Neurocurios@, organised by Cristina Marquez Group

June 6th, 2024, was no ordinary school day for the curious minds of Escola Básica Marquês de Marialva, Cantanhede. As part of the science outreach initiative “Neurocurios@,” a group of 5th-grade students visited the ACT Lab to dive into the fascinating world of cell biology and biomedical research.

The activity was a collaborative effort between two research teams—Dr. Hugo Fernandes’ group and Dr. Cristina Marquez’s group - who opened their labs to welcome the young learners and ignite their scientific curiosity.

During their visit, the students explored a variety of laboratory techniques, including visualization of histological sections, staining of blood smears and oral cavity cells, and microscopic observation of cells. One of the key topics discussed was stem cells, sparking thoughtful and imaginative questions from the young participants.

Among the many insightful inquiries, the children asked:

• “Can a stem cell become anything in the body - even a tooth?”

• “What happens if a stem cell makes a mistake?”

• “Can we use stem cells to fix a broken spine?”

  
  

The researchers guided the students through hands-on demonstrations, explaining complex biological processes in age-appropriate ways. The children were especially fascinated by the chance to stain their own cheek cells and view them under a microscope - an activity that brought textbook science vividly to life.

The visit was part of an ongoing SciComm initiative designed to foster early engagement in science, encourage critical thinking, and show students that science is not just about answers, but about asking the right questions.

Projects like this underline the importance of bringing science closer to younger audiences - and judging by the excitement and curiosity shown by the Neurocurios@ students, the future of science looks bright.