A carregar...
Projeto de investigação
Centre for Marine and Environmental Research
Financiador
Autores
Publicações
Chemical Characterization and Biological Properties Assessment of Euphorbia resinifera and Euphorbia officinarum Moroccan Propolis
Publication . Boutoub, Oumaima; El-Guendouz, Soukaïna; Matos, Isabel; El Ghadraoui, Lahsen; Costa, Maria Clara; Carlier, Jorge D.; Faleiro, Maria Leonor; Figueiredo, Ana Cristina; Estevinho, Leticia M.; Miguel, Maria Graça
Although the plants of the genus Euphorbia are largely exploited by therapists in Morocco, the composition and antibacterial activities of propolis from these plants are still unknown. To address this gap, this study aimed to characterize the pollen type, the volatile compounds, and the phenolic and mineral profiles of three Euphorbia propolis samples collected in Morocco and evaluate their antimicrobial activities. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the propolis samples was determined by the microdilution method, and the anti-adherence activity was evaluated by the crystal violet assay. The examination of anti-quorum-sensing proprieties was performed using the biosensor Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. Pollen analysis revealed that Euphorbia resinifera pollen dominated in the P1 sample (58%), while E. officinarum pollen dominated in the P2 and P3 samples (44%). The volatile compounds were primarily composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons, constituting 35% in P1 and 31% in P2, with alpha-pinene being the major component in both cases, at 16% in P1 and 15% in P2. Calcium (Ca) was the predominant mineral element in both E. resinifera (P1) and E. officinarum (P2 and P3) propolis samples. Higher levels of phenols, flavonoids and dihydroflavonoids were detected in the E. officinarum P2 sample. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value ranged from 50 to 450 mu L/mL against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Euphorbia propolis displayed the ability to inhibit quorum sensing in the biosensor C. violaceum CV026 and disrupted bacterial biofilm formation, including that of resistant bacterial pathogens. In summary, the current study evidences the potential use of E. officinarum propolis (P2 and P3) to combat important features of resistant pathogenic bacteria, such as quorum sensing and biofilm formation.
Population-specific phenotypic plasticity of endangered bivalves in response to extreme events
Publication . Gomes-dos-Santos, André; Lopes-Lima, Manuel; Silva, Beatriz; Machado, André M.; Pinto, Rui; Österling, Martin; Wallerius, Magnus Lovén; Urbańska, Maria; Golski, Janusz; Runowski, Sławomir; Kaźmierczak, Sandra; Teixeira, Amilcar; Sousa, Ronaldo; Castro, L. Filipe C.; Castro, Paulo; Carvalho, Francisco; Fonseca, Elza; Froufe, Elsa
Freshwater mussels are among the most endangered animal groups, highly sensitive to climate change due to their strict dependence on freshwater habitats. While freshwater mussels are often considered ecologically strict, their distribution across broad environmental gradients raises the possibility of population-specific adaptations mediated by phenotypic plasticity.
This study investigates whether geographically and climatically distinct populations of two freshwater mussel species (Unio pictorum and Unio delphinus) exhibit different transcriptomic responses to prolonged heat stress and whether these responses reveal signs of local adaptation.
We exposed northern and southern populations of both species to gradually increasing temperatures in controlled laboratory conditions, simulating a prolonged thermal extreme event, and RNA-seq was used to quantify differential gene expression.
Results showed strong differences between northern and southern populations of the two species, both in the magnitude and functional composition of transcriptomic responses. Southern populations exhibited intense expression shifts involving classical stress pathways, heat shock proteins, detoxification (cytochrome P450s), apoptosis, and energy metabolism, while northern populations, particularly U. delphinus, showed a markedly subdued response. Notably, U. pictorum's northern population relied heavily on the cytochrome P450 family even at moderate temperatures, while the southern populations of both species activated broader proteostasis and immune responses at higher stress thresholds.
These findings demonstrate clear population-specific phenotypic plasticity, shaped by environmental conditions rather than phylogenetic proximity. They underscore the need for conservation strategies to move beyond species-level management, embracing intraspecific variation as a buffer against climate impacts. As climate change accelerates, safeguarding the evolutionary potential encoded within populations, not just species, is essential to preserving biodiversity resilience.
Projeto Bio Ilhas: Conectando Ciência e Educação para sensibilizar para a importância da conservação dos rios.
Publication . Ferreira, Nathália Borges Bartoli; Sá, Isabel; Nogueira, Clotilde; Fachada, Ivone; Calheiros, Cristina Sousa Coutinho; Geraldes, Ana Maria; Pereira, Ana I.
