment results indicated mean scores of 66.07, 64.34, 74.87, and 67.91 for critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication, respectively, all within the moderate category. Collaboration achieved the highest score, particularly in peer assessment, whereas creativity consistently obtained the lowest score across both assessment methods. The consistency between self- and peer-assessment results suggests that collaboration and communication were the most developed competencies among students. Although variations in students’ skill profiles may be influenced by pedagogical, contextual, and social factors, the findings were obtained from biotechnology learning activities implemented through PjBL involving investigation, discussion, problem-solving, and scientific presentation. These findings describe students’ 21st-century skill levels in a PjBL-based biotechnology learning context and provide empirical information that may inform future instructional strategies aimed at supporting 4C development.
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Improving students' creative thinking skills through creative problem solving model based on socio-scientific issues on environmental change
The ability to think creatively means creating something new, honing the human brain's capacity to generate innovative ideas and conclusions that facilitate problem-solving. Efforts to enhance creative thinking skills involve several actions that must be taken, including the use of interactive learning models. This study aims to determine the improvement in students' creative thinking abilities through the socio-scientific issue-based creative problem-solving model on environmental changes. The research uses a quasi-experimental method with a Non-Equivalent pretest-posttest control group design. The research sample consisted of 61 students selected through simple random sampling. Data collection was carried out using creative thinking test instruments and observation sheets for the implementation of learning. The analysis of the research data was conducted using an independent sample t-test, which showed an improvement in students' creative thinking abilities through the socio-scientific issue-based creative problem-solving model on environmental changes. This is evidenced by the increase in the gain score, which was higher in the experimental class at 0.68, categorized as moderate. This is because students can analyze the causes and impacts of environmental changes, as well as provide science- and socially-based solutions. This learning model can be an interesting option in school education because it can trigger active participation.
Comparing pre-service teachers’ problem-solving skills in relation to their metacognition and reading comprehension
Problem solving has been identified as a critical skill for individuals to adapt to society and is particularly beneficial for educators, especially pre-service teachers. However, this process is complex and is influenced by other predictors, such as metacognition and reading comprehension, which remain underexplored. This study aims to evaluate pre-service teachers’ problem-solving skills and compare them based on their levels of metacognition and reading comprehension. A total of 133 pre-service teachers were included in this study. They completed a self-developed problem-solving test that presented problems related to the use of technology and artificial intelligence in teaching and learning processes. Additional adapted instruments were used, including a reading comprehension test with seven items and a metacognitive questionnaire with eleven items. The participants were then clustered into three groups: the first group represented individuals with high reading comprehension and moderate metacognition; the second group, those with high metacognition and moderate reading comprehension; and the third group, those with moderate levels of both reading comprehension and metacognition. The collected data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The result revealed no significant differences in pre-service teachers’ problem-solving skills (F(130) = 1.023, p = .363). This finding may indicate that once a minimum level of metacognition and reading comprehension is reached, additional gains may not lead to significantly higher problem-solving performance. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously, considering the study’s limitations and the potential presence of a metacognitive ceiling effect.
Global research trends on forest rehabilitation and biodiversity: A bibliometric analysis
Forest ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating climate systems, and supporting human well-being. However, widespread deforestation, land-use change, and climate change have caused severe forest degradation worldwide, making forest rehabilitation and biodiversity a global environmental priority. Although the scientific literature linking forest rehabilitation and biodiversity has grown rapidly, a comprehensive understanding of research trends, major contributors, and thematic evolution remains limited. This study presents a global bibliometric analysis of scientific publications on forest rehabilitation and biodiversity from 2000 to 2026 using data retrieved from the Scopus database. A total of 562 peer-reviewed articles were analyzed using the Bibliometrix package in R and the Biblioshiny interface to examine publication trends, authorship patterns, international collaboration networks, influential journals and articles, and thematic structures. The results revealed a steady increase in publication output, with significant acceleration after 2015, coinciding with growing global attention to forest rehabilitation and environmental sustainability issues. Research in this field is highly collaborative, with strong contributions from developed countries, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. Thematic analysis showed that reforestation, biodiversity, and conservation are the most central and well-developed themes, while climate change, ecosystem services, and land-use dynamics represent emerging areas receiving increasing attention. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific landscape of research on forest restoration and biodiversity while identifying knowledge gaps and future research directions. These findings offer valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in developing evidence-based strategies for ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Antioxidant activity of silver nanoparticles tiwai onion callus extract (Eleutherine palmifolia L.Merr)
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a type of nanotechnology with low chemical reactivity and high stability. AgNPs biosynthesis using plant extracts has advantages compared to other methods because it is simpler and more environmentally friendly. Tiwai onion is a medicinal plant native to Borneo that contains bioactive compounds flavonoid, alkaloid, flavanoid, dan saponin and can be used as a material for producing AgNPs. Onion tiwai calli from tissue culture is an alternative source of material that can be used to avoid excessive use of natural materials. This study aimed to determine the optimum concentration of silver nitrate for the stability of AgNPs and the optimum antioxidant activity of Tiwai onion callus extract and AgNPs. The research design used was a completely randomized design with five treatments, namely, AgNO3 concentrations of 0, 0.5; 1; 1., and 2 mM. This research consisted of tiwai onion callus induction, callus extraction using the maceration method, AgNPs synthesis of onion callus tiwai, and antioxidant activity test using the DPPH method. Temperature, pH, and absorbance data were examined in Microsoft Excel, while antioxidant activity was determined via regression based on IC50 values. The results showed that an AgNO3 concentration of 1 mM was the most stable for forming AgNPs. The highest antioxidant activity was found in the AgNPs of Tiwai onion callus extract, with an IC50 value of 48.148 ppm. In conclusion, the antioxidant activity of AgNPs in Tiwai onion callus extract was higher than that of the callus extract.
