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Research news

New insights into how bacteria control DNA synthesis open the door to next‑generation antimicrobials 

A study led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and the Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB) provides the most detailed picture to date of NrdR — the master regulator of ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) in bacteria. Researchers obtained the first detailed images of the complete NrdR protein structure and showed how changes in the shape and grouping of this protein affect the way it controls key processes inside the cell. The findings, recently published in International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, increase our understanding of how bacteria regulate the production of the molecular building blocks of DNA, a crucial aspect for both fundamental microbiology and the development of new antimicrobial strategies.

A biological material that becomes stronger when wet could replace plastics 

A new study led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) has unveiled the first biomaterial that is not only waterproof but actually becomes stronger in contact with water. The material is produced by the incorporation of nickel into the structure of chitosan, a chitinous polymer obtained from discarded shrimp shells. The development of this new biomaterial, published in Nature Communications, marks a departure from the plastic-age mindset of making materials that must isolate from their environment to perform well. Instead, it shows how sustainable materials can connect and leverage their environment, using their surrounding water to achieve mechanical performance that surpasses common plastics.

Mobile technology revolutionises the diagnosis of sleep apnoea after a stroke 

A research team led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) has developed an innovative, portable, smartphone-based system for assessing sleep apnoea in individuals with different health conditions. The study, published in IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, in collaboration with the Guttmann Institute, shows that this technology can facilitate the early detection of a common but underdiagnosed disorder, which negatively impacts the recovery and rehabilitation of patients who have suffered a stroke. 

First transplant in pigs of modified porcine kidneys with human renal organoids

A research team has developed pioneering technology that enables human kidney organoids to be produced on a scalable basis. These organoids can then be combined with pig kidneys outside the body and transplanted back into the same animal in a viable manner. The experiment, led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), is in the preclinical phase. It confirms the safety and viability of the procedure, paving the way for future trials involving humans. In the long term, this approach could help to extend the useful life of organs intended for transplantation and provide an alternative therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Scientists reverse Alzheimer’s in mice using nanoparticles

An international team co-led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and the West China Hospital Sichuan University (WCHSU) was able to reverse Alzheimer’s in mice after only 3 injections with nanoparticles. The innovative approach to treating the disease focuses on restoring the normal function of the vasculature, rather than acting on neurons or other brain cells, as has usually been done until now. This achievement, published in the Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy Journal, is a promising step towards an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

Scientists discover a key role of protons and superoxide ions in the respiratory chain

A study led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) has revealed that protons and reactive oxygen species mediate long-distance charge transport in the mitochondrial respiratory chain — a fundamental process in cellular respiration in organisms. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial, given that mitochondria are the powerhouses of all cells and alterations to them are associated with numerous diseases.

High-fat diets alter genes differently in males and females

A study led by the CIBER Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases Area (CIBERDEM), in collaboration with the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), has shown that high-fat diets alter gene expression in key tissues for metabolic control in different ways depending on sex. These results provide a new perspective on how obesity affects people differently depending on their sex.

Biohybrid robotics: Muscles and tendons for robots

Researchers at the Soft Robotics Lab at ETH Zurich in collaboration with the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia have developed a biohybrid system that mimics the biological interface between bones and muscles, enabling improved force transmission. This technology could be applied not only in robotics but also in the development of medical implants.

Human embryo implantation recorded in real time for the first time

Researchers at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) have recorded human embryo implantation in real time for the first time, using an innovative system developed in the laboratory that simulates the outer layers of the uterus in 3D. Implantation failure is one of the main causes of infertility, accounting for 60% of miscarriages. The work, published in the journal Science Advances, may help to better understand the mechanisms underlying the implantation process, improving fertility rates and optimising assisted reproduction processes.

Scientists create an artificial cell capable of navigating its environment using chemistry alone

Researchers at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) have created the world’s simplest artificial cell capable of chemical navigation, migrating toward specific substances like living cells do. This breakthrough, published in Science Advances, demonstrates how microscopic bubbles, called vesicles, can be programmed to follow chemical trails. This breakthrough reveals the bare essentials needed to make synthetic life move with purpose. Decoding how vesicles navigate reveals how cells communicate and transport cargo, and provides a blueprint for engineering targeted drug delivery systems