Forging sustainability
Published in 5/3/2021
The evaluation process of the Research Units by FCT, carried out in 2017/2018 and known in December 2020, highlighted the quality of the Scientific Research of the University of Aveiro. CESAM was considered Excellent! Find more here.
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Published in 3/3/2021
[only available in Portuguese]
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Published in 2/3/2021
On 8 March, will be held an IIED (International Institute for Environment and Development) online event: Fish Night 7: Gender equality in the seafood value chain. This event is about the importance of women in the seafood industry, the impacts of challenges such as COVID-19 and climate change on women, and how gender equality can be championed in the sustainable blue recovery. This online event has been organised by an IIED led project. This initiative aims to focus global attention on the importance and the role played by small-scale fishers, fish farmers, and fish workers. The researcher Cristina Pita is the debate moderator. Learn more and register for the webinar here.
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Published in 1/3/2021
Applications will be open from 1 to 31 Mar, 2021 More information.
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Published in 1/3/2021
The restrictive measures imposed worldwide to contain the spread of COVID-19 have directly impacted a wide range of economic activities. In May 2020, the pandemic by COVID-19 was indeed a global phenomenon, and a consortium of researchers representing 54 countries from four continents (America, Europe, Asia and Africa), decided to assess the impacts of the pandemic on Aquaculture. This consortium included the participation of Prof. António Nogueira of the Department of Biology and CESAM of the University of Aveiro. The consortium was led by Professor Gianluca Sarà of the University of Palermo (Italy), partner of the project "FISHAQU - Knowledge Exchange in sustainable Fisheries management and Aquaculture in the Mediterranean region" coordinated by Professor António Nogueira of the University of Aveiro and financed by the Erasmus+ programme. The global analysis of the information collected gave rise to a scientific article entitled "The Synergistic Impacts of Anthropogenic Stressors and COVID-19 on Aquaculture: A Current Global Perspective" published this Friday in open access in the prestigious journal "Reviews In Fisheries Science & Aquaculture" with DOI: 10.1080/23308249.2021.1876633. The main conclusions of this study indicate that "both anthropogenic stressors and the COVID-19 pandemic represent significant economic challenges to aquaculture systems across the globe, threatening the supply chain of one of the most important sources of animal protein, with potential disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities." In addition it is important that " detrimental effects of COVID-19 under a multiple stressor lens, focusing on areas that have already locally experienced economic loss due to anthropogenic stressors in the last decade."
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Published in 26/2/2021
The results of the application for the attribution of the Associate Laboratory Statute were disclosed yesterday by FCT. CESAM is among the 40 institutions or consortia of institutions awarded the AL Statute, having scored 85 out of a maximum of 100. The results of the evaluation can be consulted here.
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Published in 23/2/2021
To raise scientific, political and societal attention to cockles, a final COCKLES conference has been organised. Apart from the more conventional scientific communications, it will also include exhibitions more devoted to the general public, stakeholders and students. It will represent a great opportunity to promote the main results obtained in the project. CESAM is one of the partners. Agenda already available here Please register for the event here
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Published in 23/2/2021
F4F Forest for Future is a regional project aimed at enhancing the forest sector in the Centro region. UA is represented by the CESAM researchers Glória Pinto, Artur Alves and Susana Loureiro. For more information go here.
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Published in 19/2/2021
Ana Sousa participated in the “50 to 2050” debate on climate change and targets to achieve carbon neutrality. The researcher talked about her work on blue carbon, the carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems, highlighting the role of seagrass meadows and salt marshes. The "50 to 2050" project, promoted by Expresso in partnership with BP Portugal, focuses on the environment, climate change, and goals for carbon neutrality. For more information on “50 for 2050” project and this debate go to: UA Expresso Debate
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Published in 16/2/2021
Magda Catarina Sousa is the guest editor of Journal of Marine Science and Engineering special issue: “Aquaculture: Ensure Sustainable Use and Foster Innovation for Future Climate Challenges” Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (IF: 2.033) is an international peer-reviewed open access journal of marine science and engineering published monthly online by MDPI. Deadline submission: 10 May. More info
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Published in 15/2/2021
The toxic effects of lead used in fishing, whether in the form of sport fishing lure weights or in industrial fishing activity, were demonstrated in Ana Sofia Gomes master's thesis defended at the University of Aveiro (UA). Bruno Nunes, the academic supervisor, hopes that this first scientific approach to the subject can open the debate and raise awareness in the community and the sector. Find more.
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Published in 1/3/2021
The scholarship will be financed by the “Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia” (FCT) under the Collaboration Protocol for Financing the Multiannual Plan for Research scholarships for PhD Students, signed between FCT and the R&D Unit "Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar” (CESAM) Ph.D Programmes: Biology and Ecology of Global Change Biology Environmental Sciences and Engineering Marine Science, Technology and Management - Do*Mar Applications deadline: 31st March 2021 Applicants can apply for several doctoral programmes, however only one proposal per applicant and doctoral programme is allowed.
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Published in 11/2/2021
CESAM – Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar – supports an active multidisciplinary research program, hosting around 240 researchers and 200 PhD students. The gender ratio shows a higher female % in different categories, e.g. 70% female/30% male researchers. Science is one of the best vehicles to convene gender equality. Striving in science and building a scientific career often require large effort and commitment, for both men and woman. Seemingly, many women are loaded with stereotype layers, being often primarily seen as house and family carriers, or even as less capable to pursue highly qualified careers. This inequality based on preconceived labels is very difficult to overcome and there is a lot of work to be done ahead. From hard-work comes return, from challenges and planned hard-work comes achievement and progress. Women don’t expect it easy, and they certainly take the initiative. CESAM hosts many female researchers who are examples of success and dedication. To name some recognitions, female members were awarded the Medal of Honour for Women in Science (Vânia Calisto (2015) and Diana Madeira (2019)), “Women in Science” book (Mónica Amorim (2019)), and prestigious international grants (ERC, Sónia Cruz). They hold important discoveries, recognized at all career stages, from senior to younger. They can set the example, but it is the whole community that will set the legate. Many of the barriers also reside in each of us, women. In our brains. In our home. We hold the responsibility to act and create an equal society inside out. There are certainly places in the world where there are strict outside barriers, laws, that prevent women from pursuing education or engage onto many other stolen human rights – this level of gender inequality has devastating consequences. Our reality, e.g. in Europe, is certainly different from that, but hurdles still exist. Women must feel equal, to be equal, to act equal. Women must start by showing equality with their family. Then the world will realise. As Nelson Mandela once said, “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”. Diana Madeira, Mónica Amorim, Vânia Calisto (Researchers, Women).
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Published in 11/2/2021
The Meeting Marine Forests, “on the way” to carbon neutrality was held on January 29th, and it was promoted by the Ocean Alive, a Portuguese NGO dedicated to ocean protection. This meeting consisted on a technical discussion on the challenges and possibilities for the inclusion of the contribution of marine ecosystems (specially seagrass meadows and salt marshes) in the national inventory and balance of green house gases (GHG) emissions, in the framework of the Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality 2050. The meeting promoted by Ocean Alive and hosted by Oceano Azul Foundation, was attended by members of the APA - Portuguese Environment Agency, ICNF - Portuguese Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests, Ministry of the Sea, and researchers from several national marine research centers, among them the CESAM researcher Ana Sousa. According to Ana Sousa, “as scientists, it’s crucial that our research respond to scientific questions, but it’s also relevant these results can contribute to the implementation of national and international environmental policies”, demonstrating the willingness to collaborate of the researchers attending the meeting. For more information see the news published in the newspaper O Público.
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Published in 10/2/2021
DEEPbaseline is an interdisciplinary project aimed at co-developing a knowledge baseline on the diversity and distribution of deep-sea sponge and coral species and habitats of the continental shelf and upper slope of mainland Portugal. DEEPbaseline brings together scientists from four partner institutions (CIIMAR, IPMA, CESAM/UA, and Okeanos), local fishing communities and associations, fisheries managers, and the wider society to improve knowledge, foster awareness and advance conservation actions towards their sustainability. For more information see the project website.
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Published in 8/2/2021
Marta Otero (CESAM) along with Olga Freitas and Sónia Figueiredo (REQUIMTE/LAQV) are the guest editors of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health special issue "Searching for Sustainable Solutions in Wastewater Treatment and Water Reuse". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IF: 2.849) is an interdisciplinary, peer-reviewed, open access journal published online by MDPI. Deadline submission: 30 September. More info
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Published in 5/2/2021
Regina Duarte and Armando C. Duarte are the guest editors of Atmosphere special issue “Health Effects of Urban Atmospheric Aerosols”. Atmosphere (IF: 2.397) is an international peer-reviewed open access journal of scientific studies related to the atmosphere published monthly online by MDPI. Deadline submission: 31 December. More info
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Published in 18/2/2021
The Icelandic whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus islandicus) is a long-distance migratory wader that spends the wintering season along the Atlantic coast, from temperate western Europe to tropical west Africa. This subspecies was the model study in Camilo Carneiro’s PhD, which, among others, had the aims of investigating tradeoffs between migration costs and wintering energetic balance, and carry-over effects from the wintering period into subsequent breeding phenology and investment. After intensive data collection in the Bijagós Archipelago (Guinea-Bissau), the Banc d’Arguin (Mauritania), the Tejo Estuary (Portugal) and in the breeding grounds in Iceland, it was found that by migrating further, individuals will likely winter where they can achieve a more positive energetic balance, and that females wintering in different regions did not differ significantly in laying dates nor size of eggs laid. Hence, Icelandic whimbrels tradeoff migratory costs and wintering conditions, but no apparent carry-over effects exist into breeding phenology and investment (and, therefore, breeding success). These results were recently published and discussed in Ecography, a journal that ranks 10/168 in the field of Ecology and 3/59 in Biodiversity Conservation, and can be accessed openly here. Ecography also published a short text about the paper on their blog.
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Published in 2/2/2021
Wetlands play a critical role in providing freshwater, improving water quality, sequestering carbon, regulating climate, mitigating floods, and supporting biodiversity. However, with the rapid population growth, wetlands worldwide are threatened by land use changes, pollution, salinization, urbanization and by the presence of invasive species with potential negative outcomes on biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and services and on human health. Interactions between global climate change and these anthropogenic stressors are likely to further increase the degradation of wetlands in the coming decades. Wetlands protection, restoration, and sustainable exploitation is thus a priority for researchers and decision makers. Within CESAM, several transdisciplinary and international research projects have been assessing potential impacts of different stressors and the ecological health of fresh and saltwater wetlands. As examples, under the FCT projects GoBiG (GlObal change and BioloGical Invasions: Potamopyrgus antipodarum as a case study) and SLEEP (Shedding light on freshwater ecosystems under environmental change and pollution), both set to start this year, CESAM teams will use Molecular, Ecological and Ecotoxicological approaches to contribute for a better understanding of the ecological effects of an invasive snail species and of light pollution (artificial light at night) on riverine wetlands that are already threatened by climate change and pollution. For more information on the World Wetlands Day go to the website here and get know the 31 Portuguese sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance here.
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Published in 1/2/2021
Cláudia Mieiro and Mário Pacheco are the guest editors of Water special issue "Nanoparticles Toxicity to Marine Organisms—A Nanosized or a Giant Environmental Issue?” Water (IF: 2.544) is an international peer-reviewed open access journal on water science and technology, including the ecology and management of water resources, published online by MDPI. Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October. More info.
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Published in 10/2/2021
Applications will be open from: 28 Jan to 10 Mar, 2021 More information.
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Published in 2/2/2021
CESAM is looking to hire an ERA Chair holder to establish and lead an international highly skilled research team in the area Environmental Economics and Natural Resources, in the scope of the H2020 ERA Chair project "BESIDE - Institutional, Behavioural, critical and adaptive economics towards Sustainable Development, management of natural capital and circular Economy”. BESIDE is a six-year project awarded with 2.5 M €, that aims to reinforce and consolidate research expertise in Environmental Economics and Natural Resources at the University of Aveiro Associated Laboratory CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies. The mission of CESAM is to develop leading international research on environmental sciences and related risks, including extreme weather events and climate change, with emphasis on complex socio-ecological coastal systems and marine areas. The main objective of CESAM is to promote a more efficient use of terrestrial and aquatic (from catchment to the deep sea) environmental resources and a more competitive, resilient and sustainable economy, designed to endorse job creation and assure territorial and social cohesion Additional information on www.cesam.ua.pt. The Chair holder will be hired for a five years’ position, renewed annually, equivalent to Coordinator Researcher (the highest position for researchers in Portugal, equivalent to Full Professor) and will have autonomy to establish their own research team (1 Assistant researcher, 4 Junior researchers, 1 high level technician and 3 PhD students). Appointment to the position will be in accordance with the salary agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Directorate General for Administration and Public Employment. It will include 14 salaries (12 months, holidays, and Christmas allowances), Social Security, Labour Accident Insurance, and the right of protection in health ensured by the National Health Service. Please check the following links for more information on salary and taxation: https://www.dgaep.gov.pt/en/index.cfm https://www.aniap.pt/DL/SR_AP_2020.pdf https://info.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/pt/docs/Conteudos_1pagina/Pages/portuguese-tax-system.aspx The official announcement will open soon. City of AveiroLocated in the Central Region of Portugal, Aveiro combines perfectly tradition, nature and modernity. The main influence on the city is the Aveiro coastal lagoon system, making it unique. It brings together industry, business, tourism, sports, architectural and natural heritage and a university that knows how to welcome anyone with open arms. Aveiro is a safe and quiet city, benefiting from all of the advantages of a major city, while also being a pleasant place in which to live and work. The Aveiro region is also a good starting point to visit and discover Portugal, as it is a short distance from the major Portuguese cities, in particular the capital Lisbon (about 220 km) and Porto (about 60 km away), where there are English, German, and French International schools. Its central position and the road and rail networks that go through it mean that travelling is easy to different parts of the country and even to Spain. The proximity of the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto makes it easy to travel and discover other parts of Europe. Application details will be announced soon.
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Published in 28/1/2021
Ana Lillebø was one of the speakers at the 4th Innovation Talk Maritime Defence and Blue Economy held on 27th January. For more information go to Marinha website.
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Published in 22/1/2021
[only available in Portuguese]
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Published in 22/1/2021
Carla Patrícia Silva and Diana Lima are the guest editors of Toxics special issue " Removal of Pharmaceuticals in Water and Wastewater Treatment". Toxics (IF: 3.271) is an international peer-reviewed open access journal on all aspects of the toxicity of chemicals and materials, published quarterly online by MDPI. Deadline submission: 31 October. More info.
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Published in 21/1/2021
Ângela Barreto and Vera Lúcia Maria are the guest editors of Applied Sciences special issue "Contaminants of Emerging Concern—(Eco)Toxicity, Environmental Behavior and Remediation". Applied Sciences (IF:2.474) is an international peer-reviewed open access journal on all aspects of applied natural sciences published online by MDPI. Deadline submission: 10 July. More info.
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Published in 21/1/2021
Vera Lúcia Maria and Ângela Barreto are the guest editors of Toxics special issue "Plastics (Macro-, Micro- and Nano-) as Vectors for Other Environmental Contaminants". Toxics (IF: 3.271) is an international peer-reviewed open access journal on all aspects of the toxicity of chemicals and materials, published quarterly online by MDPI. Deadline submission: 31 August. More info.
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Published in 21/1/2021
Sónia Rodrigues and Astrid Avellan are part of the organization of the 11f entitle "Biota and geochemical cycles: mechanisms of transformation, uptake, and translocation of metal and metalloid species in the critical zone" in the upcoming 2021 Goldschmidt conference to be held in Lyon, France, from 4 to 9 July. It is part of Theme 11 "Metals and nutrients in terrestrial and freshwater systems". The abstract submission is now open and the deadline for submission is February 26 2021. Submission details can be found here.
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Published in 20/1/2021
Ana Miranda participes in the “Integração de coberturas e paredes verdes no espaço urbano”, an event organised by the Genesis Project, which is taking place today (20 jan) online. For more information on the program and how to participate go here. GENESIS is a research project promoted by Instituto Superior Técnico, Instituto Superior de Agronomia and University of Aveiro. For more information see the project website here.
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Published in 18/1/2021
The advanced course "PLANKTON IN A CHANGING WORLD. PLANKTON AND PRODUCTIVITY. Ecology, processes and new methodologies" will be held online from 1 to 5 February 2021. This advanced course, organized by the Department of Biology (DBIO) and coordinated by Fernando Morgado (CESAM & DBIO), has the participation of professors and researchers from the Universidade de Aveiro (CESAM & DBIO), Universidade de Lisboa, Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA), Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve (CCMAR), Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Centro de Microscopia Electrónica e Histopatologia Egas Moniz (Cmicros) and Biocant (Next Generation Sequencing Unit – Genoinseq). For more information go here.
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Published in 18/1/2021
An eddy-covariance system was installed in a burnt area in Central Portugal after a wildfire that had occurred on 13 August 2017 and has been operating from the 43rd post-fire day onwards. Over the first post-fire year, the cumulative net ecosystem exchange was −347 g C m−2, revealing a relatively fast recovery of the carbon sink function of the ecosystem. This recovery was mainly due to understory species, both resprouter and seeder species, since pine recruitment was reduced. This research was pioneer worldwide in studying the ecosystem carbon fluxes during the first window-of-disturbance after a wildfire. These results were published in Biogeosciences (open-access journal).
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Published in 15/1/2021
The cycle of seminars on Wildlife, organized by the Wildlife Unit of the Department of Biology and the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) of the University of Aveiro (UA), seeks to not only ensure the sharing of knowledge and experience by biologists, but also by those who develop their activities in the field of conservation and management of wildlife and natural resources. The cycle takes place on January 13th and 20th.More information.
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Published in 14/1/2021
The EGU General Assembly 2021 will bring together geoscientists from all over the world to one meeting covering all disciplines of the Earth, planetary, and space sciences. The EGU aims to provide a forum where scientists, especially early career researchers, can present their work and discuss their ideas with experts in all fields of geoscience. Irina Gorodetskaya is the convener of the session “Clouds, moisture, and precipitation in the Polar Regions: Sources, processes and impacts” at the EGU General Assembly 2021. Abstract submission deadline: 20 January
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Published in 14/1/2021
The Government and Expert Review of the Second Order Draft (SOD) of the Working Group II Contribution to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report (AR6 Climate Change 2021: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability) is open and will run until 29 January 2021. Registration will be open until 22 January 2021. Comments on the SOD are welcome. The IPCC is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. For more information see the IPCC website.
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Published in 12/1/2021
The EUSTEPs project - Enhancing Universities Sustainability TEaching and Practices through Ecological Footprint (https://www.eusteps.eu/) - marked its presence throughout 2020 at the University of Aveiro and ended the year with the culmination of the EUSTEPs Sustainability Teaching Module for students from the different partner universities. All the materials developed by the team have now been disclosed and are available for free on the project's website. Read full text here.
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Published in 8/1/2021
The “Revisão do Livro Vermelho dos Mamíferos de Portugal Continental e contributo para a avaliação do seu estado de conservação” project was launched in 2019 and aims to learn which species are most threatened and which are stable or increasing their population. The deadline for completion of the work is 2021. The intervention area of this project covers the whole territory of Continental Portugal, with field work giving special attention to the National Network of Protected Areas and the Special Areas of Conservation of Natura 2000 Network. Find More
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Published in 8/1/2021
Olga Ameixa and Ana Lillebø (CESAM and DBIo) are the guest editors of Sustainability special issue: "Insects, Food Security and Circular Food Production". Sustainability (IF: 2.576) is an international, cross-disciplinary, peer-reviewed and open access journal providing an advanced forum for studies related to sustainability and sustainable development, published semimonthly online by MDPI. Deadline submission: 31 December 2021. Read more
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Published in 10/2/2021
Applications will be open from 29 Jan to 26 Feb, 2021. More information.
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Published in 7/1/2021
Applications will be open from December 31/2020 to 24:00 h on January 31/2021 and must be submitted electronically via email at research@ua.pt. The notice, and other information, is available at https://www.ua.pt/pt/bolsas-de-doutoramento-ua. Any questions should be sent to GAI for clarification via email research@ua.pt
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Published in 6/1/2021
In the frame of the partnership established between the University of Aveiro and Higher Education Institutions from Indonesia, several CESAM researchers conducted three lectures to a hundred students in Indonesia. Find more here.
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Published in 6/1/2021
The Associação Portuguesa de Biologia Evolutiva (APBE) held their XVI meeting on the 16th and 17th of December 2020. This first-time online event was a great success with 19 excellent short talks, 18 flash talks, and with more than 100 attendees. The meeting was chaired by Marcelo Sánchez-Villagra (Paläontologisches Institut und Museum – Universität Zürich) and Frank E. Zachos (Natural History Museum Vienna, Austria). Find more here. Exceptionally, APBE decided to award 2 prizes (ex aequo) for the best short talk, which were won by PhD students Jéssica Teodoro-Paulo (cE3c) and Matthew Moreira (CESAM). The prize will be the registration at the next European Society for Evolutionary Biology (ESEB) congress to be held in Prague (Czech Republic) in August 2021.
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Published in 5/1/2021
The end of 2020 brought us a wonderful surprise – the first prize in the “Junior” category of the 2nd contest “Science Communication on Microbiology”, promoted by the Portuguese Society of Microbiology. The work entitled "O vírus com álcool ou sabão: uma história de inativação!" results from a collaboration between researchers Ana Cristina Esteves (UA/CESAM) and Ana Sofia Duarte, Raquel Silva and Sara Costa (Faculty of Dental Medicine- Universidade Católica). More information on the winners here
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Published in 26/1/2021
Every Monday, in the next twelve weeks, CESAM will release the videos of the twelve Research Groups. October 26, 2020: Marine Biotechnology & Aquaculture (MBA) November 2, 2020: Adaptation Biology & Ecological Processes (ABEP) November 9, 2020: Analytical Sensors & Applied Eco-Chemistry (ASAEC) November 16, 2020: Aquatic Toxicology & Risk Assessment (ATRA) November 23, 2020: Atmospheric Processes & Modelling (APM) November 27, 2020: Biogeochemical Processes & Pollutants (BPP) December 4, 2020: Coastal and Deep-Ocean Ecology & Conservation (CDEC) December 14, 2020: Physical Oceanography & Marine Geology (POMG) January 4, 2020: Resources Circularity Assessment & Technology (RCAT) January 11, 2021: Socio-Ecological Systems Analysis, Management & Planning (SES) January 18, 2021: Stress Biology (SB) January 26, 2021: Environmental Changes, Hazards & Conservation (ECHC) All videos will be available on CESAM’s YouTube Channel and on CESAM’s website.
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Published in 23/12/2020
Cristina Pita co-authored the LabMAF report “Market opportunities for artisanal and small-scale fisheries products for sustainability of the Mediterranean Sea. Towards an innovative Labelling Scheme”. With this report the LabMAF project explores the potential of markets to revive and support a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable small-scale fishing sector. Report.
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Published in 21/12/2020
Francisco Coelho (CESAM) will participate in the first national meeting on Microbiome research - 1st Microbiome PT Summit. The event will be held on February 4, 2021. Learn more and register for the Summit here.
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Published in 17/12/2020
First shown on RTP1 on December 6th, the documentary “Migradores de Longa Distância. Entre o Tejo e o Ártico” was seen by 343 thousand spectators at its premiere. The total number of national and international spectators is certainly higher, as the documentary, which has scientific review from the CESAM/UA, continues to be viewed on the RTPplay platform, where it is currently housed and making a real impact on scientific dissemination. For further information.
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Published in 5/2/2021
Célia Alves and Helena Oliveira (CESAM), along with Nilmara Brito (São Paulo University), are the guest editors of Atmosphere special issue "Toxicology of Atmospheric Particulate Matter" Atmosphere (IF: 2.397) is an international peer-reviewed open access journal of scientific studies related to the atmosphere published monthly online by MDPI. Deadline submission: 30 June 2021. More info
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Published in 17/12/2020
The researcher from CESAM and the Department of Biology of the University of Aveiro Ricardo Calado was appointed by the Portuguese Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education as an Alternate National Representative to the SCAR-Fish - Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Group of the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) of the European Union. More information.
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Published in 16/12/2020
The researcher Ana Genua was invited by the Spanish national channel La 2 to participate in the TV show El Cazador de Cerebros. In this edition of the program focused in climate change in Spain, the researcher of CESAM contributed with information on the impacts of sea level rise in rice fields of the Ebro Delta (Spain), a result from the work she developed in her PhD thesis and in the work published in the scientific journal Science of the Total Environment. The program was shown on 14th December and can be seen here [in Spanish].
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Published in 8/1/2021
Andreia C. M. Rodrigues and Maria Donas Bôtto Bordalo are the guest editors of the Toxics special issue "Combined Effects of Climate Change and Merging Chemicals on Ecosystems". Toxics (IF: 3.271) is an international peer-reviewed open access journal on all aspects of the toxicity of chemicals and materials, published quarterly online by MDPI. Deadline submission: 30 june 2021. More info.
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Published in 11/12/2020
The young researchers João Carvalho, Klára Varga and Sara Couto, coordinated by their Science teacher Rita Rocha, from Colégio Luso-Francês, are the winners of the 28th Edition of the Young Scientists and Researchers Competition with a project called ATMOS - Quantification of the Ecosystem Services provided by Living Green Walls for Atmospheric Pollutants Removal. The work, developed over two years, had the scientific supervision of Regina Duarte and Armando da Costa Duarte, researchers of CESAM and Department of Chemistry of University of Aveiro. The ATMOS project aimed at quantifying the environmental service provided by trees, in removing Particulate Matter (PM) from the atmosphere, with a special focus on the inhalable fraction, PM2.5. Once the PM retained was determined, this value was used to translate the environmental service provided by the trees into an economic value. In the first year, the study focused on the application of standardized methodologies to quantify the adsorption of PM onto the leaf surface. After the analysis of the preliminary data, the authors of ATMOS developed an alternative sampling and quantification method, based on the volumetric calculation of the available adsorption fraction of the tree and image analysis, using specific software. The ATMOS project offers a solution to mitigate atmospheric pollution in urban environments, through a low-cost nature-based solution. This is of utmost importance, since Air Quality in urban environments is part of the European Union's strategic priorities, shaped by the Green Deal's Zero Pollution ambition. The ATMOS was selected to represent Portugal in EUCYS - European Union Contest for Young Scientists Competition, which will be held in Salamanca, in September 2021.
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Published in 11/12/2020
The rWILD-COA project, funded by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, integrates a variety of disciplines (e.g. ecology, microbiology, veterinary) and its team is led by the researcher João Carvalho (CESAM-UA). Find more on UA News.
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Published in 10/12/2020
The Ciência com Impacto new website boasts a refreshed look, improved navigation that direct you to the needed information, and also announces new scientific partners (CESAM, MARE, IA, CIMO, MED, CCMAR) and media partners (Diário de Notícias and TVI24). Visit Ciência com Impacto
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Published in 10/12/2020
In a joint effort of the University of Aveiro and FORESTIS, the LIFE REFOREST project started a seeding experiment to assess the potential of the REFOREST geotubes, filled with mycotechnosoil, to promote the recovery of native trees and shrubs following recurrent wildfires in Maritime Pine plantations. To this end, certified seeds were used from 2 native tree species - Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster) and Common oak (Quercus robur) - and 2 native shrub species - Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) and Wild cherry (Prunus avium). The seeding still counted with the precious help of the SusPiRe project, and so will the ensuing monitoring of the emergence and growth of the plantlets. Find more.
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Published in 11/12/2020
CESAM’s researcher, Luís Menezes Pinheiro, will participate as a speaker in the Ocean Seminar under the theme “The second world ocean assessment (Regular Process) of the United Nations (UN) and the Implementation Plan for UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030)”. The seminar will be held in a virtual format on December 14, 2020 (Monday), starting at 17:00. This event is promoted by the Sociedade de Geografia de Lisboa, CEEA - Center for Atlantic Strategic Studies and MARE-ULisboa. Find more information on the Seminar program and registration.
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Published in 11/12/2020
The documentary "Long-distance migrants: between the Tagus and the Arctic", on black-tailed godwits’ migration, was broadcast last Sunday, December 6, 2020, on RTP1. This documentary is based on the work of an international research team, led by CESAM’s researcher, José Alves, who for the past 15 years has been dedicated to understanding the responses of these birds to global changes throughout the annual cycle and in places as far away as the Arctic. The documentary also warns of the impact that the construction of a new airport on the Montijo airbase will have on the shorebirds. Nonetheless, Portugal is committed to conserving shorebirds in the Tagus estuary under Community directives. This documentary is now available on RTP Play and it has been highlighted in several media. Some news can be seen here, here and an interview at Antena 1 ('28.15 )
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Published in 9/12/2020
Alternet (formerly branded as ALTER-Net), a network of which CESAM is a partner, has a new website, logo, branding, and slogan. For further information check the new Alternet: the European Science-Policy Interface on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services website.
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Published in 6/12/2020
The SMART project, diStributed AI systeM for mArine plastic debRis monitoring, was submitted to the "AI Moonshot Challenge" call, being the only and the first one selected for funding. SMART is coordinated by IST, with a team from the Department of Physics and CESAM, including the CESAM’s researchers Magda Sousa, João Miguel Dias, Nuno Vaz and Renato Mendes. The MIT, FEUP and Hydrographic Institute are also partners. More information.
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Published in 11/12/2020
The COOPERMINHO Project Webinar will be held on December 11, at 3:00 pm. See the program.
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Published in 3/12/2020
Executive Committee members are elected by the EurOcean Members (Steering Committee) for a two-year term, renewable once if re-elected.
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Published in 1/2/2021
The World Soil Day is on the 5th December and there will be several online webinars in case you want to attend. The general one will be held on the 4th December and you can register here. Other info: World Soil Day | Keep soil alive, protect soil biodiversity (Dec 2) Integrated Landscape Strategies to Reach Post-2020 Biodiversity Conservation Goals (Dec 7)
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Published in 2/12/2020
RTP1 will broadcast a new documentary on black-tailed godwits’ migration, and the work of a team of researchers from the Department of Biology and CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, led by José Alves, focused on the study of migratory shorebirds that travel each year between Portugal and the Arctic. Trailer: Joaquim Pedro (CESAM) & Pedro Miguel Ferreira (PlaySolutions Audiovisual Producer) More information.
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Published in 26/11/2020
The researcher Ana Hilário coordinates with Kerry Howell (University of Plymouth, UK), expert in ecology of the deep-sea, the program Challenger 150. This initiative brings together a team of scientists of 45 institutions of 17 countries that propose a research program for 10 years dedicated to the deep-sea. In this context, the researchers have publish a call for attention in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution along with a detailed structure of the Challenger 150 in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science. The complete news here.
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Published in 25/11/2020
In July 2020, CESAM members disclosure a briefing note about the impacts of COVID-19 on the fishing and aquaculture sectors and related activities in Portugal, in the context of the project COVIDPESCA. The document, written in Portuguese, was now summarized and translated to English in an infographic, in a collaboration between CESAM and IIED (International Institute for Environment and Development). With this, the impact of COVID-19 on the fishing sector in Portugal can be known internationally. The infographic is available here.
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Published in 11/12/2020
11 Dec 2020, 14h30-16h00 [The next content is only available in PT] O projeto"Rede de Arrojamentos do Norte de Portugal: mamíferos e tartarugas marinhas - 2020" permite dar resposta a arrojamentos de animais marinhos (cetáceos, focas e tartarugas) desde Caminha a Peniche e contribui para o aumento do conhecimento científico sobre o estado de conservação do meio marinho. Neste evento, serão abordados o funcionamento da rede de arrojamentos em Portugal e os resultados obtidos durante 2020 para a área do projeto. O webinar será em português e limitado a 100 participantes. A inscrição neste evento é obrigatória e pode ser feita AQUI até ao dia 10 de dezembro.
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Published in 18/11/2020
The Journal of Zoology of the Zoological Society of London has just published a study on reproduction and immunity in egyptian mongooses (Herpestes ichneumon), whose authorship is shared between two researchers from the Department of Biology & CESAM of the University of Aveiro (Victor Bandeira and Carlos Fonseca), in partnership with researchers from rom the University Rey Juan Carlos (Emílio Virgós), Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research and the Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (Alexandre Azevedo) and the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (Mónica V.Cunha). The complete news and link for the original article here.
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Published in 18/11/2020
The temperatures of the Iberian Peninsula will increase in a “very worrying” way during this century. The alert comes from a study by CESAM - University of Aveiro that foresees average temperature increases of 2 to 3 degrees throughout the year, until 2100, enough to cause serious impacts on the environment and, consequently, on public health. In Portugal there are even regions that could register increases of 4 to 5 degrees Celsius daily. The complete news and link for the original article available here.
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Published in 3/12/2020
A CESAM team that includes the staff members Rita Cavalinhos and Paulo Rosa, PhD student Ricardo Correia, his supervisor Prof. Luis Menezes Pinheiro and CESAM´s researcher and Scientific Coordinator , Ana Lillebø, presented the study entitled ‘Operacionalização da embarcação científica do CESAM: Levantamentos Hidrográficos em ambiente costeiro com o sistema Multifeixe EM2040C’ at the 6ª Jornadas de Engenharia Hidrográfica/1ª Jornadas Luso-Espanholas de Hidrografia, helded in Lisbon, 3-5 November. With this work, the research vessel NEREIDE was introduced to the community. Moreover, it was shown how the students from University of Aveiro have the opportunity of being part of the CESAM’s field team. The bathymetry data collected with equipment of this infrastructure was also presented. The study was published in the proceedings of the event and can be consulted here and the results are available here (open access). The research vessel of CESAM and its equipment are available for collaborations with other research units and institutions.
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Published in 17/11/2020
If the advent of autonomous vehicles promises to improve road safety, what consequences will it have for air quality in cities? Will the change in vehicle behavior bring about a reduction in pollution? For the first time, a study by the University of Aveiro answers the questions: yes, autonomous vehicles will bring less polluted and therefore healthier air to cities. The complete news here.
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Published in 6/11/2020
After 30 years monitoring the movements of animals living in the Arctic polar zone, about 150 researchers from more than 100 institutions, including the researcher of CESAM/UA José Alves, have no doubts: the climate changes that have led the Arctic to enter a new ecological state, have caused changes in the spatial-temporal dynamics of the animals living in the region. The article was published on November 5th in Science magazine. The complete news here. You can also see the interview for RTP1 and the news in the national journal Expresso (both in PT).
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Published in 2/11/2020
On the 3rd and 4th of November, another Encontro Ciência will happen. CESAM´s researcher Alexandra Monteiro is one of the invited speakers at the plenary session dedicated to science in Portugal towards a Green Europe (Ciência em Portugal para uma Europa mais VERDE). Due to the pandemic, this year the event was adapted. As a consequence, oral sessions were canceled and demonstrations and poster presentations were adjusted. CESAM will participate with some of its research short videos and also in the poster sessions, in which several PhD students will be present their work. More information on the event here.
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Published in 2/11/2020
Currently, more than half of the world population lives in urban areas and this ratio is expected to increase to two-thirds, by 2050. Cities consume more than 65% of the global energy and are responsible for more than 70% of worldwide emissions of carbon dioxide. Thus, the decisions that we now take regarding the urban infrastructures for the next decades – urban planning, energy efficiency, transports – will be determinant for the carbon footprint. Greenhouse gases and atmospheric pollutants share the same emission sources. Therefore, improving air quality may boost climate change mitigation efforts and vice-versa. Nevertheless, about 90% of residents in European urban areas are exposed to pollutant levels that exceed the values imposed by the ambient air quality directive (2008/50/EC) or recommended by the World Health Organization. The latest burden estimates reflect the impressive role air pollution, particularly suspended particulate matter with less than 10 or 2.5 µm diameter (PM10 and PM2,5, respectively), plays in cardiorespiratory illness and premature deaths. A report recently published by several international organizations concluded that air pollution is one of the main environmental risk factors, being responsible for around 5 million deaths worldwide every year. One in 10 deaths is caused by air with bad quality. Particulate matter is considered the worst atmospheric pollutant for public health. In 2013, the International Agency for Research on Cancer considered atmospheric particles in outdoor air as a class I, meaning that they are now considered carcinogenic to humans. In cities, traffic is the main emission source of particulate matter. While technological progress and the increase in restrictions for emissions have reduced emissions from motor exhausts, traffic non-exhaust (brake, tire and pavement wear, and road dust resuspension) have emerged as major, but overlooked, contributors to air pollution in urban areas, posing obvious research and policy challenges. In fact, non-exhausts are not regulated and recent estimates indicate that they will represent 90% of total road traffic emissions by 2030. The project of CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies - SOPRO – Chemical and toxicological source profiling of particulate matter in urban air, funded by the Fundação Portuguesa para a Ciência e Tecnologia, is a multidisciplinary project that has the collaboration of atmospheric scientists, transport engineers, chemists, toxicologists and modelers from several European institutions, including the University of São Paulo (Brazil). It aims to provide mitigation strategies focused on the main emission sources of pollutants in cities, particularly those associated with the transport sector. Giving the need to characterize the emission of particles by traffic, a concerted strategy will be followed to get the chemical and toxicological characteristics of exhaust and non-exhaust emissions. In addition, for the success of this project, chemical transport models will be applied to forecast the atmospheric concentrations of several pollutants in Brazilian and Portuguese cities, by incorporating the new emission profiles and updated inventories and considering different emission and climate change scenarios, and air pollution control policies. The team of the project SOPRO
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Published in 29/10/2020
In a letter published on the 16th October 2020, the PhD student of CESAM/FCUL Mohamed Henriquestogether with international researchers and conservationists, including Bissau Guineans, warn in the journal Science about the world's deadliest intentional vulture poisoning event in the world. It occurred this year in Guinea-Bissau and decimated more than 2,000 jugudés (vultures of the species Necrosyrtes monachus), a species Critically Endangered of extinction, according to the IUCN's Red List of Endangered Species. In the beginning of 2020, massive cases of vulture mortality were found in Bafatá and Gabú regions of eastern Guinea-Bissau, and the local population alerted the Guinean authorities responsible for biodiversity conservation and veterinary services. Despite the lack of resources and the added difficulties related to the Covid-19 pandemic, several teams were sent to the field to ascertain the cause of vulture mortality – more than 2,000 individuals, known in the country as jugudés – an emblematic species for Guineans. Through the prompt reaction of the Director-General for Livestock of Guinea-Bissau, the Public Veterinary Services, the NGO Organization for the Defense of Wetlands (ODZH) and the Institute for Biodiversity and Protected Areas (IBAP), with the support of several national and international experts in the conservation and investigation of vultures, it was quickly perceived that this was an environmental crime. Vultures have been intencionally poisoned to remove their heads to feed the illegal trade related to the use of various parts of their body (heads, wings, nails and paws) in sorcery practices in several West African countries. According to Mohamed Henriques, a Luso-Guinean PhD student of the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon and first author of the article, "hundreds of corpses of these vultures were headless, stacked and intentionally hidden under bushes." Suspicions of intentional poisoning were later confirmed by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Lisbon, through the necropsies performed on some corpses collected at the site. "Toxicology analyses have unequivocally shown that the cause of death was methiocarb poisoning, an insecticide sold under the trade name mesurol, which is, among other uses, often applied as slug/snail control and was recently banned in Europe due to its toxicity to wildlife," says José Pedro Tavares, Director of the Vulture Conservation Foundation, one of the co-authors of this article. Several locals also confirmed that individuals were sighted placing poisoned baits to attract vultures. In the letter to thejournal Science, the authors warn that the use of poisons accounts for 30% of vulture deaths on the African continent, and that in West Africa, in just 30 years, 60 to 70% of the populations of the various vulture species have disappeared. "The Jugudé is classified as Critically Endangered of Extinction on the Red List of Endangered Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the last category before the extinction level. Guinea-Bissau is home to more than one fifth of the world's population of this species, and is currently one of the most important countries for the conservation of the species worldwide," says another of the authors, Paulo Catry, researcher and assistant professor at MARE/ISPA-Instituto Universitário. In the now published letter it is highlighted that this catastrophic event represents the disappearance of more than 1% of the world's population of this species. According to Mohamed Henriques, "in vast regions of Africa, vultures play an essential role for humans and for the functioning of ecosystems. In Guinea-Bissau, as well as in much of West Africa, Jugudés are responsible for eliminating a large part of the organic waste in the country's cities and towns, constituting authentic sanitary brigades and maintaining the streets clean. Its role is thus decisive in preventing the proliferation of diseases and their possible transmission vectors, such as street dogs and rats that feed on urban waste. Without these vultures, public health could be at serious risk." The authors end the letter with a strong call for attention, warning that this is a severe blow to the conservation of vultures, and that urgent intervention is needed. Awareness-raising actions about the importance of vulture conservation among local communities and national authorities, the need to enforce and strengthen laws against wildlife poisoning and the much needed increased control of national and cross-border illegal trade of vulture body parts and other animals for traditional medicine are among the actions identified as priorities. To the international community, the authors point out the responsibility of supporting African countries to develop and implement conservation plans to prevent the extinction of these birds, while it is still possible. The letter can be read here. [Image: Necrosyrtes monachus by Ana Coelho]
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Published in 29/10/2020
The study was commissioned by the Policy Department for Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs of the European Parliament at the request of the Committee on Petitions (PETI). The basis for this document is the increasing use of plastics and the growing general consensus on the ecotoxicological effects of these materials. The study also focuses on potential mitigation strategies and emergent alternatives, as well astheir environmental adequacy. The increasing awareness and public opinion pressure led to the elaboration of several norms, regulations and laws. Their implementation and efficacy are addressed in this study, aiming at an adequate contextualization, based on scientific evidences, of future legislative initiatives at the local, national, regional, and, ultimately, European levels. The document is authored by the CESAM/UA researchers João Pinto da Costa, Teresa Rocha-Santos and Armando Duarte, and is publicly available here.
