A new study reveals that marine heatwaves are devastating the function of coraligen habitats in the Mediterranean, leading to a loss of structural complexity and essential ecosystem services. The impact is particularly severe for gorgonian corals, which provide shelter for over 1600 species.
A team from UB developed a super-resolution optical chip-sized microscope based on 200 nm nanoLEDs. The new microscope allows real-time observation of viruses and cellular processes without current techniques' problems.
Researchers at the University of Barcelona have identified small RNAs as a potential therapeutic target for Huntington's disease, which could lead to new treatments and biomarkers. The study reveals that sRNAs play a crucial role in the progression of the disease, including neurotoxicity and neuronal loss.
Researchers found that people with ADHD combined with disruptive behavior disorders share 80% of genetic variants associated with aggressive behaviors. The study identified a genomic segment in chromosome 11 that increases the risk of having both ADHD and DBD.
The study found that LXR activation inhibits the production of chemokines Ccl17 and Ccl22, which recruit regulatory T lymphocytes to the tumor microenvironment. This leads to a decrease in Treg numbers and slower tumor growth.
Researchers found gulls carrying resistant strains of Campylobacter and Salmonella, causing gastroenteritis in humans. The study highlights the importance of wildlife fauna as a reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, emphasizing the need for a one health approach.
A study by University of Barcelona researchers reveals a new molecular mechanism controlling anaphylactic reaction severity, identifying the KARS gene mutation as a key player. This discovery holds promise for identifying patients at risk and developing prophylactic measures.
The MARLIT app uses deep learning techniques to detect and quantify floating plastics in the sea, achieving an 80% reliability rate. Researchers analyzed over 3,800 aerial images to develop this algorithm, which can aid in assessing plastic pollutants worldwide.
A study published in EMBO Molecular Medicine reveals that alterations in lamin B1 protein contribute to neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease. The researchers used innovative techniques like FANSI and ChIP-sequencing to analyze the impact of lamin B1 levels on gene transcription.
Researchers have detected bias in face recognition algorithms, with higher false positive rates for females with dark skin tone and males with light skin tone. Top winning solutions exceeded 99.9% accuracy, but the analysis of top 10 teams showed that overall accuracy is not enough when building fair face recognition methods.
The ocean floor is accumulating marine litter, with plastics and fishing gears dominating seafloor litter hotspots. The study highlights the need for new methodologies and tools to quantify litter occurrence and distribution.
Physicists propose a new theory to explain the formation of one-dimensional quantum liquids, which are self-bound in free space and can appear at extremely low temperatures. The team's microscopic theory explains their formation through effective interactions between dimers, a type of bound state of two particles.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that Posidonia oceanica seagrass can trap and remove significant amounts of plastic materials from coastal areas. Researchers estimate that up to 867 million plastics could be caught per year, with a density of 1,470 plastics per kilogram of plant fibre.
Researchers found that immersive virtual reality can reduce implicit racial bias when participants experience a neutral or positive social situation. However, a negative environment can lead to increased biases and decreased body ownership, suggesting caution in using VR as an empathy machine.
A study by the University of Barcelona reveals that fishing hardens the understanding of how species adapt to their environment, with morphotypes differing in resource use and diet within marine reserves. Marine reservoirs are crucial for understanding original behavior before human intervention.
ModMol is an augmented reality app that allows users to visualize and edit molecules in 3D. The app currently supports 115 molecules, including organic and inorganic systems, biomolecules, polymers, and proteins. It enables users to customize molecules using the period table and standard fragments, and save edited structures for export.
A study published in Frontiers in Marine Science reveals that fan mussel larvae can disperse from unaffected populations, potentially aiding the recovery of an endangered species. The larvae can travel hundreds of kilometers thanks to ocean currents and play a crucial role in the species' survival.
A new compound has been identified that targets imidazole I2 receptors to reduce neuroinflammation and improve cognition in late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study also reveals the calcineurin pathway as a key mechanism of action, opening up possibilities for new therapies.
Researchers at the University of Barcelona have identified a new function of the ataxin 3 gene, which causes Machado-Joseph disease, in the development of retina photoreceptors. This discovery provides insights into the molecular causes of rare diseases like ataxia and macular degeneration.
Researchers found dinosaur feathers and mammalian hair preserved in amber from 105-110 million years ago, shedding light on ancient ecosystems. The discovery reveals a new conservation process called 'pull off vestiture', where small portions of animal epidermal structures are trapped by sticky resin.
A new study analyzing Iberian spiders' biodiversity patterns in Spain's national parks reveals environmental factors significantly impact their distribution. The study identifies a pattern relating to the rise of temperatures and decrease of precipitation with an increase in spider endemism, highlighting potential conservation strategies.
Researchers developed a geometric network model to study the multiscale organization of the brain, finding that layers at different resolutions exhibit self-similar structure and efficient decentralized communication. This discovery has implications for understanding brain functioning and may lead to advanced tools for brain simulation.
A team of researchers from the University of Barcelona has developed a new protocol combining multicomponent reactions with domino type processes to synthesize complex molecules. The study reveals a key principle that enables access to high structural complexity, offering a more efficient and sustainable synthetic pathway.
Researchers analyzed wild olive oil from the Medes islands and found it has excellent sensorial and physicochemical properties, similar to commercial varieties. The study also promotes local cultivation and conservation of wild olive trees.
A new study by University of Barcelona reveals that alterations in dopaminergic receptors D1R and D2R in the hippocampal area of the brain cause memory deficits and psychotic behaviour in mice with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The findings hold promise for developing more efficient antipsychotic drugs.
