Air pollution is a major environmental risk factor for health and has been linked to a wide range of adverse health outcomes in adults, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Children are particularly vulnerable because their organs and immune systems are still developing, they breathe more air relative to their body weight, and they tend to spend more time outdoors. Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of risk factors, including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal blood sugar and dyslipidaemia, that can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease later in life.

To investigate this, researchers analysed data from 1,147 children aged 6 to 11 years from France, Greece, Lithuania, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom who were followed up with between 2013 and 2016 within the HELIX project. “We estimated exposure to PM_2.5 and NO₂ at home, school and during commuting, and examined its relationship with a metabolic syndrome risk score,” says Anne van Rooijen Korving, researcher at ISGlobal and first author of the study.

Using validated air pollution models based on residential, school and commuting environments, the team estimated annual exposure to both pollutants during the year prior to clinical assessment. Associations with metabolic syndrome risk were examined using multivariable regression models, and metabolic syndrome risk was calculated using a previously validated score based on waist circumference, blood pressure, blood lipids and insulin levels, following International Diabetes Federation criteria.

Stronger associations at school than at home

Air pollution was more strongly associated with metabolic syndrome risk at school than at home, suggesting that children may be particularly vulnerable in the school environment. Although pollution levels at home and at school were highly correlated (with annual PM_2.5 and NO₂ concentrations consistently exceeding World Health Organization guidelines), susceptibility appears to be greater at school. Previous research indicates that higher levels of physical activity at school increase breathing rates, which could amplify the adverse effects of pollution exposure. Conversely, no associations were found between exposure on commuting routes and metabolic syndrome risk. Similarly, no associations were observed for short-term exposure in the days or week before clinical assessment, supporting the idea that metabolic changes develop gradually over time rather than in response to acute exposure.

Potential biological mechanisms and public health implications 

Several biological mechanisms may explain these findings. Air pollution exposure has been linked to systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruptions in lipid metabolism, glucose regulation and blood pressure control — all processes involved in the development of metabolic syndrome.

“Given the widespread exposure to air pollution and the long-term health consequences of metabolic syndrome, these findings have important public health implications,” says Martine Vrijheid, Director of ISGlobal's Environment and Health over the Lifecourse programme. “Our results reinforce the need to continue reducing air pollution levels to protect children’s cardiometabolic health.”


Reference

Anne van Rooijen Korving, Parisa Montazeri, Léa Maitre, Sandra Marquez, Jose Urquiza, Nuria Güil-Oumrait, Antònia Valentín, Regina Grazuleviciene, Kristine Bjerve Gützkow, Johanna Lepeule, Rosemary R.C. McEachan, Bente Oftedal, Euripides G. Stephanou, John Wright, Wen Lun Yuan, Martine Vrijheid, Childhood outdoor air pollution exposure across multiple microenvironments and metabolic syndrome: A HELIX cohort analysis, Environmental Research, Volume 305, Part 1, 2026, 124892,ISSN 0013-9351, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2026.124892

Founded in 1996 through a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health of Mozambique and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), CISM has contributed to generating scientific evidence to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and pneumonia, while also driving major advances in maternal and child health. AECID's sustained support has been instrumental in establishing the centre as a leading institution whose work has helped shape health policies both within and beyond Mozambique, positioning it as a key player in global health research.

A strategic partnership with ISGlobal

CISM's history has been closely intertwined with that of ISGlobal since its inception. Over the past three decades, the two institutions have built a strategic partnership based on strengthening scientific capacity, developing research infrastructure and jointly generating knowledge to address the health priorities of Mozambique and the African continent. Reflecting this long-term commitment, ISGlobal is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Manhiça Foundation, helping to advance the centre's mission and strategic development.

"CISM has demonstrated that research excellence can and should be led from Africa. Having accompanied its growth over the past thirty years has been a privilege and a testament to the value of scientific partnerships built on a shared vision and long-term commitment," said Quique Bassat, Director General and Scientific Director of ISGlobal.

An anniversary looking to the future

The ceremony brought together some of the key figures in this shared history. The programme included speeches by Pedro Alonso, founder of CISM and ISGlobal; Francisco Saúte, Director General of CISM; Pedro Aide, Head of CISM's Malaria Research Area; and Quique Bassat, who reflected on three decades of scientific cooperation between the two institutions. Representatives from Africa CDC, CAPRISA, AECID and the Mozambican authorities, including the President of the Republic, also took part.

Thirty years after its establishment, CISM remains a leading health research institution in Africa and an example of how long-term scientific collaboration can strengthen local capacity, consolidate research institutions and generate knowledge that improves population health.

•  Read the series of posts published to mark CISM's 25th anniversary

Climate change is increasing exposure to extreme temperatures worldwide, raising concerns about its impact on children's health. Pregnancy and the first years of life are particularly important for brain development, as the brain grows rapidly and is especially sensitive to environmental factors. Although previous studies have linked heat exposure to changes in cognition and mental health, there is not much literature about its effects on brain structure.

"We wanted to examine whether exposure to heat or cold from conception to 8.5 years of age was associated with changes in brain development during late childhood and adolescence, and to identify the periods when the brain is most vulnerable," explains Laura Granés, ISGlobal and IDIAPJGol researcher and first author of the study. 

The study included 3,251 children participating in the Generation R Study, a birth cohort in the Netherlands. “We used a high-resolution climate model that provided weekly outdoor temperature estimates during pregnancy and monthly estimates from birth to 8.5 years of age at each participant's place of residence. We then analysed brain MRI scans performed at around 10 and 14 years of age”says Granés. This allowed researchers to measure how the volume of 11 brain structures changed over time and to examine whether these changes were associated with earlier exposure to heat or cold.

Why the thalamus appears especially vulnerable

Among the brain regions studied, only the thalamus showed a consistent association with early-life heat exposure. The thalamus acts as the brain's main relay centre, processing and transmitting sensory and motor information to the cerebral cortex.

The researchers believe this region may be particularly sensitive because it develops very early in pregnancy and follows a tightly regulated developmental timeline. Its rich blood supply during foetal development may also make it more vulnerable to heat-related changes affecting the placenta or blood flow to the foetus.

A critical window: from conception to the fifth month of life

The study identified a clear period of vulnerability spanning pregnancy and the first months after birth. Compared with a reference average temperature of 12.5°C, exposure to monthly mean temperaturesof 20.5°C during this period (calculated across day and night) was associated with slower thalamic growth between 9 and 15 years of age. No similar associations were found for other brain structures or for exposure to cold temperatures.

How heat could affect brain development

Although the study was not designed to identify the biological mechanisms involved, previous research suggests several possible explanations. Heat exposure during pregnancy may alter maternal stress hormone levels, affect the placenta's ability to protect the developing foetus from these hormones, or disrupt serotonin signalling, which plays an important role in the formation of connections between the thalamus and the cerebral cortex. Heat-related inflammation and oxidative stress may also contribute, although more research is needed to confirm these mechanisms.

The researchers also found that slower thalamic growth was associated with more externalising behavioural symptoms during adolescence, including aggressive and rule-breaking behaviour. However, they did not find an association with cognitive performance. "Future studies should investigate whether early-life heat exposure contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders and whether altered thalamic development could help explain these associations," says Esmée Essers, ISGlobal researcher and study co-author.

"The children who participated in our study were born between 2002 and 2006. Since global temperatures have continued to rise, it would be valuable to conduct a new study under current conditions. In any case, our findings suggest that taking measures to reduce heat exposure during pregnancy and early infancy could play an important role in protecting children's brain development," concludes Mònica Guxens, ICREA Research Professor in ISGlobal and coordinator of the study.

Reference

Granés, L., Essers, E., Kusters, M. S. W., Petricola, S., Tiemeier, P. H., Soriano-Mas, P. C., Schwartz, P. J., & Guxens, P. M. (2026). Early life ambient temperature and brain volumes change throughout childhood. Environment International, 214(110385), 110385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2026.110385

A study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by the ”la Caixa” Foundation, reveals that Plasmodium falciparum is unable to activate these heat-response mechanisms when it is in the gametocyte stage, the phase responsible for transmitting infection from humans to mosquitoes. The findings, published in PLOS Pathogens, suggest that patients with a high fever could become temporarily non-infectious: if a mosquito were to bite them during this period, it might not acquire the parasite and therefore would not transmit the disease to other people.

Malaria affects around 260 million people every year and causes roughly 600,000 deaths. P. falciparum is responsible for the most severe form of the disease and for the majority of fatal cases.

After the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito, the parasites travel to the liver, where they multiply. They then invade red blood cells and begin a replication cycle that repeats approximately every 48 hours. During each cycle, a small proportion of the parasites transform into gametocytes, the only stage capable of infecting a mosquito and therefore essential for malaria transmission.

How and when does P. falciparum activate the thermal stress response?

Fever episodes caused by malaria usually last several hours and can reach 41°C, temperatures high enough to cause the accumulation of misfolded proteins and threaten the parasite’s survival.

To cope with this damage, the Heat Shock Response (HSR) is activated, a mechanism that protects the cell’s proteins. This response triggers the production of chaperone proteins, which act as “molecular assistants”, helping damaged proteins repair themselves and regain their structure. As in other organisms, HSR is a fundamental survival mechanism in malaria parasites. Until now, however, it was unclear under which conditions it becomes activated.

The research team developed a new protocol to expose parasites to thermal stress using a water bath instead of an incubator, allowing for more precise temperature control and the study of very short heat exposures. Using this method, they observed that just ten minutes of exposure is enough to activate the HSR.

In P. falciparum, the HSR is controlled by AP2-HS, a transcription factor that regulates the activation of genes involved in the heat response. “We found that the AP2-HS-controlled response is activated very easily. Even moderate increases in temperature, which do not threaten the parasite’s survival, are enough to trigger this protective mechanism,” explains Neus Ràfols, researcher at ISGlobal and first author of the study. These findings suggest that parasites use the HSR in a “preventive” way, which is more efficient than activating it once damage has already occurred.

The HSR is also activated following treatment with the drug DHA

When the research team treated parasites with dihydroartemisinin, or DHA (the active compound in artemisinin and its derivatives, which are the main drugs used against malaria), they also observed activation of the HSR.

These findings point to the HSR as a protective mechanism against different forms of stress that damage parasite proteins, not just thermal stress. However, parasites with truncated forms (incomplete versions) of the AP2-HS protein are more sensitive to thermal stress, although not to DHA. This may be because DHA affects many different molecules within the parasite, not only proteins.

Gametocytes at intermediate or advanced developmental stages do not activate the HSR

Unlike other stages in the parasite’s life cycle, only stage I gametocytes are able to activate the AP2-HS-dependent HSR. More developed gametocytes lose this ability. “Our findings suggest that fever could temporarily reduce the ability of a person with malaria to transmit the infection. Although the parasite appears to enhance transmission under stress conditions, mature gametocytes are particularly sensitive to high temperatures,” explains Alfred Cortés, ICREA researcher at ISGlobal and coordinator of the study.

“Future studies will need to confirm whether this effect occurs during natural infections and determine whether there is a threshold temperature above which patients become temporarily non-infectious,” concludes Cortés.

Reference

Ràfols N, Nyarko PB, Chillarón-Adán M, Tintó-Font E, Cortés A (2026) Characterisation of the thermal and non-thermal stress conditions that activate the Plasmodium falciparum AP2-HS-dependent heat-shock response. PLoS Pathog 22(7): e1014346. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1014346

This event will explore all stages of the research talent journey: from attraction and selection to professional development. Participants will gain valuable insights into effective strategies and best practices for supporting research talent across its entire lifecycle.

Bringing together national and international experts, the workshop will combine keynote lectures with in-depth round-table discussions to address key challenges and opportunities and share best practices in research talent development. We expect the event to be directly relevant to our research ecosystem, and we highly encourage you to join the conversation.

The workshop is free and open to all, but registration is required. Please sign up using this form.

Agenda 

9h15 – 9h30: Welcome

9h30 – 10h15: Inspirational Keynote - Marta Agostinho (Executive Director, EU-LIFE)

10h15 – 11h30: Attracting Talent: What It Is and Program Opportunities

Keynote Lecture: Michele Rosa-Clot (Portfolio Owner, HR Excellence in Research, European Commission)

Round Table:

• Cristina Borrás (moderator): International Area Director at the Agency for Management of University and Research Grants (AGAUR)
• Michele Rosa-Clot: Portfolio Owner, HR Excellence in Research at the European Commission
• José Manuel Fernández de Labastida: Director at the State Research Agency (AEI)
• Paola Isetta: Director of Research, Innovation, and Fellowship Programmes at Fundació “la Caixa”
• Rachel Coulthard-Graf: Fellows' Skills & Career Development Lead/Scientific Ombudsperson at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)

11h30 – 12h00: Coffee break

12h00 – 13h15: Selecting Talent: Fair and Transparent Selection Practices

Keynote Lecture: Alexander Rushforth (Assistant Professor, Universiteit Leiden)

Round Table:

• Eva Casamitjana (moderator): Scientific Coordinator at ISGlobal
• Alexander Rushforth: Assistant Professor at Universiteit Leiden
• Michela Bertero: Strategy Director at the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS)
• Emilià Pola: Executive Director at the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA)
• Miguel Angel Benítez: Project Manager at the Basque Center for Applied Mathematics (BCAM)

13h15 – 14h15: Lunch catering

14h15 – 14h45: Inspirational Keynote - Vanessa Schubert (Mind-Body & Executive Coach)

14h45 – 15h45: Retaining Talent: Training Programs

Round Table:

• María José Merino (moderator): HR and Organisational Development coordinator at ISGlobal
• Vanessa Schubert: Mind-Body & Executive Coach
• Teresa Rosas: Academic Talent and Gender officer at the Ecological and Forestry Applications Research Centre (CREAF)
• Damjana Kastelic: Head of Training and Academic Office at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG)
• Margarita Navia De Roux: Head of Strategic Development at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)

15h45 – 16h00: Final remarks

REGISTER NOW

This workshop is supported with funding from our Centre of Excellence Severo Ochoa Programme, grant CEX2023-001290-S and also the grant GPE2024-001424-T, both funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033.

To date, numerous studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish and olive oil—is an effective shield against physical decline and the development of disorders such as depression. However, this new study goes a step further by focusing on positive psychological well-being, which encompasses dimensions such as control, autonomy, pleasure and self-realisation, and includes questions relating to independence, enjoyment of life, sense of purpose, energy levels and future outlook. The study suggests that the benefits of following a Mediterranean diet for well-being are independent of the presence of depressive symptoms or the participants’ socioeconomic status.

The study analysed data from 3,296 individuals aged between 50 and 90 years who were participating in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Dietary habits were assessed between 2018 and 2019 using an online platform, where participants reported everything they had eaten and drunk on two non-consecutive days. Psychological well-being was evaluated through questionnaires administered on up to two occasions between 2018 and 2020.

Protection against the mental health effects of COVID-19

Data collected through the ELSA cohort show that the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictive measures that followed had a negative emotional impact on study participants. However, the decline in emotional well-being was less pronounced among individuals with greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet, suggesting a protective effect.

“Our study is observational and, therefore, the results should be interpreted with caution, since we cannot draw causal conclusions,” says Camille Lassale, ISGlobal researcher and senior author of the study. “Nevertheless, the questionnaires administered during the pandemic allowed us to follow participants over time, which is a major strength of the study. Although the biological mechanisms underlying the relationship between the Mediterranean diet and better mental health are still being investigated, the evidence suggests that its foundational foods and components help regulate key processes such as stress responses, inflammation, gut health and brain function”, she adds.

“This study provides further evidence of the relationship between what we eat and our mental health, an emerging field of research that we hope will generate substantial new evidence in the years to come,” says Alanna Shand, research psychologist and co-author of the study.

“Although many questions remain open, there is no doubt about the need to promote healthy lifestyles, prioritising a balanced diet rich in plant-based foods and low in foods such as processed meats and sweets, particularly among older adults,” says Andrew Steptoe, researcher at University College London and first author of the study.

Reference

Steptoe A, Shand AJ, Lassale C. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and psychological wellbeing before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. BMJ Open. 2026; 16(6): e109599. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-109599

This free, in-person event will bring together leading experts in chrononutrition for a full day of presentations, methodology sessions, and thought-provoking discussions, spanning epidemiology, human interventions, biological mechanisms, multi-omics, exposome science, digital health, and policy translation.

Early Career Researchers (MSc students, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers) are especially encouraged to attend and submit an abstract. Abstracts should include the title, author(s), presenting author (name and email address), affiliations and preferred presentation format (oral or poster), be no more than 350 words, and may include one optional table or figure. Abstracts must be submitted by September 1, with results announced on September 10. 

To attend the event, please register here. Maximum number of attendees is 60.

Preliminary Agenda

Introductions (9.00-9.15h)
Opening Keynote (9.15-10.15h) — Overview of the State of Chrononutrition Science and Its Implications
Keynote Speaker: Marta Garaulet, Universidad de Murcia

Session 1: Epidemiological Evidence (10.15-11.30h) —Insights from large population studies on meal timing, fasting, and health outcomes
Chair: Kyriaki Papantoniou, Medical University of Vienna
Speakers:

• Bernard Srour, INRAE: Research for Agriculture, Food and Environment
• Marie-Pierre St-Onge, Center of Excellence for Sleep & Circadian Research, olumbia University Irving Medical Center 
• Camille Lassale, ISGlobal

Short coffee break (11.30-11.45h)

Session 2: Mechanistic Pathways (11.45-13.00h) — Circadian regulation of metabolism, hormonal rhythms, microbiome dynamics, and insights from multi-omics and exposome research
Chair: Emily Manoogian
Speakers:

• Daan Vanderveen, University of Surrey
• Frank Scheer, Harvard Medical School
• Selected talk from submitted abstracts

Lunch break (13.00-14.00h)

Session 3: Human Trials & Interventions (14.00-15.15h) — Insights from human clinical trials and chrononutritional interventions
Chair: Camille Lassale
Speakers:

• Emily Manoogian, Salk Institute for Biological Studies
• Jonas Salling, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen
• Selected talk from abstracts (open slot)

Poster Session (15.15-16.15h) – Early-career researchers present their work and network with senior scientists

Round-table Discussion and Consensus Building (16.15-17.30h) — Addressing methodological challenges assessing chrononutrition and harmonizing chrono-behavioural data using digital tools. Co-developing a “Research & Policy
Chairs: Kyriaki Papantoniou & Camille Lassale
Participants: All speakers

Closing Remarks 

REGISTER NOW

The nearly 100-page report translates the latest medical and climate evidence into the reality of Spain's streets and hospitals. It provides an accurate overview of the current situation, equipping healthcare professionals with practical information to address a risk that is already shaping the future of the country's healthcare system.

