The new diagnostic tool, 3D-DXA, complements DXA with computational and statistical systems to estimate mineral density and obtain detailed three-dimensional images. This method has the potential to improve diagnoses and detect up to 50% more patients at high risk of femur fracture.
A new computational biology tool has analyzed the complex biological networks of multiple sclerosis patients, revealing relationships between genes, proteins, cells, brain function, and behavior. The study identified correlations between protein MK03 and immune system cell counts, retinal nerve fiber thickness, and gait test results.
Researchers found that intradermal administration of the JYNNEOS smallpox vaccine induces an efficient immune response, protecting people living with HIV from contracting the monkeypox virus. Individuals with low CD4 T cell levels require a booster dose to compensate for their immunosuppressed status.
Researchers at Pompeu Fabra University have successfully engineered Cutibacterium acnes to secrete and produce NGAL protein, which reduces sebum production. This breakthrough could lead to novel treatments for acne and other skin diseases using living therapeutics.
A recent study reveals that the Denisovan genetic variant affects zinc regulation and may have provided an evolutionary advantage for our ancestors' adaptation to the cold. This variation has been associated with a greater predisposition to mental health disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety-related conditions.
A study proposes a therapy to reverse memory deficits in mice exposed to alcohol during pregnancy and lactation, identifying the neurobiological mechanism responsible. The treatment involves pioglitazone, which stimulates PPAR receptors, alleviating cognitive memory deficits in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Toddlers use natural logical thinking from 19 months old to deal with uncertainties and learn language. They employ the exclusion strategy to eliminate alternatives, ruling out impossible options to reach a conclusion.
The eTRANSAFE project has integrated data from over 10,000 pharmacological studies to predict drug safety. The project's machine learning application, Flame, can analyze preclinical and clinical studies to identify potential side effects.
A study found that local clock function in each tissue is not enough for whole-body glucose metabolism but requires signals from feeding and fasting cycles. Combining clocks with feeding-fasting cycles improved glucose regulation and restored metabolic control.
Researchers analyzed 800 primate genomes to identify disease-causing mutations and provide insights into primate evolution, biodiversity conservation, and human uniqueness. The study highlights the importance of primate genetics in understanding human diseases.
Researchers used magnetoencephalography to demonstrate that turbulence facilitates efficient spatiotemporal information transfer in the brain, enabling it to survive and thrive. This finding has implications for building biomarkers for disease and improving our understanding of brain dynamics.
A study in Barcelona finds low temperatures increase the risk of sickness absence, particularly for women, young people, and those working in indoor spaces. Sickness absences tend to last between two to six days after a period of low temperatures.
A novel HIV restriction factor, Schlafen 12, has been identified as a key player in latent virus survival. This finding opens the possibility of designing new therapeutic strategies against HIV by blocking its antiviral functions.
A study in Barcelona found that low temperatures increase sickness absence risk due to infectious and respiratory diseases. Women, young people, and those working in services sectors with non-manual tasks in indoor spaces are most affected. Sickness absences can last from two to six days after exposure to cold weather.
Researchers at UPF explored brain activation during deductive reasoning triggered by watching visual scenes, providing insight into thought format and structure. The study found similarities in brain regions activated for verbal and non-verbal tasks, highlighting the vital role of prefrontal and parietal networks.
A recent study by UPF's BCN MedTech defines a computational model that simulates protein interactions to pinpoint osteoarthritis causes in each patient. This model enables personalized and efficient treatments, which are currently challenging due to the disease's multifactorial origin.
Researchers have identified 238 genes that regulate Alzheimer's disease, including Surf4, which contributes to the disease by altering the regulation of calcium within the cell. The study found that most of these genes are involved in mitochondrial activity, protein translation and intracellular calcium regulation.
Researchers have discovered a genetic variant that helps Amazonian populations resist Chagas infection, a parasite that affects approximately 6 million people in Latin America. The PPP3CA gene variant reduces the risk of infection by the Chagas pathogen and is expressed in heart tissue and immune cells.
Researchers at UPF's Center for Brain and Cognition have made significant contributions to advancing brain-computer interface technology. By analyzing the synchronization of alpha band levels between brain regions, they were able to identify lateralized patterns that can be used to control devices in real-time.
Researchers from UPF's CaSEs research group have developed sustainable agricultural strategies using traditional small-scale rainfed agriculture for drought-tolerant crops like finger millet and sorghum. The study provides novel information on the intersection of traditional ecological knowledge and academic knowledge.
Researchers from the Infection Biology Laboratory have identified XCR1+ cross-presenting dendritic cells as crucial for reactivating exhausted lymphocytes and controlling chronic viral infections. The study suggests that these dendritic cells can be a promising therapeutic target to improve virus control.
The study shows that watching movies engages necessary brain circuitry for pleasure and motivation, temporarily freeing the mind from stress and problem-solving. This provides new insights into complex changes in brain hierarchy, with potential applications in understanding neuropsychiatric disorders.
A team of researchers identified senescent cells as a major obstacle to muscle regeneration, which can be overcome genetically or pharmacologically. Neutralizing these cells improves tissue repair in both young and elderly individuals.
The MAX-R project, coordinated by UPF, aims to develop top-quality extended reality technologies on a large scale. The project will drive the progress of virtual production technology and boost the extended reality ecosystem.
A team of scientists has discovered how cancer cells adapt to high viscosity environments, improving their invasiveness and favoring metastases. Cancer cells exploit ion transport systems to move more efficiently, while high viscosity actually promotes their migration and lung colonization.
