This work introduces the IST-Yeasts Culture Collection (IST-Yeasts CC) – a new biological resource assembled and preserved over the past few years by Isabel Sá-Correia‘s research group, with the key involvement of Madalena Matos and Mónica Fernandes, at the Biological Sciences Research Group, iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Departamento de Bioengenharia, Instituto Superior Técnico (University of Lisbon). The collection is dedicated to non-conventional “blue” yeasts isolated from (micro)algae-associated environments in Portugal.

It currently holds 115 yeast strains, mostly from the phylum Basidiomycota (92%), with a strong representation of the genus Rhodotorula, alongside species from Cystobasidium, Vishniacozyma, Moesziomyces, Sporobolomyces, Naganishia, and Ascomycota members such as Meyerozyma, Yamadazyma, and Cyberlindnera.

Initial functional screening revealed that these strains can produce carotenoids, lipids, riboflavin, biosurfactants, bioemulsifiers, and auxins, as well as growing on a wide range of carbon sources.

These characteristics highlight their biotechnological potential within the circular bioeconomy and sustainable bioprocesses, positioning them as promising sources of bioactive natural products.

By providing access to a diverse collection of marine-associated yeasts, the IST-Yeasts CC supports the development of innovative solutions in marine biotechnology and marine drug discovery, including the design of more resilient and high-performance algal cultivation systems through targeted co-cultivation strategies.

This work was developed within the scope of the Pacto da Bioeconomia Azul, funded by Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and the European Union – Next Generation EU

Read the full article: https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering13070807
Explore the yeast collection: https://blueyeastscc.tecnico.ulisboa.pt.

Link to paper: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14061355

The researchers collected brine and sediment samples from hypersaline sites scattered across Eurasia through the salt lakes of Russia’s Kulunda Steppe, the marine salterns of Samouco in Portugal and Trapani in Italy, and the salt production fields of Nha Trang and Cam Ranh in Vietnam.

Using enrichment cultures, they went looking for organisms able to grow on hyaluronic acid as their sole source of carbon and energy: a glycosaminoglycan best known for its structural role in skin, joints and connective tissue, and prized by the cosmetics and biomedical industries.

They found it. The isolates that thrived on hyaluronic acid turned out to belong to new species within the genera Natronoarchaeum and Haloarcula, the first haloarchaea ever shown capable of using this compound as an energy source. It’s a small discovery with a big implication: even within one of biology’s most extensively studied groups of extremophiles, entire metabolic pathways were still waiting to be found, with potential relevance for biotechnological applications such as the biodegradation of hyaluronic-acid-based biopolymers.

The study is published in Frontiers in Microbiology: doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2026.1846936

Using patient-derived brain organoids and an integrated multi-omics approach, the researchers mapped how changes in gene and protein expression unfold throughout early brain development. Their work revealed disruptions in key biological processes involved in neuronal development and communication, particularly in GABAergic signalling, while also identifying long non-coding RNAs and imprinted genes as potential contributors to RTT pathology.

By providing a detailed view of the molecular mechanisms underlying Rett syndrome, this study offers new clues into how the disorder develops and highlights promising avenues for future research into targeted therapies that could improve the lives of individuals affected by RTT.

Link to publication: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s11689-026-09699-9 

The session explored the link between human and marine ecosystem health, introducing the “One Health” concept and the goals of the UN Ocean Decade. Several challenges were discussed, including harmful algal blooms and marine pathogens such as Vibrio bacteria, which can impact human health and are exacerbated by climate change, affecting water quality and food safety.

Tina also presented examples from IST research on fungal pathogens threatening coral health, highlighting the key role of science, evidence-based solutions, and blue biotechnology in promoting both ocean and human health. 

What we did: Researchers Luís C. de Sousa and Carla C. C. R. de Carvalho (2BRG), within the EU-funded FuturEnzyme project, demonstrated a greener alternative. Using lipase enzymes produced by project partners and real polyamide-with-elastane textiles supplied by an industrial partner, the team developed both the biocatalytic hydrolysis step and the accompanying washing process.

The outcome that matters: Enzymatic treatment paired with optimized washing conditions removed spin finishes with performance comparable to existing solvent-based methods, proving that a biological process can match the industry standard while offering a cleaner profile.

Why it’s significant:

• Environmental impact: Replacing solvents with enzymes points toward lower-toxicity, more sustainable textile processing.
• Industrial relevance: Validation on commercial materials and conditions, not just lab samples, shortens the path to real-world adoption.
• Collaborative value: A working pipeline spanning enzyme producers, academic researchers, and industrial partners shows the FuturEnzyme model delivering applied results.

The bigger picture: This work moves enzyme-based textile cleaning from concept to credible competitor, supporting the textile sector’s transition toward more sustainable, bio-based manufacturing.

Link to paper: https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles6020056

What’s inside the presentation

• Overview of the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships programme
• Why choose iBB as your host research centre
• Available research groups and supervisors
• Application process
• How to get in touch with us

View hosting opportunities @iBB

Ready to apply?

If you are considering iBB as your host for the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships, submit your Expression of Interest to let us know about your research interests and potential supervisors.

Submit your Expression of Interest

Application deadline: 15 June 2026 </]

Contact: pre-award@ist-id.pt

Learn more about MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships: Official EU page

This event brought together science, health, sports, and the community with a shared mission: raising awareness about cancer prevention and supporting oncology research in Portugal.

Throughout the day, participants of all ages joined activities that promoted healthier lifestyles and highlighted the importance of scientific research in improving lives.

As part of this initiative, iBB had the opportunity to engage with the public, share the importance of biomedical research, and reinforce the role of science in addressing major health challenges such as cancer.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this meaningful initiative and to the Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro for organizing an event that combines community, wellbeing, and science for a greater purpose.

A special THANK YOU to the iBB researchers who dedicated part of their Saturday to participate in this initiative and link with the community: Nuno Bernardes, Ana Rita Santos, Diogo Dias, Nuno Graça, Sebastião Pereira!

iBB contributed to the science fair and associated activities. The team presented examples of current research and laboratory practices to the public.

The activities included:

• Demonstrations of how laboratory work may be affected by automation and digital tools
• An introduction to fungi and their role in biological systems
• Educational activities for younger visitors showing how light is used to study molecules
• Examples of how microorganisms are present in everyday environments
• A demonstration of microbiology methods used in research laboratories

The lab was also opened for visits, where researchers showed basic microbiology techniques and explained their applications.

According to the organizers, the event received more than 4,000 visitors.

More information about the event is available here:
https://tecnico.ulisboa.pt/pt/noticias/campus-e-comunidade/tecnico-recebeu-mais-de-3300-visitantes-na-maior-edicao-de-sempre-do-dia-aberto/