Feed MRSS-S csic_consejo_superior_investigaciones_cientificas_a, english.elpais.com en-us https://english.elpais.com Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:01:26 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2026-02-27/ants-trapped-in-amber-reveal-what-diminutive-life-was-like-millions-of-years-ago.html Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:01:26 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2026-02-27/ants-trapped-in-amber-reveal-what-diminutive-life-was-like-millions-of-years-ago.html Miguel Ángel Criado The study of fossilized resin stones containing several creatures allowed scientists to recreate the interactions between various species of the distant past The study of fossilized resin stones containing several creatures allowed scientists to recreate the interactions between various species of the distant past CSIC Myanmar José de la Fuente Ambar hormigas 3 High-resolution image of two ants seen under a microscope. They are part of a colony of ten individuals trapped in Baltic amber tens of millions of years ago. High-resolution image of two ants seen under a microscope. They are part of a colony of ten individuals trapped in Baltic amber tens of millions of years ago. <p>Although there are many amber stones containing a single creature, there are fewer that include two or more, as is the case with a pair of mosquitoes trapped in amber 130 million years ago which tell us that, back then, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-12-05/mosquitoes-trapped-in-amber-130-million-years-ago-show-that-males-also-sucked-blood.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-12-05/mosquitoes-trapped-in-amber-130-million-years-ago-show-that-males-also-sucked-blood.html">males also sucked blood</a>. Even more extraordinary is when several organisms can be seen interacting, either eating the other, acting as a parasite, or cooperating. The new edition of the scientific journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution/articles/10.3389/fevo.2026.1724595/full" target="_blank" rel="" title="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution/articles/10.3389/fevo.2026.1724595/full"><i>Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution</i></a> examines not one, but six of these stones in which scenes of life millions of years ago have been frozen in time.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2026-02-27/ants-trapped-in-amber-reveal-what-diminutive-life-was-like-millions-of-years-ago.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2026-02-17/a-bacterium-frozen-5000-years-ago-has-been-found-capable-of-standing-up-to-super-pathogens.html Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:32:56 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2026-02-17/a-bacterium-frozen-5000-years-ago-has-been-found-capable-of-standing-up-to-super-pathogens.html Miguel Ángel Criado The newly discovered microorganism appears to show resistance to a dozen modern antibiotics, but it also inhibits the growth of other bacteria The newly discovered microorganism appears to show resistance to a dozen modern antibiotics, but it also inhibits the growth of other bacteria Bacteria CSIC Mauritius (Alamy Stock Photo) bacterium frozen 5,000 years ago Entrance to the Scarisoara cave (Romania). Entrance to the Scarisoara cave (Romania). <p>It has been named <i>Psychrobacter</i> SC65A.3 and was found buried under meters of ice in a cave in Romania. It had been entombed for some 5,000 years and, despite this, appears to be resistant to a dozen modern <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2024-10-29/research-reveals-hidden-antibiotics-in-non-immune-proteins.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2024-10-29/research-reveals-hidden-antibiotics-in-non-immune-proteins.html">antibiotics</a>. Its discoverers have also found that it inhibits the growth of other bacteria, including some of the most difficult-to-treat pathogens. The research, published in the scientific journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1713017/full" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" title="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1713017/full"><i>Frontiers in Microbiology</i></a>, delves into its genetics to explain how a bacterium can be both drug-resistant and a potential antibiotic against others.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2026-02-17/a-bacterium-frozen-5000-years-ago-has-been-found-capable-of-standing-up-to-super-pathogens.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2026-02-11/scientific-journals-place-less-trust-in-women-researchers.html Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:07:32 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2026-02-11/scientific-journals-place-less-trust-in-women-researchers.html Selva Vargas Reátegui An analysis of more than 36 million articles written by women shows that the gender gap in research is also reflected in specialized journals An analysis of more than 36 million articles written by women shows that the gender gap in research is also reflected in specialized journals Nature CSIC Albert Garcia (EL PAÍS) laboratorio A laboratory technician collects samples. A laboratory technician collects samples. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/SPOLS5KTMZBUFMDD2EGR2GCCZU.jpg?auth=10deed6c2fef522bb5989a0ae6b4fd1566fd8bae12f5128d1365df32b8e2d446" width="4500" height="3000" alt="A laboratory technician collects samples."></img><p>Women have made gradual inroads into scientific careers. In Spain, they represent 39.6% of research personnel. However, their increased presence does not translate into equal conditions, and the differences that still persist also extend to scientific communication. This is demonstrated by a large-scale study recently published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3003574" target="_blank" rel="" title="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3003574"><i>PLOS Biology</i></a>. The authors analyzed 36.5 million academic articles and concluded that biomedical and life science research led by women spends more time in the peer-review process than that led by their male colleagues.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2026-02-11/scientific-journals-place-less-trust-in-women-researchers.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-12-31/david-king-chemist-there-are-scientists-studying-how-to-cool-the-planet-nobody-should-stop-these-experiments-from-happening.html Wed, 31 Dec 2025 13:53:41 GMT https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-12-31/david-king-chemist-there-are-scientists-studying-how-to-cool-the-planet-nobody-should-stop-these-experiments-from-happening.html Clemente Álvarez Andrés The British researcher is calling for global regulations to test extreme measures against climate change, such as marine cloud brightening over the Arctic The British researcher is calling for global regulations to test extreme measures against climate change, such as marine cloud brightening over the Arctic CSIC París India Jamaica China Bill Gates Pablo Monge (EL PAÍS) David King British researcher David King, pictured during his interview in Madrid. British researcher David King, pictured during his interview in Madrid. