The ZRF1 gene plays a key role in the activation of genes related to the cell destination of stem cells, according to a study published in Nature by a team led by researchers at Barcelona’s Center for Genomic Regulation

STAFF | DECEMBER 23RD, 2010

This major scientific advance in the field of synthetic biology permits the design, through cellular engineering, of biological systems programmed to respond to certain stimuli or complex situations. The study, conducted by researchers at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, Spain, has been published in the online edition of Nature.

STAFF | DECEMBER 9TH, 2010

Human health depends largely on the harmony of the body's cells with the trillions of microorganisms that co-exist with them. Discovering the genetic diversity of this microbial population is the goal of Human Microbiome Project, a scientific challenge that will improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of many diseases beyond the classic infectious illnesses

GONZALO CASINO | NOVEMBER 5, 2010

Advances in human stem cell research and their applications to so-called regenerative medicine are going slower than expected, although significant progress has been made, says a new report on the subject by the European Science Foundation. The report recommends, among other things, the continued public support for this research and the clarification of the legal landscape with respect to patents.

Malén Ruiz de Elvira | 6 de julio de 2010

Today the scientist Eduard Batlle, ICREA researcher at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), will be awarded the V Banc Sabadell Prize for Biomedical Research for his studies on cancer of the colon. In an act to be held this evening at the Fundació Antoni Tàpies, the president of the “Banc Sabadell”, Josep Oliu, will present the prize, which has a value of 50,000 euros. The ceremony will also be attended by the Minister of Health of the Generalitat de Catalunya, Marina Geli, the director of the Fundació Banc Sabadell, Miquel Molins, the president of the jury, Josep Baselga, and the director of IRB Barcelona, Joan J. Guinovart, among other authorities.

10 june 2010

A group of researchers at the Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, part of the Spanish National Research Council (acronym CSIC in Spanish), at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) and the Jacques Monod Institute of the CNRS (France) have made new findings that would explain how the development of the microtubule network inside embryonic cells is regulated. The study has just been published in the last issue of the journal ‘Developmental Cell’, part of the Cell group.

1 june 2010

A collaborative Spanish research project has succeeded in manufacturing and introducing silicon chips inside living cells. This milestone paves the way for a new field of research involving micrometer chips with nanometric parts. Experts expect that this field will grow in parallel with other branches of nanoscience.

Patricia Morén | 26 may 2010

In all cancers, whether in kidney, breast, lung, colon, skin or any other tissue, cells show high Myc protein levels. Excess Myc causes cells to multiply in an exaggerated manner, giving rise to the development of tumours. One of the most pressing questions about Myc is how healthy cells keep the expression of this protein in check. In a study using the ‘Drosophila’, researchers at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) headed by ICREA scientist Marco Milán have discovered that the microRNA machinery controls the levels of Myc through the molecule Mei-P26, thereby conferring microRNAs unexpected importance. The study is published this week in ‘EMBO Journal’, a scientific journal of high impact in basic biomedical research that belongs to the Nature group.

Cell therapy is one of the alternative therapies of the future and aims to restore the function of damaged organs and tissue following traumatic injury or chronic degenerative diseases. In order to make this therapy known, Dr. Josep M. Canals, of the IDIBAPS team in cell biology of pathological processes and Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the UB, has devised and directed the informative video "Cell Therapy, medicine of the future". The documentary, 23 minutes long, was produced by the Audiovisual Service of the University of Barcelona and coordinated by the Cell Therapy Network of the Health Institute Carlos III. This Cross Network of Cell Therapy is part of the Thematic Network of the Cooperative Research on Health (RETICS) of the Health Institute Carlos III and one of its objectives is the dissemination and exchange of knowledge and advances in this field.

2 March 2010

The science that deals with agriculture has to undergo a "radical change" in the next 40 years. The goal, feeding a population that in 2050 probably will reach 9,000 million people worldwide. And at the base, taking into consideration the impact of climate change on crops and review the knowledge on plant molecular biology and agro-technologies.

Xavier Pujol Gebellí | 18 February 2010

"To travel within the cell without traffic jams or accidents" is the name of the conference which opens the cycle for all audiences "Simple Science" organized by the Centre for Genomic Regulation. The talk will be held by Vivek Malhotra, program coordinator of Cell and Developmental Biology at the CRG, tomorrow, Tuesday 16 February at 19.00 h, in the Auditorium of the Caixa Catalunya La Pedrera (Passeig de Gracia, 92).

15 February 2010

Recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Barcelona, this 71-year Swiss researcher displays an abysmal depth in his knowledge about the origins of life and evolution of species. He speaks slowly and convincingly, measuring the extent of any comment as if taking notes of a single observation under a microscope, and he speaks little because he knows a lot. The interview takes the form of conference to each question, at each reflection.

Jordi Montaner | 9 February 2010

A study involving Brown University and the California Institute of Technology has recorded for the first time how cells move in three dimensions by measuring the force exerted by cells on their environs. The research gives scientists their most complete assessment to date about how cells move. Results have been published in ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences’.

A.R. | 17 december 2009

Researchers from Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium have developed a detailed dynamics model of the mammalian cell cycle. The findings, published in the ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences’, will help raise awareness of the cell cycle's role in the pathology and normal functioning of living organisms.

A.R. | 14 december 2009