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Unicauca Students Take Top Spots for Their Research During the XII Biomedical Sciences, Morphological Skills, and Education Research Meeting
Students from the Biology program and Professor Tatiana Arcos Ortega stood out for their research work during the event held in Mexico.
Students from the Biology program, José Fernando Trujillo Hoyos, Isabella Joaquí Palta, Laura Sofía Hurtado Martínez, Luisa Fernanda Ruiz Jiménez, Angélica Isabel Embus Ipia, Daniel Andrés Paz Cuellar, and Yesica Gabriela Sandoval Sánchez, under the guidance of Professor Tatiana Arcos, were recognized during the XII Biomedical Sciences, Morphological Skills, and Education Research Meeting, held at the Lobodome facilities of the Universidad Autónoma de Durango, Zacatecas Campus (Mexico).
The University of Cauca celebrates the outstanding performance of the students: José Fernando Trujillo Hoyos, who took first place in the External Area Scientific Poster Competition for the academic cycle from August 2024 to January 2025, with the research titled "Cytotoxic Effect of Tartrazine on Meristematic Cells of Allium cepa."
The research work in question is related to the use of artificial food colorants like tartrazine, which has significantly increased worldwide. Over time, artificial colorants have gained popularity in the food industry for being cheaper and more versatile than natural colorants. However, there are concerns regarding their use due to cytotoxic problems in Allium cepa and genotoxic effects in Mus musculus, as shown in various studies.
Similarly, students Isabella Joaquí Palta, Laura Sofía Hurtado Martínez, and Luisa Fernanda Ruiz Jiménez were awarded second place for their research titled "Study of the Regenerative Capacity of Cardiac Cells in Zebrafish: A Cardiovascular Research Model."
This project investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind regenerative ability, aiming to understand how adult cardiomyocytes in the model revert to a juvenile state, divide, and contribute to full regeneration. The research suggests that it is not stem cells but differentiated cardiomyocytes responsible for regenerating damaged heart tissue. It proposes that future cardiac regeneration in humans could be achieved through the modulation of these adult cells, inducing them to revert to a juvenile state, similar to what occurs in the post-injury model.
Meanwhile, students Angélica Isabel Embus Ipia, Daniel Andrés Paz Cuellar, and Yesica Gabriela Sandoval Sánchez took third place with their work titled "Importance of Mus musculus in Neuroscience for the Study and Development of Possible Alzheimer’s Disease Treatments."
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the accumulation of amyloid plaques made up of β-amyloid peptides in neuronal cavities that hinder synapses, leading to progressive memory loss, behavioral changes, communication difficulties, and cognitive deficits. AD is a major global cause of dementia, making its study critically important in medicine.
The participation of Professor Tatiana Arcos Ortega is also highlighted. She was an invited speaker with the topic "Results of the Experimental Phase of Using Danegaptide to Modulate Heart Inflammation and Fibrosis," and her presentation was well-received by attendees and experts in the field.
This achievement reflects her dedication and academic excellence, as well as the commitment of her professors. We congratulate Professor Tatiana Arcos and her students for this significant accomplishment, which brings honor to our University.
Written by: Communication Management Center