Articles publicats en revistes (Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals)

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Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) and leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) de novo genomes to study the demographic history and genetic diversity of southern seals
(BioMed Central, 2025-12-01) Nebenführ, Marcel; Hamadou, Alexander Ben; Aguilar, Àlex; Borrell Thió, Assumpció; Gkafas, Georgios A.; Janke, Axel
Background: The Monachinae, or southern seals, are one of two subfamilies within the Phocidae and are home
to iconic pinnipeds such as the leopard seal, a fierce Antarctic top predator, and the Mediterranean monk seal, one
of the world’s most endangered mammals. These two species are difficult to study and sample, due to their hidden
lives in extreme environments or, in case of the monk seal, their critically reduced population sizes; consequently,
genetic data from these two species is scarce. However, cost developments and advances in genome sequencing
have made it possible to generate continuous genome assemblies from DNA of even stranded individuals, allowing
to assemble the first reference genomes of such rarely observed species.
Results: In this study, we have sequenced the genomes of the leopard seal and the Mediterranean monk seal using
PacBio’s CCS technology to assemble the very first genomes for these species. Four additional Mediterranean monk
seal individuals were sequenced using Illumina short-read technology. These data allowed analysis of their demography
and genomic diversity based on whole-genome data, confirming low genetic variability and small numbers
of individuals for the Mauritanian population of the Mediterranean monk seal. In contrast, the relatively abundant
leopard seal shows a high degree of heterozygosity, comparable in the range of other common carnivores.
Conclusions: The first genome assemblies for these seals will lay the groundwork for population-level and other studies
to better understand their evolutionary history and biology and to aid conservation efforts.
Behaviour identification and time-activity budget estimation of the threatened little bustard using accelerometry
(Elsevier Ltd., 2026-01) Revilla Martín, Natalia; Silva, Joao Paulo; Mougeot, François; Morales Prieto, Manuel B.; Marques, Ana T.; Mañosa, Santi; Giralt, David (Giralt i Jonama); Bretagnolle, Vincent; Bota Cabau, Gerard; Arroyo, Beatriz; Bravo, Carolina
Understanding animal ecology requires knowing what animals do. GPS devices provide detailed insights into space use, but they lack behavioural information until recent advancements in accelerometry have bridged this gap. In this study, machine learning methods were applied to accelerometry data to identify and classify behaviours in little bustard, Tetrax tetrax, a species whose population is declining because of habitat loss and degradation. Using recordings of four captive individuals, models were fitted to classify key behaviours, standing, lying, vigilance, locomotion, foraging and male courtship, with separate models for each sex because of behavioural differences. In addition, different sampling frequencies, balancing methods and data-splitting approaches were tested to examine interindividual variation and the effect of sample size. Results revealed that models built with data sampled at 10 Hz performed similarly to those sampled at 20 Hz. Male models slightly outperformed female models, achieving precision and sensitivity exceeding 0.87. Male-specific behaviours, such as courtship, attained F1-scores above 0.8. The application of the models to 10 free-ranging individuals showed marked seasonal and sexual differences in time—activity budgets. Males changed their behaviour seasonally, devoting more time to vigilance, locomotion and courtship during the breeding season and to foraging in winter. On the contrary, females showed a more consistent behaviour pattern year-round, predominantly resting, although lying increased during the breeding season, likely reflecting incubation. These findings indicate the potential application of machine learning and accelerometry to monitor behaviours in freeranging little bustards, offering a valuable tool to understand activity patterns and develop conservation strategies for this threatened species
A Polygenic Resilience Score Moderates the Genetic Risk forSchizophrenia: Replication in 18,090 Cases and 28,114 Controlsfrom the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium
(Wiley-Liss, 2023-08-08) Hess, Jonathan; Mattheisen, Manuel; Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium; Greenwood, Tiffany A.; Tsuang, Ming T; Edenberg, Howard J.; Holmans, Peter; Faraone, Stephen V.; Glatt, Stephen J.; Fañanas Saura, Lourdes
Identifying heritable factors that moderate the genetic risk for schizophrenia (SCZ) could help clarify why some individuals remain unaffected despite having relatively high genetic liability. Previously, we developed a framework to mine genome-wide association (GWAS) data for common genetic variants that protect high-risk unaffected individuals from SCZ, leading to derivation of the first-ever "polygenic resilience score" for SCZ (resilient controls n = 3786; polygenic risk score-matched SCZ cases n = 18,619). Here, we performed a replication study to verify the moderating effect of our polygenic resilience score on SCZ risk (OR = 1.09, p = 4.03 × 10-5 ) using newly released GWAS data from 23 independent case-control studies collated by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) (resilient controls n = 2821; polygenic risk score-matched SCZ cases n = 5150). Additionally, we sought to optimize our polygenic resilience-scoring formula to improve subsequent modeling of resilience to SCZ and other complex disorders. We found significant replication of the polygenic resilience score, and found that strict pruning of SNPs based on linkage disequilibrium to known risk SNPs and their linked loci optimizes the performance of the polygenic resilience score.
