Chemistry Faculty and TV UNAM Launch Science Series 'Ciencia que conecta'

The Faculty of Chemistry and TV UNAM have launched "Observatorio cotidiano presenta: Ciencia que conecta," a new series delving into the era's most pressing challenges and defining issues.

Hosted by Dr. Elisa Núñez, the program explores topics ranging from the water crisis threatening communities and the unseen impact of microplastics to the ethics of artificial intelligence and the fight for visibility for those with rare conditions. It features specialists in dialogue and documentary segments, giving voice to researchers, students, caregivers, and communities.

The series aims to bridge cutting-edge technology with human empathy, showcasing how university research can drive social transformation. The initial episode, "Alerta: Clima," tackles the climate crisis, its roots in fossil fuel dependency, and the acceleration by devastating phenomena like Hurricane Otis. It includes discussions on sustainability, energy transition, and coastal projects in Mexico, featuring UNAM experts.

The second episode, "Plásticos: herencia invisible," confronts the environmental crisis caused by plastics, designed to last centuries but often discarded quickly. It highlights visible waste and the silent threat of microplastics in blood and the food chain. The episode also showcases scientific efforts from the Faculty of Chemistry to develop technologies for degrading plastics like PET, emphasizing the need for social will, public policy, and industrial responsibility alongside technological innovation.