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Published in 28/10/2020
The paper ‘State of art and best practices for fatty acid analysis in aquatic sciences’, co-authored by Elisabete da Costa from the research group of CESAM-UA, Marine Biotechnology & Aquaculture (MBA), was the latest selected Editor’s Choice article from the ICES Journal of Marine Sciencededicated to fatty acid analysis in aquatic sciences. This paper reviewed the current state of knowledge of methods for both marine and freshwater lipid analyses, from sampling to data treatment, provides recommendations for best practices in field situations, and advocate for protocol standardization and inter-laboratory calibration. The review was the outcome of a technical workshop held during the international conference Lipids in the Ocean (Brest, France, November 2018), in which authors of the manuscript took part.
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Published in 27/10/2020
The project WaderTrack started earlier in October, in the the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve , aimed at implementing a high precision spatio-temporal tracking system for priority wader species. Innovative technologies, specifically small ultra-light GPS/UHF transmitters with micro solar panels (weighing 4 to 5 grams) will be temporarily attached to selected wader species, to map their movements throughout the tidal cycle and across the winter months with unprecedented detail, thus allowing us to: (1) quantify the level of connectivity between intertidal habitats (used as prime feeding areas during low tide) and supratidal habitats (used for resting and roosting during high tide), (2) determine distances travelled between supratidal and intertidal locations; and (3) determine the variation in the use of supratidal habitats during diurnal and nocturnal high-tide periods. This information will fill knowledge gaps on these priority wader species, in order to improve their conservation status by informing biodiversity conservation policy, specifically through reducing current and future eminent threats in the short- and medium-term. Within the framework of WaderTrack, three wader marking sessions were already conducted in different high-tide roosting sites, which resulted in the deployment of transmitters in 15 waders from three species. These devices will record GPS locations at 30-45 min intervals, and this information will be transmitted to receiver stations placed in the high-tide roost, when waders move to these sites during each high-tide. The receiver stations have already been installed and we look forward to get the first data very soon, which will allow to know in very high detail the movements of these birds inextricably linked to the Tagus estuary. Follow updates on this and other projects in @eco_flyway (Twitter).
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Published in 27/10/2020
Marine garbage, especially discarded or lost material from fishing activities, has severe consequences for the conservation of sea birds. The alert comes from a group of biologists from the University of Aveiro (UA) who, for ten years, studied the causes that led thousands of injured or dead birds to the rehabilitation center for marine animals that operates on the central coast of Portugal. The research was led by CESAm members working in ECOMARE. The complete news can be read here.
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Published in 22/10/2020
[Content only available in Portuguese] O documentário “Lousada -Reencontro com a Natureza” nomeado para prémio do público de Melhor Documentário no ART & TUR - International Tourism Film Festival 2020, venceu o primeiro lugar com 1905 votos. O documentário está também nomeado, nos prémios atribuídos pelo Júri, que serão anunciados na próxima sexta feira. Transmitido no dia 22 de Março, pelo canal de televisão SIC, o documentário “Lousada - Reencontro com a Natureza” foi visto por cerca de 700 mil pessoas, merecendo o destaque no site da SIC (http://www.sic.pt/.../2020-03-22-Documentario-Vida...). O CESAM é o parceiro científico deste documentário e a maioria dos biólogos envolvidos neste projeto fez a sua formação na Universidade de Aveiro. As filmagens do documentário, com 45 minutos de duração, demoraram cerca de 18 meses e mais de 800 horas de filmagens. Joaquim Pedro Ferreira, investigador do CESAM, partilha a autoria deste documentário com Manuel Nunes e Milene Matos e a realização com Pedro Miguel Ferreira.
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Published in 26/10/2020
This week is celebrated the V centenary of the trip of Fernão de Magalhães in several locations of Portugal. The researchers of CESAM (Center for Environmental and Marine Studies) of the University of Aveiro, Roberto Martins (Department of Biology) and Irina Gorodetskaya (Department of Physics) will participate in the presentation of the winners of the Research Prize ‘Prémio de Investigação Científica e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico no Âmbito das Comemorações do V Centenário da Viagem de Circum-Navegação’ that will happen on October 21 in Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Centro Ciência Viva, Lisbon. In this event 8 projects funded by FCT-Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia will be presented and recognized counting with the presence of the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Manuel Heitor. Two of the approved projects are lead by CESAM-UA: NANOGREEN - Towards a new generation of sustainable nano-based additives for maritime anti-corrosion smart coatings: a multidisciplinary framework within the Atlantic, coordinated by Doctor Roberto Martins, with co-PI Prof. João Tedim (CICECO) and ATLACE - ATLantic interactions via atmospheric water cycle: exploiting a unique dataset from the Antarctic Circumnavigation Expedition for better understanding of clouds and precipitation, coordinated by Doctor Irina Gorodetskaya, with co-PI Doctor Carla Gama. The complete program of the week can be read here. All the program can be seen on streaming in www.magalhaes500.pt. The event can be seen in https://magalhaes500.pt/streaming-do-2o-dia-das-comemoracoes-dos-500-anos-da-passagem-do-estreito-de-magalhaes/.
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Published in 20/10/2020
The Cephs and Chefs team from CESAM participated in two events of valorization of Madeiran products. The events took place at the Terreiro Concept restaurant, at Madeira island. The project “Legado” promoted, on October 16th, the “Legado do Peixe” dinner that included 7 gastronomic moments with traditional Madeiran products such as pota, ray, conger, moray, herring, nun, skipjack, mackerel and even Madeira jackfruit and seaweed, in addition to wine degustation and comments by the specialist Nuno Nobre and the chef Carlos Gonçalves. On Saturday, October 17th, World Food Day, an Open Gastronomic Day was carried out to celebrate Madeira's biodiversity in all its ecosystems: farm, rivers, forest and sea. The event included lectures, debates, workshops and tasting products from the 4 ecosystems. More information here.
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Published in 20/10/2020
From 28 February to 04 March 2020, the team field of CESAM together with Professor Luís Menezes Pinheiro and some of his students, collected bathymetry data in Ria de Aveiro, more specifically in the North terminal of the Porto de Aveiro. For this, a Kongsberg EM 2040 C multibeam echo sounder transducer installed on the scientific vessel NEREIDE was used. In this way, the University of Aveiro and CESAM promote the integration of the students in specialized fieldwork, ensuring that they execute all the practical tasks to be familiar with Hydrography and Oceanography. within the scope of the CESAM’s competences and aiming to contribute to the creation of a database useful for the scientific community, hydrographic survey was carried out in the main navigation channel, in the mouth in Barra, and in the channels from and to Gafanha da Encarnação Marine. Data are available in the platform ZENODO and will be accessible through CESAM’s webpage – Science to Society.
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Published in 19/10/2020
[Content only available in Portuguese] O documentário “Lousada -Reencontro com a Natureza” está nomeado para prémio do público de Melhor Documentário no ART & TUR - International Tourism Film Festival 2020, para o qual todos podem votar! Basta entrar em https://tourfilm-festival.com/votacao-publica-2/ com uma rede social e deixar o seu “like” em DOCUMENTÁRIOS / Lousada. Reencontro com a Natureza. “Lousada. Reencontro com a Natureza” está também nomeado para prémio atribuído pelo Júri do festival Art&tur Viseu 2020, com exibição pública no dia 20 de Outubro às 18h30 no Teatro Viriato em Viseu. Transmitido no dia 22 de Março, pelo canal de televisão SIC, o documentário “Lousada - Reencontro com a Natureza” foi visto por cerca de 700 mil pessoas, merecendo o destaque no site da SIC (http://www.sic.pt/.../2020-03-22-Documentario-Vida...). O CESAM é o parceiro científico deste documentário e a maioria dos biólogos envolvidos neste projeto fez a sua formação na Universidade de Aveiro. As filmagens do documentário, com 45 minutos de duração, demoraram cerca de 18 meses e mais de 800 horas de filmagens. Joaquim Pedro Ferreira, investigador do CESAM, partilha a autoria deste documentário com Manuel Nunes e Milene Matos e a realização com Pedro Miguel Ferreira.
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Published in 15/10/2020
Although rarely seen, the greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula), a small insectivorous mammal, occurs in the gardens and parks of several European cities, including Lisbon. It was precisely in the Portuguese capital that a recent study detected substantial differences in the behavior and metabolism of urban animals when compared to individuals from natural areas. The study was conducted by an international group of researchers from the Center for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Portugal, and from the Adam Mickiewicz University Pozna?, Poland. The results, which will be integrated in Flávio Oliveira's PhD thesis, have already been published in the scientific journal Behavioral Ecology. “The personality tests we applied revealed that shrews in the city exhibit a bolder behavior and are more predisposed to explore an environment unknown to them”, says Flávio Oliveira. This type of urban adaptation is in line with studies carried out in other species, namely birds and insects. The researcher adds “The lack of natural vegetation and the constant external stimuli typical of the urban environment, such as noise and artificial light, make the animals that inhabit here behave bolder in search of food and a place to live.” While the behavioral adaptations were as expected, the analysis of the energy the animals spent gave surprising results. "We were expecting to find a direct correlation between bold and active behaviors with high rates of energy consumption, that is, with a higher metabolic rate" says Sophie von Merten, co-author of the study. "Instead, we found that urban animals have a metabolic rate 37% lower than animals in natural areas", reveals the researcher. The factors that influence the way urban animals use energy are still unknown, but one thing is certain: Considering the relationship between behavior and metabolism, these small animals seem to be adapted to live both on the countryside and in the city. “Contrary to what happens in most animals, shrews seem to adopt an energy allocation strategy. That is, animals with a faster metabolism are more timid and explore their surroundings less, while animals with a slower metabolism are bolder and explore more territory. This way, their energy budget remains relatively constant”, concludes Flávio Oliveira. With the expansion of urban areas, which is expected to continue increasing, more animals will be exposed to such novel habitats. Maria da Luz Mathias, also co-author of the study, comments: “Unfortunately, most species will not be able to adapt to an environment as altered as urban areas. It is therefore essential to continue studying the phenomenon of urban adaptation in all its aspects: ecological, physiological, behavioral, and evolutionary. Our study revealed that the white-toothed shrew can be an important model species to help us understand the fate of species in the face of a global change such as increasing urbanization.”
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Published in 13/10/2020
The Minister of the Sea, Ricardo Serrão Santos, and the Director General for Maritime Policy, Helena Vieira, were present yesterday at the University of Aveiro (UA), for one of the three presentation sessions of the National Strategy for the Sea 2021-2030. In this context, the Minister and the Director General visited ECOMARE – Laboratory for Innovation of Marine Biological Resources of University of Aveiro. This visit was accompanied by the Mayor of Ílhavo, Fernando Fidalgo Caçoilo, the Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation and Training in the 3rd cycle of UA, Prof. Doctor Artur Silva, and Doctor Ricardo Calado, responsible by CEPAM – Centre for Extension and Environmental and Marine Research and researcher at CESAM.
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Published in 7/10/2020
The first ever National Week about Invasive Species (SNEI) in Portugal will be taking place between 10th and 18th of October. More than 90 activities are being prepared around Portugal for the whole community to engage. CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and Department of Biology of University of Aveiro is promoting several activities. Visit the website and select an activity near you to participate! CESAM-UA & DBio activities may be consulted here. More info at the website SNEI: https://www.invasoras.pt/pt/semana_nacional_especies_invasoras_2020 List of activities SNEI (being updated): https://www.invasoras.pt/pt/actividades-em-portugal Social media: https://www.facebook.com/InvasorasPt & https://www.instagram.com/invasoraspt/
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Published in 7/10/2020
MACROCHESS – A Macroecological Database for Species Distribution across Chemosynthesis-Based Ecosystems is a new database incorporating over a decade of new discoveries and the most recent taxonomic knowledge of species occurring in chemosynthesis-based-ecosystems (CBEs). The database is being compiled by a working group funded by the International Cooperation in Ridge-Crest Studies – InterRidge. The group is chaired by Lissette Victorero (Norwegian Institute of Water Research and CESAM-UA) and comprises 17 experts from ten countries and four continents working on hydrothermal vents, seeps and organic falls across a wide variety of disciplines. This database will enable characterising the global distribution, composition and relationship of species occurring in CBEs at both global and regional scales and hence aims to rapidly advance theoretical research and conservation efforts.
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Published in 7/10/2020
A major concern after the smoke has cleared is often the risk of post-fire soil erosion, because of its possible consequences in terms of additional on-site land degradation due to soil (fertility) losses as well as of downstream flooding and contamination of surface water bodies with eroded soil, including wildfire ash. UA Online explains how the projects Epyris (Interreg Sudoe) and LIFE REFOREST are testing and demonstrating the application of various emergency stabilization measures in burnt areas. The team of CESAM-UA in both projects is coordinated by the researcher Jan Jacob Keizer. The complete article available here.
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Published in 6/10/2020
The website for the European Multidisciplinary Seafloor and Water Column Observatory, Portugal (EMSO – PT) has been launched. CESAM is one of the members of the team. EMSO-PT is a European Large Scale Research Infrastructure, consisting of multidisciplinary underwater observatories and other data processing support infrastructures. The goal of EMSO-PT is to generate continuous scientific data on marine environmental processes related to the interaction between the geosphere, biosphere and hydrosphere, made available through open access to all stakeholders. Fifteen institutions, universities and marine technology companies participate in the project, providing key expertise and knowledge. The project is classified as a “Research Infrastructure” and is integrated into the EU’s wider deep sea observatory network, EMSO-ERIC. To find out more about the project, visit www.emso-pt.pt.
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Published in 6/10/2020
World Habitat Day, celebrated by the United Nations on the first Monday of October, intends to promote the reflection on the state of our towns and cities and to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of the place where we live. In the city of Aveiro and surrounding areas, Ria de Aveiro is a major contributor to a healthy environment and citizens’ well-being. The project of CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies - ‘BioPradaRia - Restoration, management and conservation of biodiversity and biological resources associated with Ria de Aveiro seagrass ecosystems’is funded by the program MAR2020. This project aims to contribute to enhancing the protection and restoration of aquatic biodiversity for better management and conservation of marine biological resources, particularly the ones associated with seagrass ecosystems. The project BioPradaRia uses an integrative approach, combining scientific knowledge with the knowledge of the users of Ria de Aveiro. Presently, nature-based solutions are being tested to minimize the impact of exotic invasive species, such as the polychaeta Arenicola sp. and the Manila clam, in seagrass ecosystems and associated habitats. These areas are important for several species of fish, bivalves, polychaetas and other organisms, housing great biodiversity. As important reservoirs of carbon (Blue Carbon), these habitats contribute to a reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, being also an important recreational and leisure area for the citizens. Given the importance of these habitats and their current decline worldwide (due to different threats), their preservation and recovery are essential, not only for the health of the ecosystem but also for the health of the inhabitants of the region. The team of the project BioPradaRia
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Published in 19/10/2020
[Content only available in Portuguese] No âmbito da Linha Temática “Ambiente & Saúde”, o CESAM está a organizar um workshop para comemorar a iniciativa “One Health Day”. O Workshop vai realizar-se no dia 11 de novembro à tarde e englobará duas sessões temáticas e uma sessão de posters. O programa do workshop encontra-se aqui e pretende-se o evento seja presencial (Universidade de Aveiro). No entanto, devido à incerteza da atual situação pandémica pode ser em formato à distância (a confirmação será enviada atempadamente). Para a sessão de posters, qualquer membro do CESAM (integrado ou colaborador - desde alunos de pesquisa a alunos de doutoramento) poderá submeter um resumo até ao dia 13 de outubro às 17 h. Para submeter o resumo basta enviar um mail para cesam@ua.pt que deve incluir: Título (em inglês); Nome do autor principal e coautores (se existentes); Resumo (em português e inglês com ca. 250 palavras). O One Health Day é uma iniciativa com caracter internacional coordenada por redes de investigação, como a One Health Comission e a One Health Platform Foundation, que escolheram o dia 3 de novembro como o Dia da Saúde Única. O conceito One Health remete à interdependência entre a saúde humana, dos animais e do ambiente. O Workshop será um fórum de debate interdisciplinar na solução de desafios globais que envolvem a saúde humana, animal e ambiental. Pretende-se que este evento permita à academia e ao público em geral discutir um problema atual, as doenças infeciosas emergentes, abordando os microrganismos envolvidos - vírus, bactérias, fungos e parasitas - mas também os fatores envolvidos na incidência destas doenças, nomeadamente, atividades humanas que direta ou indiretamente atingem o ambiente, as alterações climáticas e o uso indiscriminado de antibióticos. O registo é gratuito mas obrigatório e deve ser feito aqui.
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Published in 30/9/2020
The SeeBug project is being developed at Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro (UA), coordinated by Catarina Marques and co-coordinated by Amadeu Soares. This project intends to be a tool for all the stakeholders of the bivalve fishing industry. Shellfish production in Portugal has been increasing substantially, leading the ranking of mollusk marketing in some areas of national production, so its economic impact on the domestic and export market is increasingly relevant. However, the bivalves’ production sites are often affected by fecal contamination, which promotes the accumulation of pathogenic bacteria in these filtering organisms. As bivalves are often consumed alive, it is essential to apply control systems that may guarantee food safety and prevent negative impacts on consumers' health. Presently, regulated microbiological screening methods are sensible and accurate and allow to get results in 2-3 days. after bivalves’ collection.,. However, this time gap is enough to cause economic, social, environmental and health damages. The aim of this research project is to develop and apply broad spectrum and specific SEEBug sensors, capable of detecting early contamination of bivalves by pathogenic bacteria. In addition, the SEEBug mobile phone application will be developed based on artificial intelligence algorithms, to generate low-cost technology, user-friendly and environmentally sustainable. This applicationcan be used by operators of the bivalve fishing industry, from Fishermen to final sellers. This tool does not intend to replace the current regulated analyzes for assessing the contamination status of bivalves, but it is a complement to decrease the damages caused afterwards. The project SEEBug is coordinated by Catarina R Marques (CESAM and DBio), in collaboration with Prof. Amadeu MVM Soares (CESAM e DBio, UA), as co-coordinator. The project counts with more CESAM’ researchers and also Instituto de Engenharia Eletrónica e Informática de Aveiro (IEETA), Associação de Pesca Artesanal da Região de Aveiro (APARA), DOCAPESCA – Portos e Lotas, S.A, and members of the bivalve fishing industry all over the country. This way, the transfer of knowledge from scientists and fishermen will be maximized through collaboration, promoting the development of a tool meant to be applied by all.
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Published in 30/9/2020
Project coordinated by Prof. Maria de Luz Mathias and with participation of the researcher Clara Grilo, as executive coordinator, both from CESAM – Ciências ULisboa, calls on the citizens to help to map the mammals in Continental Portugal. Dozens of citizens, technicians and nature vigilants of ICNF- Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas joined to create a new Red Book of Mammals of Continental Portugal. The goal is to improve, until 2021, knowledge on these species contributing to establishmeasures and conservation actions. The help of the citizens will be essential to ensure the success of the project. To help on this, it is only necessary to take a picture of the animal or of traces of its presence (e.g. footprints, feces and body hair), register the location, and get in touch with the team. More information about the project can be read here (UA Online) or here (Ciências ULisboa) and details on how you can collaborate here. You can also see a short presentation of the project in this video [in PT]. This project is funded by POSEUR, Portugal 2020, FCiências.ID - Associação para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento de Ciências is the beneficiary ahaving ICNF as partner.
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Published in 30/9/2020
Researchers of CESAM, alerted to the problem, after seeing public spaces flooded with masks and gloves abandoned, wrote three articles which concluded that it is urgent to find alternatives to the use of disposable masks and gloves. In the first study, Joana Prata, Ana Luísa Silva, Armando Duarte and Teresa Rocha-Santos prepared a series of recommendations for collective and individual management of this new waste that threatens to flood rivers and seas. In the second study, they warned of the need to find alternatives for the proper use and final management of protective equipment. In the third publication, which also had the participation of Amadeu Soares and Diana Campos, also from CESAM, the scientists address the short-term impacts of the production and use of this garbage and summarize a series of policy recommendations for its proper management. The complete article (UA Online) here.
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Published in 28/9/2020
The research team of the project NanoReproTox (PTDC/CTA-AMB/30908/2017) welcomes the scientific community and the general public to attend the webinar: ‘Tools for assessing the impacts of contamination in the reproduction of marine organisms’ to be held on the 14th October, 14h (UTC). In this webinar, we will present how commonly used methodologies can be applied to evaluate the impacts of contamination on the reproduction of marine organisms (e.g. CASA, cytometry, comet assay and histology). A link between the research updates on human male reproduction and environmental risk assessment will be also provided. The speakers belong to an interdisciplinary team from CESAM, Ibimed, CCMAR and MARE-Nova.id.UNL. The webinar is free, but registration is mandatory (ana.carvalhais@ua.pt). For detailed information on the program and speakers, please follow this link.
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Published in 28/9/2020
Tourism has several positive aspects, namely the socioeconomic development of touristic destinies and the preservation of cultural and natural resources. However, it is well-known that touristic activities may also be a cause of environmental impacts, for example in the air quality. The project ARTUR – Impact of air quality on the competitiveness of the tourism destinations, focused on the central region of Portugal, aims to assess the impact of the tourism on air quality and to investigate how air quality could be a criterion to increase the competitiveness of a tourism destination. This project is coordinated by CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and it has a multidisciplinary team with researchers from the Department of Environment and Planning, and of the Department of Economics, Management, Industrial Engineering and Tourism of the University of Aveiro.The results of the project will serve to produce guidelines to support future strategies for the tourism sector and environmental sustainability. The team of the project ARTUR
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Published in 25/9/2020
The ocean covers about 70% of the surface of the Earth, represents 97% of the available water, is a source of life and energy, and is crucial for regulate the climate. One of the top priorities in the political, environmental and economic agendas of Portugal and Europe is the need to build awareness about the ocean’s value for our future. To know the benefits of using the sea, it is crucial to invest in scientific research focused on ocean governance and sustainability. The COST action OceanGov: Ocean governance for sustainability – Challenges, options and the role of Science brings together scientists, policymakers and civil society representatives from 29 Member-States, to create and coordinate an inter- and transdisciplinary research network on ocean governance in the European Union and adjacent areas. This network is focused on six challenges of governance: Land-Sea Interactions; Area-Based Management; Seabed Resource Management; Nutrition Security and Food Systems; Ocean, Climate Change, and Acidification; and Fisheries Governance. This COST action aims to establish an integrated vision and various approaches that will guide research and future policy towards sustainability, addressing the currently exiting fragmentation with regard to the governance of the oceans, seas and coastlines throughout regional waters, and the open ocean, and areas outside national jurisdiction. The Doctor Cristina Pita of CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies is a member of the Management Committee of the OceanGov and actively participates in the working group of Fisheries Governance. CESAM’s representative of the COST Action OceanGov
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Published in 22/9/2020
An article of the CESAM researchers Daniel Cleary, Ana Rita Polónia and Newton Gomes (Laboratory of Molecular Studies of Marine Environments) has been selected to be included in a new ‘Six Key Topics’ collection from FEMS Journals to showcase the breadth of topics covered by FEMS Journals. The article ‘A comparison of prokaryote communities inhabiting sponges, bacterial mats, sediment and seawater in Southern Asian coral reefs’ published in the journal FEMS Microbiology Ecology, was considered as one of the representatives of the key topic Microbiomes.
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Published in 18/9/2020
In a Letter published today in Science, José Alves, Conservation Ecologist at the CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and Department of Biology of University of Aveiro, and Maria Dias, Marine Science Coordinator at BirdLife International, highlight the contradiction between the recently appointed EU Commission’s intention to shift EU economies to more sustainable models of growth (The European Green Deal), and the environmental permission recently issued by an EU member state (Portugal) for the construction and operation of an international airport at the heart of the largest wetland in the country, the Tagus estuary. The estuary hosts the largest concentrations of waterbirds in Portugal and is the second most important wetland for these species in Iberia. The importance of the Tagus estuary for biodiversity extends well beyond Portuguese borders; it is a designated Special Protection Area (European Birds Directive), a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Convention), an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (Birdlife International) and also classified as a Nature Reserve (national law)1. The Tagus estuary is a major international hub for migratory waterbirds and other bird species using the East Atlantic Flyway, connecting breeding areas across the northern hemisphere to wintering areas in Africa, for an estimated 300,000 waterbirds. The authors of the Letter argue that this decision by an EU member state violates two of the main pillars of the Green Deal – to tackle the global problem of climate change, and to reverse the biodiversity crisis. Despite the substantial increase in local carbon emissions that a second airport in the capital area would generate, Lisbon currently holds the banner of European Green Capital. Ironically, Lisbon’s bid for European Green Capital award benefited from its proximity to this nature reserve, even though the flight paths for the proposed new Lisbon airport will irreplaceably disrupt some of the most important areas for waterbirds in this wetland, with aircrafts flying below 200 meters within the protected area. Waterbirds move around the Tagus in large flocks which can exceed tens of thousands of birds, as they take advantage of the complex mosaic of wetland habitats sculpted through millennia. For example, flocks of 80,000 black-tailed godwits, a species listed by IUCN as threatened with globally Near Threatened with extinction, which breed in Iceland, the Netherlands and other northern European countries, use the Tagus each spring to feed and rest during their annual migration to sites further south. Several other species that breed across the arctic and temperate Europe, many of which are declining sharply in number, also depend on this wetland. Despite the impact of Covid-19 on air-traffic, the private company promoting and financing the new Lisbon airport ANA owned by French group VINCI, has announced that it remains firm in its commitment to move forward, and the Portuguese government publically supported such intentions in June, July and September 2020, when the Covid-19 impact on the aviation industry is very clear. This is a striking example of a European state attempting to disregard conservation laws, international agreements and publicly-stated plans to move towards a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future. Given the Tagus estuary’s role in supporting species from across the migratory flyway, including species that benefit from publicly-funded conservation programs on many of their range states, other nations may consider holding Portugal accountable for the consequences of this development. The Environmental Impact Study that preceded the issuing of the environmental permit has been heavily criticized, due to lack of data, technical errors and adoption of subjective criteria2. The Portuguese Environmental Agency issued the controversial environmental permit based on a favourable statement by the board of directors at the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forestry, the governmental institution responsible for evaluating impacts on birds, overturning their own technician’s recommendation3. Compensation measures will be impossible to implement effectively, given that about half of the Tagus estuary will be impacted and cannot be replaced. The authors urge the Portuguese government to reconsider this development and take the opportunity of having Lisbon as the European Green Capital to become European Green Leaders of the movement towards an increasingly sustainable future. The original article can be read here.
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Published in 17/9/2020
[Content only available in Portuguese] Decorrerá já no próximo dia 25 de setembro, o 1.º Simpósio Nacional sobre “Exposição precoce a contaminantes e seu impacto na saúde humana”, realizado no âmbito do projeto earlyMyco “Early-life exposure to mycotoxins and its impact on health”, financiado pela FCT. Este simpósio é organizado pelo Departamento de Alimentação e Nutrição (DAN) do Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), em colaboração com os seus parceiros do projeto, Fundação Champalimaud, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade de Évora e Administração Regional de Saúde de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo. A iniciativa decorrerá no INSA e contará ainda com a possibilidade de participação on-line. O evento tem como objetivo promover o diálogo e interação entre participantes que desenvolvam estudos sobre a exposição precoce a contaminantes através da alimentação ou ambiente, contribuindo assim para conhecer melhor a realidade nacional neste domínio. O programa do evento pode ser consultado aqui. A participação é gratuita mas com inscrição obrigatória até 18 de setembro, aqui. A participação on-line será via Facebook.
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Published in 16/9/2020
In today’s edition of Público, the efforts of CESAM’s researched José Alves, towards biodiversity conservation in the largest and most important wetland in Portugal for waterbirds, the Tagus estuary, are news once again. It reports the recent complaint presented to the secretariat of the Bern convention, which has already formally proceeded with the official process. This complaint is presented following the issuing of a favourable but conditional environmental permission in January of this year for the construction of the new Lisbon Airport at the heart of the Tagus estuary, which continues to be heavily criticized. It joins another complaint presented in December 2019 to AEWA (Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, hosted by the United Nations Environmental Program), before the issuing of the environmental license, which is still ongoing and in which the same researcher was a leading actor. The news article in Público can be read here [translated version].
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Published in 16/9/2020
[Content only available in Portuguese] Retirar as descobertas científicas do laboratório e dos gabinetes dos investigadores, divulgando-as e promovendo-as junto da comunidade, é o grande objetivo do programa Ciência com Impacto, iniciativa do Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Laboratório Associado da Universidade de Aveiro, e que tem a Bondalti e a Play Solutions Audiovisuais como parceiros ativos. Que impacto têm as descobertas científicas na sociedade? E como é que podem ajudar na nossa vida quotidiana? Estas são as questões de partida que inspiram o Ciência com Impacto, um programa que reflete a própria constituição do CESAM, reunindo investigadores de diferentes áreas, como o ambiente, a saúde humana, o mar, a ecologia, a química e a biotecnologia. O projeto será constituído por vídeos temáticos de três minutos e podcasts com uma hora de duração. Estes conteúdos terão uma periodicidade quinzenal, com a publicação dos vídeos a alternar com a semana de divulgação dos podcasts. Serão ainda realizados debates sobre temas da atualidade, associados às áreas do ambiente, saúde humana, ecologia, mar e biotecnologia, entre outras áreas do conhecimento. Estes encontros contarão com a presença e o contributo de investigadores e de outros atores relevantes para a temática abordada. Os destinatários desta iniciativa são o grande público, com destaque para os jovens. Está previsto um conjunto de ações de divulgação em diferentes plataformas, que ganharão maior expressão e visibilidade no portal https://cienciacomimpacto.pt. A Bondalti vai assumir a produção, realização e divulgação dos podcasts, que serão alojados num media host e disponibilizados nas plataformas habituais (em áudio) e no Youtube (em vídeo). Os podcasts serão gravados na Rádio Voz da Ria, que se associa através da cedência dos estúdios, e a Mitipro ficou responsável pela edição em vídeo do podcast. A série vídeo “Ciência com Impacto” será produzida e realizada pela Play Solutions Audiovisuais. O Diário de Notícias também aderiu, através da criação de uma rúbrica intitulada "Ciência com Impacto", que publicará os filmes e os podcasts e um texto editado a partir desses conteúdos. O Ciência Com Impacto contará, igualmente, com uma componente de ciência cidadã, de modo a envolver as empresas e o público em projetos de investigação.
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Published in 16/9/2020
The ozone layer is a fragile shield of gas that protects the globe by absorbing 95% of the ultraviolet B radiation which is responsible for deleterious effects in living beings ultimately leading to death. This way, the ozone layer is crucial to preserve life on Earth. Recently, there have been improvements in the protection of the ozone layer through the gradual elimination of chemical products that destroy it and that are also strong greenhouse gases. The latest analysis points out that the ozone layer has been recovering at a rate of 1-3% per decade since 2000. This success is related to the Montreal Protocol (1987) on substances that lead to the destruction of the ozone layer. On the scope of this protocol, 197 signatory countries are compromised with the replacement of these substances. Presently, Montreal Protocol is the only environmental multilateral agreement with a universal adoption, being an inspiration on how Humanity is able to cooperate to face global challenges as well as an instrument to face the real climatic crisis. The project EMERGE – Evaluation, control and mitigation of the environmental impacts of shipping emissions, funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 program, aims to develop effective strategies and measures to reduce the environmental impact of shipping. At the University of Aveiro, this project gathers a multidisciplinary team of members of CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, that will measure and model the pollutant emissions of shipping, aiming to evaluate the impacts of these emissions in the water and in the air. This team will also contribute to the definition of mitigation measures along the main shipping routes and on sensitive marine regions of Europe. One of the study cases is the Port of Aveiro and the Lagoon of Aveiro as an ecosystem with a particular interest. The results of this project will be presented as recommendations and guidance for stakeholders and decision-makers useful to draw cost-beneficial options for a sustainable use of shipping on the medium and long term. This will be a major contribution to resolve the climatic crisis particularly giving the relevance of shipping on global transportation. The team of the project EMERGE
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Published in 15/9/2020
An innovative study, with authors from the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) of the University of Aveiro (UA), quantifies, on a global scale, the scientific training achieved over the last 50 years for the discovery of new natural products of marine origin. The study was published in the renowned magazine Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The developed tool will be essential to provide data for international political negotiations and to evaluate the successful implementation of the Nagoya Protocol under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Marine biodiversity has an enormous potential for blue biotechnology, constituting an incredible reservoir of genetic and biological resources that can be used, for example, in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutraceutical industries. The increased interest in these products and the fact that they are bioprospected mostly by developed countries, and not necessarily by the countries where the biological material is collected, has raised several legal problems, namely related to the benefits resulting from the use of these resources. This issue is part of the Convention on Biological Diversity implemented in 1993, and later by the Nagoya Protocol. This Protocol provides practical guidance on how the process of accessing biological resources and sharing the benefits resulting from their use and associated knowledge should work. One of the key aspects of this Protocol is to empower the countries of origin of the resources so that they can exploit them in a sustainable manner and take advantage of their benefits. However, measuring the capacity of these countries is a complex task for which little data exist. The article “Fifty years of capacity building in the search for new marine natural products” shows how the capacity to improve knowledge, effectiveness and scientific independence of countries performing bioprospecting has changed since 1965. The authors have developed several metrics related to the country of origin of the compound and affiliation of the authors of the article that described it. While there have been long-standing efforts to build capacity in developing countries with marine areas with high levels of biodiversity, as well as to promote equity and scientific independence, the results show that not all countries are able to exploit their marine biological resources equally. Furthermore, the study shows that economic capacity affects the way countries with high levels of marine biodiversity are able to effectively exploit these resources. For example, countries such as India, Indonesia and Palau have demonstrated greater scientific capacity after 1993. Although countries such as Australia, the United States and Japan continue to maintain a dominant scientific position in this area of research before and after 1993, China has developed most in terms of scientific capability and independence. Since the article provides measurable data comparable across countries around the world, it is expected that these results may influence high-level international political negotiations that currently take place on access and benefit sharing associated with the exploitation of biological resources. The study is led by researcher Miguel Leal, from CESAM-UA, in co-authorship with Ricardo Calado, member of the same research unit. The team also includes two emeritus professors from the University of Canterbury (New Zealand), pioneers in the research of natural compounds of marine origin. The original article can be read here.
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Published in 14/9/2020
The project “Populational dynamics of an invasive species in Baixo Vouga Lagunar”, coordinated by CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and DBio – Department of Biology of the University of Aveiro, has been presented to the national school community as an example of goodpractices in tools of the Minister of the Education and Science. This citizen science project results from a partnership with Estarreja Secondary School. In the document “Orientações para a recuperação e consolidação das aprendizagens ao longo do ano letivo de 2020/2021” (DGE – Direção-Geral da Educação (Minister of the Education and Science)), the project is mentioned as an example of goodpractices for the management and operationalization of the students’ curriculum in the context of the Domains of Curricular Autonomy and for the reorganization of the school, encouraging the work of learning stations/laboratories. This document was distributed to all the national schools and is intended to be an essential support tool in planning the upcoming school year. This roadmap, that resulted from the current scenario of uncertainty due to the COVID pandemic, has supporting material, presents concepts, and several examples that will benefit the schools. The project was also selected by DGE to be part of a set of videos of successful projects dedicated to the initiative Curricular Autonomy and Flexibility. This video shows the different phases of the project and the integration of the several disciplines involved. It can be seen here (in Portuguese). Moreover, an article was written by two students involved in the project. The work was submitted to the 27º Young Scientists National Competition and was awarded the 4th position (ex aequo with another project) in a total of 95 candidates. During one year (2018/2019), with monthly fieldwork, the 11ºA class from The Estarreja Secondary School studied the structure and population density of the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii in Fermelã, Estarreja. This invasive species is responsible for causing serious damage to rice fields all over the world and its abundant presence in Baixo Vouga Lagunar can be an important aspect to be considered in studies related to agricultural management, given the intense rice production in the region. This project of citizen science was coordinated by Inês Rosa (CESAM), Joana Pereira (CESAM & DBio) and Sofia Guilherme (CESAM & DBio) at the University of Aveiro, and by the Estarreja Secondary School teachers : Dorinda Rebelo (Biology & Geology), Cecília Bento (Physics & Chemistry), Deolinda Tavares (Philosophy) and Etelvina Bronze (Portuguese). The project also had the logistic support of the Municipality of Estarreja.
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Published in 11/9/2020
CESAM is part of the UA team that coordinates the Regional Ocean Teacher Academy - Portugal, the national center of the Ocean Teacher Global Academy, a body of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/UNESCO) for development and capacity building in Sea Sciences. The application submitted by Portugal, involving 17 national entities and 170 researchers and technicians specialized in the area of sea and oceans was approved in early September and the consortium is being formalized.More information: https://www.ua.pt/pt/noticias/11/64264
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Published in 10/9/2020
CESAM researcher Irina Gorodetskaya co-authors three chapters of the book entitled “Atmospheric Rivers” edited by Springer. This thematic is one of the expertise of this researcher and she participated in the authorship of the chapters “Global and Regional Perspectives”, “Effects of Atmospheric Rivers” and "The Future of Atmospheric River Research and Applications”. The book is available here.
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Published in 10/9/2020
CESAM is one of the new partners of the initiative Escola Azul, an educative program of the Minister of Maritime Affairs through the Direção-Geral de Política do Mar. This program distinguishes and orientates schools that work in themes related with the sea, and offers a vast quantity of activities with the target audience ranging from pre-school children to teachers. In this initial phase, CESAM proposes activities on the scope of the infrastructure COBI (Biological Research Collection of Marine Invertebrates) and of projects and research done in the research unit (e.g. PERICLES and AIRSHIP projects), but more activities are being planned. Moreover, CESAM offers mentorship in several areas including physical oceanography, ecosystems and marine biodiversity, deep sea, marine biotechnology, coastal risks, marine pollution, and fishing and aquaculture. The mission of Escola Azul is to promote Ocean Literacy in the school community and create more responsible and participative generations able to contribute to the sustainability of the Ocean. More information on this program including the list of partners, schools and activities can be consulted here: www.escolaazul.pt.
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Published in 10/9/2020
The project SENSECOR - Immunosensory integrated system for a fast and efficient detection of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 coordinated by CESAM-Universidade de Aveiro (UA), aims to develop an earlier, fast and efficient screening tool to detect the virus SARS-CoV-2 in symptomatic patients and is highlighted in the UAOnline news. The project is coordinated by the researcher Catarina Marques and has an interdisciplinary team from UA, including a total of six researchers from CESAM, CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Institute of Electronic Engineering and Informatics of Aveiro (IEETA) and IT2. The complete news can be read here.
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Published in 3/9/2020
The researcher Sónia Cruz of CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Associated Laboratory of the University of Aveiro, was awarded with an ERC (European Research Council) Starting Grant in the amount of 2.25 million euros to develop the project KleptoSlug. The project “KleptoSlug - Kleptoplasty: The sea slug that got away with stolen chloroplasts” aims to study kleptoplasty in sacoglossan sea slugs. Kleptoplasty is a process in which an organism “steals” specific organelles of plant cells where photosynthesis occurs (chloroplasts) from another organism (algae). Strikingly, these chloroplasts keep their functionality even in the absence of essential components of the plant cell. This fascinating process remains unclear with several unresolved questions, which the project KleptoSlug aims to clarify. Some of the questions that the project will try to answer are: How can an organelle exclusive of algae and plants keep its functionality for long periods in an animal cell? What benefits have the animal in retaining the chloroplast in its cells? Is it just an extra “food reserve” or more than that? How do sea slugs cope with eventual undesirable effects during the process? By the end of the funded 5 years, it will be possible to unravel the cellular mechanisms supporting the sequestration and maintenance of functional chloroplasts inside animal cells, as well as to determine the role of photosynthesis in sea slugs. ERC, set up by the European Union in 2007, is the main European funding organization for excellent frontier research.
