Articles publicats en revistes (Física de la Matèria Condensada)

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Protocol for tailored in vitro neuronal networks on high-density microelectrode arrays with polydimethylsiloxane microstructures
(Elsevier B.V., 2026-03-20) Haeb, Anna-Christina; Yamamoto, Hideaki; Roach, Paul; Merryweather, Daniel; Sato, Y.; Tornero, Daniel; Soriano i Fradera, Jordi
Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-based high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) enable neuronal recordings with high spatiotemporal resolution. However, integrating polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microstructures onto HD-MEA surfaces to control network architecture is currently challenging and platform specific. Here, we present a protocol for PDMS fabrication, HD-MEA chip preparation, PDMS-HD-MEA microstructure alignment, and cell culture, including alternatives. Our results show reproducible formation of modular networks with characteristic activity patterns across different systems. This protocol supports engineering of defined neuronal architectures while maintaining compatibility with various HD-MEA systems.
Unravel the rotational and translational behavior of a single squirmer in flexible polymer solutionsat diﬀerent Reynolds numbers
(Springer Nature, 2025-12-01) Qi, Kai; Zhou, H.Y.; Corato, Marco de; Stratford, Kevin; Pagonabarraga Mora, Ignacio
Microorganisms such as bacteria and algae navigate complex fluids, where their dynamics are vital for medical and industrial applications. However, the influence of the Reynolds number (Re) on the transport and rotational behavior of microswimmers in viscoelastic media remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate these effects for a model squirmer in flexible polymer solutions across a range of Re using Lattice Boltzmann simulations. The interaction between swimmer activity and polymer heterogeneity strongly affects behavior, with rotational enhancement up to 1400-fold and reduced self-propulsion and diffusivity for squirmers. These effects result from hydrodynamic and mechanical interactions: polymers wrap ahead of pushers and accumulate behind pullers, enhancing rotation while hindering translation through forces and torques from direct contacts or asymmetric flows. The influence of Re and squirmer-polymer boundary conditions (no-slip vs. repulsive) is also examined. Notably, no-slip conditions intensify effects above a critical Reynolds number (). Below this value, stronger viscous drag minimizes differences. Our findings emphasize the crucial role of polymer-swimmer interactions in shaping microswimmer behavior in viscoelastic media, informing microrobotic design in complex environments.
Reservoir computing in simulated neuronal cultures: Effectof network structure
(American Institute of Physics (AIP), 2026-02-17) Mats Houben, Akke; Haeb, Anna-Christina; Garcia-Ojalvo, Jordi; Soriano i Fradera, Jordi
Biological neurons are emerging as attractive candidates for artificial intelligence and machine learning applications given their natural energy efficiency and self-repair capacity. However, they differ from their idealized artificial counterparts. Biological neurons have highly variable and noisy dynamics and display intrinsic spontaneous activity instead of purely input-driven dynamics. Moreover, biological neuronal networks have physically constrained and highly plastic connections, leading to a complex and ever evolving connectivity structure. Here, we investigate (numerically and with preliminary experimental data) the stability of the input responses of neuronal cultures using a reservoir computing framework. Utilizing a numerical model for the growth and activity of neuronal cultures, previously used to model experimental data, we investigate the effect of large-scale network topology, specifically homogeneous vs modular architectures, on fading memory, reservoir performance under increasingly noisy dynamics, and robustness to network rewiring. We find that modular networks exhibit longer fading memory time, sustain higher performance under noisy conditions, and are more robust to connectivity rewiring than homogeneous networks. Finally, we observe no relationship between some characteristics of the network adjacency matrix (specifically its spectral properties) and reservoir computing performance.
Unraveling the relevance of graphene-fluid hydrodynamic coupling on the exfoliation of graphitein water
(American Chemical Society, 2025-08-11) Qi, Kai; Fonte, Claudio P.; Stratford, Kevin; Zhang, Yuqing; Jiang, Xiujun; Pagonabarraga Mora, Ignacio
Liquid-phase exfoliation via shear flow is a widely adopted technique for the large-scale production of graphene. However, the underlying nano- and microscale exfoliation mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this work, we address this issue by performing hybrid nonequilibrium hydrodynamic simulations of coarse-grained defect-free graphite nanoplatelets immersed in a mesoscopic water fluid via the lattice Boltzmann method. This approach enables us to investigate graphene exfoliation up to 100 nm in length. Nonequilibrium effects, such as tumbling, alignment, and bending, are demonstrated. In particular, we reveal that due to the graphene-fluid hydrodynamic coupling, the graphite dynamics distorts the surrounding shear flow and reduces the local shear stress, thereby leading to an increase in the critical shear rate by a factor of 2 ∼ 4. This statement is fully supported by a theoretical analysis using a force-based criterion, i.e., overcoming the maximum interlayer van der Waals attraction, and hierarchical simulations: athermal and no coupling; athermal and hydrodynamic coupling; and thermal and hydrodynamic coupling. Our work unravels the paramount relevance of hydrodynamic coupling on graphene exfoliation and paves the way toward achieving large-scale nonequilibrium graphene simulations reminiscent of experiments.
