Research on the molecular biology of structure and function of bacterial Type IV secretion systems, their involvement in bacterial virulence and DNA transfer, as well as in the development of tolos based on these systems aimed to send DNA to human cells

The pathological process underlying atherosclerosis results of complex interplay between molecular and cellular components present in the blood and vessel wall. A major challenge in cardiovascular research is the identification of novel biomarkers able to predict the risk of an individual to develop an acute thrombotic process consequence of the rupture/erosion of an atherosclerotic plaque as well a to determine the diseases prognosis and facilitate the selection of therapeutic treatments.

The research of this group focuses on: * Synthesis of nanopowders by using hydrothermal synthesis techniques (conventional and through microwaves), coprecipitation and sol-gel, including their morphological, textural and structural identification. * Consolidation of nanopowders into dense nanostructured materials and characterization of the physical properties (mechanical, optical, electrical...) of such materials. * Precise characterization of the materials' structure using advanced X-ray diffraction techniques

The research carried out within the framework of this line focuses on the study of the processes involved in the formation of minerals, on the phenomena that take place during the alteration of minerals and stone materials, and on the development of strategies that can be used to protect and repair these materials. These studies require the use of different analysis and characterisation techniques (mineralogical, geochemical, petrological and petrophysical), which provide information at different scales, from the nanoscopic to the macroscopic.

DEMOCRETS is part of the SOCIETY research area of ​​the CSIC. From sociology and political science, its members analyze: (a) the new forms of citizen intervention in public affairs, (b) the governance strategies of the immigration fact, and (c) the political and social action, participation and representation in democratic and authoritarian contexts. These three lines of work contribute to several of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, especially No. 10 (reduce social inequality) and No. 16 (build responsible institutions).

Three are the research areas comprising the group "Planets and minor bodies of the Solar System": Planets, minor bodies of the Solar System and Cosmic Dust Laboratory. Broadly speaking, this group aims to provide us with an integrated view of the Solar System making use of observational data obtained from ground and space. Moreover, several members of the group are focused on the development of models of planetary and cometary atmospheres in the Solar System.

The work of our laboratory focuses on the study of the protein structure-function relationship of a wide variety of enzymes of industrial interest. We try to obtain enzymes with improved properties combining experimental approaches of rational design and directed evolution.

This group studies the multiple dimensions of relations between the two sides of the Atlantic and within the Mediterranean area. Its members have extensive experience in research on transfers and exchanges between the United States and Europe, the interactions of European nations in the Mediterranean environment, and the emergence of processes in the different countries that have given rise to processes of influence and hybridization at various levels.