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/JSIPZATJJJARHII67IUKJG4GX4.jpg?auth=1f417d63a4ffb6159b38b4ac826ed57526e8b49ae5e839037fe20b262577e4c3" width="5876" height="3917" alt="British researcher David King, pictured during his interview in Madrid."></img><p>What happens if a country unilaterally decides to implement a large-scale experiment to cool a part of the planet? And what if this potentially generates unintended consequences beyond its borders? </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-12-31/david-king-chemist-there-are-scientists-studying-how-to-cool-the-planet-nobody-should-stop-these-experiments-from-happening.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/C4UAH5VPENEUBIOY5R6ZZIUCME.jpg?auth=0fa406af5bd22c41df9507f4bd2708ae1960e79d70fd040f1e667f099111733e" width="5876" height="3917" alt="Sir David King, at the entrance to the Rockefeller Building, the current headquarters of the Rocasolano Institute of Physical Chemistry, in Madrid, Spain. "></img> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-12-12/an-interstellar-traveler-is-getting-closer-to-earth-than-ever-before-how-to-observe-comet-3iatlas.html Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:13:41 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-12-12/an-interstellar-traveler-is-getting-closer-to-earth-than-ever-before-how-to-observe-comet-3iatlas.html Constanza Cabrera On December 19, this interstellar visitor with its peculiar composition offers a glimpse into the makeup of celestial bodies beyond the Sun On December 19, this interstellar visitor with its peculiar composition offers a glimpse into the makeup of celestial bodies beyond the Sun NASA CSIC Hubble NASA nasa 3I/ATLAS recorded on November 30 with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. 3I/ATLAS recorded on November 30 with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. <p>An ancient visitor, forged in another corner of the universe, is preparing to approach Earth. It goes by the name of comet 3I/ATLAS, and was discovered five months ago by the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-12-04/journey-to-the-birthplace-of-the-elt-the-largest-optical-telescope-in-the-world-it-will-be-a-revolution.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-12-04/journey-to-the-birthplace-of-the-elt-the-largest-optical-telescope-in-the-world-it-will-be-a-revolution.html">ATLAS telescope network in Río Hurtado, Chile</a>. Classified as the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2024-04-06/interstellar-interlopers-like-oumuamua-and-borisov-are-much-more-common-than-previously-thought.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2024-04-06/interstellar-interlopers-like-oumuamua-and-borisov-are-much-more-common-than-previously-thought.html">third interstellar visitor to cross our skies</a>, it follows the asteroid Oumuamua in 2017 and the bright comet Borisov in 2019. On December 19, this wandering celestial body will be 270 million kilometers (168 million miles) from our planet — almost twice as far away as the Sun.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-12-12/an-interstellar-traveler-is-getting-closer-to-earth-than-ever-before-how-to-observe-comet-3iatlas.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-12-10/liset-menendez-de-la-prida-neuroscientist-its-not-normal-to-constantly-seek-pleasure-its-important-to-be-bored-to-be-calm.html Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:27:44 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-12-10/liset-menendez-de-la-prida-neuroscientist-its-not-normal-to-constantly-seek-pleasure-its-important-to-be-bored-to-be-calm.html Jessica Mouzo Quintáns The researcher has published a new book that unpacks the inner workings of the ancestral neural GPS that allows us to locate ourselves in the here and now, recall memories, and imagine future worlds The researcher has published a new book that unpacks the inner workings of the ancestral neural GPS that allows us to locate ourselves in the here and now, recall memories, and imagine future worlds Santiago Ramón y Cajal CSIC Madrid Pablo Monge (EL PAÍS) Liset Menéndez de la Prida. Liset Menéndez de la Prida. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/LELEITHIKVGRPK2U4MQ7P3SJU4.jpg?auth=c59cc2df715215eff4c9a03abfe62c4ceb95b2c6af7d050a14fb9577ecf954be" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Liset Menéndez de la Prida."></img><p>Neuroscientist Liset Menéndez de la Prida says that human beings have the most powerful organ in the known universe: <a href="https://english.elpais.com/health/2023-10-31/new-technique-improves-memory-by-stimulating-the-brain-without-surgery.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/health/2023-10-31/new-technique-improves-memory-by-stimulating-the-brain-without-surgery.html">the brain</a>. “It’s a fabulous weapon. It allows us to transform the world, understand ourselves, ask ourselves what we are… All animals have a brain that allows them to survive, but we have done something much more powerful with it: we not only survived, but we have created a culture, a civilization… And there’s an enormous journey ahead: we might blow ourselves up before then through our own fault, but we have an unparalleled capacity for transformation and understanding,” she says enthusiastically via videoconference from her office at the Cajal Institute headquarters in Madrid, where she investigates how the<a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-01-03/memory-is-not-exclusive-to-the-brain-non-neural-cells-also-remember.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-01-03/memory-is-not-exclusive-to-the-brain-non-neural-cells-also-remember.html"> brain constructs memory</a> by navigating space and time, and how these processes are altered by illness.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-12-10/liset-menendez-de-la-prida-neuroscientist-its-not-normal-to-constantly-seek-pleasure-its-important-to-be-bored-to-be-calm.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/KF3A3HDB6NFHLKDBLE74ASEHSQ.jpg?auth=afb72db7b4d7beede94ce09687bed953e936151ee8bb8fb45836d2d891383f48" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Neuroscientist Liset Menéndez de la Prida, at the headquarters of the Cajal Institute, in Madrid."