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Published in 3/9/2020
The project SPRINT - Sustainable Plant Protection Transition: A Global Health Approach, funded by the European Commission through the program Horizon 2020, just started and has members of CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies in its team. The project has received funded of almost 15 million euros and is coordinated by Wageningen University. SPRINT will make an internationally valid contribution to assess integrated risks and impacts of pesticides on environment and human health, both at regional and European level. This way, the project will contribute to the adoption of innovative transition pathways towards more sustainable plant protection in the context of a global health approach. The team of University of Aveiro has experts in aquatic and terrestrial ecotoxicology and Environmental Risk Assessment with a vast experience in the study of impacts of pesticides in biodiversity. The coordination of this team is made by Doctor Nelson Abrantes.
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Published in 31/3/2020
Macau closed its casinos for 15 days and measures the temperature at the entrance to public services. Taiwan imposes fines for those who violate measures. Millions of people in China are quarantined. Germans trust their health care system and employers. Portugal, at the tip of Europe, got ready for the battle against Covid-19. The tactics of a fight. Hard. Adelaide Almeida, researcher in the field of viruses and antibiotics, professor of microbiology, understands Macau's response. "It is the third coronavirus outbreak, Macau has the experience of other pandemics and was more frightened than us". The population was aware of the danger, the risks of another coronavirus that was being installed beside them. "People were scared and knew that they had to protect themselves, that they had to isolate themselves." Full news here.
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Published in 25/3/2020
The Project BESIDE - Institutional, BEhavioural, critical and adaptive economics towards SustaInable Development, management of natural capital and circular Economy, submitted by CESAM to the H2020 ERA Chairs call, was recently approved. Ana Isabel Lillebø, CESAM's Scientific Coordinator, will be the Coordinator of this Project. ERA Chairs projects bring outstanding academics, with proven research excellence and management skills, to universities and research institutions in Widening countries with potential for research excellence. BESIDE’s project aims to consolidate at the UA Associated Laboratory CESAM a research group of excellence in Environmental Economics and Natural Resources. This will boost the existing fundamental and applied research activities by filling the identified gaps on: i) financial impact of environmental policies, ii) high-skilled jobs opportunities, and iii) circular economy business models. An ERA Chair holder will be hired for the position of Coordinator Researcher and fund 5 researchers and 3 PhD students. BESIDE is fully aligned with UN sustainable development goals for 2030, EU priorities that include the commitment for an intelligent, sustainable and inclusive growth based on knowledge and innovation and the shared pursuit of excellence, and with the national and Centro-Portugal region research and innovation strategies for smart specialisation (RIS3).
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Published in 6/7/2020
Between October 15th and 18th (2019), the annual Plenary Meeting of the Technical Commission (TC) 190 of the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) took place, for the first time, in Portugal, in a joint organization by members of the Universities of Aveiro, Coimbra, and Porto. Several international delegates, representing national standardization entities, governmental and non-governmental, met at the University of Aveiro for the standardization of regulation for the evaluation of soil quality.
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Published in 26/3/2020
download file(Only available in Portuguese) Transmitido no passado domingo, dia 22 de março, pelo canal de televisão SIC, o programa “Lousada. Reencontro com a Natureza” foi visto por cerca de 700 mil pessoas, merecendo o destaque no site da SIC (https://sic.pt/maissic/2020-03-22-Documentario-Vida-Selvagem-gravado-por-equipa-portuguesa). Para este ano está prevista a produção de mais dois documentários, a exibir em horário nobre, que contarão com o envolvimento e a autoria de investigadores do CESAM. Divulgar como o conhecimento científico é cada vez mais importante nas nossas vidas e é uma das prioridades do CESAM. Quando este tempo, difícil para todos, passar iremos dar a conhecer novos projetos de divulgação de ciência, que queremos inclusivos e com um grande envolvimento da comunidade CESAM e UA, além de outros parceiros científicos. Para quem não viu o documentário e tenha uma box TV, pesquise por Domingo 12H12 SIC “Lousada. Reencontro com a Natureza”. O programa “Lousada. Reencontro com a Natureza” traz ao grande ecrã histórias naturais desconhecidas do grande público, de que são exemplos: uma águia que alimenta as crias com favos de vespa asiática, as lutas entre enormes escaravelhos, até aos maiores lagartos da Europa que vivem num campo de futebol. Foram mais de 800 horas de filmagens de comportamentos animais, alguns nunca filmados antes em Portugal. Situado no norte de Portugal, Lousada é um concelho densamente povoado, e, como consequência, a paisagem é marcada por uma grande concentração de casas e outras estruturas humanas. Aqui, a atividade humana é intensa, mas, apesar do desaparecimento de grande parte dos habitats naturais, a vida selvagem tende a resistir e muitas espécies começam a aproveitar as oportunidades geradas pela presença humana. Vamos dar a conhecer um projeto de conservação da natureza inovador e o trabalho extraordinário de um grupo de pessoas dedicadas à proteção da diversidade biológica. "Lousada - reencontro com a Natureza" envolveu o apoio logístico dos biólogos e técnicos do Município de Lousada e do Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM) da Universidade de Aveiro, que foi parceiro cientifico.
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Published in 23/3/2020
A photography from Tânia Caetano, CESAM’s researcher, was selected for the cover of the Marine Biotechnology Journal’s April issue. The photography illustrates the culture of a halophilic microorganism from the Archaea domain surrounded by a high amount of salt. The scientific work included in the volume and which led to the selection of this image is entitled "Antibiotics from Haloarchaea: What Can We Learn from Comparative Genomics?”. The work was carried out by Inês Castro, MSc in Microbiology, from the Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory under the supervision of the Assistant Researcher Tânia Caetano and Assistant Professor with aggregation Sónia Mendo (CESAM&DBio).The study explores comparative genomics as method to deepen the knowledge on the mechanisms of secondary metabolites biosynthesis. The biosynthesis of halocins was used as proof-of-concept, which are antibiotics produced by Archaea halophils - the haloarchaea. + https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10126-020-09952-9
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Published in 19/3/2020
download file'Lousada. Reencontro com a Natureza', portrays the work of inventorying the diversity of animals and plants and the conservation efforts to help wildlife in the municipality of Lousada. This is a territory with a strong human presence and therefore the natural areas are reduced and are dispersed throughout the landscape. But despite this, many species, some threatened, manage to survive in this region. 'Lousada. Reecontro com a Natureza' will bring to the big screen natural stories unknown to the general public like the largest lizards in Europe living in a football field. It is a documentary that portrays our natural values, their relationship with humanized spaces, but also social involvement, and the way in which this involvement results in the sustainability of the territory and the enhancement of Biodiversity. It will also showcase an innovative nature conservation project and the extraordinary work of a group of people dedicated to the protection of biological diversity. This 45 minutes documentary took about 18 months and over 800 hours of footage. Joaquim Pedro Ferreira, CESAM's researcher, shares the authorship of this documentary with Manuel Nunes and Milene Matos and the production with Pedro Miguel Ferreira. 'Lousada. Reencontro com a Natureza' is a Play Solutions-Audiovisuais and Municipality of Lousada Production, that has CESAM as scientific partner.
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Published in 2/9/2020
The CESAM Professor and Researcher Glória Pinto has been nominated as national representative for the Management Committee of the COST ACTION CA19125: EPI-CATCH - EPIgenetic mechanisms of Crop Adaptation To Climate cHange”. This new COST action aims to define, develop, generate and share new breaking knowledge and methodologies for the investigation of epigenetic mechanisms modulating plant adaptation to environmental stresses driven by climate change. More specifically, EPI-CATCH has been created with the objective of standardizing methodology in plant epigenetics/epigenomics and better integrate these data with other “omic” approaches, creating a pan-European framework for networking in this under-investigated research field.
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Published in 23/3/2020
download file"We responded positively to a challenge from the Centro Hospitalar do Baixo Vouga (CHBV) that asked for the provision of some protective materials. UA community responded immediately and continues to help and will be available to help in whatever is necessary," said Artur Silva, UA vice-rector for research. In addition to the production and delivery of disinfectant, assured from CESAM by Anabela Pereira, Biology/Environmental Laboratories Technician, and Joana Barata, Technological Development Researcher, the Academy responded to the request for delivery of protective material for the clinical staff of the Hospital de Aveiro with the delivery of lab coats, masks and gloves stored in the Chemistry, Biology and Environment Departments, Escola Superior de Saúde and ECOMARE, as well as in several Research Units (CESAM, CICECO, LAQV_REQUIMTE-Aveiro). + https://bit.ly/2QnUA2H
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Published in 21/5/2020
Dear CESAM member: Taking into account the current situation and the recommendations by the Portuguese Government and the Rector of the University of Aveiro, CESAM staff has been reduced to a minimum possible onsite - the administrative staff is working remotely (those who are not on leave due to assistance to children). Until further notice, all communications with any staff member should favor the use of email and/or phone calls. As requested before please use institutional emails -this facilitates the correct and fastest way of response. We will try to keep things running as smoothly as possible. Please keep following the current situation which is updated regularly in the University of Aveiro website https://www.ua.pt/en/covid-19-info https://www.ua.pt/en/covid-19-faq Imagem de mohamed Hassan por Pixabay
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Published in 16/3/2020
download fileThe land of make-believe — that will certainly be made to pay the bill! Since the Environmental Impact Assessment for Montijo Airport was made public, in July 2019, its failures, with regard to the evaluation of impacts on the birds of the estuary have come to be revealed. In September 2019, these limitations were presented in public consultation to the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA). In January 2020 they released a Declaration of Environmental Impact (DIA) “conditionally approving” the project — nullifying practically any subsequent discussion of this subject. However, it has now been reported that the technical report by specialists of the national authority for nature conservation (Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Florestas — ICNF) attests that the impacts of this project “…call into question the integrity of the whole Special Protection Area” of the Tagus Estuary, and that the assessment of the ICNF “must be negative”, on pain of “possible future [European] community legislation.” Continue reading here: https://bit.ly/2vuTivS This article was written by the Researcher José Alves.
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Published in 11/3/2020
The PhD student of CESAM & CICECO Elaine Fabre is the first author of the article published in the journal Science of the Total Environment that shows that banana peels are highly efficient in removing heavy metals of contaminated waters, namely with mercury. The complete news can be read here and had a national visibility (e.g., SIC Notícias).
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Published in 10/3/2020
[Content only available in Portuguese] Que impacto têm as descobertas científicas na sociedade? E como podem ajudar na nossa vida quotidiana? Estas são as questões de partida que inspiram o “Ciência com Impacto”, uma nova iniciativa do Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM) da Universidade de Aveiro. O programa acaba de arrancar, tendo começado já a chegar ao grande público através de canais digitais, seguindo-se um conjunto de ações no terreno. “Ciência com Impacto” representa uma forma inédita de retirar as descobertas científicas do laboratório e dos gabinetes dos investigadores, divulgando-as e promovendo-as junto da comunidade. A ação é constituída por vídeos temáticos de três minutos e de podcasts com uma hora de duração. Estes conteúdos são divulgados com uma periodicidade semanal, com a publicação dos vídeos a alternar com a semana de divulgação dos podcasts. O primeiro vídeo já está disponível em https://cienciacomimpacto.pt e é protagonizado por Catarina Eira, investigadora do CESAM, que fala do seu trabalho na área da ecologia e conservação das populações de mamíferos marinhos que ocorrem na costa portuguesa. O primeiro podcast estará disponível na próxima segunda-feira, dia 16 de março. No âmbito da iniciativa “Ciência com Impacto” serão ainda realizados debates sobre temas da atualidade, associados às áreas do ambiente, saúde humana, ecologia, mar e biotecnologia, entre outros. Estes encontros contarão com a presença e o contributo de investigadores do CESAM e de outros atores relevantes para a temática abordada. A Bondalti, indústria química parceira do projeto, assume a produção, realização e divulgação dos podcasts, que estão a ser alojados num media host e disponibilizados nas plataformas habituais (em áudio) e no Youtube (em vídeo). Além desta divulgação, o podcast será emitido pela Rádio Voz da Ria, que se associa através da cedência dos estúdios. O Diário de Notícias também se associou e será criada uma rúbrica quinzenal intitulada "Ciência com Impacto", que publicará o podcast e uma entrevista editada a partir dele. “Ciência com Impacto” contará, igualmente, com uma componente de ciência cidadã, de modo a envolver as empresas e o público em projetos de investigação.
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Published in 10/3/2020
download file[Text only available in Portuguese] Membros do Laboratório de Biotecnologia Molecular (Departamento de Biologia e CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro), estiveram presentes na Semana da Ciência da Escola Secundária Adolfo Portela em Águeda nos dias 04 e 06 de março. No primeiro dia, Joana Barbosa, recentemente doutorada foi apresentar o seu trabalho de Doutoramento numa palestra intitulada “Bactérias: Quando os vilões trabalham a nosso favor”. A palestra foi dirigida a cerca de 50 alunos e professores essencialmente do 10º e 11º anos. No dia 06 de março, investigadores do laboratório (um doutorado e estudantes de doutoramento e de mestrado) dinamizaram um workshop sobre Técnicas de Cultura de procariotas e avaliação de características fenotípicas. Este workshop foi dirigido a 20 alunos do 11º ano.
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Published in 9/3/2020
The project rWILD-COA was approved for funding by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), in the scope of the International Research Program on Côa Valley, which aims to promote interdisciplinar and multidisciplinar R&D activities performed in the region of Côa Valley, classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Site in 2019. The project rWILD-COA - Ecological challenges and opportunities of trophic rewilding in Côa Valley, has a multidisciplinary and international team: João Carvalho (Principal Investigator), Rita T. Torres, Rui Morgado, Susana Loureiro and Carlos Fonseca, all from Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Association Rewilding Iberia, Association Transumância e Natureza, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona. rWILD-COA will use Côa Valley as a natural laboratory to test and quantify the potential role of wild ungulates as ‘engineers’ of Mediterranean ecosystem. The project rWILD-COA will provide the necessary knowledge to the implementation of self-sustainable ecosystems. By integrating a variety of specialized teams and disciplines, rWILD-COA is aimed to i) evaluate the effects of extensive and intensive grazing and/or browsing on fire risk mitigation, ii) predict how ungulates impact soil ecological processes and functioning (e.g. soil microbial activity, biogeochemical cycling) by grazing, grubbing, trampling and dunging, and study how these activities influence vegetation structure and invertebrate communities through soil nutrient mediation, iii) explore the direct and indirect pathways by which ungulates buffer or strengthen changes in species richness and diversity in the face of other environmental perturbations, such as climate warming, and iv) analyse plant-soil feedback effects and the role of inter and intraspecific competition on foraging efficiency, diet quality and animal health of reintroduced individuals. the ecological and functional processes of the soil (e.g. microbial activity, biogeochemical cycles), and study how these activities influence the structure of the vegetation and the community of invertebrates through the mediation of the nutrients’ cycle, iii) evaluate the effects of intensive and extensive pastoralism in the mitigation of fire risk, and iv) analyze the effects of the resources competition in the quality of the diet and physiological parameters of reintroduced animals.
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Published in 4/3/2020
The national journal JPN wrote, on February 20, an article on the temperature record obtained in Antarctic. CESAM researcher Irina Gorodetskaya was interviewed to give her testimony on this thematic and the article was updated on February 26. Irina Gorodetskaya is an expert in meteorology and clime with several works in Antarctic. The article can be read here [in Portuguese].
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Published in 30/4/2020
download fileO Simpósio vai decorrer em vila Nova de Cerveira de 25 a 26 de setembro de 2020. A realização do SIBHRM, com uma periodicidade bianual, junta participantes de Espanha e Portugal, no sentido de atualizar informação e promover a discussão sobre temas pertinentes para a região, tendo por base os recursos naturais e importância da preservação da biodiversidade associada ao Rio Minho. A edição deste ano, irá realizar-se em conjunto com o Seminário Final do projeto COOPERMINHO - Valorização da Produção Piscatória do Rio Minho – Contribuição para a Gestão e Valorização de Produtos da Pesca do Rio Minho – Comunicação e Formação Socioambiental da Comunidade Local para a valorização dos Recursos Piscícolas do Rio Minho. A inscrição neste evento é gratuita mas obrigatória e pode ser feita aqui. Datas importantes: Data limite de inscrição: 31 julho Data limite de envio de resumos: 31 julho Data limite de envio de trabalhos: 01 setembro
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Published in 3/3/2020
The documentary “Lousada - Reencontro com a Natureza” will be soon released in the national TV channel, SIC. This documentary involved the logistic support of biologists and technicians of the Municipality of Lousada and CESAM, which was the scientific partner. Joaquim Pedro Ferreira, researcher of CESAM, shared the authorship and direction of this documentary. Placed in the North of Portugal, Lousada is a place with a dense population and, as a consequence, the landscape has a big concentration of houses and other human-built structures. Regardless the elimination of several natural habitats, the wild life often resists and several species took profit from the opportunities created by the human presence. The company Play Solutions Audiovisuais and the Municipality of Lousada present natural histories unknown for the general public, such as: an eagle that feeds its offspring with honeycombs of Asian hornets, the fights between huge scarab beetles, and the largest lizards in Europe living in a football field. The documentary resulted from more than 800 filming hours of animal behavior, some of them were never registered in Portugal. We invite you to meet an innovative project of nature conservation and the extraordinary work of a group of people dedicated to the protection of biodiversity. The trailer can be seen here.
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Published in 28/8/2020
A new book on Methods to Study Litter Decomposition - A Practical Guide was published with the contribution of CESAM’s researchers to the following chapter: Flindt, M.R., A.I. Lillebø, J. Pérez, V. Ferreira (2020) Total phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon in leaf litter. In: Methods to Study Litter Decomposition: A practical guide. Scientific Editors: Baerlocher, Felix, Gessner, Mark O., Graça, Manuel A.S., Springer. Chapter 11, pp 91-105.
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Published in 2/3/2020
The CESAM researcher Catarina Eira, explains in the online journal Observador, how fishing nets can contribute to the extinction of some dolphin species and possible solutions to this problem. Data result from LIFE+ project MarPro.
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Published in 2/3/2020
Cambeú project is focused in the protection of sea turtles that spawn in the beaches of Angola and that are seriously threaten. The news was given by UAOnline and was also highlighted by the journal Wilder [in PT].
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Published in 27/2/2020
[Content only available in Portuguese] Já pode ser lido o livro Comunicação de Ciência – das universidades ao grande público, editado pelas Edições Afrontamento (coleção Biologicando). Este livro foi publicado no âmbito das atividades do CESAM e conta com a contribuição de vários membros e colaboradores desta unidade de investigação. A obra é dirigida a todos os que ambicionam melhorar as suas capacidades de comunicação para vários públicos e responde a várias questões que assolam os Cientistas, Comunicadores e a Sociedade. O Reitor da Universidade de Aveiro, prof. Paulo Jorge Ferreira, refere no antelóquio que “com abordagens teóricas e práticas na dose certa, os onze capítulos focam-se naquilo que deve ser a comunicação de ciência das universidades para o grande público, nas várias formas que pode assumir e nos diversos contextos em que pode acontecer”. Assim, neste livro, poderá ler-se como comunicar ciência (desde um artigo científico a uma banda desenhada) e em contextos variados (por exemplo Centros de Ciência Viva e ONG). Este livro pretende não só beneficiar a comunidade científica e a Ciência, mas também a Sociedade, contribuindo para melhorar a prática da comunicação e a discussão das questões teóricas que fundamentam essa prática.
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Published in 24/2/2020
ANICT 2020 events are a group of local symposia, organized by the scientific community in various parts of the country, with the aim of collecting information on the main problems that doctoral researchers face in the development of their work activity, as well as presenting and discussing concrete proposals with priority scientific policies that the government should implement. The relevance and urgency of these events is related to the mandate of the Comissão de Avaliação de Alto Nível de avaliação do Programa de Estímulo ao Emprego Científico, which should present its recommendations to the Government, by the end of March 2020. ANICT invites the entire community to participate in the events. Specifically, the event to be held at the University of Aveiro will take place on March 5th at Carlos Borrego Amphitheater (DAO), between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm, with the organization and moderation of CESAM Scientific Coordinator Ana Lillebø and the researchers Sónia Cruz and João Amaral.
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Published in 18/2/2020
Work of CESAM with University of Porto explores the potential of an invasive species to treat contaminated waters. The complete news here.
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Published in 2/3/2020
[Content only available in Portuguese] O objectivo da série é dar a conhecer a diversidade de organismos, o seu papel nos ecossistemas e o contributo que têm dado à ciência. Cada episódio, com periodicidade quinzenal, inicia com uma espécie de “bilhete de identidade” de um organismo e dará a conhecer as descobertas científicas que lhe estão associadas. É um catálogo de diversidade biológica, desde bactérias a grandes vertebrados, dado a conhecer por investigadores do CESAM. Esta produção audiovisual insere-se no cumprimento da missão do CESAM de promoção e divulgação do conhecimento científico. O primeiro episódio pode ser visto aqui. Esta série era antes uma iniciativa do Departamento de Biologia da Universidade de Aveiro e que também teve a colaboração de vários membros do CESAM. Todos os vídeos publicados até ao momento podem ser vistos aqui.
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Published in 5/3/2020
FOR PERSONAL AND FAMILIAR REASONS OF ONE OF THE INVOLVED PARTIES, THIS EVENT WAS CANCELED AND WILL BE POSTPONED FOR A NEW DATE NOT YET CONFIRMED. WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE. [Text available only in Portuguese] O CESAM-Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar tem uma nova iniciativa que pretende retirar as grandes e pequenas descobertas científicas do laboratório e dos gabinetes dos investigadores. O projeto terá o nome de Ciência com impacto e a sua apresentação pública será no dia 06 de março, pelas 15h no Auditório do ISCA da Universidade de Aveiro. Ciência Com Impacto é um projeto de divulgação e promoção do conhecimento científico produzido nas áreas do ambiente, saúde humana, do mar, da ecologia e da biotecnologia por investigadores do Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM) da Universidade de Aveiro. O principal objetivo deste projeto é mostrar como o conhecimento científico, que está a ser gerado neste preciso momento, tem impacto nas nossas vidas e no nosso quotidiano, como esse conhecimento resolve problemas, ajuda a tomar decisões e como permite que sejamos cidadãos mais ativos e responsáveis. Ciência Com Impacto será constituída por vídeos temáticos de três minutos e de podcasts com uma hora de duração. Estes conteúdos terão uma periodicidade quinzenal: a publicação dos vídeos alterna com a semana de divulgação dos podcasts. Serão ainda realizados debates sobre temas da atualidade, associados às áreas do ambiente, saúde humana, ecologia, mar e biotecnologia, entre outros que contarão com a presença e o contributo de investigadores do CESAM e de outros atores relevantes para a temática abordada. Ciência Com Impacto terá, também, uma componente de ciência cidadã de modo a envolver as empresas e o público em projetos de investigação. Ciência Com Impacto é um projeto da Universidade de Aveiro, que conta com o apoio da produtora Play Solutions Audiovisuais e a parceria da Bondalti – a maior indústria química portuguesa.
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Published in 14/2/2020
Carlos Fonseca, professor of CESAM, took office as CTO of the Collaborative Laboratory ForestWISE on February 10, in a ceremony which had the presence of the Minister Manuel Heitor. The event at UTAD, brought together companies and public institutions interested in seeking answers to the challenge of an integrated management of rural fires. The complete news here.
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Published in 13/2/2020
The Instituto Hidrográfico (Portugal) and Instituto Hidrográfico de la Marina (Spain) co-organize, for the first time, the 1st Luso-Spanish Journeys on Hydrography. The CESAM researcher, Doctor Ana Lillebø, belongs to the scientific commission of this event. These journeys will happen in Instituto Hidrográfico from 23 to 25 June. This event occurs in the context of the World Hydrography Day (21 June) and is an opportunity for the scientific community discuss themes related with hydrographic engineering and in related areas. The themes that are going to be addressed in the journeys are: Hydrography Cartography Navigation and Maritime Services Oceanography Marine Geology Chemistry in marine environments Sea Technologies Marine Geospatial Data infrastructures Important dates: Abstract submission: 13 Mar Extended abstract submission: 04 May Release of temporary program: 15 Apr Registration: 15 Apr – 09 Jun More information here.
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Published in 10/2/2020
Following the participation in the Preparatory Meeting of the 2020 United Nations Ocean Conference held in the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 4-5 February CESAM’s representatives contributed to the stakeholders E-Consultation on elements for the declaration and themes for the interactive dialogues of the 2020 United Nations Ocean Conference that will take place in Lisbon, 2-6 June. The complete CESAM’s contributions can be read here (line 99).
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Published in 27/8/2020
A new Open Access book - O’Higgins T., Lago M., DeWitt T. (eds) (2020) Ecosystem-Based Management, Ecosystem Services and Aquatic Biodiversity, Springer, 580pp (ISBN : 978-3-030-45842-3) - was published with the contribution of CESAM’s researchers to the following chapters: Culhane F.E., Robinson L.A., Lillebø A.I. (2020) Approaches for Estimating the Supply of Ecosystem Services: Concepts for Ecosystem-Based Management in Coastal and Marine Environments. In: O’Higgins T., Lago M., DeWitt T. (eds) Ecosystem-Based Management, Ecosystem Services and Aquatic Biodiversity. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-45843-0_6Lillebø A.I., Teixeira H., (...) Nogueira A.A.J. (2020) Mitigating Negative Unintended Impacts on Biodiversity in the Natura 2000 Vouga Estuary (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal). In: O’Higgins T., Lago M., DeWitt T. (eds) Ecosystem-Based Management, Ecosystem Services and Aquatic Biodiversity. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-45843-0_24McDonald H., (…) Teixeira H. (2020) Ecosystem-Based Management for More Effective and Equitable Marine Protected Areas: A Case Study on the Faial-Pico Channel Marine Protected Area, Azores. In: O’Higgins T., Lago M., DeWitt T. (eds) Ecosystem-Based Management, Ecosystem Services and Aquatic Biodiversity. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-45843-0_25 Download book here: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-45843-0
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Published in 6/2/2020
The Directorate-General responsible for nature conservation and forests convene on February 03 2020, in University of Aveiro, a participatory meeting on the control of invasive alien species in Ria de Aveiro. Several entities of the region of Aveiro were present, including University of Aveiro represented by CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies. The participatory meeting organized by the Direção Regional da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas do Centro focused on the “Control of invasive alien species in Natura 2000 Site Ria de Aveiro in the context of the commemoration of the World Wetlands Day, this year dedicated to the theme Wetlands and Biodiversity. The main goal of the meeting was to prepare and operationalize a control plan of the invasive alien species in Ria de Aveiro Site. Invasions has been identified in the National Strategy for the Conservation of Nature and Biodiversity 2030 as one of the major threats to biodiversity. CESAM researcher Heliana Teixeira, was invited to be present in the meeting and presented the first exhaustive survey of the aquatic invasive alien species in Ria de Aveiro that has been made by her team. Professor Hélia Marchante from Escola Superior Agrária de Coimbra and researcher of CFE- UC, co-responsible for the platform Invasoras.pt, was also present and reported the terrestrial invasive alien species that constitute major impacts and of higher concern in the area. Several entities of the Central region of Portugal participated in this meeting, including municipalities, environmental agencies, relevant Directorates-General, University of Aveiro represented by CESAM, other high education entities, Guarda Nacional Republicana, Port of Aveiro administration and Capitania.
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Published in 5/2/2020
In anticipation of the 2020 United Nations Ocean Conference, the General Assembly of UN decided to convene a two-day preparatory meeting from 4-5 February 2020 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Ana Lillebø, the Scientific Coordinator of CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and representatives of the CESAM thematic line Marine Ecosystems & Resources are present in this event. The 2020 United Nations Ocean Conference will be held in Lisbon, 2-6 June 2020 co-hosted by Government of Portugal and Kenya. This event comes at a critical time as the world is strengthening its efforts to mobilize, create and drive solutions to realize the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. In anticipation of this Conference, the General Assembly organized a preparatory meeting at the United Nations Headquarters in New York aiming to discuss the actions to support the implementation of UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. Universidade de Aveiro is present in this event with Ana Lillebø, CESAM’s scientific Coordinator, together with Ricardo Calado and Cristina Pita, coordinator and co-coordinator of the CESAM thematic line Marine Ecosystems & Resources, respectively. The main aims of this thematic line are to contribute to a Blue Society, where solutions are inspired by the ocean, and improve ocean and coastal decision-making, supported by solid scientific knowledge. This is in line with the ultimate goal of the 2020 United Nations Ocean Conference which is to use science and innovation to improve the knowledge on marine ecosystems and manage the marine resources in a sustainable way. At the opening of the meeting, the delivery from the Portuguese Minister of the Sea, Dr. Ricardo Serrão Santos, highlighted that “Portugal, as a strong voice for ocean law and governance, and for science-based policy, will stay at the forefront of the advocacy for the recognition that we need transformative action”, reinforcing the relevance of this theme at a national level in the future. More on this preparatory meeting and on the 2020 United Nations Ocean Conference here.
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Published in 4/2/2020
The Portuguese newspaper Público made na article on the impact of Montijo Airport in birds and took the CESAM researcher, José Alves, and Joaquim Teodósio from the Portuguese society of birds (SPEA - Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves). Watch the video here [in PT]. This issue was cover on the today’s newspaper.
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Published in 3/2/2020
The work of CESAM researcher Isabel Lopes and collaborator Cátia Venâncio entitled Active emigration from climate change-caused seawater intrusion into freshwater habitats was highlighted in the prestigious journal Nature Climate Change. One of the aims of this research was to answer the question if mobile freshwater organisms emigrate from salinity-disturbed habitats, i.e. if they avoid the salinity stress. Results show that planktonic crustacean (Daphnia magna), epibenthic ostracod (Heterocypris incongruens), frog (Xenopus laevis) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) show this behavior. Seawater intrusion is an expected event under climate change scenarios, resulting in a salinization of low-lying coastal freshwater ecosystems. Usually, ecological risk assessment of this intrusion is based in standard toxicity tests. The highlight given by Nature Climate Change is a call for attention that, for mobile organisms, stress avoidance emigration may occur and it will be important to consider it to assess the full risk of local losses due to salinization.
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Published in 31/1/2020
download fileThe black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa) is one of many wader species that uses the Tagus estuary as resting and feeding area during the winter, and one which is predicted to be seriously affected by the new Lisbon airport, located in the Montijo peninsula, in the middle of the Tagus estuary. The breeding population of black-tailed godwit in central Europa (particularly the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark and England) has suffered drastic declines of 30-49% during the last 26 years. Due to such negative population trend, the species is classified as “near threatened” by the International Union for Nature Conservation, and is currently targeted by several conservation programs, many of which financed by the European Union (Life Projects, Agri-Environemtal Schemes, etc.). And, in the Netherlands, the black-tailed godwit is the national bird! José Alves, DBIO & CESAM researcher was interview this week by broadcaster from Friesland (Omrop Fryslan), Dutch province where black-tailed godwits are very abundant. The new was published on-line and broadcasted in the radio and tv, reaching national media (e.g. NOS), which in turn lead to environmental NGOs asking the Dutch government about the issue. The news has been gaining momentum in the Netherlands and “it is very interesting to notice that an EU member state dedicates so much attention to one species, when in Portugal, where many other species will be directly affected by the airport location, this topic has had little to no debate”.
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Published in 31/1/2020
About 200 species of insects, mainly pollinators, were identified in 3 spaces of Universidade de Aveiro (UA) on the scope of the Master thesis in Applied Ecology of David Alves supervised by the researchers of Department of Biology and CESAM, Olga Ameixa and Paula Maia. More information on this work here [in PT].
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Published in 30/1/2020
The project Smart Green Homes (SGH) that has CESAM members in its team boosted another edition of the Smart Green Homes (SGH) Open Campus in 29 January at Universidade de Aveiro. This event gathered the researchers of this project in the discussion and presentation of the worked obtained so far. The complete news here [in PT].
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Published in 30/1/2020
Ministry of the Sea, Academia das Ciências de Lisboa and the Portuguese Committee for IOC (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission)/UNESCO are organizing a session dedicated to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development: From challenges to actions. This session will be held on the 14th February 2020 in Academia das Ciências de Lisboa. Program includes the participation of experts that will present and debate on how Ocean Science can contribute to Sustainable Development and the objectives of Agenda 2030. The event will have the presence of the Minister of the Sea, Dr. Ricardo Serrão Santos and of the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Eduaction, Dr. Manuel Heitor. Prof. Luis Menezes Pinheiro, President of the Portuguese Committee for IOC and researcher at CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Universidade de Aveiro, will share the opening session with the Minister of the Sea and will be the moderator of the panel The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Doctor Ana Hilário, researcher at CESAM, with a recognized curriculum on deep sea ecosystems, will be a speaker in the round table Ocean observation and protection measures. The complete program of the event can be consulted here. This session will be interesting for all including young researchers and post-grad students. The event is public but requires registration through the email: eventos@dgpm.mm.gov.pt. UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development was declared by the United Nations and will be held from 2021 to 2030 aiming to provide a common framework to ensure that ocean science can fully support countries to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Decade will provide a unique opportunity to create a new foundation, across the science-policy interface, to strengthen the management of our oceans and coasts for the benefit of humanity. The Decade will strengthen the international cooperation needed to develop the scientific research and innovative technologies that can connect ocean science with the needs of society. The Decade will require the engagement of many different stakeholders to create new ideas, solutions, partnerships and applications, these include: scientists, governments, academics, policy makers, business, industry and civil society. More information on the Decade here.
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Published in 3/2/2020
The research work of Diana Vieira and Marta Basso together with researchers from University of Lisbon, warns that, as a consequence of the forest fires of 2017 in the Centre of Portugal, the supply of water from Rio Zêzere may be impacted. The news was disseminated in several national media and can be read here: Público [in PT] RTP online [in PT] Visão [in PT] TSF [in PT] Expresso [in PT]
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Published in 22/1/2020
The paper Structural features and pro-inflammatory effects of water-soluble organic matter in inhalable fine urban air particles authored by CESAM members, together with researchers from iBiMED and QOPNA & LAVQ-REQUIMTE of Universidade de Aveiro, is cover of the next number Environmental Science & Technology journal. In this work, researchers collected inhalable fine particulate matter from the atmosphere to identify differences in the composition of water-soluble organic matter (WSOM), and the oxidative and pro-inflammatory potential of WSOM samples in alveolar macrophages, which are related with the physiological responses of the immune system. Researchers concluded that exposure to these particles induced a moderate pro-inflammatory status, which may lead to a long-term reduction in the response capacity of the macrophages to further pro-inflammatory stimuli. These results suggest that, a decrease in the capacity of the alveolar macrophages to deal with pathogens may occur as a long-term effect. However, these are only preliminary results and further studies are necessary to understand the mechanisms responsible to cause the apparent increase of susceptibility to respiratory diseases due to the inhalation of these particles.
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Published in 4/8/2020
The researcher of CESAM Rita Tinoco Torres is the guest editor in a special issue of the journal Animals. The subject of this special issue is “Wildlife Diseases” and the deadline for manuscripts submission is May 31, 2021. More information about this Special Issue can be read here.
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Published in 21/1/2020
CESAM researcher, José Alves, together with the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA - Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves) and a researcher from MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, raised a complaint against Portuguese Government, accusing it of violating the AEWA – African Eurasian Waterbird Agreement, following the construction of a new airport at Montijo, Portugal. AEWA is an international agreement that protects 255 aquatic bird species. The news was published in the nature magazine Wilder – Rewilding your days and can be read here (in Portuguese).
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Published in 21/1/2020
Diana Madeira, CESAM's post-doctoral researcher, is organizing a special session SEB+ at the annual conference of the Society for Experimental Biology (SEB), in collaboration with Prof Piero Calosi (Université du Québec à Rimouski, Canada). The SEB annual meeting will take place in Prague from the 7th to the 10th of July 2020 and is a multi-disciplinary conference for researchers working on animal, plant and cell biology. It gathers over 800 biologists from all over the world and it will give its participants a great networking opportunity. The special SEB+ session co-organized by Diana Madeira will take place on the 11th of July 2020 and is titled “Within and transgenerational plastic responses and adaptive evolution of marine metazoans in a changing ocean: from molecules to biotic communities”. In more detail, the topics to be discussed in this session include: - Impacts of global change on marine biodiversity: trends and challenges for research and conservation - Tools and methodological developments to study global change impacts on biodiversity -Development of an integrated approach to global change research and biodiversity conservation This SEB+ session, associated to the main event, will give its participants the opportunity to: 1. Interact with several of the world's top experts on climate change and marine biodiversity 2. Participate in open discussions 3. Present a poster or deliver a talk 4. Share ideas and establish multi-disciplinary collaborative networks Abstracts should be submitted until the 13th of March 2020 here.
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Published in 9/6/2020
ALTER-Net, the international network that has CESAM as a member, and EKLIPSE offer 12 messages to contribute to the development of the next EU biodiversity strategy. In June 2019, researchers, scientists, decision-makers, and practitioners of several disciplines convened in Ghent for the 2019 ALTER-Net & EKLIPSE Conference. The purpose of this conference was to consider the post-2020 European Biodiversity Strategy and the role of research in shaping this strategy and its goals. The primary output of this conference is a collection of the 12 Key Messages, which have now been published and submitted to the European Commission. Here you can read all the messages and the full argumentation for each message.
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Published in 24/1/2020
download fileDeep ocean is the major bioma of the planet and many remain unknown, particularly regarding biodiversity and ecosystems functioning. However, it is largely recognized that human well-being is highly related with the integrity of the deep ecosystems due to several services such as climatic regulation and resources availability. In general, for society, the deep ocean is a remote and unknown place with almost no biodiversity and clear inaccessibility. Nevertheless, a combination of geological, physical and geochemical factors creates a vast number of complex habitats with unique characteristics that, together, contribute to the environmental balance of our planet. Fauna from these habitats, present specific adaptations to high pressure, darkness, low temperatures, lack of food and, in some cases, isolation. Consequently, generally, animal physiology and the function of deep ocean ecosystems are highly different from the ones of terrestrial and shallow waters environments. Moreover, biodiversity from bathyal and abyssal depths is among the more elevated in the planet and the discovering potential is huge ranging from new genetic resources to new roles that these habitats play in the marine environment. In this context, the functioning and the ecosystem services supported by deep ocean biodiversity together with the impacts and resilience of the deep-ocean to human activity, is a major gap of knowledge. Historically, one of the great limitations to the knowledge of the deep ocean is the fact that the approach is fragmented and biased, with data collected mainly in the North Hemisphere and in the Exclusive Economic Zones of developed countries. United Nations have declared 2021-2030 as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and on its roadmap, UN recognizes the lack of data in the deep ocean as an obstacle to the sustainable management of the oceans and requests the scientific community collaboration and coordination when planning the oceanic science. Scientific community in the deep ocean has answered to this challenge through two international initiatives: (1) Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI) which contributes to the identification of the priority scientific questions for the Decade and the technological potential necessary to answer these questions, and (2) the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) that supports a working group aiming to plan a global approach using standard and adapted methods to the different habitats for the acquisition and integration of biological data of the deep ocean, and create technology transfer resources and capacitate human resources for the ocean sciences. CESAM has an essential role in this process, by coordinating these working groups. Moreover, CESAM had organized a DOSI workshop for the identification of the scientific priorities for the Decade (October 2018) and is now receiving SCOR for its first meeting (22-24 January 2020). This event will have a public session on January 24 which will have the presence of several national and international researchers, together with the national Minister of the Sea, Dr. Ricardo Serrão Santos. The program of this public event can be consulted below. THE DEEP OCEAN IN THE UNDECADE OF OCEAN SCIENCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 24 January 2020, University of Aveiro (Anfiteatro do DEMaC, Building 9, room 9.1.1) 14.30 Welcome and introduction Prof. Paulo Jorge Ferreira, Rector of the University of Aveiro (TBC); Dr. Ana Hilário, University of Aveiro 14.50 Advances since the Census of Marine Life (2000-2010) and challenges for the next decade Dr. Paul Snelgrove, Memorial University, Newfoundland, Canada 15.10 Deep-Ocean science programmes in the Decade Prof. Lisa Levin, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, USA 15.30 The role of Portugal in a Decade of deep-ocean science Dr. Ricardo Serrão Santos, Minister of the Sea, Portugal & Member of the Executive Planning Group of the Decade 16.00 Round table discussion Moderator: Dr. Ana Colaço, University of the Azores, Portugal
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Published in 17/1/2020
CESAM, together with the Department of Biology of Universidade de Aveiro, contribute to the project CCOPERMINHO, in which it is responsible for a unique ethnobiological research in Minho River foccused in the sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus. More information on this work here [in PT]. In the context of this project, do not miss the premiere of the documentary COOPERMINHO on the 22nd of January at Universidade de Aveiro.
