Biontes
Science Communication Journal
Publication:
July-September 2025
Vol. 3
This issue is bursting with color! We present information on the production of natural pigments by algae, discuss sustainability-focused taxes, also known as green taxes, and how soil colors provide valuable information about its condition and nutrition. Additionally, our authors analyze the relationship between certain microorganisms and diabetes, explain the process of publishing scientific articles, share how insect science can reach the youngest and most curious among us—children—and examine what happens during the transformation of a fermented beverage to raise awareness of its effects and explore healthier non-alcoholic alternatives.
With love
Biontes
Content
Vol. 3 July-August 2025
Authors
Mariana Manzoni Maroneze
Andrea Teresa Téllez
Daniela Morales Sánchez
Microalgae to color the planet
Consumers are increasingly demanding safer, more natural food colorings, and microalgae are rising to the challenge. These photosynthetic organisms produce pigments that, in addition to coloring food, fabrics, and cosmetics, offer health benefits for consumers and the environment. The current market for microalgae pigments could reach a value of US$452.4 million this year, so the potential is enormous. At the IBT UNAM (Institute of Biotechnology and Technology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico), these possibilities are being studied using extremophile algae that produce blue, green, yellow, and orange dyes.
Authors
José Feliz Soto
Elizabeth Chia Galaviz
Octavio MartÃnez Cazarez
Green taxes: legislating for sustainability in Mexico
This article explores green taxes, a type of levy designed to counteract environmentally damaging practices. These measures aim to discourage harmful practices in certain industries by imposing taxes on activities that harm the environment and public health. The goal is to incentivize the search for sustainable alternatives and generate resources for implementing public policies that mitigate the negative impacts of these activities. Delving into their study, scope, and potential will enable us to take concrete actions now, with a long-term focus on promoting environmental and collective well-being.
Authors
Mizel Alonso Saucedo Jaime
Nuria Garrido Vázquez
Melisa Karina Chacón Lázaro
From gastritis to diabetes: A consequence of Helicobacter pylori?
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that infects more than 40% of the world's population and more than half of the Mexican population. This bacterium colonizes the human stomach, primarily causing gastric diseases, but it has also been linked to extragastric diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Epidemiological studies show a higher prevalence of H. pylori in individuals with T2DM. Therefore, investigating the biological mechanisms that connect these conditions could facilitate a more comprehensive and effective management of these diseases.
Authors
Irene Romero Nájera
Pietro Villalobos Peñalosa
Behind the scenes of a scientific article
When we see a movie that we loved, it's common to want to look for the extended version, the director's cut, and even the bloopers or behind-the-scenes footage, because that's where we realize the work involved in bringing a project to fruition, in this case, one for the big screen.
Just like in the movies, on this occasion we would like to show you the behind-the-scenes process of a scientific article, the details and the actors involved in all the processes, from when an article is received until it is finally published.
Authors
Edwin Alan Rodriguez Rios
Iliana Ivette Lozano Montelongo
Sharing the science of little bugs
Communicating science isn't child's play, but it can certainly be. In this article, we share communication strategies used to introduce science to children. We'll use the example of conveying the fascinating nature of some little-known, and often underestimated, creatures: aquatic insects. With the "My Aquatic Insect" project, we'll show you how to bring science outreach sessions to schools to share an engaging, unexpected, and educational message about these creatures, which are so important for maintaining water quality and the balance of freshwater ecosystems.
Authors
Adelfo Escalante Lozada
Martha Giles Gómez
Explaining the fermentation of pulque
Have you ever wondered how aguamiel (agave sap) ferments, which microorganisms carry it out, and how the sugars are converted into ethanol and other compounds that characterize pulque? The fermentation process of this beverage is quite complex, carried out by bacteria and yeasts naturally associated with aguamiel. In this article, we describe what happens during aguamiel fermentation, which microorganisms are responsible for the process, whether the compounds produced are always the same, and perspectives on using this knowledge, along with current scientific tools, to find the best alternatives for protecting biodiversity and human health.
