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Nobel Prize Highlights microRNA Discovery: Insights for INL Nanosafety Work

Nobel Prize Highlights microRNA Discovery: Insights for INL Nanosafety Work

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation. This pivotal advancement in molecular biology and epigenetics was made through studies on the microscopic worm C. elegans, showing how microRNAs regulate gene expression by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing protein production. Their discovery has far-reaching implications across biology, medicine, and toxicology—including key research initiatives at INL. Within the Research Group focused on Nanosafety, INL researchers utilise C. elegans as a model organism to assess the potential health risks of particulate matter and nanomaterials. Just as Ambros and Ruvkun’s findings have transformed our understanding of gene regulation, our work is expanding the boundaries of toxicological research by employing functional genetics, toxicogenomics, and epigenetic biomarker evaluations to study the impacts of nanomaterials. C. elegans: A Nobel-Winning Model for Toxicology Research The 2024 Nobel Prize further validates the use of C. elegans in toxicology research. Its simplicity, genetic transparency, and short life cycle make it an invaluable tool for studying complex biological processes. Importantly, C. elegans shares many genetic pathways with humans, enabling researchers to draw relevant connections between nanomaterial […]

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#ISFGM2024 – International Symposium on Functionally Graded Materials concludes with a notable achievement

#ISFGM2024 – International Symposium on Functionally Graded Materials concludes with a notable achievement

The 17th International Symposium on Functionally Graded Materials – #ISFGM2024 concluded with resounding success, thanks to the participation of esteemed researchers, industry professionals, and academics from around the globe. Hosted by the INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga, Portugal, from September 29 to October 2, the event provided a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing groundbreaking research in the field of Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs). Throughout the symposium, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, inspiring keynote presentations, technical sessions, and poster presentations. The diverse range of topics covered reflected the multidisciplinary nature of FGMs, whose applications span biomedical, automotive, aerospace, and civil engineering sectors, among others. A key highlight of ISFGM2024 was the election of Ana Ribeiro to the international advisory committee on functionally graded materials (IACFGMs). In a historic moment for the community, Ana joins this distinguished board, marking a significant milestone for gender representation in the field. This prestigious recognition acknowledges her contributions to FGM research and her leadership in advancing the discipline. As ISFGM2024 comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. The exchanges of ideas, the collaborative spirit, and the […]

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New quantum computing protocol demonstrated by international research team

New quantum computing protocol demonstrated by international research team

A recent breakthrough in photonics-based randomness manipulation has been achieved by a strong collaboration with Ernesto Galvão from INL and scientists from Milan’s Polytechnic and Sapienza University of Rome. The group’s findings were published in the prestigious journal Nature Photonics, where they presented a new protocol known as a Bernoulli factory,demonstrating advanced capabilities in manipulating probability distributions encoded in photonic quantum bits. Ernesto Galvão, group leader at INL, outlines the importance of this research in the broader context of quantum computing. “Quantum computers promise to offer extreme speed-ups for certain computational problems, but actually building them is very challenging, independently of the physical platform used,” he explains. Galvão elaborated on the unique properties of photonic quantum computers, which encode and process information using photons – i.e. particles of light. This encoding can leverage various aspects of light, such as the paths it follows, polarization, arrival time, or its spectrum (colour), making it a highly versatile approach to quantum information processing. “The core functionality demonstrated involves manipulating a probability distribution encoded within these photonic quantum bits. To achieve this, we used a programmable multimode interferometer, which enables the encoding of information based on the paths photons take within the device.”, adds […]

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INL Researcher Recognised by the Portuguese Cancer League for Groundbreaking Research

INL Researcher Recognised by the Portuguese Cancer League for Groundbreaking Research

Alexandra Teixeira, a researcher at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), has been awarded the prestigious Liga Inovação 2024 Prize, a distinction promoted by the North Branch of the Portuguese Cancer League (Núcleo Regional do Norte da Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro). The award, valued at 7,500 euros, was presented during the 6th National Meeting of Young Researchers (6º Encontro Nacional de Jovens Investigadores – ENJIO) in Porto, where her innovative cancer research project was recognized among 80 competing proposals. Teixeira’s research focuses on the development of advanced technology to better understand the behaviour and metastatic potential of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), which play a critical role in cancer progression. Her work is particularly focused on breast cancer, a condition that affects millions worldwide and is projected to increase in prevalence. By studying CTCs, the project aims to uncover new insights into how cancer spreads, paving the way for more targeted and personalized treatment strategies. The Liga Inovação Prize aims to promote research with the potential to contribute significantly to oncology, particularly in developing personalized medicine approaches for cancer patients. Teixeira’s project aligns with this mission by addressing metastasis, which is responsible for up to 90% of cancer-related deaths. The […]

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ERN 2024 Brings Science to Life for Nearly 1,400 Participants in Braga

ERN 2024 Brings Science to Life for Nearly 1,400 Participants in Braga

On September 27, 2024, nearly 1,400 participants gathered in Braga for the European Researchers’ Night (ERN), under the theme Science for Global Challenges. The event showcased cutting-edge research and demonstrated how science addresses critical global issues like environmental protection, economic development, and social justice. INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, committed to outreach and bringing science closer to the public, actively participated with European funded projects such as LEARN, FRONTSH1P, Forging, and 3DSecret. Attendees enjoyed interactive experiences, including optical experiments revealing the colors of white light, engaging science-themed board games, and an immersive exploration of extracellular vesicles. João Martinho Moura’s multimedia performance micromacronanooffered a unique blend of art and science, illustrating the connection between the smallest particles and the vastness of the universe. The Consortium: A National Collaboration ERN 2024 was powered by a national consortium. INL and the University of Minho led efforts in Braga, while the University of Coimbra, University of Lisbon, Universidade Nova, ISCTE, and the University of Évora ensured the event reached communities across Coimbra, Lisbon, and Alentejo, making science accessible throughout the country. + A day to remember. See the full photo gallery here >>