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Published in 14/1/2020
The finished document of the Thematic Agenda for Research and Innovation on Climate Change is already available at the site of FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (https://www.fct.pt/agendastematicas/altclim.phtml.pt). Some CESAM members had an important role in this document, namely, Prof. Henrique Queiroga, who participated as a Redactor, and Prof. Carlos Borrego and Doctor Sandra Rafael, who collaborated as experts. This Agenda is part of a group of fifteen Thematic Agendas at the responsibility of FCT, following an annex of the Council of Ministers decision nº 32/2016 on the commitment to the future (in PT). These agendas intend to mobilize experts from R&D institutions and companies in the identification of challenges and opportunities for the national scientific and technological system until 2030. The process of creation of the Agendas has been inclusive and dynamic, involving experts from academia, research centers, companies and public entities, but also citizens. Presently, the Agenda for Climate Change, is waiting for the graphic design but is already available to consult and download here.
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Published in 13/1/2020
download filehttps://projetocooperminho.com/
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Published in 2/1/2020
The project GENESIS - Green roofs and walls ENvironmental Economic and SocIal Savings: Modelling uncertainty and investors / users preferences in all-inclusive cost-benefit analysis of green roofs and walls, which has CESAM members on its team, is organizing the URBAN GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE to be held in Lisbon, 2-3 April 2020. Besides having the presence of CESAM members in the organizing committee, Professor Ana Isabel Miranda and researcher Vera Rodrigues are in the scientific committee. UGIIC 2020 is an interdisciplinary conference on green infrastructures (GI) and nature-based solutions (NBS) for cities. The aim of this event is to share and discuss the most recent work on green walls and green roofs, bringing together researchers, architects, engineers, urban planners, landscape architects and policy-makers from different nationalities. More information here. Important dates: - Abstract submission: 31 Jan - Paper/poster submission: 31 Jan - Presentation submission: 29 Feb
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Published in 20/12/2019
download fileHow many irrelevant e-mails do you send in one day? 65? You have just contributed with the same amount of CO2 as if you were driving a car for only 1 km! In 2020, CESAM proposes you to strive to be more mindful & sustainable and avoid sending irrelevant e-mails. https://tinyurl.com/environmental-impact-of-emails
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Published in 20/12/2019
download fileBetween 17 and 19 December the University of Aveiro hosted several researchers from Palermo University in Italy, Dubrovnik University of Croatia, EMUNI (Euro-Mediterranean University) in Slovenia, University of Alexandria in Egypt, University of Aswan in Egypt and Arab Academy of Sciences and Maritime Transport in Egypt for the start-up meeting of the Erasmus+ FishAqu project ("Knowledge Exchange in sustainable Fisheries management and Aquaculture in the Mediterranean region"). The main objective of this project is to create a Master's programme in Aquaculture and Fisheries in the light of the principles of the Bologna process. The beginning of this meeting was marked by the welcome reception by the Vice-Rector of the University of Aveiro, Professor Artur Silva. During the meeting the bases for the implementation and execution of the project were established and the curricular development will be based on future meetings in Aveiro and Marsa Matrouh in Egypt, as well as in Piran in Slovenia. This project involves, among other activities, the mobility of teachers and students from the University of Aveiro to Egypt where they will participate in the teaching of Master's modules, as well as the reception at the University of Aveiro of Egyptian students. http://fishaqu.eu/
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Published in 3/8/2020
The researcher José A. Alves writes an opinion article in the national newspaper Público. In this article, he compares the action of the Portuguese government when facing the present pandemic in which the experts were essential in the decision-making, with the process of the construction of the new Airport in Montijo in which experts were ignored. The opinion of José A. Alves may be read in Portuguese or in English.
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Published in 17/12/2019
[Content only available in Portuguese] Investigadores do CESAM – Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, FCUL - Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa observaram três espécies de aves a alimentarem-se de seiva de palma, parcialmente fermentada, aproveitando a recolha feita nas palmeiras pelas populações locais para produção de vinho de palma, no Arquipélago dos Bijagós, Guiné Bissau. São poucos os grupos de animais vertebrados que conseguem alimentar-se de seiva de plantas, no entanto, algumas espécies de aves e mamíferos incluem este recurso altamente energético na sua dieta. Um estudo realizado em 2019 por investigadores do CESAM – Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, FCUL - Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa documentou (Jorge Gutiérrez, Teresa Catry, José Pedro Granadeiro), pela primeira vez, três espécies de aves (Tecelão-malhado Ploceus cucullatus, Engole-malagueta Pycnonotus barbatus (na imagem) e Beija-flor do Gabão Anthreptes gabonicus) a alimentarem-se em pontos de recolha de seiva de palma. Na verdade, o consumo de “vinho de palma”, produzido a partir da seiva recolhida das palmeiras, é uma prática comum em muitos países do Oeste Africano. Para isso os habitantes locais fazem cortes no topo das árvores a partir dos quais extraem a seiva. Neste trabalho, que decorreu durante três meses na ilha de Orango, no arquipélago dos Bijagós, as aves foram observadas a tirar partido desta oportunidade, bebendo diretamente dos pontos de recolha de seiva nas palmeiras. Esta seiva, além de rica em açúcares, pode também ser uma fonte de água importante na época seca. No entanto, “Apesar de não se terem observado alterações no comportamento destas aves, esta seiva já está parcialmente fermentada, contendo entre 5,6 e 7,6 % de álcool (o equivalente a uma cerveja). De alguma forma estas espécies parecem estar adaptadas para lidar com este nível de álcool, mas serão necessárias mais experiências para o provar” explica Jorge Gutiérrez, um dos autores deste trabalho. Os autores destacam ainda que é muito interessante “o facto destas aves potencialmente aprenderem este comportamento de aproveitamento deste recurso umas com as outras, podendo servir como modelos de estudo de transmissão cultural em ambiente selvagem”. Este é um exemplo de um caso em que o Homem facilita o acesso de alimento a estas espécies de aves que, de outra forma, não conseguiriam aproveitar este recurso. Interessante também é o facto destas aves parecerem estar familiarizadas com a localização e produção dos diferentes pontos de recolha e defenderem-nos ativamente de outras que tentem alimentar-se neles. Os próximos passos serão “investigar a ocorrência deste comportamento em outras ilhas do arquipélago dos Bijagós e realizar experiências com aves marcadas individualmente para se perceber a relevância do vinho de palma na sua alimentação e o potencial papel da transmissão cultural neste comportamento” diz Jorge Gutiérrez. O artigo original pode ser lido aqui. O trabalho foi realizado no âmbito do projeto MigraWebs. [Créditos da imagem: Jorge Gutérrez]
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Published in 19/12/2019
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Published in 13/12/2019
A presentation workshop took place December 10 at ECOMARE (University of Aveiro), featuring project TraSeafood - Traceability of Geographic Origin as an Intelligent Appreciation Path for Endogenous Marine Resources (PTDC / BIA-BMA / 29491/2017). This project is supported by FCT/MEC through national funds, and co-funding by FEDER, within the PT2020 Partnership Agreement and Compete 2020. The whole project research team was present at the workshop, as well as representatives of Autoridade Marítima Nacional, Direção-Geral de Recursos Naturais, Segurança e Serviços Marítimos (DGRM), Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária (DGAV) and several other partner entities that are part of the stakeholders’ committee of project TraSeafood. Speakers presented the biogeochemical and biochemical techniques employed, as well as the statistical models developed, that already allowed to establish the best methodologies to achieve a reliable traceability of the geographical origin of various marine organisms collected along the Portuguese continental coast and Galicia. TraSeafood project will continue until May 31, 2021 assisting law enforcement agencies to combat illegal fishing and expose fraudulent practices and/or threats to public health.
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Published in 9/12/2019
Miguel C. Leal and Ricardo Calado, researchers at CESAM and members of the Marine Biotechnology & Aquaculture (MBA) research group, co-edited a Special Issue on Functional Aquafeeds published by the Journal of the World Aquaculture Nutrition (Wiley). In the editorial of this Special Issue both researchers highlight that “lack of suitable legal frameworks that encompass the most recent scientific breakthroughs often postpone their use by the industry. If such regulatory bottlenecks arise for functional aquafeeds, aquaculture may not be able to deliver the world its much needed sustainably farmed protein.” [Caption of image: Infographic of the Featured article in JWAS Special Issue Functional Aquafeeds]
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Published in 18/12/2019
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Published in 15/1/2020
The paper “Structural features and pro-inflammatory effects of water-soluble organic matter in inhalable fine urban air particles” (https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b04596), from the Environmental Processes & Pollutants research group, in partnership with researchers from iBiMED and QOPNA & LAVQ-REQUIMTE from the University of Aveiro, has recently been accepted for publication in the prestigious journal Environmental Science & Technology. The article was also selected for the cover of Environmental Science & Technology journal, Volume 54, number 2, to be published in January 2020.
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Published in 3/12/2019
Lisa Sousa, investigadora do CESAM e do grupo COPING do Departamento de Ambiente e Ordenamento, em destaque no Caderno produzido pelo Açoriano Oriental sobre a Conferência Internacional “Governança dos Oceanos em Regiões Arquipelágicas”, que decorreu no Faial em outubro. A Conferência reuniu mais de 80 convidados e 195 participantes de vários países do mundo para partilhar conhecimento e debater os desafios da gestão e governança do mar. Discutiram-se temas como a monitorização e avaliação dos recursos marinhos, literacia para os oceanos, socioeconomia das pescas, ordenamento do espaço marítimo e áreas marinhas protegidas. A investigadora foi convidada a apresentar os resultados da Avaliação Ambiental Estratégica (AAE) do Plano de Situação do Ordenamento do Espaço Marítimo. Este trabalho foi coordenado pela Professora Doutora Fátima Lopes Alves e Doutora Lisa Sousa, no âmbito do contrato celebrado com a Direção-Geral de Recursos Naturais, Segurança e Serviços Marítimos (DGRM). A AAE foi realizada, em paralelo com o Plano de Situação, pela Universidade de Aveiro e em estreita ligação com as equipas da administração responsáveis pela elaboração do Plano no Continente (DGRM), Madeira (DROTA - Direção Regional do Ordenamento do Território e Ambiente) e Açores (DRAM - Direção Regional dos Assuntos do Mar). Teve como objetivo identificar, descrever e avaliar os eventuais efeitos significativos no ambiente, resultantes das opções estratégicas de desenvolvimento propostas pelo Plano de Situação, tendo sido garantida uma abordagem de natureza estratégica consonante com um processo de AAE. O acompanhamento contínuo, interativo e sistemático do Plano de Situação permitiu potenciar os efeitos positivos decorrentes da sua implementação, bem como minimizar os efeitos negativos, nomeadamente através da identificação de medidas de minimização desses efeitos, integradas nas boas práticas constantes do Plano de Situação, para cada uso/atividade, e estabelecer diretrizes de monitorização, integradas na respetiva monitorização do plano. Link para o Caderno do Açoriano Oriental: https://www.acorianooriental.pt/files/multimedia/docs/249.pdf
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Published in 25/11/2019
download fileMónica Amorim Principal:Ecotoxicology: Several years were devoted to the development of an active research programme in ecotoxicology, mostly terrestrial, in field and laboratory, addressing a series of both fundamental and pre-normative research questions. In the area of soil ecotoxicology research activities include the development of the avoidance behaviour test, genomic tools and use of multi-species tests; refinement of existing protocols and development of new bioassays to assess soil contamination. Additionally, has developed and implemented in E. albidus a behavioural test - avoidance test - having shown its high ecological relevance.Specialization:Ecotoxicogenomics: Extensive progresses have taken place since 2006, such as the development and the enrichment of a new microarray [1], developed for the first time for an Enchytraeid (E. albidus)[2], and is now an Agilent custom platform. At present E. crypticus was subject of a massive parallel sequencing (454-pyrosequencing) and a high gradient Nimblegen microarray is validated. [2] http://bioinformatics.ua.pt/enchybase/Nanotoxicology: Collaborating with both national and international experts in the area. Developments in soil nanotoxicology, which are far less studied than in water media, present particular challenges. Investigation is progressing (3 publications 2011) and rapidly moving.Other skills/activities:Standardisation of new guidelines, and joining ring tests that precede it, such as the Bioacumulation in Oligochaetes, Collembolan Reproduction test (addition of a new test species) or the Evaluation of a biotest battery for the ecotoxicological characterisation of waste and waste eluates. Promoted and optimized the development of novel avoidance behaviour tests for Enchytraeids, having initially produced 3 papers that kicked research in this topic with other species. [1] A microarray is a multichannel lab chip. It is a solid matrix (usually a glass slide or a thin silicone celular film) that tests high amounts of biological material in high-throughput. Also called a gene chip. Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/484499905744703/ Online broadcast: https://youtu.be/Azg1gw_W1vw
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Published in 25/11/2019
download fileAna Lillebø, researcher and scientific coordinator of CESAM, participated as a lecturer in the workshop 'BIOGEOGRAPHY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PROVIDED BY COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS' held on November 21 and 22, 2019, at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (Brasil). https://tropikos.weebly.com/news.html
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Published in 3/8/2020
CESAM coordinates 4 out of the 19 approved projects approved in the framework of the 3rd Call for R&D Projects to Prevent and Fight Forest Fires, indicating the strong capacity of research in this specific area. A total of 81 projects were submitted to FCT, aiming to promote scientific research and innovation, enabling the production of new knowledge as well as strengthen technical skills, in different important areas for the prevention and fight of agricultural fires, in a multidisciplinary perspective, and incorporating a component of dissemination and application of the results. The CESAM approved projects were: - BioValChar – Valorização sustentável de biomassa residual para biochar | Luís Tarelho - Fogo controlado, risco de incêndio e produtividade do eucaliptal: da investigação à prática | Sofia Corticeiro - Smoke Storm – previsão e comunicação do fumo de incêndios florestais | Ana I. Miranda - Partilhar as decisões nas florestas – metodologia participativa para o envolvimento do público e dos atores sociais na proteção e valorização das florestas em Portugal| Sandra Valente Read more here.
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Published in 19/11/2019
download fileLaura Antão graduated by the University of Aveiro and the University of St Andrews, under the supervision of Dr Maria Dornelas and Professor Amadeu Soares, and currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki, published in the high impact journal Science under BDio&CESAM´s affiliation. The work is about the rapid change on biodiversity driven by climate change and other human influences. The team analysed the global patterns in temporal change in biodiversity using a large quantity of time-series data from different regions (the data include many different ecosystems across continents and cover the marine, terrestrial and freshwater realms (BioTIME database*)). Their findings reveal clear spatial patterns in the rates of richness and composition change, where marine taxa exhibit the highest rates of change. The marine tropics, in particular, emerge as hotspots of species richness losses. Given that human activities are affecting biodiversity in magnitudes and directions that differ across the planet, these findings will provide a much needed biogeographic understanding of biodiversity change that can help to inform conservation prioritization." * citation: Dornelas M, Antão LH, Moyes F, Bates, AE, Magurran, AE, et al. BioTIME: A database of biodiversity time series for the Anthropocene. Global Ecol Biogeogr. 2018; 27:760 - 786. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12729
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Published in 19/11/2019
download fileIn early November, Wilder went to Estuário do Tejo to see how thousands of birds could be affected by the new airport (Montijo). Wilder spoke with José Alves, researcher at CESAM, who has been studying migratory birds from Estuário do Tejo for 15 years. Full news here, but only in portuguese.
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Published in 22/11/2019
download fileAlthough they play a crucial role in the ecosystem and its importance in the economy of the coastal zones and the region, the cockle is an illustrious unknown to science towards its distribution, evolution and health of its populations in Ria de Aveiro. Therefore, the COACH project - “A cooperative approach applied to the conservation and management of cockles” was one of three funded by the Oceans Conservation Fund. The COACH project, coordinated by Luísa Magalhães, aims to collect multifactorial information on cockle fishing, its biology and the physical-chemical characteristics of the places where it occurs. Full news here, but only in portuguese.
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Published in 11/11/2019
download fileIn Europe, monitoring contaminant concentrations and their effects in the marine environment is required under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC). The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is the most abundant small cetacean species in Portuguese oceanic waters, representing a potential biomonitoring tool of contaminant levels in offshore waters. Concentrations of nine trace elements were evaluated by ICP-MS in kidney, liver and muscle samples of 31 striped dolphins stranded in the Portuguese continental coast. The mean renal Cd concentration was high (19.3?μg.g−1 wet weight, range 0.1–69.3?μg.g−1 wet weight) comparing to striped dolphins from other locations. Therefore, the present study reports a possibly concerning level of Cd in the oceanic food chain in Portuguese offshore areas. This study also aimed at evaluating potential relationships between trace element concentrations and striped dolphins' biological and health-related variables. Individual length was related with some of the trace element concentrations detected in striped dolphins. Indeed, Cd, Hg and Se bioaccumulated in larger animals, whereas the reverse was observed for Mn and Zn. Striped dolphins with high parasite burdens showed higher levels of Hg, while animals showing gross pathologies presented higher concentrations of Cd and Se. This study reported relationships between trace element concentrations and health-related variables for the first time in striped dolphins and it also provided information on the relative contamination status of Portuguese oceanic waters in comparison to other regions in the world. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969719344018?via%3Dihub
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Published in 9/12/2019
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Published in 7/11/2019
download fileThe European project LIFE REFOREST, coordinated by Jan Jacob Keizer, has begun the implementation and validation of its mycothecosol system to mitigate soil erosion in areas affected by rural fires in Portugal and Galicia-Spain. https://lifereforest.com/ Full news here, but only in portuguese.
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Published in 22/11/2019
download fileAn international and multidisciplinary team of 36 scientists and engineers, with the assistance of the officers and crew of the vessel, will conduct the first full-scale multidisciplinary investigation of deep (4000 m) hydrothermal vents under permanent ice cover in the Arctic, investigating the Aurora vent field (82.5°N) in the Gakkel Ridge. HACON - HOT VENTS IN AN ICE-COVERED OCEAN - will unravel the geochemical and physical processes that shape the Aurora biological communities and assess the role played by the Gakkel Ridge in connectivity of chemosynthesis-based ecosystems between ocean basins. The project will provide empirical robust data of a pristine system prior to expected climate-change variations and increased human activities in the Arctic region. + https://haconfrinatek.com/ Alexander Eeg - photography credits
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Published in 8/11/2019
download fileJosé Alves, CESAM researcher, raises important criticisms of the environmental impact study on Montijo airport and how the process is being developed. Wilder spoke to this bird study specialist. For 15 years José Alves studied the migratory birds in the Estuário do Tejo and also in the Arctic and West Africa. During a public consultation on the Environmental Impact Study (EIA), José Alves claims that “the evaluation of the project's impacts on the estuarine birds is very poor and in some points erroneous”. For this reason, he says, that Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente (APA) should “make the project in question impracticable and not propose that it be favorably conditioned. Here are three of the various errors pointed out by this expert to the document released by APA last July, concerning the birds: 1. Consider that a new airport building has only local impact 2. Lack of estuarine bird’s data and field studies 3. Areas affected by aircraft noise estimated “wrongly” Full news only in portuguese.
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Published in 8/11/2019
download fileIrina Gorodetskaya was nominated as a Lead Author of the IPCC WG1 Atlas Chapter. Her responsibilities include Polar Regions section, particularly Antarctica, in the WG1 Atlas, also ensuring cross-chapter links in WG1 and WG2 cross-chapter paper on Polar Regions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group I (WG I) aims at assessing the physical scientific basis of the climate system and climate change. Its main topics include: changes in greenhouse gases and aerosols in the atmosphere; observed changes in air, land and ocean temperatures, rainfall, glaciers and ice sheets, oceans and sea level; historical and paleoclimatic perspective on climate change; biogeochemistry, carbon cycle, gases and aerosols; satellite data and other data; climate models; climate projections, causes and attribution of climate change. More on IPCC WG1: https://wg1.ipcc.ch/ Some highlights from IPCC news: The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report highlights the urgency of prioritizing timely, ambitious and coordinated action to address unprecedented and enduring changes in the ocean and cryosphere: https://www.ipcc.ch/2019/09/25/srocc-press-release/ Registration opens for Expert Review of IPCC Working Group II contribution to IPCC Sixth Assessment Report: https://www.ipcc.ch/2019/10/11/wg2-ar6-first-order-draft-expert-review/
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Published in 27/7/2020
The revision article “The gut barrier and the fate of engineered nanomaterials: a view from comparative physiology” was recently published and is highlighted in the journal Environmental Science: Nano. The article results from a consortium with different institutions, and the CESAM researchers Susana Loureiro, Patrícia V. Silva and Zahra Khodaparast are among the authors. This revision was written under the scope of the Horizon 2020 project NanoFASE.
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Published in 30/10/2019
LECTURE: 'On the road to (mal)adaptation complex responses of amphibians to polluted ponds' Professor Steven P. Brady Southern Connecticut State University, United States www.stevenpbrady.com Amphitheater António Correia, Department of Biology Novembro 8th, 2019, 15:00
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Published in 22/11/2019
download fileThis work assessed the Blue Carbon (C) stock in the seagrass meadows (Zostera noltei) of Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon (Portugal), and evaluated its spatio-temporal trend over the 2003–2005 to 2013–2014 period. Zostera noltei spatial distribution, restricted to intertidal areas in 2014, was mapped by remote sensing using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and aerial photography. Zostera noltei biomass was also monitored in situ over a year and its Blue C stock was estimated. By 2014, intertidal meadows covered an area of 226 ± 4 ha and their Blue C stock ranged from 227 ± 6 to 453 ± 13 Mg C. Overall, Ria de Aveiro Z. noltei intertidal meadows increased in extent over the 2003–2005 to 2013–2014 period, corroborating the recent declining trend reversal observed in Europe and contrary to the global decline trend. This spatio-temporal shift might be related to a natural adjustment of the intertidal meadows to past human intervention in Ria de Aveiro, namely large-scale dredging activities, particularly in the 1996–1998 period, combined with the more accurate assessment performed in 2014 using the UAV. This recovery contributes to the effective increase of the Blue C stock in Ria de Aveiro and, ultimately, to supporting climate regulation and improving ecosystem health. However, major dredging activities are foreseen in the system’s management plan, which can again endanger the recovery trend of Z. noltei intertidal meadows in Ria de Aveiro. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-50425-4
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Published in 29/10/2019
Between the years 2046 and 2065, mainland Portugal will experience a decrease in average annual rainfall of 10 per cent in the northern and coastal areas and about 30 per cent in the interior and south. The previsions, made at the University of Aveiro (UA), point to a scenario of water shortage in the ecosystem and, of course, for human consumption. Researchers call for urgent measures to be taken to better capture and manage rainwater in the future. Paula Quinteiro, Sandra Rafael, Bruno Vicente, Martinho Marta-Almeida, Alfredo Rocha, Luís Arroja and Ana Cláudia Dias are the CESAM researchers responsible for this study. Full news here but only in portuguese.
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Published in 29/10/2019
download fileRosário Domingues, CESAM researcher, was invited as a speaker at the Conference of the Portuguese Association of Applied Algology (APAA), which took place at CIIMAR (Interdisciplinary Center for Marine and Environmental Research) on October 21 and 22, 2019. This conference was attended by leading national researchers in the area and by leading macroalgae and microalgae producers in Portugal. This conference included the various aspects of relevance to the algae sector, from research, production and marketing, and the different uses, including the biotechnological use of this marine and aquatic resources, both nationally and internationally.
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Published in 5/11/2019
download fileSurface melting in West Antarctica is triggered by atmospheric rivers that transport heat and moisture from the mid-latitudes and sub-tropics to the polar regions according to a new study from researchers from the University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Sorbonne University (France), CESAM/University of Aveiro (Portugal) - Irina Gorodetskaya - and British Antarctic Survey (United Kingdom). You can read the paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-019-0460-1
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Published in 25/10/2019
The first Workshop "Impact of atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic stressors in coastal ecosystems" organized within the framework of AMBIEnCE Project (https://projectambience.wordpress.com/) was held on the 23rd of October 2019, at the University of Aveiro. This Workshop had presentations from members of CESAM research groups “Environmental Processes and Pollutants” and “Functional Biodiversity”, as well as a researcher from GeoBioTec Research Unit and a researcher from University NOVA de Lisboa. More than 50 participants, among researchers, postgraduate and undergraduate students jointed together for one day to address and discuss the impact of different atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic multi-stressors currently threatening biogeochemical cycles in sensitive coastal areas.
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Published in 22/11/2019
download fileThe workshop 'Contributions towards monitoring Cetacean population health in Portugal and Galicia' will be held on 21 November 2019 between 2pm and 4pm, at the Amphitheater of Building 03 - University of Aveiro. It is a workshop integrated in the Applied Marine Biology Master Degree of the University of Aveiro ('Departamento de Biologia') under the project 'Conservation of the marine environment' (Programa Fundo Ambiental). 14:00h Catarina Eira, CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro - Introduction 14:10h - 14:30h Pedro Santos, CBMA, Universidade do Minho - The cetacean microbiome 14:30h - 14:50h Carolina Bento, CIISA, Fac. Med. Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa - Evaluation of Morbillivirus and Herpesvirus infections in cetaceans stranded along the portuguese coast 14:50h - 15:10h João Monteiro & Rosário Domingues, CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro - Characterization of the cardiac phospholipidome of different small cetacean species provides adaptational insight and a foundation for indirect population health screening 15:10h - 15:30h Alfredo López, CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, & CEMMA - Increase of ulcerative lesions caused by Anisakis spp. in cetaceans stranded in Galicia 15:30h - 15:50h Sílvia Monteiro, CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro - Dolphins rocked by heavy metals in the portuguese coast 15:50h-16:00h Closing
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Published in 24/10/2019
Since January 2019, CESAM is integrated in the European project SPORE - SPACE for SHORE (http://spaceforshore.eu/), led by I-Sea. The project analyzes about 1000 km of coastline, spread over five Member States (Germany, France, Greece, Romania and Portugal) and five pilot zones. The main objective of the project is related with the collection of coastal indicators, such as shoreline and beach width, according to precision requirements previously defined by entities responsible for coastal management at local, regional and national level (from each Member State). Over the last few decades the main and most reliable sources of data on coastal morphodynamic have been and are still supported by traditional solutions, namely in-situ methods of acquiring topographical and bathymetric information. However, developments in Earth observation programs open new perspectives on the quality of high resolution (HR) satellite observations in radar and optical domains. Members on this project: Paulo Renato Enes Baganha Baptista, CESAM Researcher Cristina Bernardes, CESAM Researcher Filomena Mª Cardoso Pedrosa Ferreira Martins, CESAM Researcher Full news only available in portuguese.
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Published in 24/10/2019
Ana Raquel de Azevedo e Costa, under her PhD in Biology at the University of Aveiro, won the Best Poster Award, in the Student and Early Career Researcher category, from the International Society for Ecological Modelling.
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Published in 21/10/2019
Invited Talks 24.10.19 @ 15:00 – Anf. IV (DETi) “Tracking migratory seabirds to identify priority areas for marine conservation” Dra. Maria Dias Birdlife International “Think globally, act locally: the annual cycles of shorebird migrants” Prof. Theunis Piersma University of Groningen & NIOZ
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Published in 2/11/2020
Due to the pandemics of COVID-19 this event was postponed to 2021. Please check the new dates here. The Marine Biotechnology & Aquaculture (MBA) Research Group from CESAM and the Mass Spectrometry Centre from the University of Aveiro have the great pleasure to bring forward the 2nd edition of the Conference Lipids in the Ocean, that will be held at University of Aveiro from 17-19 of November 2020. The event is organized by Professor Rosário Domingues from CESAM. Important dates: Abstract submission for oral communication: July 31st 2020 Abstract submission for posters*: July 31st 2020 Notification of abstract selection: September 15th 2020 Early registration: May 15th – September 30th 2020 Late registration: October 1st – October 31st 2020 *First 18th poster registrations will be invited for Pitch sessions Details about the conference can be seen in the webpage (http://lipids2021.web.ua.pt/)
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Published in 20/7/2020
Researchers from CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Ana Catarina Bastos (DBio) and Frank Verheijen (DAO), have demonstrated the potential benefits of biochar in agroforestry ecosystems, within the framework of the SEED+ Demonstration Action, within the Integra@tec project. The action that took place at UA involved the participation of 6 invited institutions linked to the agroforestry sector. The SEED+ team anticipates that the results of this study may contribute to the sustainable management and adaptation of vulnerable ecosystems to global change. The complete news in UA online.
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Published in 21/10/2019
Air pollution on the Portuguese coast from maritime traffic represents about 20 per cent of pollution caused by nitrogen oxides (NOx), one of the most harmful pollutants to human health and the environment, concludes the researcher Alexandra Monteiro. Full news here, but only in portuguese.
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Published in 21/10/2019
download fileMoss helps prevent soil erosion on fire-damaged land, a Portuguese study suggests. The researchers Flávio Castro Silva, Diana Vieira and Jan Jacob Keizer from CESAM analysed water that ran off from post-fire hillsides. They found less sediment and organic matter in run-off from patches of land with high levels of moss than from those with low levels of moss. Moss quickly establishes itself on land after fires, so the study suggests that land managers could take advantage of its restorative effects by deliberately encouraging its growth.
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Published in 18/10/2019
download fileInternational joint doctoral programme: University of Aveiro | University of Lisbon Welcome to the I PhD Meeting of the BEAG Programme. The ‘Biology and Ecology of Global Changes’ PhD programme is a postgraduate international programme involving the Universities of Aveiro and Lisboa, supported by the Foundation for Science and Technology and with the collaboration of CESAM - the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies. The main objectives of the Programme are centred in global changes issues, including the understanding of the impact of global changes in living organisms and ecosystems, taking into account current scenarios and projections. Students are enrolled in five areas of specialization: Tropical Biology and Ecology, Marine Biology and Ecology, Ecology and Functional Biodiversity, Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics, Environmental Biology and Health. The meeting will be held on the 25th of October in the Faculty of Science of the University of Lisbon. This is the first meeting involving BEAG PhD students of both the University of Aveiro and the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon. Its main aim is to offer students an opportunity to present their work, to be involved in scientific discussions, to establish new research connections and to network and enjoy each other company.
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Published in 21/11/2019
download fileMiningImpact2 - Environmental Impacts and Risks of Deep-Sea Mining (JPI-Oceans, 2018-2022) MiningImpact2 (MI2) ( https://miningimpact.geomar.de/home ) follows up on the results of the JPI Oceans pilot action on "Ecological Aspects of Deep-Sea Mining" which ended in December 2017. While the initial MiningImpact phase investigated experimental and rather small-scale disturbances of the seafloor over decadal timescales, the MI2 will independently study and comprehensively monitor in real time the environmental impact of an industrial trial to mine manganese nodules on the seafloor which will be conducted simultaneously and independently by the Belgian contractor DEME-GSR in the Belgian an German licence areas in the Clarion-Clipperton-Zone (Pacific Ocean). Annual Meeting of MiningImpact2, Aveiro, 21-23 October 2019 After the three and a half months aboard the RV SONNE at the beginning of this year, the community comes together again to discuss first results of the oceanographic cruise and the next steps in terms of data processing and field work. Among various ecological aspects, MI2 team intends to further study regional connectivity of species in the deep-sea and their resilience to impacts, as well as the integrated effects of deep seabed mining on ecosystem functions, such as the benthic food-web and biogeochemical processes. This first annual meeting of the MI2 community will take place at the University of Aveiro (Sala de Atos, Rectory Building) from 21 to 23 October 2019. It gathers ca. 60 participants from 20 European partner institutions, science policy and environmental agencies, research and innovation promoters as well as several recognized NGOs that aim the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems at European and international levels. Local Organizers: Marina R Cunha (marina.cunha@ua.pt ) e Clara F Rodrigues (clara.rodrigues@ua.pt )
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Published in 15/10/2019
Luis Menezes Pinheiro, Professor at CESAM, was elected on October 11th during the 42nd Congress of the CIESM (Commission Internacionale pour l’Exploration Scientifique de la Mediterranée –Mediterranean Science Commission - http://www.ciesm.org/), unanimously and for a three-year term (2019-2022), President of the Scientific Committee on Marine Geosciences (1 of 6 CIESM Scientific Committees).
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Published in 11/10/2019
Exposition: 150 years after the publication of Mendeleev's first periodic table Museu da CidadeRua João Mendonça n.º 9/11 3800 – 200 Aveiro40º38’29.93’’ N | 8º39’16.04’’ O Until 20 Oct
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Published in 21/10/2019
Burning of agricultural waste has a negative impact on air quality, contributes to global warming, and it´s dangerous to public health. These study is from Célia Alves, CESAM researcher, who studied the environmental and health consequences of the outdoor burnings fumes from tree pruning remains in Portugal.
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Published in 2/10/2019
CESAM participates in a pilot open sea salmon aquaculture project in Ílhavo that could change the region's economy. The partnership led by SeaCulture, a Jerónimo Martins Agro-Food Group company, involves CESAM/UA and is developed at ECOMARE - Laboratory for Innovation and Sustainability of Marine Biological Resources.
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Published in 8/4/2020
download fileContribution to the management and recovery of fishery products from the Minho river - COOPERMINHO VILA NOVA DE CERVEIRA, Portugal - 25/26 SEP 2020
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Published in 25/9/2019
The first study about 'Microbiota fingerprints within the oral cavity of cetaceans as indicators for population biomonitoring' was published with the collaboration of CESAM researchers, namely: Alfredo López, José Vingada e Catarina Eira. https://tinyurl.com/nature-articles
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Published in 2/9/2020
CESAM organized a webinar on Online Science Communication: How to present my project/my thesis, that took place on 22 June, 3 PM (ZOOM platform), as a result of a consortium with CIDTFF, CICECO e ccTIC-UA. The target audience were PhD students that are going to present their project or thesis online. Nevertheless, other interested people attended, once it had an important part of general aspects regarding online communication. The speakers of this event are experts in different areas of online communication: researcher Miguel Leal (CESAM), Professor Maria José Loureiro (ccTIC-UA), researcher Cecília Guerra (CIDTFF) and researcher Nuno Silva (CICECO) The webinar was moderated by the Scientific Coordinator of CESAM, Ana Lillebø. The webinar included a synchronous session with a video with presentations by the speakers followed by a moment of Questions & Answers. 122 participants attended this event belonging to the three research units of the consortium and also from other universities. Participants were distributed all over the world. The video with the presentations of the speakers can be seen here in Portuguese ou here in English (2GB).
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Published in 25/9/2019
This open online textbook on Environmental Toxicology aims at covering the field in its full width, including aspects of environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, toxicology and risk assessment. With that, it will contribute to improving the quality, continuity and transparency of the education in environmental toxicology. This book also want to make sure that fundamental insights on fate and effects of chemicals gained in the past are combined with recent approaches of effect assessment and molecular analysis of mechanisms causing toxicity. The book contains tools for self-study and training, like a (limited) number of questions at the end of each module. To guarantee quality of the book, each module was reviewed by at least one of the members of the project team but also by an international reviewer from outside the project team. An advisory board and a steering committee were involved in supervising the project, as well as educational advisors, while the project team served as an editorial board. Susana Loureiro, CESAM Professor, is one the reviewers of this book. + https://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=501319930
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Published in 24/9/2019
"It is through old, non-validated data, extrapolations beyond acceptable, assumptions based on a very limited number of species and wrong model applications that are evaluated the impacts of Montijo Airport's functioning on the areas and number of birds affected." The conclusion is from José Alves, a CESAM researcher specialized in the study of birds, with several scientific articles published in prestigious magazines such as Nature or Science.
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Published in 10/9/2019
Priscilla Campos was awarded a $ 7,000 grant from the National Geographic Society to study the ecological imbalance in Brazilian corals, involving the fishing community of Bahia in the recovery of local biodiversity. The work of Priscilla Campos for the National Geographic “was to collect these corals in Brazil and transport them to be studied at the Aveiro Academy to try to find out the cause of this ecological imbalance”. More about Priscilla Campos's work: https://oceanlive.home.blog/ https://youtu.be/FaMPGxQcZo4 https://youtu.be/OjHJeou_-58 https://youtu.be/tFcZ5gtGUQ4
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Published in 10/9/2019
CESAM researcher Susana Loureiro was nominated as Management Committee Member of a COST action (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) entitled: “European Soil-Biology Data Warehouse for Soil Protection” (EUdaphobase) CA18237.
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Published in 5/9/2019
download fileSpecial issue of the 'Sustainability' journal will be edited by Rosa Freitas and Luísa Magalhães under the theme 'Interactions and Effects of Different Climate Change Scenarios with Emergent Pollutants'.Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 Jun 2020.
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Published in 1/8/2019
The Acacia longifolia Network (from the OP@CESAM 2018 initiative) was presented as a poster at EEFLisbon2019- the 15th European Ecological Federation Congress & 18th Meeting of the Portuguese Ecological Society, occurring in Lisbon from July 29th to August 2nd. The project was presented by Sara Vicente, through an abstract also authored by Rúben Oliveira, Cristina Máguas and Helena Trindade with the title “Acacia longifolia: the deceivingly beautiful plant”. Visit the network at acacialongifolia.web.ua.pt for the abstract details and updates on future events!
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Published in 31/7/2019
On the 12th to 14th of July, the researchers Sílvia Monteiro and Daniela Castelo were present at 4th edition of the Feira do Mar in Sines, as part of the INTERREG Cephs and Chefs project (Department of Environment and Planning & CESAM). The participation in this event included a stand in the exhibition with information about the project, a presentation to the general public and stakeholders about the Cephs and Chefs project and the educational activity “Polvos: os troca-tintas!”, oriented towards children, which contributes to increase ocean literacy. Feira do Mar is organized by Sines Tecnopolo and the City Council of Sines and intends to gather different stakeholders and activities related with the sea, from areas of technology, science, gastronomy, fisheries and tourist animation (among others).
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Published in 24/7/2019
The winners of the 2019 edition of the Doctoral Award in Ecology - Amadeu Dias Foundation, organized by SPECO - Portuguese Society of Ecology are already known. The top three will receive the award and will present their work at the 18th National Ecology Meeting, which this year will be held simultaneously with the 15th European Ecology Congress to be held from 29 July to 2 August at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon. Inês Gomes Teixeira, researcher at CESAM, won third place. In her doctoral thesis Inês developed tools to support the evaluation of the ecological coherence of marine protected areas, using the mussel as a model species and making important practical contributions to the current work at national level of the Marine Protected Areas network and for the planning of the national maritime space. The award received 9 eligible doctoral candidates with thesis defended at the Universities of Lisbon, Coimbra, Aveiro and Minho.
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Published in 13/7/2020
The Wildlife Seminars are an initiative of the Wildlife Research Unit (DBio & CESAM, University of Aveiro) that aims to share knowledge and experiences, within the scope of the study of wildlife, in different dimensions and contexts. The initiative is aimed at the academic community but also at all people who are interested in the study, management and conservation of wildlife. In the first edition, in June 2020, we had an average participation of 20 to 25 people. The program for July edition is now available.
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Published in 26/7/2019
Respiratory and circulatory problems are just some of the health problems that affect firefighters in forest fire fighting scenarios. Research from the University of Aveiro (UA), which for the first time monitored the vital signs of firefighters in experimental fire scenarios, points out that frequent and prolonged exposure to high levels of pollutant concentration during firefighting can lead to acute health problems or long-term health problems. Some of these problems "may appear quickly, such as acute and instant eye eruptions, nose and throat irritation, and shortness of breath". These are symptoms that "usually develop into headaches, dizziness and nausea and may last for several hours". During firefighting, firefighters are especially exposed to pollutants that are inhaled, affecting their respiratory system. Indeed, “frequent and prolonged exposure to high levels of pollutant concentrations during forest fire fighting can lead to acute or long-term health problems”. There is also “decreased lung function, which may result in slightly decreased respiratory capacity, respiratory tract constriction and small airway hypersensitivity”. In addition to these symptoms, and according to the US National Fire Protection Association, most of the firefighter´s deaths are due to inhalation of pollutants in the smoke. The pioneering work monitored firefighter´s heart rates and their exposure to carbon monoxide in different firefighting scenarios. Measurements made it possible to verify situations of fire exposure to high carbon monoxide levels, as well as changes in heart rate associated with peak exposure values for this gas of great toxicity to human health. “Although further studies are needed, the results suggest that firefighter´s heart rates react to variations in exposure to gases such as carbon monoxide, and that the location of the firefighter in relation to fire and smoke may be relevant as regards the effects of gas inhalation”.
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Published in 19/7/2019
On June 25 and 26, 2019, the External Scientific Advisory Committee visited CESAM and its laboratories and, between work sessions, its collaborators. The Committee had also the opportunity to visit ECOMARE and attend the presentation of some research projects, followed by a sunset & dinner. On the following day, the Committee, in addition to the work sessions, joined the commemorations of CESAM’s Day 2019.
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Published in 11/7/2019
In the scope of the Sandtrack project a field campaign on the coast of the region of Aveiro is held between July 8 and 12 with the objective of to evaluate the efficiency of the artificial feeding interventions of the beaches that are being carried out, using an innovative method that uses magnetic tracers whose path will be monitored by sea and land. Sandtrack - Artificial beach feeding: an integrated methodology to support coastal management - represents a coastal defense intervention that replicates natural dynamics, capable of reducing coastal erosion processes and preserving the beach's recreational values. In this project an innovative multidisciplinary approach is proposed, combining the use of fluorescent and magnetic tracers with numerical modeling, to quantify sediment transport and to improve the efficiency of artificial feeds. In a later phase, several monitoring campaigns of the sedimentary tracers are foreseen, either by the sea route with the boat NEREIDE, of the CESAM, and another one of the Hydrographic Institute by the terrestrial route.
