All University of Barcelona articles
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NewsThe climate crisis threatens river microbial biodiversity
A study warns that the biodiversity and biological functions of aquatic fungi in rivers are at risk due to rising temperatures, prolonged dry periods and the loss of riparian vegetation caused by climate change.
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NewsResearchers produce biodegradable bioplastic from potato starch using a modified bacterium
A new study has produced a biodegradable bioplastic from unprocessed potato starch in a single 24-hour step, establishing that the bacterium Bacillus subtilis is a robust platform of great industrial interest for producing polyhydroxybutyrate from a low-cost agricultural by-product.
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NewsNew flu drug discovery could help fight future pandemics
Scientists say that new laboratory tests have revealed a new way to stop flu viruses, which could lead to better treatments and improved pandemic preparedness. The international team has developed experimental compounds that appear to block the virus more effectively than current medicines.
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NewsProlonged exposure to microplastics disrupts the metabolism of Mediterranean octocorals
Prolonged exposure to microplastics can disrupt vital physiological processes in gorgonians, such as respiration. Although these pollutants do not cause visible damage to tissues and cells, their effects could have an ecological impact on these organisms that structure the seabed.
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NewsNew study finds higher levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in surface water during winter
A new study has found that the levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) present in surface water increase during winter. Flooding, sewer overflows and agricultural run-off all contribute to a cocktail of pollutants that can increase AMR genes in surface water, potentially turning regular bugs into ‘superbugs’.
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NewsMicropores pave the way for infection research
Organ-on-a-chip technology often contains gels that imitate the 3D environment of our tissues - however, many of these gels are too dense, hindering the passage of microbes and immune cells, and movement is essential to recreate how infections really develop. In this study, the research team developed a new type of porous gel that solves this problem.
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NewsDiet rich in vegetable protein and fiber helps maternal and infant health during pregnancy and breastfeeding
A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fibre, vegetable proteins and healthy fats, benefits maternal health during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It prevents fat accumulation and optimizes the composition of the microbiota in the digestive system.
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NewsNorthward jet stream shift hits phytoplankton in the Mediterranean Sea
In just over 20 years, the northward shift of the subtropical jet stream — a high-altitude airflow — caused by climate change has reduced primary production in the northwestern Mediterranean by about 40%, affecting the base of the marine food web.
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NewsRed coral colonies survive a decade after being transplanted in the Medes Islands
The red coral colonies that were transplanted a decade ago on the seabed of the Medes Islands have survived successfully. They are very similar to the original communities and have contributed to the recovery of the functioning of the coral reef.
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NewsTherapeutic tool inhibits the proliferation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19
A study led by the University of Barcelona and the Spanish National Research Council’s Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC - CSIC) presents a new therapeutic tool capable of inhibiting the proliferation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Source: University of Barcelona The experts Verònica Noé ...
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NewsWild boars could be a potential source of hepatitis E transmission to humans in the Barcelona metropolitan area
Scientists have identified a relevant molecular similarity between the hepatitis E virus (HEV) strains of wild boars in the metropolitan area of Barcelona and the citizens of this area, suggesting that these animals could be a source of human hepatitis E infections.
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NewsHistones show promise against bacterial infections
Scientists have outlined that human histones have antimicrobial activity against different bacteria, including biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one of the six most resistant bacteria in the world.
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NewsPart of the GBHSH community in Spain uses doxycycline to prevent STIs
Researchers have carried out the first study in Spain on the use of DoxyPEP as a preventive strategy among the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBHSH) community in Spain.
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NewsBacterial contamination and microplastics threaten Colombia’s largest and most productive coastal lagoon
A study warns of the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in microplastics extracted from water, sediments and the digestive tract of fish in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, the largest and most productive coastal lagoon system in the Colombian Caribbean.
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NewsClimate change accelerates vulnerability and loss of resilience of key coral species in the Med
Red gorgonians exposed to marine heatwaves decrease the ability to resist and recover from other disturbances.
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NewsMarine heatwaves devastate red gorgonians in the Medes Islands
The increase in the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves in recent decades is one of the effects of global climate change. Source: University of Barcelona The UB researcher Graciel·la Rovira is the first author of this publication. A study by the University of Barcelona, published in ...
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NewsNew viral strain induces immunogenic cell death in tumour cells
A study has developed a new strain of vaccinia virus, which can replicate in tumour cells while maintaining increased immunogenicity. Specifically, it can to induce so-called immunogenic cell death in tumour cells.
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NewsScientists develop an innovative compound effective against malaria and leishmaniasis
Initially designed for malaria, this drug shows high efficacy against leishmaniasis, representing a unique and promising breakthrough for the treatment of both infections.
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NewsSmart skin bacteria able to secrete and produce molecules to treat acne
An experimental study has shown that a type of skin bacterium can efficiently be engineered to produce a protein to regulate sebum production.
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News25 new phage viruses IDed in Barcelona’s wastewaters
Scientists have identified 25 new viruses that infect bacteria in the human intestinal tract in wastewaters around the city’s metropolitan area and in some towns nearby.