Bioactive compounds of Chloranthus officinalis are successfully characterised as potential dengue antivirals
While Chloranthus officinalis, a medicinal plant has been widely used in Rinjani Mountain National Park, its bioactive compounds have not yet been characterised. This study aims to characterise the bioactive compounds of C. officinalis. Biocative compounds from C. officinalis were extracted with 96% ethanol and analysed by GC-MS; further analysis using Toxtee software was used to determine toxic activity. There were 18 bioactive compounds in C. officinalis, five of them (quercetin, terpinen-4-ol, δ-cadinene, α-cadinol, and viridiflorol) have potential candidate dengue antivirals. The toxicity level of Quercetin, Terpinene-4-ol, and Viridiflorol are in class 3 (LD50 values 1500-2000 mg/kg), while δ-cadinene and α-Cadinol are class 4 (LD50 2500-5000 mg/kg). Five potential bioactive compounds in C. officinalis have antiviral activity against dengue fever. Overall, these findings indicate that C. officinalis contains bioactive compounds with a favourable safety profile for oral consumption, supporting its use in traditional medicine.
Implementation of Chlorella vulgaris co-culture in open pond systems for sustainable green industry development
Microalgae are promising sources of high-value biomass and renewable energy. Chlorella vulgaris is widely recognized for its ability to grow under various trophic conditions. Co-cultivation of microalgae with bacteria has the potential to enhance biomass production, although its effectiveness depends on the cultivation system. This study compared the growth performance and volatile metabolite profiles of C. vulgaris co-cultured with an Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA)- and vitamin B12-producing bacterial consortium in Open Pond (OP) and Photobioreactor (PBR) systems. From June to August 2025, C. vulgaris was co-cultivated with the bacterial consortium in the OP and PBR systems for 14 days. Growth was monitored by measuring cell density at 675 nm with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, while the volatile metabolite profiles of the biomass harvested at the early stationary phase were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The PBR system achieved a significantly higher peak cell density (9,6 x 10⁷ cells/mL) than the OP system (4,0 x 10⁷ cells/mL). GC-MS identified 136 metabolites, with the PBR system exhibiting a higher abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Conversely, the OP system exhibited higher levels of chavicol (1.02%) and the quorum-sensing molecule farnesol (0.53%), indicating adaptive responses to environmental stress. These findings indicate that functional bacteria benefit both cultivation systems, although the OP system requires further optimization for sustainable industrial applications.
Gresik's biodiversity: A potential learning resource to support Sustainable Development Goals 14 and 15
Gresik has a diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem that supports high biodiversity. However, the available biodiversity data remains fragmented and have not been optimally utilized as a contextual learning resource in biology education. This study aims to describe the biodiversity of Gresik and analyze its potential as a learning resource for biodiversity topics to support Sustainable Development Goals 14 and 15. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed through three integrated phases: (1) biodiversity inventory based on 394 student research reports from Animal Systematics courses conducted between 2021 and 2023; (2) a survey involving 31 senior high school biology teachers in Gresik using a validated questionnaire; and (3) a PRISMA-based literature review of articles published between 2017 and 2025. The results identified that Gresik’s biodiversity has 225 animal species from 7 groups of invertebrates and 2 groups of vertebrates spread across 10 types of ecosystems. Furthermore, 84% of teachers have utilized biodiversity in their teaching, but these activities are dominated by observation in the school environment. Literature review findings suggested that Outdoor Learning, Discovery Learning, Guided Inquiry, and Project-Based Learning are effective approaches for integrating Gresik’s biodiversity into lessons. This study contributes a synthesized biodiversity database for integrating local biodiversity into contextual biology learning, thereby strengthening environmental literacy, supporting the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum and Deep Learning principles, and contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 14 and 15. Future studies are recommended to develop and evaluate biodiversity-based learning resources derived from the biodiversity potential of Gresik.
