Category archives: Biomedicine

How to regenerate a functional heart using 3D printing

How to regenerate a functional heart using 3D printing

BiomedicineMaterials

By Invited Researcher

C ardiovascular diseases currently form the most important class of non-contagious diseases and a leading cause of mortality in industrialized nations . Specifically, coronary heart disease is the first cause of death among the cardiovascular diseases . The myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a “heart attack”, occurs when blood flow decreases or stops in […]

An ancient stress-related mechanism helps worms keep their cool

An ancient stress-related mechanism helps worms keep their cool

BiomedicineMolecular biology

By Rosa García-Verdugo

How an organism can sense and cope with warming temperatures is key for survival, particularly under current global warming trends. The importance of this subject was recognized by 2021’s Nobel prize in Physiology & Medicine awarded to work on TRP channels, key mammalian peripheral heat sensors. Endotherms -such as mammals and birds – maintain their […]

New gene variants associated with increased COVID-19 risk

New gene variants associated with increased COVID-19 risk

BiomedicineGenetics

By Rosa García-Verdugo

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were hints at particular genes which increased some people’s susceptibility to get infected and the severity of illness once infected. Now, an international study (nearly 3500 researchers from 25 countries) on more than 45000 people infected with SARS-CoV-2, showed a link between 13 genetic variants and the […]

When the inhibition of the inhibitory signals results in an exacerbated response. The case of IL-13 and the COVID-19 severity.

When the inhibition of the inhibitory signals results in an exacerbated response. The case of IL-13 and the COVID-19 severity.

Biomedicine

By Invited Researcher

Author: José R. Pineda got his Ph.D. from University of Barcelona in 2006. Since 2007 he has worked for Institut Curie and The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission. Currently he is a researcher of the UPV/EHU. He investigates the role of stem cells in physiologic and pathologic conditions. A long time ago, I […]

Gene editing could help reverse fast ageing in progeria

Gene editing could help reverse fast ageing in progeria

BiomedicineGenetics

By Rosa García-Verdugo

Gene editing could be the solution to progeria, a genetic disease, characterized by extremely fast ageing. Progeria causes fast ageing and premature death in people carrying a single-point mutation in the LMNA gene, which basically leads to the production of a toxic protein which slowly damages the cells, ageing the bodies. This simple misspelling of […]

The next pandemic is already happening – targeted disease surveillance can help prevent it

The next pandemic is already happening – targeted disease surveillance can help prevent it

BiomedicineMedicine

By Invited Researcher

As more and more people around the world are getting vaccinated, one can almost hear the collective sigh of relief. But the next pandemic threat is likely already making its way through the population right now. My research as an infectious disease epidemiologist has found that there is a simple strategy to mitigate emerging outbreaks: […]

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: what changes in a stem cell to become malignant?

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: what changes in a stem cell to become malignant?

Biomedicine

By Invited Researcher

Author: José R. Pineda got his Ph.D. from University of Barcelona in 2006. Since 2007 he has worked for Institut Curie and The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission. Currently he is a researcher of the UPV/EHU. He investigates the role of stem cells in physiologic and pathologic conditions. Research in oncology advances very […]