Emerging leaders in nanotechnology
(Frontiers Media, 2025-06-12) Guimaraes, Marcos H. D.; Badilescu, Simona; Mohapatra, Satyabrata; Franzese, Giancarlo
This Research Topic of Frontiers in Nanotechnology celebrates the achievements of emerging leaders driving innovation in the broad field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The diverse articles in this Research Topic reflect the wide variety of Research Topic within nanoscience and nanotechnology. This Research Topic brings together contributions spanning fundamental and applied research, from two-dimensional materials and catalytic nanostructures to biotechnology and education in nanotechnology. Each research article, as well as the perspective article, showcases the work of young scientists who are shaping the future of the field by using sophisticated instruments and methods, introducing novel ideas, interdisciplinary approaches, and opening new scientific frontiers.
Multiscale Field Theory for Network Flows
(American Physical Society, 2025-05-07) Mikaberidze, Guram; Artime, Oriol; Díaz Guilera, Albert; D'Souza, Raissa M.
Network flows are pervasive, including the movement of people, transportation of goods, transmission of energy, and dissemination of information; they occur on a range of empirical interconnected systems, from designed infrastructure to naturally evolved networks. Despite the broad spectrum of applications, because of their domain-specific nature and the inherent analytic complexity, a comprehensive theory of network flows is lacking. We introduce a unifying treatment for network flows that considers the fundamental properties of packet symmetries, conservation laws, and routing strategies. For example, electrons in power grids possess interchangeability symmetry, unlike packages sent by postal mail, which are distinguishable. Likewise, packets can be conserved, such as cars in road networks, or dissipated, such as Internet packets that time out. We introduce a hierarchy of analytical field-theoretic approaches to capture the different scales of complexity required. Mean-field analysis uncovers the nature of the transition through which flow becomes unsustainable upon unchecked growth of demand. Mesoscopic field theory accurately accounts for complicated network structures, packet symmetries, and conservation laws and yet is capable of admitting closed-form solutions. Finally, the full-scale field theory allows us to study routing strategies ranging from random diffusion to shortest path. Our theoretical results indicate that flow bottlenecks tend to be near sources for interchangeable packets and near sinks for distinguishable ones, and that dissipation hinders the maximum sustainable throughput for interchangeable packets but can enhance throughput for distinguishable packets. Finally, we showcase the flexibility of our multiscale theory by applying it in two distinct domains of road networks and the C. elegans neuronal network. Our work paves the way for a more unifying and comprehensive theory of network flows.
Colloidal Model for Investigating Optimal Efficiency in Weakly Coupled Ratchet Motors
(American Physical Society, 2025-07-09)
We investigate the transport of superparamagnetic colloidal particles along self-assembled tracks using a periodically applied magnetic field as a model for ratchetlike mechanisms. Through video microscopy and simulations, we examine how different factors influence transport efficiency. The findings reveal that processive motion can be achieved without residual attraction, with optimal transport efficiency governed by the combined effects of particle size ratios, actuation frequency, track roughness, and asymmetry in the applied potential. Additionally, we explore alternative strategies, including weak residual attraction and alternating magnetic fields, to further enhance efficiency. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of synthetic micro- and nanomotors with potential applications in drug delivery and environmental remediation.