Created by DKV in 2008, the Observatory has established itself as a rigorous platform for reflection, connecting scientific evidence with social realities. Its aim is to raise public awareness of the links between the environment and health while providing knowledge to support decision-making by policymakers and healthcare professionals.

The report shows that heat stress has already become the leading climate-related health risk in Spain, revealing that each additional degree of temperature increases heat-related mortality by 35%. Far from being a temporary phenomenon, climate projections indicate that Spain could face up to eight heatwaves per year by 2050, accompanied by a critical increase in "tropical nights", during which temperatures remain too high for the body to recover physiologically.

This new climate reality is placing Spanish hospitals under increasing strain, with emergency medical admissions rising by as much as 42.8%. The report also highlights a profound inequality gap: postcode and income level have become major determinants of the risk of illness or death due to heat, with older people, women living alone and residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods being the most affected.

Opening the event, Fernando Campos, CEO of DKV, placed the report within the insurer's broader corporate purpose: "At DKV, we are convinced that understanding the context in which we operate is essential to building a healthier future for people by providing the best solutions for our customers—both individuals and businesses—as well as for the healthcare system as a whole."

Campos was unequivocal about the consequences of inaction: "Episodes of extreme heat are no longer exceptional. They now shape healthcare planning, resource management and the quality of care. Ignoring them is not a responsible option, either from a social perspective or from the standpoint of efficient healthcare system management."

Dr Elizabeth Diago Navarro, ISGlobal researcher and presenter of the report's findings, emphasised that: "We already have robust scientific evidence on the impacts of extreme heat, we know which population groups are most vulnerable, and we have strategies to mitigate its consequences. What is needed now is to implement these measures comprehensively so that we can respond more effectively to the extreme heat events we are already experiencing and will continue to experience."

Following the presentation, the event featured a panel discussion moderated by Silvia Agulló, DKV's Director of Sustainability and Reputational Risk, who stressed that "we need to put in place mechanisms that enable us to anticipate the serious health problems arising from this adverse phenomenon."

The panel also included Dr Martín Reyes, Head of Cardiology at Quirónsalud, who noted that: "We are seeing an increasing number of vulnerable patients, particularly older adults, whose medication needs to be adjusted during heatwaves because their health becomes destabilised by the growing risks that extreme heat poses."

Víctor Segura, from the Spanish Red Cross Emergency Unit, also took part in the discussion. He stated: "We are gradually moving towards a culture of preparedness, although we are doing so in response to negative events such as the recent floods. We are currently focusing on community-based assistance so that, in cases of extreme need, neighbours and people close to those at risk are able to provide support. We are also promoting training and household and community emergency plans."

Download the full report using the following link.

Tamara Iungman received the award for her thesis entitled “Urban heat islands and nature-based solutions: insights into health impacts and urban planning determinants”, supervised by Mark J Nieuwenhuijsen, Director of the Climate, Air Pollution, Nature and Urban Health Programme at ISGlobal. Her research examines the health impacts of urban heat islands (UHIs) and evaluates the effectiveness of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in mitigating these effects across European cities.

The thesis highlights how rising temperatures intensified by the urban heat island effect represent a major health threat in urban areas, particularly in Europe, where they have been associated with increased mortality. Through the analysis of urban environments and planning strategies, Iungman demonstrated that increasing urban tree cover density can help reduce temperatures and mitigate some of the adverse health impacts associated with extreme heat. It also analysed how different urban planning models influence environmental exposures, CO₂ emissions and health outcomes.

As part of her research, Iungman evaluated Barcelona’s “Green Corridors” plan as a case study, identifying significant health benefits linked to increased exposure to green spaces. Her findings contribute to the ongoing debate on optimal urban heat mitigation strategies and underline the multiple benefits of Nature-based Solutions for healthier and more sustainable cities.

Marcos Quijal received the award for his thesis entitled “Temperature impacts on mortality at different spatial and temporal scales”, supervised by Joan Ballester Claramunt, Research Professor and coordinator of The Adaptation Group at ISGlobal, and Marc Marí-Dell'Olmo, Senior Public Health Officer at the Barcelona Public Health Agency. Quijal’s research investigated the relationship between temperature and mortality across different spatial and temporal scales, addressing the health impacts of rising temperatures in the context of climate change.

The thesis introduced new methods to account for the spatial dependence in exposure-response associations, making it possible to estimate risks in small areas more accurately. It also used temperature projections to estimate future temperature-related mortality under different climate change scenarios. 

In addition, Quijal’s research combined health data with weather forecasts to show how predicted temperatures in the coming days could translate into health impacts. His findings support the development of more effective heat–cold–health early warning systems and climate adaptation strategies (see the tool Forecaster Health).

With these recognitions, the UPF highlights the scientific excellence and societal relevance of both doctoral theses, which contribute to advancing knowledge on climate, urban planning and health, and to supporting the transition towards healthier and more resilient cities.

La jornada abordará cómo las olas de calor afectan a la salud de la población, con especial atención a los colectivos más vulnerables, desde una perspectiva basada en la evidencia científica y en la respuesta del sistema sanitario y los servicios de emergencias.

Presentación del estudio “Observatorio DKV de Salud y Medioambiente. Calor extremo, salud en riesgo”
A cargo de la Dra. Elizabet Diago (ISGlobal)

Mesa redonda "Olas de calor: impacto cardiovascular y respuesta desde las emergencias"

• Dra. Silvia Agulló, directora de Sostenibilidad y Riesgos de Reputación de DKV Seguros (moderación)
• Dr. Martín Reyes, jefe del Departamento de Cardiología de Quirónsalud
• Víctor Segura, Unidad de Emergencias de Cruz Roja Española

El debate abordará el impacto del calor extremo en la salud cardiovascular y la respuesta operativa ante emergencias relacionadas con olas de calor, desde una perspectiva sanitaria y de protección civil.

Al finalizar la sesión, se ofrecerá un refrigerio.

Accede aquí a la noticia sobre el evento y al informe Calor extremo, salud en riesgo. 

A new study conducted in the Manhiça district, in southern Mozambique, has identified how social, family, and environmental conditions during the first years of life influence the utilization of child healthcare services. The research was led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a center supported by the ”la Caixa” Foundation, in collaboration with the Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM), which has operated a unique, long-standing child morbidity surveillance system. 

The work, published in Environment International, is part of the study of the exposome, a conceptual framework that integrates all environmental and social exposures to which a person is subjected from the earliest stages of life. The team analysed data from 17,145 children under five years of age from the Manhiça demographic and health surveillance system and evaluated 47 factors related to the physical environment, housing conditions, socioeconomic status, and family structure. 

Hospital visits were used as a proxy indicator of morbidity, recognizing that they also reflect healthcare-seeking behaviors and differential access to care. Three complementary statistical methodologies were combined, allowing the identification of the most relevant exposures of the child exposome and the construction of multi-exposure models capable of describing their association with morbidity. Of the 47 exposures evaluated, 23 showed a significant relationship with hospital visits. 

More resources, family support, and connectivity associated with higher use of health services 

The results of the study show that children living in households with better socioeconomic conditions, higher maternal educational levels, access to electricity, and paternal presence presented higher rates of hospital visits than those from less favored backgrounds. Likewise, those residing in more urbanised areas and closer to roads attended health services more frequently, which could reflect better access to healthcare, though also exposure to risks associated with urbanisation processes. 

On the other hand, mobile phone ownership, an indicator previously linked to better prenatal care and more favorable perinatal outcomes, was also associated with a higher frequency of hospital visits across all conducted analyses. This suggests that connectivity can play an important role in access to and utilisation of health services. 

First external exposome study in a low-income country 

Until now, exposome research has been developed primarily in high-income countries, especially in Europe and the United States. Consequently, evidence from sub-Saharan Africa remains scarce, despite the high burden of social and environmental vulnerabilities that characterises the region. 

This is the first exposome study conducted in a low-income setting that examines how multiple social and environmental exposures during the first years of life jointly affect child health. “By applying a conceptual framework based on the exposome, instead of focusing on isolated risk factors, the study provides a more comprehensive understanding of the determinants of childhood morbidity in a population sparsely represented in research,” suggests Stefan Sieber, ISGlobal researcher and first author of the study. 

The authors note that, as the conceptual framework of the exposome continues to evolve, it will be necessary to conduct research in diverse geographical contexts, including currently underrepresented regions, to better understand the heterogeneity in the exposome's influence on child health. 

“Our findings are especially relevant in a global context marked by urban growth, climate change, and persistent health inequalities, particularly in access to health services,” highlights Cathryn Tonne, ISGlobal researcher and senior author of the study. 

Reference

Sieber, S., Coloma,F., Curto, A., Nunes, J, Milà, C, Cirach, M., Anguita-Ruiz, A., Cossa, H, Matsena, T., Hunguana, A., Sacoor, C., Jamisse, E., Sitoe, A., Vrijheid, M., Bassat, Q., Saute, F., Tonne, C. Early life social and environmental exposures and all-cause hospital visits among children under five in southern Mozambique. Environment International, 2026. Doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110331

La Nit Europea de la Recerca a Catalunya és coordinada per un consorci format per ISGlobal, la Universitat de Girona (UdG), la Universitat de Barcelona (UB), la Universitat Autònoma de Catalunya (UAB) la Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVIc-UCC), la Universitat de Lleida (UdL), la Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Equitat.org i l’Associació Catalana de Comunicació Científica (ACCC). Totes elles s’han unit per organitzar la Nit de la Recerca en els seus respectius territoris i de manera col·laborativa. L’edició de l’any passat va aplegar més de 150 activitats, tant presencials com microxerrades en diferit, que es van recollir al canal de Youtube de l’esdeveniment.

El projecte de NitRecerCat2627 és un esdeveniment associat a l’MSCA i Citizens initiative de la Unió Europea finançat en el marc de les accions Marie Skłodowska Curie. 

Although in the general population the benefits of physical activity may outweigh the effects of air pollution, this interaction is still not fully understood in people with COPD. “Our aim was to assess how walking and exposure to air pollutants affect daily respiratory symptoms in people with COPD,” explains Alícia Josa Culleré, ISGlobal researcher and first author of the study.

To do so, the research team followed 105 people with COPD in Catalonia over two seven-day periods. They recorded daily walking activity, exposure to three air pollutants — fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and black carbon (soot) — as well as symptom intensity, including cough, sputum production, breathlessness and wheezing.

More cough and mucus on days with high soot levels

Black carbon, also known as soot, consists of microscopic carbon particles produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels (especially older diesel engines), wood and biomass (for example, in wildfires). The study found that when black carbon concentrations were high, longer walking duration was associated with increased cough and sputum production. By contrast, walking when levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) or nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) were high did not worsen respiratory symptoms, suggesting that walking under those conditions remains advisable for people with COPD.

“These findings may be explained by the fact that black carbon particles tend to be smaller and can penetrate more deeply into the lungs,” explains Judith Garcia Aymerich. “In addition, they often carry compounds that increase their toxicity and their impact on respiratory health.”

The lack of a similar association with PM2.5 and NO₂ may be due to several factors, including the low concentrations recorded during the study, which remained below the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). It may also be related to behavioural changes among participants on more polluted days — such as increased inhaler use or walking at lower intensity — or to the possibility that the benefits of walking offset the negative effects of PM2.5 and NO₂ exposure.

Physical activity remains a cornerstone of COPD management

The study examined the short-term effects of walking on respiratory symptoms within the same day, but did not assess the benefits of maintaining regular physical activity. Therefore, the findings do not call into question the benefits of physical activity for people with COPD. Previous studies have shown that physical activity can help open the airways and assist in clearing accumulated lung secretions, meaning that walking may help expel mucus through coughing.

“Our findings support the recommendation to walk for people with COPD, provided that busy roads are avoided where black carbon concentrations are high,” explains Judith Garcia Aymerich. “It is important to provide accessible spaces for safe walking, as well as to reduce black carbon emissions, a ‘super pollutant’ that is harmful both to respiratory health and the climate.”

Reference

Josa-Culleré, A., Koch, S., Rivas, I., Gimeno-Santos, E., Buekers, J., Delgado-Ortiz, L., Alcaraz, V., Blanco, I., Garcia-Olivé, I., Rodríguez-Chiaradía, D., Cirach, M., Valentin, A., Morawska, L., & Garcia-Aymerich, J. (2026). Effects of the interaction between walking activity and air pollution on daily respiratory symptoms in people with COPD. Thorax, thorax-2025-224411. https://doi.org/10.1136/thorax-2025-224411

Previous studies have linked exposure to hot or cold temperatures during pregnancy to a higher risk of complications and adverse birth outcomes. However, whether ambient temperature influences development during the earliest stages of pregnancy remains unclear. The first trimester is a critical period, as the baby’s organs and the placenta begin to form; alterations during this stage have previously been associated with adverse birth outcomes and with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions later in childhood.

“To evaluate the association between ambient temperature exposure and embryonic and early fetal development, we analysed data from a Dutch birth cohort, the Generation R Next Study (2017–2021), and replicated the findings in an independent cohort established 15 years earlier, the Generation R Study (2002–2006),” explains Esmée Essers, researcher at ISGlobal and first author of the study. The researchers estimated weekly average temperatures from the beginning of pregnancy and used ultrasound scans at around 8, 10, and 12 weeks to measure crown–rump length, a standard indicator of embryonic and early fetal growth. 

Temperature exposure linked to smaller fetal size at 12 weeks, with different timing patterns for heat and cold 

Exposure to both colder and warmer ambient temperatures during the first trimester was associated with a smaller crown–rump length at 12 weeks of gestation in the Generation R Next Study cohort. The association between colder temperatures and smaller crown–rump length at 12 weeks was also observed in the independent cohort, despite differences in temperature patterns between the study periods.

The timing of exposure appeared to differ between heat and cold. Exposure to higher temperatures showed stronger associations during early pregnancy, particularly between weeks 1 and 6. In contrast, exposure to colder temperatures was associated with CRL across a longer period, from weeks 1 to 11. In both cases, no associations were detected for earlier ultrasound measurements at 8 or 10 weeks.

At 12 weeks of gestation, exposure to both colder and warmer temperatures was associated with a crown–rump length around 7–8 millimetres smaller than expected for this stage of development. The researchers also observed differences between the two cohorts regarding when temperature exposure appeared to have the strongest associations and regarding the magnitude of the observed effects. “These differences could be related to changes in climate conditions over time, differences in how populations respond or adapt to temperature exposure, or other factors that may influence vulnerability during pregnancy”, explains Essers.

How temperature may influence early development

Physiological changes during pregnancy place additional demands on the body’s ability to regulate temperature. “External exposure to heat or cold may further challenge this balance, triggering thermoregulatory responses such as changes in peripheral blood flow,” explains Mònica Guxens, ICREA Research Professor at ISGlobal and coordinator of the study. “These responses could potentially influence uterine perfusion and, in turn, affect early developmental processes. However, further research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms involved and whether these early differences have implications later in pregnancy.”

Reference
Essers, E., de Groot, J. M., Graafland, N., Gonçalves, R., Iñiguez, C., Petricola, S., Jaddoe, V., El Marroun, H., Tiemeier, H., Steegers, E., Rousian, M., Mulders, A., & Guxens, M. (2026). Associations of ambient temperature exposure with embryonic and early fetal development. International Journal of Epidemiology, 55(3). https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyag060

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Transmission has been documented in more than 100 countries, and more than half of the world’s population is estimated to live in areas at risk of infection. In recent decades, dengue incidence has increased due to the geographical spread of mosquito vectors, driven in part by climate change, as well as the rise in international travel, which contributes to the global circulation of the virus. Dengue has also become one of the leading causes of fever among people travelling to endemic regions. In this context, a safe dengue vaccine is essential to protect people at risk and to inform effective public health strategies.

Limited evidence on vaccine safety in travellers

TAK-003 is the first vaccine authorised in Europe to protect against the dengue virus. However, data on its safety in people who do not live in endemic areas remains limited, particularly among certain groups such as older adults, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and those receiving additional vaccines.

“To help address this knowledge gap, we conducted a pharmacovigilance study across eight travel health centres in Catalonia,” explains Daniel Camprubí-Ferrer, first author of the study, ISGlobal researcher and member of the International Health Service at Hospital Clínic Barcelona. The study included 1,028 travellers, mostly adults, who received TAK-003 between January and December 2024. After each dose, participants were followed up to record any adverse effects.

“We also wanted to assess whether factors such as age, sex, previous dengue infection or the co-administration of other vaccines were associated with a higher risk of adverse effects, both local and systemic,” adds Camprubí.

No serious adverse events observed

The study recorded no serious adverse events following the administration of 1,851 TAK-003 doses. Although more than half of participants reported some type of adverse effect, these were mostly mild or moderate, temporary, and less frequent after the second dose. The most common symptoms were pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue and general malaise.

