The scientist and popularizer José Manuel López Nicolás gives us an interview (Murcia, 1970), Full Professor of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology A of the University of Murcia, and member of the Biochemistry and Enzymatic Biotechnology research group. He is also the author of more than one hundred scientific articles in the main scientific journals in the field of nutrition., biochemistry and food technology and founding partner and former president of the Scientific Dissemination Association of the Region of Murcia. He has written the books New foods for the 21st century y Let's buy lies y, recently, A scientist in the supermarket (Planet), why we asked. GINÉS J. VERA
A scientist in the supermarket It's already in its second edition., At least that's what the copy I have indicates.. Taking into account some of the issues mentioned at the end of the book about being cultured and knowing about science, I think it is very good news., don't you think?
Of course. The dissemination of science is booming and the fact that this book is now in its second edition proves it.. To the people science, if it is told in an entertaining and understandable way, he is very interested. Furthermore, if you talk to them about the “science of small things” their interest increases..
I would like to ask you, since he is a popularizer and teacher, by the latest Pisa report. As has been known, Spanish fifteen-year-old students show the worst results in science since the famous test started in the year 2000. Two issues that go hand in hand. What do you think is the reason for this collapse and what would you propose as a solution??
I don't have a single answer. I believe that there are many factors that influence the collapse but what is evident is that a solution must be found to this trend. I do not agree with those who say that we should not pay attention to the Pisa reports. They are not the only barometer to take into account but their results are certainly very worrying..
In his book he talks about science, of scientific advances at various levels, including the science of small things and everyday life, hence the title. To those who don't take very well about progress, something that on the other hand tells us that has happened throughout the history of humanity. Fortunately, people are no longer sent to the stake., maybe ostracized? Why are we so attached to the comfort zone?? Are scientific fake news another way of putting spokes in the spokes of the bicycle of scientific progress??
The arrival of new scientific disciplines has traditionally been received with suspicion. That is why I report in the book what “modern” sciences such as nutrigenomics consist of., nanotechnology, etc. We do not like to leave our comfort zone and of course we must combat fake news through the dissemination of science.. I liked what you said about sending people to ostracism.. Many times it is like this with people who break in going against what is “politically correct.”, But you have to persevere and not get demoralized by people who put obstacles in the way of science..
There are people who don't like vegetables.. Including beets. I don't know if when you read how good they are for cancer chemoprevention or improving our immune system you will be encouraged by them.. But without abusing the supposed strawberry ice creams, with those who introduce us to the topic, by the way. What would you add about this and about the consumption of “five a day” of fruits and vegetables??
It is evident that fruit consumption must be greatly increased., greens and vegetables and reduce meat and sugars. Furthermore, this will not only affect our health., but also in the environment. Yes indeed, you have to be careful with 5 meals a day. The important thing is not so much how many times you eat, but what you eat at each meal, in addition to physical exercise and rest that we do.
Scientists and scholars from various countries appear in his book, some with Nobel Prizes. But also Spanish proper names. From Juan Revenga to Miguel Ángel Alcalde or José Manuel Sánchez Ruiz. Tell us about it. I found it especially curious that “resurrect” fossil proteins to combat some viral diseases.
In Spain we currently have great researchers who, Maybe they are less known than other foreigners, but they do first-rate science. The case of protein “resuscitation” fascinates me. It is about studying bioactive molecules that at one time in humanity had a very important role for humans but that, for topics related to evolution, They stopped working and disappeared, There are groups in Espala that are responsible for “resurrecting” them and using them to solve current problems.. The work done by researchers like those you have named is wonderful..
