I was born and raised in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua: a border city to El Paso, Texas. There, it is common to be exposed to English (e.g. Saturday morning cartoons, FM radio while driving, workplace and studies among others). Not 100% of the population is bilingual, but this continuous exposure to English pushes some "Juarenses" (people … Continue reading Science of productivity: Bilinguals
The “P” day: I have gotten my period. So what?
As much as the cardiac or the circadian cycle, the menstrual cycle is one of the most essential physiological cycles in life. Unlike the others, the menstrual cycle and, especially, menstruation, is still surrounded by prejudice and is one of the greatest taboos in many cultures. Today we will talk about the amazing science behind … Continue reading The “P” day: I have gotten my period. So what?
Science of productivity: Creativity (From Jazz to Mozart)
In this post, I want to provide you with a humbling perspective on the relationship of our brains with music. As a musician, I have always been fascinated by how a person (a musician) can develop and master an instrument. They say that your instrument is an extension of your body. Certainly, it is. Our … Continue reading Science of productivity: Creativity (From Jazz to Mozart)
From Beer to Breakthrough
When thinking of biomedical research, you might think of studies with rats, mice or different types of human cells as you have possibly come across in previous posts. As scientists, we refer to these as ‘model organisms’ as they help us to ‘model’ or to understand human health and disease. However, this is not the … Continue reading From Beer to Breakthrough
You only age once!
Tackling the ethical side of anti-aging research Live healthier for longer If you could choose to prolong your lifespan would you do it? As many of you, I would first want to know what are the “conditions of the contract I am signing?”. Aging unhealthily and with a poor quality of life is one thing, … Continue reading You only age once!
Metabolism and emotions: connecting the dots
Primitive human behaviors were the first evidence that led us to the conclusion that our metabolic state can directly affect our emotions. Hungry humans - and basically any other hungry animal - are encouraged to look for food. By suppressing the fear circuit, hunger gives even the most cautious living being the necessary "motivation" to … Continue reading Metabolism and emotions: connecting the dots
Part II. Bacteria (and microbes): Nature’s natural remedies and its applications
On the 20th April 2010, the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the northern Gulf of Mexico resulted in one of the largest marine oil spills in the history of the petroleum industry. An estimated 4.9 million barrels of oil (with 1 barrel being equivalent to about 159 liters of oil) was discharged … Continue reading Part II. Bacteria (and microbes): Nature’s natural remedies and its applications
You(r drugs) are what you eat
Disclaimer: in this post, the term ‘drug’ is used to refer to substances used for medication rather than those for recreational purpose. You are probably no stranger to the saying ‘You are what you eat’; the notion that the food you consume determines your health. But did you know that the effect of your diet … Continue reading You(r drugs) are what you eat
Chimeras: the biology, not only mythology
Featured image: Chimera of Arezzo, Etruscan bronze statue. Image by I, Sailko, CC BY-SA 3.0 Chimera is a well-known creature from Greek mythology. If you are unfamiliar with chimera, imagine a fire-breathing monster that is part lion, part goat, part snake (and sometimes also part dragon). Pretty hard to picture, right? Other than in Greek … Continue reading Chimeras: the biology, not only mythology
My mitochondria and me
It has taken millions of years to have life shaped as it is now (as in 2021 A.D.). It is important to go back to the basics and understand one of the events that allowed evolution as we know it. In this post, I want to present to you the genesis of mitochondria as THE … Continue reading My mitochondria and me
SciFact 