A new study reveals that excess CO2's ability to enhance plant growth worldwide is decreasing due to limited water and nutrient availability. This decrease has significant climate implications, as forests' capacity to sequester carbon dioxide is being saturated.
Recent study reveals astrocytes modulate balance of inhibition/excitation in neural networks controlling decision-making. Astrocyte activation improves cognitive performance and regulates gamma oscillations involved in perception, working memory, and other cognitive functions.
A study published in Science Advances reveals a genetic program essential for 3D vision and motor coordination in mice. The discovery sheds light on the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway by Zic2, which is crucial for bilateralism and has implications for understanding pathologies such as spina bifida.
The Material Minds Project investigates how cultural artefacts shape our minds and processing information. Using a unique blend of archaeology, vision science, and cognitive philosophy, the project tests the hypothesis that materiality drives cognitive change.
Researchers have designed new hydrogels that can mimic the environment of lymph nodes, where T-cells proliferate and multiply. The hydrogels are made from polyethylene glycol and heparin, allowing them to anchor cytokines and promote cell migration and proliferation.
Researchers discover that alcohol activates microglia in the brain, altering geometry and increasing dopamine diffusion, which may promote addiction. This study provides a new understanding of alcohol's effects on the brain and suggests potential treatments.
A Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) project uses CRISPR tools to target and destroy the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome in cells, potentially providing a new therapeutic approach. The researchers will test the functionality and non-toxicity of CRISPR reagents in zebrafish embryos before moving on to human viruses and infected cells.
Researchers at CSIC pioneer the use of whole living cells in dynamic combinatorial chemistry systems to discover new bioactive molecules. This methodology has great potential in rapidly identifying new molecules with potential biological activity, and could lead to faster discovery of bioactive compounds.
A research team has developed biotransistors that can record small beats of live cells and micro-tissues, paving the way for drug development and screening. The transistors, made of organic material on a flexible substrate, are biocompatible and offer intrinsic signal amplification, reducing the need for external amplifiers.
Researchers identified the GRIK1 gene as a cause of spatial orientation problems in people with Down syndrome. Normalizing the dose of this gene in mouse models reversed the imbalance and eliminated spatial memory issues.
Scientists from CSIC-UMH have discovered a molecular mechanism that ensures the right equilibrium needed in left-right signaling cascade during development, leading to correct heart positioning. This mechanism involves a transient wave of small molecules called microRNAs that travel along the left-hand side of the embryo.
Researchers at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) have found that glioblastoma hijacks pericytes to promote tumor progression and evade the immune system. By targeting chaperone-mediated autophagy, they may develop a new therapeutic approach to treat this aggressive brain cancer.
The study found that neuronal activation leaves lasting epigenetic changes, creating a genomic memory of past experiences. These changes can be detected days after initial activation and may contribute to the formation of memories.
A new therapeutic target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease has been discovered, with research identifying elevated levels of the protein SFRP1 in the brains and cerebrospinal fluid of patients. Inactivated SFRP1 function prevents disease progression in mouse models.
Researchers reconstructed the red swamp crayfish invasion routes using mitochondrial gene analysis, revealing diverse introduction scenarios in North America and Europe. Genetic data suggest additional unrecorded introductions may have occurred from the US or other invaded territories.
Researchers from UMH-CSIC Institute of Neuroscience found that the brain's somatosensory cortex is formed and functional before birth due to spontaneous electrical activity of the embryonic thalamus. This discovery suggests a critical role for thalamic waves in organizing the cortical map and shaping sensory processing.
A comet fragment has been found inside a carbonaceous chondrite meteorite, La-Paz 02342, revealing unique properties of the cometary dust speck. The discovery provides insight into the formation of primitive materials and their preservation in meteorites, shedding light on the solar system's origins.
Research in mice and rats reveals a molecular pathway stimulated by physical activity that promotes nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury. A key molecule called CREB-Binding Protein (CBP) is identified as a therapeutic target to increase regeneration, with promising results in animal models.
Research detects structural changes in white matter of the brain six weeks after stopping alcohol consumption. The study refutes the idea that brain damage normalizes immediately after quitting drinking.
The study analyzed 271 genomes from the Iberian Peninsula and found that a group of steppe descendants replaced almost all men 4,000 years ago. The research team also discovered that Basque genetics have hardly changed since the Iron Age, with a high frequency of the Y chromosome R1b.
Researchers found that visual behavior follows evolutionary trends in complex societies and is influenced by cultural factors. The study uses eye-tracking to analyze the response of individuals to prehistoric ceramics, suggesting a close interaction between culture and brain plasticity.
A study led by CSIC reveals that carbonaceous chondrites transported hydrated minerals and organic material from the protoplanetary disk to Earth, enriching its water supply. The findings provide valuable insights into the accretion phases of early planetary bodies and the origin of water on our planet.
The new SimVis visual simulator, developed by CSIC researchers, enables patients to experiment how their vision will improve before surgery. The technology offers a realistic experience and can be wirelessly controlled via mobile application or tablet.
Researchers at ICMAB-CSIC create a new thermoelectric material using bacterial cellulose and carbon nanotubes, offering high electrical conductivity and thermal stability. The device has potential applications in Internet of Things, Agriculture 4.0, and Industry 4.0.
A massive genetic study reveals that birds and their feather mites have a dynamic coevolutionary relationship, with 7.4% of hosts and 4.8% of mites exhibiting unexpected associations. The study's findings suggest that ecological factors play a crucial role in regulating these dynamics.
