A CSIC study is using genetic sequencing to identify new bacterial regulators that can be used to design compounds to manipulate bacterial processes. This research aims to develop new antimicrobials to fight against infections.
Scientists from the Malaspina expedition found that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons account for 15% of oceanic CO2 deposits, with 90,000 tonnes entering Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans monthly. These pollutants can affect ocean life due to their toxicity and alter cloud formation cycles.
A new study by Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) reveals that the 3-nitrooxypropanol compound reduces methane production in ruminants without harming their health. This finding opens up possibilities to decrease global temperatures and increase efficiency of ruminant production systems.
The first vertebrate to be sequenced in Spain, the Turbot has a highly developed sense of sight due to adapting to low light conditions. Its genes show high levels of fat in cellular membranes for cold tolerance, and researchers aim to use this knowledge for genetic selection programs and possible vaccines.
Scientists discovered that Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens interbred at least twice, 100,000 and 50,000 years ago. The findings contradict the previous understanding of Neanderthals' genetic makeup and suggest a more complex evolutionary history.
A recent study by the Spanish National Research Council found that half of large carnivore attacks are due to human imprudence. The researchers recommend educating people about risks and following basic rules to coexist with animals, reducing the likelihood of attacks.
Researchers have sequenced the first complete ancient genome from the Mediterranean area, shedding light on the genetic changes of Neolithic migration in Southern Europe. The study reveals a common ancestral population among Mediterranean route farmers, who had distinct physical characteristics compared to inland route farmers.
A study of 228 butterfly species in the Iberian Peninsula suggests that up to 28% could be entirely new to science, highlighting the need for conservation efforts and genetic identification tools. This DNA analysis will aid in differentiating between morphologically similar species and inform priority conservation strategies.
Research suggests that inbreeding has genetically benefited mountain gorillas by eliminating deleterious variations, contributing to their survival. This discovery challenges the assumption that low genetic diversity makes these animals more susceptible to environmental changes and diseases.
Researchers from CSIC have determined the orbit of Annama, a new characterized meteorite, and found similarities with a potentially dangerous asteroid. The study suggests that Annama may be linked to an asteroid of about 400 meters in diameter, posing a potential threat to Earth.
Researchers from the Malaspina Expedition found that dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the deep ocean is not degraded by bacteria due to low concentrations of degradable compounds. The study provides new insights into the regulation of the carbon cycle and global climate.
The brain uses the sharper image from the less aberrated eye as a reference point to compensate for optical differences between the eyes. This neural mechanism is important for understanding refractive errors and developing effective treatments like monovision for presbyopia.
Researchers found that Neanderthals, like modern hunter-gatherer societies, showed a sexual division of labor. Female fossils showed longer dental grooves than male individuals, suggesting different tasks were performed. The study also found differences in teeth enamel imperfections between males and females.
The loss of underwater posidonia meadows reduces their ability to capture and store atmospheric CO2, and can also lead to the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere. Seagrass meadows, like those studied, play a crucial role in mitigating anthropogenic emissions by capturing carbon.
Researchers analyze ancient wooden bows found in La Draga, Spain, and conclude that bowhunting played a significant community and social role among early peasant societies. The discovery provides new evidence on the social role of hunting in the first farming societies.
Researchers at CSIC have developed a new borane material that efficiently emits laser light in the blue spectrum while maintaining resistance against degradation. This breakthrough could lead to more cost-effective and environmentally friendly liquid lasers.
Researchers found that male great bustards consume toxic blister beetles to eliminate parasites and look healthier. This behavior is a mechanism of sexual selection, where males use cantharidin to show females their resistance to toxicity, potentially increasing reproductive success.
The study, led by the University of Cadiz and Spanish National Research Council, reveals five large accumulations of plastic waste in surface waters, matching the five major twists of surface water circulation. Microplastics were detected in 88% of ocean surface samples, posing risks to marine food chains and ecosystems.
Researchers from CSIC have developed idTracker, a software that uses algorithms to identify and track individual animals in videos. This allows for the study of rules of social interaction in groups, previously impossible due to identification errors. The software is easy to use and has been tested with various species.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports analyzed the DNA recovered from a relic attributed to Louis XVI and found it did not match his expected genetic profile. The analysis revealed a clear French and Italian component, contradicting historical accounts of Louis XVI's physical appearance.
Researchers have identified a genetic cause for premature ovarian failure, finding that mutations in the STAG3 gene lead to infertility. The study analyzed samples from a consanguineous family and confirmed that the mutation affects both males and females, making it a strong candidate for male infertility as well.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that mesopelagic fish have a stock estimated at 10,000 million tons, surpassing previous estimates of 1,000 million tons. This discovery has significant implications for the understanding of carbon fluxes in the ocean and the operation of ocean deserts.
