Article
Environmental Sciences
Kozhumal Greeshma, Hee-Sik Kim, Rishiram Ramanan
Summary: The study highlights the importance of microbial communities in the removal of heavy metals, especially the synergistic effects of cooperation between different microbial taxa.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luke Kemp, Chi Xu, Joanna Depledge, Kristie L. Ebi, Goodwin Gibbins, Timothy A. Kohler, Johan Rockstrom, Marten Scheffer, Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, Will Steffen, Timothy M. Lenton
Summary: Understanding the potential catastrophic consequences of climate change is crucial for action, resilience, and policy-making. This article outlines the current knowledge and proposes a research agenda to examine the mechanisms and impacts of extreme climate change, including mass extinction events, human mortality and morbidity, societal vulnerabilities, and integration of multiple strands of evidence.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zhong-Wen Jiang, Liang Ma, Chun-Rong Mi, Shi-Ang Tao, Fengyi Guo, Wei-Guo Du
Summary: This study used mechanistic niche models and incorporated species traits to predict the ecophysiological responses of lizard populations at high-elevation and extra-high-elevation under recent and future climates. The results showed that lizards from extra-high-elevation are predicted to experience a greater increase in activity time and oxygen consumption compared to their high-elevation counterparts. By integrating these responses into hybrid species distribution models, the study predicted that lizards at both elevations will shift upslope by 2081-2100, with extra-high-elevation lizards gaining more and losing less habitat than high-elevation lizards. The study highlights the importance of conserving high-elevation species and considering intraspecific variation and local adaptation in physiological traits when predicting species' future distributions under climate change.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yihan Zhao, Yun Zhang, Jishu Guo, Jun Wang, Yanling Li
Summary: The study found that there has been a decrease in classical and basic research on periphyton, while research on periphyton's function in freshwater ecosystems, research at macroscales, and anthropogenic themes have been increasing. The focus of the research is mainly on diatoms, especially in relation to streams. Future research should focus on periphyton's function in lakes and its response to multiple environmental pressures.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yu-Qun Du, Alexander Jueterbock, Muhammad Firdaus, Anicia Q. Hurtado, Delin Duan
Summary: This study investigated the niche differences between two species of Kappaphycus seaweed using ecological niche modeling, ordination, and hypervolume approaches. The results showed significant niche differences in both geographical and environmental space between the two species. The models predicted that rising sea surface temperature will lead to different range shifts for the two species, with one species suffering contraction while the other species expanding its distribution. This study enhances our understanding of Kappaphycus aquaculture and highlights the importance of conservation and investigation under climate change.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemical Research Methods
Michael B. Sheets, Joshua T. Atkinson, Mark P. Styczynski, Emily R. Aurand
Summary: As engineering biology continues to have increasing impacts, it is crucial to introduce the field early on in an accessible manner. However, teaching engineering biology faces challenges such as limited representation in widely used scientific textbooks or curricula, as well as its interdisciplinary nature. To address this, we have developed an adaptable curriculum module that provides a versatile slide deck designed by engineering biology experts to cover the fundamental principles and applications of the field. Free and accessible through a public website, this module can be used independently or integrated into existing curricula, aiming to enhance the ease of teaching current engineering biology topics and promote public engagement with the field.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wang-Hui Song, Jing-Jing Li
Summary: As global climate change alters the distribution range of macroalgae, it is necessary to assess its impact on species range shifts for conservation purposes. In this study, we investigated the geographical variation and physiological responses of Sargassum thunbergii populations to climate change. The results indicate that there is intraspecific variability in the response of populations, with the southern group showing higher resilience and adaptability to changing temperatures.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pedro Luis Diaz-Carballido, Gabriela Mendoza-Gonzalez, Carlos Alberto Yanez-Arenas, Xavier Chiappa-Carrara
