The discovery of two new palaeoscolecid worm species, Anguiscolex africanus and Wronascolex superstes, sheds light on the Ordovician period's marine life. The worms are found to be significantly larger than previously recorded specimens, hinting at 'polar gigantism' in response to Morocco's geographical location during that time.
Researchers created an avatar mouse model with the same genetic alteration as patients with Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome, allowing them to study targeted therapies. The study found distinct neurological alterations in the mice, including cerebral hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
A computer simulation confirms the presence of a self-lubricating layer on the surface of ice, which is driven away by pressure and causes the ice to melt and repair itself. This discovery could lead to improved lubricants in other systems and significant energy savings.
Researchers have found correlations between retina and brain structures altered in Alzheimer's disease in healthy subjects at risk. These findings suggest the retina may provide information on brain state and changes, paving the way for new diagnostic tools.
Dinosaurs had high metabolic rates, suggesting they were endotherms, which allowed them to regulate their body temperature. This finding refutes previous ideas that dinosaurs were intermediate between ectotherms and endotherms.
Research at Universidad Complutense de Madrid found that tumour cells from childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) can hide in the subventricular neurogenic niche, causing relapses and preventing new neurone generation. This discovery may explain cognitive and sensory alterations in ALL survivors.
Research by Universidad Complutense de Madrid found that sea turtles consistently choose the same nesting sites each season, affecting the sex of their offspring. The temperature-dependent sex determination of turtles means males are produced at lower temperatures, and nesting beneath trees may increase male births in warmer temperatures.
A research team from Universidad Complutense de Madrid developed a machine learning-based tool to predict areas with best access to potable groundwater in Africa. The tool achieved a success rate of close to 90% in initial trials, particularly in Mali and Chad.
Researchers analyzed fossil collections from the Wonderwerk cave, discovering that barn owls remained a dominant predator throughout the Lower Palaeolithic era. The consistent presence of barn owl remains suggests reliable paleo-environmental results over nearly 2 million years.
The study, led by Universidad Complutense de Madrid, estimates that record temperatures are eight times higher than expected without global warming. At least one in four new record rainfalls is attributed to climate change.
Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid have discovered alterations caused by ALS in the retina, which can be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The study found changes in microglial cells and ganglion cell loss, with modifications evolving over the course of the disease.
The discovery of mineralized sponge fossils in Fontanarejo, Spain, has provided new insights into the evolution of living beings. The fossils, dated to around 530 million years ago, offer a unique window into the early Cambrian period.
Research reveals limited consideration of roadkill's effects on small and vulnerable species, as well as global geographic limitations. The study calls for a shift towards examining population dynamics and connectivity to inform conservation efforts.
Researchers developed a θ-SIR model to simulate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 strains and vaccines on COVID-19 propagation. The model estimates that insufficient vaccination rates can lead to new waves, even with effective reproduction numbers below 1.
Research finds that giant tortoises on the Galapagos Islands with human contact have higher bacterial resistance to antibiotics, posing a threat to public health. The study suggests that human activities are facilitating the dispersal of antibiotic resistance into the environment.
Researchers from Universidad Complutense de Madrid have developed a method to measure the roughness of retinal layers, which indicates the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The study uses fractal dimension analysis and can be used for quick and low-cost testing.
Research by Universidad Complutense de Madrid found that consuming 2.5g of pure cocoa powder enhances photopic visual acuity in healthy adults during daylight conditions. The flavanols and theobromine in cocoa stimulate the central nervous system, improving attention.
Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid developed new image processing methods to enhance the analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction of biological macromolecules. The methods, published in Nature Communications, improved the visualization and quality of cryogenic electron microscopy-derived 3D reconstructions.
Researchers at UCM identify low plasma levels of protein TGFB1 and polymorphisms in the gene as biomarkers for poor prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma. These variants are associated with higher mortality rates and increased risk of developing stomach tumors.
A study published in Cell Reports identified a protein called SHP-1 as a key player in the Leishmania parasite's evasion of the human immune system. By activating SHP-1, the parasite can limit the capacity of dendritic cells to present antigens, thereby preventing autoimmune disorders and protecting itself from an immune response.
Researchers have identified biosynthetic genes involved in producing usnic acid in lichens, a compound showing antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial activity. The study reveals why some lichens lack this compound and identifies new biosynthetic genes with unknown functions.
Researchers created a biohybrid artificial retina with silk fibroin and retinal cells, which can adhere to the eye's surface and facilitate integration. The new technology holds promise for treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), an incurable disease affecting over 196 million people worldwide.