An international team of biodiversity modelers has developed best-practice standards framework with detailed guidelines. The standards enable scoring of studies based on species distribution models for use in biodiversity assessments, ensuring transparency and consistency in policy recommendations. The framework proposes four levels of...
Astronomers have detected a new component in the death of massive stars, linking gamma-ray bursts and hypernovae. The study reveals an additional hot cocoon generated around the jet, explaining differences between GRBs and hypernovae.
A new biosensor device uses gold nanostructures to detect the presence of anticoagulant drugs like Sintrom, enabling personalized therapy adjustments. This technology has significant potential for patients with cardiovascular diseases or thromboembolic disorders, who often face risks associated with incorrect medication dosing.
A 3,980-year-old volcanic eruption on Deception Island had a Volcanic Explosive Index of 6 and ejected 30-60 cubic kilometers of ash. The caldera collapse triggered a seismic event and had significant climatic impacts in the southern region.
Astronomers have discovered a cold Super-Earth orbiting around the Barnard's star, which is about six light-years away from Earth. The planet candidate has a minimum of 3.2 Earth masses and orbits its red star every 233 days near the snow-line.
Recent rainfall in the Atacama Desert has caused widespread devastation among local microbial species, with 85% extinction rate reported. This study provides crucial information for understanding the microbiology of extremely arid environments and its implications for the search for life on Mars.
A study analyzing ancient Icelandic genomes of 25 individuals from the island's colonization period (870-930) found that present-day Icelanders have a 70% Norwegian genetic fingerprint. The analysis also revealed a gender bias in the population, with men of Scandinavian origin having more offspring than women of Celtic origin.
Researchers from CSIC developed a method to measure immigrant integration using Twitter data, analyzing language and location. The study found cities with high integration capacity in London, San Francisco, Tokyo, and Los Angeles, while others like Detroit, Miami, Toronto, and Amsterdam show low integration.
A genomic study reveals that the Beaker culture spread throughout Europe through cultural diffusion, replacing around 90% of populations in areas like Great Britain. The study shows no evidence of large-scale genetic migration from Iberia to Central and Western Europe.
A team of CSIC scientists has designed new molecules capable of destroying resistance to conventional antibiotics in bacteria. By targeting the cellular mechanisms that lead to antibiotic resistance, these molecules can break down the proteins responsible for making bacteria resistant to multiple drugs.
A study on a Neanderthal child's fossil remains found that both species regulate their growth differently to adapt energy consumption. The child's brain growth was slower than expected, while its body grew at a similar rate to modern humans.
A study by CSIC and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that higher temperatures increase health risks, but sensitivity varies by region. The study suggests adapting to excessive heat and developing migration strategies as climate change projections increase temperatures.
Researchers have developed a new technique to isolate neuronal activity during memory consolidation, revealing that individual hippocampal neurons respond selectively to specific memories. This study provides insight into the neural mechanisms of memory formation and its potential link to brain diseases like epilepsy.
A new technique developed by an international team has enabled the extraction of DNA from hominids preserved in sediments, allowing researchers to determine which species occupied a site and its diet. The method analyzed fragments of mitochondrial DNA from 85 samples of Pleistocene sediments from eight Eurasian caves.
A research scientist at CSIC has discovered that wax worms can quickly biodegrade polyethylene, a material difficult to break down. The worm's ability is attributed to its similarity in composition to beeswax and may involve an enzyme-based mechanism.
Scientists confirm that silica can form complex self-assembling mineral structures in natural alkaline waters. These 'biomorphs' resemble living organisms and may hold clues to the origins of life on Earth.
New research reveals that Neanderthals at the El Sidrón site in Asturias, Spain, consumed a diverse diet including wild mushrooms, pine nuts, and moss. Genetic analysis of dental plaque found no evidence of meat consumption, contradicting earlier theories.
A new biosensor developed by CSIC can detect HIV-1 p24 antigen up to 100,000 times lower than previous methods, reducing the undetectable phase after infection to just one week. The technology also shows potential for early detection of certain types of cancer.
A new study by CSIC researchers reveals that environmental factors were the primary driver of horse diversification over 20 million years. The team found that newly evolved species were ecologically similar, with external factors such as ecosystem fragmentation and energy availability playing a key role.
A recent study published in PNAS reveals that Mars' primitive atmosphere had a low CO2 level, making it inhospitable for the formation of liquid water lakes. This finding contradicts previous assumptions and suggests that the planet's climate may have been colder than previously thought.
Researchers studied asteroid Chelyabinsk to determine properties necessary for deflection missions. The study found that an asteroid's composition, internal structure, density, and physical properties are crucial in determining the success of a kinetic projectile launch.
A Spanish-Italian team has discovered that carbonaceous chondrites can synthesise complex organic compounds in the presence of water and formamide. This suggests that these meteorites played a vital role in the origins of life in the universe.
Researchers discovered evidence of cereal domestication at Tell Qarassa North archaeological site, revealing advanced farming communities and varying domestication rates across regions. The study provides crucial insights into the origins of agriculture and its impact on human societies.
A study by CSIC researchers has discovered that volatile biostimulant compounds emitted by phytopathogenic microorganisms boost plant growth and flowering. The findings could lead to sustainable improvements in crop yields and encourage plant interactions.
The IPERION CH project brings together European researchers and institutions to create a single infrastructure for scientific research on cultural heritage. The initiative provides access to high-quality scientific instruments, innovative equipment, and unique data, making it easier for researchers to advance their projects.