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Published in 10/7/2019
By becoming this Tuesday, July 9, one of the 24 finalists of the competition, ECOMARE is increasingly close to winning the RegioStars Awards 2019, awarded annually by the European Commission to EU-funded projects that demonstrate excellence and new approaches in the framework of regional development, with the aim of inspiring other regions and project managers throughout Europe. One of the five finalists in category 2 - linking blue, green and gray, ECOMARE - Laboratory for Innovation and Sustainability of Marine Biological Resources of the University of Aveiro links the Port of Aveiro (gray) to a special conservation area - the iconic Ria de Aveiro (green) - promoting the protection and sustainable use of marine biological resources (blue). The winners in the five categories and the winner of the "Public Prize" will receive the well-deserved prize at the festive REGIOSTARS awards ceremony to be held in Brussels in October 2019. To support ECOMARE go to https://bit.ly/32eJKAt and vote until midnight of 9 September.
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Published in 9/7/2019
Chloroplasts are subcellular structures that we generally associate with plants and algae, but may also be present in certain sea slugs. They are sites for the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with potential negative effects on the chloroplasts themselves and the host cells. ROS production in chloroplasts is generally associated with excessive light situations. A study recently published in the Journal of Experimental Biology led by researchers from CESAM/Dbio - Paulo S. D. Cartaxana, Luca Morelli, Bruno Jesus, Gonçalo Calado, Ricardo Calado and Sónia Marisa Gonçalves da Cruz - shows that the sea slug "Elysia tímida" has ways to mitigate stress oxidative induced by strong light. One is the dissipation of energy in the form of heat associated with the conversion of existing pigments in the Kleptoplasts. The authors of this study conclude that the maintenance of functional chloroplasts in these sea slugs is, in part, dependent on this photoprotection capacity. The work was developed under the project: “HULK - Functional Chloroplasts inside Animal cells: cracking the puzzle”. Full news here. Full article here.
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Published in 8/7/2019
The researcher Luís Menezes Pinheiro, President of the Portuguese Committee for the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/UNESCO), represents Portugal on the Executive Board of IOC/UNESCO since 2016, for which our country has just been reelected. Luís Menezes Pinheiro has participated in several documents of the European Marine Board, and is one of the experts who is collaborating with the United Nations within the scope of the 2nd World Ocean Assessment.
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Published in 9/7/2019
Rainwater is a natural resource that can and should be used to obtain water for domestic purposes, and when it is possible, makes the population centers more sustainable. Depending on where rainwater is collected, water may have elevated levels of contamination that put the user at risk. The treatment of rainwater is an inevitable step for its use in safety. A study, coordinated by the Researcher Patrícia Santos of CESAM, tested the biomaterial white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to remove zinc from contaminated rainwater and demonstrated that this material constitutes a viable solution for reducing the metal in rainwater. This study is the result of a multidisciplinary work done by a team of scientists from the Department of Chemistry, and simultaneously from CESAM, constituted by Armando Duarte, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Patrícia Santos, João Pinto da Costa, Maria Teresa Caldeira, Mónica Ferreira and the CICECO scientist Ana Estrada. The success of this study was demonstrated with the publication in the scientific journal "Water Research", first scientific journal in the category "Water Resources". The full article is here: https://bit.ly/2YzjLBH
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Published in 4/7/2019
Science for Environment Policy News Alert of European Commission, of 13 June 2019, highlights a CESAM´s research about the Contamination of the aquatic environment by pharmaceutical drugs used in human and veterinary medicine. This study, from the CESAM´s researcher Bruno Nunes, explored how the marine organism Hediste diversicolor, a polychaete worm, responded to exposure to salicylic acid, a key component of aspirin. They found the species to adapt and respond in a way that minimised the effects of metabolising the contaminating compound, suggesting that the acid does not currently pose a threat to marine polychaetes. Read this News Alert here.
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Published in 24/6/2019
Climate and ecosystems are changing globally, but predation on shorebird (or wader) nests changed little across the globe over the past decades, finds an international team of 60 researchers. The study was published in Science on 14 June 2019, and challenges a recent claim (published also in Science on 9 November 2018) that due to climate change shorebird eggs are more often eaten by predators, and that this effect is exacerbated in the Arctic compared to the tropics. Indeed, these claims seem to be a methodological artefact. In sum, there is no evidence that “the Arctic no longer is a safe haven for shorebirds”, such as Science wrote and which was published about in many media outlets. Shorebirds worldwide are in trouble due to human impact and their conservation deserves all possible attention. Conclusions about alternative threats based on poor statistics and assumptions only distract from the real issues. Link for the full comment published on Science: dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.aaw8529
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Published in 6/6/2019
As part of the INTERREG Cephs and Chefs project (Department of Enviornment and Planing & CESAM), the University of Aveiro established a protocol with the City Council of Lourinhã, in order to collaborate in several events related to the Octopus Gastronomic Fortnight of Lourinhã. On the 2nd of June, the researchers Sílvia Monteiro and Fábio Matos were present at the Children’s Day event organized by the City Council of Lourinhã with the educational activity “Polvos: os troca-tintas!”, which contributes to increase ocean literacy. This educational action consisted of different octopus-related activities, including a didactic quiz with curiosities about the biology, sustainability and fishing of this species, puzzles and paintings related to common octopus.
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Published in 3/6/2019
Students Ana Domingues and Bernardo Pinto from Estarreja Secondary School were awarded with the 4th prize of the 27º Young Scientists National Competition with the project “Populational dynamics of an invasive species in Baixo Vouga Lagunar”. The presented work is a result of a citizen science project coordinated by the CESAM members Inês Rosa, Joana Pereira and Sofia Guilherme that had the support of the Biology and Physics-Chemistry teachers Dorinda Rebelo and Cecília Bento, respectively. During one year, the class of 11ºA from Estarreja Secondary School studied the structure and population density of the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii in Fermelã, Estarreja. This invasive species is responsible for causing serious damages in rice fields all over the world and its abundant presence in Baixo Vouga Lagunar can be an important aspect to be considered in studies related with the agricultural management given the intense rice production in the region. Following the end of the field campaigns, these two students submitted a paper to the 27º Young Scientists National Competition. The project was selected to be presented on the 13th National Science Exhibition that was held in Porto, 30 May-01 June, where it was awarded with the 4th place (ex aequo with another project) in a total of 95 candidates. Ana Domingues and Bernardo pinto received 600 euros and in July they will participate in the International Wildlife Research Week in Switzerland.
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Published in 9/7/2020
CESAM and the University of Aveiro participate in the European project RadoNorm - Managing Risks from Radon and NORM, funded by Euratom - European Atomic Energy Community and coordinated by BfS, the German Official Office for Radiological Protection. With a funding of 18 million Euros, RadoNorm will start on the 1st September and has the participation of 56 partners from 19 member states of the European Union and the United Kingdom. It integrates scientifically renowned research groups from different multidisciplinary areas belonging to national Universities, Research Centers and Radiological Protection Institutions. In a joint effort, the teams from the different participating institutions will contribute to the clarification of the possible effects arising from exposure to ionising radiation emitted by radon and naturally occurring radioactive material or NORM, thus contributing to a better management of risks to human health and the environment. Besides the University of Aveiro, the University of Porto and the Association of the Instituto Superior Técnico for Research and Development are participating in this project. Thus, the above-mentioned National Institutions are responsible for inventorying the sites of exposure to ionizing radiation emitted by radon and other radionuclides, in Portugal. The researchers Joana Lourenço and Sónia Mendo from the Department of Biology & CESAM participate in this consortium. They have been working for more than ten years in evaluating and characterizing the molecular effects of exposure to residues from uranium mines, contaminated with metals and NORM. This research has already resulted in several research papers published in high impact factor WoS journals. Portugal has more than 60 deactivated uranium mines, the largest of which have already been remediated. In these mining areas the evaluation of the effects of exposure to ionising radiation occurs simultaneously with exposure to metals, some of which are highly toxic or carcinogenic. Many of these metals co-occur with radionuclides in the uranium decay chain, mainly alpha emitters such as radon. The uranium extraction activity, with great economic and strategic importance in Portugal especially during the cold war, led to environmental contamination and chronic exposure of human populations living nearby. Geological formations dominated by granites, in many regions of the country, also contribute to the exposure to radon. The results of the research carried out and which has been done in collaboration with Prof. Ruth Pereira of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto & GreenUPorto, led to the integration of the University of Aveiro in the European Radioecology Alliance in 2017. The scientific outputs and technological developments resulting from this project will contribute to a better characterization of exposure (through the improvement of dosimetry techniques, especially for low dose exposures) and to the risk assessment and mitigation processes. RadoNorm will thus support the European Commission in the implementation of Directive 2013/59/Euratom by defining safety standards for exposure to ionizing radiation.
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Published in 18/9/2019
The 5th International Marine Connectivity Conference (iMarCo2019), will be held at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, on September 23-25, 2019. iMarCo 2019 will only have oral presentations. The focus of the meeting is on the study of marine connectivity through a broad spectrum of marine science disciplines including physical oceanography, microchemistry, genetics, and evolutionary ecology, behaviour, tagging, and fisheries.The event also includes an introductory methodological one-morning workshops on the 25th of September, on otolith microchemistry and tools for simulating larval dispersal in the marine environment. Important dates: Abstract submission: 30 Jun Early-bird registration: 20 Jul For more information, you can check the event's website here.
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Published in 2/10/2019
Fátima Lopes Alves, CESAM researcher, is the new Port of Aveiro's CEO. Specialist in coastal and marine planning and management, the researcher taked on the leadership of the administration of the Aveiro and Figueira da Foz Ports since April 2019.
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Published in 31/5/2019
The exhibition on the Portuguese Deep Sea is now located in the inferior floor of the Library of Universidade de Aveiro until June 26. Ocean covers more than 70 % of our planet’s surface but only 5 to 10 % are known. This exhibition presents a background of the pioneers in Portuguese Oceanography and the progressive organization of the research in this area. It also presents information on the Portuguese deep-sea diving and the project to extend the continental platform. Moreover, the exhibition highlights the relevance to boost National Sea as a crucial element to the development of the country. This exhibition is an initiative of the Minister of the Sea following the Oceans Meeting 2018 and has already been in several locations of the country.
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Published in 30/5/2019
The Portuguese Government has set the human carrying capacity of the Berlengas Natural Reserve at a maximum of 550 visitors per day simultaneously, by the Ordinance 355/2019 published in the Diário da República, 2nd series, of the 22nd of May 2019. This value does not include tourist-support staff, temporary residents and authorities’ officers. This decision was based on a study commissioned in 2010 by the Institute for Nature Conservancy and Forests (ICNF) and developed by Profs. Henrique Queiroga and João Serôdio (Department of Biology & CESAM, University of Aveiro). The study by the researchers of the University of Aveiro proposed four different values (ranging from 240 to 1290) for the maximum allowable visitors per day in the main island (including tourists, tourist-support staff, temporary residents and authorities’ officers), based on the combination of two scenarios of environmental protection (high and low environmental protection) and two scenarios of visitors’ satisfaction (high and low satisfaction). All scenarios met the constraints of the Berlengas reserve management plan. However, in line with recommendations for the compliance to, and dissemination of, good environmental practices, the study recommended a maximum number of 500 people daily, contingent to the requalification of the waste-water treatment system to a capacity of 500 population equivalent. Considering the average turnover rate of the different visitor profiles, the value of 550 simultaneous visitors likely represents more than 700 people visiting the Berlengas main island daily, to which tourist-support staff, temporary residents and authorities’ officers must be added. This will likely raise the maximum number of allowed people in the island to close to 900, once the measures to control visitation are fully set in place. This is clearly above the capacity of the current waste-water treatment system, which was never requalified aiming the target of 500 population equivalent. This value will be, nevertheless, a moderate progress relative to the effectively uncontrolled visitation load during the last two decades. The current visitation monitoring procedures set by the ICNF recorded 19 days with over 1000 visitors per day during the 2018 touristic season, and a total number of more than 82,000 visitors during the year. The researchers of the Biology Department and CESAM continue committed to work with the ICNF, the Municipality of Peniche, touristic operators, fishers and other stakeholders in order to promote a sustainable visitation of the Berlengas Archipelago, in line with the goals of the management plan and the Biosphere Reserves statutes.
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Published in 4/6/2019
Research from CESAM members (Ana Isabel Miranda, Joana Valente e Sandra Sorte) studied, for the first time, the vital signs of firemen in experimental scenarios of forest fires. The results indicate that the regular and extended exposure to high levels of pollutants during the fire fight can cause acute and long term health problems. The complete news here [in PT]. Some of the National cover of the news: Público Correio da Manhã Jornal de Notícias
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Published in 24/5/2019
The project Cephs and Chefs – Octopus, squid, cuttlefish, sustainable fisheries and chefs had an intense activity of dissemination during May. On May 7-9, the researcher Cristina Pita (Departament of Environmental and Planning & CESAM), was presente in the Seafood Expo Global 2019, Brussels (Belgium), which is the largest trade fair connected to the fisheries sector worldwide. The researcher was present by special invitation of Xunta de Galicia to present the project. On May 16, the project was invited to participate in the opening ceremony of the gastronomical event 11ª Quinzena Gastronómica do Polvo da Lourinhã (Portugal). This ceremony included presentations on the event, on the nutritional value of the octopus and count with the presence of the researchers Sílvia Monteiro and Fábio Matos to talk on the development of new cephalopod’s products, octopus sustainability, and research on new markets and products.On the next day, the researchers went to Ericeira (Portugal) to the 4th edition of the Octopus Festival that will happen until May 26. On this event, the team establish contacts with restaurants involved in the initiative, in order to obtain data to the project.Moreover, from March 17-19, the researcher Cristina Pita participated in the Seafood Expo North America 2019, Boston (EUA), the largest exhibition of North America dedicated to the fish trade. The researcher was present in the Octopus Sustainable Roundtable Meeting targeting stakeholders from the fisheries industry where she presented the Portuguese and Spanish study cases integrated in the project Cephs and Chefs.
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Published in 23/5/2019
CESAM researchers from ABEP – Adaptation Biology & Ecological Processes research group are in the coordination team of a project supported by ICNF (Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas) that aims to fill up the information gaps regarding the conservation status of mammals in Continental Portugal. Red Lists are essential tools for an active and efficient management of species and habitats. In the last revision of the Red Book of Vertebrates of Continental Portugal (2005), 28 % of marine and terrestrial mammals had Insufficient Information. Recognizing this as a serious problem, the project ‘Review of the red data book of mammals in continental Portugal and contribution to the evaluation of their status of conservation” aims to update information on the distribution, population status and threat status of native mammal species occurring in the national territory. The main output will be a revised and updated Red Book of Portuguese Mammals with the assessment of the conservation status of species by filling up the information gaps, at the level of the distribution area, abundance, type of occurrence and taxonomic clarification of the species of marine and terrestrial mammals.
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Published in 22/5/2019
The report produced by the Scientific Commission of the Programme for Rehabilitation of the Matas do Litoral (public forestlands located in the Portuguese Litoral Central) is available on the website of the Institute for Nature and Forests Conservation (ICNF). This report was developed following 2017 October’s wildfires, which destroyed the Matas do Litoral region, and as a result from a cooperation protocol between research and academic institutions with ICNF. Researchers from CESAM were integrated in this commission in diverse topics, such as monitoring and controlling water and wind erosion (Jan Jacob Keizer, Oscar González-Pelayo, Sérgio Prats, Diana Vieira), recovery of terrestrial habitats (Bruna Oliveira, Carlos Fonseca, Isabel Campos, João Puga, Miguel Rosalino, Victor Bandeira), recovery of aquatic and riparian ecosystems (Nelson Abrantes) and stakeholder participation and environmental education (Sandra Valente). The report can be consulted here.
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Published in 21/5/2019
The International Conference on Food Contaminants: challenges on risk assessment (ICFC 2019) will be held in Aveiro (Portugal) on the 26th and 27th September, 2019 and has several CESAM members in the organizing an scientific committees. This multidisciplinary congress provides a forum for both internationally established and young researchers to exchange advanced knowledge on Food Contaminants and Human Health. The congress will include keynote lectures given by world-renowned scholars, in addition to platform and poster presentations. Several sessions will cover developments and new challenges in risk assessment: Session 1 - Challenges in risk assessment in foods: new perspectives Session 2 – Human exposure to chemical food contaminants Session 3 – Other agents (microbiological and nutritional) affecting risks Session 4 – Risk-benefit assessment in foods in Europe Important dates: Abstract submission: 16 Jun Early-bird registration: 31 Jul Late registration: 17 Sep Website of the event here.
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Published in 7/7/2020
Fourteen new species and one genus of marine fungi were discovered in the scope of the PhD thesis of Micael Gonçalves, entitled “Fungos marinhos: diversidade e potencial biotecnológico”, under the supervision of Artur Alves, professor of Department of Biology of University of Aveiro (DBio) and researcher of the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), and Ana Cristina Esteves, professor of the Faculty of Dentistry of the Catholic University of Portugal, researcher of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Health Research. The complete news here.
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Published in 21/5/2019
DOSI (Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative) Decade of Ocean Science Working Group, co-chaired by the CESAM researcher Ana Hilário and Kerry Howell (University of Plymouth, UK) has released the position paper ‘Deep-Sea Research in the Decade of Ocean Science Mapping the role of the deep ocean in human society’.In this paper, they compromise with the aim of reliably map and model the distribution of key habitats and species, the connectivity of populations, the delivery of ecosystem goods and services by deep-sea species and habitats, and the impact of human activities in the deep ocean by the end of the decade.The proposed 10-year programme will fill critical gaps of knowledge on the ecology of deep-sea populations crucial to make reliable and robust predictions on which to base ocean management decisions. In fact, it is intended that the acquired scientific knowledge during the Decade will inform policy and provide tools for the sustainable use of deep ocean. In addition, a major societal benefit of the project will be the legacy value of data that will be made freely available to future generations of scientists and stakeholders.The full position paper can be read here. DOSI pursues to integrate science, technology, policy, law and economics to advise on ecosystem-based management of resource use in the deep ocean and strategies to maintain the integrity of deep-ocean ecosystems within and beyond national jurisdiction.More information on DOSI here.
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Published in 15/5/2019
Researchers from CESAM, on the scope of the project SMARTBIOR, study alternatives to the coralline rocks used in aquaria that are often illegally extracted from Indo-Pacific areas, threatening coral reefs. The proposal is to use oyster shelves that are a common subproduct from oyster farming and that have presently a low added value. Following this study, the team of biologists gave life to a CESAM and University of Aveiro logo using oyster shelves as a substrate that was occupied by living tropical corals. The complete news here (in PT).
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Published in 10/5/2019
Mario Heredia Salgado wins the with his start-up “Andes”. This prize was granted by the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) for the first time as part of the Elsevier Foundation ISC3 Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge. With the winner project, he has developed a process to produce biochar from agribusiness biomass wastes to improve stressed soils. “Andes” was created based on his academic thesis in Energy Systems and Climate Change supervised by Prof. Luis Tarelho. The prize consists of a cash award of 25 000€ plus the onboarding at the ISC3 Global Start-up Service and was awarded on 6 May 2019 at the 4th Green and Sustainable Chemistry Conference in Dresden in Germany. More on this here.
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Published in 9/5/2019
The researcher Felisa Rey from CESAM & DBio together with the researcher Eliana Alves from QOPNA-DQ, University of Aveiro have been invited by the journal Antibiotics, MDPI (ISSN 2079-6382) to be Guest Editors of a special issue entitled "Antimicrobial Lipids from Plants and Marine Organisms". Plants and marine organisms are extraordinary reservoirs of natural products with biological activity. In order to combat the remarkable increase in antibiotic resistance, it is necessary to find novel antimicrobials from natural sources that have intrinsic defense strategies. Lipids include a myriad of structures and the ability to adapt to environmental changes and protect plants and marine organisms from different environmental stresses. Several lipid classes obtained from these matrices have antimicrobial activity on different human pathogens. Free fatty acids have been the most studied compounds. However, the great world of lipids as antimicrobials is far from being fully explored. Thus, it is imperative to explore these endless sources of bioactive lipids, and to isolate, identify and characterize the compounds that exert the antimicrobial activity and to evaluate their in vitro and in vivo efficiency. This special issue of Antibiotics aims at gathering the most recent work from researchers keen to demonstrate that lipids from natural sources are promising candidates as antibiotics and to boost new biotechnological applications of lipids in medicine, and in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. The deadline for manuscript submission is 28th February 2020.
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Published in 7/5/2019
Antibiotic resistance is among the greatest human health threats of this century. Wastewater treatment plants are receptors and sources of antibiotic resistance. A study recently published in Science Advances compares the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater treatment plants in seven European countries: Finland, Norway, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Cyprus. This first trans-Europe surveillance shows that countries with higher clinical antibiotic resistance levels (e.g. Spain, Portugal, Cyprus) have more antibiotic resistance genes entering wastewater treatment plants. This north-to-south gradient is also evident in terms of antibiotic consumption: Finland, Norway, and Germany are known for their low antibiotic use while in Spain, Portugal, and Cyprus antibiotic consumption is higher. Environmental temperature was also identified as an important factor determining antibiotic resistance, which rises additional concern in a climate changes context. The good news is that the most part of treatment plants were effective in removing antibiotic resistance genes. However, the relative abundance of a few clinically relevant genes increased in the final effluent and the north-to-south gradient of contamination remained after treatment. The study included researchers from seven countries, being coordinated by Universidade Católica Portuguesa. CESAM was represented by Isabel Henriques from the Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra. Original article can be read here.
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Published in 7/5/2019
CESAM is organizing the 2nd edition of the OP@CESAM. The main goal of this initiative is to promote the engagement of junior researchers, namely PhD students in scientific activities and activities of communication and dissemination of CESAM. The regulation of this initiative as well as the form to participate are available on the INTRANET (only available for CESAM members). You can apply until 20 May and may qualify to get up to 10 000€ to fund your idea. Do not miss this pportunity! Important dates: Deadline for submission of proposals: 20 May, 17h00 Disclosure of the list of voters: 20 May Disclosure of the proposals to voters: 21-24 May Analysis of proposals: until 31 May Voting: 01-09 June, 17h00
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Published in 7/5/2019
The International Conference on Modelling, Monitoring and Management of Air Pollution has successfully been reconvened for 27 years, always attracting a wide international spread of delegates. This time it will be held in Aveiro from 26-28 June 2019. Professor Carlos Borrego and Professor Myriam Lopes of CESAM are two of the Chairmen of the conference. CESAM will be also be represented by the Professor Ana Isabel Miranda and the researcher Joana Ferreira as members of the International Scientific Advisory Committee. This important conference brings together contributions from scientists from around the world to present recent work on various aspects of air pollution phenomena. Notable in each of the conferences in this series has been the opportunity to foster scientific exchange between participants. Each meeting has provided a further opportunity for identifying new areas of air pollution science demanding collaborative investigation. More information on this event here.
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Published in 7/5/2019
The International Conference on Urban Transport and the Environment has successfully been reconvened for 25 years, always attracting a wide international spread of delegates. It is well-established as the premier event of its type. This time it will be held in Aveiro from 25-27 June 2019. Professor Carlos Borrego (CESAM) is a Chairman together with Professor Giorgio Passerini (Marche Polytechnic University, Italy). CESAM will be also be represented by the researcher Alexandra Monteiro as a member of the International Scientific Advisory Committee. The variety of topics covered by the conference reflects the complex interaction of the urban transport systems with their environment and the need to establish integrated strategies. The aim is to arrive at optimal socio-economic solutions while reducing the negative environmental impacts of current transportation systems. More information on this event here.
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Published in 23/4/2019
On the 17 April, CESAM organized an event to improve and give more communication skills to its members. The event THE PERFECT PITCH IN 5’ lasted all day and the participants found the event very useful and were satisfied with the used approached. During the morning there were several talks with experts that covered issues such as general tips on how to make good pitches (Miguel Leal from the company Scite – Science Communication and Joaquim Macedo Sousa from HIESE), the relevance on communicate to non-scientific audiences (Pedro Farias, SCIRP, Universidade de Aveiro), and some design tips aimed to help to optimize the presentations (Joana Quental, ID+, Universidade de Aveiro). The room was crowded and the audience was clearly more aware for new aspects related with science communication. During the afternoon, there were 3 parallel workshops targeting CESAM non-doctorate members. One of the workshops was for MSc students and research fellows of CESAM and was boosted by Cecília Guerra and Susana Ambrósio from CIDTFF, Universidade de Aveiro. The other workshop targeted PhD students and was oriented by Miguel Leal, from the company Scite – Science Communication. PhD students also had the opportunity to participate in a workshop together with the PhD students of Design. This workshop was boosted by Joana Quental, ID+, Universidade de Aveiro and was an opportunity for CESAM students work closely with Design students and have a different perspective from their own research work. The complete program and CV’s of the speakers/trainers can be read here.
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Published in 23/4/2019
On March 26 and 27, Guarda (Portugal), the Wildife Research Unit (WRU of CESAM & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro) was represented by Carlos Fonseca, Eduardo Ferreira, Rita Torres and João Carvalho in a two-day kick-off meeting to discuss the actions and strategies of both projects, the LIFE Wolflux “Decreasing socio-ecological barriers to connectivity for wolves south of the Douro river” and the “Scaling Up Rewilding in Western Iberia”, funded by the Endangered Landscapes Programme.The University of Aveiro, and the organizations Rewilding Portugal, Associação Transumância e Natureza and Zoo Logical are partners in two complementary European projects aimed at rewilding the Greater Côa Valley and fostering the functional connectivity of landscape at south of Douro river.Over the project’s lifetime (2019 – 2023), the partners expect to create the baseline conditions to boost biodiversity, restore trophic chains and promote the sustainable management of natural resources. Wolflux and Scaling Up Rewilding in Western Iberia will consider the contributions of a diverse array of stakeholders (e.g. hunters, agricultures) to create a spatially-explicit framework that accommodates stakeholders’ expectations in environmental and conservation planning. The conceptual, scientific and educational advancements of these projects will support the emergence of nature-based economies, essential to revert the current trend of rural depopulation.
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Published in 7/7/2020
Victor Bandeira and Carlos Fonseca from the Department of Biology & CESAM of the University of Aveiro published the chapter “Wildlife and Sustainable Development” for the Encyclopedia “Life on Land. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals”, by Springer. The complete news here.
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Published in 15/4/2019
The Do*Mar doctoral programme on Marine Science, Technology and Management has just published a call for applications to the Universities of Aveiro, Minho and Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro. Nine Do*Mar-FCT scholarships are available in this call. Details of the application and selection procedures are available in http://www.campusdomar-pt-domar.net. Deadline for application: May 20, 2019.
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Published in 9/4/2019
One of the most recent and fascinating developments in Biology is the perception of the microbiome and its importance in human and animal health and ecosystem functioning. In marine environments, sponges have been considered a model organism to study host-microbiome relationships. Sponges are the most ancient of metazoans and are considered a reservoir of microbial diversity in the world´s oceans. However, until now, it was not clear if and to what extent microorganisms found in sponges are also present in other coral reef biotopes.Members of CESAM/Dbio, in collaboration with researchers from different institutions in Taiwan, Thailand and the Netherlands, carried out an extensive and ambitious study that aimed to characterize the microbiome from more than 200 coral reef samples from multiple taxa in the Indo-Pacific region. Using high-throughput DNA sequencing and the computer cluster ARGUS from the University of Aveiro (Argus), for the first time, microbiomes from algae, chitons, stony corals, sea cucumbers, sponge denizens, flatworms, nudibranchs, soft corals, sponges, sea urchins, seawater and sediment were analyzed. The researchers found that a high number of microorganisms are shared between different biotopes, supporting the hypothesis of Baas Becking that “everything is everywhere but the environment selects”. Contrary to what was believed until now, sponges are not the main contributors to total prokaryote diversity in coral reefs. They are only one, albeit an interesting, component of a much larger coral reef metacommunity. The original paper here.
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Published in 8/4/2019
It is common knowledge that during Easter shops get flooded with chocolate eggs which make the delights of young and older alike. But what few will know is that the traditional game of “egg hunting” in early spring is due in large part to the existence of the very first wader nests of the year! In northern Europe, particularly in England, but also in Scotland and the Netherlands, egg collection of wader eggs in Easter was once at such scale that it originated a parliamentary act for the protection of a wader species, forbidding the sale of Vanellus vanellus (Lapwing) eggs from 14 March to 11 August (The Lapwing Act 1928). Although many birds have advanced their laying dates and wild egg collection is increasingly less frequent, many species are currently declining due to other factors. For example, when they are unable to match the advances in the phenology of the resources they depend upon, such as the insects that compose the diet of many of these species. In fact, the warming trend felt globally in recent years seems to be the origin of changing phenology in several groups of species, be it the date of first flowering of plants, the hatching of insects, or the migratory movements of bird species. But, the changing of the timing of these events may also influence demographic processes and ultimately affect population growth. This was the issue that an international team of researchers, lead by Dr. José Alves (Dep. Biology and CESAM – University of Aveiro) decided to explore. In order to do so they selected a population of a migratory wader species that breeds in the northernmost limit of its distribution area, Iceland, where the effects of global warming are very apparent due to “arctic amplification”. The researchers first had to “play egg hunting” to find the nests of the black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa islandica), in Iceland, during several years in order to assess the variation in phenology of laying in relation to local temperature. This study initiated in 2001 (a particularly cold breeding season in Iceland) started to yield results ten years later, in 2011 (another cold season), and carried on until 2013, encompassing a period in which the average air temperature fluctuated between 9 and 11 degrees Celsius during the breeding season of this bird. This information allowed establishing a relationship between temperature and laying dates: the warmer it is, the earlier these birds are able to lay their clutches. As this species conceals its nests in the vegetation, these birds must wait for the local plants to growth following snowmelt and defrosting of soils. In warmer seasons, soil defrosts and plant growth occur at an higher rate, allowing godwtis to safely lay their eggs earlier (successfully hiding those from potential predators). But this was only the first step in the study. It was important to understand if such local responses could have an effect at the population level. In order to do so, the chicks from this species were located every two days by radio-tracking their parents (which guard them around the clock), to establish how much time is required for them to become independent and fledge. By tracking chicks born in years during which air temperatures differed, it was possible to establish that in warmer years, chicks fledge about 15 days earlier than chicks born in colder years (considering the total period since egg laying to fledging). With the help of an extensive network of collaborators across Europe that report colour-ringed Icelandic godwits across its range (Iceland-Iberian Peninsula), it was possible to carry on tracking these chicks, now juveniles, until the end of their first migration, and this allowed demonstrating that chicks born earlier enjoy an higher recruitment probability. Hence, in warmer years, the breeding phenology of this bird advances and chicks from those years experience a higher probability of increasing the number of individuals on the population. Once average temperatures in Iceland have increased since 1845, and warm springs have been more frequent in recent decades, the research team was able to link the population growth experience by this population and its expansion into new areas in Iceland and in West Europe (during the non-breeding season), to the warming recorded on its natal island c. At the start of the XX century, this population was restricted to a breeding area in the SW cost of Iceland and it is estimated to haven been composed by 5000 individuals. The warming trend in temperatures occurring since, allowed the birds in these original locations to produce offspring that gradually colonized almost all coastal areas of the country. Their number increased to 50.000 individuals, with areas colonized earlier producing more individuals as local temperatures increased. This study goes beyond descriptive patterns of individual responses to climate change, establishing a link between those and the potential effects in the demography and distribution of species. These effects are extremely important, as they can help to improve our predicting capacity to what may occur to biodiversity in a climate change scenario. In the case of the Iceland godwit, global warming seems to be promoting its expansion, which could be expected for a population that occurs at the northern part of its distribution range, and is likely to be limited by the low temperatures at such latitudes. However, this is not the case for many other species of migratory birds that often are unable to advance their phenology at a similar rate of the insects they depend upon for themselves and to raise their young. We should therefore promote current efforts for the reduction of carbon emissions in an attempt to slow down global warming which is already very apparent. More than helping biodiversity in its attempts to respond to such changes, we will surely avoid that many chocolate eggs melt in their hiding places while we search for them in ever warming Easters. The original article in open access available here.
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Published in 8/4/2019
The paper "Toxicity of innovative anti-fouling nano-based solutions in marine species" authored by members of CESAM's Functional Biodiversity group and Department of Biology, with major contributions from CICECO and the Portuguese company Smallmatek was just published on Environmental Science: Nano. Briefly, this study concluded that is possible to develop "greener" nano-based antifouling additives for maritime coatings without compromising their efficacy. The novel compounds were carefully characterized and their toxicity assessed and compared against commercial state-of-the-art compounds in several marine species representative of different trophic levels. The original article here.
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Published in 5/4/2019
download fileResearcher Irina Gorodetskaya and colleagues collected casts of snowflakes as part of the project ‘Quantifying precipitation and its contribution to surface freshening in the Southern Ocean’ during the Antarctic Circumnavigation Expedition in January-February 2017 funded by the Swiss Polar Institute. Besides this, Irina was also involved in scanning the images as part of the project ‘EXPAR - EXtreme Precipitation events in Antarctica: investigating the role of Atmospheric Rivers’ included in the Programa Polar Português funded by FCT. Part of this work was used by the artist Yvonne Weber that created the exhibition ‘Casting the Ephemerality’. This exhibition was opened on the 1st April and is present at the Maritime Museum of Ushuaia, Argentina until the 30th April 2019. It will be part of the conference SC-HASS 2019 – Antarctic Connections at the end of the world (3-5 April). More on the artist’s motivation and exhibition together with the images of the exhibition can be seen here.
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Published in 12/4/2019
The project AMBIEnCE - Impact of atmospheric multi-stressors to coastal marine systems in a changing climate scenario (PTDC/CTA-AMB/28582/2017) has just been endorsed by the international research project SOLAS (Surface Ocean - Lower Atmosphere Study), which is sponsored by GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research. The SOLAS project holds more than 2500 researchers from all over the world aiming to understand the key biogeochemical-physical interactions and feedbacks between the ocean and atmosphere. AMBIEnCE is a multidisciplinary research project aiming to assess the impact of atmospheric organic aerosols deposition on the molecular composition and reactivity of dissolved organic matter in different coastal marine systems, as well as exploring how the intrinsic chemical features of both organic aerosols and dissolved organic matter drive the bioavailability of atmospheric-derived trace metals in seawater. AMBIEnCE directly addresses the SOLAS core theme on “Atmospheric deposition and ocean biogeochemistry”. Additional details here. SOLAS enews with the mention and recommendation to AMBIEnCE project can be consulted here.
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Published in 25/3/2019
The report of the working group on Marine Protected Areas (MPA) of the Sea Platform under the Sea Minister was recently disclosure. This report results from the first shared exercise, which involved different entities and experts of the marine biodiversity conservation area. This is the first document of this kind elaborated in Portugal and allows the discussion of MPA and their relevance in the national maritime space. In this report, several CESAM members participate. The document may be consulted here.
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Published in 25/3/2019
Researcher Joana Pereira presented on 20th March a talk at Escola EB 2,3 de Aradas. This talk was inserted in the International Polar Week, promoted in Portugal by the project Propolar Education, associated to PROPOLAR (Portuguese Polar Program), APECS PORTUGAL (Associação de Jovens Investigadores Polares de Portugal) and PEI (Polar Educators International). The talk of Joana Pereira was focused on the pollution in Antarctica, namely on the type of pollution, the effects and how we can protect the Antarctic ecosystems. This event was organized by two professors of the school and the audience was constituted by a group of more than 40 students ageing between 9 and 11 years old.
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Published in 22/3/2019
From 25 to 27 March 2019 it will occur at University of Aveiro, the second meeting of the COST-Action SENSECO - Optical synergies for spatiotemporal sensing of scalable ecophysiological traits. This meeting gets together 62 scientists from European Union, neighbor countries and other international partners that develop their research in the area of Earth Observations. The organization of this event is at the responsibility of the post-doctoral research fellow Bruna Oliveira from CESAM and DAO. The main goal of this COST-Action is to develop synergies in the utilization of different optical sensors for the spatio-temporal measurement of the ecophysiological traits of the ecosystems.
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Published in 22/3/2019
Researcher Bruno Nunes was present on 14th of March at Colégio Nossa Senhora da Assunção, Anadia, for the presentation of a lecture entitled “Pharmaceuticals on the loose: why drugs kill fish?”. This lecture was presented to students of the 7th and 8th years, and was part of the activities developed by this school devoted to the generic theme of the Environment.
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Published in 2/7/2020
CESAM members disclosure a briefing note about the impacts of COVID-19 in the fishing and aquaculture sectors and related activities in Portugal, within the scope of the project COVIDPESCA. For this, interviews were made to 48 representatives of shipowners’ associations, fishermen, aquacultures, preserving plants, freezing industry and producer organizations, among others, aiming to identify the main difficulties that the fishing sector is facing and the main adaptation and mitigation measures. Among the reasons that caused a negative socioeconomic impact, it is highlighted the lack of tourists and the loss of the main international markets, the closing and limited reopening of the hotels, restaurants and cafes, the price of the fishing products, the loss of buyers, the reduction in the catchment volume, the logistic restrictions, the transportation costs, and some constraints regarding the crew. The briefing is signed by the researchers Cristina Pita, Katina Roumbedakis, Teresa Fonseca and Daniela Castelo and can be read here (in Portuguese).
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Published in 21/3/2019
[Only available in Portuguese] Opinião de Carlos Fonseca sobre a partida de José Vingada, referência maior da conservação e gestão da Natureza em Portugal.
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Published in 20/3/2019
On the scope of the World Water Day, the symposium WATER will occur on the 22 Mar 2019. It has the support of the department of Biology and CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, University of Aveiro. The theme suggested by this year by United Nations (UN) is “Leaving No One Behind - Human Rights and Refugees". Following this and taking into account the research lines at the university, the theme "Water access matters, engaging everyone" was proposed for this symposium. Speakers list considers the ongoing projects of CESAM and also the business context of the region of Aveiro. This way, the talks will have a special focus on the management of aquatic resources and how they contribute for the resilience and well-being of human populations. The symposiumwill be held at University of Aveiro (Carlos Borrego, Amphitheater, DAO), 09:30-13h. Presentations will be in English (15’ each). More on the event here. You can also assist these event through this link.
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Published in 19/3/2019
The researchers Ana Hilário and Patrícia Garrote are presently on board of the oceanographic vessel Sonne that works in the Pacific (Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone). Their present in this expedition are in the scope of the project MiningImpact2 (JPIO), led by the Researcher Matthias Haeckel (GEOMAR) and coordinated at the University of Aveiro by Prof. Marina Cunha (FCT-Mining2/0002/2017) and funded by an international consortium. Science and Nature recently highlighted some work within the scope of this campaign in articles that can be read here and here, respectively More news on this expedition will be given by the end of it, late in May.
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Published in 19/3/2019
Study of CESAM found in sea lettuces a potential solution to remove metals from contaminated waters resulting from industries and domestic use. The complete news may be read here [in Portuguese].
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Published in 19/3/2019
Research of CESAM found that photodynamic therapy inactivates the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus responsible for several infections that may be fatal for humans. The complete news may be read here [in Portuguese].
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Published in 11/3/2019
Members of CESAM belong to a national consortium that involves seven institutions from Centre region of Portugal for the creation of a network of competences for the sustainable development and innovation in the agribusiness of Centre region (Rede de Competências para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável e Inovação no Sector Agroalimentar da Região Centro), on the scope of the call CENTRO-45-2018-21, Centro 2020. The consortium So+Centro is coordinated by University of Aveiro and will contribute to the knowledge of endogenous species of Centre region allowing the study of their valorization in the actual context than demands more sustainable solutions. The complete news here [in Portuguese].
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Published in 11/3/2019
The network ALTER-Net to which CESAM belongs, is organizing the conference 2019 ALTER-Net & EKLIPSE on the EU Biodiversity Strategy Beyond 2020: Research insights and needs for biodiversity and ecosystem services in Europe). This event will occur in Ghent, Belgium, 17-19 June 2019. The conference targets researchers, decision-makers and practitioners from all disciplines and fields and will cover the following themes: Envisaging plausible futures Probable changes in nature New relationships Policy responses More information on this here. Important dates: Abstract submissiom: 31 March Registration deadline: 1 June
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Published in 8/3/2019
Mónica Amorim, researcher of CESAM and Department of Biology (DBio), was highlighted by Ciência Viva in the bool "MULHERES NA CIÊNCIA" (Women in Science). The new edition of this book is going to hapen on the 8 March, International Women's Day, in Lisbon. Her testimony in this book can be seen here and more on this initiative here. The complete news here [in PT].