Contribution of home gardens from the Sustainable Reserve Food Garden Program in Pacitan Regency: Supporting nature conservation
The Sustainable Reserve Food Garden Program is one of the government’s strategies to support household food security and environmental conservation. This study aims to assess the contribution of home gardens resulting from the home garden sustainability program to nature conservation efforts in Pacitan Regency, East Java. The analyzed indicators include cultivation practices, utilization of local plant species, resource efficiency, environmentally friendly farming, plant density, and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index. This descriptive-observational study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative ecological measurements with qualitative data collected through direct field observations, structured interviews, and questionnaires involving 300 household participants. Quantitative analysis included the Shannon-Wiener diversity index, plant density measurements, descriptive statistics, and Principal Component Analysis, while qualitative information supported the interpretation of household conservation practices. The results show that home gardens significantly contribute to the conservation of local genetic resources and increase household-level biodiversity. Principal Component Analysis revealed clusters of respondents based on their level of conservation contribution. The majority were classified as “successful” in integrating food production and conservation functions. These findings emphasize the importance of promoting home gardens as sustainable micro-conservation spaces at the household level.
Mapping STEM implementation in biology learning in Indonesia: Models, educational levels, outcomes, and challenges through a systematic literature review
Although systematic reviews of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) implementation in Indonesia have been widely conducted, previous studies have mainly focused on learning outcomes in specific educational contexts. Comprehensive mapping of STEM implementation in biology learning in Indonesia remains limited. This study aims to analyse the implementation of STEM-based biology learning in Indonesia. It employs the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Data were sourced from publications indexed in Scopus and Google Scholar. The initial search identified 1,041 records covering biology, learning, and STEM. After applying the inclusion criteria, 77 articles on STEM-based biology learning published between 2015 and 2025 were selected as the final sample. The results indicate that Project-Based Learning (PjBL) (n=19) and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) (n=8) dominate the STEM models applied, while the STEM Engineering Design Process (STEM-EDP) (n=1) remains underrepresented. Implementation is concentrated in Java (n=40). Cognitive outcomes, such as critical thinking (n=19) and creative thinking (n=15), are more frequently reported than non-cognitive outcomes, such as motivation and scientific attitudes. The main challenges are teacher readiness (n=27), time constraints (n=8), and limited facilities (n=21), while student enthusiasm and the availability of learning materials serve as key supporting factors. The results have important implications for educational policymakers and biology educators, including promoting more equitable STEM integration, strengthening teacher professional development, and expanding the adoption of STEM-EDP approaches beyond Java. Future research should examine the effectiveness of underutilised STEM approaches, particularly STEM-EDP.
Phytochemical characterization and antihyperglycemic activity of kemumu (Colocasia gigantea Hook. f.) leaf stalk juice in glucose-loaded mice (Mus musculus L.)
Kemumu leaf stalk juice (Colocasia gigantea Hook. f.) is traditionally used to control blood sugar levels. However, scientific evidence is still limited and further studies are required for this purpose. This study aims to analyze the phytochemical content and test the ability of kemumu leaf stalk juice to reduce blood sugar levels in glucose-loaded mice. Secondary metabolites examined included tannins, alkaloids, phenolics, saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. The antihyperglycemic activity was evaluated using 20 adult male mice (Mus musculus L.) as an animal model. First, fasting blood sugar levels were measured, then the mice were given 50% glucose. After 30 minutes, blood sugar levels were measured again. The mice were divided into 5 groups: 2 control groups and 3 treatment groups. The negative control group mice received 0.2 ml of distilled water, and the positive control group mice received glibenclamide at 0.65 mg/kg BW. Mice in treatment groups 1, 2, and 3 were given 0.05 ml/20 g BW, 0.1 ml/20 g BW, and 0.2 ml/20 g BW of kemumu juice, respectively. Blood sugar levels were measured every 30 minutes for up to 180 minutes. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, and if significant differences were found, an LSD test was performed. The results showed that kemumu juice contains alkaloids, phenolics, and flavonoids, which have antidiabetic properties. Doses of 0.1–0.2 ml were as effective as glibenclamide in the positive control group.
