Author: rdxd7

Categories
Uncategorized Uncategorized

Another Published Scientific Paper – With a Story Behind It

“When one door closes, a window opens” – a wise saying that proved to be true in this case.

Every scientific project is a small frame in which life unfolds. Plans either succeed or fall through, problems get solved or remain unresolved. Sometimes you click with people, and sometimes you don’t. Personalities and emotions inevitably intertwine in the ebb and flow of helplessness and frustration, amidst the chaos of deadlines, stress, expectations, and ambition.

And in all of that, it is often the most underestimated, yet ultimately the most important elements that shine through and tip the scales – RESPONSIBILITY and INTEGRITY.
Along with that little inner voice that whispers, “Do it – even if you don’t have to. Because it’s right. Because it’s good. Because you’re a person of your word.”

And so it was.

One door closed (or rather, slammed shut!), but a big sunlit window opened!

The result is this newly published scientific paper in the Journal of the Polytechnic of Rijeka (WoS, Q3, IF 0.3).
And a Rector’s Award.
And a brand-new scientific experience for a hardworking and talented student.
And the pride of an exceptional mentor.
And a renewed belief in people. In collegiality and science. In the future.

Categories
News News

We Published a New Paper in Antioxidants (WoS, Q1, IF 6.6)Objavili smo novi rad u časopisu Antioxidants (WoS, Q1, IF 6.6)

We are happy to share some great news – the publication of our new paper in the journal Antioxidants. In this study, we investigated the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of leaf and flower extracts from two invasive plant species – Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) – collected in the Istria region.

Using LC-DAD-MS methods and antioxidant assays (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP), we developed detailed phenolic profiles of both leaf and flower extracts. Our analyses confirmed high concentrations of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and ellagitannins, with strong correlations (r > 0.9) between total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Among the most notable findings were vescalagin isomer concentrations of up to 94 mg/g in Tree of Heaven leaves and 5-caffeoylquinic acid levels of up to 25 mg/g in Jerusalem artichoke leaves.

These results highlight the untapped potential of invasive plants as rich natural sources of antioxidants, with promising applications in the development of functional foods and phytopharmaceuticals.

NATURALLY celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025

On Sunday, May 25th, we took part in the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity and Nature Protection Day in Croatia. The event was held at the Science and Education Centre Kontija, located within the Kontija Special Forest Vegetation Reserve near Poreč.

Dr. Danijela Poljuha and Nataly Milovan presented several ongoing projects focused on biodiversity and nature conservation, with a special emphasis on invasive species. We engaged with visitors in discussions about invasive species, methods of control, identification, and potential uses. It was a great opportunity to showcase our projects NATURALLY, EkoPis, and ADRIS, all dedicated to the topic of invasives.

For younger visitors, the Institute prepared educational worksheets on invasive species, waste reduction, and environmental protection—encouraging awareness and curiosity from an early age.

Categories
Uncategorized

Our PhD Student Mirela Uzelac Božac Participated in the First PhD Café in Pula

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the first PhD Café in Pula was held at Caffe Bar La Resistance, where our PhD student Mirela Uzelac presented her research in a talk titled “Phytopharmaceutical Potential of Invasive Plant Species.” This research is being conducted at the Institute as part of the NATURALLY research project and the Croatian career development program for early-stage researchers.

PhD Café is an event organized by the Croatian Science Foundation aimed at promoting young researchers and scientific projects carried out at Croatian research institutions. Launched in 2020, the event is held monthly in Zagreb and several times a year in Rijeka, Split, and Osijek — and this was the first time it took place in Pula.

At this event, five researchers from scientific institutions across Istria presented their work — from the Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, the Institute of Agriculture and Tourism in Poreč, the Ruđer Bošković Institute’s Center for Marine Research in Rovinj, and the Teaching Institute of Public Health of the Istria County.

We’re proud of Mirela’s excellent presentation!

More information about the event is available at the following link: https://hrzz.hr/odrzan-phd-cafe-u-puli/

Expert Lecture and Honey Tasting from Invasive Species Held in Pula at the 4th “Days of the Bee” Event

Our small NATURALLY team continues to expand on the discoveries made during the original project. We are doing so as part of a new project entitled “A Recipe for Sustainable Coexistence – Invasive Species as Medicine and Food”, funded by the ADRIS Foundation.

On Friday, March 14, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the 4th Days of the Bee event in Pula, the new project was presented, along with a reflection on the NATURALLY project.

As part of the program, an expert lecture titled “Invasive (Honey) Species as Medicine and Food” was held by project leader Dr. Danijela Poljuha and Dr. Nediljko Landeka from the Teaching Institute of Public Health of the Istria County. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about both projects, the impact of invasive species, and their dual nature — the harm they can cause, as well as their potential benefits. Special attention was given to the most common invasive honey plant species in Croatia.

Following the lecture, visitors were invited to taste honeys made from several invasive plant species.

These activities, conducted as part of both projects, aim to raise public awareness about the importance of effective invasive species management and the need to adapt to sustainable coexistence with them.

Categories
News

Expert Lecture and Honey Tasting from Invasive Species Held in Pazin as Part of the 19th “Days of Honey”

The NATURALLY project continues under the initiative of the Institute titled “A Recipe for Sustainable Coexistence – Invasive Species as Medicine and Food”, funded by the ADRIS Foundation. As part of this new project, our team continues to explore the potential use of invasive plant species in phytopharmacy and beyond.

On Saturday, March 1, 2025, during the 19th edition of the Days of Honey fair held in Pazin, both the NATURALLY project and its continuation were presented to the public. An expert lecture titled “Invasive (Honey) Species as Medicine and Food” was delivered by project leader Dr. Danijela Poljuha and Dr. Nediljko Landeka from the Teaching Institute of Public Health of the Istria County. Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the project, understand the harmful effects of invasive species, and explore how they may also be put to good use. A significant portion of the lecture focused on the most common invasive honey plant species found in Croatia.

Following the lecture, visitors were invited to a guided tasting of honeys derived from several invasive species. The tasting was organized by the Croatian Association of Honey Sensory Analysts (HUSAM), led by Prof. Dr. Dražen Lušić, Mr. Ivan Kovač, and Mr. Mirko Almaši.

These activities, carried out as part of both our projects, aim to raise public awareness about the importance of effective invasive species management, as well as the need for sustainable adaptation and coexistence with them.