Researchers have recovered the genome of a 7,000-year-old individual from La Braña-Arintero site in Spain, revealing surprising genetic traits. The ancient European hunter-gatherer had African versions of genes that determine light skin and blue eyes, suggesting he had dark skin and a unique phenotype.
Researchers found identical pigment compositions between hunter-gatherer and farmer styles, challenging previous theories. The artists used iron oxides and terrigenous materials easily found in their environment.
A CSIC study reveals that Japan, China, and South Korea account for 84% of macroalgae patents, highlighting the importance of scientific investment in biotechnology development. The study also suggests that under-invested Asian nations are missing out on market opportunities due to low research efforts.
A team of Spanish researchers has sequenced the global deep ocean genome using over 2,000 samples of microorganisms collected from the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. This groundbreaking study reveals a vast unknown species of microorganisms with intense biological activity.
The 2011 Draconid meteor shower deposited a large amount of meteoritic material on Earth, including fragments that may have formed from the comet Giacobini-Zinner. Researchers analyzed six fireballs and found they had a possible similar composition to carbonaceous chondrites.
A study by CSIC researchers reveals two main types of behaviors in collaborative Wikipedia editing: clashes with rapid agreement, and interactions between three groups with varying levels of consensus. Despite initial disagreement, opposing opinions tend to converge over time through the article's content.
A study by Spanish National Research Council proposes a new methodology to assess air traffic congestion. Researchers found that crew rotation and passenger connections systematically spread flight delays, revealing a domino effect.
The CSIC has reconstructed the brain of an ampelosaur in 3D using its fossilized skull, showing a small brain and inner ear. The research suggests that sauropods may not have favored increased brain size during evolution.
A new study suggests that up to one million marine species may inhabit the world's oceans. The current number of identified species is around 230,000, but estimates vary widely, ranging from 540,000 to 972,000. Despite this uncertainty, researchers agree that only about 1/3 of ocean biodiversity has been discovered.
Researchers led by CSIC and Kiel University reveal meprin β, an enzyme anchored in cell walls that cuts off proteins. The study found a dimeric structure with a cleft that acts as the scissor-like active site.
The melon genome consists of 450 million base pairs and 27,427 genes, with seven varieties sequenced. Key findings include genes related to disease resistance and the ripening process, offering potential for improving crop yields and quality.
A group of highly specialized fungi, identified through comparative analysis of 31 fungal genomes, developed a mechanism to efficiently decay plant biomass. These ancient organisms produced peroxidases that acted in synergy with other oxidative enzymes to degrade lignin, a polymer present in wood.
Researchers have recovered part of the genome of two individuals living in the Mesolithic Period, 7000 years ago. The study indicates that current Iberian populations don't come from these groups genetically. The genome found is the oldest from Prehistory and exceeds Ötzi, the Iceman, in 1700 years.
A new research study has found that jellyfish populations have increased in some regions but decreased or fluctuated in others, contradicting previous theories. The study's lead researcher hopes to shed light on the issue by analyzing a global database of jellyfish data since 1750.
The Arctic is already experiencing the effects of dangerous climate change, with ecosystems and populations at risk. Experts demand rapid alarm signs to prevent abrupt changes and advocate for adaptive strategies.
Anomalocaris, a 515 million-year-old fossil, demonstrated highly acute vision to support its predatory lifestyle. Its compound eyes contained over 16,000 lenses, providing exceptional clarity while hunting in well-lit waters.
The MVA-B vaccine has been shown to induce an 90% immune response in humans against Human's immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with 85% of volunteers maintaining this response for at least one year. The vaccine works by training the immune system to recognize and respond to HIV particles and infected cells.
Researchers found that temperature affects RNA structure, hiding or showing particular sequences that influence the recognition of intronic endings. This allows for alternative protein isoforms to be generated in response to changing temperatures.
Researchers refute hopping mechanism, showing that porphyrins' conductivity is influenced by temperature and length, potentially suitable for quantum computing applications. The study highlights the potential of porphyrins as electronic components due to their wave nature.
A study published in Ecology Letters found that the last glacial maximum has a significant impact on the current distribution of European scarab dung beetles. The insects' presence is more influenced by the climate of the past glaciation than the present one, with two distinct patterns emerging in the north and south.
The Malaspina 2010 expedition aims to assess the impact of global change on the ocean and explore its biodiversity. Over 250 researchers will study temperature, salinity, and nutrient concentration in various ocean regions.
A Spanish study finds that teenage mothers tend to emancipate earlier, enter romantic relationships, and experience career disruptions. The study also reveals a decline in age of onset for sexual activity and contraceptive use, leading to a significant increase in teen pregnancy.
Researchers identify Decapentaplegic protein as key player in cell migration, found in healthy Drosophila melanogaster cells. The protein triggers cell mobility and invasion, benefiting metastasis.
The CSIC's project analyzes the makeshift altars created after the Madrid bombings, revealing their performative nature as a form of political participation. The investigation highlights the importance of collective trauma, mourning, and social action in response to collective events.