Encuentros en la Biología
type: channel
description: La revista Encuentros en la Biología (ISSN 1134-8496) es una revista de divulgación científica con carácter interdisciplinar, está editada por la Universidad de Málaga y publica periódicamente (primavera, verano, otoño, invierno) aquellas contribuciones originales que se enmarcan en un ámbito de encuentro entre las ciencias biológicas y las demás fuentes de conocimiento científico; esto es, conocimiento testado experimentalmente y avalado al menos por una fuente primaria de documentación. Aceptará también la edición de biografías de autores relevantes, de reseñas de libros y trabajos especializados, de imágenes para la portada, la sección «La imagen comentada» y otras secciones especializadas, así como noticias, comunicaciones y eventos relacionados con la biología.
publisher: Uma Editorial. Universidad de Málaga
language: en
publication name: Encuentros en la Biología
issn: 1134-8496
copyright: Esta obra está bajo licencia internacional Creative Commons Reconocimiento-NoComercial-CompartirIgual 4.0. Esta revista provee acceso libre inmediato a su contenido bajo el principio de hacer disponible gratuitamente la investigación al público. Todos los contenidos publicados en Encuentros en la Bilogía están sujetos a la licencia Creative Commons Reconocimento-NoComercia-Compartirigual 4.0 cuyo texto completo puede consultar en <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0> Se pueden copiar, usar, difundir, transmitir y exponer públicamente, siempre que: Se cite la autoría y la fuente original de su publicación (revista, editorial y URL de la obra). No se usen para fines comerciales. Se mencione la existencia y especificaciones de esta licencia de uso Los derechos de autor son de dos clases: morales y patrimoniales. Los derechos morales son prerrogativas perpetuas, irrenunciables, intransferibles, inalienables, inembargables e imprescriptibles. De acuerdo con la legislación de derechos de autor, Encuentros en la Biología reconoce y respeta el derecho moral de los autores/as, así como la titularidad del derecho patrimonial, el cual será cedido a la Universidad de Málaga para su difusión en acceso abierto. Los derechos patrimoniales, se refieren a los beneficios que se obtienen por el uso o divulgación de las obras. Encuentros en la Biología se publica en open access y queda autorizada en exclusiva para realizar o autorizar por cualquier medio el uso, distribución, divulgación, reproducción, adaptación, traducción o transformación de la obra. Es responsabilidad de los autores/as obtener los permisos necesarios de las imágenes que están sujetas a derechos de autor. Los autores/as cuyas contribuciones sean aceptadas para su publicación en esta revista conservarán el derecho no exclusivo de utilizar sus contribuciones con fines académicos, de investigación y educativos, incluyendo el auto-archivo o depósito en repositorios de acceso abierto de cualquier tipo. La ed…
items: Changes in the fluctuating asymmetry in the humerus of the Mediterranean yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) (Laridae: Charadriiformes)
items: International cooperation volunteer project for the identification of plant viruses in the Galapagos Islands
items: Don’t be misled: there is no cure for cancer
items: ACUARIOFILIA Y CONSERVACIÓN
items: More than a skeleton: the cytoskeleton assembles and disassembles like building blocks at the cellular level.
items: Stress Granules: Potential Biotechnological Targets Against Climate Change
items: The Sodium and Potassium Balance in Plants: The Dose Makes the Poison
items: Research on the origin of life and its search beyond Earth
items: From small signals to big changes: the crucial role of a small signaling peptide in plant responses to microbial volatiles
items: Chemical Biology to improve plant tolerance to drought
items: Scientific evaluation based on bibliometric indicators:
items: Origin and evolution of gibberellin signaling in plants
items: Editorial 193
items: Genetic testing: a cornerstone in rare disease diagnosis
items: Reflections on Current Artificial Intelligence Systems
items: Editorial 192
items: Molecular Markers: Driving the Improvement of Strawberry Varieties and Deciphering the Genetic Keys to Their Diversity
items: The Official Association of Biologists of Andalusia is committed to young talent: students from the University of Malaga excel in the latest TFG Awards.
items: Evolving classrooms: a teaching proposal about history and philosophy of biology
items: AUTOPHAGY IN PLANTS: THE SECRET MECHANISM THAT ENSURES THEIR SURVIVAL
items: A BIOLOGY STUDENT READS AND COMMENTS ON SCHRÖDINGER'S WHAT IS LIFE?
items: Trichinellosis: A zoonotic disease of global importance
items: Malagueño y exquisito: hablamos de Abies pinsapo Boiss
items: Editorial 191
items: Mariposa Monarca
items: Can Parkinson disease be spread?
items: Elephants: An example of artificial selection
items: Editorial 190
items: The Cambrian explosion
items: History of cell biology through postage stamps (II)

