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The phenotypic plasticity behind the origin of animals: functional genomics, cell biology, and new genetic tools
No full textThe origin of animals has puzzled scientists for centuries. The transition from a unicellular eukaryote to animals is undoubtedly one of the biggest evolutionary transitions in Earth’s history. To unravel the evolutionary path leading to animals, we must study animals’ extant unicellular relatives, theunicellular holozoans. By studying unicellular holozoans, we know that the ancestor of animals likely had a phenotypically plastic life cycle, with transient stages of simple multicellularity. This thesis contributes to enhancing our understanding of two unicellular holozoan species. First, I provide a protocol for CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in the corallochytrean Corallochytrium limacisporum, and study mutations in two different genes which confer resistance to two different drugs. Then, I describe a nutritional polyphenism in response to nitrogen deprivation in the ichthyosporean Creolimax fragrantissima.El origen de los animales ha intrigado a científicos durante siglos. La transición desde un eucariota unicellular a los animales es, sin duda, una de las transiciones evolutivas más importantes en la historia de la Tierra. Para descifrar el camino evolutivo que condujo a los animales, es necesario estudiar a los parientes unicelulares vivos de los animals, los holozoos unicelulares. Gracias a estudios que se han realizado en holozoos unicelulares, sabemos que el ancestro de los animales probablemente tenía un ciclo de vida fenotípicamente plástico, con etapas transitorias de multicelularidad simple. Esta tesis contribuye a mejorar nuestra comprensión de dos especies de holozoos unicelulares. En primer lugar, presento un protocolo para la edición génica mediante CRISPR-Cas9 en Corallochytrium limacisporum y estudio mutaciones en dos genes diferentes que confieren resistencia a dos drogas. Después, describo un polifenismo nutricional en respuesta a la privación de nitrógeno en Creolimax fragrantissima.Programa de Doctorat en Biomedicin
Meta Research Conference, MERE 2025.
No full textArtificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding, and its presence is increasingly visible across many domains of society. From generative systems capable of producing text, images, and code, these developments are reshaping how new knowledge is produced, communicated, and evaluated. Within the context of scientific research, AI tools are no longer limited to peripheral support tasks; instead, they are becoming integral to workflows related to literature search, data processing, analysis, writing, and even peer review. While these technologies offer opportunities such as enhanced efficiency and
accessibility, they also raise critical questions about transparency, bias, and academic integrity.
Within this context, the Meta-Research Conference 2025 (MERE 2025) brings together contributions that examine how AI influences research workflows at present. The papers presented in this volume explore both the potential and the limitations of AIsupported research, addressing questions such as how AI tools reshape information seeking and analytical practices, as well as what methodological challenges and biases emerge when AI systems are integrated into research.
The MERE Conference is an academic initiative of the Research Methods course in the Master’s programs at the Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra. As part of the Meta-Research Project, students engage in the full research cycle, from formulating research questions to data collection and analysis, interpretation, and academic writing. This proceedings volume includes a collection of manuscripts whose authors have agreed to share their work and findings. We are pleased to present these contributions and acknowledge the effort, curiosity, and critical engagement of the students involved
Interrogating the importance of x-chromosome inactivation and reactivation for meiotic potential
No full textX-chromosome dosage compensation in female mammals is achieved through X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), where one X chromosome is epigenetically silenced to ensure dosage parity with male cells. During germline development, this silenced X chromosome reactivates before the onset of meiosis, however the exact requirements for this remain to be fully characterised. In this thesis, I investigate the significance of X-chromosome dosage regulation in the female germline using an in vitro approach. We generated a dual X-chromosome reporter mouse embryonic stem cell line with a knockout of Xist, the long non-coding RNA responsible for mediating XCI. Our results demonstrate that most cells fail to maintain two active X chromosomes upon exiting pluripotency, leading to either X-chromosome loss or cell death. However, a subset of primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) that survive this bottleneck with two active X chromosomes progress efficiently to meiosis prophase I. Additionally, we find that X-chromosome dosage significantly influences the transcriptomic and epigenetic landscapes of PGCLCs. These findings offer new insights into the epigenetic prerequisites for proper meiotic entry in female germ cells and underscore the critical role of X-chromosome dosage in germline development.La