Hambre cero

Following the recent confirmation by Agrocalidad regarding the presence of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa within the national territory, Dr. Freddy Magdama, a research professor at the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS) and director of the Center for Biotechnological Research of Ecuador (CIBE), provided a crucial technical analysis on managing this threat and the importance of early detection to protect local agriculture.

With a steadfast commitment to generating real scientific solutions for the global agricultural sector, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) hosted the 3rd Latin American Symposium on Biological Control. This major international gathering brought together scientists, students, professionals, technicians, farmers, and representatives from private companies and public entities in the city of Guayaquil.

With the objective of strengthening local capacities and ensuring active community participation, the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS), under the coordination of Dr. Marynes Montiel, conducted an initial training session for promoters from communities located within the Bulubulu River basin. This technical workshop represents the preparatory phase for the upcoming nutritional and health assessment to be executed by the institution.

In a joint effort to strengthen food security and neonatal well-being in crisis contexts, MSc. Luz María Valencia Erazo, a professor in the Nutrition program, participated as a speaker in the "Obstetric and Neonatal Emergency Strengthening Workshop." The event was organized by the Guayas Provincial Health Directorate of the Ministry of Public Health (MSP).

The Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS) hosted a visit from Matthias Gaberthuel, Andressa Lemus, and Damir Ivacic, international executives from Syngenta, as part of the research and development projects currently being executed through this joint partnership.

On March 25, 2026, the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS) celebrated the successful thesis defense of Christian Ronny Lasso García, who earned his Master’s degree in Applied Biosciences with a Major in Biodiscovery. His research stands out for rescuing and scientifically analyzing the traditional diet of the Kichwa breastfeeding population.

The banana sector, a fundamental pillar of the Ecuadorian economy, faces one of its greatest phytosanitary challenges: the fungus Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4). In a recent media appearance, Dr. Freddy Magdama, a research professor at the Faculty of Life Sciences (FLS), shared his analysis of the prevention and control strategies necessary to safeguard this strategic crop.

On March 12 and 13, the regional scientific community gathered at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of the Republic (UDELAR) for the Latin American Bacteriophage Conference (Jornadas Latinoamericanas de Bacteriófagos). This high-level event aimed to integrate researchers, students, and biotechnology companies to discuss the most recent advances in phage research.

In Ecuador, bananas are much more than just a fruit; they are the heart of our agricultural economy, representing approximately 2% of the national GDP. However, the shadow of Banana Fusarium Wilt (Tropical Race 4)—a persistent and devastating fungus—poses a constant threat. In this scenario, prevention is not just an option; it is a necessity for survival.

With the aim of ensuring the safety of bivalve mollusks and opening new commercial opportunities for local harvesting communities, the induction and technical evaluation sessions for the DEPUREMOS project ("Mollusc Depuration in Ecuador for Food Safety and Market Expansion") were successfully conducted.