CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology

Can the floating plastic affect biodiversity and increase ecological risks?
At CBMA, the NUI-Plastic project, led by Sofia Duarte, studies the effect of marine plastic debris in the spread of invasive species.
Funded by FCT – the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology.
#CBMA #IB-S #ARNET

This summer, #CBMA welcomed curious young minds for a full week of #science:
🧪 Super materials to purify contaminated water
🍄 Fungi teaming up with cork oaks and chestnut trees
🧫 Unconventional yeasts — strange and promising
🌊 And yes, there was even an underwater treasure hunt!

#SummerOnCampus

🧪 Can we break down toxic PFAS using light… and bacteria?

At CBMA, the 3DMemBio project is testing a two-step system:
first, 3D-printed photocatalytic membranes; then, bacteria finish the job — all within a circular economy approach.

Funded by a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship.

🔁 Cláudia Pascoal, Head of CBMA, featured by #ARNET.

The Head of CBMA, Cláudia Pascoal, is now part of Braga’s new Advisory Council for Innovation and Science.

The council brings together 34 voices from research, academia, business and the public sector to help shape Braga’s future.

🧪 Can plant–soil interactions help tomatoes fight nematodes?

At #CBMA, the RHIPL project is using legumes to boost plant–soil communication and transfer resistance to nearby crops.
A natural approach to a persistent root pest.

📍Funded by FCT – Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology.

@arnetla.bsky.social promotes it's 1st National Meeting!

More than 100 researchers gathered at the University of Minho on July 3rd and 4th to share knowledge, strengthen collaborations and affirm the role of science in protecting aquatic ecosystems.

@cbma-uminho.bsky.social #CIMA

🌊 ARNET at Encontro Ciência 2025
With @marescience.bsky.social, CIMA and @cbma-uminho.bsky.social, ARNET joins other Associated Labs to present science-based contributions to ocean policy.
📍11 July, 11:30 | NOVA SBE, Carcavelos
#ARNET #OceanPolicy #ScienceWithImpact #EncontroCiencia2025

💪🌊 Together for science and aquatic ecosystems
Over 100 researchers from @marescience.bsky.social, cima.ualg.pt and @cbma-uminho.bsky.social joined the 1st ARNET Meeting in Braga to share, reflect and plan the future. Just the beginning.
#ARNET #ScienceWithImpact #PublicPolicy #ARNET4Science

🧪 #CBMA researchers developed a liposomal #vaccine that boosts survival in invasive #candidiasis. Published in NPJ Vaccines, the study supports the ‪@who.int‬ call to fight #fungal threats in a changing world.

👉 Full study: rdcu.be/erAdj

🧪🥇 AI4Microbes, developed at #CBMA, wins 1st place at the #IMFAHE Nodal Award Shark Tank!

Using AI to design microbial blends that could help restore soil health and cut down on chemical use.

Selected from 92 entries across 10 countries — science with global impact.
#Sustainability

🧪🌍 World Environment Day

Science isn’t optional — it’s how we protect the environment.
Knowledge drives environmental protection.
#WorldEnvironmentDay #ScienceForThePlanet

@arnetla.bsky.social

🧪A SIC destacou a nossa #investigação sobre a #algainvasora Undaria pinnatifida. Esta espécie ameaça os #ecossistemasmarinhos — mas há formas de travar o impacto.

Portuguese TV covered our #research on the #invasivealga Undaria pinnatifida.

📽️Complete report (PT): bit.ly/3ZOBMxk

🧪 #CBMA research explores the potential of plants like carqueja, alecrim-do-campo and estrela-do-egipto.

Topical cream with carqueja sped up wound healing in diabetic animals — confirming antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

#Biodiversity as a source of real-world solutions.
🔗 bit.ly/3Z8heQf

#CBMA secured €2.5M in #funding from FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology).

14 out of 29 proposals approved — a 48% success rate.
Advancing research to address major #GlobalChallenges.

#ScienceWithImpact #ResearchFunding

🧪 CBMA welcomes Sofia Duarte — the newest researcher joining our team via the @ARNET Associated Laboratory!

ARNET brings together #CBMA, @marescience.bsky.social and cima.ualg.pt to link science, policy & action to protect aquatic ecosystems.

Follow @arnetla.bsky.social to keep up with the latest!

Why does biodiversity matter?🧪
Four CBMA researchers share their thoughts on how it sustains life, ecosystems, and the future of our planet.

🎥 Watch the video & find out what drives our research.

#CBMA #ARNET #BiodiversityDay #BiodiversityMatters

🧪 #Microplastics found in sediment-dwelling organisms from rivers in Northern Portugal — even in ecologically healthy sites. Midge larvae and aquatic worms were contaminated across all rivers. Urban land use alone doesn’t explain it.

📄 doi.org/10.1007/s107...

@arnetla.bsky.social

#CBMA #ARNET

🧪 Dia Nacional do Cientista

Hoje celebramos e reconhecemos a contribuição da comunidade científica para o avanço do conhecimento, do progresso e do bem-estar da sociedade.

O nosso reconhecimento a todos os cientistas portugueses — com um agradecimento especial aos nossos. 🩵

🧪 How do cellular membranes work — from mammals to fungi? Join us in Braga for CellMeD2, organised under the #MetaFungal project.
📍 INL, Portugal
📅23–29 May 2025
🔗 uminho18.wixsite.com/2cellmed

@mebarcode.bsky.social

🧪 13 new marine worm species discovered in a CBMA-led international study.

Hidden biodiversity revealed through DNA sequencing and integrative taxonomy.

Read the full article: www.publish.csiro.au/IS/IS24059

🚨 We’ve just opened 6 new research grant calls at CBMA!
Join us in advancing #EnvironmentalResearch.

🔗 Details: cbma.uminho.pt/news-archive/

#ScienceJobs #ResearchGrants #BiologyJobs

🌊 Who are we?
ARNET is an Associated Laboratory focused on biological and environmental sciences. We study aquatic systems, from rivers to the deep sea, tackling global challenges and human impact. Join us in building a more sustainable future! 🌍🔬
arnet.pt

🔵 This is our symbol.
🌊 This is our network.
👥 Join us - start your ARNET connection here.
Follow us!

@marescience.bsky.social
www.cima.ualg.pt/pt/
cbma.uminho.pt

3D-printed multilayer membranes degrade ciprofloxacin, a persistent water pollutant.

Salt leaching and direct ink writing enhance porosity, strength, and reusability — advancing scalable water treatment solutions.

Study with CBMA contribution: lnkd.in/dvwiXTjY

@europarl.europa.eu , @javilopezeu.bsky.social,@ec.europa.eu

💧🧪 Europe’s waters are in poor health.

📢 +450 scientists urge EU action — including researchers from CBMA, CIMA & MARE, part of the ARNET a leading aquatic research network.

🔗 Statement: bit.ly/4hTipK0
🔗 More about ARNET: arnet.pt

#ProtectWater #CleanWater #ARNET

PhD done! Congratulations to our newest Doctor, Patrícia Silva!👩‍🎓

Patrícia successfully defended her thesis on "ZnO-based thin films with antifungal properties to prevent surface cross-contamination."

Here's to a future of success for Patrícia!✨

Now more about this paper: bit.ly/4c5ol0X