compensación de la dosis del cromosoma X en mamíferos femeninos se logra a través de la inactivación del cromosoma X (ICX), un proceso en el que uno de los cromosomas X es silenciado epigenéticamente para garantizar la paridad de dosis con las células masculinas. Durante el desarrollo de la línea germinal, este cromosoma X silenciado se reactiva antes del inicio de la meiosis, aunque los requisitos exactos para este proceso aún no se han caracterizado completamente. En esta tesis, investigamos la importancia de la regulación de la dosis del cromosoma X en el contexto de la línea germinal femenina utilizando un enfoque in vitro. Generamos una línea celular de embriones de ratón con un doble reportero de cromosoma X y una deleción de Xist, el ARN largo no codificante responsable de mediar la ICX. Nuestros resultados demuestran que la mayoría de las células no pueden mantener dos cromosomas X activos al salir de la pluripotencia, lo que lleva a la pérdida del cromosoma X o a la muerte celular. Sin embargo, un subconjunto de células similares a las células germinales primordiales (PGCLCs) que sobreviven a este cuello de botella con dos cromosomas X activos progresa eficientemente a la profase I de la meiosis. Además, encontramos que la dosis del cromosoma X influye significativamente en las características transcriptómicas y epigenéticas de las PGCLCs. Estos hallazgos ofrecen nuevas perspectivas sobre los requisitos epigenéticos para la correcta entrada en la meiosis en las células germinales femeninas y demuestran el papel crucial de la dosis del cromosoma X en el desarrollo de la línea germinal.Programa de Doctorat en Biomedicin
Interpretando a la femme fatale bajo la censura: la performance y star image de las actrices que encarnaron el arquetipo en el cine español del franquismo (1950-1975)
No full textEn la década de los 50 se inicia en España la producción de un cine criminal hecho a imitación del film noir hollywoodiense. Uno de los elementos que se incorpora de dicha cinematografía es el arquetipo de la femme fatale, interpretado por actrices como Katia Loritz o Emma Penella. En los 60, esta corriente cinematográfica deriva en otros géneros como la comedia criminal, donde hace su aparición la femme fatale paródica. En esta tesis doctoral, inscrita en el marco metodológico de los star studies, se analizará la performance y la star image de las actrices que encarnaron el arquetipo en el cine y comedia criminal españoles entre 1950 y 1975. Esto nos permitirá entender cómo las actrices encarnaron el arquetipo en la cinematografía española y qué suponía para la época el ser asociadas a un tipo de feminidad desaconsejable y denostada por el régimen franquista.In Spanish cinema of the 1950s, the criminal film genre started imitating Hollywood’s film noir. The femme fatale archetype is one of the elements adopted from this cinematography, portrayed by actresses such as Katia Loritz and Emma Penella. In the 1960s, criminal cinema evolved into other genres, including criminal comedy, in which the parodic femme fatale makes its appearance. This doctoral thesis, situated within the methodological framework of star studies, analyzes the performance and star image of the actresses who embodied this archetype in Spanish crime and criminal comedy films between 1950 and 1975. It will study how these actresses represented the archetype in Spanish cinema and what it meant at the time to be associated with a form of femininity that was deemed undesirable by the Francoist regime.Programa de Doctorat en Comunicaci
Fixing a broken heart: Zebrafish as a model for heart regeneration drug discovery
No full textMyocardial infarction (MI) remains a leading cause of mortality, with currently available treatments addressing symptoms rather than promoting heart muscle regeneration. Cardiac regeneration strategies, inspired by regenerative species like zebrafish, offer promising therapeutic potential. This thesis in part investigates the advantages and limitations of using larval zebrafish as a model for heart regeneration drug discovery. A novel screening platform, ZebraReg, was developed for semi-automated, longitudinal analysis of heart regeneration. Results demonstrated that zebrafish larvae recapitulate key molecular regenerative processes observed in adults, validating them as an advantageous model for drug discovery. Combining the platform with CRISPR/Cas9-based gene knockout studies, the role of the primary cilium and mechanosensing in heart regeneration was investigated. Lastly, a novel drug target for heart regeneration was examined in zebrafish larvae in the context of heart development and regeneration. We demonstrated that the protein target localises to the primary cilium in vitro and affects ciliary length and function, suggesting a previously unknown role in the cilium. In conclusion, this thesis aimed to advance our understanding of heart regeneration and novel therapeutic targets, laying the groundwork for future regenerative medicine approaches for MI.L'infart de miocardi (IM) continua sent una de les principals causes de mortalitat, i els tractaments disponibles actualment aborden els símptomes en lloc de promoure la regeneració del múscul cardíac. Les estratègies de regeneració cardíaca, inspirades en espècies regeneratives com el peix zebra, ofereixen un potencial terapèutic prometedor. Aquesta tesi investiga en part els avantatges i les limitacions de l'ús del peix zebra