Changes in the fluctuating asymmetry in the humerus of the Mediterranean yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) (Laridae: Charadriiformes)
type: item
description: In this research, the authors applied geometric morphometric techniques to assess possible bilateral asymmetries in humeri of 16 yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis), based on radiographic ventro-dorsal projections. The sampled reflected fluctuating asymmetry (FA), both in size and shape, but no directional asymmetry (DA) neither antisymmetry. Humeral proximal elements showed the showed a greater amount of asymmetry, which suggests that mechanical load is greater in these areas and are therefore biomechanical factors rather than environmental stress are responsible for detected asymmetry. DA was not significative, which would support the hypothesis that compressive forces of the arm are not different on both sides. FA changed with size, which would also suggest that it develops during endochondral bone growth.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: development instability
  topic: keywords
subject: generalized Procrustes analysis
  topic: keywords
subject: geometric morphometrics
  topic: keywords
subject: shape
  topic: keywords
creator: Pere M. Parés-Casanova
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-30
publication date: 2026-01-30
starting page: 6
ending page: 10
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.193.2025.18028

International cooperation volunteer project for the identification of plant viruses in the Galapagos Islands
type: item
description: Between June and September 2022, a volunteer project in International Cooperation with the Agency for Regulation and Control of Biosecurity and Quarantine for Galapagos (ABG), was carried out in the Galapagos islands, Ecuador. ABG is the authority that controls biosecurity, quarantine, animal and human health, as well as the protection of the island and marine ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands. The objective was to generate knowledge about plant viruses prevalent in traditional crops and natural species on the transition zones between agricultural and protected areas of the Galapagos National Park, contributing to environmental protection and the sustainable use of the natural resources of the Galapagos Archipelago. Single-stranded circular DNA (ssDNA) viruses cause serious losses in many temperate countries with an agriculture-based economy. They can evolve to cause new or more aggressive diseases in crops or ecologically valuable plants. Volunteers sampled crops of interest such as tomato, zucchini, bell pepper and papaya, as well as weeds and whitefly specimens on Santa Cruz Island. Using rolling circle amplification and specific PCR techniques for begomovirus detection, DNA amplification was obtained in some crops but mainly in weeds, which, if confirmed by sequencing, would suggest the presence of virus reservoirs in these plants. The results obtained will allow ABG to detect and identify the viruses prevalent in the islands and implement appropriate control measures that will directly benefit the Galapagos population with an economy based on sustainable agriculture and ecotourism. The experience has highlighted the benefits of international cooperation, not only in contributing to research and conservation, but also in promoting professional development opportunities for the participants.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: International Cooperation
  topic: keywords
subject: conservation
  topic: keywords
subject: Galapagos Islands
  topic: keywords
subject: begomovirus
  topic: keywords
subject: whitefly
  topic: keywords
creator: Esther Álvarez Sánchez
creator: Daniel Díaz Ruiz
creator: Rocío España Bonilla
creator: Laura Ramos Zafra
creator: Patricio A Vega-Mariño
creator: Edgard Alberto Vélez Pinela
creator: Marilyn Cruz Bedón
creator: Enrique Viguera Mínguez
creator: Ana Grande Pérez
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-30
publication date: 2026-01-30
starting page: 11
ending page: 14
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.193.2025.18551

Don’t be misled: there is no cure for cancer
type: item
description: The media often announces the discovery of “the cure for cancer,” generating expectations that do not align with scientific reality. This article debunks that myth from a clear and accessible perspective, explaining why a single cure for cancer does not (and will not) exist.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: cancer
  topic: keywords
subject: metastasis
  topic: keywords
subject: tumor
  topic: keywords
subject: mutation
  topic: keywords
subject: personalized medicine
  topic: keywords
subject: investigation
  topic: keywords
creator: Carmen Ruiz Moreno
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-30
publication date: 2026-01-30
starting page: 15
ending page: 16
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.193.2025.22092