Landscape crop diversity contributes to higher pollination effectiveness and positively affects rapeseed quality in Mediterranean agricultural landscapes
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-11-10) Neira, Pablo; Morales Ruiz, Manuel; Munné Bosch, Sergi; Blanco Moreno, José Manuel; Sans, Xavier (Sans i Serra)
Pollination is crucial for biodiversity and food security. Heterogeneous agricultural landscapes have a positive effect on pollinator abundance and enhance crop production and quality. In this study, we explored the effects of three landscape features (past crop diversity measured as the Equivalent Richness of crop functional Groups in the previous year [ERGp], semi-natural habitat percentage [SNH], and mean field size [MFS]) and pollinator densities (wild bees [WB] and honey bees [HB]) on pollination and seed quantity and quality in rapeseed crops. Surveying the pollinator density in 20 rapeseed fields revealed a positive relationship with ERGp in the landscape. A pollinator exclusion experiment compared bagged and open-pollinated self-compatible rapeseed plants and revealed insect pollination effectiveness (fruits per flower and number of seeds per pod) and seed quality (oil content). Seed parameters were evaluated in relation to pollinator density (WB-HB) and landscape characteristics. The ERGp emerged as a crucial landscape feature that positively impacted WB density. When insect pollinators were excluded, plants exhibited reduced pollination effectiveness and seed quality. Analysis of openpollinated plants highlighted ERGp as the most influential variable, positively affecting both sets of parameters. The MFS and SNH showed different but important relationships. Total tocopherol and α-tocopherol were positively correlated with pollinator density in HB, whereas WB showed a positive correlation with γ-tocopherol levels. Increased ERGp positively affected pollinator density and pollination effectiveness, thereby improving oilseed rape production quantity and quality. This study provides new insights into agroecosystem management and pollinator-friendly practices.
A Comparative Analysis of DNA Metabarcoding and Morphological Identification in Diatoms Reveals Similar Patterns of Environmental Response
(John Wiley & Sons, 2025-11-27) Gonzalez-Saldias, Fernanda; Gomà Martínez, Joan; Garcés Pastor, Sandra; Wangensteen Fuentes, Owen S. (Simon); Pèlachs, Albert ; Pérez Haase, Aaron
Diatoms are widely used as environmental sentinels and are commonly studied through morphological identification. However, this method requires specialist knowledge, which is becoming increasingly scarce, resulting in species identification becoming costly, time-consuming, and difficult. DNA metabarcoding offers an alternative method to semiautomate some identification processes to circumvent these difficulties, thus minimizing identification costs while providing objective and reliable information. However, discrepancies between marker genes and morphological identification remain unsolved. This study investigated the 66 diatom communities on 26 high mountain mires in the Pyrenees by identifying morphological species and sequencing the Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) and 18S rRNA markers. We assessed whether morphological and molecular approaches reveal the same patterns of alpha and beta diversity. Our results showed a strong correlation between beta diversity patterns of diatoms obtained by morphological identification and genetic markers. In contrast, alpha diversity calculated through molecular studies underestimated species richness and the Shannon index. The diatom community was chiefly driven by pH, Mg, and temperature, reflecting these patterns in morphological and molecular data. DNA metabarcoding also proved to represent diatom community patterns and the roles of the environmental drivers as clearly as in morphological identifications in high mountain mire diatom communities.
