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Prof. Schuhmacher is Emeritus Professor of Environmental Engineering at the School of Chemical Engineering at the URV, Former Director of the AGA Group, former co-Director of TecnATox and Distinguished Professor by the URV. She was an active member of The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry and The Society for Risk Analysis (SRA), being involved in a high number of national and international projects. As a result of that, she has published several chapter books and a >300 scientific publications in peer-review journals.
ICREA Acadèmia 2023 call has selected 40 researchers from Catalan universities, one of them researcher of TecnATox. This is Prof. Eduard Llobet, head of the Microsystems Nanotechnologies for Chemical Analysis (MINOS) research group and professor of the Department of Computer Engineering and Mathematics at “Rovira i Virgili” University (URV), who has already received this recognition in previous calls (2013 and 2018). With this distinction, the Catalan Institute of Research and Advanced Studies recognizes the research work among the staff of Catalan public universities, with the aim of contributing to retaining the research talent of the territory.
Eduard Llobet is founder of the spin-offs NanoChronia and Green Smart Data and president of the Spanish Network of Microsystems and Nanotechnology (IBERNAM). From 2010 to 2014, he was director of the Materials Engineering and Micro/Nano Systems Research Center and, in 2019, URV recognized him as a distinguished professor. Since 2006, he has been head of the MINOS research group, recognized by Generalitat de Catalunya and focused on developing gas detection technologies. Prof. Llobet is co-author of more than 250 scientific articles, 40 invited lectures at international congresses and leader of >40 projects at regional, national and international level.
One year ago, Prof. Mònica Bulló, current director of the Nutrition and Metabolic Health Research Group (NuMeH) and director of TecnATox, received the ICREA Acadèmia 2022 award. Therefore, TecnATox holds 2 top researchers with this prestigious award.
We invite you to participate in the III Nutraceutical Days organized by the Nutrigenomics Research Group, as part of the activities of the Uriach Chair of Nutraceuticals at the Rovira i Virgili University.
The conference will take place at the Tarraconense Center El Seminari in Tarragona.
During these two days, we will explore the latest advances in the field of nutraceuticals, with informative sessions and presentations by experts. It is a unique opportunity to first hand learn about the latest research in nutraceuticals.
REGISTER FOR FREE until the next March 4, 2024.
The research team has analyzed blood samples from 192 people with mild cognitive impairment, that is, individuals with cognitive and memory problems at risk of developing Alzheimer's, users of the ACE Alzheimer Center Barcelona. The results have identified 15 small non-coding RNA molecules, present in 85% of the participants with a higher risk of developing the disease and would allow the most vulnerable patients to be diagnosed years in advance. These molecules are short chains of nucleotides that, although they contain genetic information, do not have the ability to code for a protein. Instead, they activate or deactivate other RNA molecules that do have the ability to do so.
“Small non-coding RNA molecules, together with traditional methods, have the potential to improve the prediction of Alzheimer's and its early diagnosis,” explains Laia Gutérrez-Tordera, pre-doctoral researcher and lead author of the research. Currently, Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed by clinical symptoms, which can be complemented by neurological imaging tests - such as MRI - and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid through a lumbar puncture, an invasive and uncomfortable procedure. Implementing RNA analysis into diagnostic techniques would improve the patient experience by reducing the use of invasive procedures. Better understanding the function of these molecules in the stages prior to the disease can also help design new preventive and therapeutic strategies that slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life of patients.
This study is part of a project funded by the Carlos III Health Institute and led by Dr. Mònica Bulló, Professor of the URV Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology and current director of TecnATox.
The journal Sostenible have just published a report on the threat of microplastics for the environment, as seas and oceans are increasingly polluted by these polymers. Joaquim Rovira was interviewed, together with other Catalan researchers, to give a broader view of the problem and indicate some potential solutions to mitigate medium- and long-term effects of microplastics pollution.
It has been organized as a hybrid (on-site and streaming) event scheduled for Wednesday, February 14 (9:30h - 11 h). More information about the round table and the registration link can be found at:
