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Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche


A new simulation- and AI-based approach reduces the time and data needed for brain MRI scans

A new simulation- and AI-based approach reduces the time and data needed for brain MRI scans, achieving a high level of accuracy with only 10% of the data required. This breakthrough could translate to a significant reduction in scan time, enabling more patients to be treated in the same amount of time.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 27, 2026

Study identifies a key mechanism in the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS

A team of researchers has identified a key mechanism in the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS, revealing that chaperone-mediated autophagy is significantly reduced in patients. This finding suggests that this cellular system may be a potential therapeutic target to slow disease progression.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2026

Who do tipsters really work for?

Adolescents who follow social media tipsters report higher gambling intention and increased frequency. The study highlights the need for stronger regulation of tipster-related marketing and media literacy programmes to address persuasive strategies and improve risk awareness.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·TypeSurvey·DateApr 27, 2026

Primary breast tumors already harbor cells with metastatic potential

Researchers have identified the Prrx1 gene as a key regulator of metastatic potential in breast cancer tumors. This discovery helps explain why highly invasive cells do not always give rise to metastases, and how cells combine invasiveness and proliferation to become the most dangerous from a clinical perspective.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026

A clinical reveals that aniridia causes a progressive loss of corneal sensitivity

A study published in Cornea reveals that aniridia not only alters corneal structure but also affects sensory nerve function, leading to a progressive decline in corneal sensitivity. In adulthood, patients experience difficulty distinguishing stimulus intensity and reduced tear production, compromising eye defense mechanisms.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalCornea·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 27, 2026

Scientists discover a key mechanism regulating how oxytocin is released in the mouse brain

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism that regulates the slow and sustained release of oxytocin within the brain, which is essential for modulating social interactions. This finding provides new insights into how hormonal signaling is regulated in the brain and opens avenues for research into neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

How can you rescue a “kidnapped” robot? A new AI system helps the robot regain its sense of location in dynamic, ever-changing environments

A hierarchical 3D LiDAR localization method improves robot positioning in large outdoor spaces even after seasonal changes. The method integrates deep learning techniques to extract discriminative local features from 3D point clouds, making it robust to environmental variability.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Chronic alcohol use reshapes gene expression in key human brain regions linked to relapse vulnerability and neural damage

Chronic alcohol consumption alters endocannabinoid gene expression in reward- and decision-related brain regions, offering insights into addiction biology. This study reveals changes in CB1 and CB2 receptor genes, as well as GPR55 and FAAH enzymes, potentially leading to targeted therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalAddiction·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2026

Unexpected partial recovery of natural vision observed after intracortical microstimulation in a blind patient

A blind patient partially recovered natural vision through electrical stimulation of the visual cortex, independent of the implant. The recovery was sustained over time and remained even after the device was removed, suggesting individual factors may have contributed to this outcome.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalBrain Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2026

CBD treatment reverses key effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in a mouse model

A preclinical study shows that cannabidiol restores emotional behavior, reduces alcohol-related vulnerability, and reverses gut microbiota alterations caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Female mice particularly benefited from CBD treatment, which normalized their emotional alterations and eliminated vulnerability to alcohol addiction.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Study reveals that the body uses different sensors to detect cold in the skin and in internal organs

Researchers found that the skin relies on TRPM8 sensor for cold detection, while internal organs primarily use TRPA1 sensor. This difference explains variations in external and internal cold perception, and has implications for understanding thermal homeostasis and pathologies related to cold sensitivity.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalActa Physiologica·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

Researchers map how the cerebellum builds its connections with the rest of the brain during early development

A team of researchers has reconstructed how the cerebellum establishes its connections with the rest of the brain during earliest stages of life. The work describes the phases in which these neural connections emerge, expand, and are refined, offering a comprehensive map of cerebellar projections across the mouse brain.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

Researchers identify the molecular mechanisms linking early-life environments with memory

Researchers identified a molecular mechanism linking early-life environments with memory by activating AP-1, which regulates genes involved in neuronal plasticity and learning. Early-life experiences produce long-lasting modulation of AP-1 activity, boosting gene networks that strengthen neuronal connections.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2025

New molecule reduces ethanol intake and drinking motivation in mice, with sex-dependent differences

A new compound MCH11, a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, shows promising effects in reducing alcohol consumption and motivation to drink in mice. The molecule exhibits anxiolytic and antidepressant properties with sex-dependent efficacy, correcting genetic alterations associated with alcohol use disorder.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2025

UMH pioneers a visual neuroprosthesis that communicates with the brain in real time, tested in two blind volunteers

Spanish researchers at UMH have developed a new generation of visual neuroprosthesis capable of bidirectional communication with the cerebral cortex. The system uses a small external camera to capture images, which are processed electronically and converted into electrical stimulation patterns sent to the occipital cortex. Participants...

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2025

First discovery of how an autism-linked mutation reduces vasopressin and alters social behavior

Scientists have identified the mechanism linking a mutation in the Shank3 gene with alterations in social behavior, revealing that vasopressin plays a crucial role in regulating sociability and aggression. The study shows that targeting specific vasopressin receptors can restore social abilities without affecting aggression.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2025

Researchers identify genetic bottlenecks that explain the emergence of cholera

Researchers have identified genetic bottlenecks that explain the emergence of pandemic cholera strains. These specific combinations of genes and allelic variants grant an advantage in human intestinal colonization, allowing a small subset of Vibrio cholerae to become deadly pathogens.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2025

Wind energy and marine wildlife in conflict: researchers warn of the overlap between offshore wind farms and areas of high biodiversity

A study reveals widespread overlap between feeding grounds for seabirds, marine mammals, and regions with high wind potential. Researchers propose developing risk maps to predict conflicts and recommend expanding marine protected areas and strengthening spatial planning tools.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2025

A brain plasticity mechanism allows the reorganization of the sense of touch during development

Researchers have discovered that the developing brain can reorganize its sensory maps in response to the absence of sensory stimuli from birth. The study found that the thalamic region adapts a genetic profile similar to that of the affected area, enabling cortical reorganization and functional changes.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2025

New insights into genes' role in craniofacial development and genetic disorder

A team of experts has discovered that the ARID1A gene regulates a critical genetic program for cell migration, with ZIC2 identified as a crucial regulator in this process. This study expands our understanding of craniofacial development and provides valuable insights into the genetic causes of congenital diseases.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2024

International project will explore how molecular evolution enables animals to adapt to extreme cold

The international project will analyze temperature-sensitive proteins in animals adapted to different thermal environments to understand how they perceive temperature changes. The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying cold perception in animals, enabling them to initiate physiological responses crucial for survival.

Cancer cell populations segregate to favor metastasis or antitumor inflammation

A recent study published in Nature Cancer has discovered that cancer cells exhibit opposing pro and antitumor programs, with the former promoting metastasis and the latter combating tumor growth. This finding opens new avenues for therapeutic strategies to target highly aggressive and therapy-resistant tumors.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2024