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September 22, 2025

Braga Startups Shine | Global Health Accelerator Demo Day at INL

A new tool being developed at INL can explore electrical effects on cells

While we usually consider electronics as a fruit of human engineering, electrical signalling is also fundamental in biology, playing an essential role in cellular functions from neuronal communication and muscle contraction to cell migration, proliferation and differentiation. Electrical stimulation activating these biological functions is therefore also a powerful tool for both fundamental research and for therapeutic applications. Alar Ainla, research scientist at INL, in collaboration with the Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS) at the University of Minho, has developed a novel multi-channel in vitro electrical stimulator to help study these effects in a versatile and accessible way. Their work was published in BMC Biomedical Engineering. Cells can sense and respond to the electric fields. Exposure to an electric field changes the electrical potential across the cell membrane, influencing voltage-gated ion channels and calcium signalling, which can trigger nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and even long-term processes like synaptic plasticity, cell proliferation, and differentiation. In stem and neuronal cells, electrical stimulation can promote axon growth, enhance the expression of neuronal markers, and trigger the release of molecules that guide the differentiation of neighbouring cells. In other words, cells behave like tiny sensors and communicators, adjusting their internal processes in response […]

Shedding light on ultrafast heat transport in graphene

Managing heat efficiently is one of the great challenges in the development of next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. At the nanoscale, energy moves in ways that defy classical descriptions of heat transfer. Houssem Rezgui, researcher from the Sotomayor research group at INL, has now provided new insights into how energy flows in graphene when excited with ultrafast laser pulses. Their work, published as a Letter in Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, explores how electrons and vibrations in the lattice (known as phonons) interact in timeframes shorter than a trillionth of a second. Graphene, with its remarkable electronic and thermal properties, is an ideal platform for probing these processes. When struck by a femtosecond laser pulse, graphene enters a highly non-equilibrium state: electrons absorb the incoming energy almost instantly, and only afterward begin to share it with the lattice. Traditionally, this sequence has been described by the two-temperature model, which assumes that electrons and phonons equilibrate in a straightforward way. However, the INL researcher shows that reality is more complex. Using an extended temperature model, Rezgui revealed that different phonon branches respond at distinct timescales, with longitudinal acoustic phonons playing a key role in energy absorption and redistribution. Strikingly, their […]

Magnetic nanowires take hydrogen production to the next level

As the world looks for cleaner ways to produce energy, green hydrogen (fuel made from water and renewable electricity) is gaining attention as a promising solution. To make green hydrogen affordable and efficient, better catalysts are needed to speed up the chemical reactions involved. Researchers at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory have developed a new type of magnetic catalyst that could change the game. Their findings, recently published in ACS Nano, reveal how these magnetic nanowires efficiently catalyse the oxygen evolution reaction, a key reaction in hydrogen production from water. The research team led by Yury Kolen’ko created cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanowires using a technique called electrospinning, which forms ultra-thin fibres by using an electric field to draw solid threads from a liquid solution; imagine sugar being spun into cotton candy, but at the nanoscale. By precisely controlling the calcination temperature, the team transformed the fibres into nanowires with excellent magnetic properties, critical for their catalytic performance. Why does magnetism matter? The oxygen molecules, which are formed during the water-splitting process, have a special triplet spin state. When the catalyst is magnetic, it can influence the spin alignment of the reaction intermediates, guiding the reaction to proceed faster and […]

Eco-friendly sensor developed at INL enables rapid detection of pharmaceutical contaminants in water

Pharmaceutical waste in water sources is becoming a growing environmental concern. Among the most common pollutants are paracetamol and 4-aminophenol, a related compound that can appear as a contaminant or breakdown product. These substances persist in urban wastewater and surface waters, potentially harming aquatic ecosystems and human health. Detecting them accurately and efficiently is crucial for environmental protection and risk management. Researchers at INL from Espiña’s research group have designed an innovative electrochemical sensor that can simultaneously detect both pharmaceuticals at very low concentrations. The sensor uses carbon screen-printed electrodes modified with specially functionalised carbon nanofibers, which enhance sensitivity and selectivity. This study published in the journal Sensing and Bio-Sensing Research, describes a solution for portable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly tool for water quality monitoring. Traditional methods for identifying pharmaceutical contaminants often rely on complex laboratory techniques such as chromatography and spectrometry. While highly precise, these require expensive equipment, trained personnel, and time-consuming sample preparation, limiting their use for routine or on-site testing. In contrast, electrochemical sensors like the one developed by the INL team led by Raquel Queirós, provide rapid, real-time results with minimal costs. The research team compared different transducer materials, finding that carbon-based ones performed better than […]

INL Workshop on Medical Devices Helps Shape EU Policy Milestone in Advanced Materials

Just months after INL hosted a high-level workshop on Advanced Innovative Materials for Medical Devices, the momentum generated in Braga has culminated in a major policy advancement: At its second meeting, the High Level Technology Council for Advanced Materials, held in Brussels last week, expanded its industry priorities to include advanced materials for medical devices. This marks a significant recognition of the groundwork of the subgroup tasked with examinign this option discussed at INL in April, where European leaders, policymakers, and innovators gathered to explore the transformative potential of advanced materials in health materials and associated technologies. “The inclusion of materials for health in the form of medical devices is a strategic priority for Europe,” said Dr Clivia Sotomayor Torres, Director-General of INL, who chaired the subgroup with support form Dr Lorena Diéguez, research group leader at INL. She added: “it’s a testament to the power of collaborative dialogue and scientific foresight.” From INL to Brussels: Driving the Agenda Forward Organised under the High Level Technology Council for Advanced Materials, an initiative of the European Commission launched in late 2024, the April 2025 workshop at INL served as a strategic forum under the Council’s Subgroup on Future Priorities. It brought together key European figures including Irene […]

