Researchers analyzed buccal dental microwear to determine the diet of fossil Theropithecus oswaldi, finding a more abrasive diet than current T. gelada, similar to other primates that eat fruits and seeds in forested ecosystems.
The NCAM2 protein is essential for the formation of structures for cognitive learning and brain development. A deficit in NCAM2 causes incorrect neuron migration, altered morphology, and cytoskeleton changes, leading to neuronal polarization issues.
A new genetic map of psychiatric disorders has been completed by an international study involving 230,000 patients worldwide. The research identified 109 genetic variants associated with eight psychiatric disorders, including autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia.
Researchers simulated cooking conditions in a domestic kitchen to assess the degradation of antioxidants in extra virgin olive oil. The results show that cooking time and temperature affect the polyphenol content, with antioxidant levels decreasing by 40% to 120ºC and 75% at 170ºC.
A University of Barcelona team conducted a pioneer citizen science study to analyze microplastic pollution in the coasts of Barcelona, gathering scientific samples from unexplored areas. The study revealed an average microplastic concentration of about 112,000 units per km2, similar to those found in the open sea.
Researchers develop new functional metrics to detect anthropic impacts in temporary rivers, surpassing traditional biological indicators. These metrics can be applied regardless of flow intermittence, providing precise environmental degradation detection.
Researchers describe five new cases of KAT6A syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability, language impairment, and cardiovascular malformations. The study reveals novel symptoms such as cryptorchidism, syndactyly, and trigonocephaly, expanding the clinical phenotype of patients.
The study analyzed case definitions and symptoms to predict lab-confirmed-influenza cases in Catalonia. The WHO definition was found to be the most sensitive, with temperature being a key predicting symptom. Researchers also found that children under two are at higher risk of severe influenza, highlighting the importance of accurate su...
The study analyzes mechanisms regulating carcinogenesis and tumor progression, opening new perspectives in the fight against human cancer. HERC1 ligase is found to regulate the activation of ERK and p38 kinase through ubiquitination.
A recent study published in Forest Ecology and Management found that forest arthropods thrive in areas closer to river courses, with social wasps being the most affected by distance. Traditional forest management practices are essential for preserving biodiversity, including the richness of understories and chestnut tree dominance.
A multidisciplinary study led by UB researchers has developed a new experimental tool to study how neuronal networks recover their function after neuron loss. The study shows that the network quickly activates self-regulation mechanisms that reinforce existing connections and restore circuit functionality.
Researchers question the idea that human language arose instantaneously through a single gene mutation, proposing instead a gradual evolution through accumulation of smaller biological changes. They argue that the cognitive operation Merge, key to human language, evolved gradually over time.
A recent study reveals that Mediterranean sea urchin populations are more genetically isolated than previously thought, with strong selection pressure on temperature adaptation. The analysis of genetic distribution suggests a progressive adaptation from west to east, highlighting the impact of global warming and geographical barriers.
A new study describes the arrival of the potentially invasive bryozoan Membranipora membranacea on Antarctic coasts via macroalgae, highlighting the vulnerability of Antarctic ecosystems to non-native species. The discovery raises concerns about the potential ecological impact and dramatic changes to local marine communities.
The study, conducted at FiraTàrrega market in Tàrrega, Spain, found that women are more likely to cooperate and have a better understanding of their partner's intentions. Men, on the other hand, tend to be more impulsive and less cooperative when interacting with someone of the same gender.
Researchers found that reelin promotes synaptic plasticity and reduces Tau phosphorylation in animal models with tauopathy, potentially reducing neurodegenerative effects. This discovery opens a new perspective for designing future therapeutic targets to combat Alzheimer's and other tauopathies.
A University of Barcelona study found that irregular eating schedules during weekends, known as eating jet lag, may contribute to increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity. Researchers suggest that maintaining regular eating and sleeping schedules can help prevent weight gain.
The EU project RES URBIS successfully generated bioplastics from urban waste, showing a higher economic value than traditional composting methods. The process produces polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) through volatile fatty acids decomposition.
Researchers discovered that a genetic mutation affecting neural crest cell behavior is linked to docility and facial features in modern humans. This study provides the first empirical validation of the self-domestication hypothesis, suggesting that human evolution led to changes in neural crest cells.
A new pathway in the central nervous system removes brain waste substances through the creation of corpora amylacea (CA), aggregates formed by glucose polymers. CA acts as waste substance containers that are expelled from the nervous system and removed by the immune system.
Researchers identified Annexin A6 as a key factor in cholesterol regulation and potential therapeutic target for diseases caused by lipid accumulation. The study shows that silencing AnxA6 can redirect cholesterol to other cell compartments, potentially treating conditions like Niemann-Pick type C1 and various cancers.
The Bulwer's petrel can fly up to 1,800 kilometers from the Canary archipelago to the Azores in search of food. The new study provides the most comprehensive scientific data on the species' space ecology, diet and daily/annual movement patterns.
A study published in Brain reveals that an increase in proteinaceous synthesis is linked to the degeneration of affected neurons in Huntington's disease. This finding could lead to the development of new therapies targeting this process.
Researchers identified molecular mechanisms underlying the lack of efficiency of nintedanib in squamous cell carcinoma and found smoking to be a key factor. The study suggests patients with adenocarcinoma may benefit from antifibrotic drugs like nintedanib combined with radiotherapy or immunotherapy.
A study by the University of Barcelona finds sediment accumulation outpaces nitrate toxicity in harming river ecosystems. Researchers warn that habitat degradation due to deforestation and agricultural practices threatens Europe's Water Framework Directive goals.
