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.
Researchers find that heat stress drastically reduces red coral larvae survival, while white gorgonian larvae show higher tolerance but limited dispersal. This could compromise coral populations' ability to cope with climate change.
Researchers found increased wasteosomes in the brain, a manifestation of chronic glymphatic insufficiency. The finding suggests that this condition may be associated with ageing, cardiovascular disorders, and poor sleep quality.
Researchers from University of Barcelona identify new biological indicators for assessing human impact on quality of waters in intermittent rivers. They found four groups of invertebrates with different levels of resistance to dry phases, which can be used to adapt current biomonitoring indices and establish reference conditions.
The University of Barcelona is the world-leading institution in research on liver cirrhosis, with a total of 177 published articles. Professor Pere Ginès has the top world citation index per article, highlighting the institution's scientific performance.
A team of researchers has deciphered the molecular mechanism linked to juvenile Parkinson's disease, a genetic mutation affecting the adenosine type 1 receptor gene. The mutation alters the interaction between adenosine receptors, leading to increased neuronal circuit excitability in the brain region striatum.
A study found high concentrations of microplastics in protected areas like Florida Bay, highlighting the need for effective waste management. Coastal lagoons with slow water turnover rates are particularly susceptible to microplastic pollution, posing risks to fish fauna and other organisms.
The study proposes new ways to organize magnetic molecules in two dimensions, enabling the effective application of molecular systems in devices. Researchers aim to improve the stability of organometallic monomolecular magnets and develop more efficient surface deposition processes.
A study reveals that the evolution of green lizards in the Mediterranean was shaped by biogeographical episodes of long-distance dispersal and ecological niche conservatism. The research combines high-temporal resolution models to assess the importance of dispersal and vicariance in determining historical range dynamics.
The study infers the dimensionality of complex networks using hyperbolic geometry, which captures relational structures in real-world domains. It reveals extremely low dimensions for molecular networks and higher dimensions for social networks and the Internet, with implications for network characterization and predictive capability.
The first clinical guideline on Schaaf-Yang syndrome provides comprehensive recommendations for healthcare professionals and families, outlining the effects of the truncated MAGEL2 protein on cell physiology. The guide aims to improve clinical care and empower families by offering evidence-based interventions and follow-up guidelines.
A study published in Scientific Reports found a positive correlation between polyphenol consumption and cardiovascular health in Spanish adolescents. The researchers analyzed the urine of 1,326 adolescents aged 11-14, discovering that higher urinary polyphenol excretion was associated with improved cardiovascular health.
A recent review study highlights the potential of GDF15 as a therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes, citing its beneficial effects on metabolism and weight loss. The study reveals that GDF15 can activate mechanisms to counteract processes like inflammation and insulin resistance.
A study has identified a protein complex, Unc5-GPC3, that regulates the migration of neurons and neuroblastoma cancer cells. The complex facilitates the migration of neurons on fibres during brain development and is also present in certain brain tumours.
A study using 3D MRI in 632 monozygotic and dizygotic twins found that genetic and environmental factors interact to shape the vocal tract, with some structures having low heritability. The results provide new evidence on the relative contributions of genetics and environment to anatomical differences among people.
A study reveals that the Sigillaria brardii species, a fossil plant typical of peatlands, colonized new areas in the riverbeds of the Variscan mountains. The discovery expands knowledge about forest ecosystems in the late Carboniferous period and sheds light on the impact of global climate change on plant distribution.
A new study reveals that marine-based ice sheets were instrumental in accelerating the penultimate deglaciation, with the intensity and rate of melt being much higher than previously thought. This process was particularly intense, rapid, and prolonged, leading to an abrupt slowdown of marine circulation in the North Atlantic.
Researchers found that individuals with more isolated executive control networks were more sensitive to the effects of stress, highlighting the importance of better coping strategies. Combining psychological factors and neuroimaging measures provided an innovative approach to understanding the impact of COVID-19 on mental health.
A study finds that rising sea temperatures will negatively impact adult survival rates of Bulwer's petrels in Azores, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde. The tropical population of Cape Verde is expected to be the most affected due to its narrow temperature range and resident nature.
Researchers at UB University have identified a new model for reelin protein action in cerebral cortex development. The study found that cooperation and specific expression of the key protein contribute to correct cognitive skills, with dysfunction linked to neurodevelopmental pathologies such as autism and schizophrenia.
A study by University of Barcelona researchers has identified TIMP-1 as a key player in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer, a subtype of adenocarcinoma. Elevated levels of TIMP-1 from fibroblasts can cause increased tumor proliferation and invasion when interacting with CD63 receptors on cancer cells.
A study published in Nature found that floods and droughts are becoming more frequent and intense, despite improvements in risk management. The international research team identified two successful cases of flood management: Barcelona and Central Europe.
A study published in Journal of Virology reveals that primary cells from various bat species do not support SARS-CoV-2 replication, even those expressing ACE2, a key receptor for the virus. This finding contradicts previous theories about bats as potential reservoirs of the virus.
A new study by the University of Barcelona highlights the negative effects of translocated native species on native fish, finding that habitat quality is essential for conservation. The study suggests that these species can have similar impacts to exotic invasive species.
A study reveals the oligomeric molecular structure of MOR-Gal1R complex, involved in opioids' analgesic and addictive effects. The complex forms different structures, such as homodimers and heterotetramers, which affect signal pathways.
A new study published in Redox Biology reveals that white adipose tissue is the most vulnerable organ to obesity-related metabolic changes. The study shows that when physiological stress exceeds the capacity of white adipose tissue to respond, it loses its metabolic plasticity, leading to a snowball effect on metabolic dysfunctions.
Researchers have dated the emergence of genetic variants characteristic of modern humans to two distinct periods: one around 40,000 years ago, linked to population growth and divergence from Africa, and an older one over 100,000 years ago, reflecting the species' greatest diversity in Africa. These findings complement the mosaic nature...
Researchers identified a unique metabolic adaptation in AML patients with FLT3-ITD+ mutations, using lactate as a substrate for mitochondrial respiration. This discovery could lead to customized therapies combining complex II inhibitors and MCT1 transporters.
A study found that consuming extra virgin olive oil during pregnancy increases the level of phenolic compounds in breast milk. These compounds can cross the placental barrier and be present in higher concentrations in the offspring's plasma than in the mother's plasma.
Researchers at the University of Barcelona have developed a new method to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of domestic cleaning products. The method, which has been presented to the European Committee for Standardisation, simulates domestic washing conditions and is more realistic and cost-effective than current protocols.
A study reveals a significant increase in fire risk in Southern, Central, and Northern Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean region, linked to climate change. The increased fire risk threatens key carbon sinks like the Pyrenees and Alps, highlighting the need for effective forest management strategies.
A study on harbour crabs reveals that changes in oceanographic fronts alter gene structure, affecting connectivity among populations. The research provides data to improve conservation policies for these crustaceans.
The deletion of the Wt1 gene leads to differences in sex development in adult mice, with ambiguous genital tracts and undifferentiated gonads observed in mutant females and males. The study suggests that the Wt1 gene is necessary for activating pathways determining male and female sex development.
A polyphenol-rich diet has been shown to increase the production of indole 3-propionic acid (IPA), a metabolite with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in older adults with preserved kidney function. This increase is associated with a decrease in inflammation levels and changes in gut microbiota.
A study led by researchers at the University of Barcelona found that most Mediterranean European storm petrels migrate to the North Atlantic Ocean during the winter season. The birds spend more time resting in the water during the day than at night, indicating they forage mainly at night.
Researchers found five sites on the oxytocin and vasotocin receptors where modern humans are unique compared to archaic humans and non-human primates, affecting social behaviors such as autism and aggression. These variants are highly functional and active in brain regions involved in social cognition.
A University of Barcelona team has developed a new authentication tool to verify the geographical origin of virgin olive oil. The tool uses sesquiterpene hydrocarbons as robust analytical markers, enabling the discrimination between oils produced in different European Union countries.
A study led by the University of Barcelona found that 69% of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease perceive stigmatization in their daily lives, affecting stereotypes, discrimination, shame, and social isolation. The perceived stigma is associated with impaired quality of life and can lead to human and social rights issues.
Researchers found that children with a history of maltreatment exhibited an early maturation of the immune system, similar to adolescents. This study suggests that secretory immunoglobulin A could be a biomarker for acute stress in young populations.
The study reveals that the YWHAZ gene can alter neuronal development, leading to behavioral alterations in response to novelty. The team identified key neurotransmitter alterations involved in behavior and found that using fluoxetine and quinpirole can reduce social behavior alterations.
The article examines blue whale whaling records from the North Atlantic, revealing a sharp decline in populations during large-scale exploitation. However, after regulation and moratoriums, the species has recovered due to protection measures.
Researchers have found a way to control the chirality of molecules at the nanoscale using fluid dynamics. This new mechanism has the potential to improve the production of drugs and other chemical compounds by allowing for more efficient and selective synthesis.
The new protocol, published in PLoS ONE, uses a multidisciplinary approach to select representative bioindicators of an area, including species, habitats, and ecological processes. The methodology optimizes resources for biodiversity monitoring and is analysable in most Mediterranean ecosystems.
A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals that dopamine and compulsive eating behavior play a crucial role in food cravings during pregnancy. The researchers found that female mice develop binge-eating behaviors towards high-calorie foods due to changes in brain reward circuits and taste sensors.
A study reveals PDK1's crucial role in metabolic states of AML. Inhibition of PDK1 induces mitochondrial stress and improves antitumoral therapies.
A study led by University of Barcelona experts confirms the success of a green turtle reintroduction program in the Cayman Islands, establishing new populations without affecting the fitness of wild turtles. The results highlight the potential of assisted colonisation as a conservation measure for species threatened by habitat degradat...