A recent study published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution found that local environmental knowledge is a valuable tool for conservation in the Amazon, comparable to other scientific methods. Local ecological knowledge proved to be more accurate than 10 years of conventional scientific monitoring for animal abundance in the Amazon.
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found that spending revenues on climate projects increases social acceptability of carbon taxes. The research also revealed that providing information on carbon taxes can increase acceptability, while the perception of fairness is a stronger factor in acceptability than effectiveness.
Researchers have discovered a substance derived from the cotton plant, gossypol, which enhances the activity of DFF40/CAD, allowing glioblastoma cells to complete apoptosis. This breakthrough treatment shows promise in promoting cell death and may provide new tools for developing effective strategies against this incurable disease.
A new study analyzing ancient Iberian genomes uncovers genetic shifts and social transformations during the Copper Age to Bronze Age transition. The data suggests that incoming steppe-related ancestry mixed with local Iberian Chalcolithic ancestry, but the paternally inherited Y chromosome lineages show a complete turnover.
A new study reveals human activities have drastically altered the ocean's biodiversity, with significant losses in larger species like whales and dolphins. Biomass estimates show a 60% reduction in large fish and marine mammals, outpacing even extreme climate change scenarios.
Farmers in the African Sahel have developed crop diversity strategies to cope with high seasonal variability and rising temperatures caused by climate change. By alternating long and short-cycle crop varieties, such as sorghum and pearl millet, they maintain food security despite changing environmental conditions.
A study found that climate change is favoring the spread of West Nile Virus in Europe by creating favorable conditions for mosquitoes and the virus. Warmer winters allow infected mosquitoes to survive, spreading the virus earlier and increasing disease outbreaks.
A new study found that Iberian wild goat populations exhibit very low genetic diversity due to drastic population reductions and habitat destruction. The research also identified the existence of rare hybrids between Iberian wild goats and domestic goats.
A study by ICTA-UAB finds that implementing teleworking two, three or four days a week would reduce nitrogen dioxide levels by 4%, 8% and 10%. This is achieved through a decrease in traffic-related emissions, with the greatest reduction expected when all employees in the service sector work from home.
Researchers studied mice with Alzheimer's disease and found that pain sensitivity is maintained throughout the disease progression. Females are more sensitive to pain, while males experience greater emotional distress, highlighting age- and sex-specific responses to pain in Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that coloured and 3D images of SARS-CoV-2 increase perceived infectivity, while beauty detracts from educational value. The study highlights the role of media in distributing visually appealing yet potentially misleading information about the pandemic.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona develop gene therapy that fully corrects severe whole-body alterations in Morquio A disease, a rare condition caused by GALNS enzyme deficiency. The therapy, administered via intravenous viral vector, prevents bone malformations and life-threatening complications.
A new study by the ICTA-UAB establishes that populations of hunter-gatherer groups with strong seasonal dependence on meat had fewer people per square kilometer than those relying on abundant plant foods. This result is based on a complex set of calculations showing how diet composition influenced population density.
Chromosomes in spermatozoa exhibit a non-random positioning related to gene expression regulation. A new study maps the three-dimensional arrangement of chromosomes within sperm cells.
A new machine learning-based model predicts ICU patients' mortality risk based on characteristics such as demographics, comorbidities, and APACHE II score. The model overcomes traditional approaches' weak points, offering a better alternative for personalized medical predictions.
A non-toxic derivative of tetanus neurotoxin improves depression symptoms in rat models, lasting two weeks. Hc-TeTx inhibits serotonin transport by binding to neurotrophin receptors, suggesting potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
A mobile application developed by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and UPC researchers has been tested for its ability to predict the severity of disabling fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, particularly in women. The app measures heart rate variability and shares results with medical staff.
Thermal waves have been observed in germanium at room temperature, a significant improvement in electronic devices performance. The discovery opens new possibilities for controlling heat through wave-like thermal transport.
A human endogenous peptide called LL-37 has been identified as a powerful blocker of toxic α-synuclein oligomers, which are responsible for neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. The discovery suggests that this naturally occurring molecule could be a safe and effective therapy to slow down the progression of the disease.
A new study by ICTA-UAB found that residents and visitors value the unique natural environment of the Llobregat Delta, with over 98% agreeing on its importance. The research also shows concern about climate change impacts on the delta, with 90% of respondents expressing worry.
A study found that exposure to natural spaces, both public and private, reduced stress, anxiety, and improved psychological well-being among Spanish and Portuguese citizens during the first COVID-19 lockdown. In Portugal, those who maintained contact with natural spaces showed lower levels of stress and mental disorders.
A study found that exposure to natural spaces, both public and private, had a beneficial effect on the mental health of individuals during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Those who maintained or increased contact with these spaces presented lower levels of stress, psychological distress, and psychosomatic symptoms.
Scientists create synthetic melanin-like nanoparticles to overcome limitations of current dopamine delivery methods, achieving efficient and controlled release in the brain. The proposed method demonstrates promising results in reversing Parkinson's symptoms with high biocompatibility and non-toxicity.
An international study by ICTA-UAB highlights the critical role of indigenous peoples' and local communities in achieving biodiversity goals. The research argues that recognizing their rights and agency is essential to the success of future biodiversity policy.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona discover dynamic changes in genome organisation affect male germ cell development and fertility. Chromosomal rearrangements alter chromosome folding, impacting meiotic recombination and genetic diversity.