larvari com a model per al descobriment de fàrmacs per a la regeneració cardíaca. Es va desenvolupar una nova plataforma de cribratge, ZebraReg, per a l'anàlisi longitudinal semiautomatitzada de la regeneració cardíaca. Els resultats van demostrar que les larves de peix zebra recapitulen processos moleculars clau de regeneració observats en adults, cosa que les valida com un model avantatjós per al descobriment de fàrmacs. Combinant la plataforma amb estudis de knockout gènic basats en CRISPR/Cas9, es va investigar el paper del cili primari i la mecanosensibilitat en la regeneració cardíaca. Finalment, es va examinar en larves de peix zebra una nova diana farmacològica per a la regeneració cardíaca en el context del desenvolupament i la regeneració del cor. Demostrem que la proteïna diana es localitza al cili primari in vitro i afecta la longitud i funció ciliar, la qual cosa suggereix un paper fins ara desconegut en el cili. En conclusió, l'objectiu d'aquesta tesi és avançar en el coneixement de la regeneració cardíaca i de noves dianes terapèutiques, establint les bases de futures estratègies de medicina regenerativa per a la IM.Programa de Doctorat en Biomedicin
Contextualizing media and information literacy in Romania: a SWOT analysis on establishing a MIL subject for the Romanian educational system
No full textTreball de fi de Màster en Cultura Digital i Mitjans Emergents (DiCEM). Tutora: Maria del Mar Guerrero PicoThe current research aims to follow the development of media and information literacy in Romania, considering the state involvement in media or digital education, alongside perspectives of teachers and contributions of non-profit organizations in advancing strategies for media literacy.
The analysis is grounded on three dimensions, whose role for media literacy progress is fundamental: firstly, the legislative and financial support from the Romanian public authorities; secondly, the perspectives of the educational professionals and their preparedness and receptivity to address media literacy in the curriculum; thirdly, the involvement of non-profit organizations in the media literacy discourse, their perspectives and results, noteworthy for the field’s challenges.
The study encapsulates the findings and research results, using the strategic tool of the SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats), and highlights general guidelines in regard to the establishment of a media and information literacy subject for the Romanian públic educational system
Impact of green space and built environment on metabolic syndrome: A systematic review with meta-analysis
No full textMetabolic Syndrome presents a significant public health challenge associated with an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular conditions. Evidence shows that green spaces and the built environment may influence metabolic syndrome. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies published through August 30, 2023, examining the association of green space and built environment with metabolic syndrome. A quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) assessment was used to evaluate the overall quality of evidence. Our search retrieved 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria and were included in our review. Most were from China (n = 5) and the USA (n = 5), and most used a cross-sectional study design (n = 8). Nine studies (50 %) reported only green space exposures, seven (39 %) reported only built environment exposures, and two (11 %) reported both built environment and green space exposures. Studies reported diverse definitions of green space and the built environment, such as availability, accessibility, and quality, particularly around participants' homes. The outcomes focused on metabolic syndrome; however, studies applied different definitions of metabolic syndrome. Meta-analysis results showed that an increase in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) within a 500-m buffer was associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio [OR] = 0.90, 95%CI = 0.87-0.93, I2 = 22.3 %, n = 4). A substantial number of studies detected bias for exposure classification and residual confounding. Overall, the extant literature shows a 'limited' strength of evidence for green space protecting against metabolic syndrome and an 'inadequate' strength of evidence for the built environment associated with metabolic syndrome. Studies with more robust study designs, better controlled confounding factors, and stronger exposure measures are needed to understand better what types of green spaces and built environment features influence metabolic syndrome
Struggle, exit, “resilience”— or how precarious workers cope with late neoliberalism. Individual and collective agency of female migrant domestic workers in Spain
No full textThis article inquires the individual and collective agency of female migrant domestic workers in Spain. I use fieldwork conducted between 2013 and 2023 to examine the interplay between the migrant workers’ individual coping strategies, the claims-making strategies of the domestic workers’ trade union Sindihogar, and the structures they operate within and attempt to challenge. Drawing on contemporary research about precarious workers’ movements, I aim to explore to what extent this social movement union has the potential to reduce the power of structural constraints and increase the power of agency. Implicit is a broader, more provocative question: To what extent is substantial change possible within the current political-economic order, here defined as late neoliberalism? I found that while the movement’s community-building approach may empower activists at an individual level, there are significant structural barriers to its potential to accomplish change in terms of better job conditions for this highly precarious workforce. In addition, I suggest that an increasing focus on precarious workers’ “resilience” risks undermining narratives of structural transformation