ACUARIOFILIA Y CONSERVACIÓN
type: item
subject: La imágen comentada
  topic: section
creator: Laura Ramos Zafra
creator: Víctor López de la Rosa
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-30
publication date: 2026-01-30
starting page: 5
ending page: 5
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.193.2025.23011

More than a skeleton: the cytoskeleton assembles and disassembles like building blocks at the cellular level.
type: item
description: The functions, shape and architecture of our entire body are governed by what happens at the cellular level. At this level, proteins (building blocks) that can assemble and disassemble like LEGO building blocks form the cytoskeleton, which is made up of actin filaments, intermediates and microtubules that adapt and respond to change constantly, forming various structures that together allow the cell to maintain its shape, organize and transport internal components (proteins, organelles). In addition, it is essential for carrying out basic functions such as cell division, migration, anchoring to the extracellular matrix and for cellular communication.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: Actin
  topic: keywords
subject: Microtubules
  topic: keywords
subject: Intermediate filaments
  topic: keywords
creator: Mario Chopin Doroteo
creator: Elizabeth Ortega Soto
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-02-02
publication date: 2026-02-02
starting page: 21
ending page: 23
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.193.2025.20561

Stress Granules: Potential Biotechnological Targets Against Climate Change
type: item
description: Feeding 9 billion people by 2050 is one of the greatest challenges facing our society. Crops are the main source of food; however, atmospheric events associated with ongoing climate change are severely a! ecting agricultural productivity. If this trend continues in the coming years, society will face a serious supply crisis for an exponentially growing global population. Rising global temperatures, extreme droughts, and increased soil salinity are the main causes of yield loss in crops. Therefore, developing crop varieties resilient to environmental stress is a top priority to maintain optimal productivity and ensure future food security. To achieve this, it is essential to understand how plants cope with extreme stress conditions. One of the earliest cellular responses to stress perception is the formation of cytoplasmic structures known as stress granules (SGs). SGs are biomolecular condensates composed mainly of RNA and proteins, assembled through a process called liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS). Although most current knowledge about their composition, assembly, and function comes from model organisms such as yeast and animals, recent studies in plants suggest that SGs could play a central role in plant resilience. This opens the possibility of developing SG-targeted biotechnological strategies to create more stress-tolerant crops.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: stress granules
  topic: keywords
subject: biomolecular condensates
  topic: keywords
subject: liquid–liquid phase separation
  topic: keywords
subject: stress
  topic: keywords
subject: climate change
  topic: keywords
subject: biotechnology
  topic: keywords
creator: Emilio Gutierrez-Beltran
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-24
publication date: 2026-01-24
starting page: 21
ending page: 24
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.192.2025.22805

The Sodium and Potassium Balance in Plants: The Dose Makes the Poison
type: item
description: Although sodium (Na) and potassium (K) have similar abundances in the Earth’s crust, all living organisms preferentially accumulate K within their cells while avoiding high levels of Na. In plants, Na toxicity is the main harmful effect of salinity. To counteract this, plants possess a network of ion transporters, among which the SOS (Salt Overly Sensitive) pathway stands out for its functional importance. This pathway promotes Na extrusion from root cells into the medium or its loading into the xylem, allowing proper Na distribution to the shoots and dilution through growth. Potassium uptake, on the other hand, relies on a complex and redundant system of ion transporters that ensures adequate nutrition under widely varying K availability, often capturing all available K from the medium. However, this strong affinity for K can lead to toxicity when uptake becomes uncoupled from its tissue distribution or vacuolar storage. Furthermore, under K deficiency, many plants actively accumulate Na to substitute for K in osmoregulatory functions. Thus, the distinction between nutrient and toxin becomes blurred, recalling Paracelsus’s principle that “the dose makes the poison”.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: sodium
  topic: keywords
subject: potassium
  topic: keywords
subject: salinity
  topic: keywords
subject: nutrition
  topic: keywords
subject: plants
  topic: keywords
creator: José M. Pardo
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-24
publication date: 2026-01-24
starting page: 28
ending page: 30
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.192.2025.22852