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Published in 7/3/2019
Joana Pereira, supervised by Prof. Carlos Fonseca and by the collaborator of CESAM Luís Miguel Rosalino, was awarded with an Early Career Grant by the National Geographic Society. The project aims to study ways to minimize the conflicts that exist between the communities and wildlife of the protected area of the Quirimbas National Park in the north-east of Mozambique. More on this award here [in Portuguese].
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Published in 6/3/2019
The researcher Ana Isabel Lillebø and the faculty Henrique Queiroga and José Pedro Granadeiro belong to the scientific committee of the EEF - 15th European Ecological Federation Congress that will take place at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon from the 29th of July to the 2nd of August 2019. The overarching theme of this conference, Ecology across boarders: Embedding Ecology in Sustainable Development Goals, is intended to promote discussions and interactions on how to integrate basic and applied ecological research, and their trans-disciplinarily impacts, for the effective implementation of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The meeting is open to all: students, researchers from the public and private sectors, and stakeholders involved in the fields of ecology and conservation, evolution, genetics, environmental sciences, climate change, agro-forestry, social-ecology and economy, among others. Important dates: Abstract submission: 13 March 2019 Early-bird registration: 30 April 2019
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Published in 1/7/2020
The researcher of CESAM Clara Grilo is one of the guest editors in a special issue of the journal Diversity, together with Doctor Anthony P. Clevenger, Doctor Aliza le Roux, and Doctor Bilal Habib. The subject of this special issue is “Transportation Infrastructure Impacts on Biodiversity in Emerging Economies”. The deadline for manuscripts submission is December 31, 2020. More information about this Special Issue can be read here. More information on manuscript preparation and related matters can be consulted here.
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Published in 6/3/2019
Diana Madeira, post-doctoral research fellow of CESAM and Dbio, was awarded one of the L’Oreal Portugal Medals of Honor for Women in Science 2018. In this 15th edition, 4 scientists were awarded 15.000€ to develop projects within the areas of health and environmental sciences. The aim of the research proposal is to unravel the molecular and physiological mechanisms underpinning transgenerational plastic responses of marine organisms exposed to ocean warming and pollution. This project will contribute to the improvement of environmental management plans envisaging the long-term sustainability of aquatic resources. Diana Madeira is a marine biologist since 2009, and since then she has been devoted to eco-physiological research within a global change context. She has contributed to rank the vulnerability of over 30 marine species (temperate and tropical) to ocean warming based on molecular and thermal tolerance assays, studied how ocean warming impacts different life-cycle stages of marine fish and is currently working on long-term plastic responses of marine organisms to global change in collaboration with several institutions including Universidade Nova de Lisboa and Université du Québec à Rimouski (Canada). Additional information: Interview in Antena 1 here (08:17) [only available in Portuguese] News on UA online here [only available in Portuguese] News on RTP TV channel here [only available in Portuguese] News on SIC TV channel here [only available in Portuguese]
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Published in 25/2/2019
CESAM is part of the team of the project NetTag- Tagging fishing gears and enhancing on board best-practices to promote waste free fisheries, funded by the European Commission. This project is focused on the prevention and reduction of marine debris that result from fisheries. Among the several objectives of the project, NetTag aims to reduce the quantity of lost gears and other wastes that daily threat marine biota. The complete news on this project can be read here [only available in Portuguese].
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Published in 21/2/2019
Bruno Nunes, researcher of CESAM & dBio, was present on March 15 at the Forum des Métiers / Forum of Professions, organized by the Lycée Français International de Porto (LFIP), for students in 9th grade (14-15 years) and 10th grade (15-16 years old) . This space aimed to answer the curiosities and to help the students of the LFIP to better understand the professions and the different professional paths related to several areas: Health; Arts / music; Press / media; Engineering; Design; Life sciences and research (panel that was attended by Bruno Nunes); Diplomacy and politics; Justice / Law; Management; Tourism / Industry; Computing; Finance / Banking.
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Published in 15/2/2019
CESAM research concluded that Oporto needs to take urgent measures to fight heat waves that are becoming more frequent, stronger and harmful for the environment and human health. Some of the proposed solutions are have new green areas, expand the gardens and parks already existent and use the vegetation and plants on the roofs of the buildings. Also, use lighter colours on the roofs and urban pavements will help in refreshing the city. More information on this study of David Carvalho and Carlos Borrego may be obtained here.
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Published in 15/2/2019
The 5th Conference on Estuarine and Coastal Morphodynamics will be held by the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, 24-26 June 2019. This event is supported by CESAM through the participation of some of its members in the organizing and scientific committees and intends to be a presentation forum of research works related with the morphodynamics of coastal zones. Moreover, the event aims to potentiate the discussion of ideas and spread the knowledge on coastal zones. The works for oral and poster presentations may be submitted under the following themes: Estuarine and coastal dynamics Data analysis Climate change impacts in coastal zones Anthropic interventions in coastal zones Coastal risks Spatial planning and management of coastal zones Works on the dissemination of research projects related with the estuarine and coastal morphodynamics will also be accepted. Important dates: Abstract submission (2 pages limit): 28th Feb 2019 Abstract acceptance: 30 Mar 2019 Early-bird registration: 30 Apr 2019 Regular registration: 24 Jun 2019
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Published in 8/2/2019
Last 28th - 29th of January 2019, prior to the EuroMarine General Assembly meeting held in the same week, the Young Scientist Working Group (YSWG) of the network EuroMarine was present in a workshop in Cádiz, Spain, hosted by CEIMAR and the University of Cádiz, which aimed to: Analyzing and discussing the results of the YSWG survey to young marine researchers in Europe and the EuroMarine member institutions, launched in October 2018; Identifying the main motivations and concerns regarding academic research and career expressed by the young marine scientists; Planning a way forward for the YSWG, exploring the potential of establishing a permanent presence within EuroMarine and expanding the YSWG community; Elaborating a synthesis presentation of YSWG outcomes during its first year of existence as well as workshop outputs, to be presented to the EuroMarine GA. The outputs directly benefit EuroMarine by highlighting young scientists’ perspectives on topics and issues potentially overlooked by senior scientists, as well as developing and proposing a set of early-career researcher-oriented activities and platforms to be made available in the future for the marine research community. Additionally, developers of the OpenAIRE platform, which aims at shifting scholarly communication towards openness and transparency, held a training session during the workshop to teach about the potentialities of the platform. A short video of the session can be found here. Our PhD student Marco Custódio is the representative of CESAM in the YSWG and participated in this workshop. In due time, a presentation of the results will become available to CESAM's community.
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Published in 8/2/2019
On January 14, the Natura + project was officially launched. The mission of Natura + is to promote awareness about the Portuguese sites of Natura 2000 and the wildlife they shelter. This project also aims to gather scientific information with the support of citizens in the monitoring of these sites. For this purpose, Natura + has developed citizen science activities aimed at the general public and schools. Currently, different activities are already fully developed and available at the project’s website. These relate to soil quality, solid waste spread in the surroundings of waterways, otter and bat monitoring. Everybody can do these activities and, by sharing the collected data with Natura +, anyone can easily contribute to the study and conservation of the biodiversity of Portugal. This project is part of a PhD thesis on science communication, developed by Sofia Oliveira, who is supervised by the researchers Ruth Pereira (GreenUPorto), Paulo Santos (CIIMAR-UP) and Joana Pereira (CESAM). More information about this project can be found on the online platforms of Natura +: Website Facebook Instagram Youtube
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Published in 6/2/2019
José Alves, CESAM & DBio member, is one of the organizers of the thematic BOU-British Ornithologists’ Union Annual Conference on “Tracking migration: drivers, challenges and consequences of seasonal movements”. The organizing team is composed by researchers from other four institutions: University of Iceland, University of Amsterdam and Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UK). Recent advances in tracking technologies have allowed us to quantify migratory movements throughout the annual and life cycles in greater detail than ever before, leading to a renewed widespread interest in the field. This conference will therefore bring together ecologists and biologists tracking migratory birds in any form, to explore our understanding of avian migration through the use of any tracking technique: from large scale migratory pulses and fluxes to individual variation in phenology and routes; the implications of behavioural flexibility for distribution and demography of migrants (connectivity and fitness trade-offs); and the development and maintenance of migratory strategies at the individual (ontogeny and life-long tracking) and population levels (partial migration and transgenerational changes). The meeting will take place in the University of Warwick, UK from the 26th to the 28th of March 2019.
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Published in 6/2/2019
Last January, members of CESAM's Ecotoxicology research group visited schools promoting information, demonstration and dissemination sessions, including results of the research carried out at CESAM by their work teams, namely in the project CliMaStat. On the 21st at Colégio Portugês (Aveiro) and on the 28th at Dr. João Carlos Celestino Gomes Secondary School (Ílhavo), the researchers Susana Galante-Oliveira, Isabel Oliveira, Daniela Figueiredo, Daniela Freitas and Joana Fonsec presented the activity "Changing Oceans: a dive in warmer and more acidic waters" for students and teachers at elementary, secondary and senior university levels, promoting knowledge and reflection on the climate change ongoing in the worlds’ oceans and their impacts, and raising citizens' awareness concerning the adoption of responsible behaviors in the fight against climate change.
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Published in 31/1/2019
ICEER is being held annually and is now a privileged space to discuss current issues related to Energy and the Environment. This event aims to explore emerging technologies and concepts in a collaborative way, bringing together engineers, researchers and professionals from different areas. ICEER 2019 will occur from 22-25 July at University of Aveiro and is a joint organization of the Department of Environment and Planning of University of Aveiro (DAO/UA), the School of Engineering (ISEP) of the Polytechnic of Porto (P.Porto) and the SCIEI, and is held at Aveiro, Portugal, with collaboration of the CESAM,CIETI and LEPABE research groups. You can submit your abstract until 04 Feb 2019 and early bird registration is until 27 May 2019. More on this event here.
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Published in 30/6/2020
The 3rd edition of the Research Summit was an important forum of discussion on the theme of Sea and Sustainability, attended globally by over 800 people during these 3 days. Though online, it brought the research community together! The Rector, Paulo Jorge Ferreira, and the Vice-rector for Research, Innovation and 3rd Cycle, Artur Silva, opened the summit on June 24 and were followed by the intervention of the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Ricardo Serrão Santos, with an interesting perspective on the efforts of Portugal to help the research community in the area of maritime affairs. The NRP Sagres Comandante Maurício Camilo allowed the audience to discover more about Sagres, with his presentation entitled “NRP SAGRES, 58 years showing the Portuguese Flag around the World”. With the support of the American Corner of UA and the US Embassy, William Gerwick, University of California, San Diego, provided the audience with a deep insight on the work developed at his laboratory. Of high interest to UA community was the participation of Annapaola Migani, from Elsevier, whose presented us with an example of application for the recently acquired SciVal. One of the main goals of Research Summit is to foster the inter-and transdisciplinary work among UA researchers, which was materialized with 16 presentations by Research Units, including CESAM’s by Prof. Luis Menezes Pinheiro, focused on "The Ocean - Challenges for a Sustainable Development: contribution from CESAM". Day 2 and 3 were highly attended, with over 800 intervenients, along the 7 simultaneous rooms each day, with 48 doctoral programmes, 641 PhD students and 160 professors involved in the jury. Two CESAM’s PhD students were winners of this edition of Research Summit 2020: Marco Custódio and Catarina Malheiro. Also noteworthy was the participation of Daniel Jerónimo and Sílvia Coelho, both CESAM’s PhD students. Room Awardees Classification 1 Mariana Mesquita, Photodynamic Therapy in prostate cancer using chlorin and isobacteriochlorin photosensitizers, 12:15 PM; (Biochemistry) Winner 2 Marco Custódio, Integration of halophytes production to promote coastal aquaculture eco-intensification, 10:55 AM; (Marine science, technology and management) Winner 3 David Oliveira, The use of mobile applications in the University of Aveiro: an exploratory measuring approach, 11:30 AM; (Multimedia in education) Winner* 3 Rita Tavares, Science Education mobile app integrating an educational data mining framework, 12:20 PM; (Multimedia in education) Winner* 4 Amélia Ramos, Smart Antennas for the Future Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Constellations, 9:15 AM; (Electrical engineering) Winner 5 Jéssica Barbosa, A Novel Osteoporosis Treatment with Coordination Systems, 10:35 AM; (Sustainable chemistry) Winner 6 Ana Monteiro, 2D nanomaterials functionalized with porphyrins for cancer therapies, 9:30 AM; (Nanosciences and nanotechology) Winner 8 Catarina Malheiro, Sustainable Plant Protection Products: from conventional to novel practices, 2:45 PM; (Biology and ecology of global changes) Winner 9 Isabel Bjørge, Groovy, 2:25 PM; (Materials science and engineering) Winner 10 Augusto Neves, Covid-19 impacts on teaching approaches in tourism studies: The case of public higher education in Portugal, 3:35 PM; (Tourism) Winner 11 Eduarda Morais, Boosting Biorefinery: Eutectic mixtures as alternative solvents in the extraction and processing of polysaccharides, 2:35 PM; (Chemical engineering) Winner 12 Ágata Ricca, Seeing the world from a “sense of possibility”: perspectives on an experience of choral practice in the daily life of a refugee camp, 2:00 PM; (Music) Winner 13 Pedro Tomé, Compensation of Long-Term Memory Effects in GaN HEMTs, 3:55 PM; (Telecommunications MAP-tele) Winner 14 Carla Oliveira, Between_Generations: intra and inter-generational transmition of health behaviours in families with genetic conditions, 2:05 PM; (Gerontology and geriatrics) Winner 15 Inês Direito, Protein aggregation and hormone-related cancers: a novel approach to improve diagnosis and overcome endocrine therapy resistance?, 9:40 AM; (Biomedicine) Winner 16 Monique Borges, Decision aiding for public policy formulation, 10:25 AM; (Public policies) Winner 17 Luís Nóbrega, IoT technologies for animal grazing and posture control, 10:55 AM; (Computer science MAP-i) Winner 18 Cátia Rosário, Impact of R&D subsidies on company performance, 9:15 AM; (Business and economics) Winner 19 Gonçalo Lopes, Methodology for the seismic assessment of mixed buildings, 9:20 AM; (Civil engineering) Winner 20 Inês Costa, Planeta Tangerina in the publishing world: transfer and mediation in the internationalization of Portuguese children’s literature, 9:50 AM; (Literary studies) Winner 1 Sara Nadine, Dynamic microfactories encapsulating cells for bone tissue engineering, 12:25 PM; (Biochemistry) Mention 2 Daniel Jerónimo, Recycling wasted nutrients from aquaculture effluents through the integrated use of polychaetes assisted sand filters (PASFs) and halophytes in aquaponics, 10:20 AM; (Marine science, technology and management) Mention 4 Daniel Pereira, Noise in CV-QKD, 9:55 AM; (Electrical engineering) Mention 5 Daniela Fonseca, Biopolymeric microneedles: shaping the future of transdermal delivery and diagnostics, 10:30 AM; (Sustainable chemistry) Mention 6 Ricardo Serrazina, FLASH sintering of lead free perovskite oxides towards sustainable processing of materials for energy and related applications, 9:20 AM; (Advanced materials and processing) Mention 8 Sílvia Coelho, Assessing air quality in cities under climate change scenarios: a source apportionment approach, 4:50 PM; (Environmental sciences and engineering) Mention 9 Alexandre Carvalho, Development of graphene-based transducers and devices, 3:05 PM; (Physical engineering) Mention 10 Brenno Costa, Determinantes da escolha de meios de transportes por turistas dentro de um destino, 3:40 PM; (Tourism) Mention 11 Emanuel Crespo, Building Better Wrong Models for the Oil & Gas Industry, 2:40 PM; (Chemical engineering) Mention 12 Hedisson Mota, "Mixing as an Artistic Process: creative approaches in Portuguese urban popular music", 4:00 PM; (Music) Mention 13 José Miguel Cardoso, 4 Design Strategies for mapping places, 2:25 PM; (Design) Mention 14 Sara Almeida, Effectiveness of the Lifestyle Integrated Functional Exercise for People with Dementia, 2:20 PM; (Gerontology and geriatrics) Mention 15 Pedro Lavrador, Dynamic Control across Adaptable Hydrogels and Engineered Cell Assemblies, 11:50 AM; (Biotechonology) Mention 16 Tiago Conceição, As the Tide Ebbs... What is Radical Left in Latin America?, 9:40 AM; (Political science) Mention 17 Claudio Piedade, CPR Graphs of Highly Symmetric Hypertopes, 11:30 AM; (Applied mathematics) Mention 18 Maria Pereira, Women’s careers in academia: the case of Portuguese Public Universities, 9:40 AM; (Business and economics) Mention 19 Eduardo Roque, Energy performance and thermal comfort of residential Lightweight Steel-Framed buildings (LSF): challenges and enhancement strategies, 9:00 AM; (Civil engineering) Mention 20 Margaret Gomes, English and Social Identity among University Students in a Global Age, 9:15 AM; (Cultural studies) Mention
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Published in 12/2/2019
CIÊNCIAVITAE is a unique, personalized, simple, harmonized and structured curriculum that gathers the information that is presently dispersed in multiple platforms, as FCT-SIG CV, DeGóis, RENATES, REBIDES, ORCID and RCAAP. Existing platforms will be discontinued by phases and CIÊNCIAVITAE will be fully operational in 2021. After 1 mar 2018 you will not be able to create new curricula and after 1 Jul 2018 the access to edit your curriculum will also end. FCT provides several support and tutorials that help you in the process of transition between platforms.
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Published in 30/1/2019
The new protection area Natura 2000, the first marine area exclusively dedicated to the conservation of cetaceans, was approved in the Council of Ministers on the 23 Jan. This area was proposed in the scope of the project LIFE+ MarPro which financed by European Commission and is coordinated by the researcher of CESAM & dBio, Catarina Eira. However, the researcher warns that these areas will be ineffective if there is no effective conservation measures. More details on this approved area and researcher's concerns here [in PT].
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Published in 30/1/2019
The CESAM & dBio researcher Bruno Nunes was at the Escola Básica e Secundária de Anadia on the 10th of January to make a presentation on the theme "Pollution and Preservation of the Oceans", encompassed in a series of initiatives aimed at citizenship education. The initiative was boosted by the teachers of the referred school, namely Professor Teresa Carapinha, and had about 80 participants of the 6th grade, with an average age between 13 and 15 years old. For about an hour and a half, it was possible to present some of the most problematic pollutants that affect oceans, and talk to students about ways to reduce their environmental impact, to have more conscious and participatory citizens in the future around environmental issues.
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Published in 22/1/2019
Nuno Cordeiro, a former PhD student of CESAM, is the first PhD of the doctoral program in Marine Science, Technology and Sea Management (Do*Mar) by one of the Portuguese universities of the consortium. On the 14 January 2019, the PhD student Nuno Gonçalo Ferreira Cordeiro get his PhD degree in the international doctoral program Do*Mar. His thesis was on Numerical and observational processes study of NW Iberian margin circulation and oriented by Prof. Jesus Dubert (University of Aveiro), Dr. Eric Desmond Barton (Instituto Español de Oceanografia – Vigo) and Dr. Rita Nolasco (University of Aveiro). The main result of this Ph. D. was the development of realistic configurations of a numerical model that can be used to advance the understanding of the physical mechanisms of coastal circulation in the NO region of the Iberian Peninsula. This tool can be applied in the study of societal issues of great relevance in this region, such as climate change and biogeochemical cycles, the dispersal of toxic algae, the ecology of the larval phase of species of great commercial interest, or the improvement of operational systems (already existing in the UA). Do*Mar has presently more than 250 registered students form more than 20 nationalities with 46 of them registered in Portuguese universities. The universities that belong to the consortium of this international program are Portuguese and Spanish and include University of Aveiro, Porto, Minho, Trás os- Montes e Alto Douro, Vigo, Coruña and Santiago de Compostela, the Instituto Español de Oceanografia and the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientficas. Moreover, some institutions participate as associated members including the School of Biology of the University of St. Andrews (Scotland), the Station Biologique de Roscoff (France) and the Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de S. Paulo (Brasil). This doctoral program started on 2012-2013 in Spain and in 2013-2014 in Portugal. Do* Mar is a Doctoral program financed by FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia with a strong international component that benefit of 24 PhD fellowships. Of these, 21 fellowships have already been awarded and is now in negotiations the extension of the funding of more 6 mix fellowships. FCT fellowships that still need to be assigned are expected to be awarded in the next school year of 2019-2020. In Spain, Do*Mar benefits of a supported program given by Xunta de Galicia that includes around 30 PhD fellowships each year.
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Published in 21/1/2019
University of Aveiro has published the summary of the year 2018 here. CESAM was an important player during the whole year and it was highlighted in February, April, June, July, August, November, and December. Additionally, in the edition of the magazine Research@UA, the research of CESAM was emphasized, namely the projects SmartBioR, AgroForWealth and SusPhotoSolutions as strategic projects, the project SmartGreenHomes, and the wrok of CESAM members Ana I. Miranda and her team, Rosa Freitas and her team, and Juan Bueno-Pardo and his team. This publication foccuses on the most important scientific highlights of the previous year (2017) and can be consulted here.
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Published in 15/1/2019
On the 10-11th January, the kick-off meeting of the project HERA - Integrating Environment and Health Research: a Vision for the EU occurred in Paris. The CESAM members Ana Isabel Miranda (coordinator of the project at University of Aveiro) e Joana Ferreira, were there representing UA. The project HERA is financed by the European Commission and has more than 20 international partners. His main goal is to define priorities for the environment and health research agenda in the EU.
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Published in 18/1/2019
The Icelandic subspecies of Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus islandicus), a long distance migratory wader and the focus of Camilo Carneiro’s PhD since 2015, was selected to be in the cover of the January 2019 issue of Journal of Avian Biology, highlighting the paper entitled “Faster migration in autumn than in spring: seasonal migration patterns and non?breeding distribution of Icelandic whimbrels Numenius phaeopus islandicus”. Journal of Avian Biology is an historical outlet for cutting edge ornithological research and is published by the Nordic Oikos Society, ranked 2nd in its area (Ornithology; IF = 2.49). It has been previously revealed, in a paper led by Dr. José A. Alves (CESAM& dBio member) and published in Scientific Reports, that Icelandic Whimbrels are able to fly non-stop between Iceland and West Africa in autumn, but in spring these migratory birds either embark on a second non-stop flight to their breeding grounds or cover this distance in two steps spending a few days in a stopover area, often in UK or Ireland. In this new publication such knowledge is consolidated, the migration routes, wintering and stopover sites are mapped, the seasonal differences in migration duration and speed are assessed with potential causes for these migratory patterns being discussed. The timing of arrival into the breeding sites can influence the subsequent breeding success of birds, particularly at high latitudes such as Iceland. For this reason most seasonal migrants migrate faster in spring than in autumn. However, in the case of Icelandic Whimbrels the pattern is reversed, with individuals migrating faster in autumn than in spring. Seasonal variation in wind patterns could explain the differences observed in this study and the stopover in spring might allow the appraisal of weather conditions closer to the breeding areas and/or allow individuals to improve their body condition in order to arrive at the breeding sites with reserves. Unravelling the carry-over effects and trade-offs undertaken by these birds in a climate change scenario is a focus of Camilo’s PhD thesis, within the doctoral program Biology and Ecology of Global Change at the University of Aveiro (CESAM/DBIO). The complete article here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jav.01938
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Published in 18/1/2019
Mónica Amorim, researcher of CESAM & dBio is the principal researcher of the Portuguese team of two European projects recently approved under the Horizon 2020. Both projects will be developed in the area of nanotechnologies (NMBP-13-2018: "Risk Governance of nanotechnology" and NMBP-14-2018: Nanoinformatics: from materials models to predictive toxicology and Ecotoxicology”). The project “NANORIGO - Establishing a Nanotechnology Risk Governance Framework” has a total budget of 4.748.740 € and is coordinated by the Aarhus University, Denmark. This large consortium involves 29 partners of 15 European countries, besides Korea and USA. The project “NanoinformaTIX - Development and Implementation of a Sustainable Modelling Platform for NanoInformatics” has a total budget of 6.783.556 € and is coordinated by the Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) in Madrid, Spain. This large consortium involves 36 partners of 20 European countries, besides China and e USA. The portuguese team is responsible for the activities related with hazard and risk assessment in the environment. The evaluation of the environmental impact using new omics tools will be one of the key points to explore, both in the hazard assessment and the implementation in a regulatory context. The researcher Mónica Amorim is also responsible in the project H2020-NMBP-12: “BIORIMA - BIOmaterial RIsk Management”, which started in 2017, hence the University of Aveiro continued the research in the area of nanotechnologies and its environmental impacts via international financing (H2020-NMBP-12-13-14), ensuring also the collaboration in large scientists’ networks and the international industry.
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Published in 7/1/2019
Faculty Henrique Queiroga and Paulo Silva, were invited to talk about climate change and its impacts in the oceans in a debate in Escola Básica e Secundária Ferreira de Castro, Oliveira de Azeméis. Prof. Henrique Queiroga talked about the causes of global warming and some of its impacts in marine ecosystems, namely in artic and tropical regions as well as in Portugal. Prof. Paulo Silva talked about the increase of the sea level, the consequences of coastal erosion in Portugal and the possible adaptation measures. This debate is included in the 1st stage of this school application to the Youth Parliament 2019. It was organized by students of the 12th grade and count with the presence of about 100 students from 7th to 12th grade.
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Published in 7/1/2019
On the 16 January 2019 the seminar of the project LIFE REFOREST - Erosion prevention and flora REstauration of burnt FOREST areas through innovative fungal-technosol solution will occur at University of Aveiro. The participation is free of charge but registration is mandatory (esp.team.cesam@gmail.com) until 10 January.
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Published in 20/12/2018
The CESAM Post-Doc research fellow Jorge Sanchez Gutierrez together with José Masero (University of Extremadura, Spain) authored a correspondence in the renowned journal Nature highlighting the urgency for the new Spanish government to take quick measures to save wild songbirds that are captured with illegal trapping. Nature Correspondence are 'letters to the Editor' such as short comments on topical issues of public and political interest that are not usually peer-reviewed and so should not contain primary research data. In this correspondence entitled "Save Spanish songbirds from illegal trapping", the authors state “The Spanish government authorized the capture of 1,731,861 finches in 2013–18, presumably to provide a stock of captive-bred birds in case the ban on trapping was ever enforced. In May, the European Commission gave Spain a two-month deadline to stop finch trapping altogether. As of 1 June, just 8 of Spain’s 17 autonomous regions had suspended the trapping of goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis), greenfinches (Carduelis chloris), linnets (Carduelis cannabina), serins (Serinus serinus) and chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs). If the other regions fail to do the same, Spain could risk fines amounting to millions of euros”. The full correspondence can be read here.
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Published in 24/6/2020
João Carvalho, CESAM’s researcher, and Luís Miguel Rosalino (cE3c—Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa) are the guest editors of a special edition of the Journal "Animals": "The Response of Wildlife Populations and Communities to Global Change" Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2021. + info: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/animals/special_issues/wildlife_global_change
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Published in 17/12/2018
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Published in 17/12/2018
CESAM members Newton Gomes and Francisco Coelho belong to the team of the 15th Symposium on Bacterial Genetics and Ecology (BAGECO) as co-chair and organizing committee, respectively. BAGECO will happen on the 26-30 May 2019 in Lisbon and is one of the main European conferences in genetics and ecology of bacteria with more than 30 years of tradition. The event will get together the leading scientists in the area to debate the most imperative questions of microbiology, microbial ecology, metagenomics and complementary disciplines. More information on the event here.
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Published in 17/12/2018
Experts in ocean wavesstudies, littoral currents, sedimentary dynamics of coastal zones and surf hydraulics, belonging to the National Laboratory of Civil Engineering and Universities of Aveiro and Lisbon, got together in the past 10 December in Vagos Main Hall, to start a study on the viability of the construction of a multifunctional detached breakwater in front of Vagueira beach. The CESAM researcher Paulo Baganha Baptista coordinates the work at UA and have the collaboration of the professor Paulo Silva, the researcher Peter Roebeling and the external collaborator Joaquim Pais Barbosa. This study was hired by the Portuguese Agency of Environment (APA) and will take 2 years. It will include the monitoring of the evolution of the sea bottom and of the nearby maritime zone, the simulation in models of the natural phenomena aiming to understand the efficiency of the breakwater and the comparative analysis of the costs and benefits. The study will focus on the efficiency of the breakwater in the reduction of seawalls overtoppings in the urban front and in the contribution to reduce beach erosion inverting the present tendency if possible. It is intended that the breakwater potentiates the increase of the sand in the beach and improves the sea conditions for the practice of surf, body-board and similar sports. Before the meeting, the technicians went to Vagueira beach to start the monitoring work concerned with the sedimentary evolution and the occurrence of overtoppings through the adherent defense in the present conditions. During this study they will collect more exact and detailed data on the variability of the beach and on the interactions between the waves, currents, the sedimentary changes and coastal structures.
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Published in 14/12/2018
The article "An urban air quality modeling system to support decision-making: design and implementation" authored by the doctorate Hélder Relvas and the faculty Ana Isabel Miranda was released this week in the newsalert of the European Commission's Environment Directorate-General "Science for Environment Policy". This way, their work may reach over 21 000 policymakers, academics and business people across Europe to assist in the development of effective, evidence-based policies. The article is focused in the development of a new computer model to help decisionmakers quickly assess proposed strategies to cut air pollution. The model uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology and innovatively considers the influence of public opinion in its assessment of emission reduction strategies. You can find the doccument here and the original article here. The newsalert "Science for Environment Policy" is a free service that provides news of the latest environmental research that has been specially selected by our independent scientific advisors. Readers gain a unique insight into the vital scientific issues relevant to current EU environmental policy. You can subscribe the doccument here.
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Published in 18/1/2019
Isabel Lopes and Cátia Venâncio, researchers from the Associated Laboratory CESAM and the Department of Biology at the University of Aveiro are authors of one of the 23 articles published in Philosophical Transactions B under the theme issue "Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects". Salinization of freshwaters ecosystems is a growing and global threat. Within the climate change scenario, sea level rise will a major driver of increased salinity in low-lying coastal ecosystems. Increased salinity may cause a severe reduction in aquatic biodiversity, leading to the disruption of ecosystem processes and compromising the goods and services that freshwater ecosystems may provide. The research, entitled "Sensitivity of freshwater species under single and multigenerational exposure to seawater intrusion", evaluated the effects of salinity increase in several freshwater species representative of different trophic levels (algae, aquatic plants, crustaceans, insects, snails). The results showed that salinity levels that will be easily find in low-lying freshwater ecosystems in the future may influence the resilience of several species, namely freshwater microcrustaceans. These microcrustaceans are important food sources for small fish and prevent the proliferation of microalgae. This might mean that even small increments in salinity may, indirectly, influence the resilience of the species more tolerant to salinity. This situation is even more concerning if we take into account that most of the studied organisms continue to show low tolerance with salinity rise even when exposed through several generations. This conclusion highlights the vulnerability of aquatic biota to salinization. This work was developed within the project SALTFREE – Prediction of salinization effects on coastal freshwater and soil ecosystems due to climate changes, financially supported by FCT. The work had as co-authors Bruno Branco Castro (Departamento de Biologia, Universidade do Minho), Rui Ribeiro (Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade de Coimbra), Sara Antunes (Departamento de Biologia, Universidade do Porto), Nelson Abrantes (Departamento de Ambiente e Ordenamento, Universidade de Aveiro), Amadeu M.V.M. Soares (Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro). The article can be read here.
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Published in 13/12/2018
Faculty Carlos Fonseca and Maria da Luz Mathias are the national coordinators of the 2nd European Mammal Atlas of EMMA - European Mammal Foundation together with the Dr. Luísa Rodrigues of ICNF - Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Florestas. This project aims to update the information of the previous atlas which have the dataset finalised since 10 years ago. EMMA is also involved in the campaign DISCOVER THE MAMMALS OF EUROPE that supports people and organizations working on mammals conservation and research in Europe. More on this campaign here.
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Published in 11/12/2018
CESAM hosts the exhibition "Women in Limnology" at the University of Aveiro. This exhibition is currently shown in the main entrance hall of the rectory building and will be there until 14 December. The exhibition highlights the role of women in Limnology throughout history giving an overview of the scientific life and findings, presenting profiles of women in limnology and reporting their main challenges in their career. Together with a series of pannels, the exhibition includes a short documentary film showing statements of female limnologists. The exhibition was created by the gender group of the Iberian Association of Limnology (AIL) resulting from the work of a team of 20 volunteers. The CESAM Post-Doctoral research fellow Ana Genua belongs to this Association and was responsible for planting the seed for this exhibition in Portugal.
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Published in 30/11/2018
Faculty Marina Cunha was presented in the European Commission event “Our Atlantic Ocean for Growth and Well-Being” that happened in Mindelo, Cape Verde, 21-22 November 2018. She presented the H2020 projects HERMES - Hotspot Ecosystem Research on the Margins of European Seas and HERMIONE - Hotspot Ecosystem Research and Man’s Impact on European Seas. This event included the signature of the Cooperation Agreement on Marine Research and Innovation that will allow the participation of Cape Verde in European Projects in the future. The picture shows a moment of the speaking session “Prime Minister’s Speakers Series” with Cape Verde Prime Minister (Ulisses Correia e Silva) and the European Commissioner for Research and Innovation (Carlos Moedas).
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Published in 3/12/2018
Considering the relevance of defining and implementing a strategy of sustainability, University of Aveiro (UA) formed a Mission Group for the Sustainable Development. Its objectives are create and develop several articulated processes in a System of Environmental Management able to be certified, using the NP EN ISO14001:2015 as a basis. More on the System of Environmental Management of UA here (website only available in Portuguese).
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Published in 22/6/2020
Around 194 million birds and 29 million mammals can be run over each year on European roads, according to an international team of researchers led by Clara Grilo, from the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM). The results are published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Environment. "We wanted to know the species most affected by roads in Europe and map the areas where roads can be a threat to birds and mammals in Europe. We made a compilation of studies with records of roadkill in Europe and developed models to estimate the number of roadkill of unstudied species and identify which species are vulnerable to local extinction due to roads," says Clara Grilo. Rates of hit-and-run vary between different species and researchers explain why.“Birds and mammals with smaller body size and with characteristics that make them more abundant, have a higher number of cases of roadkill. For example, blackbirds and hedgehogs have particularly high rates of being run-over," says co-author Manuela González-Suárez, professor at Reading University, UK. Full news in UA News Portal: https://www.ua.pt/en/noticias/9/63420 Also reported: VISÃO - https://bit.ly/2YnRujJ Ambiente Magazine: https://bit.ly/2V4ssnB Article reference: Grilo C, E.Koroleva , R.Andrášik, M Bíl, M.González-Suárez (2020). Roadkill risk and population vulnerability in European birds and mammals. Frontiers in Ecology and Environment. doi:10.1002/fee.2216
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Published in 30/11/2018
The researcher Elisabete Maciel is guest editor of Marine Drugs (IF 4.379) on a special issue on “Lipid profiling (Lipidome) of marine organisms”. This special issue aims to provide a comprehensive lipidomics analysis of a great variety of marine organisms to identify lipid molecular species with add value and health-promoting properties for biotechnological applications as nutraceuticals, functional food or supplements in food and pharma industries.
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Published in 30/11/2018
COCKLES project (Co-operation for restoring cockle shelfisheries and its ecosystem services in the Atlantic Area) in which CESAM is partner, was represented in the event Business2Sea that happened on the 14-16 Novembre in Alfândega do Porto. The project was presented on the workshop "Valorisation" of Marine Resources" and was represented by the research fellow Luisa Magalhães that also participated in the final debate.
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Published in 23/11/2018
"Research Summit is coming (28-29, nov 2018), and will have a brand new set of exciting features, besides the interesting topics that will be intensively discussed in the 2 days of celebration of research at the UA. 6 slots of approximately half an hour each will be available for you to present your work in 4 minutes followed by a 2 minute short question slot. The jury will be a set of personalities deeply engaged in research in the different areas and will assess the best overall PhD pitch in each session (quality of presentation, quality of the work & impact). The prizes per session will be exciting: - best pitch award of 300€ for usage inside your research unit for pursuing your objectives; - best pitch certificate; - mention and summary at the research@ua and news@ua; - your pitch public (if you allow) at the EDUA site in a special section. What you have to do? Put together the best pitch you can about your PhD work and present it in English and in the highest impact possible. The minimum set of information is: title and team (mentions to the research group are also accepted) research challenge(s) research method and techniques available relevant result(s) current impact (conferences, fairs, journals, shows, etc) classify the PhD in terms of the sustainable goals of UN in the presentation and following the instructions of an email that you will receive with your credentials and with the subject : Convite para participar num inquérito, and coming from : questionarios-noreply@ua.pt. * No more than 5 slides using mandatorily template attached are required. [The template for the presentation is available on the INTRANET] Are you eligible? You can apply if you have a valid registration at an active PhD at the university of Aveiro and have not defended the thesis prior to October 2018, inclusive. To whom submit the work? Apply to edua@ua.pt up to 23h59 of 25th of November of 2018 with the subject: research pitch - Research Summit Thanks and hope for the best. Artur Silva, João Coutinho and António Teixeira"
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Published in 18/1/2019
Mónica Amorim, researcher of CESAM & dBio, was awarded the SETAC FELLOW 2018.The SETAC Fellows Award was created in 2010 to recognize members demonstrating BOTH (i) significant long-term scientific or science policy contributions and (ii) service and leadership within SETAC. The identification and appointment of Fellow status is intended to provide additional recognition of excellence and contributions of SETAC members to ecotoxicology, environmental chemistry, risk assessment and life cycle assessment. The hallmark of a SETAC Fellow is leadership within the professional and scientific arenas as well as SETAC.While there is no upper limit to the number of Fellows, no more than 1–2% of the membership hold this prestigious recognition.The group of SETAC Fellows constitutes a body that has demonstrated achievement in science or science policy and possesses institutional knowledge of the society. As such, they will serve as a sounding board for the SETAC World Council and may be asked to help lead select efforts. Further reading here.
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Published in 22/11/2018
Faculty Armando Costa Duarte and researcher Regina Duarte are guest editors of a special issue on the journal Atmosphere about Urban Atmospheric Aerosols: Sources, Analysis and Effects. This special issue are foccused on the urban areas once they are a very special case as far as a PM2.5 concentrations, composition, sources, and health effects are concerned. This way, this volume intends to value studies on the physico-chemical and toxicological characterization of urban PM2.5 in order to assess health effects and to establish efficient control strategies.
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Published in 21/11/2018
To celebrate the National Day of the Sea CESAM researchers from MER Thematic Line went to Escola Básica dos 2.º e 3.º Ciclos da Gafanha da Nazaré to talk about the topic “What the sea gives to us and what we give to the sea”. This initiative aimed to promote ongoing research at CESAM fostering a more sustainable use of marine biological resources, its conservation and rehabilitation. More than 100 students divided by 6 classes of the 5th scholar year attended the talk. Both students and professors were strongly engaged to pursue these objectives and future joint actions are already being planned to make younger generations even more aware on the need to protect the ocean.
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Published in 21/11/2018
Several CESAM members contributed to the book SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE OCEAN: A NECESSITY. This book resulted from the international conference with the same name that occurred in november 2017 in University of Algarve. The conference intended to comemorate the work of Professor Mário Ruivo, a great biologist, oceanographer, humanist, democrate and a unique defensor of the ocean. This event was distinct from the others once it got together representatives of all the research centers working in sea sciences. Besides recollect the legacy of Prof. Mário Ruivo, his thought for the future was projected, resulting in a relevant debate of the hot topics in sea sciences. The result of this debate is the book that counts with the contribution of CESAM members Adelaide Almeida, Ana Hilário, Catarina Eira, Luís M. Pinheiro and Sílvia Monteiro. The boom is open access and can be downloaded here.
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Published in 15/2/2019
The CESAM researcher Rosa Freitas leads on of the approved CYTED networks for 2019. Only 21 networks were approved and of those only two are coordinated by Portuguese researchers. This network is included in the area of Sustainable Development and is related with the Evaluation of emergent contaminants in aquatic organisms. The network includes more that 40 members that come from several countries including Spain (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Barcelona; Instituto Espanol de Oceanografia - Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares), Mexico (Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Nordeste, S.C; Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occident - Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social; Universidad Autónoma de San Luis), USA (University of California, Berkeley), Chile (Instituto Antártico Chileno), Brasil (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande) and Argentina (Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos - Centro Nacional Patagónico - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas).CYTED networks are clusters of research and development (R&D) formed by public or private entities and corporations from the member countries of the CYTED Programme, whose scientific or technological activities are related within a common area of interest and included in one of the Programme Areas. Their main objective is the exchange of knowledge between R&D groups and the strengthening of cooperation as a work method. The financing of the CYTED Programme’s purpose is the coordination activities of the thematic networks, which have a maximum limit of 30.000 euros per year. Financing includes the mobility of the member groups, the organization of workshops and courses and the issue of publications.CYTED - Programa Iberoamericano de Ciência e Tecnologia para o Desenvolvimento main objective is to contribute to the harmonious development of the Ibero-American region through cooperation mechanisms that seek scientific and technological results, transferable to production systems and social policies.
