A study led by Alice Cravotta examined the impact of restricting hand gestures on speech. The researchers found that gesturing did not affect the fluency or acoustic characteristics of speech, but participants produced speech with different prosodic features when gesture production was prevented.
Research by Jesús Bas and colleagues found that smaller groups are perceived as leaders in decision-making tasks, but larger groups are seen as more powerful and controlling when it comes to resources. Children's perceptions of social status also vary with age and group size.
Researchers have developed Find Cut-and-Transfer (FiCAT) technology, a tool capable of accurately writing small and large genes. FiCAT allows precise insertion of large fragments into the genome, enabling development of therapeutic solutions for diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy and hereditary blindness.
Researchers from the Oxidative Stress and Cell Cycle Research Group at UPF have discovered a mechanism by which cells stop their polarized growth when under stress conditions. The study, published in Cell Reports, found that the MAP kinase Sty1 pathway deregulates the equilibrium between Cdc42 activators and inhibitors.
A study proposes a new conceptualization framework to characterize music in terms of emotions, enabling better-adapted models for people's characteristics. The research aims to combat the problem of subjectivity and cultural differences in emotion recognition.
Researchers at Universitat Pompeu Fabra have identified the role of the mechanosensitive Piezo1 ion channel in controlling cell division. The study found that this channel generates a calcium signal that promotes the recruitment of proteins to facilitate cytokinesis, the separation of cells into daughter cells.
A mathematical model has been developed to better understand the immune response to vaccines, which could improve vaccine design and simplify technical challenges. The model shows that antibodies and cytotoxic T cells cooperate multiplicatively, providing vaccine developers with options for their design.
Researchers found that blood flow simulation analysis can identify device-related thrombosis risks in left atrial appendage occluders. Personalized simulations before and after operation may improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have identified a rapid mechanism for muscle repair that relies on the rearrangement of muscle fibre nuclei and does not involve stem cells. This process allows for efficient protection against minor lesions, paving the way for a deeper understanding of muscle biology, physiology, and disease.
A comparative genomic study of 57 mammal species identified over 2,000 new genes linked to longevity in humans. These genes are involved in DNA repair, coagulation and inflammatory response mechanisms, and codify more stable proteins in longer-living species.
Researchers used computational fluid dynamics and deep learning to predict the risk of cerebrovascular thrombosis in patients with heart disease. The study developed a model that analyzes the morphology of the left atrial appendage, identifying key characteristics associated with thrombotic risk.
Researchers uncovered evidence of wild plant resources used to diversify the diet and supplement domestic staples, including tuberous plants and millet seeds. The analysis also revealed complex processing strategies and seasonal life cycles for these plants.
Researchers found that strategic public selection and training are key to successful citizen science projects. The study highlights the importance of reproducibility and integration of essential elements such as participant contribution and assessment.
A team of researchers has developed an AI system that can detect COVID-19 through automatic cough analysis. The system uses spectrogram features and demonstrates improved accuracy when incorporating gender information, which is found to be a significant factor in distinguishing between male and female coughs.
The study analyzed two million parliamentary speeches in the UK and Ireland, finding that politicians use emotive language more in high-profile debates like PMQs to attract a wider audience. In low-profile debates, emotional rhetoric is less pronounced as politicians mostly address colleagues.
Researchers at UPF BMAT and Music Technology Group develop AI algorithm to determine audible music on TV productions, helping distribute copyright fairly and efficiently. The LoudSense project aims to provide an innovative service to the international music industry.
A study found that beat gestures produced by infants between 14 and 58 months predict improvements in their oral narrative skills at later ages. The researchers analyzed speech and gesture production in 45 children, comparing the predictive value of beat gestures to other types of gestures.
Researchers analyzed epigenomic signals in human and primate cell lines, revealing weak signals linked to brain functions. The findings provide insights into the evolution of human biology and offer a new model for studying regulatory elements.
The project aims to investigate the factors that explain links between technological progress, technology diffusion, and market results. It will also analyze the impact of government policies on private investment and long-term growth.
Researchers led by Stefano Biagetti used portable X-ray fluorescence analysis to analyze anthropogenic sediments in Botswana, detecting patterns of livestock use, middens, and workshop areas. The non-invasive technique provides unprecedented insights into ancient settlement functions, confirming the potential for future archaeological ...
Researchers have developed a new communication design that improves broadband wireless connectivity in the terahertz band, mitigating signal delay and achieving multi-Gbps speeds over short distances. The design uses multiple antennas and beamforming techniques to compensate for propagation losses and accurately estimate channels.
A team of scientists from Pompeu Fabra University has developed a peptide that allows delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to fight pain in mice without cognitive side effects. The peptide, which interrupts the interaction between THC and serotonin receptors, improves memory capacity while providing analgesia.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm that can accurately identify the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) from photographs sent by Mosquito Alert users. The algorithm correctly classified 96% of images, providing near-real-time detection and enabling faster control of disease transmission.
A study by UPF researchers finds that households with financial difficulties experience tension between social context and inherited values. Women's satisfaction is linked to their position within the private sphere, while men's satisfaction depends on their individual contribution to the family budget.
Researchers have developed a new, high-power short-duration (HPSD) protocol for treating cardiac arrhythmias using radiofrequency energy and catheterization. The study shows this protocol is more effective than conventional ones in achieving shallower but extensive lesions, minimizing clinical complications.
