A report on the Jalisco Mutation wins the National Scientific Journalism Award
The eighth edition of the Hispanic American Scientific Journalism Forum concluded with the presentation of the National Scientific Journalism Award 2025 to the journalist Claudia Solera. His journalistic work, published in the newspaper Milenio, focuses on a profound investigation: the so-called Jalisco Mutation (A431E), a hereditary genetic variant linked to early-onset Alzheimer’s identified in the region of Los Altos, Jalisco. Solera, upon receiving the award, stressed the need to “give visibility to a disease that for generations was hidden, due to fear and prejudice”, thus highlighting the social dimension of her informative work.
The award-winning research details precisely how geographic isolation and historical endogamy practices in that area of Mexico preserved this genetic alteration in descendants of converted Sephardic Jews. This unique context has allowed scientists to study a pattern where the neurodegenerative disease manifests itself early, before the age of 40, with a 50% probability of transmission to the offspring of a carrier. The report not only exposes the biomedical finding, but also delves into its complex community, ethical and psychological implications.
Journalistic depth and rigor in scientific coverage
The article meticulously explores the binational research work between Mexico and the United States, the delicate process of informing the local population—where it is reported that 8 out of 10 people take the genetic test, but only half want to know the result—and the innovative lines of study that seek treatments, including the use of brain organoids or “mini brains.” María Paula Rubiano, award judge and environmental journalist, described the winning work as captivating, highlighting its ability to “weave polished scientific explanations, lives and findings” into a story that combines “rigor, narrative and international significance.”
The jury, made up of professionals such as Emilio Godoy, noted that, of the 36 works registered in the call, approximately 70% addressed environmental issues, which shows a trend and a “collective task ahead” in regional scientific journalism. Godoy also emphasized the scarcity of collaborative projects in this edition, an aspect considered crucial for the advancement of science journalism.
The forum as an incubator of narratives and specialized tools
The event, organized by the Mexican Network of Science Journalists (Red-MPC) and held from November 27 to 29 at the Cultural Center of Spain in Mexico, was oriented towards the creation of “stories beyond the laboratory.” Its programming included seven specialized workshops designed to provide communicators with practical tools. In the narrative field, sessions were taught such as “Covering science in the field“, “Diverse territories = diverse narratives” —focused on addressing the realities of indigenous peoples— and “How to communicate risks“, to improve the coverage of statistical concepts.
At the same time, technical courses were provided on the use of platforms such as EurekAlert! and the Science Press Package to access embargoed research; sound production techniques in “Sounds of Science“; and concise audiovisual formats in “Science in 55″. One notable project, supported by the Schmidt Science Communication Catalyst Grant, seeks to develop an accessible toolbox for anyone interested in covering scientific topics in Latin America.
Nely Toche, president of the Red-MPC, emphasized that “for scientific journalism to be of excellence, it must start from the formative point of view,” emphasizing the importance of mentoring for new generations. He thanked the extensive network of collaborators and allies who made the forum possible, including academic institutions, media and civil society organizations. The award, which included recognition and a financial stimulus of 20 thousand pesos, served as the culmination of a meeting dedicated to strengthening rigor, ethics and creativity in the dissemination of science.
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