Research into the cause of autism wins the Vanguardia de la Ciencia Award

The study, titled “A brain error that causes autism detected”, identified a dysfunction in the CPEB4 protein, which can disrupt the process of neuronal maturation during embryonic development and contribute to the origin of autism.

Published in the journal Nature, the research shows that this defect may lead to a general deregulation of genes involved in communication between neurons. This breakthrough could pave the way for future therapeutic strategies.

The study received the most public votes, with 17.9% of the total.

In second place was the research by Guadalupe Sabio and Cintia Folgueira, from the national research centres CNIO and CNIC, on “The proteins that motivate physical activity.” Published in Nature, the study shows that the activation of a specific protein in the brain stimulates the desire to move, and that this response may have clinical implications for metabolic disorders or obesity-related conditions. This discovery opens up new avenues for the development of drugs that could help improve exercise motivation in people with chronic illnesses. The research received 16.1% of the votes.

In third place was the research led by Meritxell Serra-Casablanca and Samuel Sánchez, from the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), with the study “Nanorobots to treat bladder cancer.” Published in Science Robotics, the project successfully developed nanorobots capable of moving inside the urinary bladder and delivering treatment directly to the tumors. This technology holds great promise for the future of personalized medicine. The study received 13.1% of the votes.

Now in its fourteenth edition, the prize is honorary and forms part of a joint initiative by the Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera and La Vanguardia to raise awareness of excellent scientific research carried out by women scientists and to bring science closer to the public.

The work of Carla García-Cabau and Anna Bartomeu received the highest recognition, both from the public and the scientific jury, and topped this year’s final ranking.

The award will be presented on November 12 at La Pedrera, the headquarters of Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera, in a public event where the research teams behind the three finalist projects will present their work in person to the audience.

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