Research on the origin of life and its search beyond Earth
type: item
description: Astrobiology is a young and interdisciplinary field that combines advances from various branches of physics, chemistry, geology, biology, and engineering, while also maintaining a philosophical perspective. In this context, we study how life began on our planet under the conditions that existed at least 3.9 billion years ago, also considering the molecules that may have reached us from space aboard meteorites or comets. At the same time, we investigate whether the transition between chemistry and biology could have taken place in other environments considered “habitable” within the Solar System. Among these are the search for biomarkers on Mars, in the clouds of Venus, and on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn that possess subsurface oceans of liquid water, such as Europa, Enceladus, and Titan. Beyond our cosmic neighborhood, the search for signs of life extends to extrasolar planets, of which more than 6,000 are already known. Thus, between chance and necessity, we now ask ourselves whether it is more likely that we are alone. . . or that the Universe is full of living beings.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: Prebiotic chemistry
  topic: keywords
subject: RNA world
  topic: keywords
subject: LUCA
  topic: keywords
subject: Astrobiology
  topic: keywords
subject: Mars
  topic: keywords
subject: Ocean worlds
  topic: keywords
creator: Carlos Briones Llorente
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-24
publication date: 2026-01-24
starting page: 8
ending page: 12
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.192.2025.22858

From small signals to big changes: the crucial role of a small signaling peptide in plant responses to microbial volatiles
type: item
description: The interaction between plants and microorganisms involves bidirectional chemical communication, which is essential during the early stages of symbiosis. Both plants and microorganisms emit chemical signals to attract or alert their presence. Among these signals, microorganisms produce and release volatile compounds. These compounds are not only crucial for establishing symbiosis but also induce plant growth and stress tolerance. Furthermore, microbial volatile compounds can modulate root system architecture. These changes are associated with the reprogramming of the root proteome and the modulation of ethylene and auxin signaling pathways. A key component in modifying root morphology is the signaling peptide RALF22 and its receptor FERONIA, which are essential for root hair elongation and proliferation. In addition, fungal ethylene plays a crucial role in these processes, as its production is required to induce morphological changes in roots.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: microbial volatile compounds
  topic: keywords
subject: ethylene
  topic: keywords
subject: signaling peptide
  topic: keywords
subject: RALF
  topic: keywords
creator: Rafael Jorge León Morcillo
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-24
publication date: 2026-01-24
starting page: 34
ending page: 36
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.192.2025.22864

Chemical Biology to improve plant tolerance to drought
type: item
description: ccording to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), drought is the main factor causing agricultural production losses. In fact, more than 34 % of crop and livestock production losses are due to drought, with a global cost to the sector of 37 billion dollars. Abscisic acid (ABA) is a key plant hormone that coordinates the activation of adaptive responses aimed at protecting plants from stress. To exert its function, ABA binds to its PYR/PYL receptors, triggering a reprogramming of plant growth that enhances water-use eciency, allowing survival during periods of drought. In this work, we used a chemical biology approach to develop chemical compounds that increase plant drought resistance by targeting ABA receptors. After screening millions of chemical molecules, we identified a compound capable of activating ABA receptors. However, its activity was very low. Guided by structural studies, we designed a custom receptor (CsPYL15m) optimized to be activated by this new compound. In a second step, we synthesized an improved version of the compound, named iSB09, which eciently activates the engineered receptor. Applying iSB09 to transgenic plants expressing the optimized receptor (CsPYL15m) significantly increased their drought tolerance. Foliar spray application of iSB09 allows plants to withstand extended periods without irrigation, providing a promising technology to address drought-related challenges in agriculture.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: drought
  topic: keywords
subject: plants
  topic: keywords
subject: abscisic acid (ABA)
  topic: keywords
subject: structure
  topic: keywords
subject: chemical compounds
  topic: keywords
subject: design
  topic: keywords
creator: Jorge Lozano Juste
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-24
publication date: 2026-01-24
starting page: 25
ending page: 27
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.192.2025.22865

