A study reconstructing 23 million years of African megaherbivore evolution found that low rates of speciation drove their decline, not higher extinction rates. Larger species did not go extinct faster than smaller ones, but megaherbivores gave rise to new species much more slowly.
Researchers have identified erythrulose, a four-carbon ketose sugar, in the interstellar medium near the Milky Way Galaxy. This detection provides an alternative source of sugars that may have contributed to the emergence of life on Earth.
Researchers have identified a molecular signaling pathway that contributes to the development of life-threatening aortic aneurysms and dissections in Marfan syndrome. The findings suggest extracellular matrix changes trigger vascular dysfunction and point to potential therapeutic targets.
A team of researchers from IMB-CNM-CSIC and ICN2 has developed a graphene-based neural interface that can record and decode brain activity simultaneously. The device overcomes current limitations of unidirectional function, enabling bidirectional communication with the brain.
A clinical trial found that abatacept significantly reduces the progression to rheumatoid arthritis in patients with palindromic rheumatism. Patients treated with abatacept experienced improved symptoms and reduced risk of developing arthritis, compared to those receiving hydroxychloroquine treatment.
A new global early warning system predicts that over 3,500 species will face unprecedented heat between 2024 and 2025. The system identifies hotspots across Mexico, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Himalayan region, India, Pakistan, and Western Australia where exposure is both intense and extensive.
A recent study suggests that entomophagy was more common in Neanderthal populations and tropical regions, while in Europe it was sporadic and accidental. The research used genomic analyses of dental calculus to reconstruct the history of insect consumption in human populations.
A new experimental strategy enables the forced elimination of proteins that help tumors survive chemotherapy, potentially overcoming cancer treatment resistance. The approach involves delivering proteins directly to the proteasome, bypassing the tagging step, and has shown promise in tests carried out in cancer cells.
A study redefines continental evolution by identifying relamination as a key mechanism shaping continents over billions of years. This process explains the origin of certain magmas and offers new insights into post-collisional magmatism, resulting in the formation of large granitic batholiths.
The study identified over a million genetic variants, revealing unique diversity and adaptations to environments. Ancient DNA and geographic data also provide insights into the movements and migrations of Native American populations.
A new monoclonal antibody neutralizes the toxin pyocyanin produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, reducing cellular damage and increasing survival of immune cells. This approach has the potential to reduce antibiotic use and minimize infection progression without promoting antibiotic resistance.
A new study reveals that ocean warming is driving a nearly 20% annual decline in fish biomass, with extreme marine heatwaves sometimes masking this trend. The research highlights the importance of international cooperation and long-term planning in fisheries management to address the ongoing rise in temperature.
Researchers have successfully accessed information stored in Majorana qubits using quantum capacitance, enabling the control of topological qubits. This breakthrough has significant implications for future operations of quantum computers based on Majorana modes.
Corals rest at night to recover from oxidative stress caused by their photosynthetic microbes. This daily cycle regulates their biological clock and balances the host-microbe relationship.
Researchers have developed a new class of light-activatable drug candidates that could serve as a potential treatment for psoriasis. The approach targets the vitamin D receptor, which has been shown to have beneficial effects in psoriasis, but also poses risks due to its role in calcium metabolism.
A team led by ICE-CSIC analyzed C-type asteroids and carbon-rich minor bodies to assess their viability for resource extraction. The study supports the idea that these asteroids can serve as crucial material sources, but mining undifferentiated asteroids is still far from viable.
Seagrass meadows, such as Posidonia, accumulate around 1.5 tonnes of carbon per hectare in the living parts of plants and fix nearly 7 tonnes each year. The global assessment confirms that these ecosystems play a key role in absorbing atmospheric CO₂, transforming it, and retaining it.
A study reveals a sustained decrease in marine virus abundance in the northwestern Mediterranean over two decades, coinciding with rising water temperatures, nutrient loss, and phytoplankton biomass decline. This oligotrophication process may accelerate ecosystem instability and affect fisheries-dependent societies.
A new international analysis highlights the need to assess the combined effects of multiple climate extremes on penguin survival. The study identifies regions particularly affected by extreme events, where penguins are most at risk and biodiversity may be reshaped in decades to come.
A new species of fossilized insect from Australia has provided evidence that the family Chironomidae, including non-biting midges, originated in the Southern Hemisphere. The unique adaptation found in the fossil allows it to anchor to rocks firmly, a mechanism previously thought exclusive to marine species.
A new compound, CAQK, has been found to have therapeutic activity in brain injuries, reducing inflammation and cell death, and improving functional recovery. The peptide targets injured areas of the brain and is a potential non-invasive treatment for traumatic brain injury.
A pioneering study reveals how ocean acidification and warming can simultaneously affect the structure, mineral composition, and microbiome of bryozoans, a key group of invertebrates responsible for creating underwater habitats. The findings point to potentially serious ecological consequences under a scenario of accelerated climate ch...
Scientists have developed a new technique to silence specific genes in plants, improving crop yields and disease resistance. The vsRNAi approach uses ultra-short RNA sequences to trigger gene silencing, opening up new avenues for sustainable agriculture.
A new global study reveals that nearly 70% of tree species will face significant climate shifts by the end of this century. The study identified exposure hotspots and climate refugia, highlighting the need for urgent conservation actions.
