A new study projects that South Korea's suicide deaths may shift towards never-married men with tertiary education as higher education becomes more common. The study highlights the importance of considering demographic change in suicide prevention strategies.
A study by Universitat Pompeu Fabra found that Instagram comments associate breastfeeding with the ideal of good motherhood, fostering guilt among women who cannot breastfeed. The research highlights the tension between idealized representation and everyday reality, revealing a need for critical awareness and empowerment.
A study by Pompeu Fabra University, ONT, and Vall d'Hebron Hospital reveals that public investment in liver transplants not only improves patient survival but also generates a positive social and economic return. The study estimates that liver transplant patients contribute over 100 million euros to the Spanish economy annually.
A recent study reveals that mosquitoes harbor viruses without killing them due to translational repression, allowing for efficient transmission. The virus takes a moderate approach in mosquito cells, limiting protein production to avoid overloading the host cell.
Research in zebrafish shows that altered presence of neural microexons leads to hyperarousal, insomnia, and stress-like behavior. The study suggests that this mechanism could be conserved in humans and may contribute to symptoms of disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
An international team published a white paper on embryonic models based on stem cells, proposing guidelines for research and regulation. These models can mimic early human development stages, potentially aiding in understanding infertility conditions.
Pompeu Fabra University has awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to Helga Nowotny and Maria Leptin for their contributions to consolidating a European research model. The award highlights the importance of fundamental research, interdisciplinarity, and scientific independence in achieving European values.
A study by UPF found that AI-generated images of depression reinforce stereotypes and stigmas, particularly in terms of marginalization and social exclusion. The research highlights the need for responsible mental health communication, emphasizing the importance of considering diverse experiences and promoting transparency around AI use.
Researchers analyzed brain interactions to explain attention, decision-making, and memory. Models with competitive interactions outperform cooperative ones, enabling flexible activation of regions and intelligent behavior. This breakthrough brings us closer to creating realistic digital twins of the human brain for personalized medicine.
A recent study by Pompeu Fabra University reveals that socioeconomic conditions significantly impact young people's ability to detect algorithmically personalized advertising. The study finds that lower socioeconomic status is linked to decreased critical capacity, exacerbating structural inequalities.
Coronaviruses modify cellular machinery to produce viral proteins and spread rapidly. A study found that infection causes stress-induced changes in tRNAs, allowing coronaviruses to speed up protein production without generating new machinery. The modification of tRNAs is a promising candidate for developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.
Researchers from UPF and 3D-Shaper Medical developed a new computational system to predict and prevent the risk of hip fracture among people with osteoporosis. The system, which simulates the functioning of hip bone tissue using 3D images and finite elements modeling, has been shown to be a robust alternative to current clinical methods.
Pompeu Fabra University has awarded Philippe Sands an honorary doctorate for his significant contributions to international law, human rights, and environmental protection. Sands is recognized for his academic work and advocacy on issues such as ecocide, climate change, and genocide prevention.
The book provides a sense of great expectations for whole-brain models to understand emergence of computation that makes us human and allows us to thrive. It presents different model-free methods to describe brain states with varying degrees of accuracy, allowing for the underlying causal mechanisms to be discovered.
A study published in PNAS reveals that Sudanese Copts have acquired a genetic variant that protects them from contracting malaria after mixing with other Sudanese populations. The acquisition of this variant took place over 1,500 years and has led to an evolutionary adaptation to the disease.
Researchers have discovered the ExHOS nanomachine, which controls constitutive exocytosis by delivering spherical molecular packages to the cell surface. This process is essential for preserving cell fitness and vital functions such as communication and growth.
Researchers have developed a new computational model that can analyze factors affecting the success of device installation and patient evolution. The model enables precise calculation of anticoagulant doses needed post-operation, reducing risk and improving safety for patients with atrial fibrillation.
Scientists have discovered that studying 7% of the bone mass can accurately predict whether a woman with osteoporosis will suffer a hip fracture. The new computational model has an accuracy rate of 95%, allowing for personalized treatments tailored to specific areas of need.
The study found that abortions in Spain fell by around 24% during the two months of strict lockdown due to COVID-19, mainly due to a decrease in unwanted pregnancies among single women. The number of abortions remained low even after the lockdown ended and did not differ between cohabiting and single women.
A pioneering study by UPF found that lower-class young people, especially boys, receive twice as many ads about risky financial products as their upper-class peers. The study also reveals marked gender differences in online advertising, with girls receiving more fashion and beauty ads than boys.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that long-term pharmacological treatment improves memory alterations and inflammation in mice models for Down syndrome. The treatment targets the CB1 receptor, which is involved in neuronal connections and memory, and shows positive results even when age-related neurodegeneration is added.
A study involving UPF analyses found that people without a romantic partner are more likely to revise their fertility desires downwards, especially from wanting children to unsure. This shift appeared soon after individuals became unpartnered, suggesting the importance of romantic relationships in shaping fertility desires.
A study by UPF analyzed 6 million news-related URLs from US media shared on Facebook between 2017 and 2020. The research found that algorithm changes and user behavior contributed to the spread of biased or fake news, exacerbating ideological polarization.
The VICT3R project is expanding its consortium by adding new beneficiaries and organisations, increasing the project budget to €30 million. This expansion reinforces the mission to transform safety assessment in drug and chemical development, reducing reliance on laboratory animals.
A longitudinal study of over 700 university students found that stress sensitivity increases the frequency, intensity, and variability of suicidal thoughts. Stress sensitivity was also found to intensify the frequency and variability of suicidal thoughts among students with intense, frequent, and persistent ideation.
