Women with prenatal depression may experience disrupted cortisol circadian rhythms, which could impact fetal development and pregnancy outcomes. Elevated nocturnal cortisol levels have been linked to higher rates of preterm birth and lower birth weight.
Aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by decreasing the size of lipid droplets in liver cells. This process is mediated by mitofusin 2, a protein that regulates communication between lipid droplets and mitochondria.
Researchers found that growing fallow lands helps stabilize the population of the little bustard in Catalonia by providing food and shelter. To effectively conserve the species, measures such as reducing adult mortality and addressing power line collisions must also be implemented.
Invasive plants can form persistent seed banks that remain under the soil for years, making eradication impossible. Human activities such as gardening and urban planning fragment natural habitats, facilitating the introduction of new species that adapt to human-modified spaces.
Researchers have discovered that a specific immune receptor, CD300f, plays a crucial role in determining the onset of age-related pathologies, including cognitive decline and premature aging. The study found that mice lacking this receptor developed accelerated aging and related disorders, particularly in females.
A Mediterranean diet has been found to reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults, according to a new study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. The study, which involved over 840 participants aged 65+, reveals that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is inversely associated with long-term cognitive decline.
A molecular trap prevents toxic Poly-GR dipeptide compounds from causing harm to neurons, reducing death in ALS patients and animal models. The study demonstrates promising results for protecting neurons from abnormal proteins generated in other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found artificial turf fibers in most marine and river samples, with concentrations up to 50 times higher on surface waters. The study highlights the serious environmental impact of these fibers, including blockage of intestinal tracts and decrease in growth rates in aquatic animals.
Researchers at UB discover that neuron-derived extracellular vesicles regulate synaptic plasticity and neuronal signalling pathways in neurodegenerative diseases. The study suggests using these vesicles as a potential treatment to reverse neurodegenerative traits.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism of blindness caused by the lack of CERKL gene, leading to permanent retinal stress and cell death. This discovery opens the door to future treatments based on precision medicine.
A University of Barcelona team has identified 25 new viruses in Barcelona's wastewaters, including the crAssBcn phage, which is specific to human intestinal tract bacteria. The discovery expands the global map of Crassvirales viruses and suggests they may play a regulatory role in human intestinal microbiota.
A team of astrophysicists used simulations to track the motion and evolution of stars in the Hyades cluster, finding that two or three black holes could be present at its center. The study suggests these black holes are still inside the cluster or very close to it, making them the closest ever detected.
Researchers at the University of Barcelona have discovered a new therapeutic target, RNF41 protein, which plays a crucial role in controlling chronic liver disease. The study found that enhancing RNF41 expression in macrophages can reduce fibrosis and liver inflammation, leading to improved liver regeneration.
A study by University of Barcelona found that poorer districts in Barcelona were more likely to close schools during the pandemic, exacerbating existing health inequities. The researchers stress the importance of considering socioeconomic inequalities when designing public policies to prevent future pandemics.
Researchers discovered that coniferous forests spread across the planet during the Cretaceous period, allowing for high resin production and creating conditions suitable for mass formation of amber deposits. The study sheds new light on Earth's history, revealing insights into ancient ecosystems dominated by flowering plants.
A recent review article highlights how metformin increases miRNA let-7 levels in the liver, reducing hepatic glucose production. Additionally, it activates glucose conversion to lactate and acetate in the intestine, establishing a crosstalk between gut and liver that contributes to its antidiabetic effects.
The study found that fiber straightness is a potential biomarker for diagnosing non-small cell lung cancer, while density is a poor prognostic indicator. The researchers also discovered abnormal stiffening of tissues in tumor samples, which may be related to immune system response and tumor progression.
Researchers tracked Egyptian vultures with GPS transmitters, showing differences in food strategies between breeding and non-breeding individuals. Closing landfills may lead to scarcity of resources for these birds, prompting calls for conservation efforts that support extensive livestock farming.
For the first time, researchers reveal that gold nanoparticles can melt and produce gold nanomelts at temperatures lower than macroscopic gold. This discovery opens a new debate on traditional models for gold transport in nature.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience has identified new alterations in neural circuits in mice models of Huntington's disease, significantly impacting its lives. The research found that the M2 cortex sends axonal projections to the superior colliculus, which are deeply impaired and linked to disease symptomatology.
A team of scientists has developed an ex vivo gene therapy approach to treat obesity and diabetes in mice by implanting cells expressing the CPT1AM protein, which plays a key role in metabolic diseases. The study shows promising results, reducing weight, fatty liver, cholesterol, and glucose levels in obese mice.
A global study maps marine habitat-forming species' genetic diversity, revealing key regions and threats to conservation. The study highlights the need to protect genetic diversity in marine protected areas, which currently fail to preserve this essential component of biodiversity.
During the Younger Dryas, Mediterranean water flow to the Atlantic doubled due to increased salt input from the Mediterranean into Atlantic waters. This led to rapid warming in Europe and the Mediterranean, marking the beginning of the Holocene.
Researchers found that AI-generated algorithms neglect non-European populations, leading to lower diagnostic accuracy. Studies revealed facial dysmorphologies specific to each syndrome and population variation. Developing unbiased predictive models is crucial for effective diagnosis across all human populations.
A study published in Current Biology reveals that the hippocampus uses a specific neural mechanism to alternate between forming new memories and retrieving existing ones. The researchers found that gamma oscillations are coupled to theta waves, with different frequencies associated with encoding and retrieval processes.
