A children’s book and a short documentary by the Center for Genome Regulation Millenium Institute (CRG) bring the genetics and biodiversity of extreme environments closer to younger generations, encouraging scientific curiosity from an early age.
Center for Genome Regulation Millenium Institute (CRG), a research center affiliated with Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad de Chile, Universidad Andrés Bello, and Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, proudly presents two new educational resources aimed at inspiring children and youth in the fascinating world of science and biodiversity. These resources—a children’s book and a short documentary—demonstrate CRG’s commitment to making scientific knowledge accessible to new generations, with a focus on genetics and biodiversity in extreme environments.
The book, “ADN Explorador” (“Explorer DNA”), answers 27 questions posed by high school students from San Pedro de Atacama and Toconao in the Antofagasta Region, who collaborated with CRG researchers to explore topics such as DNA, evolution, and life in extreme conditions. The book describes how this invisible molecule is crucial for life and provides valuable information on the diversity of organisms in the area, their adaptations to local ecosystems, and their evolutionary history. It clarifies scientific terms familiar to researchers but often lesser-known to the public. This project is particularly special not only for its content but also for the collaboration and creativity of young illustrator Matías Chamorro, whose vibrant artwork brings each page to life. The book is available for free in digital format, and some printed copies will be distributed during CRG’s upcoming visits to schools across various regions, allowing more children and youth to enjoy this work in a physical format.
The second resource, the short documentary “Exploradores del Desierto de Atacama” (“Explorers of the Atacama Desert”), captures the experience of students from the Antofagasta Region who participated in the first Genomic Biodiversity in Extreme Environments Workshop, held in September 2023. This documentary follows these young people, accompanied by scientists from Chile and Germany, as they journeyed through the desert, collecting samples and analyzing genomic biodiversity with advanced technology.
Miguel Allende, Director of CRG, stated: “Through this experience, we aim to show local youth that scientific knowledge is relevant to them and to their natural surroundings. The San Pedro de Atacama area can serve as a scientific hub, not only for astronomy but also to highlight and share the impressive biodiversity that exists in this extreme environment. We hope this documentary inspires more young people to explore and ask questions about the environment and the challenges we face to preserve it.”
These two projects have been made possible through the support of the Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo (ANID) and funding from the Iniciativa Científica Milenio’s Proyección al Medio Externo (PME) fund. With this launch, CRG reaffirms its mission to bring science closer to school communities, fostering curiosity and knowledge from an early age.
Juliana Vianna, Associate Director of CRG, added: “We firmly believe these materials will open a door for many children and youth to discover their passion for science and biodiversity. We hope they enjoy these resources as much as we enjoyed creating them for them.”
Watch the Explorers of Atacama documentary