></img> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-11-28/the-fall-of-a-prolific-science-journal-exposes-the-billion-dollar-profits-of-scientific-publishing.html Fri, 28 Nov 2025 14:39:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-11-28/the-fall-of-a-prolific-science-journal-exposes-the-billion-dollar-profits-of-scientific-publishing.html Manuel Ansede One of the 15 publications that put out the most studies globally has been expelled from the indexing system for irregularities. Its publisher, Elsevier, has a 38% profit margin that reached $1.5 billion in 2024 One of the 15 publications that put out the most studies globally has been expelled from the indexing system for irregularities. Its publisher, Elsevier, has a 38% profit margin that reached $1.5 billion in 2024 Damià Barceló CSIC Nature Víctor Sanjuan (EL PAÍS) Science of the Total Environment A study on the coronavirus retracted from the journal 'Science of the Total Environment.' A study on the coronavirus retracted from the journal 'Science of the Total Environment.' <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/B6H237EPS5CO3HHJJSSAYICUCI.JPG?auth=6aa5a83b85e99515532c0ac15cd04fd8fc792cd2e11ab3bc821c45c0523d3d94" width="3936" height="2624" alt="A study on the coronavirus retracted from the journal 'Science of the Total Environment.'"></img><p>With humanity terrified by the deadly second wave of the coronavirus, in the fall of 2020, a scientific journal published a study with a solution: <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969720363592" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" title="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969720363592">jade amulets</a> from traditional Chinese medicine could prevent COVID-19. The proposal was outlandish, but the editor-in-chief of the weekly, Spanish chemist <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2024-12-05/dozens-of-the-worlds-most-cited-scientists-stop-falsely-claiming-to-work-in-saudi-arabia.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2024-12-05/dozens-of-the-worlds-most-cited-scientists-stop-falsely-claiming-to-work-in-saudi-arabia.html">Damià Barceló</a>, defended its quality controls. That journal, <i>Science of the Total Environment </i>— one of the 15 that publishes the most studies worldwide — has just been expelled from the group of reputable publications by one of the leading evaluation companies, after dozens of irregular articles were discovered. The scandal exposes the windfall profits of scientific publishers, who in recent years have amassed <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-11-21/scientists-paid-large-publishers-over-1-billion-in-four-years-to-have-their-studies-published-with-open-access.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-11-21/scientists-paid-large-publishers-over-1-billion-in-four-years-to-have-their-studies-published-with-open-access.html">billions of dollars</a> in earnings from public funds earmarked for science.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-11-28/the-fall-of-a-prolific-science-journal-exposes-the-billion-dollar-profits-of-scientific-publishing.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-11-13/avian-flu-decimates-the-worlds-largest-population-of-elephant-seals-half-of-the-females-have-disappeared.html Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:11:21 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-11-13/avian-flu-decimates-the-worlds-largest-population-of-elephant-seals-half-of-the-females-have-disappeared.html Manuel Ansede The British Antarctic Survey estimates that more than 50,000 individuals are missing from the beaches following the virus’s sudden jump from birds: ‘It’s staggering’ The British Antarctic Survey estimates that more than 50,000 individuals are missing from the beaches following the virus’s sudden jump from birds: ‘It’s staggering’ CSIC Nature Avian flu arrives in Antarctica (Spanish) A colony of elephant seals on South Georgia Island. In the video, EL PAÍS reports on the Spanish expedition in early 2025. A colony of elephant seals on South Georgia Island. In the video, EL PAÍS reports on the Spanish expedition in early 2025. <p>The deadliest avian flu virus in history, responsible for the deaths of <a href="https://www.woah.org/app/uploads/2025/10/hpai-report-75.pdf" target="_blank" rel="" title="https://www.woah.org/app/uploads/2025/10/hpai-report-75.pdf">hundreds of millions</a> of birds in the last five years, has once again jumped to mammals and decimated the world’s largest population of elephant seals, located on the remote island of South Georgia, a British-controlled territory about 1,500 kilometers (932 miles) from the Antarctic mainland. The British Antarctic Survey estimates that more than 50,000 females — half the total — have disappeared from one year to the next. “The scale of this decline is staggering,” warns marine ecologist <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/conord48/" target="_blank" rel="" title="https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/conord48/">Connor Bamford</a>, who led the research. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-11-13/avian-flu-decimates-the-worlds-largest-population-of-elephant-seals-half-of-the-females-have-disappeared.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/XGKJAZ4ZJVF33H7EW7FACIFJMQ.jpg?auth=8f571ad7e338ada4bab80372faab9c465f12ce620f46eb0b5efb600139d41ce7" width="3199" height="1801" alt="Southern elephant seals can weigh up to four tons."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/XMC2BXZEBFD65H2SIQCI5TT6BA.jpeg?auth=1ccea0fa7f34c61021d3f766235e20ce16f54ebd1ceb789f7f0c1298f818d055" width="2560" height="1440" alt="Biologists Antonio Alcamí (right) and Begoña Aguado, at a penguin colony on Livingston Island (Antarctica), on February 22."></img> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-11-05/alberto-casas-physicist-free-will-is-an-illusion-created-by-our-brain-everything-that-is-going-to-happen-is-already-written.html Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:08:21 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-11-05/alberto-casas-physicist-free-will-is-an-illusion-created-by-our-brain-everything-that-is-going-to-happen-is-already-written.html Raúl Limón The scientist has published a new book that charts a journey across the disciplines seeking an elusive ‘coordinate to describe the world’ The scientist has published a new book that charts a journey across the disciplines seeking an elusive ‘coordinate to describe the world’ Albert Einstein CSIC Zúrich Copenhague FERNANDO VILLAR (EFE) Alberto Casas, physicist Alberto Casas, Research Professor at the CSIC Institute of Theoretical Physics (CSIC-UAM) and author of 'The Illusion of Time.' Alberto Casas, Research Professor at the CSIC Institute of Theoretical Physics (CSIC-UAM) and author of 'The Illusion of Time.' <p>“People like us, who believe in physics, know that the distinction between past, present and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.” This is part of the condolence message that <a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2015/12/16/inenglish/1450268309_687493.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2015/12/16/inenglish/1450268309_687493.html">the revolutionary physicist Albert Einstein</a> sent to the family of his friend and former colleague at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich), Michele Besso, after the latter’s death in 1955. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-11-05/alberto-casas-physicist-free-will-is-an-illusion-created-by-our-brain-everything-that-is-going-to-happen-is-already-written.