Active wetting of epithelial tissues
(Nature Publishing Group, 2019-01) Pérez González, Carlos; Alert Zenón, Ricard; Blanch Mercader, Carles; Gómez González, Manuel; Kolodziej, Tomasz; Bazellières, Elsa; Casademunt i Viader, Jaume; Trepat Guixer, Xavier
Development, regeneration and cancer involve drastic transitions in tissue morphology. In analogy with the behaviour of inert fluids, some of these transitions have been interpreted as wetting transitions. The validity and scope of this analogy are unclear, however, because the active cellular forces that drive tissue wetting have been neither measured nor theoretically accounted for. Here we show that the transition between two-dimensional epithelial monolayers and three-dimensional spheroidal aggregates can be understood as an active wetting transition whose physics differs fundamentally from that of passive wetting phenomena. By combining an active polar fluid model with measurements of physical forces as a function of tissue size, contractility, cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion, and substrate stiffness, we show that the wetting transition results from the competition between traction forces and contractile intercellular stresses. This competition defines a new intrinsic length scale that gives rise to a critical size for the wetting transition in tissues, a striking feature that has no counterpart in classical wetting. Finally, we show that active shape fluctuations are dynamically amplified during tissue dewetting. Overall, we conclude that tissue spreading constitutes a prominent example of active wetting¿a novel physical scenario that may explain morphological transitions during tissue morphogenesis and tumour progression.
Microscopic Insights into Magnetic Warping and Time-Reversal Symmetry Breaking in Topological Surface States of Rare-Earth-Doped Bi2Te3
(Wiley-VCH, 2025-12-01) Muñiz Cano, Beatriz; Calleja, Fabián; Dai, Ji; Tallarida, Massimo; Marinova, Vera; Barla, Alessandro; Cuxart, Marc G.; Gargiani, Pierluigi; Molina, Gonzalo N.; Silva Guillén, José Angel; Figueroa Garcia, Adriana Isabel; García Díez, Kevin; Valenzuela, Sergio O.; Mugarza, Aitor; Vázquez de Parga, Amadeo L.; Miranda, Rodolfo; Guinea, Francisco; Garnica, Manuela; Valbuena, Miguel A.
symmetry (TRS) at the topological surface state (TSS) enables the opening of a Dirac gap, which is essential for realizing quantum anomalous Hall physics. This work investigates the impact of submonolayer deposition of magnetic rare-earth adatoms on the prototypical topological insulator Bi2Te3, characterized by a strongly warped Fermi surface. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), core-level photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), and quasiparticle interference (QPI) mapping are combined to reveal direct evidence of local interactions between erbium (Er) atoms and the substrate, leading to significant modifications of the TSS. Erbium deposition induces a warping transition of the Fermi surface from a snowflake to a star-of-David–like geometry, along with a Dirac point gap opening and spectral splitting near the Γ point. QPI maps confirm the reconstructed surface band topology through modified scattering patterns consistent with TRS breaking. These results identify a microscopic mechanism for magnetic interaction at the surface of a topological insulator and establish magnetic rare-earth doping as an effective strategy to tailor topological electronic states with atomic-scale control.
A transferable molecular model for accurate thermodynamic studies of water in large-scale systems
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-09-15) Coronas, Luis Enrique; Vilanova, Oriol; Franzese, Giancarlo
Water is essential for life, and its unique properties present significant scientific challenges because of our limited understanding of its thermodynamic behavior. This knowledge gap hinders the accurate theoretical replication of water's properties across various temperatures and pressures, mainly due to the complex quantum nature of its many-body interactions. To address this challenge, we developed a novel molecular model for bulk liquid water that focuses on the hydrogen bond network and its cooperativity. We show that these factors are crucial to controlling water's thermodynamics. Our study introduces an innovative strategy to derive many-body parameters from quantum calculations, validated by advanced polarizable models and calibrated with experimental data under ambient conditions. Our results demonstrate that this model accurately predicts water's equation of state and response functions over a temperature range of approximately 60 degrees at atmospheric pressure and around 40 degrees up to 50 MPa. This quantitative validation underscores the model's reliability and transferability, providing new insights into water's cooperative fluctuations across a broader range of thermodynamic conditions than previously achieved. Moreover, our model's computational efficiency allows for scalability in simulating water droplets nearing micrometer sizes without extensive computational resources or long simulation times. This breakthrough holds significant theoretical and technological implications, opening avenues for advanced research across various scientific fields and applications.
