Sarah Moreira, Author at Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia

October 25, 2023

Researchers induce brain activation using infrared light-controlled drugs

A pioneering study led by IBEC in collaboration with ICFO has unveiled a method to control brain activity in living organisms using drugs activated by infrared light. This cutting-edge technique activates a specific neurotransmitter receptor using light that can penetrate deep into tissue and offers unparalleled pharmacological and spatiotemporal precision in three dimensions. The findings open new frontiers for neurobiology research and the development of light-based noninvasive neuromodulation therapies.

January 8, 2024October 5, 2023

Bioengineering for future medicine in the 16th IBEC Symposium

IBEC’s 16th annual Symposium focused on ‘Bioengineering for Future and Precision Medicine,’ one of IBEC’s three key application areas. Approximately 300 people attended the event, including local and international researchers. It provided a multidisciplinary environment where experts from other institutions and the IBEC community had the opportunity to present their projects and exchange knowledge.

November 15, 2023October 2, 2023

IBEC showcases its technological capabilities to foster new partnerships at BIOSPAIN

IBEC showcases its technological capabilities to foster new partnerships at BIOSPAIN. IBEC representatives actively participated in the BIOSPAIN conference, seizing the opportunity to highlight the institute’s advancements in science and technology. Over the three days of the event, they presented various aspects, ranging from basic research to the coordination of state plans and technology transfer conducted at IBEC. BIOSPAIN, a premier congress in Europe, brings together more than 850 innovative entities specializing in health, sustainable agri-food practices, and solutions against climate change.

March 5, 2025September 29, 2023

An artificial muscle to study Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Developed by the IBEC, this system is created using patient cells and represents the first 3D muscle model capable of replicating the damage caused by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The next phase of this project involves the development of an organ-on-a-chip platform, enabling more efficient preclinical studies of potential drugs and enhanced monitoring of muscle damage. Funding for this research has been provided by Duchenne Parent Project Spain, a non-profit association led by families with children affected by this form of dystrophy.

September 26, 2023

IBEC renews the Educational Quality Seal

The Pedagogical Innovation Council of Barcelona has renewed the IBEC Educational Quality Seal, which was first awarded in 2016. This recognition acknowledges the institute’s commitment to promoting continuous improvement by ensuring the pedagogical quality of its scientific education proposals.

September 21, 2023

Cough sound analyzed to identify the severity of COVID-19 patients

A research team led by IBEC and Hospital del Mar has conducted a study to analyze cough sounds recorded by smartphones in patients with COVID-19. The results reveal cough characteristics that could offer a quick, easy, and cost-effective method for identifying the severity of the disease in patients, whether at home or in any healthcare setting. This work also paves the way for utilizing this model in the ongoing monitoring of patients with persistent COVID-19 and other respiratory pathologies.

September 18, 2023

European funding for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes using 3D bioprinting

IBEC researcher Javier Ramón Azcón has been awarded an “ERC Proof of Concept Grant.” This prestigious funding is granted by the European Research Council to explore the commercial and societal potential of research projects conducted in European institutions. Ramón’s project, Uniink, is centered on the treatment of Type 1 diabetes using cell therapy and 3D bioprinting.

September 14, 2023

Preventing the tissue’s response to stiffness may be key to slowing the progression of breast tumors

A study led by the Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia demonstrates that laminin, a protein present in breast tissues, prevents the effects of stiffening, protecting cells against tumor growth. While the mechanism has been demonstrated in vitro, persuasive indications suggest its potential applicability in vivo, as observed in patient samples.

September 6, 2023July 27, 2023

Samuel Sánchez Receives ERC Proof of Concept Grant to Target Mucinous Tumors with his Nanorobots

Samuel Sánchez has successfully secured an “ERC Proof of Concept” grant, provided by the European Research Council (ERC), to explore the application of his nanorobots in the treatment of mucus-secreting tumors. This prestigious grant enables researchers to assess the feasibility and potential for knowledge transfer of their research projects.

July 26, 2023

Bioaction Project: Turning Infections from Health Risk to Opportunity

Bioaction is an EU-funded project, in which IBEC is involved, that aims to revolutionize the approach to implant-associated infections. By harnessing hydrogels and smart nanomaterials, Bioaction will transform bacterial biofilms into bio-factories for tissue regeneration, offering a novel alternative to traditional antibiotic therapies. The project is driven by a multidisciplinary team of experts and strives to improve patient outcomes while addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.