Our team is interested in the actions of steroids in the nervous system, with particular emphasis in their neuroprotective effects. Neuroactive steroids include hormonal steroids, such as estradiol, and steroids locally synthesized by neural cells.

The general work topic of Dr. Nieto Sampedro during the past 35 years has being the study of the molecular bases of neural plasticity and the possibility of using neural plasticity in the functional repair of the injured central nervous system (CNS).

The coding and processing of information in the CNS is based on the synchronous activity of neuron assemblies interconnected in a complex network of synaptic chains. Such activity can be recorded as rapid fluctuations in local field potentials (LFPs), a mesoscopic variable similar to electroencephalographic recordings that is on the intracerebral site of generation. LFPs allow access to population dynamics with full time resolution, unequaled by sophisticated and expensive modern techniques. However, theoretical and practical problems have prevented an efficient use of LFPs for decades.

Neurons are highly specialized cells, differentiated into two compartments, axonal and somatodendritic. These compartments are completely different in their morphology and physiological function. Axon formation is an essential stage in neuronal polarization, followed by the formation of the axon initial segment (AIS), which controls the traffic of proteins into the axon, axon identity, maintains its integrity and is responsible for the generation of action potentials that allow the transmission of nerve impulses.

Research on the mediating mechanisms of lifestyle effects on brain and cognition, with special attention to physical exercise and stress. The group has focused in recent years on the associated neural plasticity mechanisms, with special emphasis on the inter- and trans-generational effects of the exercise that imply epigenetic mechanisms, as well as the relations between pain and memory.

Study of the mechanisms of protection and repair of the neurovascular unit: We conducted a multidisciplinary research on the involvement of the neurovascular unit in diseases affecting the nervous system, including stroke and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. We undertook the study in rodent models by applying anatomical, histochemical, biochemical, and cellular and molecular biology techniques.

The CO2 capture Group focuses on the R&D processes for separating CO2 using CaO as a regenerable sorbent (Calcium Looping) and other system based on gas-solid reactions at high temperature. The Group is also working on thermo-chemical energy storage using such reactions. The tasks include the modeling of gas-solid reaction, experimentation in pilot plants and the development of new processes integrating the reactor models. The funding is mainly from European Projects and research contracts with companies.

The activity of the research group is included in one of the priority lines of INCAR in accordance with its Strategic Plan, such as the development of sustainable materials for use as electrodes and catalysts in different electrochemical systems. The group has extensive experience both in the design and production of materials with highly controlled physicochemical properties, as well as in the optimization of electrochemical devices (lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, dual-ion batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells , electrolyzers, sensors, etc.).

The group of Microwaves and Carbons for Technological Applications and Manufacturing Carbons using Additive Technologies (MCAT) is part of the Department of Sustainable Chemical Processes at INCAr/csic. The research carried out by this group is focused on the use of microwave heating for different technological applications related to carbon materials and on the synthesis and design of carbon materials, using additive manufacturing processes (3D printing). Additionally, different applications of these materials related to energy and the environment are also investigated.

The activity of this group is centered around the logic and mathematic modelization of reasoning, and the design of algorithms for solving constraint-based problems and satisfiability.