Research by UCM and Institute of Geosciences identifies degree of ecological specialisation as key factor in squirrels' evolution under climate change. Squirrels that can inhabit multiple environments are more likely to survive, while those restricted to specific habitats are at risk of extinction.
A recent study published in Psychophysiology found that the essence of human being remains stable throughout life, with a component of self-awareness remaining intact. The study suggests that changes to physical aspects, attitudes, and values are more likely to occur over time.
Research by Universidad Complutense de Madrid found that ayahuasca's DMT promotes neurogenesis, forming new neurons and other cells like astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. This capacity suggests great therapeutic potential for various neurological diseases.
Researchers designed nanocrystal structures using platinum compounds to effectively encapsulate and transport hydrophobic drugs. The study achieved high encapsulation efficiency of up to 79% and shows potential for biomedicine applications.
Researchers at the Complutense University of Madrid found that childhood leukemia tumor cells hide in the choroid plexus of the brain, allowing them to escape chemotherapy and cause relapses. This discovery could lead to more effective treatment strategies to prevent these cells from colonizing the CNS.
A new app called Close2U has been developed to monitor the physical and mental health of cancer patients using gamification. The app rewards users with advice or songs for answering daily questions about their mood and pain levels, promoting motivation and continuous monitoring.
Researchers found that reading in company favors a more creative and integrated understanding of language, whereas solo reading is more detailed and systematic. This study highlights the importance of social interaction in language comprehension and suggests that it can be beneficial for both education and professional settings.
Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid have identified brain biomarkers for detecting Alzheimer's disease. A study found that patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment who develop dementia show increased and then decreased synchronization in brain regions, indicating cortical network dysfunction.
Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid developed an AI-powered algorithm that uses deep learning to detect irregularities in rice labelling. The algorithm achieved precision models between 93 and 99%, showing potential for future applications in the food industry.
A study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution finds that rare species are organized in groups to coexist with more abundant species, avoiding competitive pressure. This organization may be a key to understanding the persistence of biodiversity in ecosystems.
Researchers at the Complutense University of Madrid have identified areas of the retina that change in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease. The study used optical coherence tomography to measure retinal layer thickness and found significant thinning in certain locations, which can be used to diagnose the disease before other tests.
A recent study published in Immunity reveals that Lactobacillus bacteria interact with immune system cells to regulate the intestinal barrier function. The interaction, mediated by the Mincle receptor, promotes a beneficial response and helps prevent diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Researchers at UCM have designed a laser sensor that can detect counterfeit olive oil labelled as extra virgin or protected designation of origin. The tool uses laser diodes to distinguish between adulterated and pure oils due to differences in fluorescence.
Researchers found that ants select medium-sized soil grains with quartz over feldspar for their structures, potentially altering palaeoclimatic data. This study highlights the importance of considering bioturbatory action in paleontological analyses.
Researchers developed a hybrid nanoplatform that locates tumors using three different types of contrast simultaneously, facilitating multimodal molecular medical imaging. The platform overcomes the limitations of single image modality while maximizing their advantages.
The study analyzed changes in rodent faunas between 12 and 5 million years ago, revealing their migration northwards in search of more humid conditions. This shift was driven by intense cooling and increased aridity, transforming landscapes in Southwestern Europe.
Researchers used fossil records to infer a semidesertic environment in the Iberian Peninsula during the middle Miocene. The study analyzed body sizes of mammalian species to reveal a dry climate with high precipitation seasonality.
Researchers have successfully shaped nano-sized gold particles using ultrafast lasers, enabling the creation of
Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid developed a biosensor that can detect adulterated horse meat in beef within 1 hour, using mitochondrial DNA fragments. This technology offers improved selectivity and reliability compared to existing methods.
Scientists developed a biosensor that can detect cancer proteins in serum samples, allowing for early detection of tumors. The method is faster and more accurate than traditional methods, with a 440-fold higher sensitivity.
A team of physicists has broken Rayleigh's limit, achieving resolutions up to 17 times lower than previously thought. This discovery opens doors to significant improvement in imaging systems and challenges traditional Optics textbooks.
Starting drinking between eleven and thirteen is associated with increased risk of psychological disorders, including somatization, hostility, and aggression. Women are more vulnerable to anxiety and depression, while men exhibit psychoticism.
Researchers have found that the human amygdala can detect threats in the visual environment at extremely fast time scales, even before receiving precise visual input from the neocortex. This discovery has implications for our understanding of pathologies such as phobias and anxiety, where the amygdala plays a key role.
Researchers designed a giant molecule formed by thirteen fullerenes covered by carbohydrates to block the Ebola virus receptor, inhibiting cell infection. The study highlights the potential of these giant molecules as antiviral agents, paving the way for new treatments.