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Blog Entries Related to K-12 Students

What is the Zika virus?

Submitted by Francis Heber Gonzalez on

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By Natalia Rodríguez Jockovich.

Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that is known to circulate in tropical climates and has caused disease outbreaks in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and most recently in the Americas. The symptoms of Zika are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, diseases spread through the same mosquitoes that transmit Zika, and usually include low fever or rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, appearing a few days after a person has been infected by an infected mosquito or after sexual intercourse with an infected person. Zika is generally a mild disease and most people with the virus will not even experience symptoms.

Raising awareness of skin cancer and how to protect ourselves

Submitted by Doriann González Rodríguez on

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We live on a tropical island where it’s summer year around. We go to the beach in December and in July. When we go to the beach or play sports outdoors, we are aware that we are exposed to sunlight. But there are times when we are exposed to sunlight and are not always aware of it. For example, when we drive, work in the garden and every time we go out, especially at midday, between 10 am-3pm, we are exposed to sunlight too. Therefore,it is important that you educate yourself about the most common type of cancer, skin cancer, which is one of the most important consequences of exposure to sunlight.

After school STEM programs: a vision

Submitted by Paola Giusti-Rodriguez on

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My name is Paola Giusti Rodriguez and I am from Río Piedras. Although I’ve been a volunteer at CienciaPR for only 3 years, I’ve known about the organization for almost 9 years, and I share many years of friendship with many in volunteer team.  Samuel and I studied together at the UHS (University High School at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras) and we’ve known each other for more than 20 years.  Giovanna was my mentor at UC-Berkeley when I interviewed for graduate school and years later our paths crossed again in Boston.

How does alcohol affect your brain?

Submitted by Francis Heber Gonzalez on

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Alcohol consumption has some benefits: helps us relax and generally makes us have a good time. But not everyone has the same relationship with alcohol. There are some people who are more affected by alcohol consumption than others, either because of genetic predispositions, the environment they grew up in or behaviors they observed. Although for some, the two or three drinks on a Friday is no more than an escape without much consequence, for others it can be a sentence to constant suffering.

Educational program Déjala brillar/Let it glow is successfully launched

Submitted by Francis Heber Gonzalez on

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Written by Xavier Valcárcel

Turn off the lights, turn on the lights: three children they appear developing interpretations through movements thinking of zooplankton.  Turn off the lights, turn on the lights: three girls appear interpreting phytoplankton.  Turn off the lights, turn on the lights: three girls appear, developing movements representative of ocean food chain; specifically about the relationship between humans and fish.  Then the lights go out one last time and the audience bursts into applause.

 

One more beer and then we go...

Submitted by Francis Heber Gonzalez on

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Today, April 7th, is Alcohol Screening Day. "Ugh!  Don’t sign me up for that one!  Alcoholism. What an ugly word!"  Yes, it is.  But the reality of life as an alcoholic or having a friend or family member suffering from this health condition is even uglier.  

Why does alcohol cause so much trouble and why is taboo to talk about alcoholism? After all, alcohol is a legal product and in Puerto Rico consumption often is glorified.

Dr. Juan A. Rivero Quintero: Founder of the only Zoo in Puerto Rico

Submitted by Zulmarie Perez Horta on

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Dr. Juan A. Rivero Quintero was born on March 5, 1923 in Santurce, Puerto Rico. His great preparation and passion for his work helped him make great controbutions to the advancement of Biology in Puerto Rico. One of his most notable achievements is the opening of the Zoo at Mayaguez in 1954. 

For the full article, please refer to the spanish version of this site.

http://lcc-wipr.com/dr-juan-a-rivera-quintero-fundador-del-unico-zoologico-en-puerto-rico/#sthash.u1v2E1EQ.dpuf

Monitoring your weight: An incentive for healthy eating

Submitted by Christina Giselle Lopez on

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Eating is great! No one can dispute that, but: What happens when we eat more than necessary? What happens when what we eat is of little nutritional value?

According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD),the rate of individuals overweight and obese worldwide has doubled between 1980 and 2014 and continues to grow (Fig 1). This path is primarily led by the United States, including Puerto Rico. Currently, 65.8% or two-thirds of the Puerto Rican population is considered overweight and 28.1% or close to one-third, is considered obese.

Successful State MATHCOUNTS Competition in PUERTO RICO

Submitted by Zulmarie Perez Horta on

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More than 20 institutions and 200 students participated in the state final competition.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, – The MATHCOUNTS® competition helps develop excellence in mathematics for middle school students. This competition was hosted by the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and organized by the Local Chapter of the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). The winning team will be representing Puerto Rico in the national final competition. 

For the full article, please refer to the spanish version of this site. 

This information was received via press release from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. 

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News: K-12 Students

UPRH WELCOMES THE STEM AMBASSADORS OF SEEDS OF SUCCESS

Submitted on 24 August 2023 - 2:18pm

This article is reproduced by CienciaPR with permission from the original source.

Original Source: 

Universidad de Puerto Rico en Humacao (UPRH)

CienciaPR Contribution: 

No

Committed to fostering interest in the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers, the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao (UPRH) hosted more than 30 students participating in the Seeds of Success program, sponsored by the non-profit organization Ciencia Puerto Rico.

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Dr. Manuel Díaz-Ríos: Promoting neuroscience in the laboratory and the community

Submitted by Marla S. Rivera-Oliver on

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Dr. Manuel Díaz-Ríos and his research group
Dr. Manuel Díaz-Ríos and his research group

In the laboratory of Dr. Manuel Díaz-Ríos at the University of Puerto Rico’s Institute of Neurobiology, the students and personnel not only study how the motor nervous system functions and how it is affected with trauma or degenerative diseases, but they also learn the value of volunteer work and have the opportunity to teach kids and the community about science. Manolo (as he is known by his friends) firmly believes how important it is for scientists to contribute beyond the walls of the lab through education and mentoring. 

Astrobiology course for aficionados

Submitted on 29 May 2017 - 11:07am

This article is reproduced by CienciaPR with permission from the original source.

Original Source: 

UMET

CienciaPR Contribution: 

No

By: 

UMET
The class "Introduction to Astrobiology" will begin on Tuesday, June 13 at UMET Cupey. This course is hosted by the Center for Sustainable Development Studies (CEDES) of School of Environmental Affairs of the UMET and the Astronomy Society of Puerto Rico. 

 

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Marine Biologists on strike: fighting for education and the coast

Submitted on 24 May 2017 - 11:17am

This article is reproduced by CienciaPR with permission from the original source.

Original Source: 

Diálogo Digital

CienciaPR Contribution: 

No

By: 

Rafael R. Díaz Torres

Legislative project 812 aspires to amend the definition of the terrestrial maritime zone in Puerto Rico beaches. Experts in the field of oceanography explained that the legislation would reduce the protected coastal areas as public property and facilitate the privatization of beach access.

For the full article, please refer to the Spanish version of this site.

 

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Strike disrupts research at Puerto Rico’s top university

Submitted on 23 May 2017 - 12:29am

This article is reproduced by CienciaPR with permission from the original source.

Original Source: 

Science

CienciaPR Contribution: 

No

By: 

Jeffrey Mervis

Last week molecular biologist Juan Ramirez-Lugo put all his coral samples in the freezer, locked the door of his lab, and told his six undergraduate assistants to stay home the next day. The assistant professor of biology at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) in San Juan wasn’t happy about yet another disruption to his research on seasonal variations in how corals respond to thermal stress and his efforts to give undergraduates “authentic research experiences.” But he felt he had no choice.

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