O projeto Bio Ilhas, promovido pelo Centro de Ciência Viva de Bragança e financiado pela Fundação La Caixa, representa uma aplicação inovadora de Soluções Baseadas na Natureza (SBN) para a recuperação de ecossistemas aquáticos urbanos através da instalação de ilhas flutuantes artificiais. Este projeto combina ciência, educação e divulgação para promover a conservação dos ecossistemas aquáticos. As ilhas flutuantes têm o objetivo de promover a biodiversidade, mitigar impactos ambientais e melhorar a qualidade da água. No âmbito deste projeto foram instaladas ilhas flutuantes nos rios Fervença, em Bragança, e Côa, próximo ao Museu Côa-Parque, com áreas de 4m² e 3m², respetivamente. Os materiais utilizados na composição das ilhas foram o aglomerado de cortiça e o poliestireno reciclado, suportando plantas aquáticas com capacidade de remover nutrientes e melhorar a qualidade da água.
Serão efetuadas monitorizações regulares para avaliar parâmetros como a qualidade da água, a taxa de sobrevivência das plantas, a colonização por macroinvertebrados e a utilização pela fauna terrestre e aquática. As ilhas, para além de contribuírem para o fomento da biodiversidade local, servem também como ferramentas educacionais para envolver a comunidade em atividades de educação ambiental e ciência cidadã. O projeto reforça a importância da integração da natureza em áreas urbanas, com impacto direto na qualidade de vida e no envolvimento social, estimulando a literacia ambiental e incentivando ações de conservação.
Insights on game-based learning for educating on environmental protection and sustainable development
Publication . Carvalho, Nuno Aluai; Rodrigues, Maria José; Ribeiro, Tiago; Vasconcelos, Clara
Earth’s life-supporting system is on the verge of falling into non-Holocene-like conditions since humanity continues to have unsustainable behaviors. Humans are poorly involved in protecting the earth’s natural systems and must transform their socioeconomic and cultural practices. Education for sustainable development (ESD) can facilitate these transformations by directing change into a sustainable path. Game-based learning has emerged as a promising tool in ESD, showing effectiveness in analog and digital formats. Bibliometric analyses can reveal insights into future research on shifting human practices through education. Sample was assembled (n = 463) and analyzed using RStudio, Microsoft Excel, and statistical package for the social sciences. Results indicate that the quantity of literature is increasing exponentially (coefficient of determination [R2] = 0.940). While quality standards adopt a decreasing trend through time (β = -0.707, p = 0.001, R2 = 0.754) and correlate negatively with literature accumulation (r = -0.625, Τ = -0.487, ρ = - 0.615, p < 0.05). Multi-correspondent analysis showed conceptual gaps in the literature on ocean literacy, climate change and circular economy subtopics. Digital learning environments account for most reports (n = 311, 67.2%) compared with analog ones (n = 132, 28.5%) or hybrid (n = 20, 4.3%). Digital environments unit good evidence albeit they should not constitute the total period of training. Meanwhile, bibliometric analysis traces a comprehensive map and, at the same time, contributes to the discussion around procedures and metrics for assessing the literature.
Assessment of Agri-Solar Roof Systems: Exploring Multifunctional Applications
Publication . Costa, Isabella; Geraldes, Ana Maria; Calheiros, Cristina
In the current context, issues related to urban well-being and the sustainability of cities can be addressed through rooftop gardening [1] [2]. This concept reflects the growing need for sustainable urban solutions, which has driven the transformation of underutilized spaces, such as urban rooftops, into productive areas. However, challenges such as lack of technical knowledge, insufficient government support, and lack of leisure time hinder adoption [3]. The combination of agriculture and photovoltaic panels (Agri-Solar Roof Systems) emerges as an innovative strategy to optimize these spaces, allowing for simultaneous food and clean energy production. This approach promotes carbon neutrality, food security, energy efficiency, and climate resilience. However, effective implementation requires evaluating economic and socio-environmental impacts. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating Agri-Solar Roof Systems in Portugal, focusing on exploring their multifunctional applications and benefits. Methods: The study adopts a systematic literature review to consolidate existing knowledge on Agri-Solar Roof Systems. A detailed analysis will identify technical, socio-environmental, and economic challenges and opportunities associated with these systems. In addition, surveys will be conducted with stakeholders to understand the acceptability and key factors influencing adoption in Portugal. Results: The results are expected to include technical guidelines for implementing Agri-Solar Roof Systems in Portugal and a case study demonstrating practical applicability and potential impacts. Conclusions: The integration of Agri-Solar systems represents a promising solution for urban sustainability, maximizing productivity in underutilized urban spaces through the synergy between agriculture and renewable energy. The results of this study will provide insights for policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders, contributing to the advancement of public policies and innovative practices for more resilient and sustainable cities.
Unidades organizacionais
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Contribuidores
Financiadores
Entidade financiadora
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Programa de financiamento
6817 - DCRRNI ID
Número da atribuição
LA/P/0101/2020