Impact of hydrocarbon extraction on heavy metal concentrations in lowland paca (Cuniculus paca) from the Peruvian Amazon
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-04-01) Mayor, Pedro; Soliño, Lucía; Cartró Sabaté, Mar; Orta-Martínez, Martí
Oil has been extracted from the Western Amazon since the 1920s, leading to severe environmental contamination due to frequent occurrence oil spills and the dumping of produced water. Local inhabitants, along with environmental and human rights organizations, have reported the adverse effects of oil-related pollution on their livelihoods and the ecosystems they depend on. Here, we study accumulation of oil-related heavy metals in wildlife, and its subsequent incorporation into the trophic chain. We analysed the concentration of 14 heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Hg, As, Ni, V, Ba, Se, Be, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Al) in liver samples from 78 lowland pacas (Cuniculus paca) hunted for subsistence in an oil-polluted area from the northern Peruvian Amazon where oil has been extracted since the 1970s (n = 38), and two control areas, the Yavari-Mirín River basin (n = 20), and the Pucacuro River basin (n = 20). Pacas in the oil-polluted area have significantly higher concentrations of Cd (P < 0.01) and Ba (P < 0.0001) compared to those in control areas, suggesting bioaccumulation of oil-related pollution. Conversely, Se levels were significantly lower in the oil-polluted area (P < 0.0001), likely due to the sequestration of Se by other heavy metals, particularly Cd. Additionally, minor variations in other heavy metals, e.g., Fe and Zn, were observed in pacas from the oil-polluted area, whereas control areas showed higher concentrations of Ni and Cu. Mn and Al levels did not significantly differ between the study areas. These results underscore the impact of oil extraction on the absorption and assimilation of heavy metals in wildlife, point at oil activities as the source of the high and unsafe blood Cd levels reported for the indigenous population of the studied oil extraction area and raise concerns about the long-term health risks from oil extraction posed to local Indigenous People who rely on subsistence hunting.
Prolonged drought constrains pine cone production but not its consumption
(Elsevier B.V., 2026-01-01) Domènech, Sofia; Sabaté i Jorba, Santi; Real, Joan; Pons i Julià, Daniel; Vázquez Recasens, Jordi; Puig-Gironès, Roger
Seed production is vital for plant recruitment, shaped by tree traits, climate, and biotic pressures. Droughts can strongly affect reproductive processes, with cascading effects on squirrels. Their feeding behaviour responds to cone size and availability, both climate-driven. This study evaluates how a prolonged drought (three years below average precipitation) affects pine cone production and red squirrel foraging behaviour. Specifically, we (1) analyse tree- and environmental-related drivers of production, (2) quantify squirrel consumption relative to cone availability, and (3) explore links between cone size, production, and exploitation. From 2019–2024, we recorded 32,531 produced and 13,013 consumed cones across 36 transects, with Aleppo pine being dominant. Production varies by species, reflecting distinct reproductive phenologies and species-specific climatic sensitivities. Across pine species, production was negatively associated with drought-related conditions during key reproductive stages, indicating shared vulnerability to water limitation. Rather than long-term trends, these responses reflect interannual climatic variability as a reproductive bottleneck, promoting cross-species synchronization and local homogenization. Crown diameter and habitat significantly affected production. Habitat also shaped squirrel consumption, with mixed forests showing higher rates. Tree diameter and crown size affected cone length, which influenced squirrel feeding. Despite reduced production, squirrel consumption remained stable or even increased during low-production years, with some areas exceeding 75 % of available cones. This suggests that reduced seed availability combined with sustained foraging pressure may impair forest regeneration. Overall, our findings show that climate extremes can synchronize reproductive failure across co-occurring pine species, reveal drought‑driven pollination limits while intensifying trophic pressures in drought-prone ecosystems.
Evaluating biotic interactions in a hard and fragile ecosystem: xerophilous land snails and epilithic cryptogram communities in rocky outcrops
(Elsevier, 2026-03-01) Gavarró, Paula; Bros i Catón, Vicenç; Sáez, Llorenç; Santos, Xavier; Real, Joan; Pons i Julià, Daniel; Puig-Gironès, Roger
In biodiversity hotspots like rocky outcrops, species distribution is shaped by environmental factors at multiple scales, with microhabitat characteristics like substrate composition and shelter playing key roles. These fragile ecosystems host a rich diversity of species, including endemic and endangered taxa. However, they remain underexplored in conservation research, despite their crucial role in sustaining xerophilic biodiversity. This study investigates the environmental drivers of xerophilous communities, specifically on land snails and epilithic cryptograms, in a Mediterranean Natural Park. Specifically, we examine how substrate composition influences species assemblages and their biotic relationship. Our field data and statistical models reveal that substrate heterogeneity, comprising conglomerates, pebbles, and sand, creates microclimatic conditions that support diverse communities. Land snails are particularly associated with larger pebbles that provide shelter and moisture retention, while epilithic species thrive on conglomerates and finer materials that stabilize microhabitats. Minimal overlap in habitat preferences between snails and epilithic suggests niche partitioning and complex biotic interactions, highlighting the importance of substrate diversity in sustaining biodiversity. From a conservation perspective, we propose conservation strategies focussed on preserving substrate structural diversity within rocky outcrops to maintain vital habitat features for xerophilous species. Management policies should integrate microhabitat-scale considerations to enhance ecosystem resilience and mitigate disturbances from human and wildlife activities. This research not only advances our understanding of invertebrate ecology in extreme habitats but also offers valuable insights for the conservation of other biodiversity-rich ecosystems facing similar challenges.
