15/04/2025 - Press release
A study by researchers from the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, IIBB-CSIC-IDIBAPS, Mayo Clinic, IBYME (CONICET), and CaixaResearch Institute demonstrates the role of the Galectin-1 protein in the nucleus of the cells surrounding the tumor-fibroblasts-contributing to their activation. Activated fibroblasts promote tumor growth and spread, while also conferring resistance to treatments. This may be one of the reasons behind the high aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer, which has a five-year survival rate of only 10%. The study's findings open the door to new therapeutic strategies against this type of cancer, focusing on the possibility of inhibiting this protein within the cells that surround and protect the tumor.
Més informació "Key to the high aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer identified"
09/04/2025 - Press release
A study involving more than 1,700 people from five hospitals in Barcelona, Sweden and Italy has validated the usefulness of a biomarker in blood to detect Alzheimer's disease in the clinical setting. The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, demonstrates that this test can be a useful and applicable tool in routine medical practice. The automated analysis of this biomarker is more than 90% effective in identifying patients with Alzheimer's disease. It is an easy-to-use tool that can partly replace other, more complex diagnostic tests, such as lumbar puncture or positron emission tomography (PET). The study has established cut-off points from which the patient's symptoms can be considered to be caused by Alzheimer's, if Alzheimer's disease can be ruled out, or if further tests are needed to determine the cause of the disease.
Més informació "A blood test for early detection of Alzheimer's disease"
27/03/2025 - Press release
Previously unknown access points in cell membrane proteins have been discovered, enabling laboratory-developed drugs to modify cell function. The discovery was made possible through computer simulations with an unprecedented level of detail. The results are available online to support the development of new, targeted drugs for a wide range of diseases. Research centers from thirteen countries collaborated on the study, which has been published in Nature Communications.
Més informació "New pathways discovered for drugs to act on cells"
24/03/2025 - Press release
The genetic modification of the Natural Killer (NK) cells, lymphocytes forming part of the body's immune system, would make it possible to retain their capacity of eliminating tumour cells in solid tumours. Some types of tumours secrete two molecules, TGF-β and Activin A, which supress the capacity of NK cells to attack them. A team of researchers from the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the Pompeu Fabra University has developed a new tool that allows modifying these NK cells to make them immune to the tumour's defense mechanism.
Més informació "New tool to boost cancer immunotherapy effects"
21/03/2025 - Press release
Coinciding with the celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, the results of the GODS21 study, a pioneering initiative on the relationship between obesity and people with Down syndrome, have been presented. A healthy diet is associated with higher IQ scores in this population. The GODS21 study (Gene Overdosage and Comorbidities During the Early Lifetime in Down Syndrome) has revealed the importance of nutrition in cognitive development for individuals with Down syndrome. These findings were presented on March 21, marking World Down Syndrome Day. The study has analyzed the link between obesity and Down syndrome, highlighting the need to consider nutrition as a key factor in improving health.
Més informació "The Importance of Nutrition in People with Down Syndrome"
13/03/2025 - Press release
A study led by the Hospital del Mar Research Institute has established the importance of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that is part of the immune system, in generating a response to pneumonia vaccines. Researchers have found that the absence of this antibody leads to an overgrowth of gut microbiota, triggering an excessive and sustained immune system response, which ultimately becomes exhausted and fails to respond effectively to vaccines. The study, published in Science Advances, opens the door to exploring the possibility of early immunoglobulin therapy administration to prevent this process and reduce the risk of potentially dangerous infections, even in at-risk individuals without a diagnosed immunodeficiency.
Més informació "The relationship between gut microbiota, immunoglobulin A, and vaccine efficacy"
06/03/2025 - Press release
A study led by Dr. Rodrigo Quian Quiroga has demonstrated how neurons in the human brain generate memories and establish narratives. The research is published in the journal Cell Reports. For the first time, it has been confirmed that, contrary to previous beliefs, individual neurons represent the concepts we learn, regardless of the context in which we encounter them. This allows humans, unlike other animals, to establish higher and more abstract relationships, which lays the foundation of human intelligence.
Més informació "Possible Foundations of Human Intelligence Observed for the First Time"
26/02/2025 - Press release
People who take antidepressants experience greater weight gain than those who do not, according to a study by the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, which analyzed data from participants in the REGICOR study (Registre Gironí del Cor) over more than six years. The weight increase is around 2% in all individuals who took this type of treatment at any point during the study. These findings lead the research team to emphasize that depression treatment should consider alternatives beyond pharmacological approaches.
Més informació "Demonstrates the relationship between antidepressants and weight gain."
20/02/2025 - Press release
Researchers identify predictive markers of response to immunotherapy treatment in a study involving data from over 700 patients across six different cohorts, published in Nature Communications. The study has significant relevance, impacting the management of bladder cancer patients. Machine learning tools enabled the identification of key variables for the success of immunotherapy treatment. This innovative methodology has allowed researchers to pinpoint which tumor subtypes respond best to immunotherapy.
Més informació "Massive Data Analysis Advances the Understanding of How Immunotherapy Works"
13/02/2025 - Press release
Specifically, for every year of increase in the difference between chronological age (based on birthdate) and biological age (determined by lifestyle habits and exposure to external factors), the risk of developing cancer after any type of stroke increases by 6.6%. This is the first time a clear relationship has been established between biological age and cancer risk in these patients. Biological age can be modified by changing lifestyle habits, which could reduce the chances of developing cancer after recovering from a stroke.
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