Scientific evaluation based on bibliometric indicators:
type: item
description: Bibliometric indicators have gained increasing prominence not only in evaluating the scientific performance of researchers and the institutions in which they work, but also in shaping their professional and social recognition. After reflecting on the reasons behind the use of bibliometric indicators in scientific evaluation, this work critically examines the principles and assumptions on which they are based. Questions and doubts are raised regarding the reliability and validity of these indicators, with the aim of encouraging readers to replace beliefs with certainties, myths with realities, and to make intelligent, critical, and responsible use of them. The paper also speculates on the future direction of bibliometric evaluation and concludes by reviewing the positive and negative effects—the lights and shadows—of employing bibliometrics in the assessment of scientific activity.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: Evaluation
  topic: keywords
subject: science
  topic: keywords
subject: research
  topic: keywords
subject: scientists
  topic: keywords
subject: bibliometrics
  topic: keywords
subject: bibliometric indicators
  topic: keywords
creator: Emilio Delgado
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-24
publication date: 2026-01-24
starting page: 16
ending page: 20
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.192.2025.22866

Origin and evolution of gibberellin signaling in plants
type: item
description: Gibberellins are plant hormones primarily recognized for their role in promoting plant growth. However, they also regulate other key processes, such as stress tolerance and overall development. Although their prominence during the Green Revolution of the 1960s drove their agronomic use, it is only in recent times that we have understood their evolution and how they acquired such diverse functions. The gibberellin signaling mechanism is relatively simple: they are detected by the soluble receptor GID1, which undergoes a conformational change to interact with DELLA proteins, promoting their degradation via the proteasome. DELLA proteins do not bind directly to DNA but regulate gene expression by interacting with transcription factors. In this way, gibberellins control gene expression through modulation of DELLA levels. Although DELLA proteins are present in all land plants, gibberellins and their GID1 receptor are found only in vascular plants. It has been discovered that in non-vascular plants, DELLA proteins retain the ability to interact with transcription factors and control stress responses and development. This suggests that gibberellins acquired these functions when the GID1 receptor appeared in the common ancestor of vascular plants.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: evolution
  topic: keywords
subject: development
  topic: keywords
subject: stress
  topic: keywords
subject: transcription factors
  topic: keywords
creator: Miguel Blazquez
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-24
publication date: 2026-01-24
starting page: 31
ending page: 33
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.192.2025.22990

Editorial 193
type: item
subject: Editorial
  topic: section
creator: Juan Antonio Pérez Claros
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-30
publication date: 2026-01-30
starting page: 4
ending page: 4

Genetic testing: a cornerstone in rare disease diagnosis
type: item
subject: BioCómic
  topic: section
subject: rare disease
  topic: keywords
subject: genetic diagnosis
  topic: keywords
subject: diagnosis
  topic: keywords
subject: genetic diseases
  topic: keywords
creator: Indira Álvarez Fernández
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-30
publication date: 2026-01-30
starting page: 25
ending page: 26
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.193.2025.23005

Reflections on Current Artificial Intelligence Systems
type: item
description: In this text, I reflect on the evolution, capabilities, and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence. I explain how AI has evolved from being defined as the creation of intelligent machines to a legal entity that includes techniques such as machine learning, logic, and optimisation. I review key historical milestones, from Ramon Llull and Alan Turing to modern systems like Deep Blue, Watson, AlphaGo, and ChatGPT. While recent advances are remarkable, they also raise ethical concerns such as misinformation, bias, and the irresponsible use of technology. I argue that current AI systems lack true reasoning and moral understanding, making collective reflection on their development and application essential. I propose establishing a social contract between technology and human communities to ensure that AI evolves within strong ethical frameworks and in harmony with human values.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: ethic
  topic: keywords
subject: reasoning
  topic: keywords
subject: machine learning
  topic: keywords
subject: social contract
  topic: keywords
subject: misinformation
  topic: keywords
creator: Carles Sierra
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-24
publication date: 2026-01-24
starting page: 5
ending page: 7
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.192.2025.22998

Editorial 192
type: item
subject: Editorial
  topic: section
creator: Javier Pozueta Romero
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-24
publication date: 2026-01-24

