ABSTRACT
Honey bees in beekeeping are commonly involved in honey production and as planned pollinators worldwide. However, at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic, the hardworking little creatures suffered many difficulties. The entire supply chain was blocked. Consequently, the challenges directly affected honey and crop production worldwide. The pandemic issues like travel restrictions and limited access to apiaries had a detrimental influence on beekeepers' activity. Earlier sales decline during the crisis had an economic impact, with some beneficial impacts, like a rise in demand for health-related goods. However, the challenges come with opportunities, which lead to a pointy surge in demand for honey which paved the way for many women entrepreneurs as beekeepers to meet the local demands, which helps the rural economy to be sustained. Another intriguing benefit is that a drastic drop in pollution helped bees get back to their normal routine, which led to a drastic increase in honey production during the pandemic as opposed to what they experienced in normal times. This article briefly outlines such challenges faced by the beekeepers and the honey producers and also focuses on the new opportunities that rendered many values to the producers during the pandemic © Penerbit UMT
ABSTRACT
Trehalulose (1-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-D-fructose) is a naturally occurring disaccharide composed of fructose and glucose. It is a sucrose isomer with a unique alpha-1,1 glycosidic bond that is more stable than the 1,2 glycosidic bond found in sucrose, giving it a lower glycemic index (GI). Trehalulose sugar production is often complicated, and the literature on the production is scarce. However, trehalulose is gaining popularity after a recent study revealed the abundance of this sugar in stingless bee honey (13 to 44 g per 100 g). The current short review discusses the chemical and physiological properties of trehalulose and its potential health benefits based on a bibliometric approach. Furthermore, it evaluates the antidiabetic potential of trehalulose as an emerging alternative sweetener.
ABSTRACT
An antiviral vaccine for COVID-19 is not yet available. Research on polychaete has revealed the ability of its purified haemoglobin in assisting oxygenation to vital organs. Polychaete's blood and tissue extracts were used as an oxygen-carrier and as a reducing agent in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), respectively. Polychaete-based oxygen carrier can be used in organ preservation and as potential treatment for near-death COVID-19 patients. Ag-NPs from polychaete, which are known for possessing excellent antimicrobial properties, may serve as a raw material for various products, including disinfectant, coating materials for paint, handrail, personal care and healthcare products, such as personal protective equipment (PPE). The COVID-19 pandemic may be a catalyst to unveil hidden potentials of polychaete, particularly its therapeutic properties in medicine. © 2020 Portland Press Limited. All Rights Reserved.