Research news Archives - Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia

July 2, 2024

IBEC researchers develop new technology for assisted reproduction that will reduce time to pregnancy

A new technique developed at the Institute for Bioengineering for Catalonia (IBEC) makes it possible to classify the quality of embryos faster and twice as accurately as expert embryologists. The technology, called “METAPHOR”, uses imaging and artificial intelligence to analyse the metabolism of embryos and oocytes. METAPHOR promises to drastically reduce the time and treatment cycles needed to achieve pregnancy through in vitro fertilisation, minimising the emotional and financial burden on patients.

June 19, 2024

For the first time scientists managed to generate kidney organoids with a complex vascular system

These are asembloids, micrometric organoids formed by the union of kidney organoids with vascular organoids in 3D. These small culture systems are useful for disease modelling and drug screening. The study, led by IBEC, describes an approach that has not been tried before.

June 13, 2024June 13, 2024

Scientists discover how the physics of colon cancer cells contributes to metastasis

An IBEC-led study has demonstrated the ability of colorectal cancer stem cells to change their mechanical properties, facilitating the successful metastatic process. They did this using tumour organoids derived from patient cells. These findings could contribute to the development of new strategies to treat and prevent metastasis in colorectal cancer.

May 27, 2024

3D bioprinting for an advanced gut-on-chip model

The innovative device contains a 3D bioprinted channel with structures that mimic intestinal villi and reproduce the compartments of the intestinal mucosa. For the first time, electrodes have been incorporated into the system to monitor the formation of the intestinal barrier in real time. The device is highly versatile and has potential applications in disease modelling and drug screening.

May 15, 2024

New biomarker to diagnose Alzheimer’s in asymptomatic stages

This is a molecule that is directly linked to the expression of the cellular prion protein found on the surface of nerve cells. The study, led by the IBEC, opens the door to the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease in asymptomatic stages in blood samples, favouring its diagnosis and treatment.

March 25, 2024

A study led by IBEC successfully mimics the complex neuroblastoma vasculature on a chip to explore treatments for this pediatric cancer

Two studies led by IBEC have successfully mimicked the transdifferentiation process of the neuroblastoma vasculature in in vitro models. These models, one in 2D and the other on a microfluidic chip, provide platforms for identifying new biomarkers and designing effective therapies against this type of cancer.

February 29, 2024February 29, 2024

IBEC and ISGlobal scientists develop an innovative compound effective against malaria and leishmaniasis

A study led by IBEC and ISGlobal has demonstrated the antileishmanial potential of an antimalarial compound. Initially designed for malaria, this drug shows high efficacy against leishmaniasis, representing a unique and promising breakthrough for the treatment of both infections.

January 31, 2024January 31, 2024

New Methodology for Studying Organic Transistors in Operation with Applications in Bioelectronics

A study led by IBEC has successfully mapped the local electrical potential along the structure of organic transistors used in bioelectronics, enabling a detailed assessment of bottlenecks in charge transport. The goal of this study is to deepen the understanding of the properties of charge transport in materials used in organic electronics when in contact with liquid media, aiming to enhance their applications in biosensors or bioelectrical recordings.

January 16, 2024January 15, 2024

Bladder tumours reduced by 90% using nanorobots

The research, which was conducted on mice, demonstrates how these tiny nanomachines are propelled by urea present in urine and precisely target the tumour, attacking it with a radioisotope carried on their surface. Led by the IBEC and CIC biomaGUNE, the study opens the door to new, more efficient treatments for bladder cancer.

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.