Molecular Markers: Driving the Improvement of Strawberry Varieties and Deciphering the Genetic Keys to Their Diversity
type: item
description: At the Genomics and Strawberry Biotechnology Laboratory at the IFAPA Málaga center, we work on identifying molecular markers—DNA variations—associated with specific traits in the strawberry plant. We are particularly interested in those related to fruit quality and agronomic performance. These markers form the basis for developing genetic tests that help breeders of new varieties select the most desirable traits early and accurately. Beyond their practical value, identifying these molecular markers provides key insights into the genetic and molecular foundations underlying the variability of the traits studied. As an example, in this article we present the identification of a marker associated with carotenoid content in strawberry fruit. These compounds, in addition to their well-known antioxidant activity, are important for human health because some act as precursors of vitamin A—such as β-carotene and α-cryptoxanthin—while others, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, help protect vision as components of the macular pigments in the eye. The test we have developed represents a valuable tool for selecting strawberry varieties that are healthier and more nutritionally complete.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: Strawberry
  topic: keywords
subject: Molecular markers
  topic: keywords
subject: Carotenoids
  topic: keywords
creator: Cristina Castillejo MAngado
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-24
publication date: 2026-01-24
starting page: 13
ending page: 15
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.192.2025.22890

The Official Association of Biologists of Andalusia is committed to young talent: students from the University of Malaga excel in the latest TFG Awards.
type: item
description: Not applicable. It's news.
subject: Encuentros con las novedades
  topic: section
subject: Seleccionado:Colegio Oficial de Biólogos de Andalucía
  topic: keywords
subject: COBA
  topic: keywords
subject: TFG Awards
  topic: keywords
creator: María Inmaculada Manrique Poyato
creator: Elena Bañares España
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2026-01-30
publication date: 2026-01-30
starting page: 17
ending page: 20
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.193.2025.22806

Evolving classrooms: a teaching proposal about history and philosophy of biology
type: item
description: The university education of biologists, and scientists in general, has been filled with theory and practices that attempt to include the majority of knowledge acquired to date in their respective fields of study. However, critical thinking has almost disappeared from classrooms. Could history and philosophy of biology be the key to prevent its disappearance?
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: education
  topic: keywords
subject: History
  topic: keywords
subject: philosophy
  topic: keywords
creator: Laura Megías Pérez
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2025-09-29
publication date: 2025-09-29
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.191.2025.17899

AUTOPHAGY IN PLANTS: THE SECRET MECHANISM THAT ENSURES THEIR SURVIVAL
type: item
description: Plants are sessile organisms, meaning they must face various challenges to ensure their survival, such as predation and environmental conditions. To cope with these challenges, they have developed different mechanisms throughout evolution, with autophagy being a notable one. Autophagy is a metabolic process that allows the removal of unwanted cellular content and the recycling of nutrients. This article explains the types of autophagy in plants and its stages, as well as the various roles it plays in plant development, metabolism, and stress responses.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: Autophagy
  topic: keywords
subject: Plants
  topic: keywords
subject: Stress
  topic: keywords
subject: Development
  topic: keywords
subject: Environmental conditions
  topic: keywords
creator: Carlos Cardeñas Echevarría
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2025-09-29
publication date: 2025-09-29
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.191.2025.20514

A BIOLOGY STUDENT READS AND COMMENTS ON SCHRÖDINGER'S WHAT IS LIFE?
type: item
description: The article is a personal and analytical reflection by Inés Sánchez Túnez, a Biology student, about the book What is Life? by Erwin Schrödinger. Through an interdisciplinary reading that combines quantum physics and biology, she highlights the relevance and modernity of the text, despite having been written in 1944. The article explores concepts such as negative entropy, order in living systems, the transmission of genetic information, and the theoretical anticipation of the structure of DNA through the idea of the “aperiodic crystal.” It also examines the role of mutations and the impact of physical laws on evolution and molecular stability. The article emphasizes Schrödinger's view of life as an ordered phenomenon within an entropic universe and values his proposal that life might involve physical principles yet to be discovered. With both a scientific and philosophical approach, it concludes that the true value of the book lies not in providing definitive answers, but in its ability to pose fundamental questions that gradually bring us closer to a better understanding of the phenomenon of life.
subject: Recension
  topic: section
subject: DNA
  topic: keywords
subject: Biology
  topic: keywords
subject: entropy
  topic: keywords
subject: mutations
  topic: keywords
subject: order
  topic: keywords
subject: quantum physics
  topic: keywords
creator: Inés Sánchez Túnez
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2025-09-29
publication date: 2025-09-29
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.191.2025.21854