Women and people with previous dengue infection, more likely to experience adverse effects

The analysis found that female participants, people with a previous dengue infection, and those who received concomitant vaccines against other flaviviruses (such as the yellow fever vaccine) had a higher risk of adverse events. Among women, reactions were mainly local, whereas in the other two groups they were predominantly systemic, such as fever.

“Importantly, we did not observe increased reactogenicity in people over 60 years of age or in those with comorbidities, two groups for which evidence has so far been very limited,” explains Cesc Bertran-Cobo, ISGlobal researcher and one of the study authors. The study also found no increased likelihood of adverse events when the dengue vaccine was administered at the same time as non-flaviviral vaccines, supporting its use in pre-travel consultations.

“Our findings expand the available evidence on the safety of TAK-003 in European travellers and highlight the need to continue assessing its impact, effectiveness and long-term safety,” concludes Jose Muñoz, ISGlobal researcher and head of the International Health Service at Hospital Clínic Barcelona.

Reference

Camprubí-Ferrer, D., Bertran-Cobo, C., Valerio, L., Saloni, M., González Nieto, I, López López, V., Garcia, D., Jurado, E., Machado, M. L., Pérez-León, D., Cuevas-Marín, S., Subirà, C., Villar-García, J., Herena García, D., Ayala Cortés, S. N., Sánchez Casado, M., Gomila-Grange, A., Flores, C., Morales Llorente, N., Górriz Hidalgo, E., Morales Martínez, R. M., Vila, F., Martín, N. & Muñoz, J. (2026). Safety of the dengue vaccine TAK-003 and factors associated with adverse events in travellers from non-endemic areas: a real-world prospective multicentre pharmacovigilance cohort study in Spain. Lancet Regional Health Europe. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101727

Organised by ISGlobal in collaboration with FESTMIH and SEMTSI, ECTMIH 2027 will bring together researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, NGOs, students and global health leaders from around the world.

Under the theme “Refocusing on Global Health”, the congress will address the main challenges shaping today’s global health landscape, including:

• Health inequalities
• Climate and environmental change
• Infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance
• Mobility, preparedness and vulnerable populations
• Artificial intelligence and digital innovation
• Health systems, equity and justice

Why attend?

• Scientific sessions and interdisciplinary discussions
• Strong participation from low- and middle-income countries
• Networking and collaboration opportunities
• Dedicated support for early-career researchers
• Co-creation-focused sessions across disciplines

ECTMIH Academy: 24 October

Just before the congress, postgraduate students and early-career researchers will take part in a day of hands-on workshops, discussions and exchange of experiences with colleagues from around the world.

More information

https://ectmih2027.eu/

Graduating in Medicine from the University of Navarra (1999) and earning his PhD from the University of Barcelona (2011), Mikel Martínez Yoldi specialised in Microbiology at Hospital Clínic. After establishing himself as an expert in high-risk viruses at INSERM in Lyon (France) between 2005 and 2009, he developed his career as a senior specialist at Clínic and associate professor at the University of Barcelona. His research focused on arboviruses, emerging viruses and infectious causes of mortality in low-income countries.

“Mikel was a committed, generous person who was deeply passionate about his work. His extensive experience, scientific rigour and warmth made him an invaluable colleague and role model for all of us who had the privilege of working alongside him. His absence will be deeply felt,” expressed his colleagues at ISGlobal.

On behalf of the entire ISGlobal team, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this very difficult time.

Figures are often presented as mere budget lines, but resources translate into human lives.

Meanwhile, defense budgets across Europe are expanding rapidly. The political signal is clear: preventive instruments are being scaled back while military spending accelerates. However, development cooperation has long functioned as a stabilising tool, strengthening health systems, reducing fragility, and mitigating the drivers of conflict and displacement. Weakening it could ultimately prove more costly than maintaining it.

ISGlobal's Proposal

This disruption also exposes the structural weaknesses of the previous model: an over-reliance on the annual discretion of donors, governance imbalances that limit ownership in the Global South, and fragile funding mechanisms. Therefore, simply restoring previous funding levels would not be enough.

The alternative proposed in a new series of ISGlobal publications is built on three fronts:

• Politically: health must be reaffirmed as a global public good, protected from transactional logic, and backed by a more legitimate and balanced governance.
• Scientifically: sustained investment in research, regional manufacturing, and transferable technology platforms is essential to reduce structural dependency and respond more swiftly to future crises.
• Economically: the system requires more predictable funding, innovative instruments, and stronger alignment with national plans, alongside a renewed commitment to quantitative targets.

It is not a choice between generosity and austerity. The choice is between managing interdependence through cooperation or allowing fragmentation to define the next generation of global health.

Access the full series of publications:

To delve deeper into the analysis of this impact and learn about the reform proposals, you can consult the four documents that make up this series:

• Global Analysis: Rupture, Not Transition: The Retreat of European Aid, the Human Cost of Global Health Cuts, and the Fight for a New System of International Cooperation System
• France Case Study: France: The Human and Geopolitical Cost of Cuting International Aid
• UK Case Study: A Quiet Withdrawal: How the UK Is Stepping Back from Saving Lives
• Germany Case Study: The Price of Recalibration: Germany’s Aid Cuts and the Human Cost of Retreat

The research, published in the European Journal of Public Health, is based on the Workers’ Exposure Survey (WES), carried out by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA). This survey, the first of its kind in Europe, collects detailed information from workers on tasks, exposure circumstances, and use of protective measures to estimate probable exposure to 24 cancer risk factors. WES includes 24,402 telephone interviews conducted between 2022 and 2023 with workers from Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland and Spain. Of the participants, 3,041 worked in the health and social care sector, which represents approximately 11% of the European Union workforce.

The results show that 29.5% of workers in this sector were exposed to at least one cancer risk factor evaluated during the last working week, while 7.8% were exposed to two or more. 

Radiation, diesel engine exhaust emissions, and certain chemicals represented the main risk factors

Among the most frequent risk factors are ionising radiation (7.4%), diesel engine exhaust emissions (6.2%), and solar ultraviolet radiation (6.1%). Workers may be exposed to ionising radiation through working with machines that use x-rays or with radioisotopes; to diesel engine exhaust emissions through use of diesel-powered vehicles; or to solar ultraviolet radiation through work outdoors. Relevant exposures to chemicals such as formaldehyde (5.2%) and benzene (4.8%) were also recorded.

In terms of exposure levels, formaldehyde (2.3%) and ethylene oxide (2.0%) were the most common agents at high exposure levels. The study also identifies combined exposures, such as diesel emissions together with solar radiation, or simultaneous exposure to formaldehyde and ethylene oxide.

“The analysis also reveals gender differences: men show a higher prevalence of exposure (35.7%) compared to women (26.1%),” says Muhammad Waseem Khan, ISGlobal researcher at the time of the study and first author of the research.

Need to strengthen prevention

“Despite their relevance, risks associated with exposure to carcinogens in the health and social care sector have historically been less visible than in other economic sectors. This study highlights the need to develop prevention strategies adapted to real working conditions in this field”, highlights Michelle Turner, ISGlobal researcher and senior author of the study.

Reference

Khan, M.W., Vallbona-Vistós, M., Cavet, M., Vilahur, N., Turner, M. C. Occupational exposure to cancer risk factors among health and social care workers in Europe: results from the Workers’ Exposure Survey. European Journal of Public Health, 2026. Doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckag056

A silent burden affecting millions

Chronic liver disease is responsible for a substantial burden of premature illness and death across Europe, with disproportionate effects among men and socially disadvantaged populations. It is now second only to ischemic heart disease as the leading cause of years of working life lost in Europe.

The Series also warns that metabolic liver disease is rapidly reshaping Europe’s liver health burden. It found that one in three people in the EU and UK are estimated to be living with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), now a leading driver of liver cancer in Europe.

Europe has the highest rates of alcohol consumption per person, the highest prevalence of heavy episodic drinking, and the lowest rates of abstention from alcohol in the world. Alcohol combines with obesity and other risk factors for liver disease to drive high rates of end-stage liver disease and liver cancer. Alcohol causes an estimated 40% of the 287,000 premature liver-related deaths in Europe every year, although the true number may be higher.

Across Europe, liver disease is already cutting into working-age health, with deaths from alcohol-related liver disease and undetected or untreated viral hepatitis often occurring decades earlier than many other chronic conditions. Hepatitis B and C account for more than 85 per cent of the nearly 57,000 annual deaths due to HIV, tuberculosis and viral hepatitis infections in the EU/EEA.

Beyond hepatology: a broader public health response

“Europe does not need another warning that liver disease is getting worse. It needs a different way of responding,” said Jeffrey V. Lazarus, Professor at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy and Head of the Public Health Liver Group at ISGlobal, and Chair of the Lancet Europe Series.

“When we talk about ultraprocessed food, alcoholic drinks and generally unhealthy diets, we are essentially talking about liver disease risk. When we talk about diabetes, obesity and sedentary lifestyles, we are also talking about that same risk. We need stronger public health policies and interventions to address this disease burden,” Lazarus states. “And primary care also needs to change. It makes no sense that people are assessed for blood pressure, cholesterol and weight but not liver fibrosis,” he adds.

The Series examines chronic liver disease from four complementary angles: 1) detection and care models, 2) MASLD policy preparedness, 3) alcohol-related liver disease and MetALD, and 4) progress towards viral hepatitis elimination.

It examines metabolic, alcohol-related and viral causes of liver disease together. "By examining these causes together, these papers show why Europe needs coordinated prevention, earlier detection, care pathways and a non-judgemental approach that connect liver health with diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, alcohol policy, cancer prevention and the needs of underserved communities," said Elisa Pose, co-Chair of the Series.

In a Series comment, patient advocates Jeff McIntyre, Gina Bartes and Raquel Peck warned that individuals with liver disease frequently encounter assumptions and judgment that frame disease as solely a consequence of personal choices. "The stigma from this lack of context directly influences care-seeking, engagement, and health outcomes, while also shaping policy priorities and contributing to the persistent under-recognition of liver disease," they said.

Paul Brennan, co-Chair of the Series, added, "For too long we have accepted the normalisation of how society in general and industry lobbyists have directed blame upon individuals, rather than collective government and institutional responsibility and failings. Liver disease, especially MASLD, viral hepatitis and alcohol-related liver disease, disproportionately affect those most vulnerable in society. In this series we highlight how we can incorporate evidence-based interventions around diagnostics, preparedness, pathways of care and policy development to better protect the next generations of Europeans".

Missed opportunities for prevention and early detection

The authors also warn that millions of people with chronic liver disease remain undiagnosed. Earlier identification through primary and community-based care, including testing strategies and automated non-invasive liver fibrosis assessment, could prevent progression to fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver cancer and premature death.

Key recommendations include:

• Integrating liver health into non-communicable disease and cancer prevention strategies;
• Aligning liver disease responses with diabetes, obesity, alcohol, cardiovascular disease, physical activity and nutrition policies;
• Strengthening surveillance systems and early detection;
• Improving access to treatment and harm reduction services;
• Implementing stronger alcohol policies and reducing commercial drivers of harm;
• Addressing stigma and barriers affecting underserved communities.

“Ending chronic liver disease as a public health threat in Europe is possible, but only if Europe acts before advanced disease becomes the default point of diagnosis,” concludes Lazarus.

The Series was released to coincide with the Flagship Event hosted today in Barcelona by the Global Think-tank on Steatotic Liver Disease, an initiative of ISGlobal’s Public Health Liver Group, ahead of this year's European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress.

About the series

The Series comprises four papers and four accompanying comments. The papers focus on:

 Diagnostic innovation and models of care for chronic liver disease;

• MASLD policy preparedness in Europe;
• Alcohol-related liver disease and MetALD;
• Viral hepatitis control and elimination.

 The accompanying comments address high-priority perspectives including patient advocacy, cultural and language barriers to care, laboratory medicine and the needs of people with autoimmune and rare liver diseases.

Giving migrant farm workers a voice to better understand their experiences

Climate change is intensifying exposure to heat, with heatwaves becoming increasingly frequent and severe. Heat stress can cause anything from dizziness and cramps to fainting, while also increasing the risk of workplace injuries, worsening pre-existing conditions and impairing kidney function over the long term. In Spain, a strong link has been documented between rising temperatures and workplace injuries in the agricultural sector.

“Until now, no study had examined the experiences of migrant agricultural workers dealing with heat in Spain. Our aim was to understand how they experience and cope with occupational heat stress,” explains Marlena van Selm, predoctoral researcher at ISGlobal and first author of the study.

The team interviewed 30 migrant agricultural workers —24 men and six women, mainly from sub-Saharan and North Africa— in Almería, Lleida and Huelva. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Heat and precarious working conditions limit people’s ability to protect their health

Participants described extreme heat as a routine part of their work and reported frequent symptoms of heat stress, including dizziness, exhaustion and fainting. Conditions were particularly severe inside greenhouses, where temperatures can rise far above outdoor levels if adequate ventilation and shading measures are not in place. Although many workers tried to protect themselves by drinking water, wearing suitable clothing or taking breaks, these measures were often limited by pressure to maintain high work rates and minimise rest periods.

The study shows that the ability to prevent the effects of heat depends largely on social and economic factors. Job insecurity, irregular immigration status, language barriers and the fear of losing employment make it difficult for workers to demand better conditions or stop working during periods of extreme heat. Housing conditions also play a role. Many participants were living in poor-quality accommodation with very high indoor temperatures, making it difficult to recover from heat exposure after the working day.

Protection against heat depends more on employers than on guaranteed rights

Although Spanish legislation requires working conditions to be adapted during periods of high temperatures, interviewees pointed out that, in practice, their protection largely depends on the goodwill of employers.

“Reducing the health risks associated with heat stress requires clearer and enforceable preventive measures, as well as improvements in working conditions. It also means addressing other structural vulnerabilities, such as access to decent housing, in a context where temperatures are rising due to climate change,” concludes Ana Requena-Méndez, head of ISGlobal’s Migration Health group and coordinator of the study.

Reference

van Selm, L., Voorhis, C., Williams, S., Izuzquiza-Regalado, D., Notario-Gallego, S., Diop, S., Evangelidou, S., Briones-Vozmediano, E., & Requena-Méndez, A. (2026). Lived experiences of heat stress among migrant agricultural workers in Spain: a qualitative study. International Journal for Equity in Health, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-026-02850-x

The course, held between March and April 2026, brought together 33 participants from HCM and included contributions from leaders and experts from different strategic areas of ISGlobal, IDIBAPS, the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Maputo Central Hospital and Mozambique’s Eduardo Mondlane University.

Barcelona and Maputo strengthen knowledge exchange and capacity building

Throughout the different sessions, delivered in Spanish and Portuguese, participants addressed topics related to research, institutional management, healthcare organisation and international collaboration. Both the organising institutions and participants gave very positive feedback on the relevance of the topics covered, the practical approach of the activities and the clarity of the course content.

The course was created with the aim of strengthening capacities in key areas of scientific and healthcare management and forms part of a broader line of collaboration between the participating institutions and Maputo Central Hospital. It also marks the beginning of a series of initiatives promoted by Campus Clínic Solidari together with ISGlobal and IDIBAPS to strengthen knowledge exchange and capacity building with healthcare institutions in Mozambique.

The analysis, which compiles the main participation indicators of Catalan research institutions in the programme, highlights ISGlobal’s position within the top 10 in several key areas.

Specifically, the Institute ranks 10th in attracting European funding (net contribution), an indicator reflecting the resources directly received by the institution through Horizon Europe projects. ISGlobal also ranks 10th in the total number of coordinated projects.

Regarding overall participation in European consortia, ISGlobal ranks 11th among Catalan institutions in terms of the total number of projects in which it participates, further consolidating its strong and sustained presence within the programme.

Quique Bassat, Director General of ISGlobal, states that these results “confirm ISGlobal’s prominent role in the Catalan global health research landscape and its capacity to attract competitive European funding, as well as to lead and actively participate in international collaborative projects”.

Understanding how everyday chemicals may affect pregnancy

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are widely present in daily life, found in food, water, personal care products, and household environments. These substances—including phthalates, phenols, parabens, pesticides, and emerging compounds such as bisphenol S (BPS)—can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.

Pregnancy represents a particularly sensitive window, as hormonal balance is essential for placental development and fetal growth. The placenta, a key endocrine organ, depends on tightly regulated angiogenic processes (that is, the formation of new blood vessels) controlled by factors such as placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1).

“Pregnant women are exposed to complex mixtures of chemicals rather than single compounds,” explains Bethany Knox, ISGlobal researcher and first author of the study. “Our goal was to better reflect real-world exposures and understand how these mixtures might influence both the placenta and fetal development.”

Different chemical mixtures show distinct effects on fetal growth

The study included 734 participants from the BiSC cohort in Barcelona, recruited between 2018 and 2021. “We analyzed exposure to more than 40 chemicals by measuring metabolites in pooled week-long urine samples collected at two stages of pregnancy: 18 and 34 weeks of gestation. This approach improves exposure assessment for non-persistent chemicals, which have short half-lives and can vary significantly over time”, explains Knox.

The research team identified distinct patterns in the associations of multiple chemical mixtures with fetal development. Exposure to mixtures of low molecular weight phthalates was consistently linked to lower birthweight in the study population, suggesting a potential adverse effect on fetal growth. In contrast, mixtures with organophosphate compounds, including pesticides and flame retardants, were associated with higher estimated fetal weight and birthweight, particularly in late pregnancy. This association may reflect dietary patterns rather than a direct effect of organophosphate exposure, as higher fruit and vegetable intake can increase exposure to these compounds while also supporting rapid fetal weight gain.

Beyond these differences in growth, the study also points to the placenta as a key intermediary. Phthalate mixtures were associated with changes in fetoplacental blood flow and with an imbalance in angiogenic biomarkers (sFlt-1/PlGF ratio), suggesting a biological pathway through which environmental exposures may influence fetal development.

