Marta Baselga Lahoz: «Research is a way of life, beyond a job»

She's been very busy these last few years...

I have been working on projects related to covid-19 and on the thesis in Biomedical Engineering, in addition to having specialized in Cell Biology and Electron Microscopy. Recently, I have dedicated myself to developing a website, Scienfy, in order to support the scientific community. Today, I prioritize finishing my second thesis in Medicine while continuing to participate in research projects.

How can two doctoral theses be made compatible?

With a lot of effort and sacrifice. Although I have to say that my situation was exceptional. My first PhD (in Biomedical Engineering) was related to Covid. During those months the world stopped and science reached its maximum exponent. Everything was in my favor: financial resources, speed of procedures, collaborations with other scientists and support from research centers. It was, really, research at the pace of a pandemic. Now I am finishing the second thesis in a totally different field and context, related to nanomedicine in breast cancer surgery.

"Research is exciting, you never learn enough."

They are very different topics.

Investigating is exciting, you never learn enough. I have been fortunate to work in very varied fields: nanotechnology, surgery, biomedical design and forensic anthropology. Now I have focused on investigating the cells with an Electron Microscope.

They have recently described a new communication mechanism between tumor cells.

Cancer cells are known to send molecular signals and modulate their environment, which directly affects tumor progression. In 2016, Dr. Junquera discovered new vesicles in intestinal tumor cells, which she named 'spherosomes'. Now we have found them in low-grade brain tumors (gliomas) and, probably, in the future we will find them in many other types of tumors. Understanding the biology of cancer is the first step to researching new diagnostic methods and treatments.

During the pandemic he worked on masks coated with silver nanoparticles or on a dispensing bracelet. Does a crisis open new opportunities?

I would say that new needs appear. At that time we adapted our research to what society needed.

And he is part of the clinical and experimental surgical research group.

Yes, it is a very multidisciplinary group from the IIS Aragón directed by Dr. Güemes. Surgery, Engineering and Biology. We tackle diverse projects, many times related to oncological surgery. We work on the electroporation of liver tumors.

Do 3D illustrations help understand science?

Definitely! A couple of months ago I launched a personal project: Scienfy. An online platform to create 3D scientific illustrations. It is generating a lot of interest in the scientific community.

«I would say that new needs appear. At that moment we adapted our research to what society needed."

Do you spend many hours in the laboratory?
Especially in the Electron Microscope. Research is a way of life, beyond a job. Very exciting but, at the same time, requires a lot of dedication.

It is a quiet and constant work.

Yes, and I think this should change. We should disseminate more science to society. I am a faithful defender of this. Knowledge enriches people and would also help to value the work of scientists more

What do you have in mind for the coming months… or years?

I would like to stay in Aragon and continue my scientific career 'at home'. I hope I don't have to leave Spain to continue researching. The truth is that I don't know what the future holds for me but, if I had the choice, I would undoubtedly choose to continue with the Electron Microscope. It's what really makes me happy.

She's been very busy these last few years...

I have been working on projects related to covid-19 and on the thesis in Biomedical Engineering, in addition to having specialized in Cell Biology and Electron Microscopy. Recently, I have dedicated myself to developing a website, Scienfy, in order to support the scientific community. Today, I prioritize finishing my second thesis in Medicine while continuing to participate in research projects.

How can two doctoral theses be made compatible?

With a lot of effort and sacrifice. Although I have to say that my situation was exceptional. My first PhD (in Biomedical Engineering) was related to Covid. During those months the world stopped and science reached its maximum exponent. Everything was in my favor: financial resources, speed of procedures, collaborations with other scientists and support from research centers. It was, really, research at the pace of a pandemic. Now I am finishing the second thesis in a totally different field and context, related to nanomedicine in breast cancer surgery.

"Research is exciting, you never learn enough."

They are very different topics.

Investigating is exciting, you never learn enough. I have been fortunate to work in very varied fields: nanotechnology, surgery, biomedical design and forensic anthropology. Now I have focused on investigating the cells with an Electron Microscope.

They have recently described a new communication mechanism between tumor cells.

Cancer cells are known to send molecular signals and modulate their environment, which directly affects tumor progression. In 2016, Dr. Junquera discovered new vesicles in intestinal tumor cells, which she named 'spherosomes'. Now we have found them in low-grade brain tumors (gliomas) and, probably, in the future we will find them in many other types of tumors. Understanding the biology of cancer is the first step to researching new diagnostic methods and treatments.

During the pandemic he worked on masks coated with silver nanoparticles or on a dispensing bracelet. Does a crisis open new opportunities?

I would say that new needs appear. At that time we adapted our research to what society needed.

And he is part of the clinical and experimental surgical research group.

Yes, it is a very multidisciplinary group from the IIS Aragón directed by Dr. Güemes. Surgery, Engineering and Biology. We tackle diverse projects, many times related to oncological surgery. We work on the electroporation of liver tumors.

Do 3D illustrations help understand science?

Definitely! A couple of months ago I launched a personal project: Scienfy. An online platform to create 3D scientific illustrations. It is generating a lot of interest in the scientific community.

«I would say that new needs appear. At that moment we adapted our research to what society needed."

Do you spend many hours in the laboratory?

Especially in the Electron Microscope. Research is a way of life, beyond a job. Very exciting but, at the same time, requires a lot of dedication.

It is a quiet and constant work.

Yes, and I think this should change. We should disseminate more science to society. I am a faithful defender of this. Knowledge enriches people and would also help to value the work of scientists more

What do you have in mind for the coming months… or years?

I would like to stay in Aragon and continue my scientific career 'at home'. I hope I don't have to leave Spain to continue researching. The truth is that I don't know what the future holds for me but, if I had the choice, I would undoubtedly choose to continue with the Electron Microscope. It's what really makes me happy.

Source: Heraldo de Aragón

Photo: Marta Baselga, on the Independence Walk. ®FRANCISCO JIMÉNEZ.