Epoxy coating to prolog actuation time in degas-driven PDM micropums
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026) Álvarez Braña, Yara; Benavent Claró, Andreu; Benito López, Fernando; Hernández Machado, Aurora; Basabe Desmonts, Lourdes
To enhance the portability of Lab-on-a-Chip technology, avoiding bulky electronic flow control systems is crucial. Self-powered microfluidics can significantly improve portability by eliminating the need for electronic components. Traditionally, self-powered microsystems handle small fluid volumes for up to one or two hours. However, many experiments, such as cell culture or real-time biomarker detection assays, require flow control for longer periods. In this study, we demonstrate that polymeric micropumps can provide self-powered flow control for intermediate durations, ranging from several to more than 10 hours. By monitoring the fluid front dynamics of a solution flowing through a microchannel over 1.5 meters long, we developed calibration curves for various micropump types. Our findings reveal that the pump's actuation time is influenced by degassing time, and effective surface area. Using these calibration curves, we compare mathematical models to predict flow rates and actuation times, facilitating the design of customized self-powered microsystems for both short and long-term applications. Epoxy-coated PDMS pumps represent a notable example of a long-operating self-powered microsystem, which holds significant potential for applications requiring controlled flow over extended periods.
A machine learning tool to analyze spectroscopic changes in high-dimensional data
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-10-08) Martínez Serra, Alberto; Marchetti, Gionni; D’Amico, Francesco; Fenoglio, Ivana; Rossi, Barbara; Monopoli, Marco P.; Franzese, Giancarlo
When nanoparticles (NPs) are introduced into a biological solution, layers of biomolecules form on their surface, creating a corona. Understanding how the protein’s structure evolves into the corona is essential for evaluating the safety and toxicity of nanotechnology. However, the influence of NP properties on protein conformation is not well understood. In this study, we propose a new method that addresses this issue by analyzing multi-component spectral data (UV Resonance Raman, Circular Dichroism, and UV absorbance) using machine learning (ML). We apply the method to fibrinogen, a crucial protein in human blood plasma, at physiological concentrations while interacting with hydrophobic carbon or hydrophilic silicon dioxide NPs, revealing striking differences in the temperature dependence of the protein structure between the two cases. Our unsupervised ML method (a) does not suffer from the challenges associated with the curse of dimensionality, and (b) simultaneously handles spectral data from various sources. The method offers a quantitative analysis of protein structural changes upon adsorption. It enhances the understanding of the correlation between protein structure and NP interactions, which could support the development of nanomedical tools to treat various conditions.
Correction: Simulating active agents under confinement with Dissipative Particles Dynamics
(Frontiers Media, 2025-11-07)
An incorrect Funding statement was provided. The correct funding statement reads: C. Valeriani acknowledges fundings from MINECO PID2019-105343GB-I00 and EUR2021-122001 by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and FEDER, UE. I. Pagonabarraga acknowledges support from Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades MCIU/AEI/FEDER for financial support under grant agreement PGC2018-098373-B-100 AEI/FEDER-EU, from Generalitat de Catalunya under project 2017SGR-884, Swiss National Science Foundation Project No. 200021-175719 and the EU Horizon 2020 program through 766972-FET-OPEN NANOPHLOW. The original article has been updated.
Tunable dynamics of flexible magnetic microcrosses: synchronous rotation, breathing and out-of-plane arm overtaking
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025-10-13) Tavacoli, Joe; Stikuts, Andris P.; Dass, Mihir; Liedl, Tim; Tierno, Pietro
We combine colloidal self-assembly and soft-lithography techniques to realize flexible magnetic microcrosses that can be manipulated via external, time dependent magnetic fields. The crosses are characterized by a central domain connected via four flexible arms. When subjected to an in-plane, rotating magnetic field, the crosses transit from a synchronous to an asynchronous spinning motion where their average rotation decreases with the driving frequency. In the asynchronous regime and at low field amplitudes, the crosses display a breathing mode, characterized by relative oscillations between the arms, while remaining localized in the two dimensional plane. In contrast, for high field amplitudes, we observe an arm overtaking regime where two opposite filaments surpass the remaining ones forcing the cross to perform a three-dimensional gyroscopic-like rotation. Using slender body theory and balancing the effect of magnetic and elastic interactions, we recover the experimental findings and show that the overtaking regime occurs due to different arm magnetizations. Our engineered microscopic colloidal rotors characterized by multiple flexible filaments may find potential applications for precise lab-on-a-chip operations or as stirrers dispersed within microfluidic or biological channels.