Researchers found that spores use stored electrochemical energy to determine favorable conditions, even when signals are weak. They discovered a mechanism known as integrate-and-fire, which allows spores to process small inputs and make decisions about their environment without waking up.
Researchers created a 3D brain atlas to study neuronal differentiation and growth in vertebrates. The atlas allows visualization and quantification of parameters that couldn't be seen before, revealing the relationship between birth time and place and neuron position in the tissue.
Researchers found that modulating the endocannabinoid system improved symptoms of Williams-Beuren syndrome, including hypersociability, cognitive deficit, and hypertension. The study used a mouse model and administered an experimental drug to increase endogenous levels of endocannabinoids.
UPF researchers used the principles of the second law of thermodynamics to understand and model different brain states. By quantifying the hierarchy of brain function, they developed a robust biomarker that distinguishes between conscious and unconscious states.
Research shows that exiled rulers can destabilize politics in their home states through direct and indirect mechanisms, increasing the risk of violence and political instability. The study argues that granting a safe haven to exiled leaders can be a short-term solution but a longer-term problem.
Researchers have discovered that viruses modify the host's translation machinery to optimize protein production. The chikungunya virus genome is enriched in non-optimal triplets, yet it expresses viral proteins efficiently. Viral infection induces a change of language in the cell, enabling efficient expression of viral proteins.
A new study by UPF's Neuronal Dynamics Research Group elucidated the mechanisms that regulate the balance between neurons and stem cells during brain formation. The study found that Notch signalling pathway triggers asymmetric cell divisions, allowing rhombomeric boundary cells to form neurons while maintaining stem cells.
A recent study by Universitat Pompeu Fabra researchers found that higher levels of mechanization in armed forces decrease the likelihood of coups d'état. However, this increased reliance on tanks and armored vehicles can also hinder coordination and increase execution costs, deterring potential conspirators.
Researchers have developed a strategy to modulate the composition of C. acnes strains by using bacteriophages, reducing pathogenic strains while preserving beneficial ones. This approach aims to treat acne without altering its equilibrium.
Researchers analyze weekly markets in Catalonia to highlight the cultural significance of vendors' pitches and their role in promoting diversity and spontaneity. The study shows that such practices can be a form of intangible cultural heritage, attracting customers who value uniqueness.
Researchers propose a new method to differentiate signals from the epileptic focus from those recorded in other parts of the brain. The technique shows that focal signals are more synchronized than non-focal signals, and phase irregularity can be used to identify epilepsy-induced features.
An international research team has created the largest and most detailed genomic diversity atlas of wild chimpanzees, revealing their evolutionary history and genetic diversity. The study sheds light on demographic past, genetic differentiation, and exchanges between subspecies, providing valuable insights for conservation.
Researchers have developed a computational model to understand the regulation of proteins by chondrocytes, which may help find new treatments for osteoarthritis. The model takes into account both synthesis and degradation processes, allowing for more accurate predictions of treatment results.
Generation Solar co-creates an open database of photovoltaic installations to address the lack of information on solar installations. Citizens can register their installations and share data to contribute to research and innovation in solar energy.
Researchers found that elevated plasma levels of proline and a diet rich in this amino acid are associated with severe depression. The study also discovered a link between microbiota alterations and proline metabolism impacting depressive mood.
A team of researchers identified common epigenetic mechanisms related to food addiction in rodents and humans. The study found that microRNAs affected in the mouse brain were also altered in people's plasma, providing a potential biomarker for early diagnosis.
A study published in Animal Cognition found that laboratory rats can recognize familiar melodies despite changes in pitch, tempo, and timbre, suggesting pre-existing abilities in other species. The research suggests that humans process music by perceiving musical structures relative to surface features.
A research team identified the invasive Asian needle ant species (Brachyponera chinensis) in Europe, expanding its area of distribution. The discovery raises concerns about potential negative effects on native ant communities and ecosystems.
The series Euphoria represents trans characters in a multidimensional and realistic way, depicting Jules as a teenager with a life beyond her trans identity. The study shows that the series normalizes and makes trans characters feel everyday, reducing negative stereotypes.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe found that individuals with more Caudovirales in their gut microbiota performed better at executive processes and verbal memory, while those with higher levels of Microviridae deteriorated in brain's executive abilities. Dairy products may be a possible means of acquiring Caudovirales.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that as children grow older, they use more non-referential gestures in their narratives, which do not visually represent the content of what they are saying. This indicates a greater ability to structure discourse and suggests progress in cognitive development.
A genetic database has been created in El Salvador to help identify missing persons and victims of the country's civil war. The database, which includes 400 individuals, uses advanced sequencing technologies to assess genetic relationships between remains and relatives.
A new study by researchers at the Center for Research in Occupational Health found that people who have taken sick leave due to cancer are more likely to struggle with returning to work. The study also highlights the impact of cancer and its treatment on long-term employment, with men facing greater challenges than women.
A study published by Dr. Laura Aymerich-Franch and Iliana Ferrer found that using a virtual coach via voice assistant improved participants' psychological well-being and life satisfaction. The virtual coach guided users to set goals, visualize success, and implement positive change.
Researchers have developed a new methodology combining in vitro experiments with mathematical and computational methods to understand complex regulations in intervertebral discs. This approach aims to slow down or deactivate degenerative processes, increasing understanding of lower back pain treatment options.