A team of scientists has described 24 new species of dipterans belonging to the Quichuana genus, doubling the number of documented species in this genus. The discovery is especially important for establishing conservation methods due to the insect's relationship with its plant development environment.
The global goat population is under threat due to intensive animal husbandry systems that use a limited number of breeds. Poor handling of grazing has led to damaging environmental effects, including overloading ecosystems and threatening biodiversity.
A study predicts that climate change could cause financial losses of up to 50 million euros for Andorran ski resorts, mainly due to shortened seasons and reduced snow production. The study analyzed three ski resorts in the Pyrenees and found that lower altitude areas would be most affected by warmer temperatures.
A recent study conducted in south-east Spain found a significant decline in sperm quality among young men between 18 and 23 years old. The average concentration of spermatozoids dropped from 72 million/ml to 52 million/ml over the decade, with 40% of participants showing alterations in at least one semen parameter.
A new study in Spain found that breast cancer mortality among women under 50 has decreased, but among those over 85, it has remained stable. The researchers suggest adapting preventative practices according to patient age to improve outcomes.
A study of 78 Spanish footballers found variations in muscle contraction and recovery times depending on their field position. The rectus femoris muscle, which extends the knee, shows different characteristics for central defenders, midfielders, and goalkeepers.
Microorganisms have been found living in salt deposits of Río Tinto River in Spain, which share similarities with those on Mars. These discoveries provide crucial insights into the habitability potential of Mars and suggest that similar environments may exist elsewhere.
The Teotihuacan civilization used cosmetics as part of an after-death ritual to honour their city's most important people. The analysis of cosmetic remains found in urns reveals the social status of the deceased, with only high-ranking individuals buried with these products.
Spanish researchers have discovered a diverse range of bacteria in breast milk, including over 700 species. The study found that mother's weight and labor type affect microbiome diversity, with heavier mothers having fewer bacteria in their milk.
Researchers from Polytechnic University of Valencia and University of Oxford found that hot chocolate tastes better in orange or cream coloured cups. The study suggests that the colour of the container can influence consumers' perception of taste and aroma.
A study by the University of Vigo found that 56.1% of female students are binge drinkers, compared to 41.3% of males. Female students also exhibit a higher risk of developing unhealthy attitudes towards food and exercise.
Researchers have discovered two new species of Caribbean orchid belonging to the Laeliinae family. The new species, Encyclia navarroi and Tetramicra riparia, were found in Cuba's eastern and western zones respectively.
A study of 900 Spanish consumers found that country of origin is the most important factor when buying fish, with Spain being the preferred choice. The majority of respondents prefer wild fish and fresh products, highlighting a trend towards domestic consumption.
The use of paper industry waste to create bricks has been shown to have low thermal conductivity, making them effective insulators. Additionally, the bricks can provide energy due to their organic material content, which could help reduce fuel consumption and kiln time required for brick production.
Researchers developed a method for Curiosity to use solar eclipses to determine its precise location on Mars, reducing positional error from kilometers to meters. The technique utilizes data from the rover's antennas and space probes, offering an independent alternative when direct communication with Earth is unavailable.
A study reveals that just 28.8% of young people in Spain read newspapers on a daily basis, while 77.4% rely on social networks for news. The results indicate a significant shift in news consumption habits among this age group, with social media playing a leading role.
A study found that pregnant women who follow a Western diet, high in saturated fats but low in carbohydrates, increase the risk of their child being born with a diabetogenic profile. The researchers emphasize the importance of a balanced Mediterranean diet during pregnancy to avoid this risk.
Researchers developed a technique for estimating grape composition and variety using computer imaging, identifying exact color and morphological characteristics. This new method can help vine-growers decide the best moment for picking grapes, while also providing automated quality control and inspection.
Three new arthropod species have been found in the Maestrazgo caves in Teruel, Spain. These ancient organisms have survived for thousands of years with unique adaptations to their isolated environment. The researchers' study expands knowledge of biodiversity and highlights the importance of studying cave-adapted animals.
Researchers observed synchronized swimming in pilot whales as a response to external threats, highlighting their social structure and affiliative behaviors. The study revealed that these cetaceans form permanent partnerships and change their diving behavior in the presence of vessels.
A Spanish study found that Telecinco's Sin tetas no hay paraíso is the most violent of five studied TV series, with a significant impact on aggressive behavior in youngsters. The show's portrayal of violence and aggression contributes to its detrimental effects, including learning and imitating negative behaviors.
Researchers recommend that mobile phone operators record users' dates of birth and implement age-based content classifications to block access to adult sites. The study also suggests that the government should work with families and schools to promote awareness campaigns on proper mobile phone usage.
A new study reveals that parents' dental fear can transmit to their children, with fathers acting as a major mediator in this process. The research analyzed 183 children and found that the father's emotional reactions significantly impact the child's perception of dentist anxiety.
Researchers have discovered six major earthquakes above 7 magnitude on the Alhama de Murcia fault, revealing 'convincing evidence' of higher maximum earthquake magnitudes than previously thought. The study provides a detailed paleoseismic record of the fault's activity over hundreds of thousands of years.
A new study found that physically active men have better semen parameters and hormone values than sedentary men. The study assessed 31 male participants and found significant differences in semen volume, sperm count, and hormone levels between physically active and sedentary groups.