Implications for public health and future research

“Our findings contribute to environmental health research by incorporating a broad panel of chemicals aligned with European regulatory priorities, including substances whose safety profiles are still under evaluation,” says Martine Vrijheid, Head of the Environment and Health over the Lifecourse Programme and coordinator of the study. 

While this study did observe deviations from normal fetal growth, they cannot be translated to an individual and this study’s population is not necessarily representative of all populations. However, the study highlights the importance of considering environmental chemical mixtures in public health research, suggesting that widespread exposures may influence fetal development through their effects on placental function at the population level.

Reference

Knox, B., Güil-Oumrait, N., Midya, V., Vespalcová, H., Dolores Gómez-Roig, M., Llurba, E., Márquez, S., García Ruiz, Z., Galmes, T., Philippat, C., Sakhi, A. K., Thomsen, C., Urquiza, J., Zanini, M. J., Dadvand, P., Gascon, M., Rivas, I., Foraster, M., Basagaña, X., Sunyer, J., Bustamante, M., Vrijheid, M. (2026). Prenatal exposure to mixtures of nonpersistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals and angiogenic biomarkers, placental function, and fetal growth. Environmental Science & Technology, 60(11), 8339–8352. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5c13234

Although the overall health burden is dominated by long-term exposure, short-term air pollution can trigger acute physiological responses, such as systemic inflammation, autonomic imbalance and increased blood clotting, that elevate mortality risk over the following days. Recent studies have shown that daily pollution levels are linked to daily short-term increases in mortality, but important limitations remain. Most research focuses only on cities, overlooking peri-urban and rural areas; and they often fail to account for regional differences in vulnerability (such as age, baseline health, socioeconomic status or environment) and air pollution toxicity. In addition, pollutants are usually analysed separately, making it difficult to understand their combined effects.

“Our study addressed these limitations by combining daily data on major air pollutants across Europe with the new mortality database from the EARLY-ADAPT project of the European Research Council (ERC), which covers the whole population in 31 countries representing over 530 million people,” explains Zhao-Yue Chen, researcher at ISGlobal and first author of the study. “This allows a more precise analysis of how short-term exposure to the major pollutants affects people differently depending on age, sex and cause of death.” The study analysed nearly 89 million deaths recorded between 2003 and 2019 across 653 European regions.

“To assess exposure to air pollution, daily levels of several pollutants were estimated across Europe using data from monitoring stations, satellites, land use and meteorological variables, and then adjusted at the regional level, giving more weight to areas where more people live,” explains Carlos Pérez García-Pando, ICREA and AXA Professor at BSC-CNS.

PM₂.₅, the most harmful pollutant

An estimated 146,500 premature deaths per year were associated with short-term exposure to overall air pollution when all pollutants are considered together. When each pollutant was analysed separately, the greatest impact was attributed to PM₂.₅ (around 79,000 deaths), followed by NO₂ (69,000), O₃ (31,000) and PM_2.5-10 (29,000). These figures cannot be simply added together; pollutants often occur simultaneously, so their effects overlap.

PM_2.5 is the most harmful pollutant because it penetrates deep into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation and other rapid effects in the body. By contrast, PM_2.5-10 mainly affects the upper airways due to its larger size, while gases such as NO₂ and O₃ irritate the lungs and increase vulnerability to respiratory diseases.

Most earlier large studies focused only on fine particles (PM₂.₅) when estimating the short-term health burden of air pollution, leaving the impact of other pollutants in Europe largely unknown. This new study considers several pollutants together, providing a more complete and realistic picture of health risks. It also suggests that previous global estimates based solely on PM₂.₅ may have somewhat overestimated the burden in Europe, potentially reflecting biases from evidence derived in other regions.

Young men are more vulnerable than young women, but the pattern reverses with increasing age

Air pollution does not affect everyone in the same way. Young men showed greater vulnerability to ambient air pollutants than young women, likely due to higher exposure (outdoor work, traffic, smoking, etc.) or to the earlier appearance of comorbidities in men at young ages. However, this pattern changes with age: at older ages (especially from 85 years onwards), the highest risk is observed in women. For specific causes of death, particulate matter was more strongly associated with cardiovascular risks in women, while O₃ had a greater impact on men. These findings highlight the need for tailored protection measures, in contrast to one-size-fits-all approaches.

“Our findings are highly relevant for policymakers and public health professionals, as they support the use of epidemiological models fitted with data by sex, age and comorbidities to create a new generation of impact-based early warning systems (for example, the ERC-funded platform Forecaster.Health), which specifically target vulnerable groups,” explains Joan Ballester, researcher at ISGlobal and coordinator of the study. In a context where new daily air quality standards are being introduced across Europe, these results provide practical insights to help protect the population more effectively.

Reference

Chen, Z.-Y., Achebak, H., Petetin, H., Huang, W., Méndez Turrubiates, R. F., Beltrán, N., Peyrusse, F., Guo, Y., Pérez García-Pando, C., & Ballester, J. (2026). Short-term sex-specific, age-specific and cause-specific mortality from particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone: European-wide analysis of 653 contiguous regions. Nature Health. Doi: 10.1038/s44360-026-00124-y. Doi: 10.1038/s44360-026-00124-y.

Los encuentros mantenidos en Manhiça pusieron en valor el impacto de una colaboración sostenida en el tiempo entre instituciones científicas y financieras comprometidas con la mejora de la salud global y el fortalecimiento de capacidades locales de investigación. También se destacó el papel clave del apoyo institucional de España, incluida la contribución de la Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID), en el crecimiento y consolidación del CISM como centro de referencia en investigación en salud en Mozambique.

“La investigación desarrollada en el CISM está alineada con estándares internacionales de excelencia y tiene un impacto directo en la mejora de la salud de las poblaciones”, destacó Quique Bassat, director general y científico de ISGlobal, quien subrayó además el valor de una colaboración construida a lo largo de los años tanto a nivel comunitario como hospitalario.

Por su parte, el director general del CISM, Francisco Saúte, recordó que la confianza y el compromiso de los socios internacionales han sido fundamentales para asegurar la continuidad y el desarrollo de la institución, incluso en contextos especialmente complejos.

Desde la Fundación “la Caixa”, Josep Maria Coronas Guinart reafirmó el compromiso de la institución con modelos de financiación sostenibles orientados a maximizar el impacto social y científico de la investigación.

Las tres instituciones coincidieron en la necesidad de seguir fortaleciendo esta colaboración estratégica a largo plazo, apostando por una investigación de excelencia con impacto directo en la salud de las poblaciones y en el desarrollo de capacidades científicas locales.

The impacts of climate change on health are already measurable and, unless adaptation and mitigation measures are implemented, they will increase in the coming decades. In Europe, between 2022 and 2024, more than 180,000 deaths associated with heat were recorded, confirming that temperature is becoming a key determinant of public health. Although cold currently causes more deaths than heat, global warming will probably reduce this difference or even reverse it, placing thermal exposure (both heat and cold) at the centre of environmental epidemiology.

However, the risk is not uniform. Due to socioeconomic disparities, climate does not affect everyone equally; environmental temperatures have a disproportionate impact on disadvantaged populations. Even in high-income regions, the consequences vary between territories and social groups – factors such as wealth distribution, housing conditions and socioeconomic structure shape vulnerability. This is the first study to evaluate data from both urban and rural areas, thereby representing the whole European population.

“We analysed daily mortality data in 32 European countries, including more than 161 million deaths between 2000 and 2019, recorded within the framework of the project EARLY-ADAPT, funded by the European Research Council (ERC),” explains Blanca Paniello-Castillo, ISGlobal researcher and first author of the study. “The aim of the research was to assess how different socioeconomic indicators modify the relationship between temperature and mortality in the European population.”

Social deprivation, a risk factor for extreme temperatures

Regions with higher levels of social deprivation are consistently more vulnerable to both heat and cold. Factors such as energy poverty, poorer housing conditions, reduced access to healthcare or lower health literacy may all contribute to increased risk.

Indicators such as the Gini index (which measures inequality in wealth distribution within a population), difficulties in keeping the home warm, and material and social deprivation are consistently associated with higher temperature-related mortality.

The study estimates temperature-attributable deaths by comparing two hypothetical scenarios: one in which all regions have the most favourable socioeconomic conditions, and another in which all are at the least favourable extreme. The difference in the number of deaths between the two scenarios exceeds 300,000 in the case of inability to keep the home warm, reaches 180,000 in relation to economic inequality, and is around 160,000 in the case of severe material and social deprivation in Europe.

Economic prosperity protects against cold, but not against heat

Regions with higher GDP per capita and longer life expectancy show lower mortality associated with cold, probably due to better insulated housing, stronger healthcare systems and lower energy poverty.

However, these same regions show higher mortality during heat. This phenomenon may be explained by intense urbanisation: dense cities and concentrated economic activity favour the “urban heat island” effect. In this climatic phenomenon, urbanised areas experience higher temperatures due to heat absorption by asphalt and the lack of vegetation, among other factors.

“Because climate change does not affect all populations equally, our results help assess and strengthen how socioeconomic factors are incorporated into adaptation policies,” explains Joan Ballester, principal investigator of the EARLY-ADAPT project and coordinator of the study. “Similar studies are needed in other regions. Although we know Europe is highly exposed to climate risks, there are still few comparable studies in the Global South,” he concludes.

Reference

Paniello-Castillo B, Chen ZY, Shartova N, Méndez Turrubiates RF, Beltrán N, Peyrusse F, et al. Socioeconomic inequality drivers of vulnerability and burden to heat- and cold-related mortality: a European-wide analysis in 654 contiguous regions. Nat Health. May, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44360-026-00106-0

The study, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by ”la Caixa” Foundation, together with FIND (Foundation of Innovative Diagnostics, Switzerland), aimed to assess the integration of new molecular tests into current WHO-recommended diagnostic strategies.

Tuberculosis: a complex diagnosis with high mortality

Tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death among people living with HIV. Diagnosing the disease in this population is particularly challenging: symptoms are often non-specific, the disease may present outside the lungs, and many patients are unable to produce sputum, a key sample for diagnosis. In addition, the bacterial load in respiratory samples from patients with HIV is often low, reducing the likelihood of microbiological confirmation.

In response to these limitations, recent years have seen the development of alternative diagnostic approaches based on non-invasive samples such as urine and stool, with the aim of improving case detection and accelerating treatment initiation.

Intensified TB screening in hospitalised patients with HIV

The EXULTANT trial, funded by the EDCTP, is a multicentre randomised study conducted in 11 hospitals across Tanzania and Mozambique. It included 1,172 adults living with HIV admitted to hospital, regardless of whether they showed symptoms of tuberculosis. The primary objective was to assess the proportion of patients with microbiologically confirmed tuberculosis who were able to start treatment within the first 72 hours after admission. Time to diagnosis and treatment initiation, as well as mortality at eight weeks, were also evaluated.

“Participants were assigned to two groups: the intervention group received expanded screening with Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra molecular tests on sputum, urine and stool samples, along with a urine LF-LAM test,” explains Marta Cossa, researcher at CISM and first author of the study. “The control group followed the standard WHO-recommended protocol, based on symptom assessment and selective use of diagnostic tests.”

More diagnostic testing does not speed up treatment or reduce mortality

The results showed that 16.0% of patients in the expanded screening group started treatment within the first 72 hours, compared with 15.3% in the standard group, with no statistically significant difference. Likewise, no significant differences were observed in eight-week mortality between the intervention group (25.8%) and the control group (28.8%).

Overall, the expanded strategy did not increase the number of confirmed diagnoses nor shorten the time to treatment initiation. Although molecular testing of urine and stool samples identified some additional TB cases, the urine LF-LAM test detected the highest number. However, this improved diagnostic yield did not translate into earlier treatment or reduced eight-week mortality, raising questions about the test’s clinical impact and highlighting the need for further evaluation of its accuracy.

“Approximately half of the patients were able to provide sputum samples, which reinforces the role of urine and stool as alternative diagnostic samples,” explains Alberto García-Basteiro, ISGlobal researcher, consultant physician in the Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology Department at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and principal investigator of the EXULTANT trial. “Future studies should focus on optimising diagnostic algorithms and improving the implementation of available tests in hospitalised people living with HIV,” he concludes.

Referència

Cossa, M., Ndege, R., Meggi, B., Mangu, C., Leukes, V., Sabi, I., Khosa, C., Kivuma, B., Nguenha, D., Riess, F., Fernández-Escobar, C., de la Torre-Perez, L., Manjate, P., Weisser, M., Machiana, A., Zachariah, C., Tagliani, E., Ehrlich, J., Buech, J., … Garcia-Basteiro, A. L. (2026). Expanding Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and lateral flow urine lipoarabinomannan testing for diagnosis of tuberculosis among adults living with HIV admitted to hospitals in Tanzania and Mozambique (EXULTANT): A randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 26 https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00133-7

DNA methylation involves the addition of small chemical markers (methyl groups) to DNA, which can switch genes on or off. It is part of epigenetics, a set of mechanisms that regulate gene activity without altering the DNA sequence. In the placenta, DNA methylation provides an indication of how gene activity is regulated in this organ, which is essential for fetal development.

“Later meal timing and lower meal frequency have been linked to factors such as gestational weight gain and gestational diabetes,” explains Joana Llauradó Pont, predoctoral researcher at ISGlobal and first author of the study. To explore its effects on placental epigenetics, the team conducted an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) involving 389 women from the Barcelona Life Study (BiSC) cohort. Information on diet and chrononutrition habits was collected at week 20 of pregnancy, and placental tissue samples were obtained after delivery to analyse DNA methylation using “Illumina EPIC” technology.

“We focused on five key aspects,” adds Llauradó Pont, “the timing of the first and last meals, the duration of the overnight fast, the number of meals, and variability in meal timing.”

Dinner timing: a habit linked to epigenetic changes

The study identified changes in placental DNA methylation (hypo- or hypermethylation) mainly associated with the timing of the last meal of the day. Although this initial research did not establish an optimal dinner time, it did find that variations in this timing were linked to changes in the regulation of several genes, some involved in pregnancy-related biological processes. For instance, one plays a role in cholesterol metabolism, which is crucial for fetal development. Others are involved in the formation of blood vessels, the regulation of cell growth, and the DNA damage response. Signals were also observed in genes related to programmed cell death and the immune system.

“The timing of the last meal may act as a relevant time cue for the maternal body and, through epigenetic mechanisms, influence biological processes during pregnancy,” explains Camille Lassale, the study’s coordinator. “While a causal relationship cannot be established, these findings suggest that when food is consumed may modulate placental function and potentially have implications for fetal development.”

This study represents an initial step towards understanding how meal timing may influence placental function and opens the door to future research to clarify the specific role of eating schedules, why dinner stands out compared to other dietary habits, and which time windows may be associated with greater benefits during pregnancy.

Circadian rhythms and chrononutrition

Circadian rhythms are biological cycles of around 24 hours that regulate physiological and behavioural functions. They are controlled by internal “clocks”, such as the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus, which responds to light and darkness. There are also clocks in organs such as the liver and muscles, which are sensitive to signals like food intake. For this reason, meal timing influences the circadian system, and irregular eating patterns can affect health. Chrononutrition examines the relationship between diet, circadian rhythms, and health.

RTS,S/AS01 is the first malaria vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization; R21/Matrix-M, based on the same antigen, was subsequently developed. Both target the CSP protein, which is present on the surface of the parasite. They have already been implemented in the vaccination programmes of many African countries, as they help prevent severe malaria cases and reduce mortality. Specifically, they are administered from five months of age in areas of sub-Saharan Africa with moderate to high transmission of Plasmodium falciparum, the most prevalent malaria parasite species on the continent.

By including fragments of the CSP protein, these vaccines induce the production of specific antibodies or immunoglobulin G (IgG), which “train” the immune system to recognise and neutralise the parasite upon subsequent exposure. Until now, protection conferred by the RTS,S vaccine has been mainly attributed to the IgG response against a specific region –epitope– of the CSP protein: the immunodominant NANP repeats, a repeating amino acid sequence (Asparagine-Alanine-Asparagine-Proline). They are immunodominant because they are the immune system’s “preferred” targets; being the most accessible and exposed, they are easily recognised by B lymphocytes, which are key for antibody production. In contrast, the C-terminal region of the protein has been less explored. This region is recognised by T lymphocytes, which contribute to the activation of B lymphocytes.

The RTS,S vaccine: a major advance, but with moderate efficacy

Although the RTS,S vaccine has represented a major milestone in malaria prevention, its efficacy is moderate and tends to wane over time. The administration of a booster dose has been shown to improve protection, but only partially, highlighting the need to further optimise the durability of immunity.

“As an ancillary study to the phase III trial of the RTS,S vaccine, we included 1,292 children from six African regions where malaria is endemic, although transmission intensity varies across countries and regions,” explains Maria Lara-Escandell, co-author of the study and ISGlobal researcher. “Unlike other studies focused on peak responses to NANP repeats, we assessed IgG levels against both NANP and Cterm, as well as against the full CSP protein, and analysed whether both the magnitude and persistence of this immune response were associated with protection against malaria.”

Focusing on a more overlooked region of the CSP protein

The study showed that the booster dose preferentially enhances Cterm-specific IgG and only modestly increases those targeting NANP. In addition, IgG against Cterm showed greater durability both after primary vaccination and following the booster dose. The persistence of these antibodies —rather than the maximum titre reached at peak response— was associated with greater protection against malaria. “Our results show that antibody durability is a stronger correlate of protection than peak magnitude,” explains Lina Sánchez, co-author of the study and ISGlobal researcher. “Furthermore, Cterm-specific IgG may be independently associated with NANP IgG with a lower risk of malaria after primary vaccination.”