Trends in Urban Wild Meat Trade of Chelonians (Turtles and Tortoises) in the Peruvian Amazon
(MDPI, 2024-11-08) Mayor, Pedro; Bodmer, Richard; Moya, Kelly; Solis, Samantha; Kirkland, Maire; Perez-Peña, Pedro; Fang, Tula; Orta-Martínez, Martí
Culturally, chelonians are important sources of nutrition and income for rural and urban people in tropical rainforests, but urban trade can cause declines in wild populations. This study analyses the urban chelonian trade and its trends to better understand the impact on free-living populations in the Northern Peruvian Amazon. We studied the urban trade of wild chelonians by conducting 526 days of participant observation and structured questionnaires with the main chelonian vendors in the wet markets of Iquitos between 2006 and 2018. The trade of chelonians decreased by −161.6%, from 22,694 individuals in 2006/07 to 8657 individuals in 2017/18. Chelonoidis denticulatus was the species sold the most (86.3%), followed by Podocnemis unifilis (13.6%). Podocnemis expansa was only sold in 2006/07. River turtle sales increased in the dry season, while sales of Chelonoidis denticulatus decreased. Turtles were the most expensive meat sold in urban markets: 49.7% more expensive than the most frequently consumed fish, Prochilodus nigricans, and 48.4% more expensive than poultry. Turtles represented only 0.19% (SD 0.23) of the index of domestic meat and fish consumption per capita. River turtle eggs are sold by a different set of vendors, and in 2017/18, 570,229 eggs were traded in the market of Belén in Iquitos, equivalent to an approximate lay of 10,418 P. unifilis and 1178 P. expansa females. The high magnitude of the trade of river turtle eggs together with the reduction in their meat trade suggests a prioritization of egg sales, which should improve the conservation of adults, since meat sales can be detrimental to chelonian populations.
Association of polygenic score and the involvement of cholinergic and glutamatergic pathways with lithium treatment response in patients with bipolar disorder
(Nature Publishing Group, 2023-07-11) Amare, Azmeraw T.; Arias Sampériz, Bárbara; Benabarre, Antonio; Jiménez Martínez, Esther; Mitjans Niubó, Marina; Schulte, Lothar, 1967-; Vieta i Pascual, Eduard, 1963-
Lithium is regarded as the first-line treatment for bipolar disorder (BD), a severe and disabling mental health disorder that affects about 1% of the population worldwide. Nevertheless, lithium is not consistently effective, with only 30% of patients showing a avorable response to treatment. To provide personalized treatment options for bipolar patients, it is essential to identify prediction biomarkers such as polygenic scores. In this study, we developed a polygenic score for lithium treatment response (Li+PGS ) in patients with BD. To gain further insights into lithium’s possible molecular mechanism of action, we performed a genome-wide gene-based analysis. Using polygenic score modeling, via methods incorporating Bayesian regression and continuous shrinkage priors, Li+PGS was developed in the International Consortium of Lithium Genetics cohort (ConLi+Gen: N = 2367) and replicated in the combined PsyCourse (N = 89) and BipoLife (N = 102) studies. The associations of Li+PGS and lithium treatment response — defined in a continuous ALDA scale and a categorical outcome (good response vs. poor response) were tested using regression models, each adjusted for the covariates: age, sex, and the first four genetic principal components. Statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05. Li+PGS was positively associated with lithium treatment response in the ConLi+Gen cohort, in both the categorical (P = 9.8 × 10−12 , R 2 = 1.9%) and continuous (P = 6.4 × 10−9 , R 2 = 2.6%) outcomes. Compared to bipolar patients in the 1st decile of the risk distribution, individuals in the 10th decile had 3.47-fold (95%CI: 2.22–5.47) higher odds of responding favorably to lithium. The results were replicated in the independent cohorts for the categorical treatment outcome (P = 3.9 × 10−4 , R 2 = 0.9%), but not for the continuous outcome (P = 0.13). Gene-based analyses revealed 36 candidate genes that are enriched in biological pathways controlled by glutamate and acetylcholine. Li+PGS may be useful in the development of pharmacogenomic testing strategies by enabling a classification of bipolar patients according to their response to treatment.