Magnetic 1D van der Waals heterostructure

A new spin on magnetism: INL researchers create 1D magnetic nanotubesResearchers at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in Braga, Portugal, have achieved a major breakthrough at the intersection of quantum materials and nanotechnology. In a new study published in Communications Chemistry, they report the synthesis and atomic-scale characterisation of high-quality, single-walled hollow magnetic CrI₃ nanotubes – a landmark advance in the control of low-dimensional magnetism. What distinguishes this work is the confinement of the iconic layered ferromagnet CrI₃ within the innermost cavities of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). This structural innovation yields truly 1D magnetic heterostructures with unprecedented aspect ratios. “This is not just a structural feat, it’s a conceptual leap forward to develop a fully isolated, truly 1D magnetic heterostructure.”, says the first author Ihsan Çaha. Exploring magnetic states This study raises new questions about magnetism at the nanoscale. Using X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) at the ALBA Synchrotron in Spain, the researchers observed unusual magnetic behavior in the CrI₃ nanotubes. “Our XMCD results carried out at ALBA synchrotron show that chromium atoms retain magnetism, but act like paramagnets with minimal remanence,” explains Aqrab ul Ahmad. “This behaviour hints at an intriguing suppression of long-range magnetic order, until now, unexplored.” Theoretical insight […]

Intelligent biosensor developed at INL combines NMR and AI to improve infectious disease diagnostics

In the fight against infectious diseases, rapid and accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment and control. INL researchers have developed a breakthrough biosensor that combines cutting-edge nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology with artificial intelligence. This portable device not only speeds up diagnosis but also provides detailed insights into the immune response, opening new possibilities for point-of-care testing. The study, led by Juan Gallo and Weng Kung Peng published in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics, demonstrates how this innovative approach can detect viral infections and monitor patient recovery faster and more precisely than traditional methods, all within a compact, user-friendly system. The technology uses magnetic nanoparticles specifically designed to detect viral particles, as well as the immune response they trigger in the body. When these nanoparticles bind to target molecules in a small biological sample, they cause measurable changes in the sample’s magnetic properties. These changes are captured by the portable NMR system and translated into meaningful diagnostic information using machine learning models. “What sets this system apart is its ability to offer a more complete picture of the patient’s status,” explains Juan Gallo. “It doesn’t just tell you if someone is infected – it can help determine whether they […]

INL Open Day 2025: A Celebration of Science, Innovation, and Community

Last Saturday, INL welcomed more than 800 visitors of diverse nationalities for a day filled with curiosity, discovery, and joy. Families, students, researchers, and science enthusiasts of all ages came together to experience what it’s like to be a scientist for a day and the energy throughout the building was unforgettable. Across the INL campus, guests explored interactive exhibits and live demonstrations that brought science to life, from fluid dynamics and 3D printing to nano-enabled food and health technologies. In the “NanoPlanet: Fixing the Future” area, visitors discovered how nanotechnology is addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, boosting sustainability, energy storage, and public health. The Kids Zone provided a space where younger visitors could build molecules, explore science hands-on, and enjoy the new INL kids’ book, designed to spark curiosity through storytelling. Art and science merged in Pepto Playground, a performance by the Foqacia project in collaboration with Arte Total. Inspired by the paradoxes of quantum physics, the dancers moved through shifting pink landscapes and invisible forces, inviting audiences to reflect on uncertainty, presence, and transformation. INL researchers also presented impactful projects, from 3DSecret’s pioneering cancer research using microfluidic platforms to national innovation efforts like NGS Storage and GreenAuto, which aim to shape the future of clean energy and mobility. Guests found […]

Capturing the Future: Winners of the European Researchers’ Night 2025 Photo Contest Announced

The European Researchers’ Night 2025 Photo Contest has brought science into focus—literally—through a stunning collection of images from around the globe. With 60 submissions from countries including Portugal, Spain, France, Australia, India, and Morocco, this year’s contest proved that scientific inspiration knows no borders. Organised as part of the European Researchers’ Night (ERN)—a European Commission flagship initiative under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions—the contest is one of many events designed to connect science with society. Since 2005, ERN has engaged millions across 30+ countries and 300+ cities, making research more accessible and relevant to the public. Under the theme “Science for a Sustainable Future,” participants were invited to capture the ways science addresses global challenges—from climate change and public health to social equity and innovation. The result: a diverse gallery of powerful visuals reflecting the transformative role of research in everyday life. 🏆 And the Winners Are: 🥇 1st Place – Photo 28: “Microcosmic Chemical Gardens”📷 Karl GaffA breathtaking fusion of science and art, this image reveals the intricate beauty of crystalline formations through polarized light microscopy, highlighting the spontaneous self-assembly of molecules. 🥈 2nd Place – Photo 6: “Hidden Artefacts of Science”📷 Emine KahramanA vivid Scanning Electron Microscope image that unveils the unexpected aesthetic hidden within biomedical materials, showing how even experimental artefacts can become windows into discovery. 🥉 3rd […]

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INL in the Media

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