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-11-05/from-the-white-iberian-lynx-in-spain-to-the-howler-monkeys-of-costa-rica-why-do-animals-change-color.html Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:43:57 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-11-05/from-the-white-iberian-lynx-in-spain-to-the-howler-monkeys-of-costa-rica-why-do-animals-change-color.html Esther Sánchez García Scientists are calling for more research to understand the role of environmental factors such as exposure to chemicals in these anomalies Scientists are calling for more research to understand the role of environmental factors such as exposure to chemicals in these anomalies Jaén Costa Rica CSIC Dave Hamilton/Emmanuel Rojas Valerio Why do animals change color Howler monkeys that have lost their black color: on the left, one completely orange in Caño Negro; on the right, another with orange patches in the Tirimbina Biological Reserve. Howler monkeys that have lost their black color: on the left, one completely orange in Caño Negro; on the right, another with orange patches in the Tirimbina Biological Reserve. <p>Chameleons, octopuses, cuttlefish, and snowshoe hares change color naturally, but the appearance of a white <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2024-06-20/the-iberian-lynx-rebounds-in-a-milestone-for-conservation-in-europe.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2024-06-20/the-iberian-lynx-rebounds-in-a-milestone-for-conservation-in-europe.html">Iberian lynx</a> in the mountains of the Spanish province of Jaén is surprising, even unbelievable. The animal, a female known as Satureja, has lost her natural coloring — the brown and orange tones so characteristic of the species. She has, however, retained the black spots unique to each lynx: a kind of natural ID that lynxes keep for life and that allows researchers to distinguish one individual from another.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-11-05/from-the-white-iberian-lynx-in-spain-to-the-howler-monkeys-of-costa-rica-why-do-animals-change-color.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-09-24/gonzalo-de-polavieja-neuroscientist-we-tend-to-follow-the-few-who-make-clear-decisions.html Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:30:42 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-09-24/gonzalo-de-polavieja-neuroscientist-we-tend-to-follow-the-few-who-make-clear-decisions.html Aser García Rada The researcher, trained at Oxford and Cambridge, explains the interaction between artificial intelligence and the scientific discipline that deals with the nervous system The researcher, trained at Oxford and Cambridge, explains the interaction between artificial intelligence and the scientific discipline that deals with the nervous system CSIC Juan Manuel Serrano Arce (EL PAÍS) Gonzalo de Polavieja Gonzalo de Polavieja recently presented a lecture at the Menéndez Pelayo International University in Santander. Gonzalo de Polavieja recently presented a lecture at the Menéndez Pelayo International University in Santander. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/4UJ5NYH2RJF2TFMJSEPDHY4IBM.jpg?auth=b4ada347c90381c65a5b1a5aca766e1697bf4d1fe466c444f6d80367f4dc5a9c" width="5000" height="3333" alt="Gonzalo de Polavieja recently presented a lecture at the Menéndez Pelayo International University in Santander. "></img><p>Gonzalo de Polavieja, 56, is exasperated by the ease with which many people opine on topics without knowing anything about them. A neuroscientist trained at Oxford and Cambridge, with a PhD in quantum physics and a postdoctoral degree in mathematical neurobiology, he is currently on leave from Spain’s CSIC research center and directs the Laboratory of Mathematics of Behavior and Intelligence at the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon, where he studies how groups of animals — including humans — <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-05-22/this-how-animals-make-collective-decisions-bees-dance-and-the-elephant-matriarchs-decide.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-05-22/this-how-animals-make-collective-decisions-bees-dance-and-the-elephant-matriarchs-decide.html">organize themselves</a>. The scientist speaks cautiously, trying to avoid mistakes with the same discipline he applies to studying neural circuits. After the interview, he wonders whether if his answers did justice to questions on topics he knows less about.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-09-24/gonzalo-de-polavieja-neuroscientist-we-tend-to-follow-the-few-who-make-clear-decisions.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-08-15/genetic-modification-transmits-the-behavior-of-one-species-of-fly-to-another.html Fri, 15 Aug 2025 16:24:27 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-08-15/genetic-modification-transmits-the-behavior-of-one-species-of-fly-to-another.html Manuel Ansede A Japanese laboratory claims it is the first time a behavior has been transmitted between species, achieved by manipulating a single gene A Japanese laboratory claims it is the first time a behavior has been transmitted between species, achieved by manipulating a single gene Science Cambridge CSIC Universidad de Oxford (EL PAÍS) Two fruit flies, during copulation. Two fruit flies, during copulation. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/LUA7EPMJ6VGTFCTSIAUSYM2CYM.jpg?auth=fa078699a74417e508a0d0130c295d6d467c869dcfcf25424c774cb2345a0474" width="1620" height="1080" alt="Two fruit flies, during copulation."></img><p>A common species of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-03-21/research-on-fruit-flies-confirms-existence-of-receptors-for-alkaline-food.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-03-21/research-on-fruit-flies-confirms-existence-of-receptors-for-alkaline-food.html">fruit fly</a>, <i>Drosophila subobscura</i>, has a peculiar mating ritual. To accept copulation, the female requires the male to regurgitate food directly into her mouth. It is an innate behavior, not observed in other species of fruit fly, such as <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>, whose males court the female with the vibration of their wings. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-08-15/genetic-modification-transmits-the-behavior-of-one-species-of-fly-to-another.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/PGVH44NPEZCQJF7ZLU6SUPQ3AU.png?auth=4f260c913d402ab67a5ed9631559373e780656ed2a1c90c516ce2e4b30c77026" width="5500" height="3888" alt="A male 'Drosophila subobscura' regurgitating into the mouth of the female. "></img> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-08-08/an-interstellar-mission-to-study-a-black-hole-up-close-science-fiction-or-reality.html Fri, 08 Aug 2025 17:47:16 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-08-08/an-interstellar-mission-to-study-a-black-hole-up-close-science-fiction-or-reality.html Facundo Macchi A renowned theoretical physicist is proposing the possibility of sending tiny spacecraft to the nearest black hole to Earth to test the limits of physics. His colleagues believe the proposal is too speculative A renowned theoretical physicist is proposing the possibility of sending tiny spacecraft to the nearest black hole to Earth to test the limits of physics. His colleagues believe the proposal is too speculative China Albert Einstein NASA Stephen Hawking CSIC MARK GARLICK (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF) Illustration of a black hole. Illustration of a black hole. <p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2024-10-10/black-holes-are-killing-our-universe.