A comparative genome study reveals that earthworms and their marine relatives underwent massive genomic reorganisation when transitioning to land, consistent with a punctuated equilibrium model. This phenomenon could have enabled rapid adaptation to new environments, driving evolution and challenging established laws of genome evolution.
Researchers have visualized how zebrafish embryos defend themselves against bacteria through a process called phagocytosis. This ability is also present in human embryos, providing an early defense mechanism before the formation of the immune system.
An international study has sequenced 2,723 genomes from Brazil's five geographical regions, revealing over 8 million genetic variants, including 36,637 potentially harmful to health. The research provides insights into the country's demographic history and evolutionary journey.
Early humans produced technologically standardized bone tools 1.5 million years ago, transferring knapping skills from stone to bone. This innovation expanded their technological choices and hints at cognitive advances.
The study reveals that deep and superficial pyramidal neurons work complementarily in mice to generate spatial maps, opening new avenues for understanding brain navigation and memory. The findings have implications for treating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
A consortium of researchers and hospitals in Madrid has created a children's exoskeleton for domestic use, enabling children with gait impairments to walk at home or outdoors. The prototype features four motors that mimic natural muscle function and adapts to the child's growth.
The CSIC-UNESPA scientific expedition has confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI H5N1) in all species analyzed on six islands north of the Antarctic Peninsula. The virus was detected in dead and live animals, including penguins, seals, and birds.
The report documents 80% of Palmyra's city destroyed or on verge of collapse, with 10,000 people returning to a population of 100,000. Damage to archaeological heritage is severe, with iconic sites like the Tetrapylon and Roman theatre severely damaged.
Researchers found a species of blow fly larva that can infiltrate termite mounds by mimicking the colony's smell, visual cues, and antennae. The larvae were able to blend in and receive constant attention from termites, which even fed them.
A new technique detects brain metastasis in mice by inserting a thin probe into the brain, providing information on chemical composition. The technique uses vibrational spectroscopy and has the potential to analyze molecular changes caused by tumors or injuries without altering the brain beforehand.
The RC-Metals Project aims to recover precious metals from e-waste using various methods, including molten bath melting processes. The project's main objective is to reduce the accumulation of WEEE waste and decrease the need for importing key-raw materials.
Researchers analyzed data from air quality monitoring stations in Spain and Portugal to reconstruct PM10 concentrations during extreme dust events. The study found that concentrations reached up to 5000 micrograms per cubic meter in the Canary Islands and exceeded EU standards.
Researchers at Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) propose using viral vectors to introduce specific genes into crops, improving their traits such as drought tolerance and nutritional value. The approach is considered more efficient and sustainable than traditional breeding methods.
A new study suggests that thermogenesis, the ability of plants to generate heat, has been present in seed plants for longer than previously thought. This process helps volatilize and disperse floral fragrances and other chemical compounds that attract insects.
Researchers have designed molecular 'cages' that selectively target and eliminate cancer cells in acidic microenvironments. The study, led by CSIC, proposes a new approach to overcome chemotherapy limitations, with potential for future ionophore development.
An international study found that as environmental stressors increase, terrestrial ecosystems' ability to resist global change decreases significantly. This is especially true when stress is sustained over time, highlighting the need to reduce global drivers of change.
Researchers found that painted lady butterflies flew at least 4200 km over the Atlantic, likely originating in Western Europe, and may have migrated up to 7000 km. The study's findings suggest natural aerial corridors exist for species dispersal across continents.
Researchers have demonstrated that satellites can estimate the amount of litter in the sea, highlighting the importance of factors such as population density and geography. The study suggests installing specific plastic detection sensors on satellites to improve monitoring capabilities.
A 2019 study found that high vegetation growth in the Middle East attracted painted lady butterflies, which then migrated across Europe and Africa. Pollen analysis revealed the origins of the migration routes, highlighting the importance of citizen science and monitoring insect migrations.
A new study predicts that climate change will boost the spread of Xylella fastidiosa, a deadly disease-causing bacterium, to wine-producing regions with low risk. The risk of establishment is expected to increase by up to 47% in countries such as France and Italy.
Researchers discover PGLYRP1 protein used by pancreatic cancer stem cells to evade immune system, finding a potential therapeutic target. Eliminating this protein enables the immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells.
A new study from the Institut de Ciències del Mar highlights the potential of marine microbial populations as indicators of global change. The analysis of genetic diversity and population dynamics reveals substantial variability in marine microbial populations, with distinct patterns of differentiation and adaptation.
Scientists trained AI models on brain activity data from mice to detect hippocampal ripples, a biomarker of memory, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. The model toolbox can be applied to non-human primate and human data with similar recording techniques.
A study reveals that Rucaparib and its metabolite M324 have differentiated activities, with M324 reducing α-synuclein accumulation in neurons from Parkinson's patients. This synergy could lead to new opportunities for treating prostate cancer and potentially developing treatments for Parkinson's.
Research details microbial associations in the marine microbiome, exploring ecological interactions among archaea, bacteria, and picoeukaryotes across different depths and regions. The study reveals regional and specific interactions that vary with depth and geographical location.
A multidisciplinary study reconstructs the genomic history of the Balkan Peninsula during the Roman Empire's reign. The analysis reveals a large demographic contribution of people of Anatolian descent, highlighting the cosmopolitanism of the Roman frontier and the long-term consequences of migrations.