Let’s Talk about Science 

María Blasco, director of the CNIO and author, among other articles, of the frequently cited “Keys to ageing” published in the prestigious scientific journal Cell, will be giving a lecture at the museum on the cause of illnesses.

Over the past twenty years scientists have discovered many of the molecular processes that lead to ageing. We now know, for example, that molecular and cellular ageing is the cause of numerous illnesses. This process must thus be tackled if we wish to reduce or delay their onset. The speed at which each individual ages is a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle habits.

One of the best studied molecular pathways is associated with the shortening of telomeres, which are the protective structures located at the end of our chromosomes, which diminish over the course of a lifetime. The speed at which our telomeres erode depends on genetic and environmental factors. María Blasco’s research group has been a pioneer in demonstrating that delaying this molecular process may also slow down ageing and the appearance of illness.

The Alliance with the Muses is a proposal for a free tour through the rooms following an itinerary that blends art and science, interweaving the spectator’s emotional experience before the paintings with scientific reflections based on the exhibits.

The aim is to break down the walls between disciplines and provide a unique vision of the nature that surrounds us through the languages of art and science, to create a visual narrative of science that awakens the imagination of the visitors, and to contemplate the paintings with a different look.

This is not an aesthetic explanation or an artistic critique of the works, but a way for science to become more accessible and immersive through this dialogue with art, and for the public to experience how the mysteries of science merge with the nuances of art to create a unique, original and, above all, emotional conceptual framework. This transmission of science through art creates landscapes between abstract scientific notions and concrete works of art that everyone can enjoy.

The activity The Alliance with the Muses, designed to celebrate Science Week, has a double format:

1) A free brochure to freely tour 15 works from the permanent collection, commented by members of La Academia Arte y Ciencia: Miguel Peiró, Candela Pérez and Alejandro Sanz; researchers from the Instituto de Física Teórica UAM/CSIC: Alberto Casas, David Cerdeño and Esperanza López, and the scientist from the Department of Biology of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Patricia Álvarez-Campos.

2) A round table moderated by Miguel Peiró and integrated by Patricia Álvarez-Campos, Alberto Casas, Esperanza López, Candela Pérez and Alejandro Sanz, which will take place in the Auditorium, on November 16 at 17.30, with free admission until full capacity is reached.