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2024-10-10/black-holes-are-killing-our-universe.html">Black holes</a> are one of the great enigmas of the universe. Even the most brilliant minds of modern physics have been unable to unravel what exactly happens inside them, where a point of infinite density known as the singularity lurks. Nor is it known what happens when they cross their boundary, the so-called event horizon. There are various theories, but almost no certainties. Known for a gravitational pull so intense that not even light can escape, these ghosts of what were once giant stars represent much more than mysterious cosmic objects: they are natural laboratories for testing the limits of physics.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-08-08/an-interstellar-mission-to-study-a-black-hole-up-close-science-fiction-or-reality.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-06-25/searching-for-an-alzheimers-cure-in-a-chickens-eye.html Wed, 25 Jun 2025 17:29:41 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-06-25/searching-for-an-alzheimers-cure-in-a-chickens-eye.html Daniel Mediavilla An idea from a Spanish researcher has become a gene therapy that will be tested on humans in 2026 An idea from a Spanish researcher has become a gene therapy that will be tested on humans in 2026 Alzhéimer CSIC Álvaro García Ciencia Jose María Frade (the CSIC researcher who came up with the idea), Ángel Lucio, CEO of Tetraneuron, and Álvaro Pascual-Leone, Harvard professor and medical director of the company. Jose María Frade (the CSIC researcher who came up with the idea), Ángel Lucio, CEO of Tetraneuron, and Álvaro Pascual-Leone, Harvard professor and medical director of the company. <p>Many medical breakthroughs — whose benefits are easy for anyone to grasp — begin with scientists asking questions that are difficult for most people to understand. The story of Tetraneuron, a company now aiming to develop a <a href="https://english.elpais.com/health/2024-01-29/merce-boada-neurologist-the-more-we-learn-about-alzheimers-the-more-able-we-will-be-to-decide-when-we-want-to-stop-living-this-way.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/health/2024-01-29/merce-boada-neurologist-the-more-we-learn-about-alzheimers-the-more-able-we-will-be-to-decide-when-we-want-to-stop-living-this-way.html">new treatment for Alzheimer’s</a>, began with the curiosity of a researcher at the Cajal Institute of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in Madrid. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-06-25/searching-for-an-alzheimers-cure-in-a-chickens-eye.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/health/2025-06-22/how-to-avoid-age-related-cognitive-deterioration.html Sun, 22 Jun 2025 04:34:37 GMT https://english.elpais.com/health/2025-06-22/how-to-avoid-age-related-cognitive-deterioration.html Ana Bulnes Fraga As years go by, some mental functions decline, but others improve — and dementia is far from a forgone conclusion As years go by, some mental functions decline, but others improve — and dementia is far from a forgone conclusion Alzhéimer CSIC PACO PUENTES (EL PAÍS) Cognitive deterioration is frequent, but it’s not unavoidable. Cognitive deterioration is frequent, but it’s not unavoidable. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/YS346NMRUFGYLCJKF3VKMARWOI.JPG?auth=cfca8d09d7b0ff5e0db9d0202265c141af51e16e7a7ee68fd969dbf0b0f79cb3" width="3150" height="2100" alt="Cognitive deterioration is frequent, but it’s not unavoidable."></img><p>After a certain age, absent-mindedness, difficulty finding a particular word, and forgetfulness go from being anecdotal to something that could raise alarm bells for those who experience them, and their loved ones. “Senior moment,” people say with a nervous laugh, worried that such slips could be early signs of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/health/2025-03-11/scientists-develop-early-detection-video-game-for-alzheimers-and-dementia-symptoms.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/health/2025-03-11/scientists-develop-early-detection-video-game-for-alzheimers-and-dementia-symptoms.html">cognitive decline</a> capable of leading to dementia, a path that is often assumed to be inevitable. But is it? Surely, the elderly who are often called — even if it comes with some accompanying level of surprise — “sharp as a tack” are proof that this is not always the case?</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/health/2025-06-22/how-to-avoid-age-related-cognitive-deterioration.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-06-18/enigmatic-dragon-man-was-not-a-new-human-species-but-a-denisovan.html Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:47:55 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-06-18/enigmatic-dragon-man-was-not-a-new-human-species-but-a-denisovan.html Nuño Domínguez DNA and protein analysis of a 146,000-year-old skull shows for the first time what the face of this species, which occupied much of Asia and left its genes in modern humans, was like DNA and protein analysis of a 146,000-year-old skull shows for the first time what the face of this species, which occupied much of Asia and left its genes in modern humans, was like Homo sapiens Himalaya China Taiwán Siberia CSIC Cell (EL PAÍS) The Harbin cranium. The Harbin cranium. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/U5GXNAMPDFCD5JJH2IE3JZIL54.jpg?auth=78a5d8502a2ce305d6118042b8e0ef21a6bff5f6042e34290bc2cafda3484615" width="2000" height="1696" alt="The Harbin cranium."></img><p>After 146,000 years and a far-fetched history, a team led by Chinese scientists and a Swedish Nobel Prize winner in medicine announced Wednesday that it has successfully recovered DNA from a fossil assigned to a new human species, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2021-07-06/why-are-we-the-only-human-species-left-on-the-planet.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2021-07-06/why-are-we-the-only-human-species-left-on-the-planet.html"><i>Homo longi</i></a>, popularly known as the “dragon man.” This exceptional breakthrough overturns one of the last major discoveries in human evolution: it turns out that <i>Homo longi</i> is not a new human species native to Asia, but a Denisovan.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-06-18/enigmatic-dragon-man-was-not-a-new-human-species-but-a-denisovan.