Dichroism of coupled multipolar plasmonic modes in twisted triskelion stacks
(De Gruyter, 2025-07-21) Rodríguez Álvarez, Javier; Labarta, Amílcar; Vila-Comamala, Joan; García-Martín, Antonio; Guerrero, Albert; Borrisé, Xavier; Pérez Murano, Francesc; David, Christian; Blanco, Álvaro; Pecharromán, Carlos; Batlle Gelabert, Xavier; Fraile Rodríguez, Arantxa
We present a systematic investigation of the optical response to circularly polarized illumination in twisted stacked plasmonic nanostructures. The system consists in two identical, parallel gold triskelia, centrally aligned and rotated at a certain angle relative to each other. Sample fabrication was accomplished through a novel multilevel high-resolution electron beam lithography. This stack holds two plasmonic modes of multipolar character in the near-infrared range, showing a strong dependence of their excitation intensities on the handedness of the circularly polarized incident light. This translates into a large circular dichroism which can be modulated by adjusting the twist angle of the stack. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and numerical simulations were employed to characterize the spectral features of the modes. Remarkably, in contrast to previous results in other stacked nanostructures, the system’s response exhibits a behavior analogous to that of two interacting dipoles only at small angles. As the angle approaches 15°, where maximum dichroism is observed, more complex modes of the stack emerge. These modes evolve towards two in-phase multipolar excitations of the two triskelia as the angle increases up to 60°. Finally, simulations for a triangular array of such stacked elements show a sharp mode arising from the hybridization of a surface lattice resonance with the low-energy mode of the stack. This hybridized mode demonstrates the capability to be selectively switched on and off through the light polarization handedness.
In-vitro mechanical performance of three CAD-CAM bar designs for implant-supported metal-resin hybrid prostheses: a preliminary pilot study
(Elsevier B.V., 2026-01-20) Arteaga-Losada, Lorena; Laura-Fernadez, Héctor; Puerta-Dominguez, María Alejandra; Ascaso-Terren, Carlos; Vives i Santa-Eulàlia, Eduard; Escuin-Henar, Tomás; Torné-Durán, Sergi
Background Implant-supported hybrid metal–resin prostheses are widely used to rehabilitate edentulous patients. However, fractures of the veneering resin and screw complications remain common mechanical failures. Advances in CAD-CAM design and laser sintering technology may improve the structural integrity of these restorations. Aims To conduct a preliminary in-vitro evaluation of the fracture resistance of veneering resin in three CAD-CAM–designed bar configurations fabricated by laser sintering, describing their mechanical behavior and failure patterns under compressive stress. Methods Three bar designs (inverted T, L-shaped, and Ackerman circular) were digitally created and manufactured in cobalt–chromium using laser sintering. Each bar was veneered with autopolymerizing acrylic resin and subjected to compressive loading up to 1000 N at a 30° angle, in accordance with ISO 14801. Simultaneously, acoustic emission analysis was performed to detect microcracks and structural failures. Results No fractures of the veneering resin were observed. Mechanical failures occurred as deformation or fracture of prosthetic screws, beginning at 600 N. Acoustic emission detected early microcracks between 160 N and 400 N, and main fracture peaks between 627 N and 871 N. Among the three samples, the inverted T-shaped bar sustained the highest load before failure in this pilot test. Conclusion In this pilot in-vitro study, the veneering resin showed high resistance under simulated masticatory loading. The combination of CAD-CAM design, laser-sintered fabrication, and retentive elements may enhance mechanical performance. Further studies with larger sample sizes and cyclic loading are warranted to validate these preliminary findings.
Airbrushing: A Novel Method for Preparation of High-Emissivity Black Coating for Infrared Measurements
(Wiley, 2025-08-29) Regis, V.; Brennecka, G.; Tomc, U.; Kitanovski, A.; Cerar, J.; Tusek, J.; Jerman, I.; Stern Taulats, Enric; Lunser, Klara; Mañosa, Lluís; Ursic, H.
The reliability of infrared (IR) imaging is strongly dependent on the surface emissivity of the investigated object. Achieving near-unity emissivity is essential to IR measurement accuracy. To meet this requirement, black paint coatings are commonly applied onto the studied samples. However, there is a lack of a systematic study of the coating preparation for IR measurements. In this work, a new procedure is developed for the preparation of black paint coatings using the cost-effective airbrush tool. With this novel method, it can achieve black paint coatings as thin as ≈3 µm or thicker, depending on the number of layers. The coatings are homogeneous and with excellent adhesion to the substrate. Furthermore, the coatings can be entirely removed from the substrate using conventional laboratory solutions. The coatings exhibited an average emissivity of ≈0.95 within the 0.5–2.5 µm wavelength range. The quality of the coatings is validated by directly measuring the magnetocaloric response of a commercially available material, which is in excellent agreement with the supplier's datasheet. In this way, a novel affordable black coating method is showcased, which can be applied on a wide variety of samples for IR measurements, broadening the possibilities for IR characterizations.