Microbial and physicochemical parameters associated with Legionella contamination in hot water recirculation systems
(Springer Verlag, 2013-02-23) Serrano Suárez, Alejandra; Dellundé, Jordi; Salvadó i Cabré, Humbert; Cervero Aragó, Sílvia; Méndez Viera, Javier; Canals, Oriol; Blanco, Silvia; Arcas Pons, Antoni; Araujo Boira, Rosa Ma.
Hot water recirculation systems (HWRS) in hotels and nursing homes, which are common in countries such as Spain, have been related to outbreaks of legionellosis. To establish the relationships of microbial and physicochemical parameters, especially protozoa, with the occurrence of Legionella in HWRS, 231 samples from hotels and nursing homes were analysed for Legionella, protozoa, heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) at 22 and 37 °C, Pseudomonas, metals, temperature and others. Legionella pneumophila was the dominant species isolated, and 22 % were sg. 1. The sampling method became particularly important in order to define which factors were involved on the occurrence of Legionella. Results showed that the bacteria and the accompanying microbiota were more abundant in the first flush water whose temperature was lower. The bacteria occurred in those samples with high HPC and were inversely correlated with high temperatures. Multivariate regression showed that a concentration above 1× 105CFU/100 mL of HPC at 37 °C, Fe above 0.095 ppm and the presence of protozoa increased significantly the risk of Legionella colonization, while univariant regression showed that the presence of Cu above 0.76 ppm and temperature above 55 °C diminished it. Therefore, to reduce the risk associated with Legionella occurrence in HWRS these parameters should be taken into consideration.
Phylogeography of Silver Fir in the Pyrenees Based on Palaeoecological and Genetic Data Shows Westward Colonisation
(John Wiley & Sons, 2026-02-18) Pèlachs, Albert; Scotti-Saintagne, Caroline; Sánchez-Morales, Marc; Nadal-Tersa, Jordi; Fady, Bruno; Pérez Haase, Aaron; Carracedo-Martín, Virginia; Camarero Martínez, Jesús Julio; Roig, Anne; Cunill Artigas, Raquel; García-Amorena, Ignacio; Pérez-Obiol, Ramón
Aim: To reconstruct the colonisation dynamics of silver fir in the Pyrenees during the Holocene using genetic and paleoecological data. Location:Abies alba forests in the Pyrenees and Northeastern Iberia. Taxon: Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.). Methods: Palaeoecological data from 43 pollen diagrams were used to elucidate the appearance and persistence of silver fir during the Holocene. Additionally, 43 forests were sampled in the southern Pyrenees to perform genetic analyses using 65 SNPs derived from a total of 273 SNPs sourced from a transcriptome assembly. Linear regressions of pairwise population statistics (FST) against geographical distances were performed to examine the presence of isolation by distance. An assumption-free approach was also employed to explore the genetic structure of the populations and coalescence analyses were carried out to infer past demography history. Results: We identified Pyrenean eastern and western genetic groups, which originated from an ancestral population located in the eastern Pyrenees. From this population, a westward colonisation took place, during which isolation by distance led to genetic divergence among populations. The eastern group diverged from a common ancestor shared with Alpine populations approximately 110,250 years (3150 generations) ago. The divergence between the eastern and western groups began around 40,250 years ago, coinciding with a reduction in effective population size to 1/2 of its ancestral value. Subsequently, a secondary contact occurred approximately 8575 years ago, resulting in admixed populations in the central Pyrenees. Main Conclusions: We identified a single eastern origin for Pyrenean silver fir populations, followed by westward expansion and spatial differentiation, with recent gene flow between previously isolated genetic groups. This scenario aligns with palaeoecological evidence and shows how the Pyrenees acted as a longitudinal corridor for postglacial colonisation. The resilience and genetic diversity of Pyrenean silver fir populations underscore their importance for the conservation of the species in Europe.
