Summary
Highlights
Aurora Mendiola, Director of Public Relations for the Mexican Institute of Fauna, Flora, and Social Sustainability, welcomes viewers to 'La Hora Ambiental'. She introduces the two main segments: the second part of an interview with Fabián Carballo, President of the Mexican Network of Environmental Journalists (REMA), focusing on the Oaxacan Creole Tomato Seed Guardians, and an interview with Dr. Verónica Resendis Coutiño on physiotherapy for companion animals.
The program highlights Indie, a dog from the Norwegian thriller 'Good Boy', who has been nominated for Best Horror Actor at the Astra Film Awards 2026. This unusual nomination has generated buzz in Hollywood. The film is praised for its unique narrative from Indie’s perspective, portraying the dog's ability to perceive unseen threats and its unwavering loyalty. The director's decision to use his own dog, Indie, led to a prolonged filming process to capture realistic emotions.
A significant paleontological find in Guadalajara, Spain, is discussed: four exceptionally well-preserved titanosaur eggs, dating back 72 million years. These discoveries at the 'Poza' site offer insights into the diversity of European Cretaceous ecosystems, suggesting the coexistence of different sauropod species. Advanced analysis of the eggshells, now displayed at the Paleontological Museum of Castilla la Mancha (MUPA), reveals crucial environmental and biological data about prehistoric climates and reproductive strategies.
Madrid launches its first autonomous electric bus pilot program in Casa de Campo, aiming for cleaner and more efficient urban mobility. The minibús, operating on a 1.8 km circuit, seeks to test autonomous technology in a real-world environment. This initiative, part of European Mobility Week, aims to complement public transport, address driver shortages, and foster sustainable, accessible, and energy-efficient urban transit. Madrid joins other European cities like Paris and Stockholm in this innovative endeavor.
Aurora Mendiola reflects on the marvel of autonomous vehicle technology and poses a question to the audience: would they feel safe riding in a driverless public transport or car? She expresses her personal apprehension, preferring to have control when driving, but acknowledges the potential for increased safety and efficiency with such advancements.
Fabián Carballo introduces the second part of the interview with Silvia Gómez, Noemi Musiño, and Lorena Estrada, guardians and founders of the Network of Oaxacan Creole Tomato Seed Guardians. The discussion centers on the importance of preserving native tomato varieties, which offer greater nutritional value and resilience compared to commercial hybrids. Silvia explains the organization currently safeguards 40 varieties from the College of Postgraduates' germplasm bank and 52 varieties collected in 2019.
Noemi Musiño elaborates on the agroecological practices of the network, emphasizing the non-use of agrochemicals. She highlights how this approach improves the quality, resistance, and nutritional content of the tomatoes, including higher levels of betacarotenes and lycopene, known for reducing inflammation and potentially fighting cancer. The method focuses on nurturing plants naturally, allowing them to develop better flavor and health benefits, contrasting with commercial practices that prioritize shelf life over nutrition.
Lorena Estrada shares her personal motivation for participating in the network: securing nutritious food free from toxic chemicals. She underscores the importance of growing food at home, even in limited urban spaces, and the community-building aspect of the network. Lorena passionately advocates for food and seed sovereignty, encouraging others to educate themselves about native varieties and engage in local, agroecological production as an anti-capitalist act that regenerates local ecosystems and fosters community well-being.
The discussion continues about the appearance versus the quality of agroecological produce. Fabián Carballo notes that visually, these tomatoes might not match supermarket standards, but their taste and nutritional value are far superior. Lorena presents an Oaxacan kidney-shaped tomato, emphasizing its meaty texture and rich flavor, distinguishing it from overly watered and prematurely harvested commercial tomatoes. She highlights the diversity in colors and properties of native varieties, advocating for greater public access to and appreciation of these 'gourmet' yet humble foods.
Silvia Gómez stresses that creole seeds can be saved and reproduced, unlike hybrid varieties that lead to dependence on seed companies. She argues that relying on commercial seeds compromises food sovereignty and resilience, as demonstrated during the pandemic when border closures disrupted supply chains. Preserving creole seeds ensures autonomy, maintains natural qualities like flavor and aroma, and provides higher nutritional values than commercial counterparts. This conservation effort is crucial for agricultural and food importance, fostering resistance and resilience against climate change.
Lorena expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share experiences and emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with food origins. She dismisses fears of urban gardening (e.g., acid rain) as less concerning than chemical contamination in commercial food. She advocates for local consumption and home gardening as acts of 'anti-capitalism' and 'patriotism,' encouraging sharing seeds and growing communities to promote biodiversity and well-being. Fabián concludes by thanking the guardians for their crucial work in preserving native varieties against homogenization.
Aurora Mendiola introduces Dr. Verónica Resendis Coutiño, a veterinary physiotherapist. Dr. Resendis, a veterinary Zootecnist with diplomas in veterinary physiotherapy and forensic genetics, explains her passion for animals and medicine led her to specialize in physiotherapy. She observed an increased awareness among pet owners of their animals' musculoskeletal issues during the pandemic, prompting her to pursue this field to help relieve pain and improve animal quality of life.
Dr. Resendis defines animal physiotherapy as supportive therapy for geriatric animals and those with osteoarticular issues, locomotor system problems, inflammation, or pain. The goal is to enhance their comfort and quality of life. Common cases include spinal and hip lesions (like arthritis, hip dysplasia), ligament injuries, and disc herniations. An example is shown of a dog rescued after being hit by a car, now receiving physiotherapy to aid his recovery.
Dr. Resendis explains that physiotherapy isn't limited to common pets but also extends to wildlife and performance animals like agility dogs and horses. She describes how equines receive physiotherapy before and after races due to muscle wear, utilizing hydrotherapy or specialized vests that provide magnetic stimulation for muscle relaxation. She also details the use of ultrasound to reduce inflammation, fibrosis, improve mobility, and aid tendon regeneration, though certain techniques like laser and ultrasound are contraindicated for animals with active cancer to avoid accelerating cell growth.
Dr. Resendis discusses that animals often receive medication alongside physiotherapy, primarily palliative treatments to reduce inflammation and pain, and protect organs. She introduces acupuncture as another treatment option within physiotherapy, benefiting conditions like inflammation in the spleen, stomach, intestines, and urinary incontinence. She demonstrates by treating her own 13-year-old pitbull, who suffers from hip dysplasia, placing thin acupuncture needles (designed for human use) at specific points on the dog's hips and legs to alleviate pain and stimulate circulation.
Dr. Resendis highlights recent advances in veterinary medicine, including regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma and stem cell treatments for conditions such as osteoarthrosis. She notes the importance of diet, explaining that carbohydrates can exacerbate joint inflammation, necessitating dietary changes for animals with bone issues. She advises regular orthopedic check-ups for pets, especially those over 10 years old, or breeds predisposed to conditions like hip dysplasia, such as German Shepherds, Bulldogs, Pugs, and Chihuahuas. She also recommends evaluating the height of food and water bowls to prevent cervical spinal issues as animals age.
Dr. Resendis demonstrates simple at-home exercises for pet owners to perform on their dogs, even if the animal is healthy. These include gentle flexion and extension of the toes, wrists, elbows, and shoulders, performed slowly for about five repetitions per limb. She also suggests using warm compresses (like those filled with seeds) for 20 minutes to aid muscle relaxation and pain relief, followed by a gentle massage, particularly beneficial after long walks or intense activity. These preventive measures and regular care help maintain pets' musculoskeletal health and overall well-being, especially as they age.