Trichinellosis: A zoonotic disease of global importance
type: item
description: Trichinosis, or trichinellosis, is a zoonotic disease of global importance that affects approximately ten thousand people each year. Therefore, in this short comic, we seek to provide an overview of the sources of infection for this disease.
subject: BioCómic
  topic: section
subject: zoonósis
  topic: keywords
subject: enfermedades
  topic: keywords
creator: Paola Yesenia García Castillo
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2025-09-29
publication date: 2025-09-29
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.191.2025.22265

Malagueño y exquisito: hablamos de Abies pinsapo Boiss
type: item
description: The Spanish fir (Abies pinsapo Boiss) is a conifer endemic to the Andalusian mountains that is in danger of extinction. This article describes its ecological importance and highlights its resilience to the effects of climate change.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: Abies pinsapo
  topic: keywords
subject: Climatic chage
  topic: keywords
subject: molecular responses
  topic: keywords
creator: Vanessa Castro Rodríguez
creator: Irene Victoria Blanca Reyes
creator: Francisco Cánovas Ramos
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2025-09-29
publication date: 2025-09-29
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.191.2025.17801

Editorial 191
type: item
subject: Editorial
  topic: section
creator: Juan Antonio Pérez Claros
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2025-09-29
publication date: 2025-09-29
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.191.2025.22377

Mariposa Monarca
type: item
subject: Portada
  topic: section
subject: monarch butterfly
  topic: keywords
subject: Danaus plexippus
  topic: keywords
creator: Ruben Fernandez Santamaria
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2025-09-29
publication date: 2025-09-29

Can Parkinson disease be spread?
type: item
description: Unnecessary
subject: scientific anecdotary
  topic: section
subject: Parkinson
  topic: keywords
subject: Breaking Bad
  topic: keywords
subject: Paraquat
  topic: keywords
creator: M. Gonzalo Claros Díaz
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2025-06-26
publication date: 2025-06-26
doi: 10.24310/enbio.27.190.2025.18017

Elephants: An example of artificial selection
type: item
description: Artificial selection is a concept that we often associate with Mendel's experiments with pea plants; however, this concept goes beyond plants. Today, activities such as hunting can also act as a mechanism of artificial selection, thus affecting species such as elephants. Therefore, in this short comic, we seek to convey how populations of Loxodonta africana are being affected by artificial selection.
subject: BioCómic
  topic: section
subject: Elephants without tusks, poaching, human-animal conflict, tusks, hunting.
  topic: keywords
subject: Artificial selection
  topic: keywords
subject: Ethology
  topic: keywords
creator: Paola Yesenia García Castillo
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2025-06-26
publication date: 2025-06-26
doi: 10.24310/enbio.27.190.2025.21985

Editorial 190
type: item
description: Editorial 190
subject: Editorial
  topic: section
creator: Juan Antonio Pérez Claros
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2025-06-26
publication date: 2025-06-26

The Cambrian explosion
type: item
description: The Cambrian explosion is an evolutionary radiation that took place in the early Cambrian, which began approximately 538 million years ago. It is one of the most remarkable in the history of biota, since in 10 million years most of the body plans present in the present groups of animals developed, although several of their original forms did not reach the present day. The first mineralized skeletons appeared, which facilitated the fossilization process. On the other hand, the increase of oxygen in the atmosphere promoted the growth of body structures, and global warming and rising sea levels created favorable habitats. In Cambrian sediments, such as the Burgess Shale in Canada and the Chenjiang Formation in China, countless fossils from this period were found, some of them represented in this illustration: The genera Anomalocaris (1), Tamisiocaris (2), Opabinia (3), Hallucigenia (4), Marrella (5), Pikaia (6), the class Trilobites (7), the genus Vetulicola (8), and the species Cotyledion tylodes (9) and Xianguangia sinica (10). Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
subject: La imágen comentada
  topic: section
creator: Naia Salas
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2025-06-26
publication date: 2025-06-26
doi: 10.24310/enbio.27.190.2025.21881

History of cell biology through postage stamps (II)
type: item
description: A review of the history of Cell Biology is made through postage stamps. In the first article a historical development of this discipline within Biology is made.
subject: Artículos
  topic: section
subject: Cellular Biology
  topic: keywords
subject: History
  topic: keywords
subject: postage stamps
  topic: keywords
creator: Juan José Borrego García
creator: Antonio J. Jiménez Lara
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 Encuentros en la Biología
date: 2025-09-29
publication date: 2025-09-29
doi: 10.24310/enbio.17.191.2025.21878