A study published by the University of Barcelona found that problem-solving abilities are linked to social exclusion. Dromedaries and goats, which are less integrated into their social groups, demonstrated greater innovation skills.
A study by the University of Barcelona found that individuals less integrated in groups and more afraid of new objects were best at solving challenges. Dromedaries and goats were among the most skilled animals, with success rates of 86% and 69%, respectively.
Researchers found that 9-month-old babies can detect non-adjacent grammatical regularities in speech when accompanied by prosody. The study used near-infrared spectroscopy to analyze brain activity and behavior, revealing that pitch signals improve learning in this age range.
A recent study in Trends in Ecology & Evolution has identified key characteristics to differentiate insect pollinators from fossil records. The researchers found that a mutualistic relationship involving insect pollination originated at least 163 million years ago, long before the emergence of flowering plants.
Researchers found that the Wt1 gene plays a key role in the development of endothelial cells during coronary vessel formation. The study's findings suggest that the deletion of this gene disrupts coronary angiogenesis and myocardium development.
A six-month study of 63 healthy young participants found significant improvements in vascular markers after consuming daily peanut products. The study suggests that peanuts' polyphenols have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.
A study published in Redox Biology found that decreased expression of mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases leads to downregulation of OXPHOS subunits in type 2 diabetic muscle. Nitric oxide production is also increased, which could be used as a method for diagnosing the disease.
A recent study published in Age and Ageing journal found that increasing fiber intake by 5g per day can lower the risk of cognitive decline in older adults with the ApoE ε4 genotype. This association was not observed in those without this genetic variant.
Researchers investigated point mutations in the androgen receptor, which affect its function and lead to diseases such as prostate cancer. The study found that these mutations deregulate posttranscriptional modifications, causing functional changes and pathologies.
Researchers developed a new tool to diagnose and assess sarcopenia using musculoskeletal ultrasound scans, which provides a muscle quality scoring system. The technique is validated with anatomical and histological samples and has potential applications in other muscle diseases and sports rehabilitation.
Researchers found no significant changes in defensive capacity of blood cells and aggregation processes after parabolic flight. The study aimed to investigate the effects of microgravity on the human immune system with short-term exposure.
A new methodology detects RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2 using polypurine hairpins that capture viral RNA and form a high-affinity triplex. The Triplex Enhanced Nucleic Acid Detection Assay (TENADA) is faster and more effective than the PCR test, providing results in under an hour.
Researchers at the University of Barcelona developed user-friendly and inexpensive methods to detect drought stress in plants, enabling effective monitoring and management. The study presents a range of accessible techniques that can be applied with basic laboratory equipment.
Researchers from the University of Barcelona have identified a new molecular mechanism that allows planarians to regenerate their bodies. The study reveals that the modulation of the Wnt pathway modifies chromatin and lets wound stem cells know the fate of the new tissue, which is crucial for regenerating heads or tails.
A study led by researchers from the University of Barcelona found that marine reserves are unlikely to restore food webs in marine ecosystems. The protection of fishing did not cause significant changes in trophic structure, but it favored the recovery of some species like the dusky grouper.
Researchers study evolution of wheat spikes from ancient Mesopotamia to understand its adaptability to different environmental conditions. The study found that awned and awnless wheat varieties exist globally, with the latter dominating arid regions.
A new study found neutralizing antibodies to TOSV and SFSV in wild quail birds, suggesting they could be the unknown reservoir of these viruses. The viruses are mosquito-borne pathogens that can infect domestic animals and cause disease in humans, with symptoms including fever, headache, and neurological signs.
A team of experts discovered a recruitment mechanism for cancer-associated fibroblasts in lung adenocarcinoma, the most frequent type of lung cancer. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments targeting these cells' migratory advantage, which contributes to tumor progression and metastasis.
Fire ants exhibit activity cycles and waves that propagate upwards in high-density conditions, driven by social attraction and collective motion. The study reveals the importance of density in determining these behaviors, which are similar to those observed in flocks of birds and schools of fish.
Researchers have successfully developed a new nanotransporter system using liposomes to deliver anticancer drugs inside cells. The study used real cell cultures and combined confocal fluorescence and atomic force microscopy techniques to analyze the interaction between liposomes and the cell membrane.
A study uses cellular reprogramming to create neural networks with unique human cell characteristics, demonstrating potential for new therapies and reduced animal experimentation. The research reveals differences in neuronal circuit behavior between human and rodent cells.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that the sharpsnout seabream's mortality during early life stages has a genetic basis. The research analyzed genomic data from recruits and survivors of the species, finding associations with birth time, sea surface temperature, and growth rate. The results suggest that genetics plays a cru...
A study in wild mice reveals that metformin's antidiabetic effects depend on the presence of GDF15, a protein that responds to cellular stress. GDF15 activates AMPK, a metabolic sensor involved in energy balance, and its levels increase with metformin treatment.
Researchers at the University of Barcelona reveal that the glucocorticoid receptor can form up to 20 different dimers, which can associate to form functional tetramers when binding to DNA. This discovery may lead to the development of more selective and less toxic drugs.
A new study published in Drones found that drones emit more noise than visual impact, causing behavioral changes in large terrestrial mammals. The Asian elephant was particularly sensitive to low-frequency sounds, highlighting the need for drone safety regulations.