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Pere Roca-Cusachs

Group leader

BIST Forum, a meeting to highlight the value of frontier research

The BIST Forum has discussed how excellent science enhances the development of society and economic growth. The event was attended by the President of the Catalan Government, the Mayor of Barcelona, the heads of the highest economic institutions and the rectors of the main universities. At the event, the new BIST IGNITE projects for multidisciplinary research were announced, three of which have the participation of IBEC.

Success at the conclusion of the 6th edition of the course “Mad for Bioengineering”

For the sixth consecutive year, IBEC has successfully hosted its ‘Mad for Bioengineering’ course with the support of the Catalunya La Pedrera Foundation. Geared towards 1st-year high school students interested in STEM careers, the program provides a unique immersion in the field of bioengineering, addressing health issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. The closing ceremony, attended by students and their families, featured presentations of final projects and the awarding of diplomas.

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.

Mechanosensing: harnessing nuclear mechanics to understand health and disease

A study led by IBEC researchers, and published in Nature Cell Biology, shows that applying mechanical force to the cell nucleus affects the transport of proteins across the nuclear membrane. In doing so, this controls cellular processes and could play a key role in various diseases, such as cancer. This entails a novel approach to understanding aspects of cancer invasion and metastasis, opening the door to potential new techniques for diagnosis and therapy.