Effect of hydrolysis temperature of Bacillus subtilis crude enzyme on sugar content and bioethanol production from date seeds
This study aims to determine the effect of Bacillus subtilis crude enzyme temperature on reducing sugar content and bioethanol production from ajwa date seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L.). The study was conducted using an experimental method with a completely randomised design (CRD) of five temperature treatments, namely 34°C, 37°C, 40°C, 43°C, and 46°C, at pH 7 each with three replicates. Ajwa date seeds that had undergone pretreatment were hydrolysed using crude B. subtilis enzyme, then fermented with Zymomonas mobilis. The reducing sugar content was measured using the DNS method, while the bioethanol content was measured through distillation and an alcohol meter. The results showed that an increase in crude enzyme temperature had a significant effect on the reducing sugar and bioethanol content. A temperature of 46°C produced the highest reducing sugar content before fermentation at 3.89 g/mL, sugar content after fermentation at 2.47 g/mL, and the highest bioethanol content at 3.11%. Statistical analysis through regression and ANOVA showed a significant relationship between temperature and the two dependent variables, with R² values of 0.9248, 0.9514, and 0.9542, respectively. In conclusion, the temperature of B. subtilis crude enzyme is an important factor in optimising bioethanol production from ajwa date seeds. This study provides an alternative use of biomass waste for environmentally friendly renewable energy.
Diversity of orchids in Taman Eden 100, Lumban Julu District, Toba Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Orchid diversity in tropical forest ecosystems is increasingly threatened by habitat degradation and land-use change, highlighting the importance of biodiversity assessments in conservation areas. This study aimed to determine orchid species composition, species diversity, and the physical environmental conditions supporting orchid habitats in Taman Eden 100, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The research was conducted from August to October 2023 using a descriptive–exploratory approach with purposive sampling. Five plots measuring 20 × 20 m were established in representative orchid habitats. Data were analyzed descriptively using relative density, relative frequency, relative dominance, the Important Value Index (INP), and the Shannon–Wiener diversity index. A total of 77 orchid species were recorded, comprising 51 epiphytic species (66%) and 26 terrestrial species (34%). Thelasis micrantha was the most abundant species, with 178 species and the highest INP (12.99%), whereas Bulbophyllum odoratum was the least abundant species, represented by a single species with an INP of 0.22%. The orchid habitats were characterized by air temperatures of 21-27°C, relative humidity of 94-97%, soil pH of 6.5-6.8, and elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,350 m asl, providing favorable conditions for orchid growth. These findings demonstrate that Taman Eden 100 supports high orchid diversity and serves as an important conservation area for preserving native orchid resources in North Sumatra
The effect of lesson study-integrated problem-based learning on students' critical thinking in environmental change
Although Problem-Based Learning (PBL) has been widely recognized for improving students' critical thinking skills, studies examining how Lesson Study (LS) strengthens the implementation of PBL, particularly in environmental change learning, remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the good practices of Lesson Study implementation and examine the effect of integrating Lesson Study into PBL on students' critical thinking skills. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative data were analyzed to identify the good practices of Lesson Study implementation, while quantitative data were collected using a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design. The study involved two equivalent classes selected through a placement test, comprising 30 students in the experimental (PBL-LS) group and 30 students in the control (PBL) group. Lesson Study was implemented through four cycles consisting of the plan, do, and see stages. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Mann–Whitney U Test. The results showed that Lesson Study generated good practices through improved lesson planning, more responsive instruction, and continuous reflection-based improvement. The PBL-LS model significantly improved students' critical thinking skills (p < 0.05), achieved a higher N-Gain score (0.63) than the PBL group, and showed significantly better critical thinking performance. These findings suggest that integrating Lesson Study into PBL strengthens instructional effectiveness and provides biology teachers with an effective approach to enhancing students' critical thinking skills in environmental change learning.
Comparative study of maggot (Hermetia illucens) oil extraction using mechanical pressing and soxhlet methods: Physicochemical characteristics
Larvae of Hermetia illucens have been increasingly recognized as a promising renewable lipid feedstock for various industrial, oleochemical, and biotechnological applications. This study compared mechanical pressing and Soxhlet extraction methods to evaluate their effects on the physicochemical properties and lipid composition of maggot oil. Oil extracted by the Soxhlet method resulted in a higher yield (34.60%) than mechanical pressing (22.45%), indicating more efficient lipid recovery. The moisture contents of the oils were 0.643% and 0.468%, respectively. Both extraction methods produced oils with low acid values (1.693 ± 0.127–1.702 ± 0.116 mg KOH/g) and free fatty acid contents (0.603 ± 0.045–0.607 ± 0.042 %), suggesting acceptable oil quality. Saponification values ranged from 157 to 159 mg KOH/g, while peroxide values were 13.56–14.49 meq O₂/kg. The elemental composition results revealed that both oils were predominantly composed of carbon and hydrogen, reflecting their lipid-rich nature. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the extraction method significantly influenced lipid composition. Mechanical pressing preserved a higher proportion of triglycerides, whereas Soxhlet extraction recovered larger amounts of free fatty acids, especially those with medium- and long-chain structures. These findings indicate that extraction techniques not only affect oil yield but also influence the physicochemical characteristics and chemical profile of H. illucens oil, which may influence its suitability for different biological and biotechnological applications. The results demonstrate that selecting a suitable extraction method is crucial for producing maggot oil with characteristics tailored to specific downstream applications, including biofuel, oleochemical, and biotechnological products.