ScienHub

Anna Castells Nobau has been awarded the Best Abstract Award at the international conference The Barcelona Debates on the Human Microbiome, thanks to her innovative research titled “Microviridae bacteriophages influence behavioural hallmarks of food addiction via tryptophan and tyrosine signalling pathways.”

Her study delves into the role of the gut microbiota in food addiction, a condition that affects approximately 16% of the general population and shares neurological mechanisms with substance abuse disorders. In her research, Castells identified a virus from the Microviridae bacteriophage family — harmless to humans but capable of infecting gut bacteria — as a key factor in altering brain circuits related to dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

“We observed that the presence of this bacteriophage altered neural pathways related to dopamine — the very ones that modulate addictive behaviours toward food. Moreover, when we transferred the microbiota from individuals with food addiction — which contained this virus — to healthy mice, those mice also developed food addiction behaviours,” she explained.

The research also identified a compound capable of blocking the effects of the bacteriophage, thereby preventing changes in the brain and offering a potential protective mechanism against food addiction.

This study provides a new perspective on the biological mechanisms involved in food addiction and opens the door to potential therapeutic strategies based on microbiota modulation.

We are proud to announce that ScienHub has been officially reclassified as a Critical Service Provider by Cardialysis. This recognition reflects the strength of our collaboration and the trust placed in our team’s expertise and commitment to excellence in clinical research. As part of this milestone, we have also updated our Master Service Agreement.

We are currently engaged in six active studies, and we remain fully dedicated to delivering high-quality results as Cardialysis’ trusted Spanish CRO partner.

We look forward to continuing this impactful partnership and contributing to the advancement of cardiovascular research.

On May 9th, we organized the 3rd edition of the HIV Immersion Workshop at the Centre de Simulació Clínica Avançada of the Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus. This hands-on workshop, aimed at early-career physicians, focused on comprehensive care for people living with HIV and offered intensive training based on clinical simulation—a tool that is increasingly recognized in the field of medical education.

The workshop brought together 8 participants who rotated through three simulated clinical scenarios, each led by renowned experts in their respective fields.

One of the participants, Dr. Jade Soldado from the Hospital del Mar, especially appreciated the workshop’s collaborative and immersive approach:
«The most important aspect was being able to meet with fellow junior colleagues alongside experts and facilitators. It really helped me gain a broader perspective on what is done in other settings and learn from other professionals», she shared.

In addition to the clinical content, Dr. Soldado emphasized the value of the communication skills developed during the workshop:
«I would highly recommend it. It not only expands your knowledge about HIV but also teaches you how to emotionally engage with patients. Simulation adds immense value, both for those participating and for those observing», she added.

For Dr. Soldado, this type of training represents a turning point in medical education:
«I believe these kinds of workshops are a cornerstone of medical training. Not everything can be theoretical. The practical experience they provide is essential», she concluded.

The event reaffirmed the value of clinical simulation as a training method in HIV care and highlighted the need to continue promoting dynamic and interdisciplinary learning environments.

The Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) has launched an interactive map that allows patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to easily access up-to-date information on clinical trials across the European Union. This new tool enables users to search for ongoing studies by medical condition and geographical location, providing clear and accessible data on the study phase, eligibility criteria, trial sites, and contact information for participating centers. As it is a newly launched platform, the available information is being progressively updated to ensure its accuracy and completeness.

Currently, the system gathers information from 8,979 active clinical trials distributed across 8,589 centers throughout Europe.

The tool represents a major step forward in enhancing transparency and real-time access to clinical research.

At ScienHub, we also wanted to contribute to a more open and participatory research environment. That’s why we created the Soc Recerca platform, a space where interested individuals can learn about scientific projects, connect with them, and participate as volunteers in studies.