A study by ICTA-UAB finds that combining white roofs with green areas can reduce temperature during heat waves, with an average reduction of 1.26°C. This combination has the greatest impact on energy consumption, reducing spending on air conditioning by 26%.
A study published in Nature Communications found that a drug called Osanetant reduces fear memory in male mice but increases it in female mice. The research reveals sex-based differences in the Tac2 neuronal circuit involved in fear memory formation.
Researchers discovered early flocks of domesticated sheep in the Iberian Peninsula fed and reproduced on a controlled diet, with births occurring outside optimal seasons. This study reveals significant advances in animal husbandry during the Neolithic period.
Researchers from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found evidence suggesting that elite women played a crucial role in the governance of El Argar, a Bronze Age society. The study of a princely tomb discovered in La Almoloya revealed valuable items and diadems made with silver, indicating the women's symbolic power.
Researchers at the UAB have designed minimalist biostructures that imitate natural enzymes, carrying out two differentiated and reversibly regulated activities. These peptides can be used to create 'intelligent' nanomaterials with tailor-made combinations of catalytic functions for practical applications.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona developed a novel 3D microscopy analysis to recreate human glioblastoma features. This new approach provides complete information on tumor blood vessels and immune cell interactions, aiding diagnosis and therapy development.
The global COVID19 pandemic may be an opportunity to rethink sustainable tourism's impact on Mediterranean beaches. Researchers found that 80% of marine litter comes from tourists' activities, generating huge amounts of microplastics.
A study published in Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience found that audiovisual professionalisation causes a decrease in eyeblink rate and impacts brain rhythms among media professionals. This research has implications for occupational health strategies and the design of consumption strategies for videos.
A revised study verifies that nanoplastics affect the composition and diversity of our intestinal microbiome, causing damage to human health. Alterations in the gut microbiome lead to changes in immune, endocrine, and nervous systems.
A new international study finds that green energy projects can be as conflictive as fossil fuel projects, disproportionately impacting rural and indigenous communities. Social protest is effective in stopping or modifying projects, but policymakers must address equity concerns to ensure a just transition.
A study found that nearly half of the global population lacks knowledge about climate change's effect on infectious diseases. The survey revealed marked differences in awareness among nationality and educational background. Knowledge of climate change is unrelated to educational level, indicating a need for increased public awareness.
Researchers have created a magnetic switch that requires less energy to alter its orientation, a potential breakthrough in storing data in personal electronics. The new technology uses voltage instead of current to reorient magnetic materials, resulting in significant energy savings.
Researchers have developed an antibody fragment that reduces Aú peptide and tau protein levels, alleviating cognitive decline and neuroinflammation in advanced Alzheimer's disease models. This breakthrough therapy shows promise as a potential treatment for the devastating disease.
Researchers estimate that global fisheries could replace up to 40% of animal protein for one to two years after a nuclear war. Healthy fish stocks before the disaster can act as a temporary food reserve.
Scientists have created extremely stable fluorescent molecular switches that can be controlled electrochemically, using a particular redox active anion. These systems show large reversible fluorescence modulation and are soluble in many organic solvents, making them suitable for applications in biosensing, imaging, and drug delivery.
Scientists have developed a new cell-penetrating peptide-conjugated antibiotic that shows promising results in treating Leishmania parasites. The treatment is highly effective, requires fewer oral doses, and is non-toxic to mammal cells.
A new study reconstructs pre-Columbian diets in the Brazilian Amazon, revealing that terrestrial plants and animals were main sources of caloric intake. Fish was not the primary source of protein, contradicting previous assumptions.
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found that social isolation exacerbates hyperactivity, anxiety, and asymmetric brain atrophy in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Isolation also affects fine motor skills and emotional patterns, highlighting the need for personalized interventions.
A new study reveals that rapid ocean warming and acidification will exacerbate negative effects on planktonic communities, including reduced productivity and calcification. Researchers found that calcifying phytoplankton, such as coccolithophores, are particularly vulnerable to these changes.
Researchers discovered a cat named Negrito became infected with SARS-CoV-2 after exposure to its owner, who had COVID-19. The study found that Negrito developed antibodies against the virus, suggesting an immune response was triggered.
A new dynamic mathematical model developed by researchers from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona has shown that it can accurately predict the probability of mortality and survival of small species under heat stress. The study's findings suggest that the current standard model subestimates species' vulnerability to climate warming a...
Research finds microplastics in deep-sea shrimp do not affect their health, despite high concentrations. The study suggests that shrimp can eliminate ingested fibers through exoskeleton shedding.
A new nanoconjugate has been developed to target and kill acute myeloid leukemia tumor cells without harming healthy ones. The nanoparticle is specifically designed to bind to the CXCR4 receptor, which is overexpressed in leukemic cells, and deliver a potent toxin that kills the cancer cells.
Researchers discovered a clonal group of S. maltophilia strains with increased biofilm formation and colistin resistance, featuring new virulence factors. The study highlights the role of quorum sensing in pathogenicity and persistence.
Researchers have identified a new strategy to tackle cancer by inducing toxic autophagy in tumor cells, resulting in cell destruction. The antitumor drug ABTL0812 has been shown to manipulate dihydroceramides, a group of cellular lipids, causing stress and ultimately leading to cancer cell death.