Researchers found that 44% of colonies of the invasive species Didemnum vexillum are formed by gene chimera, which could promote genetic diversity and colonization success. The creation of chimera may also be a mechanism to increase adaptive success in new environments.
A team of researchers has discovered a piece of jewelry made from eagle talons, believed to be the oldest known ornament in Europe. The discovery dates back to 39,000 years ago and provides insight into the cultural practices of Neanderthals.
Researchers discovered that Vitamin E works in plants under extreme conditions by sending signals from chloroplasts to the cell nucleus. This retrograde signalling mechanism helps regulate key aspects of plant development, such as senescence and ripening of fruits.
Researchers uncover a previously unknown survival mechanism in corals that allows them to recover from mass mortality episodes caused by heatwaves. This 'rejuvenation' process enables some polyps to survive extreme conditions and eventually form new colonies, providing new perspectives for the survival of Mediterranean reef corals.
According to a study published in Global Change Biology, the breeding season of some Arctic seabirds is shifting earlier due to global warming. The study found that surface-feeding seabirds in the north Pacific Ocean are moving their breeding season about ten days before the rest of species over the last thirty-five years.
Researchers identified genetic variants related to Parkinson's disease symptom onset, which could enable delimiting research on new therapeutic targets. The study, led by Cristina Malagelada, used biocomputing techniques and analyzed statistical interactions to identify genetic associations.
A research team has sequenced the genome of Dysdera silvatica, an endemic species in the Canary Islands, providing valuable information on its genetic basis and trophic specialization. The study reveals a high complexity genome with repetitive elements and identifies 36,000 protein-coding genes.
A study found that talking to oneself as if they were Dr. Sigmund Freud in virtual reality improved people's mood and helped them find solutions to their problems, with over 80% of participants reporting a change compared to 50% in the control group.
A new study reveals that despite regulations, over 60,000 exotic animals are abandoned in Spain each year, causing significant harm to the environment. The researchers argue that improving biosafety measures, training buyers, and regulating importation can help reduce this problem.
Researchers from the University of Barcelona successfully synchronized two nanoscale optomechanical oscillators through mechanical coupling. The study demonstrates collective dynamics that can be controlled by acting externally on one oscillator only.
Researchers from the University of Barcelona and IDIBAPS identified a molecular target, PTP1B phosphatase, that promotes the creation of new blood vessels in transplanted pancreatic islets. This study aims to improve the revascularization process, increasing the viability of cells and restoring regular sugar levels and glucose tolerance.
Researchers found that cooking vegetables with extra virgin olive oil increases the absorption and release of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids and polyphenols. This process may explain the anti-inflammatory effects observed in tomato sauce, suggesting a potential role for Mediterranean gastronomy in improving health outcomes.
Researchers found that Cdk5 kinase hyperfunction alters the signalling pathway of DARPP-32/β-adducin in the nucleus accumbens brain region, leading to depressive-like behavior in Huntington's disease models. The study suggests new molecular pathways for treating depression in people with Huntington's.
The mosquitofish is a highly invasive species that competes with native fish and moves them away from their habitats. Removing its population and improving water quality are key strategies to control its spread in ponds and lakes.
A 55-year study found that older citizens' civic participation improves their cognitive function, physical and mental health. The research highlights the need for more diverse data from non-English speaking countries to design effective policies promoting civic participation.
The red-neck phalarope population from Western Palearctic migrates over 10,000 km to Pacific Ocean and 6,000 km to Arabian Sea for winter, exhibiting a unique migratory divide. This phenomenon is attributed to the species' biogeographical history and can help identify global migratory patterns.
University of Barcelona researchers have developed a new continuous version of Maxwell's demon in a single molecule system, enabling large amounts of work extraction through repeated measurements. The device can find the right moment to extract energy, with potential applications in biology and quantum systems.
A new molecule, EPB-53, has been discovered to increase FGF21 levels in the liver and plasma through oral administration. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Researchers develop new sequencing technologies to identify genetic causes of Opitz C Syndrome, which can cause significant clinical variability. The study's findings suggest that precise molecular diagnosis is crucial for therapeutic intervention and prenatal counseling.
A study published in Vaccine found that introducing Hepatitis B vaccination in preadolescents led to a significant decline in the disease incidence rate from 2.5 per 100,000 people in 1991 to 1.2 per 100,000 people in 2014.
The study found that people's brains adapt to align with the rhythm of voices they hear, leading to differences in functional and structural aspects of the speech network. Good synchronizers showed more white matter in pathways connecting speech-perception areas and performed better in learning new words compared to bad synchronizers.
A study found that polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene are the most abundant types of microplastics in Mediterranean coastal waters. The researchers identified extreme concentrations up to 500,000 microplastics per square kilometer in certain areas.
A study of 2,700 patients with ADHD found that variations in the LPHN3 gene increased the risk of nicotine dependence by 40%. The findings suggest a link between ADHD and addictive substance use, highlighting the need for new genetic tools to prevent addictive behaviors in people with ADHD.
Researchers from University of Barcelona analyzed Hepatitis A virus variants that can escape the effects of the vaccine. They recommend giving two doses and additional booster shots to prevent the emergence of these variants.
Researchers have identified a mutation in the SLC28A1 gene, affecting the synthesis of the hCNT1 protein and altering pyrimidine metabolism. The study provides insights into the potential role of nucleoside transporters in regulating cellular processes and may lead to new therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.