Researchers have found a habitat rich in halite and other hygroscopic compounds that attract limited moisture, allowing microorganisms to grow with food and water. The discovery has implications for the search for life on Mars, as similar environments have been found on the red planet.
A study by the University of Seville found that 60% of Spanish adolescents do not take drugs and rarely drink alcohol. The friendship group is a key factor in their behavior, with teenagers who take drugs being less satisfied at school and with family but feeling more satisfied in their friendships.
A new study reveals that women born to older mothers and taller, thinner girls before puberty are more likely to develop breast cancer. The research suggests that accumulated exposure to hormones during early life influences breast tissue composition and tumour development.
A study of Enol lake sediments reveals significant environmental changes throughout the last 13,500 years, including climatic differences amongst previously thought 'stable' periods. The research highlights human impact on the environment, particularly pasture and deforestation.
A German team developed a system that locates pedestrians in front of the vehicle using artificial vision, with improved recognition by a factor of up to 7.5 compared to non-dense systems.
A new study found that eating cocoa can help prevent intestinal complaints linked to oxidative stress and colon carcinogenesis. The study, published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, showed that a cocoa-rich diet reduced aberrant crypts in the colon and improved antioxidant defenses.
A Spanish researcher reveals that the country's transportation infrastructure is built radially around Madrid, contrary to economic and productive activity. The network was primarily funded by the state budget, and investments are made in routes with commercial activity through tolls or private levies.
Scientists create technique for tagging objects and substances using stable isotopes, enabling detection of explosives and tracking wild fish and farm-raised trout. The method has potential applications in preventing fraud, counterfeiting, and monitoring populations.
A report by European Menopause and Andropause society recommends vitamin D supplements for postmenopausal women to maintain blood levels above 30 ng/ml, improving bone health and reducing fracture risk. Experts also suggest a daily intake of 600-4,000 IU/day, depending on age and risk factors.
Researchers propose that manganese is essential for calcium absorption and its depletion may lead to osteoporosis. The study suggests a link between manganese deficiency and conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, highlighting the importance of maintaining bone health in relation to brain function.
A study by Juan Rodríguez Teruel found that half of Spanish ministers are specialists in their field and have a university degree, challenging the notion of low ministerial qualifications. The study also revealed that most ministers hold power for short periods, often changing offices after three years or less.
A study by Spanish researchers found that 43% of fresh orange juice samples exceeded acceptable enterobacteriaceae levels, highlighting the need for proper handling and cleaning of oranges and juicer equipment. The study also revealed that storing juice in metal jugs led to unacceptable bacterial contamination levels.
Researchers found positive trends in ozone levels over the Iberian Peninsula between 1995 and 2008, with quicker recovery rates in industrial areas. The study suggests that ground-level ozone, a secondary pollutant, contributed to the recovery of stratospheric ozone levels.
Researchers at the University of Seville have developed a technique to identify beer origins using chemical patterns, distinguishing between German, Spanish and Portuguese beers with high accuracy. The model is based on variables such as aluminium, iron, and polyphenol content, providing valuable insights for the food industry.
Researchers use ancient species distribution to identify areas where vegetation resisted glaciations, providing insights into plant conservation and evolution. The study highlights the importance of mountain ranges like the Hengduan in preserving relic flora.
A new study reveals that increased physical activity is linked to improved diet quality, suggesting that exercise can encourage healthier eating habits. The research also highlights the importance of social policy in promoting physical activity among the population to prevent obesity.
A new study reveals that physical activity is linked to an improvement in diet quality, leading to more successful weight loss treatments. Exercise also modifies the brain's executive functions, enabling better control of appetite and food choices.
A recent study found a significant increase in hydrocarbon levels along the Galicia coast five years after the Prestige oil spill, primarily due to forest fires in 2006. The pollution surge was attributed to the badly-handled ship course and subsequent pyrogenic pollution sources.
Moderate voters tend to cast protest votes to express discontent, whereas extreme left and right voters rarely do. The study reveals that protest voters show their unhappiness by voting for a party further from their preference, aiming to influence the other party's direction.
A new mathematical model developed by an international research group can predict the stability of European nations and identify regions more likely to break up. The model considers demographic, economic, cultural, and genetic factors, showing a correlation between population genetics and cultural distance.
A Spanish study of 945 adults found that high fish consumption was linked to lower glucose concentrations and a reduced risk of developing diabetes. In contrast, excessive red meat consumption was associated with increased weight gain, obesity, and higher cardiovascular risk.
A study projects an increase of up to 350% in Mediterranean forest formations like holm oak and juniper due to CO2 concentration increases. In contrast, cold-adapted species may shrink by 99%. The prediction could have significant impacts on biodiversity conservation.
A study by the Bank of Spain and Pablo de Olavide University found that public sector salary changes directly affect the private sector. The researchers analyzed data from four EU countries, including Italy, Spain, Germany, and France, to determine the extent of this influence. They also highlighted the role of institutional design, su...
A team of researchers measured the bar length of over 5,000 galaxies using amateur astronomers' data from the Galaxy Zoo project. The study reveals that redder galaxies have longer bars and are more likely to display spiral arms.
A young underwater volcano has been mapped in unprecedented precision, reaching a height of 100m with lava tongue flows. The volcano's formation was confirmed by superimposing images from previous oceanographic surveys.