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/5NO75WKNWJBDXEAZIOTLSKHRAU.jpg?auth=75169a58499b96b21959da37a17c088380e5475fe4194c783746160165156060" width="1879" height="1294" alt="A reconstruction of 'Homo longi,' or the dragon man. "></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/6DMTSOBM45H7TA3AAIGDLKD7Y4.png?auth=b79b1070d08b4324f4d80160218cdb18bb43025dc2d7bbd73b73779b78d32978" width="1547" height="835" alt="The red dot marks the location where mitochondrial DNA was recovered from the skull in Harbin, China."></img> https://english.elpais.com/health/2025-06-14/the-mysterious-impact-of-microplastics-on-health-the-long-term-effects-are-unknown.html Sat, 14 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/health/2025-06-14/the-mysterious-impact-of-microplastics-on-health-the-long-term-effects-are-unknown.html Jessica Mouzo Quintáns Scientists have observed these tiny particles in the intestine, in the liver… and even in the brain. Experts have evidence that microplastics can cause DNA damage  Scientists have observed these tiny particles in the intestine, in the liver… and even in the brain. Experts have evidence that microplastics can cause DNA damage  Microplásticos ISGlobal CSIC Nature UAB Aliro Vilacorta (UAB) 3D representation of a cross-sectional view of the interior of immune system cells. The image shows nanoplastics (in red) within the cell cytoplasm, very close to the nucleus (in blue), or even coming into contact with it. 3D representation of a cross-sectional view of the interior of immune system cells. The image shows nanoplastics (in red) within the cell cytoplasm, very close to the nucleus (in blue), or even coming into contact with it. <p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2024-07-05/surrounded-by-microplastics-the-tiny-pollution-we-drink-eat-and-breathe.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2024-07-05/surrounded-by-microplastics-the-tiny-pollution-we-drink-eat-and-breathe.html">The world is infested with plastics</a>, which are crammed with materials containing more than 10,000 chemicals, including carcinogens and <a href="https://english.elpais.com/health/2024-10-10/endocrine-disruptors-the-invisible-chemicals-that-trigger-disease.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/health/2024-10-10/endocrine-disruptors-the-invisible-chemicals-that-trigger-disease.html">endocrine disruptors</a> (compounds capable of mimicking the effects of the body’s hormones and affecting health). </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/health/2025-06-14/the-mysterious-impact-of-microplastics-on-health-the-long-term-effects-are-unknown.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-05-21/the-volcano-threatening-the-spanish-military-base-in-antarctica.html Wed, 21 May 2025 10:11:27 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-05-21/the-volcano-threatening-the-spanish-military-base-in-antarctica.html Manuel Ansede ,Luis Manuel Rivas Scientists and the military are monitoring in real time the deformation of Deception Island, where past eruptions destroyed stations erected by two other countries Scientists and the military are monitoring in real time the deformation of Deception Island, where past eruptions destroyed stations erected by two other countries Antártida Chile Argentina CSIC Luis Manuel Rivas (EL PAÍS) Antigua base militar británica en la Antártida Remains of the British base Station B, abandoned after an eruption in 1969 on Deception Island (Antarctica). Remains of the British base Station B, abandoned after an eruption in 1969 on Deception Island (Antarctica). <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/RH5MAG7RHVBVNKYR3YJIROKVNA.jpg?auth=023997bcc0ceae68459cee112c07cb46d77d61fd0ac0d61ed280d213a493171d" width="3840" height="2160" alt="Remains of the British base Station B, abandoned after an eruption in 1969 on Deception Island (Antarctica)."></img><p>The Chilean General Jorge Iturriaga, who is almost 90 years old, recalls spending the entire year of 1967 isolated from the rest of humanity. It was the year that <a href="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2024-12-30/ringo-starr-the-beatles-werent-partying-when-doing-the-tracks-we-did-that-occasionally-and-the-track-was-always-shit.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/culture/2024-12-30/ringo-starr-the-beatles-werent-partying-when-doing-the-tracks-we-did-that-occasionally-and-the-track-was-always-shit.html">the Beatles released</a> their album <i>Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band</i>, the South African surgeon Christiaan Barnard performed the first heart transplant, and U.S. astronaut Gus Grissom, destined to be the first human to set foot on the Moon, was burned to death during a pre-launch test. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-05-21/the-volcano-threatening-the-spanish-military-base-in-antarctica.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/WWUQ5UOYIRDI5AAS6MRZTTFSQ4.jpg?auth=36ba13d0fc4d6c1ca1029eb5a4e2f471d85eb2e488a401320b24b76982b61c68" width="3840" height="2160" alt="Lieutenant Colonel Carlos González Bielsa, from Cádiz University, at the Chilean base that was destroyed in 1967 on Deception Island."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/TID36Y3BMFES3H2T7W2LDRE2YE.jpg?auth=7b950ccb3472123e052e0f362cebd4f1c88537283142d8bbcdf839cab170ea01" width="1920" height="1080" alt="The Spanish base Gabriel de Castilla, established by the Spanish Army on the volcano that forms Deception Island. "></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/SIHIH6TUM5EIJP6PGJDXPHRQW4.jpg?auth=d9609f4f66464782cfe94dc9800160235a6af9b10252bb22b9ef2f6ec1f93526" width="1920" height="1080" alt="Brigadier Alfredo Ojanguren, in the smoking waters of Caleta Péndulo, on Deception Island."></img> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-04-17/study-shows-interesting-signals-on-an-extrasolar-planet-that-are-not-yet-alien-life.html Thu, 17 Apr 2025 14:17:08 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-04-17/study-shows-interesting-signals-on-an-extrasolar-planet-that-are-not-yet-alien-life.html Daniel Mediavilla Scientists announce detection of compounds on an extrasolar planet that on Earth only produce living organisms, but other experts urge caution Scientists announce detection of compounds on an extrasolar planet that on Earth only produce living organisms, but other experts urge caution NASA IEEC CSIC Science Nature NASA, CSA, ESA, J. Olmstead (STScI), N. Madhusudhan (Cambridge University) Study shows ‘interesting’ signals on an extrasolar planet that are not (yet) alien life Simulation of the exoplanet K2-18b orbiting a red dwarf star. Simulation of the exoplanet K2-18b orbiting a red dwarf star. <p>In more conventional science fiction sagas, extraterrestrials often resemble the living beings we know. Often, they are even intelligent and walk upright on solid planets like our own. However, reality can be stranger. This is the hypothesis being pursued by the team of Cambridge University astronomer Nikku Madhusudhan, who has just announced what he calls “the strongest evidence yet” of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-01-01/nasa-executive-leslie-livesay-were-getting-closer-to-being-able-to-answer-if-there-is-life-beyond-earth.html">life beyond Earth</a>. Other experts, however, believe there is no data to support such a claim.