The priority: sustained immunity

These findings highlight the importance of assessing antibodies against different epitopes and, in particular, their persistence over time.

“By demonstrating the preferential boosting and greater persistence of responses against Cterm, this study refines current correlates of protection and provides practical guidance for the design of CSP-based vaccines,” concludes Carlota Dobaño, head of the Malaria Immunology Group at ISGlobal and co-coordinator of the study. “These strategies should prioritise broader and more sustained humoral immunity, rather than high but transient peak responses,” adds Gemma Moncunill, also head of the Malaria Immunology Group at ISGlobal and co-coordinator of the study.

Reference

Lara-Escandell M, Sánchez L, Macià D, et al. Duration and association with protection of NANP-repeat-specific and C-terminus-specific anti-circumsporozoite protein IgG responses following RTS,S/AS01E vaccination: an observational ancillary immunological study of a phase 3 clinical trial. Lancet Infect Dis. 2026; published online April 21. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00081-2

The aim of this contest is to collect and showcase photographs that highlight the causes and effects of climate change in Barcelona and the Sahel, one of the regions of the Global South most affected by its consequences.

The photographs may depict the impact of climate change, extreme or unusual weather events (such as extreme droughts, heatwaves, and floods), the interaction between climate change and nature, or the role of humanity in relation to the climate, including migration, both in the city of Barcelona and its surroundings and in the Sahel.

No professional photography experience is required to participate. The submission deadline is 31 May.

Prizes

• Winning photograph in the category "Effects of climate change in Barcelona": fair trade product voucher worth €200
• Winning photograph in the category "Effects of climate change in the Sahel": fair trade product voucher worth €200
• Winning photograph in the "Popular vote" category: fair trade product voucher worth €100

More information

The awards ceremony will take place during the final event of the project, in November, at the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB).

• Project website
• Competition rules

The study was led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by the ”la Caixa” Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Exeter and the University of Bristol and published in Clinical Epigenetics. The team found blood biomarkers associated with immunity and developmental processes in children who had been exclusively breastfed for at least three months. These markers were not present in babies who were not breastfed. However, the study did not look at whether the children had any difference in their immunity or development as a result of carrying these biomarkers.

Study co-lead Dr Doretta Caramaschi, of the University of Exeter, said: “Our findings show that babies who are exclusively breastfed carry markers in the blood related to that experience. The genes that produce these markers are related to developmental and immunity processes, but we can’t say from our study whether this affects those highly complex processes directly. “

Other research has shown separately that breastfeeding is associated with short- and long-term beneficial effects on child health.

Dr Mariona Bustamante, researcher at ISGlobal, added: “Our results are new and interesting, but we do need to interpret them with some caution. Our study is designed to be collaborative and international, however, we need to study more diverse groups to fully understand this biology.”

The research was conducted via the Pregnancy and Childhood Epigenetics (PACE) Consortium, made of 11 studies internationally, in countries including Spain, the Netherlands, Finland, France, Greece, Lithuania, Germany, South Africa and US, including a cohort of mixed ethnicity. In the UK, the study involved the Bristol-based Children of the 90s study, the Born in Bradford study and the Isle of Wight Birth Cohort Study. The analysis incorporated blood sample data from 3,421 children across these studies, aged 5 to 12 years when samples were taken.

Researchers looked at whether they were breastfed and for how long, and whether they were exclusively breastfed, and for how long. Information on breastfeeding was collected through questionnaires from birth. Blood samples were taken when the children were aged between five and 12 years old. They then measured epigenetic blood biomarkers and tested whether there was any difference related to the experience of being breastfed.

Published in Clinical Epigenetics with funding form multiple sources including the Medical Research Council, Wellcome, and Horizon 2020.

Reference
Caramaschi, D., Fernández-Barrés, S., Casey, E., Cruells, A., Czamara, D., Sharkawy, M. E., Elliott, H. R., Fore, R., Gairola, R., Gruzieva, O., Huels, A., Lahti, J., Lee, H., Magnano San Lio, R., Malmberg, A., Mansell, T., Merid, S. K., Novakovic, B., Ott, R., … Bustamante, M. (2026). Breastfeeding association with DNA methylation in the pregnancy and childhood epigenetics (PACE) consortium. Clinical Epigenetics. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13148-025-02042-4

The online training was also offered free of charge thanks to the institution’s Severo Ochoa programme, thereby reinforcing its commitment to equitable access to knowledge and its focus on lifelong learning, particularly for participants from lower-resource settings.

Innovation in content and participatory methodology

The programme in this latest edition consisted of six modules, three of them new to address emerging challenges: evaluation of research impact on society, intersectionality and gender for equity in health research, and point-of-care diagnostic testing.

These were complemented by well-established modules on health impact assessment, climate change and occupational health research methods, and health system resilience in the face of crises.

All modules featured a high level of participatory activities, promoting direct interaction between participants and faculty to apply knowledge to real-world problem-solving and connect research, public policy and practice. This approach fosters not only knowledge acquisition but also critical thinking, peer learning and the development of professional networks across regions and disciplines.

Spaces for debate on AI and health policy

In addition, open sessions on key topics were organised, including a roundtable on the impact of cuts to international aid, moderated by ISGlobal Director Quique Bassat; a practical workshop on the use of artificial intelligence in research; and a keynote lecture by Anna Roca, ICREA Research Professor at ISGlobal, on how epidemiological evidence shapes global policy priorities.

In the response to Chagas disease, women play a role that goes far beyond being mere recipients of interventions. Their active involvement in family and community care dynamics, as well as their closer contact with health services—particularly during pregnancy—places them at the centre of strategies for early detection, prevention and care. This year’s World Chagas Disease Day recognises and highlights this central role.

And it does so at a time when decisive action is more necessary than ever. Chagas disease, transmitted by kissing bugs, but also through oral, transfusional and congenital routes, affects people throughout their lives. From an often asymptomatic acute phase to chronic cardiac and digestive complications that may appear decades later. In the 21 endemic countries of mainland Latin America, 7.5 million people live with the infection and a further 100 million are at risk of contracting it, while each year around 30,000 new cases and approximately 10,000 related deaths are recorded.

This disease burden translates annually into an estimated healthcare cost of 500 million US dollars and the loss of approximately 770,000 disability-adjusted life years, whether due to premature death or lost productive years.

While significant progress has been made compared to previous decades, these figures also highlight the need to intensify efforts to achieve the regional elimination target.

Without altering the long-standing link between infection and populations living in conditions of poverty and vulnerability, migratory movements have increased the relative importance of non-vector transmission routes, such as mother-to-child transmission, allowing the disease to spread beyond the boundaries of its vectorial transmission area, breaking unprecedentedly the endemic barrier.

In this context, mother-to-child transmission represents a growing challenge, as between 2% and 8% of pregnant women transmit the parasite to their babies, resulting in 9,000 new cases annually through this route. 

The central role of women in the fight against Chagas must not, and should not, translate into an additional burden or an exclusive responsibility placed upon them. On the contrary, it represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen more equitable, accessible and responsive health systems that recognise and respect women’s needs, decisions, and sexual and reproductive rights.

The challenge is clear: to ensure that all women of childbearing age fully exercise their right to timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and high-quality information. This requires sustained public policies, the full integration of screening into maternal and child health programmes, and the strengthening of primary health care, ensuring services that are accessible, timely and free from discrimination.

In this context, the Pan American Health Organization, Member States and the organisations of the Global Chagas Coalition, together with a valuable group of strategic partners, are working in coordination to raise awareness across society as a whole in order to promote a collective and intersectoral response, guided by the principle of leaving no one behind. Only through shared commitment and coordinated action will it be possible to make sustained progress towards eliminating Chagas as a public health problem.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation aimed at developing joint research lines and projects in areas of shared interest, such as biomedicine and health. This includes the exchange of scientific and technological knowledge, mutual advisory activities, the creation of working groups and the preparation of specialised reports, among other initiatives.

A partnership to address global health challenges

“This collaboration strengthens the capacity of both institutions to generate excellent research with impact on global health,” said ISGlobal Director Quique Bassat. “Working together with CSIC is essential to advance the translation of scientific knowledge into solutions that address current health challenges. It is not only about sharing resources, but about building a knowledge ecosystem.”

For CSIC President Eloísa del Pino, “this agreement reflects the institution’s commitment to more collaborative, interdisciplinary health research aimed at addressing major global challenges.” She highlighted that “the partnership with ISGlobal allows us to combine capacities and accelerate the generation of knowledge with societal impact.”

R&D, knowledge translation and societal impact

Both institutions are committed to organising joint activities to promote the social impact of research, such as seminars, specialised workshops and scientific meetings; to advancing R&D studies and programmes in shared areas; and to fostering the training of researchers, contributing to a more connected and multidisciplinary research community.

CSIC is promoting this agreement through its Interdisciplinary Thematic Platform (PTI+) Global Health, which brings together nearly 170 research groups from 66 CSIC centres. This initiative promotes multidisciplinary approaches and the use of innovative technologies to advance prevention, detection and response to global health threats.

Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum typically triggers a pro-inflammatory immune response essential for parasite clearance, whereas helminth infections induce a predominantly anti-inflammatory response. This difference has long raised questions about how coinfections might influence disease outcomes. To address this, a team led by ISGlobal researchers Carlota Dobaño and Gemma Moncunill analysed 441 children aged 2–10 years with malaria symptoms attending hospitals in Manhiça, Mozambique. The researchers assessed malaria and helminth infections using molecular and rapid diagnostic tools, and measured a broad range of immune markers, including 30 cytokines and multiple antibody types. The study forms part of the PhD thesis of Inocência Cuamba and is the result of years of collaboration with ISGlobal’s Neglected Tropical Diseases group, led by Jose Muñoz.

“Our study goes beyond the state of the art by simultaneously measuring different immune mediators and integrating them with clinical and parasitological outcomes to provide deeper insights into the effect of concurrent STH infection on malaria disease and immunity,” says Cuamba.

Fewer parasites, distinct immune responses

Among the 74 children diagnosed with malaria, 16 were coinfected with helminths, most commonly Strongyloides stercoralis. Coinfected children had significantly lower P. falciparum parasite density and lower body temperature. They also had reduced levels of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting an overall dampened immune activation. At the same time, antibody responses to several malaria antigens were elevated, including IgG1 and IgG3 responses that have previously been associated with protection. However, the antibody responses most strongly increased during coinfection were not always those linked to lower parasite burden, pointing to a complex immune interplay.

Overall, the results suggest that helminth infections may modulate malaria immunity in ways that reduce disease severity. Coinfection was linked to decreased parasitaemia, downregulation of inflammatory cytokines, and enhanced antibody responses, potentially contributing to milder clinical presentations. “Our findings also indicate a potential role for IgE responses in the protection linked to STH infections, although further research is needed to confirm this,” says Moncunill.

Public health implications

These findings have important implications for disease control strategies in regions where malaria and helminths overlap. “Integrated approaches combining deworming with strengthened malaria surveillance or preventive treatment may be needed to avoid a potential rise in severe malaria cases,” says Dobaño. The authors also stress the need for larger and longitudinal studies to better understand how coinfections shape immunity and to inform future public health interventions.

Reference

Cuamba I, Santano R, Grau-Pujol B et al. Helminth coinfections mitigate clinical, parasitological, and immune outcomes in Mozambican children with malaria. BMC Medicine, 2026. doi: 10.1186/s12916-026-04827-7

Against this backdrop, the Advocacy team at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) launches The Future of Global Health, a bi-monthly newsletter offering analysis and tracking of political processes, a mapping of the global health ecosystem, and a calendar of key events.

The first edition includes two analyses. The first outlines key elements for understanding global health within the current geopolitical debate: the crisis of multilateralism, great power rivalry, health sovereignty in the Global South, and Spain’s emerging leadership. The second examines the challenges and scenarios facing WHO amid the reconfiguration of the global order.

In addition, the newsletter features recommended publications and a curated selection of analyses produced by other organizations. Upcoming editions will cover topics such as gender equality, debt swaps, and other central issues in global health.

Subscribe to stay up to date on the debates reshaping global health.

The research, published in BMJ Global Health, analysed data from 1,122 Colombian municipalities between 2008 and 2019. The research team combined information on different types of violence, such as kidnappings, forced displacement, disappearances, or armed attacks, with epidemiological surveillance data and mortality records. Conflict information was obtained from the National Observatory of Historical Memory, while TB morbidity and mortality data came from the National Public Health Surveillance System. Using these indicators, the team developed an index classifying municipalities according to conflict intensity in two periods: 2008–2013 and 2014–2019.

Unequal distribution of tuberculosis burden

The study shows that TB incidence varied according to the level of conflict in each territory. Throughout the analysed period, municipalities with the highest levels of violence recorded the highest TB case rates. Although at the national level TB case notifications decreased by 16% over the study period, the reduction was not uniform, and significant territorial inequalities persisted. Regarding mortality, results indicate that despite a 9% reduction nationwide, municipalities most affected by conflict continued to show the highest TB death rates.

“Our findings show how armed conflicts can indirectly affect health. Displacement and forced migration create living conditions characterised by overcrowding, poor ventilation, and housing instability, which facilitate TB transmission and disease progression. These processes interact with conditions that compromise immune function, such as food insecurity, malnutrition, HIV infection, and other comorbidities, contributing to adverse TB outcomes,” notes Salomé Valencia, predoctoral researcher at ISGlobal and lead author of the study.

Differences between population groups

The research also calculated tuberculosis rates by age and sex, finding significant differences among population groups. Children under one year showed the greatest inequalities: in municipalities with the highest conflict intensity, the likelihood of tuberculosis in this population group was 39 % higher than in those with lower conflict. Women also experienced persistent inequalities in case notifications. 

“Conflicts disproportionately affect women, children, and historically marginalised populations. Among these, indigenous communities face some of the most severe barriers. For example, on Colombia’s Pacific coast, TB case notifications among indigenous groups reached 192.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, mainly related to limited access to healthcare services due to geographic isolation and conflict-related disruptions,” points out Alberto Garcia-Basteiro, research professor at ISGlobal and senior author of the study.

Prevention strategies adapted to each territory

According to the research team, the observed inequalities in TB burden highlight the need to implement control strategies adapted to the characteristics of each territory. In particular, they emphasize the importance of incorporating conflict-sensitive approaches within surveillance, prevention, and healthcare systems to reduce inequities and strengthen public health response.

The research also proposes an analytical framework that can be applied to other conflict contexts to analyze health inequalities. This approach could help develop evidence-based policies to reduce the impact of prolonged conflicts on infectious diseases. 

The study involved researchers in epidemiology and public health, including Carlos Andrés Castañeda, Juan Camilo Gutiérrez, and Karol Cotes, from the National Institute of Health and the National University of Colombia in Bogotá.

Reference

Valencia-Aguirre, S., Castañeda, CA., Gutiérrez, JC., Cotes, K., Garcia-Basteiro, AL., Armed conflict intensity and inequalities in tuberculosis outcomes in Colombian municipalities, 2008–2019. BMJ Global Health, 2025. Doi: 10.1136/bmjgh-2025-019144

Air pollution poses a major risk to public health, especially in cities, where traffic is one of the main sources. For this reason, many air-quality policies focus on reducing vehicle circulation through temporary restrictions, limitations during high-pollution episodes, or the creation of low emission zones.

Low emission zones (LEZs) aim to improve air quality by restricting the circulation of the most polluting vehicles in specific urban areas. There are currently 363 such zones in Europe and, despite their widespread use, evidence of their effectiveness is still limited, particularly regarding the reduction of fine particles. Barcelona was the first city in Catalonia to implement a permanent LEZ, in 2020. The zone, covering 95 km², banned circulation on weekdays from 07:00 to 20:00 for diesel vehicles EURO 3 or earlier and petrol EURO 2 or earlier, including older motorcycles.

How to assess the effectiveness of the LEZ in a context marked by the pandemic

Assessing the effect of Barcelona’s LEZ was not straightforward, as other factors were at play during the same period (beyond the traffic reduction caused by the LEZ) that influenced pollution levels. These included the gradual renewal of the vehicle fleet, the promotion of sustainable mobility and the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced mobility and encouraged remote working. In addition, meteorological conditions such as temperature and rainfall also affect the concentration of pollutants in the air.

Pollution measurements were taken between 2015 and 2022 at 29 official monitoring stations in Catalonia, including 11 within the LEZ and 18 in control areas (both nearby and more distant), used as a reference to compare pollution levels before and after the intervention. Stations were classified according to their proximity to traffic, distinguishing between traffic stations and background stations.

“We used an innovative technique, the statistical SC-PI method, which allows us to construct a simulated version of the area without the LEZ, in order to compare what would have happened if the measure had not been implemented. This ‘synthetic zone’ serves as a reference to estimate what levels of NO₂, PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 would have been recorded without the measure and to compare them with the actual values,” explains Vanessa N. dos Santos, predoctoral researcher at ISGlobal and UPF and first author of the study. The model also controlled for external factors that could alter the results, such as changes in activity during the pandemic, new international regulations or meteorology, with the aim of isolating the real effect of the LEZ as much as possible.

A 15.8% reduction in NO₂ levels

In the study, the introduction of the LEZ was associated with a decrease of up to 7.6 µg/m³ of NO₂ at traffic stations, equivalent to a 15.8% reduction. By contrast, reductions attributable to the LEZ in PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were small (around 1 µg/m³) and became non-significant with some analytical methods. This may be explained by the fact that a substantial proportion of particulate matter is not emitted directly by vehicles but forms in the atmosphere from pollutant gases originating from different sources, including a contribution from natural sources. This so-called secondary origin, together with natural contributions, makes particles more difficult to reduce through local measures such as the LEZ.

