Blanca Lucía Prado assumes direction of the UNAM Institute of Geology

New director of the IGL prioritizes research on climate change and water resources.

Researcher Blanca Lucía Prado Pano took office as director of the Institute of Geology (IGL) of the UNAM for the period 2026-2030. Its agenda focuses on strengthening research on climate change, energy transition, water resources, soil conservation and comprehensive risk management.

Work plan and priorities

Prado Pano highlighted that Earth sciences are strategic for the country’s main environmental challenges. He pointed out that Mexico has exceptional geological wealth, which makes it a natural laboratory for frontier research.

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During the presentation of his plan, he indicated that his administration will review the lines of research of each department and promote interdisciplinary projects that integrate scientific, social and environmental knowledge.

One of the axes will be to consolidate the training of specialized human resources, expand scientific research and reinforce the dissemination of knowledge. It will also seek to strengthen collaboration with other university institutes, such as Geography, Geophysics, Geosciences and the Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate Change.

The new direction of the IGL seeks to comprehensively address the country’s environmental challenges, with emphasis on solutions based on geological research.

Sheinbaum starts delivering homes in Michoacán; goal 1.8 million

32 homes delivered in Morelia; federal plan adds 1.8 million housing solutions.

President Claudia Sheinbaum closed her tour of Michoacán with the delivery of 32 homes in Morelia. They are the first of the Housing for Wellbeing program, which plans to build 1.8 million housing solutions during the six-year term.

At the event, Sheinbaum highlighted that the concept of well-being is reflected in indicators such as the 154% increase in the minimum wage and the provision of 12 thousand new hospital beds. He stated that the program makes it easier to acquire one’s own home with payments adjusted to income, eliminating excessive requirements of the past.

The Secretary of Agrarian Development, Edna Elena Vega, explained that 82 thousand housing actions are planned for Michoacán: 50 thousand from Infonavit, 20 thousand from Conavi and 12 thousand from Fovissste. In addition, 307 property deeds managed by INSUS were delivered.

Octavio Romero, director of Infonavit, specified that the entity’s goal rose from 19 thousand to 50 thousand homes, with an investment of 31 billion pesos. The 32 homes delivered are part of the “Infonavit Camponubes” development, which includes 1,248 properties. He also reported that in Michoacán 97,220 loans considered unpayable were restructured, within a universe of 4.8 million regularized financings nationwide.

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The ‘kiss of three’ in the World Cup: risks that you ignore

Specialists warn about infections due to the challenge of kissing strangers in fan zones.

The hidden side of the ‘kiss of three’

During the World Cup, the viral “kiss of three” challenge has proliferated in squares, bars and fan zones: three people kiss at the same time to celebrate a play. What seems harmless can have health consequences.

Specialists warn that exchanging saliva with strangers increases exposure to viruses and bacteria. The most common is infectious mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, this pathogen is transmitted by kissing or sharing glasses, bottles or cutlery. A person can shed the virus in their saliva even months after recovering, unknowingly spreading it.

The CDC estimates that more than 90% of adults worldwide have been infected with Epstein-Barr at some point. Many never show symptoms, but they are contagious. In mass events, the concentration of people, physical contact and shared glasses increase the risk.

In addition to mononucleosis, saliva can spread cold sores, influenza, Covid-19, and common colds. Kissing is not the main way of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but if there are active sores or lesions in the mouth, there is a possibility of transmitting syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia or HPV, although it is less common.

Recommendations and other danger

Health authorities recommend avoiding kissing if there is fever or blisters on the lips, not sharing drinks or food, and going to the doctor if persistent discomfort appears.

The euphoria of triumphs also includes the game “He wants to fly, he wants to fly!”, throwing a person into the air. The CDMX Health Secretariat warns that it can cause fractures, spinal injuries and even put life at risk. A poorly coordinated fall causes concussion, cervical sprains or spinal damage. Those who carry also suffer dislocations or tears.

In the event of an accident, call 911, ask for security support at the Fan Fest or use the My Police application to report the emergency.

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SEP announces summer holidays 2026

The school year ends on July 15; tentative return on August 31.

Official cycle closing dates

The 2025-2026 school year ends on Wednesday July 15, according to the calendar of the Ministry of Public Education. Starting Thursday, July 16, preschool, primary, and secondary school students begin summer recess.

The teaching staff will participate in an intensive continuing training workshop on July 16 and 17, so the campuses will remain closed to students from the 16th.

Ballet delivery will be on Tuesday, July 14, so that parents and guardians know the results of the cycle.

Back to school 2026-2027

The SEP has not yet published the official calendar for the next cycle. However, a tentative date is Monday, August 31. The agency recommends keeping an eye on the Official Gazette of the Federation for confirmation.

Recommendations for a healthy summer

Specialists suggest maintaining habits that promote the well-being of girls, boys and adolescents during rest:

  • Regular sleep schedules.
  • Recreational, sports or cultural activities.
  • Reading and learning through games.
  • Limit excessive use of electronic devices.
  • Family and outdoor time, with safety measures.

The vacation period covers approximately six weeks and is used by many families to travel or live together before the new school year, which includes 185 effective days of classes.

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