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-04-17/study-shows-interesting-signals-on-an-extrasolar-planet-that-are-not-yet-alien-life.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-04-03/two-mummies-reveal-a-human-lineage-lived-in-isolation-in-the-green-sahara-7000-years-ago.html Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:46:36 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-04-03/two-mummies-reveal-a-human-lineage-lived-in-isolation-in-the-green-sahara-7000-years-ago.html Nuño Domínguez DNA explains the enigma of the culture that painted swimmers and hippos in the middle of the desert thousands of years ago DNA explains the enigma of the culture that painted swimmers and hippos in the middle of the desert thousands of years ago Lászlo Almásy Libia CSIC Nature África Asia Misión Arqueológica del Sáhara/Universidad Sapienza de Rome (EL PAÍS) Two mummies reveal a human lineage lived in isolation in the Green Sahara 7,000 years ago A skeleton at the Takarkori site in southern Libya. A skeleton at the Takarkori site in southern Libya. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/YXWN2IHNU5F53PLH47KFU3EZ3Q.jpg?auth=f50f26876f1010200140390bfa6bc29eb78572719804b46cfaec88a03f565e92" width="848" height="636" alt="A skeleton at the Takarkori site in southern Libya."></img><p>Almost 100 years ago, Hungarian explorer Lászlo Almásy was crossing the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2024-05-12/the-first-worldwide-oasis-map-lays-out-an-uncertain-future-human-expansion-and-the-exhaustion-of-sources.html">Sahara Desert</a> when he came across something inexplicable in a cave. On the rock walls, he saw human figures painted thousands of years earlier that seemed to be swimming peacefully in the middle of the desert. Some thought they represented corpses, even souls floating in the waters of Nun, the primordial ocean of Egyptian culture. Almásy suggested that they were in fact simply people swimming, because the Sahara wasn’t always a desert.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-04-03/two-mummies-reveal-a-human-lineage-lived-in-isolation-in-the-green-sahara-7000-years-ago.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/LUDNJ745PFC7NBWZAYWYS7WWVY.jpg?auth=026b13406e17312bd0ad6ef7a502b11a54232d4609bf142d8bd50fb89d6d796a" width="767" height="624" alt="View from the Takarkori rock shelter."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/YQ3W6B5WWJEHTPJSQUL3FDWWKA.jpg?auth=606cc06a4fdfc637f92de9cd04c78a537eef4e40cb0bc0c8d12cc638629f87fe" width="824" height="617" alt="Takarkori rock shelter, southern Libya."></img> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-03-24/pink-snow-tints-the-edges-of-antarctica.html Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:32:28 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-03-24/pink-snow-tints-the-edges-of-antarctica.html Manuel Ansede ,Luis Manuel Rivas Microscopic red algae, responsible for a phenomenon also known as watermelon snow or blood snow, are proliferating due to global warming and in turn accelerating it Microscopic red algae, responsible for a phenomenon also known as watermelon snow or blood snow, are proliferating due to global warming and in turn accelerating it Reina Sofía Science Chile UPV-EHU NASA CSIC EPV What is pink snow? (Spanish) Biologist José Ignacio García stands in front of a patch of pink snow on the slopes of Mount Reina Sofía, Antarctica. Biologist José Ignacio García stands in front of a patch of pink snow on the slopes of Mount Reina Sofía, Antarctica. <p>In Antarctica, there is a small peak rising to 275 meters (900 feet) and named Mount Reina Sofia, after <a href="https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2018/10/29/inenglish/1540811109_400210.html">the queen emerita of Spain. </a>On this sunny February morning, its white slopes seem as if a massacre has taken place here. “That’s the pink snow!” exclaims the biologist José Ignacio García, making himself heard amid the cries of Antarctic terns, territorial birds that attack the intruders. Also known as watermelon snow or blood snow, this phenomenon is striking, beautiful even, yet alarming: microalgae, favored by climate change, are proliferating on the snow and turning it red. The immaculate white of Antarctica reflects almost all of the sunlight and returns it to space, but the growing pink surface absorbs more heat, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-03-21/the-worlds-glaciers-are-losing-three-olympic-sized-swimming-pools-every-second-wmo-warns-of-avalanche-of-cascading-impacts.html">accelerating melting</a>. Warming generates more pink snow. And pink snow <a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-03-19/celeste-saulo-wmo-secretary-general-the-global-warming-indicators-are-alarming.html">generates more warming.</a></p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-03-24/pink-snow-tints-the-edges-of-antarctica.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/5KUI4JM7NNEP3LGYX5Q3UBU37Q.jpg?auth=2d28d12d8e362e2c56afb8a91311dd1d3840902f158cdb82c9e75c56e549093f" width="1920" height="1080" alt="'Sanguina nivaloides' microalgae under the microscope."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/3JBXWKIHMZFOHHQNDCBLR37OTU.jpg?auth=38a5107ad9fc5f9c958203ebac31a614e8aba631171bcfa154c7fa23f103fa86" width="3840" height="2160" alt="Pink snow on the slopes of Mount Reina Sofía in Antarctica. "></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/PMKUD6L5O5AEVIXXOIGSQO4DC4.jpg?auth=ba148884e0998f772ac866b8ba33bed0b86ef21e937f886b533b77a25eba96af" width="3840" height="2160" alt="The astrophysicist Kike Díez, assisted by the guides Iñaki Zuza and Josito Fernández, on a glacier on Livingston Island."></img> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-03-20/grim-weather-calls-for-a-grim-face-how-rain-affects-your-mood.html Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:03:15 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-03-20/grim-weather-calls-for-a-grim-face-how-rain-affects-your-mood.html Enrique Alpañés One in 20 people develops a mild form of depression called SAD during prolonged adverse weather events One in 20 people develops a mild form of depression called SAD during prolonged adverse weather events CSIC Virginia Rain Depresión Twitter David Arquimbau Sintes (EFE) Grim weather calls for a grim face. How rain affects your mood A woman with an umbrella in Mahón, Menorca. A woman with an umbrella in Mahón, Menorca. <p>Not everyone can put a happy face on bad weather. Approximately one in 20 people develop <a href="https://english.elpais.com/health/2023-12-28/why-is-it-so-hard-to-wake-up-on-winter-mornings.html">seasonal affective disorder</a>, or SAD, when faced with prolonged adverse weather. This is a type of depression that usually appears in the fall and winter. The symptoms are mild and familiar: increased appetite and carbohydrate cravings, a desire to sleep more, difficulty getting up in the morning, and a <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2022-12-20/how-spending-too-much-time-in-front-of-the-computer-affects-the-brain.html">feeling of burnout at work</a>. So if you struggle to behave like a functioning adult when the clouds roll in, remember: it’s not you, it’s the rain.