Analyzing crisis communication of public health organizations during COVID-19 pandemic on twitter: strengthening social media crisis communication for health emergencies
No full textAquesta tesi ha examinat com les organitzacions de salut pública (Organització Mundial de la Salut, Centres per al Control i la Prevenció de Malalties i Metges Sense Fronteres) van comunicar sobre la pandèmia COVID-19 utilitzant la xarxa social Twitter durant les fases inicials d'aquesta mega-crisi. Guiada per la teoria de l’enquadrament i el model de comunicació de crisi i risc d'emergència (CERC), l'anàlisi de contingut de 8.164 tuits va revelar que aquestes organitzacions van utilitzar Twitter estratègicament per dur a terme la comunicació de crisi alhora que empraven diferents enquadraments i estratègies de comunicació, mostrant una estreta correspondència amb els seus mandats i presentant diferències nominals en el nivell de temes CERC integrats. L'anàlisi de 20 entrevistes amb càrrecs de decisió i experts va revelar les motivacions reals, reptes afrontats i lliçons apreses per dur a terme una comunicació efectiva a les xarxes socials. A partir dels resultats empírics, s’ofereix una guia per informar i permetre als actors estratègics utilitzar de manera eficaç les plataformes digitals per realitzar una comunicació de crisi eficaç basada en xarxes socials durant les crisis futures.This thesis has examined how public health organizations (World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Médecins Sans Frontières) communicated about the COVID-19 pandemic by utilizing social media platform Twitter during the initial phases of this mega-crisis. Guided by Framing theory and Crisis and Emergency Risk communication (CERC) Model, the content analysis of 8,164 tweets revealed that these organizations strategically used Twitter to carry out crisis communication while employing varying frames and communication strategies, exhibiting a close correspondence with their mandates and having nominal differences in the level of embedded CERC themes. The analysis of 20 interviews with decision makers and experts unveiled actual motivations, challenges faced, and lessons learned in conducting effective communication on social media. Based on empirical findings, a guidebook has been advanced for informing and enabling strategic actors to effectively use digital platforms for carrying out effective social media-based crisis communication during future crises.Programa de Doctorat en Comunicaci
Neural entrainment to languages of different rhythms in adults and infants
No full textIn this thesis, we explored neural entrainment as a potential mechanism to underline the behavioral evidence that certain phonological properties of listeners’ native language affects speech segmentation. In two experimental series, we used languages of different syllabic complexities, which group languages into stress-timed, syllable-timed, and mora-timed languages. In these series, adults and infants listened to these languages as their neural oscillations were recorded with electroencephalogram (EEG). We measured neural entrainment as the synchronization between the EEG signals and speech at the syllabic rhythm. In both groups, we found that neural entrainment was stronger for languages with higher proportion of simple syllables. These findings contrast with the previous accounts that claim similar neural entrainment to the syllabic rhythm across languages, but it does not directly explain the behavioral evidence of native language effect either. Instead, the findings of this dissertation highlight the role of language-specific properties in shaping speech processing.A aquesta tesi, hem investigat l'entrainment neuronal com a possible mecanisme per explicar dades conductuals que indiquen que certes propietats fonològiques de la llengua maternal afecten la segmentació de la parla. A dues sèries experimentals, hem utilitzat llenguatges amb diferents complexitats sil·làbiques, que agrupen els llenguatges segons el seu tempo: accentual, síl·labic o moràic. Es va registrar l’EEG a adults i infants mentre escoltaven diferents llengües i es va mesurar l’activitat oscil·latòria subjacent. Vam calcular l'entrainment neuronal (la sincronització entre els senyals EEG i la parla a la banda theta -corresponent a les síl·labes). A ambdós grups, vam trobar un entrainment neuronal més fort per a les llengües amb una proporció més alta de síl·labes simples. Aquests resultats contrasten amb resultats previs que varen trobar entrainment neuronals corresponents a les síl·labes a diferents llengües. Els resultats no poden explicar les dades conductuals sobre l'efecte de la llengua nativa. Els resultats d'aquesta tesi donen suport a un mecanisme universal a l’hora de segmentar el senyal de la parla que l’experiència amb la llengua nadiva no modifica.Programa de Doctorat en Biomedicin