“Our results suggest that the LEZ in the Barcelona metropolitan area is an effective tool to mitigate air pollution, although its effects depend on the type of pollutant,” explains Xavier Basagaña, ISGlobal researcher and coordinator of the study. “Although it clearly reduced NO₂, its impact on particulate matter was limited. To reach the levels recommended by WHO in 2021, additional measures will probably be required, such as further reducing traffic or acting on other emission sources, including agricultural ones,” he notes.

Reference

dos Santos, V. N., Font-Ribera, L., Rico, M., Massagué, J., Nebra, N., Pérez, E., Gómez-Gutiérrez, A., Rivas, I., Querol, X., & Basagaña, X. (2026). Effectiveness of a low emission zone in improving air quality in Barcelona. Atmospheric Environment: X, 29(100428), 100428. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aeaoa.2026.100428

Warnings about the credibility of science

The first keynote lecture was delivered by John P. A. Ioannidis, Professor of Medicine and of Epidemiology and Population Health at Stanford University, who offered an incisive view of the current threats to the scientific literature. Under the title "Why even more research findings are false or not even false", Ioannidis warned of a publication system distorted by incentives that reward quantity over quality.

“The system now offers unprecedented opportunities to produce enormous quantities of papers,” he noted, warning that this dynamic may compromise the quality and credibility of scientific evidence. He also warned of risks such as the pressure to publish, the rise of predatory journals, the proliferation of paper mills, and the lack of transparency in the use of artificial intelligence.

Ioannidis called for greater reproducibility and transparency, urging the scientific community to focus on the real impact of their work rather than simply accumulating impact factors. “The most worrying problem is when science becomes irrelevant, disconnected from where decisions are made,” he warned.

John P. A. Ioannidis and Judit Vall delivered two keynote lectures at ISGlobal’s Scientific Retreat 2026.

The gender gap persists in health and research

For her part, Judit Vall Castelló, Professor of Applied Economics at the University of Barcelona and President of the Catalan Economic Society (IEC), addressed gender-related inequalities in health. In her lecture "Inequality in women’s health", she showed that although women live longer, they do so in poorer health and face greater difficulties in accessing appropriate diagnoses due to multiple systemic gaps.

Among the key factors, she highlighted the chronic lack of funding for conditions that predominantly affect women and gender bias in medical diagnosis, which begins even during medical training. She also underlined the impact of motherhood and menopause on both women’s mental health and their career trajectories.

The researcher also pointed to important structural deficits within scientific research itself, such as the lack of sex-disaggregated data and the underfunding of studies focused on women’s health. In this regard, she reminded the audience that “50% of published studies do not report sex-disaggregated results”, which limits understanding of these inequalities.

Structural challenges and new generations

Beyond the keynote lectures, the meeting gave a voice to early-career researchers, who discussed the current challenges facing research. These included the sustainability of scientific careers, working conditions, and the need to reinforce the value of early-career researchers within the scientific system.

The role of artificial intelligence in research was also discussed, with views ranging from the potential of these tools to improve scientific practice to concerns about their possible impact on employment and on the quality of research.

Through more than forty flash talks and several round tables, the scientific meeting once again highlighted the breadth and diversity of the research carried out at ISGlobal, as well as its commitment to impact in global health. In his closing remarks, Quique Bassat stressed the importance of addressing the challenges identified throughout the day and of maintaining a commitment to high-quality research with real impact.

Forty flash talks and several round tables highlighted the breadth and diversity of our research.

This seminar aims to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue on how definitions, conceptual frameworks and communication strategies can evolve to reflect both scientific rigour and social responsibility.

Objectives

The session will:

• Clarify the distinction between neurodiversity as a natural variation in human functioning and neurodevelopmental disorders as clinically defined conditions.
• Explore how the neurodiversity paradigm can complement, inform or challenge traditional biomedical approaches.
• Identify strategies to communicate research findings in ways that are accurate, respectful and aligned with inclusive and non-ableist perspectives.

Speakers

• Christina Nicolaidis (Portland State University and Oregon Health and Science University). Researcher in community-based participatory approaches to improve healthcare for autistic adults; Co-Founder of AASPIRE and founding Editor-in-Chief of Autism in Adulthood.
• Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga (Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Autonomous University of Barcelona). Head of Psychiatry and leader of the Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions Research Group (VHIR); member of CIBERSAM.
• Laura Sanmiquel Molinero (CSIC – Institució Milà i Fontanals). Researcher in critical disability studies, focusing on how disability is shaped through social and institutional processes.
• Salvador Macip (University of Leicester and Universitat Oberta de Catalunya). Professor of Molecular Medicine; research on cancer, neurodegeneration and ageing.

Audience

This event is aimed at researchers, clinicians and other professionals working in, or with an interest in, basic and applied neuroscience, psychology, mental health and related disciplines. The focus is on neurodiversity, disability and inclusive research practices.

Event details, Format & Registration

Date: Monday, 18 May

Time: 15:00–17:00 h CET

Location: PRBB, c/ Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona (Charles Darwin Room)

Format: In-person, combining short presentations (10 minutes each) and interactive discussion (45 minutes) with the audience.

Organisers

ISGlobal (Pol Jimenez-Arenas: pol.jimenez@isglobal.org, Marta Cosin-Tomas, and Mariona Bustamante), in collaboration with the PRBB EDI Committee and the PRBB BeyondAbility group.

The study analysed a daily mortality database with 88.8 million deaths from the EARLY-ADAPT project (https://www.early-adapt.eu) between 2003 and 2019 in 653 contiguous regions of 31 European countries, including a population of 521 million people. Daily levels of air pollutants—fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), coarse particles (PM₁₀), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and the 8-hour maximum daily ozone (O₃)—were estimated using advanced machine learning models.

The researchers also incorporated regional socioeconomic indicators and data on renewable energy consumption, obtained from Eurostat’s regional statistics database. The epidemiological models included these socioeconomic and renewable energy variables to describe how the mortality risks of air pollution are different between populations, and how they evolved over the present century.

The higher the poverty, the greater the vulnerability to air pollution

The health risks of air pollution are not determined by pollution levels alone. They also depend on how vulnerable people are. Even when regions experience similar air pollution, the health consequences can differ greatly because of socioeconomic and demographic conditions.

The study showed regions with higher gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, lower poverty rates, and higher life expectancy, mainly in Northern and Western Europe, presented a lower risk of mortality associated with air pollution. In contrast, the most disadvantaged areas, located in Southern and Eastern Europe, recorded significantly higher risks, even doubling those of regions with better socioeconomic conditions.

These inequalities have also evolved differently over the present century. Wealthier regions experienced a significant decrease in the risks associated with PM_2.5, PM₁₀ and NO₂ between 2003 and 2019. In contrast, regions with lower income or life expectancy saw only small improvements—or in some cases even increases—in mortality risks associated with these pollutants during the study period.

According to the research team, several mechanisms could explain these patterns. “It is not just that poorer regions are more polluted. Wealthier regions usually have better-equipped healthcare systems, more comprehensive public health programs, and greater social awareness of the effects of air pollution, as well as a higher capacity to implement environmental policies,” notes Zhaoyue Chen, ISGlobal researcher and first author of the study. “Quantifying the mortality risks attributable to air pollution in each region and period can help identify the most vulnerable populations more accurately,” he adds.

The effect of adopting renewable energy

The study also analysed how the transition to renewable energy affects mortality related to air pollution through two complementary pathways: by reducing air pollution levels and by lowering population vulnerability to air-pollution-related health risks.

The analyses show that the increase in renewable energy during the present century is associated with a reduction in air pollution of 15% for fine PM, 54% for coarse PM, and 20% for NO₂. This represents a decrease in the mortality due to air pollution of 12% for fine PM, 52% for coarse PM, and 20% for NO₂.

In addition, regions with higher and rapid renewable energy adoption experienced lowering population vulnerability to the health impacts of air pollution. Renewable energy adoption is a key component of sustainable environmental and climate policy frameworks and is often accompanied by social and infrastructural improvements—such as cleaner public transport, greener cities, more walkable urban design, cleaner technologies, and stronger environmental regulations—that can reduce communities’ susceptibility to air pollution.

However, progress has been uneven across the continent. Northern countries generally show high and rapid growth in the adoption of clean energy, while several Southern and Eastern countries, such as Malta, Cyprus, Italy and Poland, continue to show a relatively high dependence on fossil fuels.

“Western European countries generally tended to invest more resources in clean energy, green infrastructure, and stricter emission controls. Eastern European countries, on the other hand, have often relied more heavily on external funding and remain at an early stage of integrating renewable energy and pollution-control measures,” says Joan Ballester Claramunt, principal investigator of the EARLY-ADAPT project and senior author of the study.

Equity as a core of environmental policies

The study results highlight the need to integrate health equity into environmental policies, prioritizing pollution reduction in the most affected areas, and strengthening public health infrastructure. “It is urgent to expand environmental and health monitoring to identify disparities, guide equitable strategies, and ensure that resources reach those who need them most,” emphasizes Carlos Pérez García-Pando, ICREA and AXA Professor at the BSC’s Earth Sciences Department and co-author of the study.

According to the research team, although the analysis focused on Europe, the implications are global, as in many low- and middle-income countries, rapid urban growth and industrial expansion advance faster than investments in clean energy and environmental protection, which could further increase population vulnerability to the effects of pollution.

Health alerts of air pollution for vulnerable populations

The air pollution estimates and epidemiological models of the study were used in Forecaster.Health (https://forecaster.health/), an impact-based early warning system issuing alerts of mortality risks due to temperature and air pollution for vulnerable population groups.

Reference:

Chen, ZY., Achebak, H., Huang, W., Paniello-Castillo, B., Petetin, H., Méndez Turrubiates, RF., Pérez García-Pando, C., Ballester, J. Socioeconomic and energy transition disparities in acute air pollution–related mortality across Europe. Nature Medicine, 2026. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04293-x

Throughout the morning and until early afternoon, professionals from all the campus institutions will offer more than one hundred activities on health, research and teaching, including workshops, guided visits, talks and participatory spaces.

A Health, Science and Teaching Campus open to the public

The Clínic Obert is a joint initiative that strengthens the identity of Campus Clínic as an integrated ecosystem of care, research and teaching. The event aims to show in a transparent and accessible way how its institutions work, what research is being promoted and which projects are being developed to improve people’s health and public wellbeing.

Campus Clínic seeks to maintain a close connection with its surroundings, build bridges with the local community and share knowledge with the city. For this reason, all activities have been proposed and designed by the professionals who work there, who on that day also take on an outreach and educational role.

More than 100 activities on health, research and prevention

In this edition, Clínic Obert will bring together nearly 100 activities promoted by professionals from all the institutions of Campus Clínic, with content designed for all audiences: families, children, young people and adults.

The programme includes:

• Health and prevention workshops and talks on topics such as mental health, perinatal health, memory, allergies, cancer, diabetes, medicines, sustainability and healthy ageing, among others.
• Technological and scientific demonstrations, such as 3D bioprinting, CAR-T therapy, liquid biopsies, neuropsychology and innovations in medical imaging diagnosis.
• Hands-on workshops on resuscitation, healthy use of technologies, oral health, and skin and joint care, among others.
• Guided visits to operating theatres, research laboratories, the sample bank, specialised units, the Dissection Room and historic spaces of the Faculty of Medicine, among others.

The aim is to offer a participatory and outreach experience that allows people to see first-hand how the campus institutions work and to understand the scientific advances that translate into improvements in healthcare.

An open, cultural and family-friendly celebration

Clínic Obert combines scientific outreach with a festive and community atmosphere. On Casanova Street (between Provença and París) and in the Duran i Reynals Gardens there will be:

• Live music: El Pony Menut, La Jim Band and DJ Miqui Puig.
• Physical activity with sessions of zumba, yoga and tai chi, among others.
• Live healthy cooking with renowned chefs such as Arnau París, Ada Parellada, Maria Nicolau and Carlota Claver.
• Culture and entertainment: swing with the Barcelona Swing Association, magic by Mag Stigman, a monologue by Oye Sherman, the voices of the Clínic Choir and a human tower performance by Esquerdats de l’Eixample.
• Healthy food trucks and a large outdoor terrace to enjoy with family.

Clínic Obert is both a science outreach event and a celebration of health and science open to everyone.

Taking part in the future: the new Clínic-UB Health Campus

In addition to the outreach activities, visitors will find a large space dedicated to presenting the project for the new Clínic-UB Health Campus, which will be built on Avinguda Diagonal.

There will be participatory activities such as “Let’s draw the campus of the future”, “Let’s build the new campus with Lego” and “Dialogues on the future of health”, designed to share ideas and concerns about the future of the campus. This space aims to reinforce the idea that the new campus is built with people: professionals, students, patients, neighbours and the city as a whole.

Health, science and city life in one place

The full programme —including the map of locations, activity schedules and venues— can be found at clinicobert.cat. Campus Clínic invites the public, residents of the Eixample district and the families of its professionals to take part on Saturday, May 9 in this event celebrating health, research, teaching and community engagement.

Clínic Obert 2026 will be a great celebration to discover, learn about and share science and health.

Institutional support and collaborating companies

The celebration of Clínic Obert 2026 is made possible thanks to the support of more than 40 companies and organisations that contribute financially or with materials. This involvement reinforces the shared nature of the initiative and the alignment between campus, city and the social and economic fabric.

Clínic Obert has the institutional support of Barcelona City Council and the Eixample District, the Barcelona Provincial Council and the Government of Catalonia.

The main sponsor is Casa Tarradellas and it is also sponsored by AstraZeneca, Moulinex, Aigües de Barcelona, Amgen and BeOne.

It is also supported by Kern Pharma, Alexion, Ipsen, Medtronic, the Baix Llobregat Agricultural Park, MSD, Gilead, Roche and Siemens Healthineers.

And with the collaboration of Fortinet, Dia Solutions, Teva, Daiichi-Sankyo, Commvault, ToBeIT, CaixaBank, Avvale, Pfizer, SIRT, ViiV Healthcare, Ilunion IT Services, Inetum, UCB, Novartis, Novo Nordisk, Werfen, Emergències Mèdiques (SEM), Banc de Sang i Teixits, Mercats de Barcelona, Mercat del Ninot, Aneto, DiR, Camisetas&Co, Trablisa and Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB).

Throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, professionals from all the campus institutions will offer more than one hundred activities in health, research and education along Carrer Casanova in Barcelona, between Carrer Provença and Carrer París.

The programme includes: 

• Health and prevention workshops and talks
• Scientific and technological demonstrations
• Guided visits to campus facilities
• Cultural activities and live music
• Children’s workshops on health and science
• Physical activity sessions (zumba, yoga, tai chi...)
• Healthy cooking with guest chefs
• Healthy food trucks and rest areas

Hundreds of volunteer professionals from all the Campus institutions will make this festive and participatory day possible, with health at its core and in direct engagement with local residents and the wider public. You can consult the full programme on the website www.clinicobert.cat.

ISGlobal Activities

• Walking for lung health. Time: 9:30–10:30. Route from the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) to Hospital Clínic. Led by: Raül Toran
• Climate, health and migration: culture as a driver of social mobilisation. Time: 9:30–14:30. Location: Casanova - Provença. Led by: Marina Pérez
• Take care of your liver! Information and free screening for viral hepatitis. Time: 9:30–14:30. Location: Casanova - Còrsega. Led by: Camila Picchio
• Lung health with spirometry tests. Time: 9:30–14:30. Location: Casanova - Còrsega. Led by: Raül Toran
• Bacteria, playgrounds and prevention. Time: 13:30. Location: Casanova - Provença. Led by: Elisabet Guiral
• #APlenaVista: learning to assess liver health in HIV care. Time: 11:30. Location: Casanova - Provença. Led by: Anthony Armenta
• Let’s build a healthier and more sustainable future together. Time: 10:00–14:00. Location: Square (Casanova - Rosselló)
• Discover the solidarity map of Campus Clínic. Location: Casanova - Còrsega. Time: 10:00–14:00

The illustrations are part of the “Note-olvides” campaign, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), an institution supported by the ”la Caixa” Foundation, with the collaboration of Post-it® and the 3M Foundation. The project combines art, humor, and science with a clear goal: to remind that millions of people continue to suffer from preventable or treatable diseases that remain outside the focus of the public agenda.

Neglected diseases, a global health emergency

According to the World Health Organization, around 1.5 billion people worldwide need prevention or treatment for these diseases, also known as neglected tropical diseases. These include conditions such as Chagas disease, noma, and dengue, which mainly affect populations living in poverty with limited access to healthcare systems. 

This reality is compounded by malaria, one of the diseases most closely linked to poverty, causing more than 260 million cases worldwide each year, especially among children under five and pregnant women in Africa.

Despite their magnitude, these diseases have historically received very few resources for research, prevention, and treatment, perpetuating a vicious cycle of poverty and illness. “It is inconceivable that we continue to ignore neglected diseases just because they affect the poorest populations,” says Quique Bassat, ISGlobal’s Director General and scientist. “It is not a lack of knowledge, it is a lack of will. We are facing a global health emergency that cannot wait: accepting otherwise legitimizes an inequality that costs lives.”

A tribute to Forges and his “No te olvides”

The initiative is inspired by a phrase that marked decades of Spanish graphic humor: the famous “No te olvides” used by the cartoonist Antonio Fraguas “Forges” in many of his drawings. The phrase is now revived as a call not to look the other way in the face of health inequalities.

“Graphic humor has a unique ability to condense complex ideas into a simple and direct image,” explains Jorge Martínez, creative director of the initiative. “We wanted to use that power to remind people that millions continue to suffer from preventable or treatable diseases simply because they live in the world’s poorest areas.”

Nearly 40 cartoonists from both sides of the Atlantic have joined the initiative by creating an original drawing on a Post-it®. Participants include well-known authors such as Peridis, Idígoras & Pachi, Julio Rey, Junco, Riki Blanco, Kemchs, Sendra, and Gretta con Ganas, along with other artists contributing their personal perspectives on neglected diseases. The result is a collection of images combining humor, irony, and social critique. 

The project also has the collaboration of the Fraguas family, the Instituto Quevedo de las Artes del Humor —which Forges himself helped found— and the Frente Viñetista collective.

A book, an exhibition, and a charity auction

The “Note-olvides” initiative includes several activities aimed at raising awareness of this global problem and fundraising to support research:

• The book Humor gráfico contra el olvido, published by Lunwerg (Grupo Planeta), with a foreword by writer Leonardo Padura and epilogue by El Gran Wyoming.
• An itinerant exhibition that will travel through various cities in Casa del Libro spaces and conclude at the Fujifilm House of Photography in Barcelona (8-11 April).
• A charity auction organized by Maza.art, scheduled for April 10, 2026, where collectors and the general public can purchase the originals and directly contribute to funding scientific research.
• A short documentary exploring the power of graphic humor as a tool for social transformation.

Additionally, donations can be made via Bizum (code 02948), so that small contributions add to the collective effort to fund research on neglected diseases.

The funds raised through these activities will be fully allocated to supporting the research carried out by ISGlobal through its Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases Program.

Chagas disease, noma, dengue and leishmaniasis are among these diseases, which mainly affect communities with fewer resources and, despite their enormous impact, rarely make headlines or receive the attention they deserve.

A post-it to remember what the world forgets

Inspired by the legacy of the cartoonist Antonio Fraguas “Forges” and his iconic “No te olvides…”, this campaign aims to remind us that no one should be invisible when it comes to health.

Art and science come together to raise awareness of neglected diseases and support ISGlobal’s research in this field through the exhibition and auction of the original artworks, the sale of the book and donations.

How to participate

Together for better global health

All proceeds from the book sales, the auction and donations will go directly to support ISGlobal’s research on malaria and neglected parasitic diseases.

Every gesture counts to drive research forward and bring solutions closer to millions of people.

More information

• Note-Olvides campaign website
• Book 'Graphic Humour Against Forgetting'
• Don’t forget neglected diseases (Short documentary)
• Don’t forget neglected diseases (teaser)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the major public health threats: in 2019, 3.57 million deaths were associated with resistant infections, nearly one million directly attributable to them. The lack of new effective antibiotics exacerbates this problem and necessitates the search for innovative alternatives.

The intestinal tract hosts a complex community of microorganisms known as the microbiota. It comprises commensal bacteria, which aid nutrient absorption and act as a barrier against pathogens, and potentially pathogenic bacteria, such as certain strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli). When multidrug-resistant bacteria to antibiotics colonise this environment, the risk of subsequent infections increases, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The main challenge is to develop an antibacterial strategy capable of selectively eliminating antimicrobial-resistant strains without affecting other beneficial commensal species.

Targeted antibacterial plasmids and the CRISPR-Cas system

A plasmid is a small circular DNA molecule independent of the bacterial chromosome. Targeted antibacterial plasmids (TAP) are biotechnological tools designed to selectively combat antibiotic resistance. Unlike conventional antibiotics, which act on a broad spectrum of bacteria, TAPs recognise and attack only bacteria carrying a specific resistance gene.

To achieve this, they use bacterial conjugation, a natural DNA transfer mechanism, to enter the resistant bacterium. Once inside, TAPs express a CRISPR-Cas system programmed to identify a specific bacterial DNA sequence and induce the death of the resistant bacterium or cause it to lose antibiotic resistance.

Using TAPs to eliminate or resensitise strains of E. coli

“In this study, we assessed the potential of TAPs against certain multidrug-resistant bacterial strains: the E. coli producing ESBLs (Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases), enzymes that render them resistant to most beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins. These bacteria carry the blaCTX-M-15 gene, one of the most common resistance determinants,” explains Natalia Roson-Calero, ISGlobal researcher and co-author of the study.

The elimination or resensitisation of these strains is particularly relevant, as third-generation cephalosporin-resistant enterobacteria are classified as critical pathogens by the WHO due to their high disease burden and limited therapeutic options. The study focused particularly on the high-risk ST131 clone, one of the most prevalent and virulent lineages.

“When the TAP incorporated Cas9 – an enzyme acting as a molecular scissors – it induced double-strand breaks in the blaCTX-M-15 gene. If the gene was on the chromosome, the damage was lethal and the bacterium died rapidly. If it was on a plasmid, the cut caused the loss of that plasmid and, with it, the resistance,” explains Roson-Calero. “In some cases, this loss triggered toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems associated with the plasmid itself, which could also lead to bacterial death.”

However, the research team observed that TAPs based on another version of the enzyme, dCas9, did not cut the DNA. Instead, they blocked transcription of the blaCTX-M-15 gene, preventing production of the resistance-conferring protein. As a result, the bacterium regained antibiotic sensitivity without directly compromising its viability.

The goal: to eliminate only resistant strains

In mixed cultures, TAPs specifically eliminated E. coli carrying blaCTX-M-15 without affecting other bacterial species present. Moreover, in conjugation assays performed in human faeces (a complex microbial environment closer to the clinical situation), both TAP-Cas9 and TAP-dCas9 significantly suppressed cefotaxime-resistant E. coli.

“Our results reinforce the potential of TAPs as a selective gut decolonisation tool. Furthermore, they open the door to future microbiome-targeted editing strategies to prevent dissemination or infection by multidrug-resistant bacteria,” concludes Jordi Vila, Research Professor and investigator in ISGlobal’s Antimicrobial Resistance group.

Reference

Derollez, E., Roson-Calero, N., Rouzé, P., Dedieu-Berne, A., Ballesté-Delpierre, C., Fraikin, N., Iorga, B. I., Huang, T.-D., Bigot, S., Vila, J., Bogaerts, P., & Lesterlin, C. (2026). Specific killing and resensitization of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains carrying blaCTX-M-15 β-lactamase using targeted-antibacterial-plasmids (TAPs). Nucleic Acids Research, 54(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkaf1466

Recognizing this importance, the Ramón Areces Foundation renews its support to ISGlobal through a collaboration agreement that will allow the research staff in basic malaria science at the Institute to continue advancing in strategic areas such as parasite molecular biology, intercellular communication, immunology, identification of new drugs, and development of new diagnostic tools.

This support not only funds research but has also been key in equipping the new ISGlobal laboratories at the Parc Científic de Barcelona, creating an innovative environment that facilitates collaboration with other leading institutions and strengthens the Institute’s international position.

Six groups, comprehensive research

The Ramón Areces Foundation’s collaboration directly supports six research groups:

• Malaria Epigenetics
• Malaria Physiopathology and Genomics
• Glycobiology and Malaria Parasite Biology
• Malaria Immunology
• Nanomalaria
• PvREX - Plasmodium vivax and Exosome

These teams study everything from the biology of host-parasite interactions and the molecular bases of physiopathology to the host immune response, generating fundamental knowledge for designing new vaccines, therapies, and alternative control methods.

Hernando A. del Portillo, ICREA researcher and director of the Malaria and Neglected Parasitic Diseases program at ISGlobal, emphasizes the value of this alliance: “Basic science is the foundation on which we build the tools of the future. The ongoing support from the Ramón Areces Foundation allows us to delve into the molecular mechanisms the parasite uses to infect us, and it has also enabled us to equip our laboratories with the necessary technology to remain international references. Understanding the biology of the malaria parasite is the only way to end the disease.”

The study, carried out by the Clinical and Epidemiological Neuroscience Research Group (NeuroÈpia) at IRB CatSud. The research analyses data from a sample of 653 adolescents aged 12 to 16 from the metropolitan area of Barcelona (Smart-Snack study). It highlights the importance of nutrition during adolescence, a stage where the brain is still developing, especially the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision‑making and impulse control.

Eating habits were assessed using food‑frequency questionnaires that measured adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the intake of ultra‑processed foods. Neuropsychological function was evaluated through standardised computerised tests that measured attention, working memory, fluid intelligence, decision‑making, and emotional
recognition. Behavioural and emotional outcomes were also assessed using validated questionnaires.

Opposite effects on the teen brain

The results show clear differences between the two eating patterns. According to Alexios Manidis, the lead researcher, a higher intake of ultra‑processed foods—such as sugary drinks, industrial pastries, and ultra-processed meats—is linked to poorer performance in emotional recognition and sustained attention. Teenagers who consume more ultra‑processed foods also report more symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as more behavioural problems.

In contrast, greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and olive oil—is linked to fewer behavioural problems and better scores in executive attention.

However, in the six-month follow-up, only initial ultra-processed food consumption showed longitudinal associations with internalizing symptoms and decision-making, while Mediterranean diet adherence showed no longitudinal effects. "This may suggest that Mediterranean diet benefits require ongoing adherence, while the effects of ultra-processed foods may be more persistent," comments Manidis, reinforcing the importance of maintaining healthy habits consistently.

Objective validation through biomarkers

The study also analysed urinary biomarkers in a subsample of 257 participants. The results show that adolescents who consume more ultra‑processed foods have fewer compounds from plant‑based foods and more compounds linked to food processing, confirming the reliability of dietary questionnaires.

Christopher Papandreou, Assistant Professor at the Hellenic Mediterranean University (Crete, Greece) and senior co-author of the study, notes that “teenagers’ diets are shifting towards ultra-processed foods” and warns that this change “may be contributing to the rise in mental health problems among young people”.

Jordi Julvez, head researcher of the NeuroÈpia Research Group at the IRB CatSud and ISGlobal, reminds us that “adolescence is a period of great brain reorganisation” and explains that diet “can influence how teenagers regulate their emotions and make complex decisions”.

The researchers conclude that future strategies, such as replacing processed snacks in schools with nutrient‑dense options like nuts and fresh fruit, could be effective in improving emotional regulation and cognitive function in the long term.

Bibliographic reference of the study

Manidis, A., Ayala-Aldana, N., Bernardo-Castro, S., Pinar-Martí, A., Galkina, P., Fernández-Barrés, S., Ramirez-Carrasco, P., Lamuela-Raventós, R. M., Papandreou, C., & Julvez, J. (2026). Dietary patterns and neuropsychological function in adolescents: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study. BMC Medicine, 10.1186/s12916-026-04658-6.

From COVID-19 Lessons to Institutional Action

The first session reviewed the platform's progress one year after its launch. Denise Naniche, former Scientific Director and Research Professor at ISGlobal, recalled the words of WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: "having an advanced medical system is not the same as having a strong public health system". Elizabeth Diago Navarro, coordinator of ISGlobal's Preparedness and Response Hub, reviewed the participatory process that has led to the identification of two strategic priorities: community preparedness and the translation of scientific evidence into public policy.

Josep Lobera, Director of the National Scientific Advisory Office (ONAC), underscored the need for neutral intermediaries to filter information during times of crisis: "you receive a thousand pieces of information and it is like receiving none; you need a scientific translator". Josep Maria Jansà, former Director of Public Health Surveillance and Promotion in Barcelona, added that "trust in institutions must be earned in times of non-crisis". The open debate with the audience addressed how to rebuild public trust in a more polarised context than in 2020, and the need to bring the media into the preparedness equation.

The Role of Intersectoral Platforms

The second session brought together national and international experiences on intersectoral collaboration. Carthage Smith, from the OECD Global Science Forum, captured the general consensus: "we need to be honest about what we know, what we don't know, and what we are doing about what we don't know". Tamara Giles-Vernick, coordinator of the Sonar-Cities project at the Institut Pasteur, stressed the importance of integrating community participation into existing structures, rather than creating new isolated platforms. 

From the national perspective, Berta Suárez, Head of the Division of Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies at the Spanish Ministry of Health, highlighted the need to move towards more coordinated multilevel governance. Quentin Gaday, Scientific Project Manager at ANRS and BE READY partnership coordinating team member, presented the partnership as a model of European transnational coordination, with a clear message: "betting on solidarity is not a cost, but an investment to avoid the high price of inaction". Speakers agreed that preparedness depends not only on new formal structures, but on institutional culture, clear risk communication and pre-existing trust between actors.

Building a Culture of Preparedness

The afternoon workshops deepened work on P3R3's two strategic priorities: community preparedness and evidence translation. Both converged on the same conclusion: trust channels with citizens and scientific advisory mechanisms must be built before the crisis arrives, not during it.

At the closing of the event, Gonzalo Fanjul, Director of Policy and Development at ISGlobal, highlighted that the value of the P3R3 platform lies in bringing together actors who do not normally engage with one another to build joint responses in a context of "polycrisis", stressing that preparedness requires cross-sectoral collaboration and social trust in the face of disinformation. Antoni Plasència Taradach, Director General for Health Research and Innovation at the Generalitat de Catalunya, reaffirmed the institutional commitment to the P3R3 platform and underlined that bringing knowledge closer to public decision-making is, at its core, a way of countering polarisation.

The first session of this new stage will feature Samuel S. Myers, Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Founding Director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Planetary Health and the Planetary Health Alliance.

In this lecture, Prof. Myers will explore how destabilization of Earth’s natural systems —including climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean warming and rising atmospheric CO₂— is emerging as a defining global health challenge. Drawing on his recent publication connecting planetary boundaries and planetary health, he will examine why a resilient and stable Earth system is crucial for protecting human wellbeing.

Webinar Details

• Date & Time: 3 March, 15:00 h (CET)
• Online venue: https://meet.google.com/wri-oris-oar

About the Speaker

Samuel S. Myers is Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Founding Director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Planetary Health as well as the Planetary Health Alliance.

Prof. Myers’ research examines the human health impacts of global environmental change. His work includes quantifying the effects of:

• Rising atmospheric CO₂ concentrations on crop nutrition and human health
• Declines in pollinator populations
• Ocean warming and its impacts on global fisheries

Through his leadership at JHIPH and the Planetary Health Alliance (a global consortium of over 550 organizations across more than 80 countries) he advances research, education, and policy action to safeguard human health in the Anthropocene.

The aim of the newly published study was to assess under which heat stress risk levels the Tour de France has taken place at different locations and dates between 1974 and 2023. The results show that, at the times and places where the race is held, heat stress risk has increased steadily over the years, with the most recent decade accumulating the highest number of extreme heat episodes. Despite this trend, the Tour has so far managed to avoid conditions of maximum health risk, in some cases by only a matter of days or tenths of a degree.

An ‘extremely fortunate’ race

“In our analysis, we observe that the city of Paris, for example, has crossed the high-risk threshold for heat on five occasions in July, four of them since 2014. Other cities have experienced many days of extreme heat in July, but thankfully, except for one instance, not on the dates of the Tour de France,” explains Ivana Cvijanovic, researcher at IRD and first author of the study.

“In a way, we can say that it is an extremely fortunate race, but with record-breaking heatwaves becoming more frequent, it is only a matter of time before the Tour encounters extreme heat stress day that will test existing safety protocols,” she adds.

Regions at higher risk

The researchers found that episodes of dangerous heat levels have been most common around Toulouse, Pau and Bordeaux in southwestern France, and around Nîmes and Perpignan in the southeast. They also warn that locations such as Paris and Lyon are increasingly crossing the high-risk heat threshold, becoming new heat stress hotspots. “Extra caution should be exercised when planning stages in these regions,” says Desislava Petrova, researcher at ISGlobal.

By contrast, classic mountain stage locations such as the Col du Tourmalet and Alpe d’Huez have historically remained within low to moderate heat stress risk thresholds, with no recorded episodes of extreme heat risk to date.

Regarding the time of day, the analysis shows that morning hours remain the safest part of the day, while high heat stress levels can persist until late in the afternoon.

These patterns highlight the need to adapt schedules, routes and safety protocols in order to reduce risks for both cyclists and event staff and spectators.

Heat, a growing risk for all sports

In this study, the researchers use the Tour de France to illustrate the broader challenge that rising temperatures driven by climate change pose to the organisation of summer sporting events, particularly in elite sport.

Heat not only affects athletic performance but can also pose a serious risk to athletes’ health. For this reason, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), like FIFA and other international sports federations, has implemented safety protocols that assess heat risk and trigger protective measures, such as hydration or cooling breaks in football. However, each federation defines its own risk thresholds, and no universal standard currently exists across sports.

The need for physiological data to refine risk assessment

 “Science still has many unanswered questions about how the human body responds to heat, and even more so in the case of elite athletes, who face sustained physical exertion while also having physical conditioning and training levels well above those of the general population,” says James Begg, researcher at Galson Sciences. “To investigate sport-specific vulnerabilities, we would need access to anonymised physiological data that would allow us to go beyond heat indices alone.”

Methodology

Many heat safety protocols used by international sports federations are based on a heat index known as the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which combines several meteorological variables — including air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation and wind — to estimate heat-related health risk.

To conduct the study, the research team retrieved historical meteorological records for 12 locations frequently visited by the Tour de France, as well as for all July dates corresponding to the different editions of the race. Using these data, they calculated WBGT values and analysed the occasions on which the high-risk category in the UCI protocol (above 28 °C WBGT) was reached.
 

Table 1. The highest Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) values recorded at 15:00 h from 1974 to 2023: Race dates vs. All days in July.

Reference

Cvijanovic I, Begg JD, Mistry MN, Petrova D, Brimicombe C, Sultan B. The future of European outdoor summer sports through the lens of 50 years of the Tour de France. Scientific Reports. 2026 (in press).

El documental presenta los resultados preliminares de una investigación de cinco años del proyecto RECETAS sobre la efectividad de "Amistad en la Naturaleza", una intervención de prescripción social basada en la naturaleza diseñada para aliviar la soledad en entornos urbanos como Barcelona. El proyecto, financiado por la Unión Europea en el marco del programa Horizon 2020, ha llevado a cabo tres estudios observacionales y tres ensayos clínicos en seis ciudades del mundo: Barcelona, Marsella, Praga, Helsinki, Cuenca (Ecuador) y Melbourne.

