Scientists at the CEAB-CSIC have surveyed the tuna commercialized in Catalonia in order to find out if there are cases of species substitution. This is a widespread problem, together with the deficiency of labeling. It happens particularly with high-valued species and has negative effects on the market. DNA Barcoding techniques can help to establish routine controls.

A procedure, based on a molecular marker, enables fast determination of the sex of birds in situ, in less than 90 minutes, without the need of specialized laboratory and with no risk for the animals.

The OLEUM project has a budget of 5 million euros and the col•laboration of 20 institutions from 15 countries, the CSIC among them. The project is aimed at verifying the quality of the oils and creating an international network to offer information about the product.

Improving plant resistance to drought is the main goal of a project selected by the European Research Council (ERC) in the Consolidator Grants and led by the Center of Research in Agrigenomics (CRAG). It is aimed at improving crops to handle climatic change.

CSIC scientists at the Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) unveil that tomatoes have ‘recycled’ a light-dependent mechanism to modulate fruit ripening.

The Instituto de la Grasa of the CSIC has obtained a peptide from plant proteins that shows anti-inflammatory activity and stimulate the immune system. With a high solubility in a wide range of pH, it can be considered as a hypoallergenic product and could be applied in anti-inflammatory drugs, functional foods or cosmetic formulations.

Researchers of the Galicia Biological Mission (MBG) of the CSIC have obtained new varieties of beans. One of them called Pop, or nuñas, which can be prepared as a snack and the Ollo de Pita beans, a traditional variety with high gastronomical and culinary value. This centre has been working for a long time to improve the different crops of the Galician region and for the conservation of its plant genetic resources.

A process to obtain phenolic extracts from Uncaria tomentosa L. (Cat's claw) has been developed. The extracts have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-proliferative activity, and they are useful for preparing food additives, cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions.