A study identified eleven natural compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 main protease, a key player in viral replication and transcription. The virtual screening approach used to discover these compounds has implications for the development of new antiviral therapeutics.
The discovery of 2020 XL5, the second Earth Trojan asteroid, provides significant insights into the early conditions of the Solar System. The asteroid's stable orbit around the L4 or L5 Lagrangian points makes it an ideal candidate for future space missions.
The increasing salinity in freshwater habitats poses a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study proposes a research agenda to address the knowledge gaps and tackle the urgent needs from a global, regional, local, and temporal perspective.
Researchers discovered that a genetic variant affects how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) impacts memory. TMS alters cognitive activity more easily in people with the Val/Val variant of the BDNF gene.
A 20-year study found that older adults who adhered to the Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of mortality. The study used dietary biomarkers to assess adherence and found an inverse association with all causes of death.
Mass mortality events caused by marine heatwaves are collapsing Mediterranean coral populations, with biomass losses of up to 90%. The study found that these species' slow population dynamics and long-term recovery capacity make them vulnerable to climate change.
A team of researchers from the University of Barcelona and Stanford University identified a molecular mechanism involved in the movement of cholesterol inside cells. The study reveals that the SNX13 protein plays a key role in transporting cholesterol outside the liposomes, organelles that conduct cellular digestion.
A study by University of Barcelona and University of Montpellier researchers reveals that mutations in the disordered region of Src protein inhibit its oncogenic capacity in colon cancer cells. This finding suggests a novel layer of regulation by this unique region, providing new insights into malignant cell transformation.
A new study using DNA barcoding methodology has revealed a significant increase in genetic diversity among Iberian spider populations. This discovery highlights the importance of protecting these species due to their high endemic level and reduced distribution, making them more vulnerable to extinction.
Water exhibits counterintuitive properties when confined to nanometer-size pores, opening avenues for decontamination and crystallization control. The study reveals water's uniqueness compared to other liquids under similar subnanometric confinement.
A new research framework is needed to fully understand plant biology, integrating multiple approaches and levels of organization. By incorporating spatiotemporal context, scientists can better comprehend the complexities of plant life and develop more effective solutions for conservation and sustainability.
A study reveals child maltreatment increases risk factors for suicidal behaviors in adolescents, including emotional dysregulation and stress. The research suggests that addressing these issues through regulation strategies and reducing new stressful events can help prevent suicidal behaviors.
An international team of astronomers has created a new map of the Milky Way's outer disc using data from the Gaia space mission. The findings reveal many previously unknown coherently rotating filamentary structures at the edge of the disc.
Researchers have reconstructed a swampy paleoenvironment with conifers and diverse plants from 110 million years ago, featuring dinosaurs like Proa valdearinnoensis and Europelta carbonensis. The study of Ariño amber has enabled the differentiation of two types of resin, one produced by tree roots and another by branches, providing ins...
A study published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research found a significant association between dietary polyphenols from plant-based foods and reduced cognitive impairment risk. The research analyzed the metabolism of dietary components, intestinal microbiota, and endogenous metabolism in relation to cognitive decline.
The climate crisis affects Antarctic fur seals by limiting krill availability, decreasing their reproductive success, and increasing predation on pups. Satellite tracking reveals that males adapt to the cold environment by diving deeper in search of food.
Researchers developed an automated system using deep learning to detect COVID-19 lesions in CT chest scans, achieving 99% accuracy. The system can provide high-precision data for doctors to make robust and accurate diagnoses.
A team of UB researchers, led by Cristian Cañestro and Alfonso Ferrández-Roldán, have deciphered a new evolutionary scenario that sheds light on the evolution of our phylum. By studying the gene loss in appendicularian tunicates, they revealed that massive losses of genes eased the transition to a free pelagic lifestyle.
Researchers analyzed similarities and differences of corpora amylacea in various tissues, revealing they contain waste products packed in a glycan skeleton. The term 'wasteosomes' is proposed for these structures, emphasizing their function.
A polyphenol-rich diet improves intestinal permeability in old people by modifying the intestinal microbiota and serum metabolome. The study, conducted over eight weeks, showed significant improvements in gut barrier function, with increased production of butyrate-producing bacteria and decreased zonulin levels.
University of Barcelona researchers discovered that chaotic flows in active fluids can be described by simple mathematical laws. The study used cytoskeletal proteins and enzymes to create an active fluid system surrounded by passive fluids, revealing new flow regimes and a theoretical framework to explain the results.
A study published in Clinical Nutrition Journal found that daily peanut consumption improved cognitive function and stress response in young and healthy individuals. The researchers discovered that bioactive compounds such as resveratrol and p-coumaric acid, as well as short-chain fatty acids, contributed to the health effects.
The Bonelli's eagle has been successfully reintroduced in Mallorca through a study coordinated by the University of Barcelona. The non-juvenile eagle release system (WildTrans) emerged as the most effective strategy, enabling the release of mature and experienced individuals that can reproduce faster and grow the population quickly.
Researchers have identified a new complex formed by dopamine and noradrenergic receptors that could be a therapeutic target for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and impulsivity. The α2AR-D4R complexes are associated with the manifestation of ADHD and may offer a new perspective for designing future drugs.