Climatic niche conservatism in non-native plants is largely dependent on their climatic niche breadth in the native range
(Wiley, 2025) Riera, Marc; Vilà, Montserrat; Melero Cavero, Yolanda; Sáez, Llorenç; Pino Vilalta, Joan
Confidence in predictions of non-native species' spread relies on the nicheconservatism hypothesis, which poses that climatic niches are preserved over timeand space. Because plants introduced through the same introduction pathway(gardening, unintentional) tend to share some features of the introduction processand biological attributes, the extent of niche conservatism might be influenced byhow and when species of particular attributes have been introduced. We compared the realized climatic niches between the native (global) andinvaded ranges (mainland Spain), through ordination and kernel smoothers. Wecalculated niche conservatism metrics (i.e. overlap, unfilling, stability, expansionand pioneering), for a set of 158 plant species. Niche conservatism metrics werethen related to a plant's introduction pathway, minimum residence time, growthform and native climatic niche breadth. On average, niche stability accounted for 75% of niche occupancy, while around61% of species showed some degree of niche shift, which were mostly of smallmagnitude. The climatic niche was most conserved for annual and perennialherbs, plants introduced a long time ago, and those with broad climatic nichesin their native range. Introduction pathways had a non-significant effect. Nicheconservatism metrics were neither explained by interactions of minimumresidence time with introduction pathways nor with growth form. Native climaticniche breadth was the most important correlate of niche conservatism metrics. Synthesis. Non-native plants largely occupy similar climatic conditions in theirinvaded and native range, a pattern that co-occurred with frequent and mostlysmall niche shifts. These results largely support the niche conservatism hypothesis.This boosts confidence in predictive models of non-native plants' spread. Thisstudy highlights that niche conservatism is better explained by a plant's abilityto cope with broad climatic conditions, rather than by its introduction history orgrowth form.
La biodiversitat de les plantes vasculars als Països Catalans
(Societat Catalana de Biologia, 2025-12-12) Garnatje i Roca, Teresa; Belmonte, Jordina; Farris, Emmanuele; Font Aulet, Xavier; Fraga, Pere; Gras, Airy, 1988-; Laguna, Emili; Maccioni, Alfredo; Sáez, Llorenç; Vallès, Jan
This paper presents a brief synthesis of published or ongoing milestones and the most recent data on the diversity of vascular plants in the Catalan-speaking territories, aiming to provide a current snapshot that could be useful for the design of conservation policies and future research addressing identified gaps. In the Iberian-Balearic territories, which form the greater part of the area considered here, the current vascular flora includes 4,558 taxa in Catalonia, 3,325 in the Valencian Community, 2,187 in the Balearic Islands, and 1,596 in Andorra, while Alghero, the only Catalan-speaking territory geographically distant from the others, includes 830 taxa. In the future, it would be advisable to carry out new studies to update the existing data as well as aspects of no- menclature and taxonomy, allowing the development of a unique and easily accessible list of taxa from all the Catalan-speaking territories
Effect of introduction pathways on the invasion success of non‑native plants along environmental gradients
(Springer Science + Business Media, 2024) Riera, Marc; Pino Vilalta, Joan; Sáez, Llorenç; Aymerich, Pere; Melero Cavero, Yolanda
Our understanding on the role of introduction pathways on plant invasions is incomplete because their interaction with other factors remains poorly studied. We contributed to filling this knowledge gap, by analysing temporal trends in pathway importance, pathway-specific differences in the invaded niche, and the effect of pathways on invasion success. We used the non-native flora of Catalonia (NE Spain) as a study system. The contribution of pathways to the non-native flora interacted with time: from before 1500 to the present, gardening replaced agriculture as the main donor of new plants, while the contribution of unintentional introductions fluctuated without a consistent trend. Among neophytes (plants introduced after 1500), introduction pathways influenced differences mainly in habitat type, and secondarily in elevation: natural habitats and high elevation promoted invasion by gardening plants over unintentionally introduced ones. These nuances were unrelated to interactions between environmental variables. Among neophytes, invasion success was unrelated to pathways and interactions between pathways and traits, but was positively related to minimum residence time: older introductions achieved greater area of occupancy, habitat range, and invaded climatic niche breadth. Our results suggest that non-native plants diversified their niches over time (1500-present), a process that resulted in similar area of occupancy and niche breadth across plants with different introduction pathways. This was accompanied by pathway-specific nuances in the type of invaded environmental conditions.