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-03-20/grim-weather-calls-for-a-grim-face-how-rain-affects-your-mood.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-03-07/a-world-without-butterflies-the-alarming-decline-of-a-vital-species.html Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:53:58 GMT https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-03-07/a-world-without-butterflies-the-alarming-decline-of-a-vital-species.html Miguel Ángel Criado Half of the lepidoptera species have disappeared from various regions in Spain and Europe, while in the United States, nearly a quarter have been lost this century alone Half of the lepidoptera species have disappeared from various regions in Spain and Europe, while in the United States, nearly a quarter have been lost this century alone Science CSIC José Miguel Barea Mariposa niña esmaltada The Painted Lady ('Plebejus idas nevadensis') is a butterfly native to mountain meadows. In the image, several males and one female are drinking salts directly from the ground in Sierra Nevada, in the summer of 2020. The Painted Lady ('Plebejus idas nevadensis') is a butterfly native to mountain meadows. In the image, several males and one female are drinking salts directly from the ground in Sierra Nevada, in the summer of 2020. <p>With just one month left until spring, Rob Wilson resumed a routine he has followed since 2018: on the last weekend of February, he ventures into the countryside near Colmenar Viejo in Madrid, where he lives. From then until the end of summer, sometimes on his own and sometimes accompanied by his colleague Juan Pablo Cancela, he takes the same walk each time — from the nearby stream to the mountain — in search of butterflies. While not enough time has passed for his observations to have scientific validity, Wilson has noticed a decline in the number of lepidopterans. The rare species are particularly scarce. His observation mirrors a global trend. In Spain, Europe, the United States, and other regions with reliable data, the landscape is the same: a world with <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2022-04-21/the-global-decline-of-insects.html" target="_blank">fewer and fewer butterflies</a>.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/climate/2025-03-07/a-world-without-butterflies-the-alarming-decline-of-a-vital-species.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-02-27/keys-to-the-minerals-deal-ukraine-has-critical-metals-but-not-as-many-rare-earths-as-trump-thinks.html Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:00:01 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-02-27/keys-to-the-minerals-deal-ukraine-has-critical-metals-but-not-as-many-rare-earths-as-trump-thinks.html Ignacio Fariza Existing mapping of Kyiv’s potential was made during the Soviet era. Experts do not believe that the deposits are as large and viable as the White House anticipates Existing mapping of Kyiv’s potential was made during the Soviet era. Experts do not believe that the deposits are as large and viable as the White House anticipates Donald Trump Washington D.C. Kiev Kremlin Vladimir Putin UN Volodimir Zelenski CSIC Donetsk China Bloomberg Shannon Stapleton (REUTERS) Keys to the minerals deal: Ukraine has critical metals, but not as many rare earths as Trump thinks Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Donald Trump in New York, September 2024. Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Donald Trump in New York, September 2024. <p>Like almost everything surrounding Donald Trump’s second administration, the agreement with Ukraine for the exploitation of the vast deposits of critical minerals in the European country is highly atypical. Firstly, because it is not a typical war reparation: Washington has not participated directly in the conflict, but has only provided economic and military support for Kyiv’s defense against the Russian aggressor. Secondly, because although Ukraine possesses significant mineral resources — some of them important for an energy transition that Trump himself rejects — there are serious doubts about its real potential in the field of rare earths. This is exactly where <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-02-12/trump-wants-ukraines-rare-earth-elements-and-zelenskiy-is-willing-to-sign-an-agreement.html">Trump has been focusing his attention</a> for months.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-02-27/keys-to-the-minerals-deal-ukraine-has-critical-metals-but-not-as-many-rare-earths-as-trump-thinks.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-02-14/worst-avian-flu-crisis-ever-recorded-spreads-across-antarctica.html Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:29:35 GMT https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-02-14/worst-avian-flu-crisis-ever-recorded-spreads-across-antarctica.html Manuel Ansede A Spanish expedition finds the potentially lethal virus ‘in all animal species detected at each site’ A Spanish expedition finds the potentially lethal virus ‘in all animal species detected at each site’ Antártida CSIC CSIC (EL PAÍS) Worst bird flu crisis ever recorded spreads across Antarctica Antonio Alcamí's team at a penguin rookery on Greenwich Island, Antarctica, in early February. Antonio Alcamí's team at a penguin rookery on Greenwich Island, Antarctica, in early February. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/M22FWHRDHVCCTPJDWGLPLLOHSU.jpg?auth=a8bcb35664ec773023723515ed7caced8b6d3c0eddc9fbfd7e8d241f24a969b7" width="4032" height="3024" alt="Antonio Alcamí's team at a penguin rookery on Greenwich Island, Antarctica, in early February."></img><p>The highly pathogenic <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2023-10-18/the-epicenter-of-the-worst-bird-flu-crisis-in-history-with-250-million-birds-culled-shifts-to-europe.html">avian influenza virus</a>, which has caused the death of hundreds of millions of birds in the last five years around the world, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2024-04-09/scientists-discover-massive-outbreak-of-deadly-bird-flu-in-antarctica.html">is spreading across Antarctica</a>, a pristine paradise for wildlife. An expedition led by Spanish virologist Antonio Alcamí has confirmed the presence of the virus “in all animal species detected at each site” on six islands in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, according to a report sent to the Spanish Polar Committee and international authorities. The good news is that penguins appear to be more resistant than feared, but the pathogen is wreaking havoc on other species. On Joinville Island, scientists have observed that the virus has attacked crabeater seals “with particular virulence.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2025-02-14/worst-avian-flu-crisis-ever-recorded-spreads-across-antarctica.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p>