Researchers at the University of Barcelona have developed a simulated microgravity system that simulates conditions found in space, allowing for the study of 2D crystalline molecular structures. The system enables the growth of unique materials with unprecedented effects on orientation, compactness and generation.
A study published in the journal Geology confirms that a giant meteorite impact caused the mass extinction of species in the late Cretaceous. The researchers analyzed sediments and rocks from the Zumaia cliffs, revealing three intense climatic warming events unrelated to Deccan volcanic activity.
A study published in Psychological Medicine confirms that childhood maltreatment disrupts HPA-axis activity, leading to altered stress regulation and increased risk of mental disorders. The study found a dose-response relationship between the severity of maltreatment experiences and HPA-axis dysfunction.
Researchers have found that the cave was occupied by Neanderthals during a longer period of time than previously thought, from 94,000 to 59,000 years ago. The study also reveals evidence of modern human activity, such as fires, in the cave.
A study in Cell Reports identifies a new pathway regulated by cytokine GDF15, which activates AMPK protein and regulates energy metabolism in peripheral tissues. The discovery offers potential therapeutic targets for treating metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
The study reveals that the yellow-legged gull's diet has shifted from a 70% marine contribution to 30%, with landfills and meat products now providing 50% of their food. The availability of these resources has triggered an increase in gull populations, leading to potential conflicts with humans.
Researchers have developed light-activated morphine derivative for non-addictive pain relief and photopharmaceutical drug for psoriasis treatment. A photocommutable adenosine derivative has also been created to study pain transmission, providing new insights into its mechanisms.
The study found that under an intermediate greenhouse emission scenario, temperatures will rise during dry episodes but long-lasting dry episodes will not increase. However, if emissions are not reduced, summer no-rain periods will last five more years and temperatures will rise by 6ºC.
A multidisciplinary research team has discovered that two plant stem cell proteins, BRAVO and WOX5, physically interact to regulate each other's function in a small group of stem cells. This interaction is crucial for the plant's survival under stress factors like extreme cold, heat, or floods.
The xAire project measured nitrogen dioxide levels in 725 locations, providing unprecedented information on Barcelona's air pollution. The study found that 5% of samples exceeded the WHO threshold, with significant differences between districts and streets.
The study reveals a higher-than-expected black hole fraction, with some having masses up to 20 times that of the Sun. The researchers used simulations to understand how these massive black holes formed and influenced the cluster's evolution.
Research reveals river plastic discharge is significantly underestimated, with microplastics at the surface lasting years instead of days. The study's findings confirm the existence of a 'missing plastic sink' but highlight the need for global action to address plastic pollution.
Researchers found that LSL60101 improved cognitive deficit and biomarkers related to Alzheimer's disease in animal models. The compound acts on I2 imidazoline receptors, which are altered in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that the symbiotic relationship between ambrosia fungi and beetles originated more than 100 million years ago, during the early Cretaceous period. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of insect farming, a strategy similar to human agriculture.
A study led by the University of Barcelona found increased pollutant concentrations in Franciscana dolphin bone remains, primarily from trace elements such as chromium and copper. The increases are linked to human activities like industrial waste and transportation, which accumulate pollutants in the Rio de la Plata estuary.
A 14-day performing arts program reduced implicit cognitive biases against physical illnesses, according to a University of Barcelona study. The program combined scientific training with theatre performance and showed that participants' reaction times decreased after the experience.
The study of Xerocrassa montserratensis reveals new insights into the conservation of this endemic and threatened species. The researchers identified genetic groups in different areas where sub-species had been described, providing a better understanding of the species' population structure.
A new water plant species, Mesochara dobrogeica, has been discovered in the ancient Tethys Ocean islands. The study reveals a defined biogeographical identity among the charophytes flora of these paleo-islands.
A new study proposes a universal nomenclature for oxytocin and vasotocin genes, which were previously named differently in various species due to small protein coding differences. The researchers found that both hormones stem from a common ancestral gene and propose a new naming convention based on this evolutionary history.
Researchers found that newborns' brains can process voice pitch but struggle with the spectral and temporal fine structure of sounds. The study's findings suggest that neural encoding of speech sounds develops over time, providing a potential biomarker for early detection of language impairments.
Researchers identified a new cognitive bias, 'generosity-erosion effect', where evaluators tend to become harsher after scoring one candidate generously. This effect decreases the likelihood of success for subsequent candidates by 7.7%.
Research suggests that tolerance, cooperation, and reduced aggression in domesticated birds are linked to increased language complexity in humans. The study analyzed genomic, neurobiological differences between domesticated Bengalese finch and its wild relative, finding altered stress hormone balance and brain connectivity patterns.
A study published in EBiomedicine found that epigenetic variations predict COVID-19 severity, particularly in genes related to inflammation and overall health. The 13% of the global population with this signature is considered the group at maximum risk requiring special care.
Researchers confirmed the molecular classification's predictive value for treatment benefits in advanced hormone-sensitive breast cancer. The study found that different subtypes responded differently to ribociclib and other treatments.
Experts identified three hydrodynamics units - Balearic Sea, West Algerian Basin, and Alboran Sea - with minimal fish exchange. The study highlights the importance of connectivity in marine reserve setting.
A new study reveals that intense summer blooms of phytoplankton alter the structure of coastal benthic systems in Antarctica. The research team analyzed C and N stable isotopes to identify ecological niches of marine species, finding a significant geographical variation in carbon sources.