No abstract

Biochemistry is a core subject in the cross‐disciplinary training on Biotechnology engineering courses. Metabolic pathways teaching has traditionally integrated hands‐on laboratory experiences and traditional lectures, which detail a large number of reactions at a molecular level, their enzymes and regulation. The current scenario of Covid‐19 outbreak have motivated the development of complementary tools that expand the horizon of metabolism teaching. In this study, we employed a story‐based methodology to strengthen the metabolic pathways learning and to measure students' perception. Specifically, a peer‐reviewed tale describing the ketone body metabolism was used during five semesters as a didactic strategy to teach this biochemical process. A questionnaire assessed the students' understanding and acceptance of the methodology (n = 83). Our findings showed that a high proportion of students (83.13%) were able to relate the story to the topics studied in the classroom (ketogenesis and ketolysis). On the other hand, they were satisfied and suggested that such methodology is effective and fun. In summary, most of the survey responses related to acceptance of story‐based strategy ranged from 72% to 97%. Collectively, these results indicated that the story is appropriate to decomplex pathways, becoming a simple tool for driving motivation, learning and engagement of students. The narrative represents a bridge to connect the intriguing series of chemical reactions involved in the anabolism and degradation of 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3‐OHB), acetoacetate, and acetone with previously learned knowledge, emotions, and key concepts. In conclusion, the tale was useful to decode ketone body‐related pathways and making metabolism learning more interesting and easier.

Laboratory-based practical classes are an essential component in teaching molecular biology for undergraduate students. Universidad Regional Amazonica Ikiam is a higher education institution located in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, a high biodiversity place, including amphibians. Based on this, we have established a practical molecular biology program with eight sessions that contextualize the biodiverse surroundings of the University. This program stimulates synchronization of information between theory and practice and improves research skills. During these sessions, students are motivated to identify and characterize antimicrobial peptides from Ecuadorian frog skin secretions, using molecular biology techniques and biochemistry and microbiology knowledge. This practical course was held twice with a total of 56 students from the fifth semester of the biotechnology engineering. The evaluation of the practical program was carried out through a questionnaire applied to students using the Likert scale. Overall, this form of teaching had high receptivity and presented benefits for student learning. Interestingly, 80% of respondents strongly agreed that this course provided tools and knowledge for the development of their undergraduate dissertation. Therefore, practical courses tailored to the student's context can stimulate student learning and interest.

Bees are the primary pollinators in nature. However, climate change, excessive use of fertilizers and invasive species have caused the decline of bee colonies. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the presence of pests in colonies of Melipona eburnea. For this, the colonies of M. eburnea were examined during the honey extraction process. We found 4 different pests associated with the physical conditions of colonies and the fragile defense of the bees against the invaders. In conclusion, this report of the presence of pests is to alert researchers and meliponicultures to prevent the decline of stingless bees.