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Science misinformation represents a significant challenge for the scientific community. Hispanic communities are particularly vulnerable due to language barriers and the lack of accessible information in Spanish. We identified that a key step toward enhancing the accessibility of information for non-native English-speaking communities involves imparting science communication education and training to Hispanic youth. Our goal was to provide them with the skills to become science ambassadors who can effectively engage with their communities and bridge communication gaps. To address this, we developed the first science communication training program in Spanish for Hispanic high school and undergraduate students in Puerto Rico. The program called "+Ciencia" aims to provide training and education on science communication for Hispanic minorities through experiential and collaborative learning. In the short term, our multifaceted approach works to counter misinformation and promote science literacy within the broader community. Over the long term, our grassroots efforts with students will evolve into a generation of professionals equipped with strong engagement skills and comprehensive training in science communication with a specific focus on Hispanic audiences. Herein, we describe the components of this educational program and provide open access to educational materials and articles developed by three cohorts.

Variation in plant reproductive success is affected by ecological conditions including the proximity of potential mates. We address the hypothesis that spatial distribution of sexes affects female reproductive success (RS) in the dioecious cycad, Zamia portoricensis. Are the frequencies of males, operational sex ratios, and distances to the nearest mate associated with RS in females? We studied the spatial distribution of sexes in two populations in Puerto Rico and compared RS of target females with the number of males and operational sex ratios. Population structure suggests regular successful recruitment. Adults, males, and females were randomly distributed with respect to one another. Reproductive success of females was highly variable, but was higher in neighborhoods with more males than females and generally decreased with increasing distance to the nearest male, becoming statistically significant beyond 190 cm. This possible matefinding Allee effect indicates that pollinator movement among plants may be limited for this mutually dependent plant-pollinator interaction. Yet being close to male plants is a matter of chance, perhaps a factor generating the high intra-population genetic diversity in Z. portoricensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]