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Published in 20/11/2018
CESAM researchers Rosário Domingues and Ricardo Calado, from the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biology (respectively), as well as co-founders of the Marine Lipidomics Laboratory at the University of Aveiro have been invited to edit the Special Issue "Lipids of Marine Algae" to be published by the journal Biomolecules (MDPI group). The Special Issue "Lipids of Marine Algae" will address the growing interest in the use of marine algae as a source of lipids with high nutritional value and with bioactive properties, thus with potential application in various biotechnological and industrial uses (e.g., nutraceutical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical). Advancing the current knowledge of seaweeds lipidome will contribute to its whole valorization, being particularly relevant for the promotion of the sustainable use of these endogenous biological resources and promotion of Blue Bioeconomy.
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Published in 19/11/2018
On the 16 November it was celebrated the National Sea Day. A group of students from the 5th grade from Escola João Afonso de Aveiro came to visit COBI - Biological Research Collection of Marine Invertebrates. COBI contains specimens from coastal to deep-sea environments collected under sampling programs of several Research Projects and is open to the public prior appointment.
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Published in 15/11/2018
The event Coffee with Science that happened in Fábrica Centro de Ciência Viva on the 12 December 2018 counted with the presence of the researcher Bruno Nunes and was moderated by the professor Fernando Morgado. The former CESAM members Doctors Milene Matos and João Pedrosa were also present. This activity intended to show to the students the different professional paths highlighting factors identified as deciding aspects that took these researchers of Biology and similar areas to selected their present. Moreover it was also a goal to show to the students that there are many different paths but it is necessary to plan as soon as possible a carreer, otherwise they can loose unique opportunities. This event was organized by CESAM (Bruno Nunes from the Functional Biodiversity Research Group) in collaboration with the Biology Students Association and Department of Biology.
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Published in 22/6/2020
As part of its commitment to the European science-policy interface, ALTER-Net, the international network that has CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies) as a member, is adopting the Eklipse science-policy interface mechanism. Eklipse mechanism aims to fill the gap at the European Science Policy Interface (SPI) by establishing a self-sustainable European support mechanism for evidence-informed policy on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Building on the high impact outputs already produced by Eklipse in the pilot phase in response to policy-maker requests (e.g. environmental ministries, EU Commission, IUCN, etc.), this mechanism will advance the Eklipse strategy of promoting robust and transparent SPI approaches, bringing together the best expertise from across the EU, and using tailored, adapted and state-of-the-art methods for knowledge synthesis.
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Published in 18/1/2019
Mónica Amorim, researcher of the Department of Biology and the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & dBio, co-authored a paper published in Nanoscale journal: “Mechanisms of (photo)toxicity of TiO2 nanomaterials (NM103, NM104, NM105): using high-throughput gene expression in Enchytraeus crypticus”. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials (NMs) are among the most highly produced worldwide, estimates are around 60.000 tonnes per year. The applications go from the common use as sunscreens (UV protectors) to photocatalytic properties for soil remediation. The effects of NMs in the environment are assessed using methods available in the legislation for the evaluation of substances (REACH: Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals), via the effect assessment of physiological endpoints in organisms, e.g. survival and reproduction in invertebrates. However, the assessment of the mechanisms of action of NMs and (sub-)cellular effects that precede the effects observed in the organisms is very important, since it may allow to earlier assess, as well as to potentiate the production of safer NMs for the environment (safety-by-design). Hence, the development of techniques and methods that allow to explore the mechanistic effects, is a priority. This is precisely what was shown in the recently published article in Nanoscale, where a 44000 genes microarray was explored, a tool developed by UA team for a model species in ecotoxicology. "High-throughput gene expression was used to assess the molecular mechanisms, while also anchoring it to known effects at the organism level (i.e., reproduction). Results showed that the photoactivity of TiO2 (UV exposed) played a major role in enhancing TiO2 toxicity, activating transcription of oxidative stress, lysosome damage and apoptosis mechanisms. For non-UV activated TiO2, where toxicity at organism level (reproduction) was lower, results showed the potential for long-term effects (i.e., mutagenic and epigenetic)." The response to stress is usually activated, after a short period of time, in cells and with genetic precursors, hence representing the signalling of potential adverse effects that are apparent in the organism only later. The possibility to predict effects in an earlier stage is an aspect that deserves attention and has an enormous potential, this is one of the foccus of this research group. For further reading.
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Published in 12/11/2018
If yes, please pay attention!When you start your contract of researcher you are no longer an integrated member of CESAM!"Oh no! What should I do?"When you confirm the starting date of your contract with the UA human resources department you should send an email to cesam@ua.pt, directed to the Scientific Coordinator of CESAM, requesting that you want to be an integrated member of CESAM and indicating the starting date of the contract."And it is done?"No! If you have your CV updated in CESAM webpage, please indicate that in the e-mail. If not, briefly state how your research contributes to the strategy of CESAM and send a summarized CV."But why?"Because, according to the regulation of CESAM, if you are not a post-doc fellow you need to have a minimum scientific production to be an integrated member (Annex I of the regulation). Please note that all the researchers in CESAM go through this process!"And then?"Your request will be analysed and voted in one of the meetings of the Scientific Council Coordinating Commission of CESAM and you will be notified on the decision.
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Published in 6/11/2018
Olga Ameixa, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow of the Department of Biology & CESAM was elected last September 13th, the Convenor of the working group “Benefits and Risks of Exotic Biological Control Agents” of the International Organization for Biological Control - West Palaearctic Regional Section (IOBC/WPRS) at the last group meeting in Ponta Delgada, Azores.IOBC-WPRS is a non-profit organisation founded in 1955 which encourages and promotes networking among scientists and other stakeholders in promoting feasible and environmentally safe methods of pest and pathogen control, fostering research and practical application, organisation of meetings, symposia as well as offering training and information. The working group “Benefits and Risks of Exotic Biological Control Agents” deals with hot issues which range from scanning new biological control agents, risk assessment or looking at the ecological problems posed by these. Olga Ameixa will engage this roll for the next 5 years until new elections.
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Published in 7/11/2018
On the scope of the activities of the initiative Blue Bio Value, the first accelerator program that allows to escalate the marine solutions of a biological basis for applications in the global market in different sectors, using biotechnological innovation based in science and helping to face important social challenges, the scientific coordinator of CESAM Ana Lillebø, received, on the 26th of October in the University of Aveiro, some of the entrepeneur teams selected to participate on the first edition of this program. The visit intended to show some of the infrastructures, equipments and services that CESAM make available to the participant teams of the program Blue Bio Value. The use of these and other UA resources occurs in the scope of the protocol Blue Demonstrators Network to be soon celebrated between UA and Blue Bio Alliance - BBA. The final balance of this visit was clearly positive. In fact, all the participants were quite impressed with the available infrastructures of CESAM and with the existent diversity and analitical capacity, the technical support that may be done and the multidisciplinarity of the services that may be offered by this Associated Laboratory. During the visit it was highlighted that the infrastructures, equipments and services from UA are beyond CESAM and ECOMARE. Indeed, UA has unique treasures in the country that may be fundamental to accelerate business ideas. As an associate of BBA, CESAM (presently represented in the Executive Board by the researcher Ricardo Calado) will affirm its mission of promotion and revitalisation of a new national blue bioeconomy.
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Published in 5/11/2018
CESAM is organizing a Magusto! It will be on the 9th November, 16h30 on CESAM's meeting room (Building III, 5th floor). You need to bring 500 g of already sliced chestnuts that must be delivered until the day before.Confirm your participation until the 5th of November here.
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Published in 20/11/2018
The V National Congress on Climate Change that will occurr in University of Algarve from the 22-23 November, will have the participation of the faculties Ana Isabel Miranda, Carlos Borrego, Fátima Alves and Myriam Lopes in the scientific committee. Moreover, the projects UNaLaB and Clair-City will be highlighted in this event. The main theme of this congress edition is the challenges as a consequence of the adaptation to climate change. This event has been increasingly growing as a reference in Portugal on the thematics of Climate Change. CLIMA 2018 is organized by APEA - Associação Portuguesa de Engenharia do Ambiente and University of Algarve. More information can be read here.
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Published in 23/10/2018
The work developed by Professor Fátima Alves and her team allowed University of Aveiro to become, since July 2018, a National Hub from the Assistance Mechanism for the Atlantic Action Plan. The Atlantic Action Plan encourages Member States to work together in order to share information, costs, results and best practices, as well as generate ideas for further areas of cooperation of maritime activities. The Action Plan includes traditional activities, such as fisheries, aquaculture and tourism, together with emerging activities including offshore renewables and marine biotech. The Assistance Mechanism provides guidance and proactive support for public and private organisations, research institutions and universities, institutional and private investors from the Atlantic region wishing to engage in the implementation of the Atlantic Action Plan. The Assistance Mechanism for the Atlantic Action Plan is operating through five National Hubs which are based in Portugal, Spain, France, United Kingdom and Ireland, coordinated by a Brussels-based central management team. Among other activities, National Hub intends to: - advertise and inform interested parts about the Action Plan and maritime policy initiatives adopted by the European Comission, Member States and Regions; - promote network implementation and cooperation between interested parts; - maintain updated information about resources and funding opportunities available at a European, National and Regional level; - contribute in the monitoring of the Action Plan implementation progress, according to projects identification and good practices; - promote/support the organization of seminars and conferences, as well as to participate in national or Atlantic region events; - support the Communication Plan of the Assistance Mechanism; - keep a close relationship with national members of the Atlantic Strategy Group. Follow the activity of the national hub here.
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Published in 22/10/2018
CESAM is organizing a cycle of talks foccused on climate change. At the end of the event, there will be the traditional Portuguese soup caldo verde for all. This event is co-organized by CESAM and Engineers Order of the Centre Region.
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Published in 2/11/2018
Rewilding Europe announced the donation of 2.6 million euros from the Endangered Landscape Programme (ELP) to finance the project “Scaling Up Rewilding in Western Iberia”. This project results from a partnership with the local organizations Rewilding Portugal, ATNatureza, University of Aveiro and Zoo Logical with Professor Carlos Fonseca as the UA coordinator. Rewilding Western Iberia will contribute to reinforce Vale do Côa as a wildlife corridor of 120.000 hectares, improving the connectivity between Serra da Malcata (south) and Canhão Fluvial do Douro (north). The complite article can be read here [in Portuguese].
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Published in 29/11/2018
CESAM is organizing a workshop on Alien Species | New date: 7th December; Amphitheatre of Department of Materials Engineering and Ceramics (DEMaC), University of Aveiro Programme 9h20 Opening Session Ana I. Lillebø 9h30 Session I - Introduction of alien species in the context of global changes Alien species at seagrass meadows and associated habitats: concerns and restoration measures to promote biodiversity Ana I. Sousa Invading the European seas: main pathways of introduction of alien species and their cumulative impacts Heliana Teixeira 10h00 Flash presentations Studying the invasive Asian clam distribution patterns in a semi-artificial drainage catchmentJoana I. Santos, Tânia Vidal, Cristiana Mendes, Ana Ré, Fernando J.M. Gonçalves, Bruno B. Castro, Joana L. Pereira Ruditapes philippinarum (invasive) and R. decussatus (native) clam species under a scenario of global change: pharmaceutical contaminationÂngela Almeida, Vânia Calisto, Valdemar I. Esteves, Rudolf J. Schneider, Amadeu M.V.M. Soares, Etelvina Figueira, Rosa Freitas Can the historical contamination and gender influence the genotoxic responses of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii exposed to a penoxsulam-based herbicide?Ricardo Costa, Mário Pacheco, Sofia Guilherme Sustainable management and conservation of semi-natural meadows of the UA Campus and their provided ecosystem servicesDavid da Silva Alves, Paula Maia, Olga Ameixa Beautiful nightmare: a molecular view of the invasive plant Acacia longifoliaSara Vicente, Cristina Máguas, Helena Trindade 10h45 Coffee break 11h00 Session II - Invasive alien species: a growing problem for the environment and human wellbeing Direct and indirect effects of invasive alien plants in forest habitats: implications for management Paula Maia Brave New World: on the prophecies of Charles Elton João Carvalho 11h30 Flash presentations Post-fire plant invasions in Central Portugal forests: a perspective of the impacts and management needsJosé Cunha, Carlos Fonseca, Paula Maia Bioturbation and nutrient cycling of a native and an invasive clam occurring in sympatry in a coastal lagoonMarta Lobão Lopes, Joana Patrício Rodrigues, Daniel Crespo, Marina Dolbeth, Ricardo Calado, Ana I. Lillebø Influence of native and non-native forests in the recolonization and resilience of epigeal insect communities in the post-fireDiogo Nazaré, Miguel Martins, Henrique Pereira dos Santos, António Luís, Olga Ameixa Influence of the halophyte Spartina versicolor invasion in the composition of insect communitiesMiguel Bastos, Ana I. Sousa, Ana I. Lillebø, Olga Ameixa The Berlengas black rat (Rattus rattus) and wild-rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus): relicts or aliens?Sofia Gabriel, Pedro Geraldes, Nuno Oliveira, Maria da Luz Mathias 12h15 Lunch 14h00 Session III - Prevention and mitigation of invasive alien species Underlying factors influencing Harmonia axyridis spread in the Iberian Peninsula Olga Ameixa Management of aquatic invaders: lessons learnt from the Asian clam and the zebra mussel Joana Pereira 14h30 Flash presentations How can citizen science contribute to the prevention and control of the invasive species Procambarus clarkii?Inês C. Rosa, Dorinda Rebelo, Sofia Guilherme, Joana L. Pereira Invasive Plant Species control in Bussaco National Forest: successes, challenges and lessons learnt from the implementation of BRIGHTPaula Maia, Lísia Lopes, Rosa Pinho Feeding inhibition in Corbicula fluminea as a valuable endpoint to refine chemical control methods targeted at the fouling pestCarlos Silva, Bruno Branco Castro, Inês P.E. Macário, Bruno Oliveira, Fernando J.M. Gonçalves, Joana L. Pereira The use of the invasive Corbicula fluminea as a bioremediation agent of cyanobacterial bloomsInês P.E. Macário, Carlos Silva, António Anselmo, Daniela de Figueiredo, Fernando J.M. Gonçalves, Joana L. Pereira Taking advantage of the invasive bivalve Corbicula fluminea: potential as bioremediation agent of olive oil mill wastewatersAna Domingues, Ruth Pereira, Inês C. Rosa, João P. da Costa, Teresa Rocha Santos, Fernando J.M. Gonçalves, Joana L. Pereira Rodents as biocontrol agents against invasive plant species: Preliminary observations and prospects for future researchPhilippe Gil de Mendonça, Paula Maia 15h15 Discussion forum - Invasive alien species beyond the academy Participating entities: Invasoras.pt (Doutora Elizabete Marchante, Centre for Functional Ecology, Universidade de Coimbra) Administração do Porto de Aveiro (Eng.ª Maria Manuel Cruz)Associação Bioliving (Doutora Milene Matos)EDIA - Empresa de Desenvolvimento e Infra-estruturas do Alqueva, S.A. (Eng.ª Ana Ilhéu)Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (Eng. Paulo Carmo)Agrupamento de Escolas de Estarreja (Prof. Dorinda Rebelo)
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Published in 18/6/2020
A team of researchers of CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies) including Bruno Nunes, Miguel Oliveira, and Teresa Rocha-Santos, with different expertise (Ecotoxicology, Biology, Biochemistry and Chemistry), will integrate the consortium of a Mobilizing project boosted by APIP – Associação Portuguesa da Indústria dos Plásticos. This project aims a more sustainable and circular vision of the Industry and Society. The consortium will be coordinated by Vizelpas Flexible Films, S.A, and include several companies of the plastics sector, Institutes, and Research Units. The project “BETTER PLASTIC - Plastics in a Circular Economy” will address the main innovation and research needs to accomplish the demands of the European Union Plastics Strategy. It will apply a threefold approach, using circularity as a basis: i) Circularity for the Design, ii) Circularity for Recycling, and iii) Circularity for Alternative Raw Materials. The team of CESAM will be responsible for the evaluation of the human and environmental toxicity of the studied materials.
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Published in 9/10/2018
The Science Fair in Oliveira do Bairro occurred from the 3rd to the 5th october. This event counted with the presence of several CESAM members with, at least, 3 demonstrations in different areas such as biochemistry, biology and environment. The researcher Vânia Calisto eas also invited to participate in the talk that happened in the last day of the event.
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Published in 12/10/2018
[Content only available in Portuguese] As Provas de habilitação para o exercício de funções de coordenação científica (Decreto-Lei n.º 124/99)” em Ciências e Engenharia do Ambiente de Célia dos Anjos Alves estão agendadas para os dias 10 e 11 de outubro, às 10h00, na Sala de Atos Académicos, no Edifício Central e da Reitoria da UA.
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Published in 2/10/2018
CESAM is representing the University of Aveiro from today to the 4th October in the Congress Center of Estoril (Lisbon) in the BioMarine Business Convention, together with Plataforma Tecnológica do Mar and the Unidade de Transferência de Tecnologia (UATEC). CESAM is part of the demonstrations in the MyBlueEducation district where it is presenting some of the marine specimens with ecnomic value of the Biological Research Collection of Marine Invertebrates (COBI) of DBio & CESAM together with some videos relevant on the research and projects in area of the sea.
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Published in 2/10/2018
Professor Carlos Fonseca is part of the scientific committee of the IX Meeting of the Wild Iberian Ungulates (IX Reunião dos Ungulados Selvagens Ibéricos) that will hapen on the 4-6 October in Sierra Nevada. He and his PhD student João Carvalho and MSc student Ana Figueiredo will make oral presentations in this event.
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Published in 1/10/2018
CESAM recently joined the network LIS-Water. LIS-Water is a non-profit centre of excellence under construction focused on public policies, regulation and management on water services and related water resources. This network intends to make a pivotal contribution for better water services and a better society. It responds to the challenges deriving from water being one of the top world priorities, recognised by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Published in 27/9/2018
FAIRMODE (Forum for Air Quality Modelling in Europe) was metntioned in the last Editorial of the renowned journal NATURE. More specifically, it is stated that “Scientists can also help to develop and provide well-tested modelling tools that local authorities can use to improve assessments of their specific circumstances, and to design action plans. The Forum for air quality modelling in Europe (FAIRMODE), a joint programme by scientists with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the European Environment Agency, is tasked with developing air-pollution models and is working to harmonize monitoring methods across the bloc. But as air-quality concerns continue to grow, the forum must liaise more with city leaders and health specialists to make sure they get the tools and data they need.”. FAIRMODE counts with the contribution of the researcher Alexandra Monteiro in the Management Committee as Chairman of the Planning Working Group.
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Published in 24/9/2018
[Content only available in Portuguese] No âmbito do projeto “EPyRIS - Estratégia conjunta para a proteção e restauração dos ecossistemas afetados por incêndios florestais”, foi realizada esta sexta-feira, dia 21 de Setembro, uma atividade que contou com a colaboração da Universidade de Aveiro e o ICNF, para a aplicação de medidas de estabilização de emergência após fogo. Esta atividade foi realizada na área afetada pelo incêndio em Loriga (Seia), no parque natural da Serra da Estrela, e assiste à instalação de um ensaio de campo, que tem como objetivo avaliar a eficiência das medidas de estabilização de emergência em áreas protegidas. A coordenação desta atividade foi feita pelo investigador Jacob Keizer. O projeto EPyRIS oferece uma estratégia de gestão conjunta que permite abordar efetivamente os riscos resultantes da ocorrência de incêndios florestais em espaços naturais do Sudoeste Europeu. Em particular, o projeto pretende consolidar, harmonizar e instrumentalizar critérios, procedimentos e contribuições do campo científico para sua utilidade na gestão.
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Published in 24/9/2018
The researcher Ana Hilário recently contributed to the DOSI - Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative policy brief on deep-sea. This document highights the unimagined biodiversity that exists in the deep ocean and the urgency to use a precautionary and ecosystem-based management approach to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of this biodiversity in marine areas beyond national jurisdiction. The policy brief can be consulted here.
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Published in 21/9/2018
On the 27th September, in Brussels, will occur the final conference RECARE organized by the consortium of the project. This event targets decision makers to present the main results of the project on: effective measures for the prevention and remediation of soil threats and its adoption by land managers; European politic's impacts; and options for future answears in policies. This conference will be an excellent opportunity to discuss how RECARE results may inffluence the future European policies for soil protection. CESAM team coordinated by Jan Jacob Keizer was invited to present a Portuguese case study, in which solutions to mitigate the hidric erosion of the soil in burned areas were studied. The application of grounded forestry debris resulting from the the cut of eucaliptus trees (i.e. mulching) was the selected technique used by the agents as innovative measure to be tested in the scope of RECARE. The complete news can be seen here [In Portuguese].
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Published in 18/6/2020
Research on the sustainability of marine endogenous resources is a topic that CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies) often addresses. On the Sustainable Gastronomy Day, CESAM highlights two projects that contribute to food safety and add value to resources highly appreciated and consumed worldwide: seafood. The production of bivalve molluscs in aquaculture is a sustainable activity with very low environmental impacts, once bivalves feed on the resources naturally available in the water, as they are filters. Nevertheless, the quality of these animals may degrade until it gets to the consumer, often because packaging and packing methods are not suitable. The project MolBiPack aims to develop packs and optimize the packaging of bivalves adapted to the physiological requirements of each species, from catchment to commercialization. By the end of this project, it is expected an improvement in the preservation and chemical composition of bivalves, a reduction of the mortality until commercialization, and an increase in the shelf-life of commercialized organisms. This way, the project will contribute to raising the added-value of bivalves while reinforcing the food safety related to the consumption of these resources. Another important measure that adds value to marine endogenous resources and with benefits to food safety and public health is the geographic origin certification. The project TraSeafood aims to determine elemental and/or biochemical fingerprints present in seafood captured and/or cultured along the Atlantic western and south-western Iberian coast that can be used to trace their place of origin. In this project, species selection was based on their current market value and potential added value generated through geographic origin certification, including some seaweeds, bivalves, octopus, goose barnacles and some fishes such as sardine, mackerel, gilthead seabream and European seabass. Elemental and lipid fingerprints are species-specific, unique to each sampling location and can be used for a reliable origin certification. Moreover, the project addresses if seasonal and interannual shifts in fingerprints, as well as the potential shifts along shelf-life affect the discrimination of place of origin. By developing a reliable framework using cost-effective and ready-to-use methods to verify geographic origin claims by players along the supply chain it can be possible to differentiate and add value to traded specimens. These techniques also allow to expose fraudulent practices that may be a threat to food safety and public health. The success of these projects relies on a multidisciplinary approach, involving experts in aquaculture, microbiology, ecology, and lipidomics, contributing to quality improvement in marine endogenous resources from catchment to commercialization. MolBiPack and TraSeafood teams MolBiPack - Improvement of the packaging, transport and packing of bivalve molluscs: from catch to marketing (MAR-01.03.01-FEAMP-0005) has the financial support from the MAR2020 Program, Portugal 2020 and the European Union through European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). TraSeafood - Tracing the Geographic Origin of Seafood as a Pathway Towards the Smart Valorization of Endogenous Marine Resources is funded by FEDER, through COMPETE2020 - Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI), and by national funds (OE), through FCT/MCTES.
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Published in 21/9/2018
The researcher Regina Duarte and the PhD student Libânia Queirós were two of the 31 people that were granted by the Fulbright Program in Portugal this year. The award cerimony occurred in the 11 july in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lisbon. Libânia Queirós will go in February to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University. Regina Duarte is already in the Old Dominion University where she gave a lecture entitled “A Primer on -Omics Strategy for Untargeted Profiling of Organic Aerosols: Lessons Learned and Future Challenges” in the scope of the seminar cycles organized by the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department of the hosted institution. More information on the Fulbright Program can be seen here.
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Published in 21/9/2018
The team of the INTERREG project Cephs and Chefs of CESAM, constituted by the researchers Cristina Pita, Silvia Monteiro and Fábio Matos joined the 3rd Edition of Octopus Week in Quarteira (Algarve, Portugal) that happened from 7-16 September. During 4 days, the organization and some of the restaurants associated to the event were interviewed, as well as stakeholders involved on the value chain associated with the octopus trap fishery of Fuzeta. The Octopus Seminar was held on the 14th of September, an initiative of the AEQV - Association of Entrepreneurs of Quarteira and Vilamoura and the Armalgarve Octopus Association. During the seminar, the Cephs and Chefs project was promoted and its objectives presented. Among the participants of the seminar were also present entities linked to the fishing sector of the octopus, research organizations (some partners of the Cephs and Chefs) and members of the Government of Portugal. In the discussion were addressed issues such as the octopus production in aquaculture, as well as, the ecological and socio-economic sustainability.
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Published in 17/9/2018
On September 11th, the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) presented the 2018 ESFRI Roadmap on Large Scale Research Infrastructures during a half-day conference in Vienna. The ESFRI Roadmap identifies new Research Infrastructures (RI) of pan-European priority and, as announced previously, eLTER RI is among them. These new research infrastructures will be designed to meet the long term needs of European research communities.Inclusion on the ESFRI Roadmap is a significant achievement for the European ecosystem, critical zone and socio-ecological research communities. It paves the way for the further development and formalization of eLTER RI, the Integrated European Long-Term Ecosystem, Critical Zone & Socio-Ecological Research Infrastructure.When fully operational, eLTER RI will be a permanently funded and managed, distributed infrastructure of field sites covering European environmental zones. These field sites will be designed to support excellent science on the functioning of our life supporting systems (a whole-system approach, including studies of human-environment interactions and earth’s critical zone).The RI will provide a range of services to end users, including access to highly instrumented and expertly staffed sites and to their long-term environmental observation data. Additional services, such as data synthesis and modelling, support for research and technological development, and training programmes, will be provided via Topic Centres. The RI will also provide a range of outputs supporting policy and science users, such as information on European environmental trends.The next step in the process is to prepare a proposal for a Preparatory Phase Project (PPP), which will develop key components of eLTER RI such as the legal entity, governance structure, Head Office, Topic Centres, the standard observation programme, the physical network of LTER Sites and LTSER Platforms included in the RI and the services that the RI will offer to users. The requirements of a wide range of stakeholders will be considered in this process, for example, to take account of emerging strategies in European environmental monitoring.The eLTER ESFRI process is led by the German Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in close cooperation with the Environment Agency Austria (EAA) and with support of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. 17 countries supported the eLTER RI ESFRI application politically and 161 research institutions in 27 countries signed the scientific MoU of the eLTER RI.ESFRI Chair, Giorgio Rossi presented the 2018 ESFRI Roadmap at the invitation-only meeting on 11th September. The coordinator of eLTER RI, Michael Mirtl, introduced the basic outline of eLTER. During the event, invited participants discussed about the prospects and challenges posed by the new Roadmap. This conference was part of a series of events marking the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It is organised by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research, in close cooperation with ESFRI and the European Commission.
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Published in 18/10/2018
download fileThe 10th Portuguese Conference on Polar Sciences will be hosted for the first time by the University of Aveiro, Portugal (25-26 October 2018). This meeting has been boosted by the Portuguese polar programme (PROPOLAR) yearly as forum where researchers working both in the Arctic and the Antarctica share their newest results. It has traditionally been an advanced venue for the discussion and triggering of fruitful national and international cooperation towards improved research in polar regions. The organizing committee welcomes all members of the Portuguese polar community to the Conference, as well as researchers, students and stakeholders interested in polar regions and their global importance. The meeting will include platform and poster sessions covering a wide range of topics within e.g. atmospheric sciences, biology, environmental sciences, geochemistry, geology, geography, social sciences, space sciences, all linked to polar research. Internationally renowned invited speakers will honor the event with plenary sessions that should be of great interest of all attendees. This conference will hold the IX Workshop APECS Portugal foccused on SCIENCE COMMUNICATION. The list of the speakers can be consulted here.
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Published in 14/9/2018
download fileCESAM will participate in the activities of the Ecology Day boosted by the Portuguese Society of Ecology Portuguese Society of Ecology (SPECO) that ohapens on the 14th September. This event intends to give more visibility to the Ecology that is done in Portugal, namely to the research and paths that this holistic science points towards sustainability. Several activities will occur in the national territory and CESAM will organize a seminar that will occur at 16:00 at the University of Aveiro. The seminar is about Ria de Aveiro as a LTER site "Management based in the biodiversity and services of the ecosystem". More details on this seminar may be consulted in the annex.
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Published in 24/9/2018
CESAM supports the VII Seminar "Challenges of the Portuguese Sea" which will take place in the maritime Museum in Ílhavo on the 20th October. This event will count with the presence of several speakers with national influence on the theme, including the researcher Ana Lillebo which will talk on the threats and vulnerabilities of the marine ecossystems and the Professor Fátima Alves which will be foccused in the Portuguese Sea management.
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Published in 10/9/2018
CESAM will participate in the BioMarine Business Convention 2018 to be held in Cascais, Portugal. This event will gather institutions, scientists, companies (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, construction, aquaculture, etc) and other stakeholders interested in the Blue Economy. It will be an event where the latest developments regarding the ocean and the evolution and opportunities that Portugal offers for a sustainable blue economy will be shared. CESAM will be present as a demonstrator in the MyBlueCity. We will present several movies, related with marine research, advanced courses in marine sciences and infrastructures sea-related of the University of Aveiro together with some dissemination material regarding the training offer by the University related with marine sciences. Furthermore, CESAM will have an exposition of the biota of the deep-sea with economic value for the blue economy with the kind support of COBI - Biological Research Collection.
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Published in 11/9/2018
The project IMPRINT+, co-financed by the program Erasmus+ that has already been highlighted by the European Commission as an example of good practices in the area of environmental education, reached an end. This project focused on the promotion of living the life in an environmentally friendly way, giving tools to the youth to be active in the protection of the environment and in changing mentalities towards sustainability. Coordinated by the CESAM researcher Carlos Fonseca, the main goal of IMPRINT+ was to shown that leave a positive footprint in the planet is essential for all. Some of the impressive results of the project include the plantation of more than 19.000 trees, 10 ponds builded to house wildlife, and more than 200 activities of environmental educatiion done reaching more than 10.00 people. Moreover, around 200 portuguese young people participated in international exchange programs, in Portugal and abroad. The complete news can be seen here [in PT].
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Published in 10/9/2018
The CESAM Researcher Fátima Lopes Alves was invited, as expert, to join the National Delegation that participates in the "1st Intergovernmental Conference on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity Beyond Areas of National Jurisdiction".More details [in portuguese]: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?lg=pt&c=55514
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Published in 3/8/2018
CESAM recently joined the network EurOcean - The European Centre for information on Marine Science and Technology. This network was established in 2002 and is an independent scientific non-governmental organisation whose membership comprises leading European marine research, funding and outreach organisations.
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Published in 3/8/2018
[Only available in Portuguese] Autor de trabalhos científicos em áreas como a ecologia da fase larvar de invertebrados marinhos ou a conservação ambiental, Henrique Queiroga foi nomeado para o Painel Científico da Estratégia Nacional de Adaptação às Alterações Climáticas (ENAAC 2020). O professor do Departamento de Biologia e investigador do Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), vai poder contribuir com o seu saber para “Um país adaptado aos efeitos das alterações climáticas, através da contínua implementação de soluções baseadas no conhecimento técnico-científico e em boas práticas” (Resolução do Conselho de Ministros n.º 56/2015). A frase anterior é uma transcrição da visão que o Conselho de Ministros estabeleceu para Estratégia Nacional de Adaptação às Alterações Climáticas (ENAAC 2020). A ENAAC 2020 pretende desenvolver uma perspetiva sistémica e integrada das ações de adaptação às alterações climáticas e de mitigação dos seus efeitos, as quais devem ser enquadradas de forma a promover o correto planeamento e desenvolvimento de uma sociedade e economia resiliente, competitiva e de baixo carbono. Para alcançar aquela visão, a ENAAC 2020 define três objetivos: melhorar o nível de conhecimento sobre as alterações climáticas, implementar medidas de adaptação e promover a integração da adaptação em políticas sectoriais. Henrique Queiroga foi nomeado em substituição de Henrique Cabral, professor da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, e é agora um dos 20 membros do Painel Científico. O professor da UA leciona Oceanografia Biológica, Ecologia Marinha e outras disciplinas na área das Ciências do Mar, e é atualmente coordenador do grupo de investigação em Ecologia Marinha e Estuarina do CESAM, tendo exercido no passado funções de vice-diretor deste Laboratório Associado. Na vertente do seu trabalho relacionada com projetos de conservação ambiental, especificamente no que respeita à gestão de áreas marinhas protegidas, coordenou a candidatura da Reserva Natural das Berlengas à Rede Mundial de Reservas da Biosfera (UNESCO, Programa Homem e Biosfera). Esta candidatura, suportada pela Câmara Municipal de Peniche, pelo Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Biodiversidade e por vários grupos de utilizadores, foi aprovada pela UNESCO em julho de 2011. É autor ainda do estudo respeitante à estimativa da Capacidade de Carga Humana da Reserva Natural das Berlengas, e é membro do Conselho Estratégico desta área protegida. O docente e investigador é diretor de dois programas doutorais internacionais na área das ciências do mar oferecidos pela Universidade de Aveiro: Do*Mar - Ciência, Tecnologia e Gestão do Mar, em colaboração com universidades do norte de Portugal e da Galiza, e Ciências do Mar, em colaboração com um consórcio de 24 parceiros europeus. Henrique Queiroga tem ainda colaborado com a A3ES - Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior na avaliação e acreditação de licenciaturas, mestrados e doutoramentos na área das Ciências do Mar em Portugal. Notícia original aqui.
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Published in 17/6/2020
In the South of Portugal there are areas highly vulnerable to soil erosion, drought, and desertification. In the specific case of the mining areas in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, this is aggravated by soil pollution resulting from the past mining activity and acid drainage, with losses of soil functionality between 50 and 100%. The LIFE No_Waste project aims to prepare new soil additives based on ash from the combustion of residual forest biomass and organic waste (biological sludge and / or organic compost) and to demonstrate their effectiveness in recovering the functionality of degraded soil in Portugal, in a context of circular economy. These new materials will allow to recover the chemical and ecological quality and promote the growth of vegetation in soils severely affected by extreme pollution with heavy metals, salinity and low pH. Since May 2018, a LIFE No_Waste pilot project for in situ application of the new additives is ongoing at the São Domingos Mine (Mértola). This work is coordinated by CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies and is being developed by a highly multidisciplinary team with experience in the areas of waste management, environmental engineering, geochemistry, environmental chemistry, biochemistry, botany, ecology, and ecotoxicology. The pilot project will allow the optimization of operational conditions, providing technical guidelines for the subsequent application of these materials in other degraded areas of Southwest Europe. The team of the project
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Published in 3/8/2018
[Only available in Portuguese] Realizou-se nos passados dias 5 e 6 de julho, a segunda reunião de coordenação do projeto CEPHS & CHEFS. Este encontro aconteceu na sede da Cooperativa dos Armadores de Pesca do Porto de Vigo (ARVI), e coincidiu com o festival gastronómico VIGO SEAFEST. O projeto, financiado pelo Programa de Cooperação INTERREG Espaço Atlântico (2017-2020), tem como objetivo transferir conhecimentos sobre a pesca e o consumo de cefalópodes (polvos, lulas e chocos) existente nos países do sul da Área Atlântica com grande tradição gastronómica de consumo (Portugal e Espanha) aos países do Norte (França, o Reino Unido e a Irlanda), onde estas espécies são pouco consumidas, mas, no entanto, capturadas. Com este objetivo, estabeleceu-se um consórcio representativo dos diferentes países: da Irlanda estão presentes a Universidade Internacional da Irlanda em Galway, o Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, a Organização de Produtores de Pescado do Sul e Oeste da Irlanda; do Reino Unido participam o Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) e a Atlantic Gate Ltd.; de França a Universidade de Caen - Normandia; de Portugal fazem parte a Universidade de Aveiro/CESAM, o Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) e a Associação de Armadores de Pesca da Fuzeta; de Espanha a Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, o Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo - Instituto Espanhol de Oceanografia, a empresa de novas tecnologias Quadralia e a Cooperativa dos Armadores do porto de Vigo (ARVI). Nesta reunião de coordenação discutiram-se as tarefas realizadas até ao momento e as iniciativas futuras. Os parceiros envolvidos na adaptação de receitas tradicionais existentes em Espanha e Portugal para os países da área do Atlântico Norte, participaram em iniciativas de confeção de pratos à base de polvo, lulas e chocos. Visitaram igualmente o mercado de Bueu, grandes superfícies com oferta destes produtos, e a fábrica Rosa dos Ventos, especializada no processamento do polvo. O consórcio participou igualmente no festival VIGO Seafest 2018 visitando o stand da OPPC-3, dedicado exclusivamente à divulgação de receitas de polvo, lulas e chocos, a fim de partilhar conhecimentos entre os chefs de cozinha. Na reunião foram apresentados os avanços nas diferentes tarefas do projeto, que para além da adaptação das receitas tradicionais incluí a avaliação das cadeias de valor no comércio destas espécies, a criação de novos produtos nos diferentes países e a avaliação integrada deste sector pesqueiro. Espera-se que entre os resultados do projeto esteja o desenvolvimento de novos produtos de cefalópodes em particular em França, Irlanda e Reino Unido e criação de um espaço para o turismo gastronómico em Espanha e Portugal, garantindo ao mesmo tempo um maior conhecimento sobre a sustentabilidade deste recurso pesqueiro e do sector.
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Published in 3/8/2018
[Only available in Portuguese] O projeto RObUST – Economia Circular Aplicada à Borracha de Pneus: Valorização Material, Química e Energética recebeu o Prémio Inov.Ação Valorpneu. A equipa deste projeto é composta por membros do Laboratório Associado para a Química Verde (REQUIMTE), a Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa e Universidade de Aveiro, sendo que um dos autores é o docente do CESAM Luis Tarelho. O Prémio Inov.Ação Valorpneu pretende valorizar “ideias verdes” interdisciplinares. A cerimónia de entrega de prémios decorreuno passado dia 21 de junho no MAAT – Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia em Lisboa. Os outros vencedores do evento podem ser consultados aqui.
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Published in 3/8/2018
[Only available in Portuguese] Ricardo Assunção, bolseiro de pós-doutoramento no CESAM, foi distinguido com o prémio “Brigitte Gedek – Science Award” atribuído pela “Society for Mycotoxin Research”, no âmbito do 40º Workshop de Micotoxinas, que decorreu, dia 12 de junho, em Munique (Alemanha). Este prémio distingue contribuições científicas na área da micotoxicologia que se diferenciem pela qualidade excecional e é atribuído de forma bianual desde o ano 2000. Para a atribuição deste prémio foram tidos em conta os contributos alcançados por Ricardo Assunção na sua tese de doutoramento “Children exposure to multiple mycotoxins through food consumption: a holistic approach for risk assessment”, realizada no Departamento de Alimentação e Nutrição (DAN) do Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, em colaboração com o CESAM e a Universidade de Évora. Este trabalho teve como principais objetivos caracterizar a exposição das crianças portuguesas com idade inferior a 3 anos a múltiplas micotoxinas através da alimentação e determinar a bioacessibilidade das micotoxinas nos alimentos habitualmente consumidos pelas crianças. Os resultados desta investigação reforçam a importância da implementação de uma abordagem holística para a avaliação de risco de mistura de micotoxinas, em especial quando envolvidas populações vulneráveis como as crianças. As potenciais consequências da exposição intestinal a micotoxinas deverão ser ponderadas principalmente no que respeita às implicações no desenvolvimento de doenças intestinais. O prémio “Brigitte Gedek – Science Award” conta com o apoio da Professora Doutora Brigitte Gedek, professora aposentada de Bacteriologia e Micologia da Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, que esteve presente na cerimónia de entrega deste prémio. Este ano, para além do prémio atribuído a Ricardo Assunção, foi também distinguido o grupo de investigação do Professor Doutor Ludwig Niessen da Technische Universität München (Alemanha).
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Published in 3/8/2018
Ricardo Calado, a researcher from the Department of Biology & CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies), is the first author of a chapter from the most recent book of the "Grand Challenges in Biology and Biotechnology " Series, from Springer. The chapter "How to Succeed in Marketing Marine Natural Products for Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical and Cosmeceutical Markets" from the book "Grand Challenges in Marine Biotechnology" evidences the quality and impact of the research made at CESAM regarding a strategy towards a blue bioeconomy. Marine ecosystems shelter organisms with unique survival skills that include the production of secondary metabolites of extreme biological importance and with a high commercial value for nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical companies. This chapter makes a review on how these marine natural products can be marketed, from the discovery and development stage until the marketing of the final product. Challenges arisen from this process are also highlighted and discussed in this chapter. The chapter of about 100 pages is available here.
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Published in 3/8/2018
The CESAM researcher fellow, Bruna Oliveira, has been nominated as a Management Committee Member to COST Action CA17134 (Optical synergies for spatiotemporal sensing of scalable ecophysiological traits).