Researchers found a significant increase in migratory duck species in the region's reservoirs, which are linked to rice cultivation. The study suggests that these manmade wetlands play a crucial role in supporting bird populations during winter, providing a safe haven for ducks fleeing from declining natural habitats.
A team of researchers has analyzed bacterial communities on rocks similar to those found in Mexican marshes, providing insights into the Martian environment. The study reveals two distinct communities, one adapted to lack of nitrogen and another without phosphorus, offering clues about potential nutrient limitations on Mars.
A study found that protected areas in Catalonia have a high number of animal deaths on the roads, with amphibians being most susceptible. Researchers suggest building tunnels for amphibians to reduce mortality rates.
Youngsters start drinking at a younger age, drink more and stronger alcohol, and are unaware of the negative consequences. University students also exhibit similar trends, with males consuming more but associating less with addiction risk compared to females.
A ranking system of the ten most important phytopathogenic fungi has been developed by 495 international researchers. The rice blast fungus is at the top of the list, followed by Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum.
Researchers have developed a mathematical tool to assess the thermodynamic behavior of Mediterranean courtyards, finding that they can be up to 9°C cooler than outside in summer. This allows for energy-efficient designs without sacrificing sustainability.
A new study on rats exposed to fuel similar to that of the Prestige tanker oil spill shows a direct link between respiratory exposure to compounds discharged by the fuel and damage to genetic material. The research suggests that people who carry out industrial cleaning of coasts or are involved in cleanup efforts may be at risk.
A study found that police officers perceived physically attractive women as more guilty in domestic violence cases, whereas unattractive women were seen as less culpable. The researchers suggest that this perception is linked to societal stereotypes of battered women and sexism.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that fear of treatment is a significant contributor to psychological stress in women undergoing fertility therapy. Women often experience anxiety, depression, anger, and low self-esteem due to infertility, which can negatively impact relationships with their partners.
A study analyzing ten brands of cigarettes found significant variations in the concentrations of harmful and carcinogenic substances, which are not regulated by law. The researchers developed catalysts to reduce the toxicity levels of tobacco, including a material that reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 23%.
Researchers found that combining daily melatonin intake with voluntary physical exercise had a significant regressing effect on Alzheimer's disease in rodents. The study showed improved behavior, learning, and memory, as well as reduced oxidative stress and amyloid beta peptide levels.
A Spanish research study has identified 23 nuclear power plants in Asia and beyond as being at high risk due to tsunamis, including Fukushima I. The study found that 74 reactors are located in the east and southeast of Asia, with some countries like China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Pakistan also facing significant risks.
Archaeologists discovered burnt artefacts in the Molí del Salt site in Tarragona, Spain, dating back to the end of the Upper Palaeolithic Age. The recycling of stone tools was common for domestic activities and linked to expedited behaviour.
A new study by experts at CRAMC University reveals that newborns exposed to nicotine from active and passive smoking mothers show poor physiological, sensory, motor, and attention responses. The researchers analyzed the behavior of 282 healthy newborns using the Neonatal Behavioural Evaluation Scale.
A study found that reading food labels is associated with lower body mass index in women, with a reduction of 3.91 kg for an average woman. Urban, high school-educated, and university-educated women tend to pay more attention to nutritional information.
Researchers have discovered a small crustacean, Ankylocythere sinuosa, living on invasive red swamp crayfish in Europe. The finding suggests that the crustacean may have arrived with the crayfish 30 years ago and could potentially impact native species.
A study reveals that most electronic waste in Spain is uncontrolled, with only 2.55 kg out of 13.86 kg collected and processed correctly under the Integrated Waste Management System (SIG). The majority of manufacturers are not registered in the system, leading to significant payment evasion.
Fiji, an open-source platform, has become a de facto standard for biomedical-image processing, offering improved precision and accessibility. The platform, created by researchers, allows application sharing and plug-in development, driving collaboration and innovation.
The expanding raccoon population in Europe threatens native species and human health with infectious diseases such as rabies and Baylisascaris procyonis. The spread of these illnesses is linked to the raccoon's adaptability, high reproductive potential, and lack of natural predators.
A study reveals that theatre demand is driven by different classes, with the working class favoring comedy and the intellectual class preferring drama. The results show that wealthier individuals are influenced by reviews, while those in the middle class opt for classic theatres.
Researchers analyzed AVE fire evacuation strategies using computer models and a real drill. The results show that pre-evacuation is crucial, gathering all passengers together before the train stops is ideal.
A Spanish researcher proposes using urine as a CO2 absorbent, producing ammonium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate when combined with olive waste water. The mixture can absorb various grams of CO2 per liter and reduce emissions by 1% in a stable manner.
Researchers have found that strawberry extract acts as a protector against ultraviolet radiation, increasing cell viability and reducing DNA damage. The study's findings suggest potential photoprotective properties of anthocyanins, which are also responsible for the red color of strawberries.
Researchers studied the effects of wind speed, altitude, and other environmental factors on athletic performance. They found that a tailwind of 2 meters per second and racing at an altitude of 999 meters could improve Usain Bolt's record time to 9.48 seconds.
A study by the University of Western Australia has identified 8% of Olympic athletes with asthma and airway hyper-responsiveness, with summer sports showing a higher prevalence. Intense training may be a contributing factor, while genetic aspects also play a role in airway damage.