Micronutrients are drivers of abundance, richness, and composition of soil insect communities in tropical rainforests
(The Ecological Society of America, 2025-05-15) Ferrín, Miquel; Asensio, Dolores; Gargallo-Garriga, Albert; Grau Fernàndez, Oriol; Llusià, Joan; Màrquez, Laura; Murienne, Jérome; Ogaya, Romà; Orivel, Jérome; Sardans, Jordi; Janssens, Ivan A.; Peñuelas, Josep; Peguero, Guille
Communities of soil insects in tropical rainforests are among the richest and most complex, but the mechanisms structuring them remain mostly unknown. Identifying whether nutrient availability plays a relevant role in the assembly of these communities poses several challenges due to the diverse nutritional requirements of insects. We investigated the importance of nutrient availability accounting for the abundance, richness, and composition of soil insect communities in tropical rainforests. We sampled soil insects in 72 1-m² sampling points at two sites in French Guiana, counted all specimens, and characterized each assemblage using DNA metabarcoding. We then determined the importance of nutrient availability by measuring 19 nutrient concentrations and collected 18,000 specimens from 2634 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Despite an extraordinary diversity and spatial heterogeneity, the concentrations of sodium, potassium, and magnesium positively correlated with either the abundance or the richness of the communities. These micronutrients were also important predictors of the composition of the assemblages. However, we found different relationships when analyzing the data separately for Blattodea, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Orthoptera, the most abundant insect orders with the most OTUs. Our results demonstrated that the availability of micronutrients played a large role in species selection during the assembly of the soil insect communities in these tropical rainforests, in contrast to the null impact of macronutrients. By accounting for the response at lower taxonomic levels, we argue that part of the unexplained variance might arise from contrastingly different responses to micronutrient availability among the most diverse orders. The high unexplained variance, however, also suggests that processes such as stochastic population drift and biotic interactions likely play complementary roles in structuring insect communities in the soils of tropical rainforests
Whole-stream wastewater addition stimulates the green food web pathway but does not affect food chain length
(Springer Verlag, 2026-01-22) De Guzman, Ioar; Brauns, Mario; Elosegi, Arturo, 1962-; Schiller Calle, Daniel von; González, Jose M.; Montoya, José M.; Larrañaga, Aitor
Most rivers in developed regions receive tertiary-treated effluents from wastewater treatment plants that still contain a complex mixture of pollutants, but their combined effects on food webs are poorly understood. We had the unique opportunity to divert treated effluent into a previously pristine stream and conduct a before-after/control-impact/paired experiment to quantify effluent effects on green and brown food web pathways (i.e., algae and detritus-based pathways) and total food chain length. We hypothesized that the increased biofilm biomass after the effluent addition would promote its consumption by primary consumers, thus favoring the green pathway. Moreover, we hypothesized that the increase in the primary production would lead to an increase in food chain length. Coarse detritus remained the main food resource for primary consumers, but the addition of the effluent promoted biofilm biomass and increased the relative importance of the green food web pathway. However, the effluent discharge did not impact food chain length. The present study reveals that properly treated and substantially diluted effluents can still affect food web pathways through changes in dietary composition of consumers. Thus, further reducing nutrient inputs from WWTPs would minimize the impacts of effluents on food webs.
DNA methylation patterns and epigenetic aging associated with suicide attempts in bipolar disorder
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-08-24) Mitjans Niubó, Marina; Acosta-Díez, Miriam; Giménez Palomo, Anna; Zafrilla-López, Marina ; Saiz, Pilar A.; Barrot i Feixat, Carme; Jiménez Martínez, Esther; Papiol, Sergi; Defez Torán, Javier; Xifró Collsamata, Alexandre; Ortega Sánchez, Marisa; Ruiz, Victoria; Gavín, Patrícia; García Portilla González, María Paz, 1962-; González-Blanco, Leticia; Bobes García, Julio; Schulze, Thomas G.; Vieta i Pascual, Eduard, 1963-; Benabarre, Antonio; Arias Sampériz, Bárbara
Background: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) are a public health issue highly prevalent in bipolar disorder (BD). Multiple factors contribute to STBs, and new evidence highlights the significant role of epigenetics, specifically DNA methylation (DNAm). Additionally, recent studies found accelerated epigenetic aging (EA) in both BD and STBs. This study aimed to detect epigenetic risk factors for STBs, particularly for suicide attempts (SAs), comparing DNAm patterns and EA between BD patients with (BD/SA) and without (BD/non-SA) a history of SAs. Moreover, EA was calculated to explore age acceleration (AgeAccel) in the BD/SA group. Methods: Genome-wide DNAm patterns of blood samples from 46 BD/SA and 32 BD/non-SA were assessed using Infinium HumanMethylationEPIC v1.0 BeadChip (Illumina). Differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and regions (DMRs) were compared between groups. Gene network analysis was performed using genes mapped to DMPs and DMRs. Lastly, EA from different epigenetic clocks was estimated and compared between groups. Results: We identified 18 DMPs and 2 DMRs (adjusted p-value < 0.05) between BD/SA and BD/non-SA. Among the 18 genes mapped to DMPs and DMRs, the MAD1L1 gene was previously associated with severe SAs. Trends of AgeAccel using the GrimAge and GrimAge2 clocks (p-value ≤ 0.022; adjusted p-value > 0.05) were found in BD/SA. Limitations: Relatively small sample size, cross-sectional design, and use of peripheral blood. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of considering epigenetic markers when studying SAs in mental disorders. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the biological basis of SAs in BD, which could ultimately help identify at-risk individuals for SAs.