La película recoge historias personales vinculadas a la soledad y muestra nuevos caminos para mejorar la salud mental y el bienestar de la población urbana a escala global. 

Tras la proyección se celebrará una mesa redonda en la que investigadoras del proyecto RECETAS profundizarán en los principales aprendizajes de la investigación y reflexionarán sobre el papel restaurador de la naturaleza en la arquitectura y en la planificación de las ciudades. 

La asistencia es gratuita con incripción previa. 

Due to the urban heat island effect, Paris is particularly vulnerable to heat waves, which are expected to intensify as a result of climate change caused by human activity. The capital is even among the European cities with the highest risk of heat-related excess mortality: when temperatures are above normal, mortality increases by a factor of 1.6 among people over 85, according to a study published in The Lancet in 2023.

In order to better understand the risk factors and identify solutions to make the city more resilient, a research team compiled data on heat-related excess mortality, district by district, cross-referencing it with the characteristics of the built environment and the urban environment (vegetation, heat islands) as well as socio-economic indicators. The study, published on January 27 in the journal npj Urban Sustainability, is based on data collected over nearly ten years, from 2008 to 2017.

The protective effect of green spaces

It confirms an initial finding, already well documented in scientific literature: green spaces have a protective effect against heat-related excess mortality. The presence of trees, parks, gardens, or green roofs is associated with lower temperatures in the capital.

But not all green spaces offer the same protection. Scientists point out that trees are significantly more effective than lawns at reducing the risk of death during heat waves, thanks to the shade they provide and evapotranspiration.

In addition, scientists have observed that the cooling effect of vegetation only partially explains its protective effect on the health of Parisians: “Although the exact mechanisms still need to be explored, key factors such as reduced pollution and improved physical and mental health could play a decisive role,” explains Hicham Achebak, a researcher at Inserm and ISGlobal and lead author of the study.

Inequalities beyond socioeconomic status

Above all, the study reveals significant inequalities within the capital. More than the socioeconomic status of residents, it is mainly the age and characteristics of buildings (those built before the 1970s being less well insulated), as well as the presence of green spaces, which varies from 1.4% in the 2nd arrondissement to 20.4% in the 13th, that determine the risk of higher mortality during periods of high heat.

The greenest districts are those where the risk of heat-related deaths is lowest. Conversely, the most built areas, with few green spaces, are more vulnerable. “This statistical reality highlights a clear divide between the center of the capital, which is more subject to the urban heat island effect, and the outlying districts, which are better protected by their green spaces,” the researcher points out.

The study also highlights a counterintuitive finding: “Contrary to popular belief, the wealthiest districts of Paris are, on average, more vulnerable to excess mortality linked to high temperatures. This phenomenon can be explained by the lack of green spaces, combined with dense, mineral-based old buildings in these neighborhoods,” explains Hicham Achebak.

Potential to prevent up to one third of mortality

Using models, the scientists then attempted to assess how many deaths could be prevented by continuing to develop green spaces in the capital. "The greenest districts of Paris currently have around one-fifth of their area covered by vegetation. According to our calculations, if all districts reached this level, heat-related mortality could be reduced by about a third, both during periods of moderate heat (temperatures above 22°C) and during the most intense heat waves (above 25°F), explains Grégoire Rey, former director of Inserm's Center for Epidemiology of Causes of Death (CépiDc) and last author of the study. These estimates are based on modeling and should be interpreted with caution, but they reflect the essential protective role of vegetation that we observe."

Beyond efforts to green the capital, scientists have identified several additional measures to help Paris adapt to high temperatures: the use of reflective materials for roofs and pavements, improving the energy efficiency of buildings to limit heat emissions (particularly from air conditioning), and reducing car traffic, which would decrease both residual heat and air pollution.

“These results highlight the importance of developing vegetation in the city and distributing green spaces more evenly across neighborhoods. Strengthening the place of nature in urban areas thus appears to be a major lever for protecting the health of Parisians in the face of global warming,” concludes Hicham Achebak.

Reference
Hicham Achebak, Pierre Masselot, Joan Ballester, Antonio Gasparrini & Grégoire Rey Greening mitigates heat-related mortality in Paris. npj Urban Sustain (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42949-025-00334-5

The institutional meeting made it possible to identify opportunities for strategic collaboration in global health in Latin America and was attended by Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO; Regina Campa Solé, Advisor in Partnerships at PAHO; Quique Bassat, ISGlobal’s General and Scientific Director; and Judith Garcia-Aymerich, Deputy Director of the institution.

Accelerating the translation of scientific knowledge

ISGlobal expressed its intention to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a stable framework for cooperation in areas such as research, training and technical support in global health, building on its role as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre on malaria, as well as decades of research in infectious diseases, environmental health and the health impacts of climate change.

“ISGlobal is pleased to continue expanding its collaboration with PAHO, with the overall objective of providing technical expertise in topics of common interest and the ultimate mission of contributing to improved health in Latin American countries and reducing the burden of disease in the region,” stated Quique Bassat.

On the PAHO side, Jarbas Barbosa and Regina Campa Solé expressed interest in several research areas led by ISGlobal, including malaria, Chagas disease and the health impacts of climate change.

Continuity of institutional dialogue with Latin America

This visit forms part of a broader process to strengthen ISGlobal’s institutional relationships with key health actors in Latin America. In December 2025, Quique Bassat travelled to Panama, Mexico and the United States, where he visited PAHO headquarters to explore potential collaborations in global health research and training.

In Panama, ISGlobal’s Director met with representatives of PAHO and the Panamanian Ministry of Health, and later visited the Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES). A few days later, Quique Bassat and ISGlobal’s Director of Education and Training, Núria Casamitjana, travelled to Mexico, where they were received by representatives of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP). This meeting made it possible to identify areas of cooperation and to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between ISGlobal and the INSP.

These initiatives reflect ISGlobal’s commitment to impact-oriented research, international cooperation and support for evidence-based public health policies to improve global health.

Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects more than 7.4 million people in Latin America and over 0.5 million in other regions. Mother-to-child transmission remains a public health challenge. Although the two available antiparasitic drugs, benznidazole and nifurtimox, are highly effective and well tolerated by newborns, early diagnosis is essential to ensure timely treatment.

Improving detection from birth

The current algorithm for detecting vertical infection requires months, multiple tests, and has limited sensitivity. The main objective of ChagasLAMP-2 is to register the assay based on T. cruzi-LAMP as a product for the timely detection of so-called “congenital Chagas”. This molecular tool near point-of-care matches standard PCR in sensitivity and specificity but is easier to perform, provides faster turnaround times, and is expected to have lower costs. The project aims to obtain licensing for T. cruzi-LAMP from the regulatory agencies ANMAT in Argentina and AGEMED in Bolivia.

Continuity of the ChagasLAMP consortium’s work

ChagasLAMP-2 continues the work developed in a previous project, also funded by the GHIT Fund, which evaluated innovative tools for diagnosing chronic T. cruzi infection in pregnant women and congenital Chagas in their newborns. In this new phase, the goal is to advance toward the adoption of these tools in real-world settings, reducing loss to follow-up, speeding up case confirmation, and strengthening strategies to control congenital transmission.

“Having sensitive and easy-to-use tests at the point of care is key to early detection of infection and ensuring timely treatment for newborns, where efficacy is very high,” concludes Julio Alonso Padilla, principal investigator of the project.

The statement highlighted the scale and urgency of the public health threat. More than one billion people worldwide are living with obesity, and over 70% are estimated to develop metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)—a largely preventable metabolic condition that can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Liver cancer cases have increased by more than 200% since 1980.

The statement underscored that these burdens affect all WHO Member States and share common drivers with other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Despite this, obesity remains fragmented across public health policy, and MASLD continues to be largely absent from global frameworks. To reduce premature mortality and disability, and to advance Universal Health Coverage, the statement called for a World Health Assembly resolution to embed obesity and MASLD as diseases within WHO frameworks, normative guidance, action plans, and Best Buys.

Linking scientific evidence to global health policy processes

The intervention reflects the Public Health Liver Group’s ongoing role in linking scientific evidence to global health policy processes. It builds on policy-focused work led by the Group over the past year, including the Global Metabolic Health Roundtables Series (GMHR), delivered in partnership with Healthy Livers, Healthy Lives, a coalition of five medical associations from around the world.

The GMHR series comprised three regional virtual meetings held in 2025—covering Latin America and the Caribbean; the Middle East and North Africa; and Asia and the Pacific—and consistently identified the continued under-recognition of MASLD within NCD strategies, despite strong evidence and available clinical guidance that justifies its inclusion.

Outcomes from the roundtables informed subsequent high-level policy engagement, including a metabolic and liver health policy side-event at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases in September 2025, and a dedicated session at the World Health Summit in October 2025. Both forums focused on the persistent exclusion of MASLD and MASH from the global NCD response.

A unified front across metabolic and liver health

The joint statement to the WHO EB also follows the publication of a coordinated editorial, “Name MASLD/MASH – and Act on It”, published in three scientific journals in response to the United Nations General Assembly Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. The editorial signalled growing alignment across the liver, diabetes, and obesity communities, with convergence among leading international organisations including the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, the European Association for the Study of the Liver, the International Diabetes Federation, the Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver, and the World Obesity Federation.

A landmark opportunity for coordinated global action

“This represents a landmark moment for steatotic liver disease. It is the first time a proposal explicitly addressing SLD has been brought to the WHO Executive Board, and the first civil society statement on this issue delivered at that level. If a resolution is adopted at the World Health Assembly in May, it would provide a critical institutional signal and could catalyse coordinated action across countries, to help millions of people worldwide.” says Jeffrey V Lazarus, Head of the ISGlobal Public Health Liver Group and Professor, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy

Together, these developments point to a consistent policy message: while evidence is robust and international alignment is increasing, formal institutional framing from WHO remains essential to enable coordinated global action on obesity and steatotic liver disease. To that end, we welcome the landmark proposal for a steatotic liver disease resolution put forward by 13 countries to the WHO EB and support its approval at the World Health Assembly in May 2026. 

The transaction has been carried out through a “license for equity” arrangement, a technology-transfer model in which ISGlobal licenses advanced injury-prevention software in exchange for shares in the start-up.

Science and technology in the service of performance

This collaboration combines ISGlobal’s scientific expertise with Made of Genes’ artificial intelligence platform to improve sports performance and multimodal data management, maximising the efficiency of personalised medicine. The transferred knowledge and algorithm, developed by the team led by Dr Juan Ramón González, use predictive models to analyse “sportomics” data (the integration of sport with genomics and metabolomics) and physical activity load. The alliance between ISGlobal and Made of Genes builds on the collaboration both institutions maintain with the Barça Innovation Hub to develop models that integrate omics data and physical load.

ISGlobal and Made of Genes have also signed a framework collaboration agreement to explore new frontiers in precision medicine and global health, leveraging the synergies between ISGlobal’s research teams and Genomcore’s technological execution capabilities.

Thanks to this alliance, Made of Genes consolidates its leadership in the sector, while ISGlobal strengthens its role as a key player in the health innovation ecosystem through spin-offs and technology transfer, contributing scientific rigour to optimise health through physical activity. This partnership enables precision medicine to move from research into real-world application, improving active prevention and longevity.

The catalogue brings together digital tools, educational materials, training courses, citizen science activities, practical workshops and ongoing projects that connect research, dissemination, community engagement and support for public policies. It reflects a multidisciplinary approach grounded in research, pedagogy and the One Health framework.

Designed for a wide range of audiences, including citizens, health professionals, educational communities, local authorities and social organisations, the resources are available both as self-use materials and through on-demand activities.

What does the catalogue include?

• Citizen science programmes, such as SAFE and ENDEMIC
• Hands-on workshops, including Let’s do an antibiogram! and creative educational activities for children and young people
• Digital tools and virtual laboratories to explore and visualise antimicrobial resistance
• Certified training courses for health professionals
• Multilingual outreach materials, including infographics, videos, printable resources, blog content and interactive formats
• Active projects in public health, environmental health and One Health

This event offers an opportunity to give visibility to a set of innovative actions that promote knowledge, prevention and collective responses to antimicrobial resistance, with a strong educational, participatory and social impact.

Registration

Register via Google Form

Event details

Date: 17 February 2026
Time: 11:00 h
Venue: Global Room, ISGlobal Campus Clínic (C. Rosselló, 171 - Barcelona)

This event will include a short visit to our laboratories at the Esther Koplowitz Centre for Biomedical Research, after the presentation (12:00 h aprox.).

The ceremony marked the completion of the Master’s in Global Health, the tropEd Master’s in Global Health and the Master’s in Applied Clinical Research: Global Health Specialisation, jointly delivered by the UB and ISGlobal.

Looking Back at the Journey and Ahead to Future Challenges

During her speech, Núria Casamitjana, Director of Education and Training at ISGlobal and Director of the Global Health and tropEd master’s programmes, recalled the first days of class, when the students “seemed expectant, curious, hesitant and perhaps a little concerned about what lay ahead”. After a year of learning and growth, she stressed that they are now “prepared to pursue a career in what they most enjoy”.

“It may take time and you may face difficulties, but you are ready to fight for it,” Casamitjana added, encouraging the new graduates to approach their work “with passion, generosity and kindness”.

The event also featured Quique Bassat, Director General and Scientific Director of ISGlobal, ICREA Research Professor and Co-director of the Master’s in Global Health, and Alberto García-Basteiro, an ISGlobal researcher and Head of the Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology Department at Hospital Clínic Barcelona, who was chosen by the students to deliver the speech on behalf of the teaching staff. The guest lecture was delivered by Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa, Emergency Coordinator at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

Representing the student body, Lucia Emefa Agroh, from the tropEd Master’s in Global Health, and Sevan Balian, from the Clinical Research programme, shared their reflections on their experiences throughout the academic year.

Final Projects: Different Approaches to Global Health Challenges

During June and July, the students presented their master’s final projects before academic examination panels. The projects demonstrate the diversity of topics and perspectives encompassed by global health.

Master’s in Applied Clinical Research: Global Health Specialisation

• Development of STI risk prediction models among migrants attending primary care in Catalonia using electronic health record data
• Positive Commercial Determinants of Health: A Conceptual Review of Governance Mechanisms that Enable Health-Promoting Commercial Contributions
• Sexual and reproductive health needs and health service utilisation among migrant women after irregular maritime migration to the Canary Islands
• Walnut consumption and risk of dementia in the Framingham Heart Study
• GUT MICROBIOTA ALPHA DIVERSITY AND SHORT-CHAIN FATTY ACIDS CONCENTRATIONS AND RESPIRATORY CHEST INFECTIONS AND WHEEZING IN EARLY LIFE
• Heat adaptation strategies in the homes of older adults: A Scoping review and case study in Barcelona
• Factors Associated with Hepatotoxicity in Patients Initiating Tuberculostatic Drugs for Latent Tuberculosis Infection at Hospital Clinic of Barcelona (2020–2025)
• Development of an aptamer-based rapid diagnostic test for malaria severity assessment
• Exploring feasibility, acceptability, and perceived impact of heat-mitigation interventions for migrant agricultural workers in Spain: A multi-stakeholder qualitative study

Master’s in Global Health / tropEd Master’s in Global Health

• Current distribution and role of the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi in malaria transmission in Africa: A Systematic Review
• Educational attainment and major cardiovascular events in the individuals with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review
• Antimicrobial Resistance in Wildlife as a One Health Sentinel
• Mortality and Cause of Death Among HIV-Exposed and HIV-Unexposed Children: A 15-Year Population-Based Cohort Study in Manhiça, Southern Mozambique
• Community-based preparedness for health system resilience in anticipation of siege. A desk review and lessons learned from Syria, Sudan and Gaza.
• Cultural and Social Barriers to Reproductive Healthcare for Moroccan Migrant Women in Europe: A Rapid Scoping Review
• Sex Differences in Atherosclerotic Plaque Prevalence in Femoral and Carotid Arteries: A Population-Based Study
• Long-term educational effects of the 2015 Magude malaria elimination initiative: evidence from Southern Mozambique, 2017–2022
• Urban Nature and Women's Mental Health: A Scoping Review of Outcomes, Mechanisms and Inequalities Through an Intersectional Lens
• Seguimos Adelante: Immigration Enforcement, Labor Conditions, and the Health of Undocumented Mexican Laborers in California. A Narrative Literature Review
• Mindfulness Interventions in Green and Blue Spaces and Their Effects on Mental Health Outcomes for People Globally: A Scoping Review
• Scoping review on Preparedness and Response Plans and Strategies for Citizens in Catalonia
• The Role of Social Connection in the Association Between Socioeconomic Status and Depression: A Systematic Review
• Urban environment and sleep outcomes in children and adolescents. An Umbrella Review
• Amazon Tipping Point: The Economic and Health Cost
• Mapping Research Gaps in Paediatric Advanced HIV Management and Challenges from Healthcare Workers in Nigeria
• Women Inclusive Leadership and Care Provisions in the Mental Health Policy of Uganda; A Critical Narrative Policy Review
• Mental Health and Climate Change: A Rapid Review of Traditional Communities and Proposed Exploratory Qualitative Case Study of Ribeirinho Communities in Belém do Pará, Brazil
• The Impacts of Nature Exposure on Perinatal Mental Health in Canada: A Qualitative Research Protocol

A New Cohort Ready to Contribute to Global Health

The ceremony marked the end of a year of learning, research and exchange among students from a wide range of backgrounds. The new graduates now join an international community of professionals who will work through research, clinical practice, public policy and humanitarian action to address challenges such as migrant health, the effects of climate change, mental health and the response of health systems to conflicts and emergencies.

As Casamitjana pointed out, the path towards a professional career may not always be immediate or straightforward, but the students complete this stage with the tools they need to move towards what they want to do and contribute to improving people’s health.