Research on rats found that strawberry extract reduced stomach damage caused by alcohol consumption. The study suggests that strawberries' antioxidant properties may help prevent gastric illnesses related to free radicals.
A study by Spanish researchers found that plain, sloping roofs can collect up to 50% more rainwater than flat roofs, resulting in higher quality water. The collected water can be used for various purposes, including watering streets and gardens, washing floors or vehicles, and filling cisterns.
A recent study found that peri- and postmenopausal women in Spain have a deficient intake of vitamin D, which increases the risk of health problems. The average total intake was just 39% of the RDA for women of this age group.
The Murcian flower has been studied in detail for the first time in nearly a century. Researchers have found that it is critically endangered due to low reproductive success and high mortality rates during the seedling stage. A restoration plan is underway to preserve this unique species.
Scientists at IVIA have created a machine that detects rotten oranges using computer vision. Another prototype classifies mandarin segments by quality and damage. These machines improve efficiency in the fruit selection process.
A Spanish study found that women with higher education levels breastfed for longer periods, especially during the 1960s and 1990s. The researchers attribute this trend to increased access to healthcare services and advice from healthcare professionals, which helped maintain breastfeeding rates.
A study by the University of Gerona found that foreign children in Catalonia take at least 6 years to acquire the same language levels as native pupils. Researchers propose a new system based on bilingual education to overcome this barrier, which has proven successful in other countries.
A Spanish research establishes factors associated with tiredness in cancer survivors to improve their quality of life and rehabilitation. More than 66% of breast cancer survivors suffer from fatigue following recovery, caused directly by the disease, physical deterioration or treatment received.
A study by the Autonomous University of Barcelona found that children who sleep less than nine hours per night have worse academic skills and cognitive development. Parents are advised to establish a bedtime routine and ensure their children go to bed on time to maintain healthy sleep patterns.
A new study published in Pediatric Neurology reveals that tics are a common disorder affecting approximately 16.86% of schoolchildren in Spain, with boys being more frequently affected than girls. The study found that while severe tics were previously thought to be rare, most cases are actually mild and have no functional impact.
A study by the University of Granada found that people's attitude towards their past experiences significantly influences their perception of health and quality of life. Individuals with a negative view of the past tend to have worse physical and mental health indicators, including depression, anxiety, and reduced physical strength.
Researchers found that domestic disputes increase when young adults continue to live at home with their parents. This 'full nest syndrome' affects emerging adults (18-25) and leads to conflicts related to personal values and social expectations.
Researchers found a marked decline in Atlantic salmon populations in Spanish rivers, particularly in Asturias, due to increased fishing effort and higher temperatures. The study suggests that conservation measures should be implemented to protect these populations, which are experiencing cyclic fluctuations.
Researchers developed a method to analyze confiscated indoor fireworks using four techniques, revealing hazardous substances like methanol and boric acid. The technique can be performed with mobile devices and provides conclusive scientific tests on the nature of these liquids.
A team of researchers from the University of Valladolid analyzed 40 brands of beer and found that dark beer contains more free iron than pale and non-alcoholic beers. The average free iron content in dark beer was 121 ppb, while pale beer had an average of 92 ppb.
A new study reveals that gazpacho's vitamin C content and other organic acids decrease significantly after preparation. Peppers and tomatoes have higher levels of these nutrients, while cucumbers contain the lowest amount. The authors suggest consuming gazpacho immediately or preserving it correctly to maintain its antioxidant properties.
Researchers have discovered that certain grape extracts can protect human epidermis cells from UV radiation-induced cell damage and death. The study found that flavonoids in grapes inhibit the formation of reactive oxygen species, leading to a protective effect against UV radiation.
A new tool developed by researchers at the Autonomous University of Barcelona predicts the environmental fate of pharmaceutical products. The model assesses the physical-chemical properties of drugs and their growth in use to determine their likelihood of entering the environment.
A recent study suggests that mitigating chytridiomycosis through different infection control methods could largely prevent local extinctions and outbreaks of the disease. Researchers have identified successful pilot studies in Spain, including a heat therapy treatment using itraconazole, which has increased amphibian survival rates.
A study by UPV/EHU shows that people prioritize emotional reasons over usefulness when buying cosmetics. Women's negative emotions about their appearance drive their purchasing decisions. The study highlights the importance of addressing these negative feelings through persuasive marketing strategies focused on emotional aspects.
A recent study by Rovira i Virgili University reveals that only 20% of recorded climate information is accessible to the scientific community. The remaining data, dating back centuries, pose significant challenges for understanding climate variations and tackling global warming.
A study by Spanish researchers found that spur-thighed tortoises in Mediterranean environments can withstand fires if they occur every 30 years. However, young tortoises are more susceptible to fire and disappear after each fire due to their limited shell development.
The brown skin and external layers of onions are rich in fibre and flavonoids, while the discarded bulbs contain sulphurous compounds and fructans, which have beneficial health effects.
Researchers found that sea urchins have limited effect on controlling invasive seaweeds like Caulerpa racemosa and Lophocladia lallemandii in the Mediterranean. High sea urchin densities can limit their establishment, but they exert no control in highly invaded areas.
Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia developed a method to evaluate coastal storm vulnerability, finding that one-third of the region's coasts are at risk of severe flooding and erosion. The study used wave data from 1958-2008 to assess the vulnerability of a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline.