ULPGC

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death in Europe. Arterial dysfunction develops with aging making advancing age the primary risk factor for CVD. Advancing age can induce adverse changes in the gut microbiome, which in turn, can activate systemic pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory signaling pathways with detrimental downstream consequences. One main objective of this project is to investigate the role of the gut microbiome in modulating arterial function with aging. To approach this objective, I will carry out two experimental studies: 1) mouse-to mouse transplant of gut microbiota to investigate if gut microbiota transfers vascular phenotypes. This experiment will show if gut microbiota modulates arterial function with aging, and will provide insight into the mechanisms involved. 2) Germ-free mice with microbiota samples from human subjects to determine the contribution of the human microbiome to a particular phenotype. Cetaceans are long-lived mammals and excellent divers. They undergo constant cycles of tissue hypoxia-reoxygenation and shear stress caused by vascular adjustments while diving. In humans, these adjustments produce an elevation of oxidative stress and inflammation markers and impairment of the endothelial function. Thus, another main objective of this proposal is to explore if cetaceans, i.e. whales and dolphins, have developed an endothelium-protective mechanism to prevent arterial dysfunction with age and diving. To approach this objective I will study vascular function, circulating oxidative stress and inflammation markers, and gut microbiome of cetaceans of different ages in captivity as well as stranded animals. The objectives to investigate the role of the gut microbiome in modulating arterial function with aging will be carried during the first two years in the outgoing phase. This knowledge will be transfer to the host institution for the study of vascular function and gut microbiome in cetaceans of different ages.

Twilight zone (TLZ) hosts the largest and least exploited fish stocks of the world’s oceans. These fishes play a key role in ecosystem services, such as sustaining other relevant marine species and global carbon cycle. The TLZ research is still in its infancy, but the high biomass has raised interest in its exploitation, mainly as fish meal, but also as nutra-pharmaceutical compounds. Moreover, climate change is altering the environmental conditions in ways, of which we do not know how life in TLZ will be affected. It is alarming that this vast ocean domain is at risk even before any of the potential consequences of fishing are fully understood. One of the most threaten and less studied aspects of the TLZ is the early life stage of its fishes. PLEASE project aims to fill this gap of knowledge. The first objective is to set background information about basic biology of the embryonic and larval development of different TLZ fishes. It will be achieved by establishing a suitable methodology for assisted reproductive technology in laboratory conditions, since the wild TLZ fishes are vulnerable to captivity. The reproductive methodology will be transferred to the non-academic partner, for developing pioneered aquarium exhibitions. The second objective is to examine the developmental responses of the embryos and larvae due to ocean warming and acidification under climate change scenarios. It will be monitored via the developmental variability, metabolism, physiology, morphometry, and mortality rates of the specimens. The outcomes of the project will be of paramount importance to forecast the impact of climate change on the community of TLZ fishes and will open a new era for more investigation in this pristine and vulnerable zone of the planet. Finally, a range of interactions with stakeholders and public will ensure the project exploitation and improve the decision-making capacity of the policymakers related with climate change and fishing activities in the TLZ.

Degradation of plastics is a sequence of chemical and physical changes reducing their molecular weight and mechanical integrity of the polymer and leads to formation of microplastics (MPs). Negative effect of the MPs on the environment is not only physical, but also chemical due to their ability to adsorb and accumulate many persistent organic pollutants The role of MPs as a vector of the contamination is newly formed phenomenon and could fundamentally top off the role of MPs in the ecological systems. Only limited number of scientific papers and research are currently available and published, thus IMPACTAS project aims to change it. University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria provides unique opportunity to study micropollutants-microplastics topic in terms of islands location, extensive tourism industry, protected natural parks, excellent infrastructure and knowledge of Environmental Analytical Chemistry research group belonging to Institute for Environmental Studies and Natural Resources. Project will focus at few objectives: - Development of analytical methodologies and strategies for the determination of organic pollutants adsorbed on MPs; - spatial and temporal monitoring of micropollutants - microplastics in different environmental compartments and; - environmental risk assessment of micro-pollutants in different natural ecosystems. Objectives of the project are multidisciplinary including combination of analytical chemistry, statistics, biology and environmental sciences. IMPACTAS implies international research visits and placement of the researcher for further knowledge implementation. Expected results have potential to provide state of the art solutions for micropollutants monitoring and control in different environmental and biology systems around Canary Islands which could be transferred across research groups within EU countries. This project is in line with the EU Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy and Blue Growth strategy of the European Union

The Canary Islands were settled 2,000 years ago by farming populations from North Africa representing the westernmost limits of Eurasian human colonisation until European contact with the Americas. This is a superlative example of colonisation because the first colonists remained isolated until the arrival and colonization of Europeans in the 15th century AD. When Europeans arrived, Canarian populations spoke distinct dialects and did not have the seafaring skills needed to navigate between islands. The colonisation of the Canary Islands is an example of adaptation and sustainability because people were able to create anthropogenic landscapes capable of supporting increasing human populations on diverse and isolated island ecologies with a low density of food resources. Nevertheless, how first colonisers transformed pristine islands into domestic landscapes to make islands more habitable for humans remains unresolved. IsoCAN project will explore the first colonisation of the Canary Islands from the beginning of the Common Era to the 15th century AD, which represent the last expansion of the Mediterranean farming package, This project will (1) establish the chronology of the initial colonisation of the Canary Islands; (2) determine the geographic origins and the genetic variability of the human population, domesticates (animals and plants) and parasitic species (insects); (3) define the process of adaptation and resilience of the first settlers; and (4) investigate human impact on landscape and the management of natural resources. This set of evidence will enable us to investigate two transcendental questions: how do humans colonise new territories, and what are the cultural and biological adaptations? This ambitious project will provide insights about the adaptive mechanisms through which isolated and fragile insular ecosystems were successfully colonised by human societies, focusing on social complexity, subsistence practices and landscape transformation.