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INL hosts the 3-Minute Thesis competition, showcasing Doctoral Research talent

Last week, INL organised its highly anticipated Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, providing an exciting showcase of doctoral research excellence. The 3MT is an initiative that celebrates the exciting research conducted by INL PhD candidates. The 3MT aims to develop early stage researchers’ presentation and research communication skills. It provides support for PhD candidates to effectively explain their research and its significance in just three minutes, using language suitable for a non-specialist audience. Embracing the challenge of condensing months/years of rigorous study into a mere three minutes, 24 PhD candidates from diverse research areas at INL stepped up to the INL auditorium, aiming to captivate the audience of 100+ attendees. The three rounds were held on March 26th, 27th, and 28th. After intense deliberation, the top five candidates were nominated, with their presentations showcasing both academic rigor and compelling storytelling. Alexandra Alves, PhD candidate in the Quantum and Linear-Optical Computation group, highlighted the significance of accessible science communication, stating, “As PhD students we often present our work to expert audiences, but more approachable science communication is lacking. So it was both challenging and fun to try to condense my research topic into 3 minutes and for a diverse crowd.” For […]

INL Opens its doors to the public for a day of scientific exploration – #INLOPENDAY2024

INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory invites you to a day of discovery and exploration on May 18, 2024, in Braga, Portugal. This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the cutting-edge research and innovation happening within our renowned institution. Visitors will have the chance to meet our esteemed researchers and delve into the fascinating world of nanotechnology. Explore our state-of-the-art facilities, interact with our scientists, and learn about the groundbreaking projects shaping the future of science and technology. At INL, we believe in the power of collaboration and community. This event not only showcases our commitment to excellence in research but also serves as a platform to strengthen our ties with the communities we serve. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who join us on this exceptional day of scientific discovery. Together, let us embark on a journey into the realm of science, where possibilities are boundless and innovation knows no bounds. For more information and to register for this event, please click here. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an enriching and inspiring experience at INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. We look forward to welcoming you!

INL Hosts Open Session to Explore Breakthroughs in Single-Cell Analysis for Personalized Oncology

On April 4th, INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, in collaboration with the BIOCELLPHE project, is set to host an Open Session focused on pioneering advancements in single-cell analysis. This exclusive event presents a platform to delve into the challenges and opportunities within the field of single-cell analysis. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions with leading experts and researchers, exploring the potential impact of these advancements on personalized oncology. INL’s partnership in the BIOCELLPHE project underscores its commitment to driving innovation and fostering collaboration at the forefront of nanotechnology research. By hosting this Open Session, INL aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and stimulate dialogue among stakeholders invested in the future of healthcare and diagnostics. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative discussion on the cutting-edge developments in single-cell analysis for personalized oncology. Join us at INL on April 4th and be a part of shaping the future of healthcare. BIOCELLPHE, a project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 FET-OPEN programme under Grant Agreement No #965018, aims to revolutionize the identification of proteins as diagnostic biomarkers at the single-cell level, boasting unparalleled sensitivity, multiplexing capabilities, and portability. Registration for the event is now open. […]

Is greenhouse farming releasing microplastics into water?

In a recent study conducted by INL researchers, in collaboration with University of Alcalá, Madrid, it has been revealed that greenhouse plastic cover films, commonly composed of polyethylene (PE), are releasing microplastics into the environment during their usage, significantly impacting ecosystems. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can result from commercial product development or from the breakdown of larger plastics, and may take hundreds or thousands of years to decompose. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, and nanoplastics, typically smaller than 1 micrometre, have been identified in various ecosystems, including water bodies, soil, and even food and beverages. Their ability to penetrate biological barriers and interact with organisms raises significant concerns about their long-term impacts on biodiversity and human health. The study was conducted over a six-month period in Almeria, Spain, where extensive greenhouse farming is practiced, to better understand the consequences of plastic degradation. Most vegetables grown in these greenhouses are sown and harvested within 6 months, and water analysis was performed at several time points. Researchers from the Water Quality research group at INL and the University of Alcalá applied advanced characterisation techniques to assess the chemical fingerprint, size distribution, and concentration of plastic particles released […]

Nanotechnology for predicting and preventing seizures in neurological diseases

INL researchers are part of the European consortium CROSSBRAIN – a groundbreaking project aimed at developing microbots to predict and prevent seizures in individuals suffering from conditions such as epilepsy or Alzheimer’s disease. Within the complexity of our brains, neurons communicate through various signalling mechanisms, including chemical, thermal, and electrical changes. Many neurological disorders affecting the brain originate from abnormal electrical activity, leading to conditions such as epileptic seizures. When these abnormalities in electrical activity occur, prompt identification and swift intervention are vital for effective treatment. However, current technologies for monitoring and modulating brain activity with precision are very limited. CROSSBRAIN brings together leading researchers from across Europe to develop a new solution for predicting and preventing seizures in neurological conditions. Coordinated by researchers from Tor Vergata University of Rome, the consortium aims to create micro-sized robots that can be implanted in our brains. By combining cutting-edge computing and nanomaterials, CROSSBRAIN will enable precise modulation of brain tissue using various stimulation methods, including electrical, mechanical, thermal, and optical principles. The microbots, powered wirelessly by a compact central unit, will then be implanted through blood vessels, with the capability to deliver genetic material. Once integrated into the network of neurons, these […]

