CBMA - Centro de Biologia Molecular e Ambiental

👩🎓 PhD done! Congratulations to our newest Doctor, Sofia Lavrador! Sofia successfully defended her thesis on "Optimization of DNA-metabarcoding for the early detection and improved monitoring of non-indigenous species (NIS) in Portuguese coastal ecosystems." Thanks to supervisors Sofia Duarte and Filipe Costa for their guidance and support. Here's to a future of success for Sofia!✨

🏆 Our study on Undaria pinnatifida valorization has been awarded the IACOBUS Paper 2024! A collaboration between CBMA (UMinho), the University of Vigo, and the University of Parma explored the potential of this invasive seaweed for green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles with antioxidant & antimicrobial properties. The IACOBUS – Scientific Publications programme supports cross-border research between Northern Portugal and Galicia, funding high-impact scientific publications. 🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/4h6z24h #Science #Innovation #Sustainability #IACOBUS #Nanotechnology

🌊 Invasive Sushi Seaweed Threatens Marine Biodiversity in Northern Portugal Undaria pinnatifida, commonly used in sushi, is spreading along Portugal’s northern coast, affecting native marine ecosystems. Researchers from CBMA & CIIMAR conducted the first mapping of this invasive species in the region, assessing its impact and proposing strategies for mitigation. Their findings, published in Plants, show that salinity plays a key role in the species' distribution, with U. pinnatifida thriving in saltwater marinas but being less common in estuarine areas. The study also highlights how this invasive kelp is outcompeting native species such as Saccharina latissima and affecting local biodiversity. To tackle this issue, the research team conducted removal experiments in Viana do Castelo marina, leading to the partial recovery of native kelp. These results offer valuable insights for marine ecosystem management and conservation strategies. 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/d45p8DK7 #WorldWildlifeDay #MarineBiology #InvasiveSpecies #Biodiversity

PhD done! Congratulations to our newest Doctor, Vanessa Pinho!👩🎓 Vanessa successfully defended her thesis on "(Nano)structured bioactive materials for the delivery of pleiotropic leukemia inhibitory factor." Thanks to supervisors Andreia Gomes, Raul Machado e Ana Mendanha Falcão for their guidance and support. Here's to a future of innovation and success for Vanessa!✨

Leveduras não convencionais: uma resposta aos desafios ambientais e de mercado? Ricardo Franco-Duarte, do CBMA, esteve à conversa no UM I&D da RUM - Rádio Universitária do Minho sobre a sua mais recente investigação, onde analisou 530 genomas de leveduras vínicas não convencionais. - Como influenciam a fermentação e os aromas do vinho? - Poderão estas leveduras ajudar a vinificação a enfrentar as alterações climáticas e a evolução do mercado? Descubram mais sobre este estudo e os seus potenciais impactos na indústria do vinho nesta entrevista. 📻 Para ouvir em: https://lnkd.in/dRYmQ7FW #CBMA #Fermentação #LevedurasNãoConvencionais #Inovação #Sustentabilidade #Vinho #WineScience

Climate change & market shifts are challenging the wine industry—could wild yeasts be part of the solution? New research explores 530 yeast strains beyond Saccharomyces, uncovering their role in fermentation and their impact on wine’s aroma & flavor. These discoveries open new doors for innovation in winemaking, from enhancing complexity to adapting fermentation strategies. Read more: https://bit.ly/4hIbd3S #WineScience #Fermentation #YeastDiversity #Innovation #Sustainability

CBMA Promotes National Soil Monitoring Strategy 🌱 On 20 February, experts, policymakers, and researchers will meet at UMinho (Braga) to discuss the development of a national soil health monitoring system, aligning Portugal with the upcoming EU Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive (2025). Organised by CBMA – UMinho, the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, and FCT, this workshop fosters collaboration between science, policy, and industry to shape a sustainable future for soil health in Portugal. 📅 20 February 2025 📍 University of Minho, CP2, Auditorium B1, Braga 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/dZJmYVYk Join us in shaping the future of soil health! #CBMA #Research #EURegulations #SciencePolicy #SoilHealth #Sustainability

Research Grants in Biological Sciences – Applications Open! 🔬 The CBMA is offering two research grants for MSc graduates in Biology or related fields, funded by FCT. 📌 Eligibility: • MSc in Biology or related areas • Candidates enrolled in a non-degree course (enrolment proof required upon contract signing) This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis or flow cytometry applied to environmental and biological samples. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/d5XWJWxC #ResearchGrants #CBMA

Science without borders at CBMA! Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming students from the Erasmus project of Agrupamento de Escolas Ferreira de Castro (Oliveira de Azeméis) and Escola Secundária Rocha Peixoto (Póvoa de Varzim) to our laboratories. This experience brought together curious young minds from Portugal, Latvia, and Córdoba, offering them the opportunity to explore how our research contributes to tackling global challenges. A big thank you to all the students and teachers for their enthusiasm and engagement! We hope to have inspired the scientists of tomorrow. #CBMA #ScienceWithoutBorders #SciCom #STEMeducation

Science, society, and the perfect way to wrap up our II Open Day! A week has passed, but we can still feel the buzz from our roundtable discussion, where we explored the role of science in shaping an informed and engaged society, hearing diverse perspectives and thought-provoking insights. To end the day, we came together for a laid-back sunset gathering, celebrating knowledge-sharing, connections, and the CBMA community. 📸 Full photo album available here: https://lnkd.in/dkp6wJg6 A huge thank you to everyone who made this day so special! See you next year! #CBMA #OpenDay #ScienceAndSociety #Research #CBMASunset