For over a century, optical microscopy was bound by a seemingly unbreakable law: Ernst Abbe’s diffraction limit. Formulated in 1873, this principle dictated that no microscope could resolve details smaller than half the wavelength of light—roughly 200 nanometers. This "physical barrier" effectively veiled the finest inner workings of the cell from human sight.
Driven by the expanding clean energy and advanced electronics sectors, the sustained increase in global demand for rare earth elements (REEs) necessitates more sustainable extraction methods. Studies indicate that mining tailings in north-central Chile represent a promising alternative source, containing significant concentrations of REEs like neodymium (Nd) and dysprosium (Dy).
In recent decades, human activity has severely threatened natural marine habitats, including reefs, estuaries, and mangroves.
The increasing expansion of underwater and coastal infrastructure poses a major threat, with the construction of ports, breakwaters, and platforms leading to significant ecosystem alterations.
In many complex scenarios, strategic decision-making must occur before the full picture of the future is known. However, contrary to traditional models, modern practitioners recognize that investing in additional information is often a viable option before committing to a final action. The key question is no longer just what decision to make, but what and how much information to obtain, when to do so, and at what cost.
The Annual Congress of the Pharmacological Society is a space whose purpose is to promote scientific exchange, update evidence, and foster collaborations that drive research in pharmacology.
In this context, and before the closing conference, the event organizers decided to recognize Dr. Juan Pablo García Huidobro, an academic from the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, for his role in training undergraduate and graduate students, his career as a researcher, “and above all for his influence on many academics who now belong to the Pharmacological Society.”
Dr. Claudia Vargas Díaz will make her Congreso Futuro debut on Friday, January 16, as part of the 15th edition’s “Brain Interpretation” session at the Ceina Cultural Center.
In her talk, “How to Love Mathematics? From Emotions to Learning,” the USACH scholar will explore the profound impact of emotions on the classroom—addressing why anxiety often acts as a barrier for both students and teachers.
Driven by the concerning number of marine species illegally discarded at sea, Dr. Chang’s proposal seeks to develop an Artificial Intelligence solution to tackle pressing challenges such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
The Chilean Association of Immunologists (ASOCHIN) awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in Immunology to Dr. Mónica Imarai Bahamonde, a distinguished USACH academic at the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology. This recognition, granted by her peers after consulting all association members, highlights the researcher's commitment to advancing immunology in Chile.
Dr. Francisco Plaza-Vega, an academic at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (DMCC), has been selected for two Technical Scientific Fisheries Committees (CCTP). These bodies advise the Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca) under the Ministry of Economy, Development, and Tourism, providing the scientific evidence necessary for the sustainable management of Chile’s marine resources.
Dr. Claudia Vargas Díaz from our University's Faculty of Science proudly participated in the 9th ICMI-East Asia Regional Conference on Mathematics Education, which took place in South Korea from July 18-22, 2025.
The international forum was organized by renowned researchers from the Korean Society of Mathematics Education (KSME) and the Korean Society of Educational Studies in Mathematics (KSESM). Its central theme was the essence of mathematics education in the era of digital transformation.