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INL researchers recognised among top 2% of scientists worldwide

INL researchers recognised among top 2% of scientists worldwide

INL researchers have received prestigious recognition by Stanford University, placing them among the top 2% of scientists globally. On the 16th September 2024, Stanford University published its latest global list of highly acclaimed scientists from various fields. The university maintains an accessible database featuring scientists with significant academic impact, providing standardised details on citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted hm-index, citations by authorship position, and a composite indicator (c-score). This data is made available separately to assess both career-long impact and the achievements of the year 2023. Remarkably, the following INL members have earned a place on the ‘World Ranking Top 2% Scientists’ list for 2023: Bruno Romeira, Joaquín Fernández-Rossier, Miguel A. Cerqueira, Nuno Peres, Paulo Ferreira, Sanna Sillankorva, Victor Souza, and Zhongchang Wang. Additionally, Joaquín Fernández-Rossier, Francis Leonard Deepak, Miguel A. Cerqueira, Nuno Peres, Paulo Ferreira, Sascha Sadewasser, and Zhongchang Wang, were recognised in the career-long analysis of the ‘World Ranking Top 2% Scientists’ list. Congratulations to INL researchers for their remarkable achievement! For the complete list, you can visit the following link.

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INL recognised as “key innovator” in cutting-edge spintronics technology by EC Innovation Radar

INL recognised as “key innovator” in cutting-edge spintronics technology by EC Innovation Radar

The work developed by the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory within the EU-funded project RadioSpin was recently highlighted on the European Commission’s Innovation Radar for its significant potential. The important milestone is the result of the joint effort by INL and two consortium partners – Thales and CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) – in the development of RF-mode MTJ stacks and devices optimised for neuromorphic computing and sensing. This breakthrough technology, which mimics brain-like computing, is set to transform fields like neuromorphic computing and advanced sensing. The Innovation: A Game-Changer in Neuromorphic Computing and Sensing The innovation centres on Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) stacks in radio frequency (RF) mode. These optimised MTJ devices offer potential breakthroughs in neuromorphic computing—a field inspired by biological neural networks, aimed at more efficient, brain-like computing. Additionally, their sensing capabilities could significantly enhance various high-tech applications, from telecommunication to smart sensors, benefiting a wide range of industries such as IoT, AI, and healthcare. The Innovation Radar analysis identifies this technology as having great market potential. RadioSpin focuses on developing spintronic devices that operate at high frequencies, offering innovative telecommunications and neuromorphic computing solutions. Spintronics is a technology that exploits the intrinsic spin of electrons […]

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INL team develops sensor to detect multidrug-resistant bacteria

INL team develops sensor to detect multidrug-resistant bacteria

A research team at INL is using ionizing light to “smell” volatile compounds emitted by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is a serious global threat with widespread implications, contributing to an estimated 5 million deaths annually due to drug-resistant infections. This occurs as bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, leading to new bacterial strains that are resistant to treatment. As a result, infections become harder to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. Recently, this work was featured in ‘90 Segundos de Ciência’, a series of science communication episodes with daily broadcasts on Antena 1 Portuguese public radio. In this episode, Research Engineer Susana Costa explains INL’s contribution towards this exciting project in just 90 seconds (in Portuguese). The novel sensor is being designed to detect multidrug-resistant bacteria in hospital environments and healthcare facilities. Susana Costa explains that “the photo-ionization sensor employs a sophisticated mechanism that emits light, targeting gaseous molecules released by bacteria present in the air. When the light interacts with these molecules, it ionizes them, creating ions and electrons. These electrons, under the influence of an electric field, generate an electric current, which is then measured by the system”. The technology behind […]

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Espiña and Kolen’ko Groups at XI NyNA 2024 in Santiago de Compostela

Espiña and Kolen’ko Groups at XI NyNA 2024 in Santiago de Compostela

From September 3 to 6, 2024, members of the Espiña (Water Quality) and Kolen’ko (Nanochemistry) groups from INL (International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory) participated in the XI International Congress on Analytical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (NyNA 2024), held in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The event brought together experts in analytical chemistry and nanotechnology to exchange cutting-edge developments and research under key topics such as Nano(bio)sensors, Nanomaterials for sample preparation, Analytical Nanometrology, and Detection, characterization, and quantification of nanomaterials. The INL researchers made a significant impact, presenting one plenary talk, two oral presentations, and one poster, demonstrating their leading role in these fields. Begoña Espiña from the Water Quality group delivered the Plenary Lecture (PL5) entitled “Nanotechnology-based sensors and materials for water contaminants monitoring,” discussing innovative approaches to the detection of harmful substances in water using nanotechnology. The talk highlighted advanced solutions for water quality management, showcasing the increasing importance of nanosensors in environmental monitoring. Javier Terán and Carlos Gonçalves contributed with oral presentations, further elaborating on analytical methods and strategies involving nanomaterials, while Joana Araújo presented a poster detailing recent research advancements. NyNA 2024 focused on fostering the growth of analytical chemistry concepts applied to nanoscience, with discussions spanning across nanotechnological applications and miniaturized nanosystems. With their substantial contributions, the Espiña and Kolen’ko groups continue to pave the way for innovation in the realms of water quality and nanochemistry. […]

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