A recent study analyzes the influence of Greta Thunberg's global discourse on local movements like Barcelona's Fridays for Future. The research reveals how her personal story and social media posts create a collective action framework that resonates with locals, resulting in increased impact on social networks.
A recent study by Jordi Gumà and Bruno Arpino explores the association between subjective life satisfaction and gender roles in providing financial resources and performing domestic chores among partnered Spanish adults. The researchers found that households with financial difficulties experience a significant impact on individual well...
A study by researchers from the Music Technology research group found that a widely used music recommendation algorithm is biased towards male artists, resulting in less exposure for female artists. The algorithm's ranking system perpetuates this bias, with female artist recommendations often appearing later in the list.
A study examining nuclear waste reporting in Finland's Helsingin Sanomat and France's Le Monde found distinct cultural, political, and media traditions influencing their approaches. Helsingin Sanomat tends to reproduce government framings, while Le Monde prioritizes independent criticism.
A recent study found that artificial neural networks develop spontaneous systems to name colours, adopting similar behaviours to humans. The researchers identified a universal property of optimizing complexity/accuracy trade-offs in discrete communication systems.
The Planetary Wellbeing initiative defines concept of wellbeing for human and non-human beings, emphasizing close collaboration between science, humanities, and culture. UPF is launching a strategic agenda to tackle planetary challenges, including climate change, through research, teaching, and knowledge transfer.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals how cognitive control and sensory information relate to cortical machinery. Researchers found that signal propagation between cortical areas V1 and V4 is modulated by attention, challenging previous theories about parallel processing flows.
A Spanish study led by María José González found that homosexual men suffer from wage disadvantages compared to heterosexuals, even after controlling for sociodemographic differences. In contrast, partnered lesbians tend to earn more due to their socio-occupational profile.
The study confirms Basques' genetic uniqueness is the result of continuous isolation and scarce gene flow since the Iron Age. The language barrier promoted population separation from subsequent interactions.
A team of researchers from Pompeu Fabra University has developed a new technology to print cellular devices on paper that can be used outside the laboratory. These devices can detect multiple markers and generate complex responses, making them useful for applications such as detecting mercury, cholera, or preeclampsia.
A study by Jordi Gumà and Jeroen Spijker finds that partner characteristics, especially education level, significantly affect the health of Spanish women aged 65+, whereas men's health is less sensitive to their partner's status. Traditional gender roles in Spain also play a role in this phenomenon.
A recent study found that biases arise from unconscious tendencies towards certain decisions, affecting wellbeing. The research used mathematical models and neural recordings in primates to understand how biases are formed, revealing two types of bias: slow and fast, which can be difficult to eradicate.
Researchers found that animals learn to recognize nonsense words with a natural prosodic contour, but struggle with flat contours. This suggests that general principles of language evolution are inherited from other species.
A new study reveals that unstable working life patterns in young people are associated with poorer future mental health. The study found that those with a stable working life had fewer days absent due to mental disorders over three years.
The Astra project aims to develop a realistic simulation technology using Unreal video game engine and Magic Leap augmented reality glasses. The system will focus on twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) training, using live surgery recordings and deep learning networks to create a natural environment for surgeons.
Researchers found that women's likelihood of winning a party leadership contest in primaries is significantly lower than males, even after controlling for other factors. The study suggests that the system prioritizes 'inclusion' over 'representation', disadvantageing women.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports estimated that COVID-19 has caused a total of 20,507,518 years of life lost globally. The research found that this number is significantly higher than the average years of life lost due to seasonal flu or heart disease.
A study by Jesús Bas and Núria Sebastián found that children recognize power and social hierarchies at a young age, with older children (18 months) exhibiting surprise when the person who yielded control sat in the chair. This suggests that children can infer social status without witnessing physical dominance.
A research project led by Albert Banal-Estanol and Massimo Motta aims to analyze the factors that determine a company's market power and their impact on consumers. The study also explores regulatory interventions in areas of consumer protection, product safety, and digital markets.
The study analyzed tweets of 186 users taking antidepressant medication, revealing increased activity and positive emotions during treatment. Users posted longer messages with more interactions and fewer messages at night.
A recent study found that Google Scholar systematically relegates non-English language documents to invisible positions, even among quality articles with hundreds of citations. This bias can have detrimental effects on researchers from non-English speaking countries, leading them to believe there is no literature in their native language.
A new algorithm uses artificial intelligence to automate electrocardiogram recordings, improving efficiency and accuracy in heart disease diagnosis. This innovation has the potential to streamline clinical workflows and enhance patient care.
The study presents a model to study intervertebral disc degeneration using experimental knowledge and network modelling solutions. The in-silico model predicts risk factors such as metabolic problems and deregulation of the inflammatory system that can affect the nutrition and functionality of the disc cells.
Researchers used synthetic biology to develop a genetic design that reproduces key processes in natural systems, such as symmetry breakage observed in embryos. The new platform can generate spatial patterns seen in more complex animals like Drosophila melanogaster and humans.
A recent study by Toni Rodon and Marc Guinjoan found that police violence at polling stations reduced local turnout, but spurred higher participation in surrounding municipalities. The researchers also discovered a 'universal census' law allowed voters to cast ballots anywhere, contributing to the increase in nearby votes.