Portugal’s Ministers Elvira Fortunato and António Costa Silva visited INL today

To highlight the crucial importance of INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in driving scientific advancements and economic growth, Portugal’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Higher Education, Elvira Fortunato, alongside António Costa Silva, Minister of Economy and the Sea, visited INL today. The purpose of their visit was to showcase INL’s significant contributions on both national and international fronts, to delve into its strategic positioning within Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plans (PRRs) and its collaborations at the national and European levels, and to discuss INL’s future challenges and its positioning regarding ChipsAct. During the visit, the ministers underscored INL’s strategic alignment with Portugal’s PRRs, highlighting the laboratory’s integral involvement in driving forward key initiatives aimed at strengthening the research and innovation national ecosystem. INL’s collaborative efforts with national partners were also brought to the forefront, showcasing the laboratory’s commitment to fostering synergies within the external scientific and industrial community. Looking towards the future, the ministers addressed the challenges lying ahead for INL, particularly in the context of the burgeoning semiconductor industry. With the global semiconductor landscape evolving rapidly, INL faces the imperative of solidifying its position within initiatives like ChipsAct, aimed at fortifying Europe’s semiconductor capabilities. Ministers Fortunato and Silva […]

Detecting food allergens with paper microfluidics and a smartphone

Every day, millions are at risk of falling ill due to undetected allergens or contaminants in their food. However, a groundbreaking solution may be on the horizon, as researchers investigate a game-changing technology to combat foodborne risks. The Food Quality and Safety research group recently published a study describing a cutting-edge technology that provides faster, cheaper, and more reliable detection of allergens like β-lactoglobulin in our food. Traditionally, detecting allergens in food products has been a complex and costly process. Current methods, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), require specialised equipment and highly-trained personnel, making them difficult to use. INL researchers are contributing to reshaping the landscape of food safety with a new nanotechnology approach. Their pioneering approach? Fluorescent carbon quantum dots combined with aptamers, which are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can bind to specific target molecules with high affinity and specificity. By leveraging the unique properties of carbon quantum dots and aptamers, the researchers have developed a highly sensitive and portable detection method for β-lactoglobulin, the primary allergenic whey protein found in cow’s milk. What sets this technology apart is its simplicity and effectiveness. The team has created a user-friendly platform that […]

INL hosts Info Session dedicated to the Chips JU 2024 funding opportunities

INL partnered up with the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the National Agency of Innovation (ANI) to promote an Information Session dedicated to the European Partnership Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU). The event delved into the funding opportunities available under the initiative that acts as an instrumental central force in the implementation of the European Chips Act mission – a framework designed to strengthen the continent’s competitiveness and resilience in semiconductor technologies. Opening the session, the Portuguese Minister of Science, Technology, and Higher Education, Elvira Fortunato, assured that Portugal is deeply committed to contributing to the joint resilience of the European Union, having established a National Strategy for Semiconductors with strategic lines of action in innovative areas. According to the Minister, the endeavour aims at improving not only the infrastructure, facilities, laboratories, and organisation of chip manufacturing but also in terms of talent capabilities, qualification, and retention – one of the global challenges in this sector. The event counted with the presence of Anton Chichkov, Chips JU Programme Officer, who explored the joint undertaking work plan, introducing the calls available for 2024, and presenting the Pilot Lines and Competence Centres foreseen for this initiative, as well as […]

INL advances heavy metal detection in industrial wastewater

The advances in industrial modernisation are driving research towards the development of new sensors for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) or Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT), aiming to enhance efficiency, production rates, and quality standards. However, current solutions face technical limitations in accuracy, and adaptability to real-world conditions. The Next-Gen Quality Control (NGQC) IoRT project focuses on developing an automated monitoring system to detect heavy metals in industrial effluents. This ecosystem includes environmental monitoring, as well as wastewater. Pilot testing is currently underway at Stellantis in Mangualde, embracing the principles of Industry 4.0. The monitoring system is integrated into a wastewater treatment plant to understand its evolution and whether water quality limits are being exceeded. Raquel Queirós, staff researcher in the Water Quality Group, explains, “This system collects a small sample from the tank at the beginning and end of the process. This sample is then filtered to detect the presence of the heavy metals”. Samuel Silva, research fellow in the Water Quality research group, adds, “The developed electrochemical sensors have been optimised to detect nickel and zinc.” The prototype has integrated an algorithm that calculates and estimates the concentration of the heavy metals. “The system is able to […]