The group’s research focuses on Earth surface changes and the underlying geological processes with the aim of anticipating impacts and to propose adaption strategies to diminish the socio-economic losses. The impacts of climate variability, geological processes, and the human effects on the territory (e.g.

We are a researchers’ group united by the same fascination, the study of animal ecology. We combine evolutionary ecology approach to the study of the physiological mechanisms that are coming into the base of the adaptations we studied. This multidisciplinary perspective (behavioural ecology, physiology and genetics) allows us to more inclusive understanding of evolutionary processes, and also allows us to have physiological tools with which we can measure the adequacy of the organisms into the environment.

The group History and documentation of Natural Sciences (HISTORNAT) focuses on the analysis of the history of Natural Sciences in our country and its impact on society.

The Ceramics for Smart Systems Group, CSS, belong to the Department of Electroceramics at the Instituto de Cerámica y Vidrio, CSIC. The working group is composed of 9 staff researchers, 5 hired researchers and 9 PhD Students. The group is founded in an extended experience in microstructure control and its relationship with the ceramic material properties.

The interest of the research team is focused on the synthesis and processing and of electroceramic materials of diverse nature (ferroelectrics, piezoelectrics, isolators, dielectrics, semiconductors, multiferroics, catalysts, photoluminescent, etc) as well as on the development of functionalized traditional ceramics whose properties come from complex micro and nanostructures, specifically designed to obtain not just an improved response but also a highly integrating material.

The Group use the Chemical-Physic of surfaces and colloids to achieve the synthesis and processing of ceramic and metallic materials, as well as composites with ceramic dispersed phases. By the control of the surface reactions of particles in a liquid there are developed forces and interactions between particles themselves and with the dispersion media. The surface additives and synthesis modifiers are studied to control the nanoparticles dispersion into the reaction media (one-pot processes).

The main lines of research presently pursued by the Chemistry of Cement Group can be summarised as follows. Portland cement: concrete admixtures; alkaline cements and concretes (development of new binders); durability studies on portland and alkaline cements; conservation of the historic and cultural heritage (mechanisms and effects of decay, conservation products). The group’s engagement in competitive research projects and its close ties to the industry enable it to undertake industrial developments, conduct pilot tests and transfer knowledge to the private sector.

NO is a key messenger in the pathogenesis of inflammation. In the immune system, NO has been considered to be a cytotoxic molecule associated with the response of phagocytic cells to pathogens as part of the first line of host defence against infection. However, NO can also link innate and adaptive immunity. By targeting signalling molecules, NO regulates the immune response, and is a target for therapeutic manipulation.

Cells respond to ionizing radiation (IR) in various ways, from the activation of survival pathways, to the induction of apoptosis that will eventually eliminate damaged cells, which is what radiotherapy is based on. The type of cellular response to IR depends largely on the cell type that is affected. Thus, there are cells that have greater resistance to radiation than others. A high degree of radio-resistance of the cell type from which tumor growth originates might be one of the underlying causes of the radio-resistance of the tumors derived from that cell type.

Characterization of the development, composition and function of the renal filtration system and its pathological anomalies using animal models (Drosophila and zebra fish).