Science can be seen as a general and abstract concept, only accessible to students and academics dedicated to its understanding, but recreational science is a way to arouse curiosity in the general public, to transmit knowledge in a more playful and accessible way. Issue 120 of the journal Mètode focuses on this area of science popularisation with the different resources of recreational science as a way of transmitting new scientific and technological progress to the general public.

Under the coordination of Rafael García Molina, Full Professor of Applied Physics at the University of Murcia, the issue addresses the ability to associate pleasure and knowledge. In the monograph "Ciencia a diestro y siniestro: Un viaje al fascinante mundo de la ciencia recreativa", the articles present the work of various authors on recreational science from different disciplines such as mathematics, physics or chemistry.

In this issue of the journal, the cover and the works are by the visual artist and composer José Antonio Orts, who plays with the interaction of electronics, light, sounds and the public in his works in a combination of art and science.

Thematic variety

The new issue also offers us the surprising story of the mystery of Géricault's lost monomania, as well as a report on the Hypatia I space mission, the adventure of women scientists in the Utah desert to explore what life on Mars might be like. Besides, a review on psychopath myth through the fictional character of Hannibal Lecter is included: what’s real in fiction?

It is also worth mentioning the interview with Carlota Escutia Dotti, winner of the Jaume I Prize in Environmental Protection, where she talks about her expeditions to the Arctic and the necessary actions in the face of climate change.

At the end of the issue, Mètode includes sections by regular contributors such as Jesús Purroy, Alma Bracho, José Miguel Mulet, Gemma Marfany and Pau Carazo.