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Published in 3/8/2018
A study coordinated by researchers from the Department of Biology & CESAM from the University of Aveiro, in collaboration with the University of Azores Biodiversity Group from cE3c, identify several potential indicators which can help to map and value ecosystem services provided by insects. The study entitled “Ecosystem Services Provided by the Little Things That Run the World” (DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.74847) was published has a book chapter in the book “Selected Studies in Biodiversity” (ISBN: 978-1-78923-233-2), published by IntechOpen. More than half of all described species are insects. The highest extinction risk and consequently biodiversity loss are predicted to occur in invertebrates, specifically insects, and these declines are expected to cascade onto ecosystem functioning and human well-being. Following the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES), a total of 73 indicators, divided as 17 Provisional indicators, 27 Regulation and Maintenance indicators, and 29 Cultural indicators. Despite the lack of recognition of provisioning and cultural services, the indicators provided may help to raise awareness on the importance of the little things the run the world, in order to preserve traditional and technological uses of insects and their services. The results from this study will help to value and protect the “little things that run the world”, citing the famous ecologist Edward O. Wilson. Chapter available here. Book overview: download
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Published in 12/2/2019
[Only available in Portuguese] Terminou no passado dia 22 de junho a votação para o Orçamento Participativo do CESAM. Esta iniciativa inédita teve como rpincipal objetivo promover uma maior participação e envolvimento dos investigadores juniores na atividade científica do CESAM através da valorização das suas atividades de investigação e capacidades de inovação e empreendedorismo. 17 candidat@s concorreram e 44 % dos membros integrados do CESAM foram às urnas. O projeto da Sara Vicente intitulado "Genetic variability in native and recently invaded ecosystems by Acacia longifolia: a global model species" foi o vencedor e será apresentado no dia 6 de julho inserido nas comemorações do Dia do CESAM.
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Published in 3/8/2018
The CESAM researcher, Regina Duarte, has been nominated as a Management Committee Member to COST Action CA17136 (Indoor Air Pollution Network).
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Published in 3/8/2018
CESAM (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies) was part of the international network of entities celebrating for the WORLD OCEANS DAY. The WORLD OCEANS DAY (8th June 2018) was celebrated with open science talks from CESAM researchers on Climate Change and the Oceans - see more information on the event program here. Unfortunately, due to weather conditions, the bike ride to ECOMARE was cancelled... but the afternoon snack was not forgotten and the convivial spirit remained high!
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Published in 24/8/2018
19/06/2018 The AQUACROSS Information Platform aims to provide open access to a wide range of resources related to aquatic (freshwater, marine and coastal) ecosystems and biodiversity management at the European level. The primary focus is on data used in the various project Case Studies and Work packages, and resulting maps, model outputs and tools that can be used by and adapted to other regional studies. After almost three years, the AQUACROSS project is still running and it is now at the stage of implementing its Assessment Framework to its case studies, including the Ria de Aveiro in Portugal. AQUACROSS aims to support EU efforts to enhance the resilience and stop the loss of biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems as well as to ensure the ongoing and future provision of aquatic ecosystem services. It focuses on advancing the knowledge base and application of the ecosystem-based management concept for aquatic ecosystems by developing cost effective measures and integrated management practices. AQUACROSS considers the EU policy framework (i.e. goals, concepts, time frames) for aquatic ecosystems and builds on knowledge stemming from different sources (i.e. WISE, BISE, Member State reporting, modelling) to develop innovative management tools, concepts, and business models (i.e. indicators, maps, ecosystem assessments, participatory approaches, mechanisms for promoting the delivery of ecosystem services) for aquatic ecosystems at various scales. It thereby provides an unprecedented effort to unify policy concepts, knowledge, and management concepts of freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems to support the cost-effective achievement of the targets set out by the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy. The project has already several outputs: Newsletter 1 (2016) Newsletter 2 (2017) Policy Brief: Managing biodiversity from local to global: an EU perspective Business Brief: The business benefits of engaging with the Sustainable Development Goals Deliverables and Publications AQUACROSS Information Platform
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Published in 16/6/2020
In an article of opinion published in the journal Antibiotics, the researcher of CESAM – Centre of Environmental and Marine Studies, Adelaide Almeida (DBio), and Amparo Faustino (DQ) and Graça Neves (DQ) from LAQV-REQUIMTE, argued that the “Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), using well known, safe and cost-effective photosensitizers, such as phenothiazines or porphyrins, might help to mitigate the COVID-19 either to prevent infections or to develop photoactive fabrics to disinfect surfaces, air and wastewater, under artificial light and/or natural sunlight.”. [IR1] The complete news can be read here and the original article is available here.
read morePublished in 2/8/2018
03-20-2018Marco Custódio and Elizabete Maciel, both researchers from DBIO / CESAM, were recently elected to join the EuroMarine Working Groups "Young Scientist" and "Research infrastructures", respectively. EuroMarine Young Scientist Working Group aims to have an active Young Scientist community engaging and exchanging with each other and the wider EM member network, providing inputs on the future direction of the network, as well as deriving maximum benefits from the current and future network activities and services. EuroMarine working group for research infrastructures (RIs) aims to improve our interactions and awareness of existing services, platforms, and opportunities that the RIs offer. RIs are set to play an important role in the research landscape over the coming decades, and become hubs for excellent science in Europe.
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Published in 2/8/2018
download file13/06/2018 The best poster of the 13th ISE was awarded to the PhD student Rita Bicho, from the Stress Biology group of CESAM: “Bicho, R.C., Scott-Fordsmand, J.J., Amorim, M.J.B. (2018) Poster presentation. Enchytraeids as ecotoxicological models – overview of available tools – towards a systems toxicology approach.”. The conference took place in Versailles, France, 4 - 6 June 2018. More information on the event here.
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Published in 2/8/2018
24/05/2018[Only available in Portuguese] O CESAM convida-o a celebrar o Dia Mundial dos Oceanos (8 de Junho) com um ciclo de palestras sobre os impactos das alterações climáticas nos ecossistemas e recursos marinhos,• O impacto do setor dos transportes nas alterações climáticas (Margarida Coelho, dem)• Influência das alterações globais na margem Ibérica: presente e futuro (Prof. Jesus Dubert, dfis)• Acidificação e aquecimento oceânico: ameaças ao desenvolvimento sustentável da maricultura de moluscos (Susana Galante-Oliveira, dbio)• O lixo marinho num cenário de alterações globais: novos desafios para os oceanos (Miguel Oliveira, dbio)seguido de passeio de bicicleta até ao ECOMARE (CEPAM) para visita e lanche.Esta atividade é organizada pela Linha Temática "Ecossistemas e Recursos Marinhos" (CESAM-MER) e tem o apoio das Plataformas Tecnológicas do Mar e da Bicicleta e Mobilidade Suave da Universidade de Aveiro, e está enquadrada no projeto integra@tec – Transferência de competências integradas e geradoras de inovação empresarial na Região Centro, cofinanciado pelo Centro 2020 – Programa Operacional Regional do Centro, através do FEDER – Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional.Inscreva-se em https://goo.gl/forms/nfruI8slN8rpvdaZ2 até dia 3 de Junho de 2018 (inscrição gratuita, mas obrigatória!)
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Published in 25/5/2018
05/24/2018Susana Loureiro, assistant professor at the Department of Biology and researcher at CESAM, was elected as member of the SETAC Europe Council academy at the SETAC Europe 28th Annual Meeting, which took place from May 13 to 17 in Rome.More details: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=54602
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Published in 23/5/2018
05/23/2018Waste from the paper industry may be the solution to remove the remains of drugs used by producers from aquaculture waters. At the University of Aveiro, a team of chemists with members from CESAM has been able to convert the sludge that results from these residues into a biochar, which, like a magnet, is able to attract and retain a wide range of toxic substances.More details: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=54582
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Published in 23/5/2018
05/23/2018As part of the celebrations of the 20 years of Expo 98, the "Pavilhão do Conhecimento" dedicated a day to the ocean. CESAM was present with an exhibition entitled "By the sea" with specimens from the collection COBI (Biological Research collection) and mineral structures of the ocean floor.
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Published in 24/8/2018
05/23/2018The book "Dragagens, Questões Ambientais e Monitorização",was published on April, 2018, with the seal of the UA publisher, in a joint initiative of the Administration of the Port of Aveiro (APA) and the University of Aveiro (UA), involving CESAM members. This book follows other initiatives of the University of Aveiro and the APA on this topic, namely the organization of the 1st Technical Dredging Course (2009) and the 2nd Technical Dredging Course (2013), as well as the publication of the book "Dredges , Fundamentals, Techniques and Impacts " in 2011. More details: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?lg=pt&c=54510
read morePublished in 18/5/2018
05/18/2018Dear CESAM PhD students:CESAM launches an initiative today thinking of you!The CESAM Participatory Budget (OP @ CESAM) aims to promote greater participation and involvement of junior researchers in the scientific activity of CESAM. The ideas/initiatives must be developed by CESAM doctoral students being in line with the research they carry out. Also, it must be within the framework of CESAM's I & I strategy and represent a contribution to the academic community and/or society.More information (regulation and application form) go to the CESAM Intranet.Present your ideas until next May 31 to the e-mail: cesam-op@ua.ptLet your imagination run wild! Only one idea will be chosen and financed with a maximum budget of € 10000. We count on your participation!
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Published in 17/5/2018
download file05/16/2018The report published in the supplement Perspetivas, distributed with the Público newspaper, highlights the relevance of the scientific research carried out by CESAM: "Research and innovation activities (I & I) developed by the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) are perfectly aligned and framed in the Intelligent Specialization of the Center Region, in which the University of Aveiro (UA) is inserted. "
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Published in 16/6/2020
download fileThe 12th Ibero-American Congress on Sensors, IBERSENSOR2021, originally planned for September 2020 in Aveiro, Portugal, has been postponed to September 2021. + info: http://ibersensor2021.events.chemistry.pt/
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Published in 17/5/2018
05/16/2018The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has decided to establish a Technical Commission on the specification, classification, terminology and methods for the determination of algae (general) and algae products immediately derived or used in algae production processes (TC 454 - Algae and algae products). Considering the great importance that this theme has for the national market, the Portuguese Quality Institute (IPQ), the National Standardization Body, decided to create the Portuguese Technical Commission to follow up the work of the said commission (CEN / TC 454). Professor Rosário Domingues, an integrated member of CESAM, was invited to join this Technical Committee, which demonstrates the innovative and excellent character that the UA & CESAM have been developing in the field of marine biotechnology.More details: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=54543&lg=pt
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Published in 17/5/2018
04-20-2018A report about CESAM research in the area of Health & Environment was published in the “Teste Saúde” magazine (edition 132 April/May).The report is focused on research developed by Sónia Rodrigues (DQ / CESAM), Isabel Henriques (DBIO / CESAM), Ricardo Calado & Fernando Ricardo (DBIO / CESAM), and Bruno Nunes (DBIO / CESAM), mainly on topics such as land rehabilitation, resistant bacteria and fish under watch.
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Published in 23/4/2018
19-04-2018Five new species of pseudoscorpion were discovered in caves at Algarve, Alentejo, Penela and Leiria by the biologist Ana Sofia Reboleira, who at the time of baptizing one of the species, Occidenchthonius goncalvesi, honored Fernando Gonçalves, professor of the Department of Biology of the University of Aveiro ( UA). The findings add up to 49 new species described over the last decade by speleologist and researcher at the UA's Center for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM).
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Published in 23/4/2018
18-04-2018The field work carried out in Antarctica under the scope of ReACT Project (Risk Assessment in Fildes Peninsula Improving Knowledge towards Environmental Protection ACTions in the Antarctica), led by Joana Luísa Pereira (CESAM), was successfully completed. The team involved in this mission, made up of Joana Luísa Pereira (CESAM and Dbio-UA), Guilherme Jeremias (DBio-UA) and Ruth Pereira (FCUP) is now returning to Portugal, where, together with the project team from several institutions of the SCTN (UA, FCUP, IST), will initiate the analysis of the collected samples. In spite of the limitations imposed by the weather conditions that reduced the time spent at the Chilean base, Julio Escudero, located on King George Island, the team was able to achieve the objectives proposed, namely the fulfillment of an extensive design of soil sampling and of lakes, which will allow the realization of a risk assessment to support future decisions to protect the study area. This will be the first time that an environmental risk assessment scheme has been implemented in polar regions, under another project funded by the Portuguese Polar Program, which has greatly contributed to Portugal's position in research in polar areas. Despite the shortened length of stay in Antarctica, and the demand for the work done, there were plenty of opportunities to observe the diversity, the deep beauty and grandeur of Antarctica's landscapes.
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Published in 16/4/2018
16-04-2018The INTERREG project "Cephs and Chefs", funded by European funds, was launched last December, with the launching meeting in the Irish town of Galway. This project aims to create new markets and add value to cephalopods (octopus, squid and cuttlefish), as well as to evaluate these resources in different regions of the "Atlantic Area" (Spain, Portugal, France, United Kingdom and Ireland) in an integrated way and to support transnational cooperation between these regions. In Portugal and Spain, unlike the other countries of the "Atlantic Area", there is a strong tradition of consumption of cephalopods and a great investment in the investigation of these fishing resources. In order to promote the sustainable consumption of these species in the Atlantic region, Portuguese institutions, namely the University of Aveiro, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) and the Association of Fisheries Manufacturers of Fuzeta (AAPF) collaborate with international partners such as the National University of Ireland Galway, the Galway Major Institute of Technology and the Irish South and West Fish Producers Organization CLG of Ireland, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Atlantic Gate Ltd. of the United Kingdom, the Université de Caen Normandie of France , the University of Santiago de Compostela, the Oceanographic Center of Vigo of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, the company Quadralia and the Cooperative of Shipowners of the Port of Vigo (ARVI) of Spain. The next meeting of the project will take place in Vigo (Spain) during the month of July in the days prior to VIGO SEAFEST. This festival is a gastronomic event around the sea products and will be visited by representatives of the various entities involved in the project.
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Published in 11/4/2018
11/04/2018A new method was described by researchers from the Universities of Aveiro (UA), Melbourne, Vigo and Ghent, which allows to calculate the dispersal of larvae of various marine species, fundamental to understand the ecology of the species and, among other applications, to establish criteria for delimitation of protected marine areas.More details: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=54120
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Published in 11/4/2018
11/04/2018It is called Biochar, a type of coal produced from biomass, it allows to reduce the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, to improve the soil and to generate clean energy during its manufacture. Frank Verheijen, a soil specialist at the University of Aveiro and a pioneer in experiments with biochar on Portuguese farms, will explain how to take advantage of this coal that can revolutionize the management of soil erosion. The challenge is to combine productive, profitable and efficient farms with the conservation of natural resources. In short, we want SUSTAINABILITY with an economic rationale, and profitability with an environmental concern. Sustainable agricultural practices are essential for combating CLIMATE CHANGE and global warming. In a Mediterranean country, where cycles of droughts and concentrated rains intensify more and more, this is a reality that can not go by. But producing safe, quality and quantity food is only possible with the efficient use of resources. In this equation, INNOVATION makes all the difference. And it is precisely here that we want to pass this edition of AGROIN 2018: ECOINOVATIONhttp://www.vidarural.pt/agroin/
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Published in 11/4/2018
03/04/2018The researchers Rosário Domingues, Pedro Domingues and Ricardo Calado, belonging to the Research Centers QOPNA and CESAM, Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biology, were invited editors of the Special Volume "Marine Lipids 2017" published by the prestigious magazine Marine Drugs (http:/www.mdpi.com/journal/marinedrugs/special_issues/marine_lipids_2017).The Special Volume "Marine Lipids 2017" published a total of 10 articles, which have to date more than 3,105 download and more than 13,650 views. This receptivity on the part of the scientific community of this Special Volume demonstrates the growing interest that exists in marine organisms as a source of lipids with high nutritional value and bioactive properties. These bioactive properties allow the application of these biomolecules in numerous industries, namely in the food, nutraceutical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical areas. Increasingly detailed knowledge of the lipid of marine organisms has allowed the discovery of new biotechnological applications for these biomolecules."Marine Lipids 2017" highlights the most innovative approaches to marine lipidomics as well as new discoveries about the lipidoma of marine organisms, and emphasizes potential forms of enhancement of these biomolecules. Due to the success of this special edition, "Marine Lipids 2017", will soon be published in e-Book format by the publisher MDPI (Switzerland), being agreed with the publisher the edition of new Special Volume on the same theme for 2019.Rosário Domingues, Pedro Domingues and Ricardo Calado founded and coordinate the only Laboratory of Marine Lipidics in the country, aiming to place the University of Aveiro at the forefront of the new Blue Bio-Economy, contributing to an intelligent and integral valorization of endogenous marine biological resources.
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Published in 3/4/2018
download file14/03/2018We would like to invite you to participate in the Workshop (WS) "Contribution of CESAM for Sustainability and Food Security", to be held on April 6, 2018, in the Amphitheater of Building III (Old Rectory) , intended for all potential academic and business stakeholders. This workshop will be constituted by 3 thematic sessions, with presentations of about 10 min (plus 5 minutes for discussion). At the end of the workshop, a Round Table will be organized to discuss the relevance of the topics covered, the funding opportunities and frameworks in the priority areas of the H2020 program and the RIS3 Center 2020 Intelligent Specialization Strategy.The purpose of this discussion is to promote the dissemination of knowledge generated in CESAM, the establishment of possible partnerships and the dissemination of funding opportunities in this area (Annex Program).Participation in WS is free but registration is mandatory at: https://goo.gl/forms/ov6RRikHzSi71SNx2Please confirm your participation until the 29th of March!We count on your presence!
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Published in 14/3/2018
06/03/2018Knowing slugs that steal chloroplasts from algae to produce their own photosynthesis, recreate ex situ coral reefs, life support systems for marine organisms, conservation of marine animal populations, rescue and rehabilitation of mammals, turtles and seabirds, socioeconomic impacts of invasive species were some of the topics covered in the first workshop - Research at ECOMARE that took place this weekend at the facilities of this research and technology transfer center of the University of Aveiro dedicated to the issues of the Sea.More details: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?lg=pt&c=53783
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Published in 16/6/2020
The European Commission has published and adopted the European Union Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing nature back into our lives. The role of the international network ALTER-Net was essential for this document. The ALTER-Net contributed not only through the participation of its experts in the public consultation of the post-2020 biodiversity strategy drafts but also through the 2019 ALTER-Net & EKLIPSE Conference. This event, which had the presence and participation of the European Commission, resulted in a collection of the 12 Key Messages that were submitted to the Commission to be considered in the post-2020 biodiversity strategy. Moreover, experts from ALTER-Net published the priorities of citizens beyond the scientific community in the context of the new biodiversity strategy that was also considered in this document. Thus, ALTER-Net was a key player in this process by bridging the gaps between science, policy, and society. CESAM members participated in the 2019 ALTER-Net & EKLIPSE conference scientific committee and working groups, contributing in this way to the document.
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Published in 14/3/2018
05/03/2018Through a simple chemical analysis of the shells and the tissues of bivalves, a team of biologists from CESAM found it possible to confirm exactly the geographical origin of the organisms traded. The test, carried out quickly and cheaply and safely, promises to facilitate the fight against the illegal trade that annually puts on the world market millions of tons of bivalves with risk to public health. In Galicia, where some of the largest bivalve producers are, they are already eyeing the bivalve 'detective' of the UA.More details: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?lg=pt&c=53761
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Published in 14/3/2018
23/02/2018A study carried out by CESAM concludes that the production of serradela in aquaculture associated with the intensive production of fish originates more nutritious and more abundant earthworms, contributing to the elimination of the excess of particulate organic matter in the water that results from the fish production. The serradela is one of the main baits in fishing and is used for fish food in aquaculture. The conclusions are set out in the scientific article titled "Adding value to ragworms (Hediste diversicolor) through the bioremediation of a super-intensive marine fish farm" highlighted as "Feature Article" in the February "Aquaculture Environment Interactions" journal.More details: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=53661
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Published in 23/1/2019
5/02/2018An important step was taken in understanding the ancestral but poorly understood relationship between food and species diversification through the study of the diet of South American noctilionoid bats. In the case of this bat, which divides into more than 200 species in an unparalleled diversity among mammals, the team assert that their varied diet is the key to explain the enormous genetic diversification. Until now, studies with birds and mammals have suggested that exclusively herbivorous feeding increases the rate of formation of new species. However, for omnivores - animals that include plant and animal products in their diet - there was no clear pattern: in some bats, a diversified diet seems to slow the rate of species formation, while in ungulate mammals such as deer or antelope, the opposite occurs. This study, recently published in the journal Ecology Letters, has elucidated the relationship between the type of diet and the formation of species. This research shows that in nytilionoid bats, a group of more than 200 species that inhabit the tropics of the New World, lineages with an omnivorous diet produce more long-term generations than lineages that feed strictly on plants or other animals.More details: https://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=53464&lg=pt
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Published in 24/11/2017
FIRES in PORTUGAL in 3Ds: D Before, D During ... and D After With the participation of: Celeste Coelho (DAO-UA), Paulo Fernandes (UTAD), Xavier Viegas (DEM-UC), Ana Isabel Miranda (DAO-UA), Jacob Keiser (DAO-UA) e Carlos Borrego (moderator) 13 December by 17:30 at Dept. of Environment-UA FREE ENTRANCE
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Published in 21/2/2018
The University of Aveiro marks the Day of the Sea with the launch of a program for the Enhancement of Endogenous Marine Biological Resources - SmartBioR. The event was held at ECOMARE, Laboratory for Innovation and Sustainability of Marine Biological Resources of the University of Aveiro, and counted, among others, the presence of the Rector of the University of Aveiro Prof. Doctor Manuel António Assunção, Prof. Dr. Amadeu Soares, Director of the Biology Department of the University of Aveiro and responsible for the project, Prof. Dr. Rui Pedrosa, Vice-President of the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Dr. Isabel Damasceno, from Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional do Centro and representatives from Grupos de Ação Costeira / Desenvolvimento Local de Base Comunitária, between Aveiro and Peniche coastal area, and the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA-ARH Centro).Coordinated by the University of Aveiro and developed in partnership with the Leiria Polytechnic Institute, the SmartBioR program aims at the sustainability, preservation and valorization of endogenous marine resources, using scientific knowledge of excellence and technological innovation for its monitoring and integrated management . To this end, we highlight the hiring of highly qualified human resources, holders of scientific knowledge that complement the valences, already consolidated, of the institutions involved. Research and innovation activities are organized according to the two ecosystems corresponding to the territorial action of the members of the consortium: Ria de Aveiro, site of natura 2000 network and special protection area of the EU, by the University of Aveiro and Berlengas, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and coastal areas along the Midwest region of Portugal, by the Leiria Polytechnic Institute.The University of Aveiro, reinforcing its mission of cooperation with society in the transfer of knowledge and technology, incorporates this idea by proposing, within the framework of SmartBioR, the development of products, processes and services that dynamize the value chains associated with resources endogenous marine ecosystems. Applications range from sustainable aquaculture, pharmaceutical, coastal management and fish stock management, to the protection of marine ecosystems.Contributing to the Conservation and Enhancement of Marine Biodiversity is a design of the University of Aveiro, which in recent years has created infrastructures and consolidated and reinforced research teams in the area of the Sea.Video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/i9lt458q3tgv6dt/Video_apresentacao_SmartBioR.mp4?dl=0
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Published in 21/2/2018
Enviphage project involving Researchers from AZTI, Biopolis S.L. (Spain), University of Aveiro (Portugal) and the Aguacircia Aquaculture Company (Portugal) concluded that phages are an effective alternative to the use of antibiotics in aquaculture. Use of natural bacteriophages, which do not affect the health of fish or that of consumers, becomes an interesting alternative to the use of antibiotics. Different research projects had obtained very promising results at laboratory level, but before being able to use bacteriophages at an industrial level, it was necessary to know about the impact of their use on the environment and the marine ecology. The results obtained during 2017 show that the bacteria community of the intestinal tract of the fish is not significantly affected following treatment with the selected phages. It has also been shown that this treatment does not modify the marine bacteria population in the tanks on the fish farm or in the river where the fish farm is located, so it has zero impact or very limited impact on the bacterial ecology.
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Published in 21/2/2018
After the fires, the concern with rain and the possible contamination of the waters grows. One of the projects to stop soil erosion is being developed in CESAM. http://sicnoticias.sapo.pt/pais/2017-11-04-Cientistas-na-terra-queimada-de-Castanheira-de-Pera-1
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Published in 21/2/2018
The University of Algarve organizes a conference (November 13 and 14) in honor of Professor Mário Ruivo. In this way, it is intended to evoke the contribution of this marine biologist, honorary doctor by UAlg, for the development of marine sciences and technologies, with notable impacts at national and international level.Adopting one of the mottos of Professor Mário Ruivo, the conference has as its motto "Sustainable development of the oceans: a useful utopia".https://www.ualg.pt/pt/content/conferencia-homenagem-ao-professor-mario-ruivoAdelaide Almeida, Ana Lillebo, Catarina Eira, Cristina Pita and Luís Menezes Pinheiro are attending this event as CESAM members.
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Published in 14/11/2017
27/10/2017José Alves, researcher at DBio and CESAM, has recently been appointed to the British Ornithologist’s Union meetings committee. The BOU is an organization with more than 150 years experience in “Advancing ornithology” and publishes one of the top ornithological scientific journals, IBIS.As member of the meetings committee, José Alves will contribute towards the definition of priority international discussion topics regarding ecology, evolution and conservation of birds globally.The BOU organizes themed conferences a feature that results in the outputs from these meetings providing practical guidelines for researchers, conservationists and governmental institutions. In 2018, the BOU’s annual conference will take place in 27-28 March, titled: “21st century ornithology: challenges, opportunities and decisions”. These conferences provide ample support to Early Career Researchers with reduces rates, dedicated workshops (e.g. presentation skills, social media presence) and the possibility to present your research even if it is outside the conference topic. In November the BOU organizes the first ever general ornithology Twitter conference – a unique opportunity to be updated on the most recent studies in ornithology at a very low cost, both financial and ecological #BOU17TC
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Published in 20/10/2017
17/10/2017The FOREST-IN project, coordinated by DBio and CESAM, organizes the international event "From theory to practice, hands-on for sustainable forest management", from 24 to 27 October, mainly for small forest owners and producers. The program includes a set of technical visits to various sites in the central region to demonstrate good forest management practices. On the last day of the program, BioFORUM 2017 will be held at the Centro Cultural da Branca, Albergaria-a-Velha, open to the general public.More details: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=52108
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Published in 12/10/2017
6/10/2017A DAO / CESAM team, coordinated by researcher Jacob Keizer, is involved in the creation of a pilot station in Castanheira de Pêra to study techniques that minimize soil erosion in areas affected by large fires. The techniques being proposed suggest the soils most affected by fires to be covered by caruma or crushed forest residues, and / or the creation of barriers to prevent erosion. Jacob Keizer considers that these measures are important to avoid soil and nutrients lost on slopes where it is necessary to ensure long-term productivity but also to prevent this material from being transported to the aquatic habitats downstream. This pilot station is a first step of the post-fire emergency measures and the 25 M € financial package launched by the Government to stabilize the soils of the area affected by the great fire of Pedrógão Grande. In addition to the Government and local authorities and organizations, four universities are involved in this project.Report in: https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/pais/travar-erosao-dos-solos-apos-os-incendios_v1031922
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Published in 16/6/2020
CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies is an institutional partner of two infrastructures (EMSO-PT - European Multidisciplinary Seafloor Observatory – Portugal and PORBIOTA - Portuguese E-Infrastructure for Information and Research on Biodiversity), included in the new Portuguese Roadmap of Research Infrastructures (RIs), recently released by FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology in its first update since 2014. Both infrastructures are in the environment field, one of CESAM’s main areas of research. EMSO-PT is coordinated by IPMA - Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera and is part of EMSO, a large-scale European Research Infrastructure. This infrastructure is a network of fixed point, deep sea multidisciplinary observatories, with the scientific objective of real-time, long-term monitoring of environmental processes related to the interaction between the geosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere. It is a geographically distributed infrastructure located at key sites in European waters, spanning the northern and eastern Atlantic, across the Mediterranean and up to the Black Sea, and it is predicted to be in place by the end of the decade. CESAM collaborates with a team of 8 researchers experts in deep-sea, coordinated by Prof. Marina Cunha. PORBIOTA is a national infrastructure coordinated by ICETA/CIBIO-InBIO. It was created to manage biodiversity data that will be integrated into the European e-Science infrastructure for biodiversity and ecosystem research (LIFEWATCH), an ESFRI Roadmap 2016 Landmark. The infrastructure is led by a consortium that includes top national R&D Units, natural history museums, the Portuguese node of the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), and also some specific nodes/areas (ICOS-PT and LTER Portugal). Ria de Aveiro LTER site contributes to this e-infrastructure. PORBIOTA will compile and integrate dispersed information (e.g., databases, literature, multimedia, natural history collections), thus facilitating data access and interoperability, and providing specialized biodiversity data analysis and modelling tools. CESAM is a partner in this infrastructure with a team of 11 researchers experts in biodiversity, coordinated by Doctor Ana Isabel Lillebø. The new Portuguese Roadmap of Research Infrastructures of Strategic Interest results from the evaluation of the RIs. The evaluation of the RIs, for the period between 2014 and 2019, was started by FCT in October 2019 and concluded in February. In the Roadmap, the information on the 40 RIs of the version of 2014 was updated, and it included information on public funding attributed to 2017-2021. Moreover, 16 new infrastructures were added. The document can be uploaded here.
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Published in 4/10/2017
2/10/2017Mónica Amorim, researcher at DBio and CESAM, and part of the research group on ecology and applied ecotoxicology - applEE, coordinated by Amadeu Soares, also director of DBio, is co-author of an article published in the prestigious magazine "Nano Today" (5Y-IF: 19.2): "Nanomaterials to microplastics: Swings and roundabouts". The risks associated with new products are assessed before they enter into the market. However, long-term consequences are uncertain concerning the degradation products from their use, disposal at waste treatment plants, or when left in the wild, releasing microplastics and nanomaterials. It is therefore imperative to assess the long-term effects of plastics and other materials.More details: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1748013217303511 http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=51948
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Published in 12/10/2017
26/09/2017The "Emergency Stabilization" of the areas destroyed by fire will start and the plan will be managed by the municipalities according to methods defined by four universities. In this group is an UA team, coordinated by Jacob Keizer, researcher from DAO and CESAM, which proposes that the most affected soils should be covered by caruma or crushed forest residues, preventing soil erosion.On 22 September, at the demonstration session organized by the ICNF, Jacob Keizer presented some of the criteria needed to choose the areas where emergency stabilization measures should be applied, as well as the monitoring plots managed by UA to evaluate the effectiveness of two emergency stabilization measures for the slopes.More details: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?lg=pt&c=51891
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Published in 27/9/2017
29/09/2017For the second consecutive year the University of Aveiro (UA) is a privileged choice of the Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries of the Government of Mozambique to provide specialized professional training in the area of Maritime Spatial Planning.During two weeks - from September 25 to October 10 - the 2nd Edition of the "Intensive Course on Training and Capacity Building in Maritime and Coastal Space Planning and Maps: methods and techniques" will be held under the coordination of Fátima Alves and Lisa Sousa from DAO and CESAM, with colaboration of other Professors and Researchers from DAO/CESAM, University of Santiago de Compostela and Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).More details in: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=51890&lg=pt
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Published in 27/9/2017
18/09/2017Tamiris Costa, PhD student at DAO and CESAM, was awarded with the "From PhD to apps" prize at the 2017 Life Cycle Management conference held in Luxembourg from 3 to 6 September. The distinction recognizes the high potential that the work presented "Environmental impacts of biomass-to-energy conversion technologies: grate boilers and fluidized bed boilers" offers in support of decision-making.The paper addresses the environmental impacts of biomass energy conversion technologies: grids and fluidized beds. The use of forest biomass has great potential to contribute significantly to the production of electricity in Portugal and with substantially lower environmental impacts than current technologies.More details: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=51809&lg=pt
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Published in 23/8/2018
12/09/2017Catarina Eira is one of the next researchers to be interviewed on the "90 Seconds of Science" program. The Biologist and Researcher at DBIO and CESAM explains this Tuesday, September 12, just before 7:00 p.m., to the microphones of Antena 1, all the work her team has developed in the area of ?? cetaceans, seabirds and sea turtles conservation. The emission is available on: http://www.90segundosdeciencia.pt,More details: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=51723&lg=pt
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Published in 27/9/2017
7/09/2017A study published in the journal Scientific Reports (http://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-08002-0) by researchers Paulo Cartaxana and Sónia Cruz (DBio and CESAM), in co-authoring with the University of Copenhagen, shows that during periods of food shortage the photosynthesis of the cleptoplasts is important for the survival of Elysia viridis, a species of sea slug abundant on the Portuguese coast.A restricted group of sea slugs is able to digest the macroalgae it feeds while integrating chloroplasts into its own cells. The process is called kyptoplasty (from the Greek "kleptein" - steal) and the stolen chloroplasts are called "kleptoplasts".More details: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?lg=pt&c=51709
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Published in 27/9/2017
6/09/2017CESAM, in collaboration with the DBIO, is associated to the celebrations of Ecology Day in Portugal, 14 September, promoting three initiatives:- Visit: UA Herbarium - an unforgettable journey through the flora of Portugal- Seminar: Marches of Baixo Vouga Lagunar (Ria de Aveiro) - its importance and changes consequences to the flora and fauna- Workshop: CESAM - Studies on the ecological heritage of the LTER site Ria de AveiroApplication forms:- Visit: https://goo.gl/forms/rjCWZXCCmIkWE9jA2- Seminar: https://goo.gl/forms/bnso6WCxsCDZRAmd2- Workshop: https://goo.gl/forms/L7lfjYKrF5vJi92v2Thank you so much for your participation!https://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=51722
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Published in 23/8/2017
25/07/2017At its last plenary session (July 7), the CESAM Scientific Council decided, by acclamation, to award the Professor Casimiro Pio with the title of Honorary Scientific Coordinator of CESAM.This title represents the recognition, by the integrated members of CESAM, of the exemplary course of Prof. Casimiro Pio in the construction and scientific coordination of this UA Research Unit since its inception. Casimiro Pio was recognized by its integrated and inclusive management of CESAM, based on transparency. Under its coordination, the Center achieved the reputation of excellence in the national panorama of the Research Units in the area of the Environment and the Sea.https://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?lg=pt&c=51386
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Published in 23/8/2017
24/07/2017Sónia Cruz and Paulo Cartaxana, from the DBIO and CESAM, and Jorge Marques da Silva, from the University of Lisbon, advance with important conclusions about the peculiar carbon metabolism in benthic diatoms. The researchers conclude that the availability of carbon in these microalgae limits their photosynthesis, although they contain mechanisms that increase the carbon concentration in a key enzyme of photosynthetic activity, and determines complex vertical migratory behaviors of these cells.This study gains particular relevance in the sense that the main source of inorganic carbon for plants and algae - CO2 - is produced and released by a number of human activities and leads to climate change.The revision paper was published in the journal “Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society: Biological Sciences" and can be consulted in http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/372/1728.More details: https://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?lg=pt&c=51395
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Published in 8/6/2020
Cephalopod stocks (e.g. squid, octopus, cuttlefish) are not subject to quota management at European level, opposite to what occurs with several other stocks including some fish species. This offers unique opportunities to further develop fisheries and markets of cephalopods. The project Cephs & Chefs – Octopus, squid, cuttlefish, sustainable fisheries and chefs aims to develop new markets and products based on cephalopods increasing the profitability of the value chain, and helping to make fishers more competitive in the Atlantic Area. It will contribute to connect fishermen to new markets for cephalopod products and add value to existing products. Cephs & Chefs is a project funded by the European Union (INTERREG program) and is coordinated by the National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland. CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies has an important role in this project boosted by a team of 12 researchers coordinated by the Doctor Cristina Pita. This team includes experts in different areas from fisheries to ecology and marine spatial planning. Altogether, researchers are particularly involved in bringing new cephalopod products to markets and expand the existing markets, as well as in capitalizing the results of the project in both development and policy areas. Moreover, CESAM’s team is actively working in characterise the value chain of cephalopod fisheries across Europe, from sea to plate, identifying key actors such as fishers, processors, retailers, supermarkets and restaurants. The team of the project
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Published in 23/8/2017
24/07/2017 At Central Atlantic deep-sea, between the Azores and Gibraltar, there is a fault zone that results from the complex interaction between the African, Eurasian, and Iberian plates. It was in this seismic region, connecting the SWIM and Glória Faults, that took place an oceanographic expedition involving researchers from CESAM.More details: https://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=51326
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Published in 2/8/2018
20/07/2017Elisabete Maciel postdoctoral researcher at DBio and CESAM and coordinator of the HALOFOOD Project, whose purpose is to use lipidomics as a tool to search for the appropriate place in Ria where halophytes growth more efficiently to produce good quality food for human consumption and livestock nutrition taking into account their content in lipid bioactive compounds. Lipids have nutritional and health benefits, with the potential of halophytes used to range towards new applications.https://www.rtp.pt/play/p384/e298821/click (after minute six)
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Published in 23/8/2017
14/07/2017A new species of bacteria, recently described by researchers from the DBIO and CESAM in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, was named Saccharospirillum correiae. The specific epithet correiae was attributed in honor of António Correia, a microbiologist and Professor at UA, who died in 2016. The bacterium is one of many new species that lives inside a common plant in the Ria de Aveiro, better known as white gram.This honor wants to remember and highlight the contribution given by António Correia in research and teaching in the field of microbiology in Portugal. It is also a tribute from the research group coordinated by António Correia, MicroLab.This study is available in the webpage do International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology: http://ijs.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/ijsem/10.1099/ijsem.0.001914More details: https://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?lg=pt&c=51311
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Published in 31/8/2017
12/07/2017LTER site Ria de Aveiro (LTER-RAVE) is part of the Portuguese Roadmap of Research Infrastructures of Strategic InterestIn alignment with the European Strategic Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI), set up in 2002, the national Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) launched a call for the Portuguese Roadmap of Research Infrastructures of strategic interest. LTER Portugal network was one of the selected RIs for Environmental Sciences (2014-2020), as part of a consortium termed PORBIOTA that includes PORBIOTA, LTER Portugal, ICOS Portugal and Azores BIOPORTAL.The LTER network is a Long-Term Ecological Research network of sites, on a large spatial scale, where long-term ecological investigation is practiced, with the main objectives of monitoring and storing relevant data in ecology, establishing links among institutions and researchers and promote the exchange of data and knowledge. This organized network of LTER sites first appeared in the United States of America in the 1980's. In 1993 an international network was developed (ILTER) and, more recently, the European network of LTER sites was created.The main objective of LTER-RAVE site is to contribute to the improvement of integrated management of coastal areas, from catchment to coast, involving the concepts of Science-policy-stakeholders interface. To achieve this objective research has been addressing a clear practical focus on: engagement of stakeholders at different levels; mapping and assessment of ecosystem processes and services using data and indicators available at national and European level; assessment of the impacts and emerging drivers of change; common frameworks and tools for the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity and ecosystem services.Home Page ILTER : https://www.ilternet.edu/
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Published in 23/8/2017
8/07/2017The study, coordinated by Susana Loureiro, researcher at DBio and CESAM, in collaboration with the Hospital de Aveiro, analyzed the levels of mercury present in the placenta, umbilical cord and hair of 50 parturients. The samples revealed that in 6 percent of the cases, the pregnant women exceeded the limits set by the World Health Organization. This is one of the subjects that will be highlighted in the next issue of Click, the UA radio program transmitted on Saturdays after news of the 3:00 p.m. on Antena 1.More details in: http://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=51163
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Published in 12/7/2017
11/07/2017Carlos Fonseca, researcher in the area of nature conservation, is member of the independent technical commission that will analyze the facts related to the fire that broke out on June 17 in Pedrógão Grande, Leiria, which resulted in 64 deaths. In a note on the Presidency's website, the President of the Republic pointed out that it was "an unprecedented legal or political experience" in the "constitutional experience" in Portugal. The commission will operate for a maximum period of three months.More details: http://expresso.sapo.pt/sociedade/2017-07-10-Escolhidos-os-membros-da-comissao-tecnica-para-analisar-incendioshttp://uaonline.ua.pt/pub/detail.asp?c=51224
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Published in 11/7/2017
7/07/2017A special thanks to all the collaborators who participated voluntarily in the organization of the CESAM Day lunch and to the Academic Association of the UA for the vailability of sound equipment! Your help was fundamental!Anabela PereiraJoana BarataDiana PatoiloNuno CostaBruna MarquesMarco CustódioDaniel JerónimoAnabela CavaleiroPatrícia SilvaFlávio SilvaCaroline FerreiraSandra FernandezNuno CordeiroAmélia RibeiroAldiro PereiraRui Marques
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