Citizen Science for Health: An International Survey on Its Characteristics and Enabling Factors
(Ubiquity Press, 2024-09-05) Imre, Baris; Covernton, Eugenia; Remmers, Gaston; Tzovaras, Bastian Greshake; Albert, Alexandra; Van Laer, Jef; Wildevuur, Sabine; De Groot, Martijn; Den Broeder, Lea; Bonhoure, Isabelle; Magalhães, Joana; Assens, Sara Mas; Torrents, Enric G.
Even though citizen and patient engagement in health research has a long tradition, citizen science in health has only recently gained attention and recognition. However, at present, there is no clear overview of the specifics and challenges of citizen science initiatives in the health domain. Such an overview could contribute to highlighting and articulating the different needs of stakeholders engaged in any form of citizen science in the health domain. It may also encourage the input of citizens and patients alike in health research and innovation, policy, and practice. This paper reports on a survey developed by the European Citizen Science Association (ECSA)’s Working Group “Citizen Science for Health,” to highlight the perceived characteristics and enabling factors of citizen science in the health domain, and to formulate a direction for future work and research. The survey was available in six languages and was open between January and August 2022. The majority of the 254 respondents were from European countries, and the largest stakeholder respondent group was researchers. Respondents were asked about their perspectives on the particular characteristics of citizen science performed in health and biomedical research, as well as the challenges and opportunities it affords. Ethics, the complexity of the health domain, and the overlap in roles whereby the researcher is sometimes also the subject of research, were the main issues suggested as being specific to citizen science in health. The top two areas that respondents identified as in need of development were “balanced return on investment” and “ethics.” This publication discusses these and other conditions with references to current literature.
Role of connectivity anisotropies in the dynamics of cultured neuronal networks
(Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2025-11-06) Houben, Akke Mats; García Ojalvo, Jordi; Soriano i Fradera, Jordi
An inherent challenge in designing laboratory-grown, engineered living neuronal networks lies in predicting the dynamic repertoire of the resulting network and its sensitivity to experimental variables. To fill this gap, and inspired by recent experimental studies, we present a numerical model designed to replicate the anisotropies in connectivity introduced through engineering, characterize the emergent collective behavior of the neuronal network, and make predictions. The numerical model is developed to replicate experimental data, and subsequently used to quantify network dynamics in relation to tunable structural and dynamical parameters. These include the strength of imprinted anisotropies, synaptic noise, and average axon lengths. We show that the model successfully captures the behavior of engineered neuronal cultures, revealing a rich repertoire of activity patterns that are highly sensitive to connectivity architecture and noise levels. Specifically, the imprinted anisotropies promote modularity and high clustering coefficients, substantially reducing the pathological-like bursting of standard neuronal cultures, whereas noise and axonal length influence the variability in dynamical states and activity propagation velocities. Moreover, connectivity anisotropies significantly enhance the ability to reconstruct structural connectivity from activity data, an aspect that is important to understand the structure–function relationship in neuronal networks. Our work provides a robust in silico framework to assist experimentalists in the design of in vitro neuronal systems and in anticipating their outcomes. This predictive capability is particularly valuable in developing reliable brain-on-a-chip platforms and in exploring fundamental aspects of neural computation, including input–output relationships and information coding.
Citizen Science initiatives in climate-vulnerable neighbourhoods: a new transdisciplinary approach to tackle sustainability challenges?
(Université Côte d'Azur, 2025-11-01) Bonhoure, Isabelle; Perelló, Josep, 1974-
According to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the summer of 2025 (June 1-August 31) was exceptionally warm across Spain, with an average temperature of 24.2°C on the mainland. This value is 2.1°C above the seasonal average for the reference period 1991-2020. It was the warmest summer since records began in 1961, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 by 0.1°C . Barcelona and its metropolitan area, located along the Catalan coast, have been particularly affected by rising summer temperatures, a situation exacerbated by the urban heat island effect (Ward et al., 2016; Zhao et al., 2018). On 16 August 2025, a temperature of 38.9°C was recorded at the Fabra Observatory , one of the city's four official meteorological stations. This value exceeded the previous August record of 38.8°C, registered in 2023. Furthermore, according to an international study (Barnes et al., 2025), Barcelona reported the third-highest number of heat-related deaths among European cities during the summer of 2025, surpassed only by Milan and Rome.

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