Researchers at the University of Barcelona have identified new genes in the BEX/TCEAL cluster that are related to autism spectrum disorder and other neurological diseases. The study used animal models to describe molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the neocortex in humans and other placental mammals.
Researchers have discovered natural nanodiamonds in oceanic rocks, confirming the formation of diamonds under low-pressure conditions. The discovery was made in Cuba's Moa-Baracoa Ophiolitic Massif and provides new insights into the geological processes that form these valuable gemstones.
Researchers analyzed ancient marine ecosystems in Tierra del Fuego and found that the Argentinian hake had a broader isotopic niche and fed on coastal habitats during the Middle Holocene period. This study predicts potential changes in the fishing industry in the region if environmental conditions align with those of the past.
The IBCAO 4.0 bathymetric chart provides a detailed map of the Arctic Ocean with higher and better resolution data than previous versions. The new chart reveals a great variety of glacial origins and helps to reconstruct geological processes in arctic latitudes.
Researchers validate sEH enzyme inhibition to reduce neuroinflammation, improve endogen response and neuronal damage in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests sEH as a new therapeutic target with potential implications for other inflammatory pathologies.
A new study analyzing five hundred years of floods in Europe reveals that the continent is experiencing one of its most flood-rich periods in recent history. The research found that the last three decades have been among the most significant regarding frequency and magnitude of floods, with a shift towards more frequent summer floods.
A new five-step protocol aims to reduce mortality of threatened birds of prey due to accidents with infrastructures. The protocol identifies sink populations, frequented areas, and high-risk infrastructure features to improve conservation actions.
A new AI-driven system called ModGraProDep has been developed to predict cancer survival and risk. This innovative tool uses probabilistic modeling and machine learning to provide personalized predictions for patients, enabling more effective treatment planning and improved patient outcomes.
A new study reveals that deep water masses in the eastern Mediterranean can reach up to 70% of the western basin, contradicting classic hypotheses. The research uses rare earth elements and neodymium isotopes as conservative tracers to reconstruct the oceanographic structure of the Mediterranean basins.
Researchers at the University of Barcelona discovered two marine molecules, meridianine and lignarenone B, that can alter GSK3B activity without causing neurotoxic effects. These compounds promote neuronal plasticity and may offer a promising starting point for developing new drugs against Alzheimer's disease.
A new genomic analysis reveals a decrease in genetic variants associated with ADHD across the human evolutionary lineage. The study suggests that favourable selection may have occurred in ancestral environments, leading to the high prevalence of ADHD in modern populations.
Researchers have discovered a rare disease called TRAF7 syndrome, characterized by distinctive facial features, cardiac defects, and intellectual disability. The study analyzed 45 new patients, expanding on previous research with seven individuals, to define the clinical picture of this condition.
A new study reveals that Madagascar copal, a material thought to be hundreds of years old, is actually an Antropocene-era resin made during the extreme human impact period. The findings suggest that species within the resin may have adapted to new habitats due to deforestation.
The study reveals the coincidence of biological and social factors, including the Chinese New Year celebrations and increased international mobility, which amplified the outbreak. The authors also emphasize the importance of addressing environmental alterations and human activities related to wild animals to prevent future pandemics.
A new metabolism regulation system was found in brown adipose tissue using the kallikrein-kinin hormonal system, which can help prevent damaging effects of excessive activation. This discovery could lead to strategies for moderating thermogenic activity in pathological situations like cancer.
A study published in Hepatology reveals that Annexin A6 is essential for liver regeneration after a transplant or hepatic surgery. The protein helps maintain glucose homeostasis, allowing the liver to recover and restore its functions.
The yellow-legged gull's annual lifecycle is adapted to human activities for food, with its eating pattern changing throughout the year. This opportunistic species can modify its habitat use to manage limitations, such as physiological restrictions and fluctuations in food availability.
Researchers warn of the risks of virtual and augmented reality becoming increasingly realistic, leading to difficulties in distinguishing between reality and virtual experiences. This can result in problems such as remembering virtual events as real and failing to distinguish between actual and simulated events. The study also highligh...
Researchers have developed brain cell models of neurons and astrocytes to better understand the mechanisms of Sanfilippo C syndrome. The studies show that these cell models can reproduce the main features of the disease, allowing for the assessment of potential therapies.
A non-invasive low-cost ventilator has been designed and tested by UB researchers, providing efficient respiratory support to patients. The prototype adapted to spontaneous breathing rhythm and provided a feeling of breathing relief similar to commercial devices.
Researchers describe an alternative mechanism for the placement of potassium ion channels in cardiac cell membranes, which is crucial for heart function and may contribute to cardiovascular diseases. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of cardiac physiology and the development of new treatments for related disorders.
Magnetoacoustic waves have been directly observed and found to travel long distances with larger amplitudes than expected. The findings open up new avenues for manipulation of these waves at room temperature, making them suitable for carrying information or driving small motors.
A new family of molecules with high affinity to join imidazoline I2 receptors has been discovered, improving cognitive skills and biomarkers in murine models. The study presents a novel structure-activity relation for these receptors.
Active turbulence in active nematic fluids follows distinct universal scaling laws, independent of fluid properties. The study reveals that energy is dissipated at each scale, contrasting with classic turbulence.
The study reveals that fishing and shellfish-gathering were crucial components of the Neanderthal subsistence economy in Portugal. This discovery sheds light on the cognitive skills of early humans, suggesting that access to marine resources may have contributed to their development.