Cold and low irradiation shape Polylepis reticulata’s seasonal growth and wateruse dynamics at the Ecuadorian Andean tree line
(Frontiers Media, 2025-10-13) Carabajo Hidalgo, Aldemar; Nadal Sala, Daniel; Poma, Byron; Asbjornsen, Heidi; Crespo, Patricio; Sabaté i Jorba, Santi
Introduction: Polylepis reticulata is a tree species that grows in the Ecuadorian Andean páramo at 4500 m a.s.l., an environment characterized by low temperatures, elevated cloudiness, and recurrent fog. These environmental stressors result in scarce periods when both photosynthesis and stem growth can occur. Particularly interesting are P. reticulata transpiration, stem growth, and water use efficiency in growth (WUEBAI) dynamics, which may provide valuable insights into the carbon source-sink growth limitation conundrum. Additionally, little is known about P. reticulata’s sensitivity to the different environmental drivers, and its related life traits.Methods: In this study we quantify the seasonal transpiration, stem growth and WUEBAI patterns of P. reticulata from continuous field measurements on sap flow and stem growth during an entire year.Results: We obtained mean annual values of 1.97 ± 0.05 mm2 day-1 for stem growth, 16.47 ± 0.10 dm3 day-1 for transpiration and 1.20 ± 0.05 cm2 m-3 for WUEBAI. Nevertheless, we found a seasonal pattern for these variables. Cold and cloudy conditions led to a reduction in stem growth, with mean values of 1.67 ± 0.12 mm2 day-1 during this season. Concomitantly, transpiration also declined, with mean values of 12.36 ± 0.08 dm3 day-1, reducing WUEBAI, with mean values of 1.35 ± 0.13 cm2 m-3. On the contrary, during the warmer season, when photosynthesisand cambium cell differentiation occurred simultaneously, all the values were higher, with mean stem growth values of 2.58 ± 0.06 mm2 day-1, mean transpiration values of 18.55 ± 0.12 dm3 day-1 and mean WUEBAI values of 1.39 ± 0.16 cm2 m-3, suggesting a sink-driven limitation of tree growth during the cold season.Discussion: Hence, our results suggest that P. reticulata’s growth and transpiration patterns are limited by energy availability, rather than water availability. So, expected temperature increases for the next years may enhance P. reticulata’s growth, should water stress not increase.
The arachnofauna of the Valencian coastal dunes (eastern Iberian Peninsula): checklist and new records for Spain and Europe
(BioOne, 2024-03-08) Domènech, Marc (Domènech Andreu); Calatayud-Mascarell, Arnau; Selfa, Jesús; Arnedo Lombarte, Miquel Àngel
We present here the results of the first semi-quantitative survey of arachnids conducted on coastal dunes of Spain. We used the optimized COBRA protocol to sample two localities along the Valencian coast. We collected 2886 specimens (58.2% juveniles), belonging to 78 species, 70 genera, 31 families, and 4 orders. The species Larinia chloris (Audouin, 1826) and the genus Cebrennus Simon, 1880 are reported in Europe for the first time. We further confirm the presence in Spain of the spiders Lathys narbonensis (Simon, 1876) and Ariadna inops Wunderlich, 2011. We present images of the diagnostic traits of the most interesting finds along with a checklist of the Arachnida present in the Valencian coastal dunes.

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