Summary: Climate change affects carcharhinid sharks by reducing their suitable areas. However, the understanding of how they are impacted is limited, calling for distribution assessment to prioritize conservation efforts and maintain the stability of marine ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Javad Aminian-Dehkordi, Shadi Rahimi, Mehdi Golzar-Ahmadi, Amritpal Singh, Javiera Lopez, Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro, Ivan Mijakovic
Summary: Synthetic biology offers new solutions for environmental protection by developing remediation systems using genetically engineered microbes and plants, and utilizing computational methods for design and application to detect and respond to specific pollutants.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Enrico Tordoni, Francesco Petruzzellis, Azzurra Di Bonaventura, Nicola Pavanetto, Martina Tomasella, Andrea Nardini, Francesco Boscutti, Fabrizio Martini, Giovanni Bacaro
Summary: Predicting the consequences of climate change is important to mitigate impacts on vulnerable ecosystems. This study assessed current and future patterns of leaf water potential across different plant species in NE Italy and found that different plant clades respond differently to climate change, which can lead to reassembly of natural communities.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Huidong Li, Wanjing Gao, Yage Liu, Fenghui Yuan, Minchao Wu, Lin Meng
Summary: Several ecological engineering programs in China have led to a significant increase in regional carbon sink. This study detected the location of these programs and attributed the impacts of eco-engineering and climate change on vegetation dynamics and carbon uptake. The findings indicate that both eco-engineering and climate change have contributed to increased vegetation greening and carbon uptake.
Article
Biology
S. Ramirez-Calero, J. R. Paula, E. Otjacques, T. Ravasi, R. Rosa, C. Schunter
Summary: In this study, the researchers evaluated the effects of future environmental conditions on the behavior and molecular mechanisms of mutualistic interactions between the cleaner wrasse and its clients. The results showed that elevated temperature and high CO2 conditions can disrupt the behavior of the fish and have different effects on their neuro-molecular mechanisms. Interestingly, no changes in behavior were observed under the combined conditions of warming and high CO2, but signs of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis were found. This study highlights the potential impacts of impending environmental shifts on mutualistic interactions and coral reef ecosystems.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jack Leeming, Laura Aiudi
Summary: Marine biologist Laura Aiudi is developing a net that can protect endangered species while also supporting the livelihood of fishermen.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joseph William Bull, Isobel Taylor, Elizabeth Biggs, Henry M. J. Grub, Tom Yearley, Harriet Waters, E. J. Milner-Gulland
Summary: Every large organization should consider and plan how to achieve net gain in biodiversity.
Article
Ecology
Aurelie Mejean, Antonin Pottier, Stephane Zuber, Marc Fleurbaey
Summary: Climate policy involves a trade-off between current consumption and future climate damages. Previous studies suggested that societies less averse to intertemporal inequalities should postpone climate policies, while societies more averse to inequalities should pursue stringent climate policies. However, new evidence shows that abrupt and irreversible climate changes may lead to population decline and consumption decline, making stringent climate policies optimal even for societies with high inequality aversion. The study also explores the role of population ethics and concludes that immediate climate action is warranted regardless of societal preferences for large populations.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Luis F. Seoane, Ricard Sole
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Ll Alseda, B. Vidiella, R. Sole, J. T. Lazaro, J. Sardanyes
COMMUNICATIONS IN NONLINEAR SCIENCE AND NUMERICAL SIMULATION
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Sergi Valverde, Blai Vidiella, Raul Montanez, Aurora Fraile, Soledad Sacristan, Fernando Garcia-Arenal
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Salva Duran-Nebreda, Jordi Pla, Blai Vidiella, Jordi Pinero, Nuria Conde-Pueyo, Ricard Sole
Summary: This article discusses the characteristics of multicellular entities and their spatial patterns related to functions, as well as the repeating distributions in biological structures. It introduces patterning modules and synthetic gene circuits, along with the phenomenon of symmetry-breaking demonstrated through experimental results.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Ricard Sole, Guim Aguade-Gorgorio
Summary: Differentiation therapy (DTH) is a promising approach to cancer treatment, showing success in specific types of cancer. Mathematical framework and ecological models provide insights for therapy design, but challenges remain in its application to solid tumors.
JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Josep M. Anto, Jose Luis Marti, Jaume Casals, Paul Bou-Habib, Paula Casal, Marc Fleurbaey, Howard Frumkin, Manel Jimenez-Morales, Jacint Jordana, Carla Lancelotti, Humberto Llavador, Lela Melon, Ricard Sole, Francesc Subirada, Andrew Williams
Summary: We are living in a time that requires massive and novel coordinated scientific and societal efforts to address pressing challenges threatening catastrophic change to the natural environment. Universities and academic institutions have the opportunity and responsibility to take a leading role in this era. The Planetary Wellbeing Initiative aims to promote the highest attainable standard of wellbeing for both human and non-human beings, requiring collaboration across various fields to tackle the challenges of global complexity, interdisciplinarity, and urgency.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Alvaro Gonzalez-Dominguez, Raul Montanez, Beatriz Castejon-Vega, Jessica Nunez-Vasco, Debora Lendines-Cordero, Chun Wang, Gabriel Mbalaviele, Jose M. Navarro-Pando, Elisabet Alcocer-Gomez, Mario D. Cordero
Summary: This study showed increased expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components in HGPS skin fibroblasts and lymphoblasts, as well as in hearts and livers of Zmpste24(-/-) mice. Inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome with MCC950 improved cellular phenotype, extended lifespan of progeroid animals, and reduced inflammation, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for HGPS.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Blai Vidiella, Antoni Guillamon, Josep Sardanyes, Victor Maull, Jordi Pla, Nuria Conde, Ricard Sole
Summary: This paper presents an engineered gene network that displays self-organized criticality (SOC) behavior in living cells, poising them close to a critical state. The authors discuss the potential implications of this state on cellular dynamics and behavior.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Blai Vidiella, Antoni Guillamon, Josep Sardanyes, Victor Maull, Jordi Pla, Nuria Conde, Ricard Sole
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Guim Aguade-Gorgorio, Stuart Kauffman, Ricard Sole
Summary: Phenotypic switching in cancer cells is a common phenomenon across tumor types and plays a crucial role in tumor evolution and therapy resistance. A mathematical framework has been developed to understand the dynamics of phenotypic switching, which provides insights for the success of combination therapies targeting both replication and phenotypic transitions.
BULLETIN OF MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Miguel Berdugo, Blai Vidiella, Ricard V. Sole, Fernando T. Maestre
Summary: With ongoing climate change, the probability of exceeding aridity thresholds in drylands and experiencing abrupt ecosystem changes is higher than ever. By identifying different mechanisms causing aridity thresholds and potential amplification mechanisms, we can develop specific hypotheses to bridge knowledge gaps and focus on monitoring and adapting to abrupt ecosystem changes in global drylands.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Ricard Sole, Josep Sardanyes, Santiago F. Elena
Summary: Viruses have complex relationships with other organisms, sometimes parasitizing them and causing diseases, while also playing a pivotal role in the evolution of their hosts.
REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Patrick Fraser, Ricard Sole, Gemma de las Cuevas
Summary: The article discusses why the brain can understand self-reference and introduces the "Strange Loop Model" to explain this phenomenon. This model involves causal feedback between two brain modules to avoid paradoxes of self-reference and negation. It also suggests that the brain's metastable dynamics can limit endless reasoning. Finally, the representation of logical inconsistencies in the model leads to causal incongruence between brain subsystems.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Alvaro Gonzalez-Dominguez, Thalia Belmonte, Jesus Dominguez-Riscart, Pablo Ruiz-Ocana, Ines Muela-Zarzuela, Ana Saez-Benito, Raul Montanez-Martinez, Rosa M. M. Mateos, Alfonso M. M. Lechuga-Sancho
Summary: This study found that insulin response is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in children, and children with impaired insulin response have worse lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Uric acid may mediate pathological inflammatory response by activating NLRP3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)