Valencia, September 30, 2023 – The MAINBIOTICS group from the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) once again participated in MEDNIGHT, the Mediterranean Night of Women Researchers, an event aimed at highlighting the science developed in the Mediterranean region and, in particular, the work of female researchers.
The activities took place on Friday, September 29, at Tinglado 2 of the Port of Valencia, offering a full day of science and outreach from morning to evening.
The MAINBIOTICS laboratory, led by Dr. Mª Carmen Collado, as part of the Lactic Acid Bacteria and Probiotics Group at IATA, presented the workshop “The Bacteria We Eat.” This workshop focused on the bacteria present in food and their positive impact on our microbiota and health. Participants had the opportunity to explore the different types of bacteria, their characteristics, and their role in the production of fermented foods such as cheese, yogurt, and kefir, through interactive and fun activities.
Additionally, key concepts such as probiotics, prebiotics, and other elements related to digestive health were discussed. The importance of breast milk was also emphasized, not only as an essential food for babies but also as a source of bacteria and bioactive components that benefit maternal and infant health and immune system development.
Dr. Mª Carmen Collado expressed her enthusiasm for participating in the event: “For us, it’s fantastic to be here because it’s a way of transmitting the research we do in our laboratories to the general public.” This statement highlights the team’s commitment to disseminating scientific knowledge and their contribution to society.
Furthermore, other CSIC research institutes, such as the Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (IBV), the Institute of Corpuscular Physics (IFIC), the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Plants (IBMCP, UPV-CSIC), and the Institute of Chemical Technology (UPV-CSIC), also participated in MEDNIGHT, offering educational workshops about their cutting-edge research.
To view a summary of MEDNIGHT 2023, click here