Research by UPF reveals that people with Arabic and Chinese names receive fewer positive responses as buyers but are not rejected as sellers. They should offer up to 3% more to be treated equally. In contrast, minority sellers do not suffer significant discrimination.
Researchers designed and lab-validated synthetic proteins using generative AI tools, outperforming natural proteins in editing the human genome. The study's findings have significant implications for improving gene editing tools and developing new therapies for cancer and rare diseases.
Scientists develop novel experimental screening method to identify highly selective peptides with high therapeutic potential, enabling precise recognition of proteins involved in cancer and diabetes. The technique uses biologically- and chemically-modified bacteriophages to screen up to 1 billion peptides simultaneously.
A recent study from Spain aims to develop inclusive medical AI applications by overcoming binary logics and including the needs of trans people. The research team, led by Nataly Buslon Valdez, collaborated with PRISMA association to design AI apps that promote personalized treatments tailored to individual needs.
Researchers have identified 48 previously unknown bacterial species in the indri's microbiome, which is largely established through transmission between members of the same social group. This finding has significant implications for preserving the species' habitat and preventing extinction.
A study by Udelar and UPF found that noise pollution generated by human activity can be a significant stressor for Antarctic fauna. The researchers recorded sounds on Ardley Island and concluded that the power generator altered the island's soundscape, potentially affecting animal behavior and welfare.
A pioneering study by UPF reveals that ChatGPT helps Chinese students solve vocabulary, writing, and reading comprehension queries. However, its use often lacks a coherent learning process and fails to encourage critical thinking, highlighting the need for teachers to guide students in using AI tools effectively.
Scientists at UPF and the Royal Veterinary College have generated 3D reconstructions of cat hearts to analyze thrombi formation. The study reveals a similar risk pattern between cats and humans, highlighting the importance of heart morphology in blood clotting.
Researchers found no substantial relationship between sovereignty referendum outcomes and subsequent election results, despite some nuanced effects on party positions. Winning anti-EU referendums led to less Euroscepticism among victorious formations.
Researchers have identified differences in neural connectivity patterns between patients with recovered and persistent psychosis. These differences enable the development of new intervention strategies for patients with psychosis, according to a study published in Nature Mental Health.
A study by UPF examines the emergence of Chinese students translating Hispanic songs, including reggaeton, into Chinese on music streaming platforms. The researchers analyzed two non-professional translators' work and found that they use intercultural mediation strategies to make Spanish culture more accessible to a Chinese audience.
A study by UPF and UOC found that girls who use Instagram and TikTok have a more negative perception of the impact on their psychological well-being than boys. Girls tend to feel more observed and pressured by their outward image and require more external positive feedback.
Researchers created a computational simulator to model the biochemical processes of intervertebral discs, allowing for better understanding of back pain causes. The simulator enables simulating 33 proteins and their interactions, providing valuable insights into disc degeneration.
A new model of brain computational analysis, called CHARM, reveals that the human brain can surpass machines in critical decision-making. The CHARM model applies quantum mechanics to analyze long-distance brain connections, enabling precise modeling of the brain's dynamics.
A recent neuroscientific study by UPF and Oxford reveals that long-range connections between brain regions are scarce but play a fundamental role in explaining brain dynamics. These rare connections serve to transmit information more quickly and directly, yielding optimal and efficient information processing.
A recent study by UPF and UOC found that over half of young Spaniards spend more than an hour a day on TikTok, with girls exceeding the risk threshold for mental health problems. The app's passive consumption features and traditional gender roles in content preferences contribute to this issue.
The VICT3R project, led by UPF, uses data from pharmaceutical industry and AI to create virtual control groups for preclinical drug safety studies. The initiative aims to reduce animal usage by up to 25% and contribute to the 3Rs of animal testing.
A study using genomic data and artificial intelligence has revealed that the Imazighen and Arab populations of North Africa have distinct genetic origins. The research found that these two populations separated more than 20,000 years ago, shedding light on the region's complex demographic history.
The study identified RNF144B as a tumour suppressor that prevents genomic instability, but low expression leads to poor prognosis and treatment resistance in lung adenocarcinoma. The research suggests that even non-mutated genes like RNF144B can have a significant impact on cancer development.
A study led by UPF describes the mechanism behind insulinoma formation, a rare type of pancreatic beta cell tumor. The research reveals that a change in the epigenetic pattern of beta cells leads to the accumulation of mutations and excessive insulin production.
Researchers found that the angle at which pulmonary veins reach the left atrial appendage affects blood flow and thrombus formation. The study used a sample of 130 patients to investigate the relationship between pulmonary vein morphology and thrombi risk in atrial fibrillation patients.
A study led by BCNatal and UPF found that growth-restricted fetuses have differences in lung vascular resistance, which can be normalized with extra oxygen. The research uses artificial intelligence techniques to analyze fetal blood flow and predicts the development of respiratory health problems later in life.
The study provides a detailed understanding of the progression of sarcopenia and frailty in older adults. Researchers identified key elements that predict susceptibility to sarcopenia, including changes in type 2 muscle fibers and cell metabolism.
A study by UPF found that six-month-old babies can predict the actions of people who speak their native language, but not those who speak an unfamiliar language. This suggests that infants' ability to predict others' behavior is linked to the language they speak and may be influenced by social factors.
A new neuroscientific paradigm, the synergistic model, allows better understanding of brain-body-environment interactions. This framework enables more accurate personalized diagnoses and treatments of brain diseases.